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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c114906 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #65414 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65414) diff --git a/old/65414-0.txt b/old/65414-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d4e2b97..0000000 --- a/old/65414-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8159 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Travels into Turkey, by Ogier Ghislain de -Busbecq - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Travels into Turkey - Containing the most accurate account of the Turks, and - neighbouring nations, their manners, customs, religion, - superstition, policy, riches, coins, &c. - -Author: Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq - -Contributor: M. Bayle - -Release Date: May 22, 2021 [eBook #65414] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: 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._ - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRAVELS INTO TURKEY *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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Busbequius. - </title> - - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - -<style type="text/css"> - -a { - text-decoration: none; -} - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -h1,h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap { - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - clear: both; - width: 65%; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; -} - -div.chapter { - page-break-before: always; -} - -ul { - list-style-type: none; -} - -li { - margin-top: .5em; - padding-left: 2em; - text-indent: -2em; -} - -p { - margin-top: 0.5em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; - text-indent: 1em; -} - -p.nobreak { - page-break-before: avoid; - font-size: 120%; - text-indent: 3em; -} - -p.dropcap { - text-indent: 0em; -} - -img.dropcap { - float: left; - margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; -} - -p.dropcap:first-letter { - color: transparent; - visibility: hidden; - margin-left: -0.9em; -} - -.antiqua { - font-style: normal; -} - -.center { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.front-matter { - margin: auto; - max-width: 28em; -} - -.gesperrt { - letter-spacing: 0.2em; - margin-right: -0.2em; - font-style: normal; -} - -.hanging { - padding-left: 2em; - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.larger { - font-size: 150%; -} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - right: 4%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; -} - -.poetry-container { - text-align: center; - margin: 1em; -} - -.poetry { - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; -} - -.poetry .stanza { - margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; -} - -.poetry .verse { - padding-left: 3em; -} - -.poetry .indent0 { - text-indent: -3em; -} - -.poetry .indent2 { - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.right { - text-align: right; -} - -.smaller { - font-size: 80%; -} - -.smcap { - font-variant: small-caps; - font-style: normal; -} - -.titlepage { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 3em; - text-indent: 0em; - line-height: 1.8em; -} - -.x-ebookmaker img.dropcap { - display: none; -} - -.x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { - color: inherit; - visibility: visible; - margin-left: 0; -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Travels into Turkey, by Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<table style='min-width:0; padding:0; margin-left:0; border-collapse:collapse'> - <tr><td style='padding:0'>Title:</td><td style='padding:0'>Travels into Turkey</td></tr> - <tr><td style='padding:0'></td><td style='padding:0'>Containing the most accurate account of the Turks, and neighbouring nations, their manners, customs, religion, superstition, policy, riches, coins, &c.</td></tr> -</table> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Contributor: M. Bayle</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: May 22, 2021 [eBook #65414]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: 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)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRAVELS INTO TURKEY ***</div> - -<div class="front-matter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[i]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="larger">TRAVELS</span><br /> -INTO<br /> -<span class="larger"><i>TURKEY</i>:</span><br /> -<span class="smaller">Containing the most accurate Account of the</span><br /> -<span class="larger">TURKS,</span><br /> -<span class="smaller gesperrt">AND</span><br /> -Neighbouring NATIONS,</p> - -<p class="hanging">Their <span class="smcap">Manners</span>, <span class="smcap">Customs</span>, <span class="smcap">Religion</span>, -<span class="smcap">Superstition</span>, <span class="smcap">Policy</span>, <span class="smcap">Riches</span>, -<span class="smcap">Coins</span>, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<p class="hanging">The whole being a series of remarkable -observations and events, interspers’d with -great variety of entertaining incidents, -never before printed.</p> - -<p class="center">Translated from the Original <i>Latin</i> of the Learned<br /> -<i>A. G. BUSBEQUIUS</i>.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>With Memoirs of the Life of the Illustrious Author.</i></p> - -<p class="center"><i>LONDON</i>:</p> - -<p class="hanging">Printed for <span class="smcap">J. Robinson</span>, at the <i>Golden-Lyon</i> in <i>Ludgate-Street</i>; -and <span class="smcap">W. Payne</span>, opposite <i>Durham Yard</i> in the -<i>Strand</i>. <span class="smcap">M.dcc.xliv.</span></p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/header1.jpg" width="500" height="175" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">EXTRACT<br /> -<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br /> -LIFE<br /> -<span class="smaller">OF</span><br /> -The AUTHOR</h2> - -</div> - -<p class="center"><i>From M. <span class="smcap">Bayle</span>.</i></p> - -<div> -<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-t.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="dropcap"><span class="smcap">That</span> he was born in <i>Flanders</i>, -educated at <i>Paris</i>, <i>Lorrain</i>, <i>Venice</i>, -<i>Bologna</i>, and <i>Padua</i>; made -great Progress in his Studies, -having acquir’d a Knowledge in -near Ten different Languages; -was sometime in <i>London</i>, with the Emperor -<i>Ferdinand</i>’s Ambassador; returned to <i>Flanders</i>, -and from thence to <i>Vienna</i>, where he was appointed -Ambassador to <i>Solyman the Great</i>, and -soon set out for <i>Constantinople</i>; but not finding -him there, was obliged to go to <i>Amasia</i>, &c.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span> -and during his long Stay in that Country, -having a strong Propensity to Learning, collected -many valuable Manuscripts, Coins, -<i>&c.</i> Took great Delight in procuring rare -Plants, and studying the Nature of Animals; -made himself perfect Master of the <i>Turkish</i> -State, Policy, <i>&c.</i> That the Account he -composed of his Journey, is a very good -Work, and deserves the Approbation of all -good Judges; the Learned <i>Sadelerius</i>, in his -Edition of it, Printed at <i>Mons</i>, asserts it deserves -a Thousand Impressions. The Celebrated -<i>Thuanus</i> 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 <i>English</i> Version, ’tis presum’d, will be agreeable -to the Public.</p> - -<p>N. B. <i>Those who are inclin’d, may see a -much larger Account of the Author in <span class="antiqua">Bayle’s</span> -Dictionary, <span class="antiqua">Vol. II.</span></i></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"> -<img src="images/footer1.jpg" width="300" height="175" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/header5.jpg" width="500" height="175" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p> - -<h1><i>Busbequius</i>’s <span class="smcap">Travels</span><br /> -<span class="smaller">INTO</span><br /> -<i>TURKEY</i>.</h1> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="nobreak"><i>SIR</i>,</p> - -</div> - -<div> -<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-a.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="dropcap"><span class="smcap">As</span> I promised you, at parting, to give -you a full Account of my Journey -to <i>Constantinople</i>, 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 <i>Amasia</i>, as well as That to -<i>Constantinople</i>, the <i>former</i> being less used, and consequently -far less known, than the <i>latter</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> the Receipt of his Letter, <i>Ferdinand</i> was -at a stand; he did not fully believe, nor yet altogether -disbelieve him; he was inclined to suspect, -that the Memory of his <i>former</i> Sufferings, and the -Fear of <i>future ones</i>, 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 <i>Malvezius</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> this, I was substituted in the Place of -<i>Malvezius</i>: But, being unexperienced (as I said before) -in the Affairs and Manners of the <i>Turks</i>, -King <i>Ferdinand</i> thought it adviseable for me to -bestow a Visit upon <i>Malvezius</i> in his Sickness, that -so, by his Directions and Advice, I might be better -cautioned and armed against any Impositions of the -captious <i>Turks</i>. 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 -<i>Turks</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whereupon</span>, I posted back to <i>Vienna</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span> -following Night, before I could be quite ready; -but then the Gates of <i>Vienna</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> eleven o’Clock at Night, we came to <i>Ficiminum</i>, -a Town in <i>Hungary</i>, four Miles from <i>Vienna</i>; -there we Supp’d, for our haste was so great -that we came Supperless out of Town; from thence -we travelled towards <i>Comora</i>. The Emperor, among -the rest of his Commands, had enjoin’d me -to take along with me to <i>Buda</i>, one <i>Paul Palinai</i> -from <i>Comora</i>, a Man well acquainted with the Rapins -and Depredations of the <i>Turks</i>, and so was best -able to assist me in my Expostulations with the Bashaw -of <i>Buda</i>, 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 <i>Ferdinand</i> therewith -by Letter, and all the next Day stayed at <i>Comora</i> -expecting his coming.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> the third Day, I passed over the River <i>Vaga</i>, -and prosecuted my Journey towards <i>Gran</i>, the first -Garrison of the <i>Turks</i> I came to in <i>Hungary</i>. Col. -<i>John Pax</i>, Governor of <i>Comora</i> had sent sixteen -Horse with me (of those that the <i>Hungarians</i> call -<i>Hussars</i>) to be my Guard; and he had given them -a Charge not to leave me, till they came in sight of -the <i>Turkish</i> Convoy; for the Governor of <i>Gran</i> -had signified to me, that his Soldiers should meet<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> -me half way. We travelled about three Hours -through a vast Plain, when, behold! there appeared -afar off four <i>Turkish</i> Horse; and yet, notwithstanding, -my <i>Hungarian</i> Guard accompanied me still, -till I desired them to retire; for I was afraid that if -they should come up to the <i>Turks</i>, some troublesome -Bickering would have intervened betwixt them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> soon as the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Gran</i>, for so the Castle is called, situate on -an Hill, whose Foot is washed by the <i>Danow</i>, with -a Town adjoining, built in a Plain. I retired into -the Town, the Arch-bishop whereof is Primate of -<i>Hungary</i>, and for Dignity, Authority and Opulency, -is inferior to no Nobleman of that Kingdom.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Here</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> -Sheets: Here my Family had the first taste of <i>Turkish</i> -Delights (forsooth;) as for my self, I fared better, -for my Bed was carried along with me wheresoever -I went.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Day after my Arrival, the <i>Sanziac</i> of -the Place (for so the <i>Turks</i> call a Governor, because -a <i>Sanziac</i> (<i>i. e.</i>) 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 <i>December</i>; the -cause was, the Waters stagnant in those Places are -made warm by sulphureous Exhalations.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Leaving</span> <i>Gran</i>, I went towards <i>Buda</i>; 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 <i>Buda</i>. The <i>Sanziac</i>, -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 <i>Tartar</i>, -who had thick Bushy Hair hanging down over his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> -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 <i>Sanziac</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I drew near to <i>Buda</i>, a few <i>Turkish -Chiaux</i>’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 <i>Hungarian</i>, -where my Baggage, Coach and Horses, was better -provided for, than myself; for the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Buda</i> sent -one to visit me, and bid me welcome, his Name -was <i>Tuigon</i>, (which in <i>Turkish</i>, 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 <i>Palinai</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> was detained at <i>Buda</i> a long Time, by reason -of the Sickness of the Bashaw; ’twas thought his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -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 <i>William Quacquelben</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Twas</span> at <i>Buda</i> I got the first Sight of the -<i>Janizaries</i>, so the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Christians</i> and -<i>Jews</i>, 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 -<i>Janizarias</i>, to protect <i>Christians</i>, <i>Jews</i>, and other -helpless Persons, from the Fury of the Rabble. -The Castle of <i>Buda</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> -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 <i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Hyacinths</i> -or <i>Narcissus</i>’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 <i>our</i> -Monks, than <i>their</i> 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 <i>Janizaries</i>, -I should have thought them to have been a kind of -<i>Turkish</i> Monks, or Fellows of some College or -other amongst them. Yet these are the <i>Janizaries</i> -that carry such a Terror with them wheresoever -they come.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Some</span> <i>Turks</i> supp’d with me often at <i>Buda</i>, -and were mightily taken with the delicious sweetness -of my Wine: It is a Liquor that they have -but little of in <i>Turkey</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> -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 <i>Turkey</i> -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 <i>gratis</i>, and account Drunkenness as a -Matter of Gain. This Opinion, and others more -absurd than This, do the <i>Turks</i> hold concerning -Wine, of which, I will give you a remarkable -Instance: I saw an Old Man at <i>Constantinople</i>, -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> -which he was about to commit, nor be defiled with -the Wine that he was to guzzle down.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return to <i>Buda</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Twould</span> 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, <i>Buda</i> 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 <i>Danow</i>, running by it, and -beyond the <i>Danow</i>, there is the Town of <i>Pest</i>, -and a large Campain adjoining, both which Prospects -are in View of <i>Buda</i>, so that this Place seems -naturally designed for the Metropolis of <i>Hungary</i>. -It was antiently adorned with many stately Palaces, -belonging to the Nobles of <i>Hungary</i>; 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 <i>Turkish</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Besides</span>, ’tis a Piece of Religion in <i>Turkey</i>, 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;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -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 -<i>Turkey</i> 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 <i>Hungarians</i>, for -except <i>Buda</i>, and (perhaps) <i>Presburgh</i>, there is -scarce any City in <i>Hungary</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Moreover</span>, whilst I was at <i>Buda</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Twas</span> the 7th, of <i>December</i>, 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 <i>Turkish</i> Soldiers; -and demanded Restitution of what they had wrongfully<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> -taken away, contrary to the express of the -Truce made, and which he himself, in his Letter -to <i>Ferdinand</i>, had promised him satisfaction for, if -he pleased to send an Envoy to <i>Buda</i>. 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: <i>Either I made a Promise, or I -did not</i>; 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 <i>Constantinople</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> observed, that when I was introduced to the -Bashaw, they observed the old <i>Roman</i> Custom of crying -aloud, <i>Welcome, Welcome</i>: and so wishing an -happy Issue to my Negotiation. I observed also, -that the <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Matters</span> being thus composed at <i>Buda</i>, as -well as we could, my Companion <i>Paliani</i> 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 <i>Danow</i>, and so passed -down the Stream to <i>Belgrade</i>; this was a shorter -cut, and also more secure; for my Journey by -Land to <i>Belgrade</i>, 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 <i>Heyduc</i>’s, -so the <i>Hungarians</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -than <i>Alaure</i>, i. e. <i>God will help</i>, and so I might go -to Bed again, if I would.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tho’</span> 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 <i>Tolna</i>, a handsome Town in <i>Hungary</i>; -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 <i>Walpot</i>, seated on -an Hill, and of other Castles and Towns besides; -we saw also, where the River <i>Drave</i>, on the one -side, and the <i>Tibiscus</i>, or <i>Taise</i>, on the other, made -their Influx into the <i>Danow</i>. As for <i>Belgrade</i> itself, -it is seated at the confluence of the <i>Save</i> and -the <i>Danow</i>; 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 <i>Save</i>, and the -<i>Danow</i>, 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, <i>viz.</i> <i>Turks</i>, -<i>Greeks</i>, <i>Jews</i>, <i>Hungarians</i>, <i>Dalmatians</i>, and many -others. For you must know that ordinarily -over all the <i>Turkish</i> 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. <i>Quackquelben</i>, -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 -<i>Roman</i> Soldier, placed between a Bull and a Horse,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span> -(for ’tis known, that the Legions of upper <i>Mæsia</i> -did anciently encamp hereabouts) with this Inscription, -<i>Taurunum</i>. This City, in the memory of -our Grandfathers, was twice violently assaulted by -the <i>Turks</i>, first, under <i>Almurath</i>; next under <i>Mahomet</i>, -who took <i>Constantinople</i>; but the <i>Hungarians</i>, -under the Banner of the Cross, made such a -vigorous Defence, that the <i>Barbarians</i> were beaten -off with a great deal of Loss. But at last, in the -Year 1520. <i>Solomon</i>, in the beginning of his Reign, -came before it with a vast Army, and finding it, -either by the neglect of young King <i>Ludovicus</i>, or -by the Discords of the factious <i>Hungarian</i> 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 -<i>Iliad</i> of Miseries broke in upon poor <i>Hungary</i>, of -which she is sadly Sensible to this Day; for this Pass -being gained, there followed the Slaughter of King -<i>Lewis Ludovicus</i>, the taking of <i>Buda</i>, the inslaving -of <i>Transilvania</i>, 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 <i>Turk</i>. For the Truth -is, the <i>Ottomans</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>Belgrade</i>, that I may prosecute the rest of -my Journey to <i>Constantinople</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> I had provided myself in that City of -all Things necessary for a Land Journey, I left -<i>Semandria</i>, heretofore a Town or Castle, of the -despots of <i>Servia</i>, on the left side of the <i>Danow</i>; -from whence we Journied towards <i>Nissa</i>. In our way -thither, the <i>Turks</i> shewed us, from the higher -Grounds, the Mountains of <i>Transilvania</i>, with -Snowey Tops, but at a great Distance from us, and -moreover, they pointed with their Fingers, were -the Ruins of <i>Trajans</i> Bridge were: After we had -past the River called <i>Morava</i>, we came to a Town -of the <i>Servians</i>, named <i>Jagodna</i>; there I observed -the Funeral Rites of that Country, which differ -very much from ours, as you may find by this -Relation following.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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 <i>Greek</i> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> a small Distance from <i>Jagodna</i>, we met with -a little River which the Neighbouring Inhabitants -called <i>Nissus</i>, and we kept it on our right Hand -almost all the Way till we came to <i>Nissa</i>; yea, and -beyond the Town, upon the Bank thereof (were -there were some Remains of an old <i>Roman</i> Way) -we saw a small Marble Pillar, yet standing, wherein -there were some <i>Latin</i> Letters inscribed; but they -were so defaced, that they could not be read: As -for the Town of <i>Nissa</i>, for that Country, it is a -decent one, and full of Inhabitants.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Tis</span> 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 <i>Nissa</i>, I -lodged in a public Inn; the <i>Turks</i> call them <i>Caravarsarai</i>, -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 <i>Turks</i><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> -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 <i>Turkish</i> Hospitals; which, to give -them their due, are very convenient, and not unhandsomely -built, for they have several distinct<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -Apartments for Lodgings in them. There is no -Man forbid the Use of them, either <i>Christian</i> or -<i>Jew</i>, Rich or Poor, they are open equally to all. -Even the <i>Bashaw</i>’s and <i>Sanziacs</i>, when they travel, -make use of them. In these I thought myself -lodg’d as well as in the Palace of a Prince.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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 <i>Galen</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -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 <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Vestal Virgins</i> -had of old at <i>Rome</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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 <i>Turkey</i>, 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 <i>Christians</i> dwell among them: For I must tell -you, that the <i>Christians</i> being wearied out with -the Pride and Insolency of the <i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i>. And whenever -we drew near to any such Places, where there was -no Wine, the <i>Turks</i> would very fairly tell us of it -before-hand; so that I sent my Steward the Day -before, with a <i>Turk</i> to guide him, to procure some -from the next Villages of the <i>Christians</i>. And by -this means it was, that the Distresses of my Family -were something alleviated; ’tis true, I could not<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span>, 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 <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> -have no Clocks to distinguish Hours, nor Miles -to shew the Distance of Places: Only they have -a sort of Ecclesiasticks, which they call <i>Talismans</i>; -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 <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">So</span> our <i>Turkish</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>their</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> prevent this Inconvenience for the future, I -charged the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Valet de Chambre</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> <i>Nissa</i> we came to <i>S. Sophia</i>; the Journey -thither, and the Weather, for that Time of -the Year, was very tolerable. <i>Sophia</i> is a Town -big enough, and well inhabited both by Citizens -and Strangers: It was heretofore the Royal Seat -of the King of <i>Bulgaria</i>; and afterwards, if I -mistake not, of the <i>Despots</i> of <i>Servia</i>, whilst that -House stood, before it was overthrown by the -<i>Turkish</i> Arms.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Afterwards</span>, we continued our Journey, for -many Days, through the pleasant, and not unfruitful, -Valley of <i>Bulgaria</i>; 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 <i>Togatch</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> must not omit to acquaint you with the Habit -of these <i>Bulgarian</i> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Those</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> they appeared to us in this Dress, I -thought they resembled <i>Clytemnestra</i>, or some -<i>Hecuba</i> or other, in the flourishing Time of -<i>Troy</i>, coming upon the Stage. This Sight suggested -to me some pious Meditations, <i>viz.</i> How -frail and mutable a Thing that which is called -<i>Nobleness of Birth</i>, <i>is</i>; for when I asked of some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -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 <i>Turkish</i> Dominions. For, I my self did -afterwards see at <i>Constantinople</i>, and other Places, -some Descendants from the Imperial Families -of the <i>Catacuzeni</i>, and the <i>Palæologi</i>, living -more contemptuously among the <i>Turks</i>, than ever -<i>Dionysius</i> did of old at <i>Corinth</i>; nay, the <i>Turks</i> -esteem no Men for their Birth, but only for their -own perform’d Accomplishments, excepting only -the <i>Ottoman Family</i>; for that they have a high Veneration, -upon Account of its Original.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is thought that these <i>Bulgarians</i> had their -Original from <i>Seythia</i>, near the River <i>Volga</i>, 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 <i>Bulgarians</i>, i. e. <i>Volgarians</i>, -from the River <i>Volga</i>, aforesaid. Upon this -Transmigration, they fix’d their Habitation upon -those Parts of Mount <i>Hæmus</i>, that lie between -<i>Sophia</i> and <i>Philippopolis</i>, which are Places naturally -strong; where they, for a long Time, baffled all -the Power of the <i>Grecian</i> Emperors, and killed -<i>Baldwin</i> the Elder, Earl of <i>Flanders</i>, then Emperor -of <i>Constantinople</i>, after they had taken him -in an hot Skirmish. Yet, for all this, they were -not able to resist the Power of the <i>Turks</i>, but -were overcome and miserably enslaved by them. -They use the <i>Illyrian</i>, or <i>Slavonian</i> Tongue, as the -<i>Servians</i> and <i>Rascians</i> also do.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Before</span> a Man descends into that Plain that -lies over against <i>Philippopolis</i>, he must go through a -Forest and a craggy Mountain, which the <i>Turks</i> -call <i>Carpi Dervent</i>, i. e. <i>The Gate of the strait or -narrow Passage</i>; but in the Plain before-mentioned, -we met with the River <i>Hebrus</i>, having its Original -from the adjoining Mountain <i>Rhodope</i>. Before we -could pass the said Straits, we saw the Top of -Mount <i>Rhodope</i> all cover’d over with deep Snow. -The Inhabitants, as I remember, call it <i>Rulla</i>. -From hence flows the River <i>Hebrus</i>, as <i>Pliny</i> says, -and <i>Ovid</i> also affirms the same in this Distick.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0"><i>Qua patet umbrosum Rhodope glacialis ad Hœmum,</i></div> - <div class="verse indent2"><i>Et sacer amissas exigit Hebrus aquas.</i></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0"><i>Where Icy <span class="antiqua">Rhodope</span> ope’s to shady <span class="antiqua">Hœme</span>,</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i>And sacred <span class="antiqua">Hebrus</span> wants part of her Stream.</i></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, we forded over it -near <i>Philippopolis</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> City of <i>Philippopolis</i> 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 <i>Philippopolis</i>, -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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span> -which the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Hebrus</i> something -on the Right, and Mount <i>Hæmus</i>, which runs -forth into <i>Pontus</i>, on the left, at last we passed over -the <i>Hebrus</i> on a famous Bridge, made by <i>Mustapha</i>, -and so came to <i>Hadrianople</i>, which the <i>Turks</i> call -<i>Endrene</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> City was formerly called <i>Orestia</i>, before -the Emperor <i>Hadrian</i> inlarged it, and called it by -his own Name. It is seated at the confluence of the -River <i>Mariza</i> or <i>Hebrus</i>, and the two small Currents -of <i>Thinsa</i> and <i>Harda</i>, which there meeting -in a joint Stream run into the <i>Egean Sea</i>. This -City is not very large within the Walls; but, -if you take in the Suburbs, and the Buildings -which the <i>Turks</i> have added without, it is very capacious.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">We</span> staid but one Day at <i>Hadrianople</i>, and then -went forward on the last Stage of our Journey towards -<i>Constantinople</i>. In my Way thither there grew -abundance of <i>Narcissus’s Hyacinth’s</i>, and (as the -<i>Turks</i> call them) <i>Tulips</i>, 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 <i>Narcissus’s</i>, and <i>Hyacinths</i>, all <i>Greece</i> 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 <i>Tulip</i>, hath little or no Smell, but -its gaudiness and party-colouredness is its greatest -Commendation. The <i>Turks</i> are great Admirers -of Flowers, so that, though they are Parsimonious -enough in other Cases, yet for a stately Flower,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span> -they will not scruple to give some <i>Aspers</i>. 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 <i>Aspers</i> were always expelled -in requital. Neither is there any other way -of treating with a <i>Turk</i>, but by opening the Purse-strings, -as soon as any <i>Christian</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turk</i> at any -Time.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">About</span> the mid-way between <i>Hadrianople</i> and -<i>Constantinople</i>, there is a little Town, called <i>Chiurli</i>, -memorable for the <i>Overthrow</i> which <i>Selimus</i> received -in a Battle against his Father <i>Bajazet</i>, out -of which he escaped by the Swiftness of his Horse, -called <i>Carabonluch</i>, i. e. a <i>Black Cloud</i>, and so fled -to the <i>Cham</i>, or the <i>Precopeian Tartar</i>, who was -his Father-in-Law.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Before</span> we came to <i>Selimbria</i>, 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 <i>Greece</i>, which -reached from that Sea to the <i>Danow</i>, to secure all -that was contained within that Fortification to the -<i>Constantinopolitans</i>, against the Incursions of the -<i>Barbarians</i>; and there goes a Story, that when -that Wall was a Building, a certain old Man delivered -his Opinion to his Wife, <i>viz.</i> That that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -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 <i>Barbarians</i> to -assault it, and weaken the Courage of the <i>Grecians</i> -to defend it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> <i>Selimbria</i> 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 <i>Dolphins</i> -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 <i>Chiurli</i>; but here there is, as I -may call it, a <i>Thracian Gale</i>, and an incredible -Sweetness of Air.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> we came near to <i>Constantinople</i>, 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 <i>Barbarian</i>. -Here we had our Fill of choice Sea-fishes, which -were even taken in our Sight.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I lodged in those Inns the <i>Turks</i> call -<i>Imaret</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i> the Reason of their -so doing; especially as I had observed the same -Thing in other Places of <i>Turkey</i> before. At first -they scrupled to tell me, as thinking perhaps that -I would not believe them; or else, not being willing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> -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 -<i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the Day of Judgment, say they, when -<i>Mahomet</i> shall call up his Followers from their <i>Purgatory</i>, -(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 <i>Turkish</i> -Guides were once very angry with my Servants, -for making use of Paper to cleanse their <i>Posteriors</i>, -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 <i>Turks</i> -abhor. Thus I have given you a Taste of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span> -<i>Turkish</i> Superstition; I shall add, That they account -it a damnable Sin, if any of their own -People chance (though unwillingly) to sit upon -the <i>Alcoran</i>, (which is a Book containing the Rites -of their Religion) and, if a <i>Christian</i> do it, ’tis -Death by their Law. Moreover, they will not -suffer <i>Rose-Leaves</i> to lie upon the Ground, because, -as the Ancients did fable, the Roses -spring out of the Blood of <i>Venus</i>; so the <i>Turks</i> -hold, That it had its Rise from the Sweat of <i>Mahomet</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> came to <i>Constantinople</i> on the 20th Day of -<i>January</i>, and there found my Collegues above-mentioned, -<i>Anthony Wrantzius</i> and <i>Francis Zay</i>; -as for the <i>Grand Seignior</i> himself, he was, at that -Time, at the Head of his Army in <i>Asia</i>, and had -only left at <i>Constantinople</i>, <i>Ebrahim Bashaw</i>, an -Eunuch, as Governor of the City, and <i>Rustan</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> may, perhaps, divert you, and besides it is -not wholly foreign to my Design, to acquaint you -how this <i>Rustan</i> came to be strip’d of all his former -Honours. Know then, That <i>Solyman</i> had -a Son, called <i>Mustapha</i>, on a Concubine of his, -born by the <i>Bosphorus</i>, (if I mistake not.) This -Youth was in the prime of his Age, and in great -Favour among the Soldiers. But the same <i>Solyman</i> -had several other Children by <i>Roxolana</i>, 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 -<i>Turks</i>. This <i>Solyman</i> did, contrary to the Custom -of former Emperors, none of which had ever<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span> -married a Wife, since the Days of <i>Bajazet</i> the -Elder; the Reason was, because the said <i>Bajazet</i>, -being overthrown by <i>Tamerlane</i>, 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 <i>Sultaness</i>, before his Face. The -Memory of which Affronts made such a deep Impression -on all those that succeeded <i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, as if they were born in lawful -Wedlock, and they have as much right to their -Fathers Estates.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">So</span> then, <i>Mustapha</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the other Side, his Stepmother, <i>Roxalana</i>, -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 -<i>Mustapha</i>, and to prefer a younger Son of her own -before him. In this Design <i>Rustan</i> was both -her Counsellor, and Assistant; they drew both -in one Yoke, for <i>Rustan</i> having married a Daughter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> -of <i>Solyman</i>’s, by <i>Roxalana</i>, their Interests -thereupon were reciprocal.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> <i>Rustan</i> was the Chief of the Bashaw’s, and -<i>Solyman</i>’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 <i>Solyman</i>’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, <i>Solyman</i> -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 -<i>Solyman</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i> was very secure on that Part; upon -this Occasion, I remember, that a great Man among -the <i>Turks</i>, who are usually vindictive enough, -that was a great Enemy to <i>Rustan</i>, yet (to my -Surprize) told me, That he would do <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Seraglio</i>, at <i>Constantinople</i>, -over which there is this Inscription, <i>Here is the Cash -obtained by the Diligence of <span class="antiqua">Rustan</span></i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, That partly by the Accusation -of <i>Rustan</i>, and partly by the Witchcraft -of his Wife <i>Roxolana</i>, (for she was accounted little -better than a Sorceress) <i>Solyman</i> was so alienated -from his Son <i>Mustapha</i>, that he took Counsel to -put him to Death. As to what some alledge, that -<i>Mustapha</i> being sensible of the Designs of <i>Rustan</i> -and his Step-Mother <i>Roxolana</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> this Occasion, let me tell you, that the Sons -of the <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> cannot endure any -Corrival in Government; and besides they are egged -on to this severity by their <i>Prætorian</i> Bands, -(<i>Janizaries</i> and <i>Spahies</i>) who, as long as there is -any one of the <i>Grand Seigniors</i> Brothers alive, never -cease craving of Largesses and Boons, and if the -present Emperor refuses to grant them, they presently -cry out, <i>God save your Brother, God send -your Brother a long Life</i>; by which Words, they -more than intimate their Wishes, that he were on -the Throne. So that the <i>Turkish</i> Emperors are in -a manner compelled to put their Brethren to Death, -and so begin their Reign with Blood. But <i>Mustapha</i> -was afraid of such a fatal end; or else <i>Roxolana</i> -was willing to translate the said Destiny from -her own Children upon <i>Mustapha</i>: Upon one or -other of these Grounds, it was, that <i>Solymon</i> entertain’d<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> -the thought of putting his Son <i>Mustapha</i> to -Death. And the occasion fell out opportunely, for -he had War at that Time, with <i>Sagthama</i> King -of the <i>Persians</i>, thither <i>Rustan</i> was sent with a vast -Army. When he drew near to the Borders of <i>Persia</i>, -upon a sudden he made a stop, and wrote back -fearful Missives to <i>Solyman</i>, telling him, <i>That the -whole Empire was in great hazard, there was nothing -but Treason studied in the Army, they all cry’d -out <span class="antiqua">A Mustapha! A Mustapha!</span> 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.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Solyman</i></span> was mightily disturb’d at the News, and -therefore posted away for the Army, and sends -Letters to <i>Mustapha</i> 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, -<i>Mustapha</i> 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 <i>Amasia</i>, 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 -<i>Solyman</i> ever since he was at <i>Constantinople</i>, had resolved<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -to put his Son to Death; and to make the -Matter more plausable, he consulted the <i>Mufty</i>, -(so the <i>Turks</i> call the chief of their Priests, as <i>Romanists</i> -call theirs the Pope,) and that he might not -speak to him in favour of <i>Mustapha</i>, he propounded -to him a feign’d Case, thus, ‘There was a -Wealthy Merchant at <i>Constantinople</i>, 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 <i>Mufty</i>, with such a Slave.’ <i>He deserves</i> -says the <i>Mufty</i> <i>to be Rack’d to Death.</i> Whether -he spoke really as he thought, or whither he did -not do it to curry favour with <i>Rustan</i> and <i>Roxolana</i>; -This is certain, that the Resolution of the -<i>Grand Seignior</i> was greatly confirmed thereby to put -his Son to Death, for he was of Opinion, <i>Mustapha</i>’s -Offence against him, was as great, as that supposed -Slaves against his Master. However it were, -<i>Mustapha</i> came into his Fathers Camp, the whole -Army being very sollicitous about the event of their -Congress.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Soon</span> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> -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 <i>Janizaries</i>, 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 <i>Solyman</i> 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 -<i>Mustapha</i> 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 <i>Janizaries</i> might behold -their design’d Emperor.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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 <i>Janizaries</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> they silently departed with blubber’d Eyes, -and sad Hearts, to their Tents, where they both<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> -lamented and pitied the woful Fate of unhappy -<i>Mustapha</i>, 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 -<i>Rustan</i>, with direful Imprecations for extinguishing -so great a Light of the <i>Ottoman</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i> in Policy, and -in a seeming Compliance with the Sentiments of -his People, deprived <i>Rustan</i> of his Office (it being -thought by his own Consent) and Banished him, -as a private Person to <i>Constantinople</i>, substituting -<i>Achmat</i> Bashaw to the <i>Grand-Vizier-ship</i> in his -Room, a Man of more Courage than Conduct.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> this Alteration, the public Grief was -somewhat abated, and the Soldiers Rage pacified; -for the Commonalty was made to believe, That -<i>Solyman</i> at last had found out the Wickedness of -<i>Rustan</i>, and the Inchantments of his Wife; and -that now he repented, though it were late, first of -his Cruelty to <i>Mustapha</i>. and thereupon had banished -<i>Rustan</i> from his Presence, and that he would -not spare his Wife neither, as soon as he came to -<i>Constantinople</i>. As for <i>Rustan</i>, he pretended great -Sorrow, and departed to <i>Constantinople</i>, without -seeming to have the least hope, ever to be restored -to his former Dignity.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> alas! <i>Roxolana</i> was not content with the -Destruction of <i>Mustapha</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -to be sufficiently provided for, as long as any -of <i>Mustapha</i>’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 <i>Solyman</i>, that as often as his Grand-child, -<i>Mustapha</i>’s Son went abroad at <i>Prusa</i>, 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, <i>That he might long -survive his Father</i>. 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 <i>Janizaries</i> will take his Part, (added She;) and -thus the Death of <i>Mustapha</i> 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 <i>Musselmans</i>, (for so they call their Religion, as -counting it the best) stands and falls with the <i>Ottoman</i> -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 <i>Mustapha</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">By</span> these Reasons <i>Solyman</i> was induced to yield -to the Murder of his Grandchild, and thereupon -sent <i>Ebrahim</i> Bashaw to <i>Prusa</i>, to destroy the innocent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span> -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 <i>Solyman</i>, 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 <i>Rustan</i>’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> 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 <i>Prusa</i>, where she tore her Hair, -rent her Garments, filled the whole Town with -Howlings, Moans, &c. The <i>Prusian</i> 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, -<i>Where’s the Eunuch? Where’s the Eunuch? Let’s -have him to tear him to pieces</i>: But he foreseeing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> -what would happen, and fearing, like another <i>Orpheus</i>, -to be torn Peace-meal by those raging Furies, -had cunningly withdrawn himself.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return to my Purpose. As soon as I -came to <i>Constantinople</i>, Letters were sent to <i>Solyman</i>, -then at <i>Amasia</i>, to acquaint him with my -Arrival; and, till his Answer was return’d, I had -Leisure to take a View of the City of <i>Constantinople</i>; -and first, I had a Mind to visit the Temple -of St. <i>Sophia</i>, which I was not admitted to do, -but by special Favour; for the <i>Turks</i> think that -their Temples are prophaned, if a <i>Christian</i> do but -put his Foot within them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">That</span> 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 <i>Turkish Mosks</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i>, and only the <i>Quire</i> and <i>Nave</i>, in the Middle -of it, standing.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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 <i>Europe</i>, and hath -<i>Asia</i> in view, and on its right, hath <i>Egypt</i> and <i>Africa</i>; -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 <i>Euxin Sea</i>, and the <i>Palus Mætis</i>, -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 <i>Constantinople</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the one Side, it is wash’d with the <i>Propontis</i>; -on the other, the River makes an Haven, which -<i>Strabo</i> calls, <i>The Golden Horn</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, there is -a most pleasant Prospect into the Sea, and even to -the Mount <i>Olympus</i>, in <i>Asia</i>, which bears a snowy -Head all the Year long. The Sea there, is wonderful -full of Fish, which sometimes swim down -from the <i>Mæotis</i> and the <i>Euxine</i>, through the <i>Bosphorus</i> -and <i>Propontis</i>, into the <i>Ægæan</i> and <i>Mediterranean -Seas</i>, and sometimes they swim from -thence into the <i>Euxin</i>, 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 <i>Mackrel</i>, <i>Tunny</i>, -<i>Cod</i>, <i>Porpois</i> and <i>Sword-Fish</i>. But the <i>Greeks</i> fish -more than the <i>Turks</i>, though these latter love Fish -well enough; provided, they be of the Number of -those, which they count <i>clean</i>; as for others, they -had rather eat Poison than taste them, for a <i>Turk</i> -had rather his Tongue or his Teeth were pluck’d -out of his Head, than taste of any Thing they -think to be <i>unclean</i>, as a <i>Frog</i>, a <i>Snail</i>, or a <i>Tortoise</i>. -And herein, the <i>Greeks</i> are every jot as Superstitious -as they; of which I will give you the -Instance following.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> entertain’d in my Family, a Youth of the -<i>Greek</i> Religion; I employed him as my Steward. -The rest of my Servants could never persuade him -to eat any <i>Periwinkles</i> or <i>Cockles</i>; but at last, they -put a Trick upon him; they caused them to be -so high-season’d and disguis’d, that he, mistaking<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> -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 <i>Greek</i> Priests, according to the kind and greatness -of the Offence, they lay a pecuniary Mulct -upon those who come to <i>Confess</i>, and they never -<i>Absolve</i> them till they pay it down to a Penny.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the furthest Point of that Promontory which -I mentioned before, stands the Palace, or <i>Seraglio</i>, -of the <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Grand Seignior</i>, where the -greatest Part of <i>Old Bysantium</i> is thought to have -stood.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> hope you do not expect to be informed by me, -why the <i>Chalcedonians</i>, who built a City over-against -<i>Byzantium</i> (the Ruins whereof are yet to -be seen) were Sirnam’d <i>The Blind</i>; 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 <i>Hautgis</i> which were brought to <i>Constantinople</i> -from the <i>Palus Mæotis</i>, such as the <i>Italians</i> -call <i>Moronella’s Botargues</i> and <i>Caviare</i>; the Description -of all these Particulars would swell my -Epistle to too great a Bulk, and besides, it would -be needless; for both the <i>Antients</i>, and also <i>Modern</i><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> -Writers, have given Information of those Particulars -at large.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> return then to the Site of <i>Constantinople</i>. -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 <i>Turkish</i> Cities) are not magnificent, nor -are their Streets stately or large; nay, in <i>Constantinople</i>, -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 <i>Constantine</i> brought thither from -<i>Rome</i>. It is not my Purpose to insist upon each of -these Particulars; yet, a Word or two of the principal -ones.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the <i>Area</i> of the old <i>Hippodrome</i>, there are -two Serpents cut in Brass; as also, a mighty <i>Obelisk</i>. -Moreover, <i>Constantinople</i> doth gratifie us with the -Sight of two memorable Pillars; <i>One</i> over-against -the <i>Caravaserai</i>, where I lodged, and the <i>Other</i> -in the <i>Forum</i>, called by the <i>Turks</i>, <i>Aurat-basar</i>, -i. e. <i>The Womens Court</i>, wherein, from Bottom -to Top, is engraven the History of a certain Expedition -of one <i>Arcadius</i>, who built it, and whose -Statue, for a long time, stood on the Top of it. And -yet it may rather be called a <i>Stair-Case</i>, than a -<i>Pillar</i>, 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 <i>German</i> Ambassadors used -to lodge in, the whole Structure, besides the Basis -and the Chapiter, consists of eight solid Marble or -Red <i>Porphyry</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> say, That the Statue of <i>Apollo</i> once -stood upon that Pillar, and that afterwards the -Statues of <i>Constantine</i>, and of <i>Theodosius</i> the Elder, -were erected there; but they are all thrown down, -either by the Force of the Winds, or by Earthquakes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Greeks</i> tell this Story concerning the <i>Obelisk</i>, -in the <i>Hippodrome</i>, which I mentioned before, -<i>viz.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">That</span> 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 <i>Apparatus</i> -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 <i>Mechanick Philosophy</i>, he caused abundance -of Water to be brought up to him, which, for many -Hours, he cast upon the Ropes, to which the <i>Obelisk</i> -hung; and those Ropes, being often wet and -dry, shrunk a little, and by that means, lifted up<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> -the Weight to its designed Station, to the great -Admiration and Applause of the Vulgar.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> <i>Constantinople</i> I saw several Sorts of wild -Beasts, such as <i>Lynxes</i>, <i>Cat-a-Mountains</i>, <i>Panthers</i>, -<i>Leopards</i>, and <i>Lyons</i>; but they were so -gentle and tame, that I saw one of the Keepers -pull a <i>Sheep</i> out of a <i>Lyon</i>’s Mouth, so that he -only moistened his Jaws with the Blood, without -devouring it. I saw also a young <i>Elephant</i>, so -wanton, that he would dance, and play at Ball. -Sure you cannot chuse but laugh, when I tell you -of an <i>Elephant</i>’s dancing and playing at Ball; but -if I should say no more, why may you not believe -me as well as <i>Seneca</i>, who tells us of one that -could dance upon the Rope? Or as <i>Pliny</i>, who -speaks of another that understood <i>Greek</i>? But that -you may not think me an egregious Forger, give -me leave to explain myself: When this <i>Elephant</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Among</span> those wild Beasts, there had been a -<i>Camelopardalis</i>, but she died a little before I came -to <i>Constantinople</i>; 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 <i>Camel</i>, but a -spotted Skin like a <i>Leopard</i>, and therefore it is called -by a Name derived from both, (<i>i. e.</i>) <i>Camelopardalis</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> might have been imputed as a Piece of great -Neglect in me, not to have visited the <i>Euxine</i>, -especially as I had an Opportunity of sailing thither; -seeing the Ancients used to account it as -great a Piece of Curiosity to see <i>Pontus</i>, as to visit -<i>Corinth</i>. Thither, therefore, I sailed with a prosperous -Gale, and had the Privilege to be admitted -into some of the Pleasure-Houses of the <i>Grand -Seignior</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the Valves of one of them, I beheld the -famous Fight of <i>Selimus</i> with <i>Ishmael</i> King of the -<i>Persians</i>, excellently described in Checker-Work. -I had also the View of many of the Orchards and -Groves of the <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Epiphonema’s</i> 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 <i>Christians</i> -for their better Cultivation; and not they only, -but much more <i>Constantinople</i> itself, yea, and all -<i>Greece</i> too; which being, heretofore, the most -flourishing Country in the World, is now wofully -enslaved by <i>Barbarians</i>. 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 <i>Scythian -Barbarism</i> under which it groans; and call -it may long enough, for (with Grief may we speak -it) <i>Christian</i> Princes, now a-days, are otherwise -employed; so that the <i>Turks</i> do not more domineer<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -over the poor <i>Greeks</i>, than Vices, such as Luxury, -Gluttony, Sloth, Lust, Pride, <i>&c.</i> do over <i>Christians</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Methinks</span>, 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 <i>Indies</i>, and the very <i>Antipodes</i>, because -there we get rich Prey and Spoil at a cheap Rate, -even without Bloodshed, by imposing on the simple -and uncrafty <i>Indians</i>. ’Tis true, we pretend the -Conversion of the <i>Heathens</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> -Glory, shall be forced to do it to save our Lives. -But to return to <i>Pontus</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i> call the <i>Euxine</i>, <i>Caradenis</i>, (i. e.) -<i>The Black Sea</i>. It falls down thro’ narrow Streights -into the <i>Thracian Bosphorus</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, and from thence, -almost by the like strait Passage, it breaks out into -the <i>Propontis</i>. In the Middle of the Bay, where -it makes its Influx into the <i>Bosphorus</i>, there is a -Rock with an erected Pillar, in the Basis whereof -is writ the Name of a certain <i>Roman</i>, called -<i>Octavian</i>, (if my Memory fail not) in <i>Latin</i> -Letters.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the <i>European</i> Shore there is a Tower, called -<i>Pharos</i>, 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 -<i>Onyxes</i> or <i>Sardonyxes</i>, 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 <i>Darius</i> wasted his Army against -the <i>European Scythians</i>: And about the Middle, -between the two Mouths of the <i>Bosphorus</i>, there -are two Castles, one of which is in <i>Europe</i>, and -the other on the opposite Shore, in <i>Asia</i>. This -latter was possessed by the <i>Turks</i> long before <i>Mahomet</i> -took <i>Constantinople</i>. The other was built by -him some few Years after he became Master of -that City. The <i>Turks</i> make use of it, at this -Day, as a Prison for the nobler Sort of their Captives. -<i>Lazarus</i>, a Commander, or Prince of the -<i>Epitots</i> not long ago was taken Prisoner by the -<i>Turks</i>, together with some <i>Spaniards</i> at <i>Castlenovo</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span> -and committed to this Tower; from whence making -his Escape, and being retaken, he was impal’d, -(<i>i. e.</i>) 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Perhaps</span> you expect that I should here give -you an Account of those floating Islands, called -<i>Cyaneæ</i> or <i>Symplegades</i>. But, to deal freely with -you, those few Hours that I spent on the <i>Pontus</i>, -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 <i>Peter Gyllius</i>, -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 <i>Polybius</i> is guilty of; for -he proposes many Arguments, to prove that, in -Tract of Time, the <i>Euxine</i> will be choaked up with -Sand and other Trash, brought in by the <i>Danow</i>, -the <i>Borysthenes</i>, 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 <i>Polybius</i>. 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> the <i>Grand Seignior</i> was informed, by -Letters, of my Arrival (as I said before) he sent to -the Governor of <i>Constantinople</i>, intimating his Pleasure, -that he should send us to him into <i>Asia</i>, as -far as the City of <i>Amasia</i>, or (as it is writ on ancient -Coins) <i>Amazeia</i>, where he then was. Upon -this Advice we prepared all Things for our Journey; -and, with our Guides, on the 9th of <i>March</i> -we were wafted over into <i>Natolia</i>, (for so the <i>Turks</i> -call <i>Asia</i> at this Day.) That Day we went no -farther than <i>Scutari</i>, a Town on the <i>Asiatick</i> -Shore, opposite to Old <i>Byzantium</i>; where, or very -little above it, the noble City of <i>Chalcedon</i> was formerly -thought to stand. The <i>Turks</i> were of Opinion, -That when our Horses, Coaches, Baggage, -and Train, together with ourselves, were all got -over the <i>Hellespont</i>, ’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 <i>Constantinople</i>, -(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 <i>Scutari</i>, over fragrant Fields, full -of odoriferous Plants, and especially <i>Stæchas’s</i>, a -sweet smelling Spike. There we saw a vast Number -of <i>Tortoises</i>, 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 <i>Turkish</i> Guides, -whom we were afraid to disoblige; for if they had -seen any of them brought to our Table, much<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i>, and the <i>Greeks</i> 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 <i>Tortoises</i>. 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 <i>Cartaly</i>, -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 -<i>Vienna</i> to <i>Constantinople</i> hath been performed by -many, yet this from <i>Constantinople</i> to <i>Amasia</i>, -hath, as yet, been undergone by no <i>Christian</i> that -I know of. From <i>Cartaly</i> we came to <i>Gabise</i>, a -Town of <i>Bithynia</i>, which some think was anciently -called <i>Libyssa</i>, and is famous for the Sepulchre -of <i>Hannibal</i>, who was there interred. From -thence there is a most pleasant Prospect into the -Sea, and into the Bay of <i>Nicomedia</i>; here also -grow <i>Cyprus</i> Trees of a wonderful Bulk and Tallness.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Our</span> fourth Day’s Journey from <i>Constantinople</i> -brought us to <i>Nicomedia</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> -which (it may be) was part of the ancient Palace -of the Kings of <i>Bithynia</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> <i>Nicomedia</i>, we passed over a Cliff or -Ridge of Mount <i>Olympus</i>, and came to a Village -called <i>Kasockly</i>, and from thence to <i>Nice</i>; 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 <i>Ascanius</i>, (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 <i>Turks</i> call <i>Ciacals</i>, or -<i>Jacals</i>. 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 <i>Turks</i> call -subtle and crafty Persons, especially the <i>Asiaticks</i>, -by the Metaphorical Name of <i>Ciacals</i>. Their -Manner is to enter into the Tents or Houses of the -<i>Turks</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -who leap out of their Beds, and cudgel them -soundly.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">All</span> the next Day we staid at <i>Nice</i>; I believe -my Lodging was in the same House where the -Council of <i>Nice</i> was heretofore celebrated. As for -the Town itself, it is seated on the Bank of the -Lake <i>Ascanius</i>. 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 <i>Latin</i>, which shew that the -Town was repaired by <i>Antoninus</i>: which of them -I do not well remember; but sure it must be by -<i>Antoninus</i> the Emperor. There are also some -Remainders of his Baths, and whilst the <i>Turks</i> -were digging out Stones from thence to build -Houses at <i>Constantinople</i>, 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, <i>What</i>, said the Labourers, -<i>will you bow down to worship this Statue, as you -<span class="antiqua">Christians</span> used to do to yours?</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> <i>Nice</i> we continued our Journey to a -Place called <i>Jenysar</i>. From <i>Jenysar</i> to <i>Ackbyuck</i>, -from <i>Ackbyuck</i> to <i>Bazargyck</i>, from <i>Bazargyck</i> to -<i>Bosowick</i>, otherwise called <i>Cassumbasa</i>, seated in -the narrowest Streights of Mount <i>Olympus</i>; for almost -all our Way from <i>Nice</i> thither, lay through -the Cliff of that Mountain. At <i>Nice</i> we lodged -in a <i>Turkish</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i> count <i>Eleemosynary</i> ones; -because they are for the publick Benefit and Advantage -of Mankind.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Not</span> far from this Place, on the Right Hand, -we saw a Town, called <i>Otmanlick</i>, borrowing -its Name, (as I conceive) from <i>Ottoman</i>, -the Founder of the <i>Ottoman</i> Family, who lived -there.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> 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 <i>Chiausada</i>. -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 <i>Goats</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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 <i>Goats</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span> -them of the same Breed. The Thread that is -spun of that Hair or Wool, is carried, by the Women -of that Country, to <i>Ancyra</i>, a City of <i>Galatia</i>, -where it is woven into Cloth and dy’d, as -I shall tell you anon.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Moreover</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Perhaps</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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 <i>Ducks</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">We</span> passed on from <i>Chiousada</i> to <i>Karali</i>; from -<i>Karali</i> to <i>Hazdengri</i>; from thence to <i>Mazotthoy</i>; -from <i>Mazotthoy</i> we passed over the River <i>Sangar</i>, -which runs into <i>Pontus</i> out of <i>Phrygia</i>, and came -to <i>Mahathli</i>, from thence to <i>Zugli</i>, thence to -<i>Chilancyck</i>; from <i>Chilancyck</i> to <i>Ialancich</i>; from -thence to <i>Portughin</i>; and from <i>Portughin</i> we -reached to <i>Ancyra</i>, called by the <i>Turks</i>, <i>Angur</i>. -We staid one whole Day at <i>Ancyra</i>, partly because -the <i>Turks</i> did not hasten us; for, in regard the -<i>Persian</i> Embassador made an Halt, we were desired -to do so too, that we might make our Entrances, -both at one Time, into <i>Amasia</i>. I saw -nothing remarkable in all the Villages aforementioned, -save that sometimes, among the <i>Turkish</i> Sepulchres, -we happened to see some Pillars, or ancient -Stones of curious Marble, wherein there were several -Remains of <i>Latin</i> or <i>Greek</i> 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 <i>Latin</i> and <i>Greek</i> Coins; and sometimes for -rare Kinds of Plants.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for the Sepulchres, or Graves of the <i>Turks</i>, -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span> -enough. The <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Hyænæ</i>, may not injure his -Corps as it lies in the Earth.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Hyæna</i> 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 <i>Spina dorsi</i>, without any <i>vertebræ</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i> do ascribe great Vertue to this Beast, in -<i>Philtres</i>, as did the Antients: there were two of -them at <i>Constantinople</i>, when I was there; I cheapned -them, but their Owners were unwilling to sell -them, because they kept them for the <i>Sultaness</i>, -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 <i>Bellonius</i>, who thinks the <i>Hyæna</i> to be -the same Creature with that we call the <i>Zibeth</i> or -<i>Musk-Cat</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i> have a Tradition, that the <i>Hyæna</i>, -which they call <i>Zirtlan</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span> -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, <i>Joctur, -Joctur, Ucala!</i> i. e. <i>She is not here, She is not here!</i> -or, <i>I cannot find her!</i> whereupon, the <i>Hyæna</i>, -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>I cannot find her!</i> but when -he is escaped quite out of the Hole, he cries out -aloud, <i>She is within, She is within!</i> which the <i>Hyæna</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> found abundance of Old Coins all up and down -this Country, especially of the later Emperors, <i>viz.</i> -the <i>Constantines</i>, the <i>Constantius</i>’s, the <i>Justin</i>’s, the -<i>Valens</i>’s, the <i>Valentine</i>’s, the <i>Numerian</i>’s, the <i>Probus</i>’s, -the <i>Tacitus</i>’s, and such like. In many Places -the <i>Turks</i> use them for Weight, <i>viz.</i> of a Drachm, -or half a Drachm; and they call it <i>Giaur Manguri</i>, -i. e. the Money of the <i>Pagans</i> or <i>Infidels</i>. The -like Coins I found in the neighbouring Cities of -<i>Asia</i>, as at <i>Amysus</i>, at <i>Synopis</i>, at <i>Cumana</i>, at -<i>Amastris</i>, and <i>Amasia</i> 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;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for Plants, I saw very few in my Journey -in those Parts, which were unknown to us in <i>Europe</i>. -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 <i>Amomum</i>, which, -<i>Dioscorides</i> says, grows near <i>Pontus</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> Town of <i>Ancyra</i>, was our 9th Stage -from <i>Constantinople</i>. It is a Town of <i>Galatia</i>, -sometimes the Seat of the <i>Gauls</i>, called by <i>Pliny</i>, -<i>Tectosagum</i>; nor was it unknown to <i>Strabo</i>: Though -perhaps the present Town is but part of the old -Town, called in the Canons, <i>Anguira</i>. Here we -saw a stately Superscription, and a Sampler of those -Tables, wherein the Atchievments of <i>Augustus</i> -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 -<i>Asia</i>, dedicated this City to <i>Augustus</i>. Here also, -we were Eye-witnesses of the dying of that Cloth, -I spake of before, made of Goats-wool, and how<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i>, in their old Age, are -usually clothed with this Sort of Cloth, and <i>Solyman</i> -himself used to wear Vests of it; but Green is a -Colour disused much by <i>Christians</i>; and the rather, -because the <i>Turks</i> commend it upon a Superstituous -Account, as being worn by their Prophet <i>Mahomet</i> -in his older Days.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> 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 <i>Omen</i>; so that when -any of ours did approach the <i>Bashaw’s</i>, 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 <i>White</i>, the <i>Yellow</i>, the <i>Sea-Green</i>, the -<i>Violet-Colour</i>, and <i>Mouse-Colour</i>, &c.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i> ascribe very much to <i>Augury</i>, and -<i>Omens</i>, Good or Bad, so that it hath been known, -that some <i>Bashaws</i> have been removed from their -Places and Offices, by reason of a Fall from their -Horse; as if that were an <i>Omen</i> of some ill Luck, -which is averted from the Publick, by falling on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -the Head of that private and particular Person; who -is thereupon degraded.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> <i>Ancyra</i>, we came to a Village called -<i>Balygazar</i>, and from thence to <i>Zarekuct</i>; from -<i>Zarekuct</i> to <i>Zermeczii</i>, and to the Bank of the -River <i>Halys</i>: As we past through a Village called -<i>Algii</i>, we saw, at some Distance, the neighbouring -Mountains of <i>Synopi</i>, which were red, like Vermillion; -and from which Red Lead is called <i>Synopi</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> <i>Halys</i> is the famous River which was heretofore -the Boundary of the two Kingdoms of the -<i>Medes</i> and <i>Lydians</i>; concerning which, there was -an ancient Oracle, That when <i>Crœsus</i> pass’d it to -make War on the <i>Persians</i>, he should overthrow -a great Empire, which fell out to be his Own; -whereas he thought it would have been the <i>Persians</i>. -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 -<i>Liquorice</i>, and with the Juice of its Root, we refreshed -our selves abundantly.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Near</span> 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, <i>says he</i>, 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, <i>how we might take them?</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> one of my Collegues, <i>Francis Hay</i>, 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 <i>Silurus</i>, or <i>Sheathfish</i>, which -are common in the <i>Danow</i>. Besides, there is in that -River, good Store of Sea-Crabs, or else, a Sort of -Fish very like them. Whereupon, the <i>Turks</i>, who -saw our Fishing, wondered at the Industry and -Ingenuity of <i>Christians</i>, who would catch Fish at -that Rate. Hereupon, perhaps, you will say, What, -are there no Fishermen in <i>Turkey</i>? I grant there -are; but very few of them live in those Parts. -And, I remember, in another Place, when the -<i>Turks</i> saw us turn the Stream out of its Course to -catch Gudgeons at the Bottom, they laughed much -at us. <i>What</i>, said they, <i>do you catch such small -guddling Fish? what are they good for?</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Bonniclabber</i>, or sour Milk, known -in <i>Galen</i>’s Time, by the Name of <i>Syllabub</i>, but -called by them, <i>Ingurthe</i>; they feed like Farmers, -and desire nothing more.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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 <i>Turkish</i> Inns, or <i>Caravasera’s</i>, -as well as all other Sorts of Soop. As for -hot Meat, or Flesh, the <i>Turks</i> don’t much use<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> -them in their Travels; their usual Dyet, on the -Road, are <i>Syllabubs</i>, <i>Cheese</i>, <i>dry’d Plumbs</i>, <i>Pears</i>, -<i>Peaches</i>, <i>Quinces</i>, <i>Figs</i>, <i>Raisins</i>, and <i>Cornel-berries</i>; -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 <i>Christian</i> spends more -Money, on his Belly, in one Day, than a <i>Turk</i> -doth in twelve; yea, their most solemn Feasts consist -of <i>Wafers</i>, <i>Cakes</i>, and such-like Junkets, together -with several Dishes of <i>Rice</i>, with some <i>Mutton</i>, -and <i>Pullet</i>; for <i>Capons</i> are not yet known in -<i>Turkey</i>; but as for <i>Pheasants</i>, <i>Thrushes</i>, and Birds -called <i>Figeaters</i>, they never so much as heard of -their Names. But, if <i>Honey</i> and <i>Sugar</i> be mix’d -with the Water, the Drink is like <i>Jove’s Nectar</i> to -them. One Sort of their Liquors I had almost forgot, -’tis this. They take <i>Raisins of the Sun</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i> at all times. -This Drink they call <i>Arabsorbet</i>, i. e. the <i>Arabian -Potion</i>. 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span> -drink too much of it; and therefore, the <i>Turks</i>, -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 <i>Must</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Egyptians</i> -esteemed their Herbs and Plants, which were contributory -to their Health, as so many <i>Deities</i>. But -’tis Time for a Wanderer to return back into the -Way.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> the Bank of the River <i>Halys</i>, which the -<i>Turks</i> call <i>Aitoczu</i>, we came to <i>Gonkurthoy</i>; from -thence to <i>Choron</i>, and from thence to <i>Theke Thioi</i>, -where the <i>Turks</i> have a stately Monastry for their -<i>Priests</i> and <i>Monks</i>, called <i>Dervises</i>. Those <i>Dervises</i> -told us a great Story of a certain Man, called -<i>Chederles</i>, of an huge Stature, and graveness of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -Mind answerable thereto. They suppose it was the -same with our St. <i>George</i>, and ascribe the same -Exploits to him; as the saving of a Virgin by the -Slaughter of a huge and terrible <i>Dragon</i>. 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 <i>Chederles</i>. As -for <i>Chederles</i> 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 <i>Alexander the Great</i>. For, the -Truth is, the <i>Turks</i> 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, <i>That <span class="antiqua">Job</span> was Master of the -Horse to King <span class="antiqua">Solomon</span>, and that <span class="antiqua">Alexander the -Great</span> was General of his Army</i>; with such-like -Stuff.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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 <i>Chederles</i>’s Horses, -which he pissed in great Plenty in that Place. -They also told us many <i>Rodomontado</i>’s concerning -the Companions of <i>Chederles</i>, concerning his chief<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span> -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 <i>Chederles</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> had almost forgot to tell you, that, whereas, -the <i>Greeks</i> do usually paint St. <i>George</i> 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 <i>Chederles</i>; they -laugh heartily at that Spectacle.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> this Place, we were near our Journey’s End, -for now we had but one Stage more to <i>Amasia</i>; -and that was <i>Baglison</i>; from thence we reached -<i>Amasia</i>, <i>April 7</i>, and thirty Days after, we left -<i>Constantinople</i>. As we were coming, some <i>Turks</i> -met us, to gratulate our Arrival, and to introduce -us with Honour.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Amasia</i></span> is, in a manner, the chief City of -<i>Cappadocia</i>, where the <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’s -Time, seemed to be very unlucky, and of late, -the miserable Case of <i>Mustapha</i> hath confirmed it -to be an unfortunate Seat. <i>Strabo</i> writes, that he -was born there. It lies on the Side of two opposite<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span> -Hills, the River <i>Iris</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> same Night we came thither, there happened -a great Fire, which the <i>Janizaries</i> quenched, as -their manner is, by plucking down the Houses -adjoining. Upon occasion of this Accident, give -me leave to inform you, that the <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, 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 -<i>Persian</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> an high Hill, that hangs over and commands -<i>Amasia</i>, there is a strong Castle, wherein -the <i>Turks</i> have a continual Garrison, either to curb -the <i>Asiaticks</i>, who are not very well pleased with -the <i>Ottoman</i> Yoke (as I shall shew anon) or else to -bridle the <i>Persian</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -some ancient Monuments, which, perhaps, were -the Sepulchres of the <i>Cappadocian</i> Kings.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for the Houses and Streets of <i>Amasia</i>, there is -little or no Beauty in them. Their Houses are built -of Loom, as they are in <i>Spain</i>, 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 <i>Roman</i> fashion, lying on a Bed. As -soon as I came to <i>Amasia</i>, we were introduced to -compliment the supreme Vizier <i>Achmet</i>, and the -rest of the <i>Bashaw</i>’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span> -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 <i>Croatian</i>, -desiring to speak with <i>Amurath</i>, and drawing near -to him so to do, slew him in revenge of the death -of his Master, <i>Mark</i> the <i>Despot</i> of <i>Servia</i>, who -was killed by the said <i>Amurath</i>): and afterwards, -as if we had kiss’d his Hand, we were led backward -to the opposite part of the Room; for the <i>Turks</i> -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 <i>Giusel, Giusel!</i> (i. e.) -<i>Well, Well!</i> And so we were dismissed to our -Lodgings.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> 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, <i>Spahi’s</i>, <i>Janipagits</i> and <i>Ululags</i>, there -were also a great number of <i>Janizaries</i>. 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> 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, <i>&c.</i> 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, <i>Christians</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> 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, <i>&c.</i> I am not able -to describe the Gaudiness of the <i>Show</i>; 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 <i>Dwarf-like</i>. And yet, -among so great a Multitude, I took notice of this -most laudable Circumstance; ’twas all <i>hush</i>; 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 <i>Aga’s</i>, had Seats to sit upon, -such as their <i>Serasquiers</i>, or <i>Generals</i>, their -<i>Brigadiers</i>, <i>Colonels</i> and <i>Captains</i>; but the Commonalty -stood on their Feet. Among the rest, I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span> -most admir’d the <i>Janizaries</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the 10th of <i>May</i>, the <i>Persian</i> Ambassador -came to <i>Amasia</i>, and brought with him rich and -gallant Presents, as many choice sorts of Hangings, -<i>Babylonian</i> Tents, curiously wrought within with -many sorts of Needle-work, gallant Horse-Trappings, -and Saddles, Scymiters made at <i>Damascus</i>, -whose Handles were studded with Jewels, and -Shields of curious Workmanship; but that which -exceeded them all, was the <i>Alcoran</i>, so they call -the Book containing the Rites and Ceremonies of -their Religion, which they fancy <i>Mahomet</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> -Enemies. <i>Haly Basha</i>, Deputy to the <i>Grand Vizier</i>, -treated the <i>Persian</i> 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 <i>Haly</i> is a <i>Dalmatian</i> by Birth, a Man of much -Wit, and, which is strange in <i>Turkey</i>, very courteous -to Strangers. The Table, at which the -<i>Bashaw</i> and the <i>Persian</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> -the Table brought up the Rear. Thus the second -Course was also serv’d up; so that the <i>Turks</i> are -great Admirers of Orders, even in the smallest -matters, which we <i>Christians</i> are apt to neglect, -even in things of greatest Moment. At some distant -from the Ambassador sate his Attendants with -some <i>Turks</i> of Quality with them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Peace</span> being thus made with the <i>Persians</i>, 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 <i>Leiger</i> Ambassador -there; but, in regard there was no Peace settl’d betwixt -both Empires, the <i>Bashaws</i> thought it adviseable -for me to return to my Master with Letters -from <i>Solyman</i> their Emperor; and I was to return -with an Answer from his Imperial Majesty, if he -thought fit. Hereupon I was again introduced into -<i>Solyman</i>’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 <i>Agamemnon</i>, -or some such piece of Gravity, in a <i>Tragedy</i>; -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 <i>Bashaws</i>, I and my Collegues departed from -<i>Amasia</i>, <i>June</i> the 2d. The Custom is, that Ambassadors -at their Departure, have a Dinner provided -for them in the <i>Divan</i>, (so they call the -place where the <i>Bashaws</i> sit to administer Justice,) -but this is done only to their Friends; that Compliment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> -was omitted to me, because Affairs were -not yet in an amicable Posture between them -and us.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">If</span> you ask me, what manner of Man <i>Solyman</i> -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 <i>Turks</i> 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 -<i>Mustapha</i>: 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 <i>Mahumetan</i> Religion, -and is as desirous to propagate that, as to enlarge -the Bounds of his Empire.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">He</span> 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 -<i>Fucus</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> thus taken my leave, I began my Journey -in the Month of <i>June</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Persian</i> Embassador left <i>Amasia</i> 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 <i>East</i>, which the <i>Persians</i> took; and another -to the <i>West</i>. which was our Road. In the open -Fields about the Town, we saw the <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, <i>June</i> the 2d. You must needs -think I had a troublesome Journey of it, having -such a Companion with me, as a <i>Quotidian Ague</i>, -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 -<i>Quaquelben</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whilst</span> I staid at <i>Constantinople</i>, there was a -certain Person, that came from the <i>Turkish</i> Camp in -<i>Asia</i>, who told me a Story, which I shall acquaint -you with, because it shows that the <i>Asiaticks</i> are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span> -not very well pleased, either with the Religion, or -the Government of the <i>Turks</i>. ’Twas this: <i>Solyman</i>, -says he, as he was returning home, was -forc’d to lodge one Night in the House of a certain -<i>Asiatick</i>, 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 <i>Solyman</i>; when <i>Solyman</i> -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 <i>Turks</i>, and his Propensity to favour the -<i>Persians</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> staid about fourteen Days at <i>Constantinople</i> to -refresh my self, and then I entred on my Journey -back again to <i>Vienna</i>: But I was entertain’d with -an inauspicious Omen, even a very sad Spectacle; -just as I was gone out of the Gates of <i>Constantinople</i>, -I met whole Waggon-Loads of Boys and -Girls, which were brought out of <i>Hungary</i> to -<i>Constantinople</i> to be sold; no Merchandize is more -frequent amongst them than that. For, as when -we leave <i>Antwerp</i>, 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 <i>Christian</i> 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 <i>Christendom</i>. -And if that miserable Spectacle were not afflicting -enough to a new Traveller, take another -bad and mortifying Occurrence: My Collegues<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span> -had recommended some of their Retinue to me, -which were weary of living in <i>Turkey</i>, 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 <i>Vaivode</i>, 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 <i>Adrianople</i>, -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 <i>Hungarians</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Tis</span> 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 <i>Adrianople</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> -worthy of my Notice in those Countries, where -I met with an unknown Herb in the Meadow, -which smelt like <i>Garlick</i>. 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 <i>Scordium</i>, 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 <i>Hungarians</i> 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 <i>Lemnian</i> Earth, and <i>Diascordium</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> yet, the residue of our Journey was not -without Peril. After we had passed the Country -of the <i>Thracians</i> and <i>Bulgarians</i>, which reaches -as far as <i>Nissa</i>, and came into the <i>Servians</i> Country, -reaching from <i>Nissa</i> to <i>Simandria</i>, where the -<i>Rascians</i> Country begins; we came at last to <i>Belgrade</i>, -the Weather being excessively hot and -parching, for ’twas the hottest time of the <i>Dog-days</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> <i>Belgrade</i>, upon one of our Fish-days, we -were presented with abundance of choice Fish, -and amongst the rest, with large full-bodied <i>Carps</i>, -taken in the <i>Danube</i>, whose <i>Carps</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span> -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 <i>Hungarians</i>, -after they had passed the <i>Save</i>, who chose so -fertile a Country, as <i>Hungary</i>, 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 <i>Save</i>, and we found the -Grass, Barley, Oats and Wheat, almost parch’d -and withered with Drought; but as soon as we entred <i>Hungary</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Rascians</i>, as I told you before, begin at <i>Simandria</i>, -and reach as far as the River <i>Drave</i>; 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 <i>Esseck</i>, which is almost inclosed -with muddy Marshes, and is famous for the slaughter -of <i>Catzianerus</i>, and the overthrow of the <i>Christians</i>. -Here I was taken with a <i>Tertian Ague</i>, I -was so parch’d with Heat, in travelling the open -Fields of <i>Hungary</i>; and at <i>Esseck</i> we passed the -<i>Drave</i>, and came to <i>Lasque</i>, 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 <i>Campania</i><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span> -in <i>Italy</i> hardly bears better. In the Room -where I lodged, there was a long Table all furnished -with these Viands: My Servants desired the -<i>Hungarians</i> 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 <i>Hungarians</i> 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 <i>Mohatz</i>, noted -for the Overthrow and Death of <i>Lewis</i> King of -<i>Hungary</i>; 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 <i>Solyman</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> <i>Mohatz</i>, we travelled on to <i>Tulna</i>, and -from thence to <i>Felduar</i>. There I passed over the -<i>Danube</i>, into an Island, pretty large, called <i>Cophis</i>, -inhabited by <i>Rascians</i>; and so repassing the <i>Danube</i>, -I arrived at <i>Buda</i> twelve Days after I left <i>Belgrade</i>, -<i>August</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -those they call <i>Heydukes</i>, some of which were afterwards taken, -and put to death at <i>Buda</i>, where they -confessed to the <i>Bashaw</i> 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 <i>Romans</i> were in the <i>Caudine -Streights</i>; 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 <i>Hungarians</i> 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 <i>Buda</i>. -The <i>Bashaw</i> of the Town was not then at home; -he was gone to <i>Pest</i>, on the other side of the River, -where they had a Council of War, after the manner -of the <i>Hungarians</i>, they call them <i>Rachi</i>. Many -<i>Sanziacks</i> were already come thither, but more -were expected; for which Cause, when I desired -Audience, ’twas put off for three Days, that the -<i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Hungarians</i> had done -him. It is usual, in those frontier Garrisons,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> -both for <i>Hungarians</i> and <i>Turks</i>, mutually to complain -of one another; yea, sometimes they, that -are most in Fault, begin to complain first. The -<i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Hungarians</i> -might rather find Fault with the <i>Turks</i>, than -on the contrary; for I my self, in my Travels, -had seen some of his Soldiers plunder some <i>Hungarians</i>, -Subjects of his Imperial Majesty, and carry -away their Goods. He answered me, he had indeed -put some contumacious <i>Christians</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Day after, I went to <i>Gran</i>, having a -<i>Turkish</i> Guard of Horse along with me. I had a -mind to be wafted over the <i>Danube</i>, and for one -Night to lodge in a Village over against the Castle -of <i>Gran</i>, that the Day after I might come the -sooner to <i>Commara</i>, 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 <i>Sanziacks</i> -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 <i>Turks</i>, and therefore turned aside to -accost them; and, as they drew near, they ask’d<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Javarin</i>, a -Garrison of ours, to which they did belong: The -<i>Turks</i> shewed them to us, as they were scouring over -the neighbouring Hills that led to <i>Javarin</i>. Thus -we came to <i>Gran</i>; the <i>Sanziack</i> very friendly gave -me a Visit, and, among other Discourse, he put me -in mind of the Insolency of the <i>Hungarian</i> 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 <i>Turk</i>, 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 <i>Sanziack</i> told him, ’twas -enough; his Misfortune was not to be charged upon -me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Being</span> thus dismissed by the <i>Sanziack</i>, I came -the same Day to <i>Commara</i>, where I expected my<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span> -Ague-Fit; but when the usual Period of it drew -near, I found it had left me, as if a Fever, got in -<i>Turkey</i>, durst not accompany me into the <i>Christian</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Two</span> Days after, I came to <i>Vienna</i>, where the -Emperor <i>Ferdinand</i>, my most gracious Master, was -not at present, only I found <i>Maximilian</i>, King of -<i>Bohemia</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i> had given me a poisonous Dose; for, -truly, when I went lately to pay my Duty to the -Arch-Duke <i>Ferdinand</i>, he asked one of his Domesticks, -who I was? who answered, I was one that -came lately from <i>Turkey</i>, and that it was no wonder -I looked so ill, for they, who returned from those -Parts, usually did so.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Perhaps</span> he was willing to have it believed, that -I had taken the Emperor <i>Claudius</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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 <i>Diet</i>, I would inform him of all Particulars -more punctually and distinctly.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">One</span> thing more I shall acquaint you with. There -were many Persons who refused to accompany me<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span> -to <i>Constantinople</i>, 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 <i>Plautus</i>? -<i>If you will eat the Kernel, you must take the -Pains to break the Nut</i>: He does himself Wrong, -that thinks to reap part of the Fruit, who took no -part of the Pains.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span>, Sir, I have given you an account of my -Journey, both to <i>Constantinople</i>, and also to <i>Amasia</i>. -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.</p> - -<p class="right"><i>Vienna, September 1st.</i></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/header3.jpg" width="500" height="50" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span></p> - -<p class="nobreak"><i>SIR</i>,</p> - -</div> - -<div> -<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="dropcap"><span class="smcap">I received</span> your Letter, wherein -you acquaint me, that you have -heard of my second Voyage into -<i>Turkey</i>; 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 -<i>Constantinople</i>; 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 <i>Germany</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Know</span> then, in the first Place, that you were -not mis-informed as to my Return into <i>Turkey</i>; -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 <i>Ferdinand</i>, -my most gracious Lord and Master, designed -me as his Lieger Ambassador to <i>Constantinople</i>; 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span> -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 <i>Vienna</i>, and was informed by -me of my Transactions with <i>Solyman</i>, the <i>Ottoman</i> -Emperor, he immediately laid his Commands upon -me to prepare my self to return, and to carry back -his Answer to <i>Solyman</i>’s Letters. ’Tis true, it was -the depth of Winter, when I was commanded to -return to <i>Constantinople</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Twas</span> in <i>November</i> when I left <i>Vienna</i>, to undertake -my second Voyage to unhospitable <i>Pontus</i>. -I will not grate your Ears with the Relation of the -Enterprizes of my <i>second</i> Journey: I was too vexatious, -I fear, in giving you an Account of my <i>first</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> may suffice to tell you, that I went the same -Stages, in a manner, that I did at first. So then, -to <i>Constantinople</i> I came, in the beginning of <i>January</i>, -having lost one of my Retinue, who died of -a Fever in the way. There I found my Collegues<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span> -in good Health; but a mighty Change was made in -the <i>Turkish</i> Affairs: <i>Bajazet</i>, <i>Solyman</i>’s youngest -Son, had escap’d a great Danger, and was reconciled -to his Father: <i>Achmet Bassa</i>, the <i>Grand Vizier</i>, -had been strangled, and <i>Rustan</i>, his Predecessor, -was restored to his Place of <i>Grand Viziership</i>, of -whom more hereafter. But, at present, I shall acquaint -you what coarse Entertainment I met with -from their <i>Emperor</i>, 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 <i>Cæsar</i> 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 <i>John</i> late <i>Vaivode</i> of <i>Transylvania</i> 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 <i>Persia</i> with a -victorious Army; where, his Successes have so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> -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 <i>Hungary</i>, 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 <i>Lyon</i>; 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 <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span>, to strike the greater Terror into us, the -<i>Turks</i>, 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 -<i>Bajazet</i>. For the clearer Explication thereof, I -must acquaint you, that <i>Solyman</i> had five Sons; -the Eldest, begot by him on a Concubine, near<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span> -the <i>Bosphorus</i>, was called <i>Mustapha</i>, of whose unhappy -End you have heard before; but by another -Wife, named <i>Roxolana</i>, he had four, <i>Mahomet</i>, -<i>Selimus</i>, <i>Bajazet</i> and <i>Giangir</i>. <i>Mahomet</i> liv’d till -he was married, (for the <i>Turks</i> call their Concubines, -Wives) but died soon after; so that <i>Selimus</i> -and <i>Bajazet</i> of this latter Venter only remain’d -alive. As for <i>Giangir</i>, he came thus to his end: -When News was brought to <i>Constantinople</i>, that -his Half-brother <i>Mustapha</i> 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 <i>Selimus</i> and <i>Bajazet</i> -remained. <i>Selimus</i> was the Elder, and ’twas -known to all, that his Father design’d him for -the Empire; but <i>Bajazet</i> 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, <i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Selimus</i>, and none -else, should succeed him. <i>Bajazet</i> was not ignorant -thereof, and therefore he turned every Stone -to stave off his impending Fate, and, if possible,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> -to prevent his Ruin by grasping at the Throne. -And his Hopes were encreased by the favour of his -Mother, and of <i>Rustan</i> the <i>Grand Vizier</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Bajazet</i></span> 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 <i>Mustapha</i>’s Death, and the Disgust of -many thereupon. For the Truth is, <i>Mustapha</i> -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 <i>Mustapha</i> himself, -they knew he could not be recalled from the Dead; -yet it was in their power to suborn and set up a -feigned <i>Mustapha</i> in his head, as if the true one -had been yet alive. This Design pleased <i>Bajazet</i> -(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 <i>Mustapha</i>; and his Pretence<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span> -was the more plausible, because his Stature, Physiognomy -and Meen of his Body did somewhat resemble -<i>Mustapha</i>’s. This Man began first, to shew -himself in that part of <i>Thrace</i> which was above -<i>Constantinople</i>, towards the <i>Danube</i>, <i>Moldavia</i>, -and <i>Valachia</i>. This Place he thought the most opportune -to raise a Party, because it was full of -Horse; and that part of the <i>Turkish Militia</i> did -most favour <i>Mustapha</i>. 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 <i>Mustapha</i>. -Hereupon they were more desirous to know the -Truth; and then he was forced to declare himself, -that he was <i>Mustapha</i>, indeed. Having made this -prosperous Beginning, he goes on to congratulate -his Safety among them, and to give God thanks. -<i>First</i>, he told them, <i>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</i>, -said he, <i>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</i>, said he, <i>I saw there was no Stay for me, -but I must consult my Safety by a speedy Flight.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> -I took but few in my Company, that I might be -the less taken notice of and thus passing over -<span class="antiqua">Pontus</span> and the <span class="antiqua">Bosphoran</span> Country, I am</i>, said -he, <i>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 <span class="antiqua">Rustan</span>, to whatsoever Attempt -they please. But, thanks be to God</i>, said he, <i>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 <span class="antiqua">Janizaries</span>, 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.</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> had -suborned, sung Notes to the same Tune. Thus -a great party of Men, unknown to <i>Bajazet</i>, were -brought into the Noose. For the Matter was carried -on so cunningly, that those who knew <i>Mustapha</i>, -and saw him lie dead before his Father’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> -Tent, yet were afraid to believe their own Eyes, -but suffered themselves to be persuaded, that this -was the true <i>Mustapha</i> indeed: Yea, some of -<i>Mustapha</i>’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 -<i>Pseudo-Mustapha</i>, as being weary of their Lives -without him; which made others certainly think, -that this was the true <i>Mustapha</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> <i>Solyman</i> was made acquainted by -Messages and Letters, which the neighbouring -<i>Sanziacks</i>, had, in great trepidation, sent him, -what hazard he was in by reason of the resort of -such Multitudes, to this <i>Pseudo-Mustapha</i>; 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 <i>Sanziacks</i>, 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 <i>Viziers</i>, <i>Partan Bassa</i> who had married -the Widow of <i>Mahomet</i> aforesaid. However,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> -he advised them, if they would purge themselves -of their criminal Neglect, they should quell the -Insurrection before his Succour came. <i>Partan</i> had -but a few Troops with him; but they were choice -Men, eminent for Courage and Faithfulness. <i>Solyman</i> -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 <i>Janizaries</i>, -upon account of <i>Mustapha</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Sanziacks</i>, as soon as ever they received -<i>Solyman</i>’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 <i>Partan Bassa</i> 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 <i>Mustapha</i>, -with his chief Partisans and Setters on, would willingly -have done so too; but he was so watch’d -by the <i>Janizaries</i>, that he was taken alive, and -sent Prisoner to <i>Partan</i>, who, with a strong -Guard, sent him to <i>Constantinople</i>. When he came<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span> -thither, <i>Solyman</i> put him on the Rack, and by -that means found out the whole Plot; how his Son -<i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, 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 -<i>Solyman</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for his Son <i>Bajazet</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span> -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? <i>Bajazet</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">To</span> 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;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -but presently acquainted <i>Bajazet</i> 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, <i>Bajazet</i> resolves to trust his Father, yet -not without some Relicks of Fear; he reflected -ever and anon on his Brother <i>Mustapha</i>, 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 <i>Carestrane</i>, some few Miles distant -from <i>Constantinople</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">You</span> must know; that, now-a-days, ’tis the -custom of the <i>Turkish</i> Emperors, never to permit -any one of their Sons, when once they are grown -up, to set their Foot within the Gates of <i>Constantinople</i>, -(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, <i>Chear up, chear up, my -Son!</i> By which Antidote he was very much -heartened and relieved.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span> -yet it takes off little from your Offence; for, if you -had had your Wish, the <i>Ottoman</i> 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 <i>Mussulman</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Bajazet</i></span>’s Answer was very submissive, acknowledging -his Fault, and promising Subjection for the -future. Whereupon <i>Solyman</i> 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. <i>Bajazet</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span> -<i>Bajazet</i> was dismissed, and sent away to his Government, -his Congress with his Father having -been far more auspicious, than his Brother <i>Mustapha</i>’s -was.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for the Death of <i>Achmet Bassa</i>, another of -your Enquiries, I shall give this short Relation. -Some say, he was put to Death for being too much -affected to <i>Mustapha</i>, and for favouring underhand -the counterfeit <i>Mustapha</i>, and encouraging <i>Bajazet</i> -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 <i>Rustan</i>; for <i>Solyman</i>, -having promised <i>Achmet</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i> gave it out, ’Twas better to die once, -than a thousand Times over; for the Fear of the -Loss of his <i>Grand Viziership</i>, 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 -<i>Sultan</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span> -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 <i>Achmet</i> 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 <i>Achmet</i> was willing -to taste (as it were) of Death, before he -drank his full Draught of it. Upon his Decease -<i>Rustan</i> had the <i>Grand-Viziership</i> bestowed upon -him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for my Return out of this Country, which -you desire to hear of, all I can say is, <i>Facilis descensus -Averni</i>. 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.</p> - -<p class="right"><i>Constantinople, June 12.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 225px;"> -<img src="images/footer2.jpg" width="225" height="175" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/header4.jpg" width="500" height="75" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span></p> - -<p class="nobreak"><i>SIR</i>,</p> - -</div> - -<div> -<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-w.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="dropcap"><span class="smcap">What</span> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’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, <i>Leniter qui sæviunt, -sapiunt magis</i>, says the old Proverb, no Haste to -kill true Men: But if you are so much given to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span> -Law, take Use and Principal too, rather than I -will answer your Suit, for I am averse from <i>Lawing</i>. -And besides, the distance of Place is so great -between us, that if I should put in an Exception to -your <i>Plea</i>, 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, <i>Solyman</i>’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 <i>Solyman</i>, -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 <i>Turks</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span> -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 <i>Rustan</i>, who was very -desirous of my Stay; for that subtle <i>Vizier</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i> made an Expedition -into <i>Hungary</i>, it was impossible to prevent -the Discords of his Children; for if <i>Selimus</i> -were willing to be quiet, yet <i>Bajazet</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> -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 <i>Hungary</i>, 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 <i>Rustan</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> next Day we were called into the <i>Divan</i>, -(so they called their Council-Chamber) and then<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span> -the same Part was acted over again; only <i>Rustan</i> -carried it a little more covertly, and reservedly, because -of the Presence of other <i>Bashaws</i>. 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 <i>Bashaws</i> could not, for shame, treat me -so severely in their Resentments, as otherwise they -would have done.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span>, Sir, you have an Account of my Stay -behind my Fellows, with the Reason of it. They -left <i>Constantinople</i> about the latter end of <i>August</i>, -1557. The Winter following, the <i>Grand Seignior</i> -went to <i>Adrianople</i>, as his Custom was, both to -strike a greater Terror into <i>Hungary</i>, upon the -Report of his nearer approach thither, and also for -the Conveniencies of his Hunting, (for there the -Winters are colder than at <i>Constantinople</i>,) 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, -<i>&c.</i> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> this Reason, the <i>Grand Seignior</i> ordinarily -every Year, a little before Winter, goes to <i>Adrianople</i>, -and returns not again to <i>Constantinople</i>, till -the Frogs begin to be troublesome to him by their -croaking. Thither <i>Rustan</i>, a while after, sent for -me by Letter; he appointed some Horse to guard -me on the Way, and Sixteen <i>Janizaries</i>; 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 <i>Janizaries</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Their</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span> -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 <i>Buda</i>, if I pleased.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I came to <i>Adrianople</i>, I was forced to -hear the Railings, rather than the Complaints of -<i>Rustan</i>, concerning the plundering Excursions of -the <i>Hungarians</i>. And, by way of Answer, I was -as ready to complain to him of the frequent Depredations -and Mischiefs, which the <i>Turks</i> did in -<i>Christian</i> Countries. No marvel, said I, if we retort -like for like; for I had just then received an Express -from <i>Cæsar</i>, my Master, informing me, what -Breaches and Contraventions the <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> must not forget to acquaint you, that the same -Day, a Messenger came to me with an Express from -<i>Cæsar</i>, my Master. There happened an Earthquake -at <i>Adrianople</i>, from which he took an occasion to -tell me, that he perceived the same (so he judged it) -at <i>Nissa</i>, <i>S. Sophia</i> 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 <i>Constantinople</i> four Days after, which -seemed to be the same imprisoned Air, that had -made its Way, under Ground, even to that City -also.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> leave the Matter to your Judgment; but this is -certain, that Earthquakes are very frequent at <i>Constantinople</i>; -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. <i>Sophia</i>, you might see the Walls, -though very thick, to crack and gape by reason of -the Clefts made by such Earthquakes.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Well</span>; I staid about three Months at <i>Adrianople</i>, -made a Truce there for Seven Months, and in -<i>March</i> was attended back again to <i>Constantinople</i>. -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 <i>Chiaux</i>, (a sort of Officers -among the <i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>Chiaux</i> was not -averse to my Proposal, for he saw that the <i>Grand -Seignior</i>’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> -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 <i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Caravansera</i> (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 <i>Bashaws</i>, who by this Time were returned -from <i>Adrianople</i>, that I might retire from my former -Lodging: And I was to look upon this as a -great Courtesy too; for some of the <i>Bashaws</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">If</span> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>; 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 <i>Olympus</i> in -<i>Asia</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i> are so envious to -their <i>Christian</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span> -Planks to hinder the Prospect, and the free Passage -of their Air; and by this means they stop the -Mouths of Neighbouring <i>Turks</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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 -<i>Seraglio</i>; and the <i>Grand Seignior</i>, every <i>Friday</i> -(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 <i>Chiaux</i> and the -<i>Janizaries</i>, do obeysance to him in the Porch, or -do re-salute him rather; for the Fashion of the -<i>Turks</i> is, that the Greater doth first of all salute the -Less, and therefore the <i>Grand Seignior</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span> -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span> -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 <i>Pliny</i>, hath a kind of magical Virtue -to help Child-bearing Women in the Time of -their Labour.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Amongst</span> these, Apes led the Van, which -making us good Sport, occasioned great Laughter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span> -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 <i>Indian</i> 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 <i>Asiaticks</i>. 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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i> know of, he put it into a little -Bag, together with a Roasting-Pig, and send it -by a Youth: When my <i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i>, 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, <i>Get thee in, with the -nasty Present!</i> Then, spitting on the Ground, -and turning to his Fellows, he would say; <i>’Tis<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -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.</i> 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, -<i>Muscovy</i> Ducks, <i>Balearick</i> 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 <i>Noah</i>’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 -<i>Assyria</i>, 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 <i>Turkish</i> Camp, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span> -Lynx pined away by degrees, would not eat a bit, -but at length died.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> was troubled for his Loss, for I had designed -him, with another choice Ichneumon (which I -had) as a Present for my Master <i>Cæsar</i>; 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 -<i>Assyria</i>, 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 <i>Babilonian</i> -Pells or Skins, so much famed and valued -amongst the Ancients, of which mention is made -in Law-Books; in the Title of <i>Publicans</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">If</span> you please to hear me, I’ll tell you another -story of a Bird: I have, among my other Birds, -a <i>Balearic</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> adorn their Turbants with -it; and there is some Difference in their Bigness. -This <i>Balearic</i> Bird was mightily affected with a -<i>Spanish</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span> -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, <i>viz.</i> 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 <i>Turkey</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i>. It was a Hart or -Stag, of a huge Bulk, such as use to come in the -beginning of <i>Autumn</i>, out of <i>Hungary</i> into <i>Austria</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> -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 <i>Cæsar</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> made mention of <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> -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 <i>Arabians</i>, who carry Banners -before them, wherewith, as they say, their Ancestors -fought against the Christians, for the Propagation -of the <i>Mussulman</i> 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 <i>gratis</i>. For the rest, they which -beg amongst Christians are set to do servile Offices -amongst the <i>Turks</i>. If a Slave become lame, -his Master is bound to maintain him, and yet the -veriest Cripple amongst them brings in his Master<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span> -some Profit. I remember, once I redeemed a -<i>Spanish</i> Officer, bought by a <i>Turk</i>, 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 <i>Asia</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Now</span> we talk of Slaves, give me leave to digress -a little, and to propose a <i>Quære</i>, whether he did -well or ill with <i>Christendom</i>, 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 <i>Romans</i>; 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 <i>Turks</i> make a very great Advantage<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span> -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, <i>He -can never be poor, that hath but one Slave</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> I can a assure you of, that the <i>Turks</i>, in -their way, do make a huge Advantage of Slaves; -for if an ordinary <i>Turk</i> 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 <i>Turkish</i> Depredations are to them, when many -times, from one Expedition, they bring home five -or six thousand Prisoners.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Romans</i> 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 <i>Turk</i>, upon the like Sack, -would make ten times five hundred Crowns of his -Prize, though by the rules of their Religion they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> -are not to make Slaves of any of their own Sect; -nor to disfranchize them, or set any Price on their -Heads.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return from this large Digression: I -formerly acquainted you with my Sport in <i>Hunting</i>; -it follows, in course, that I must say something -of my <i>Fowling</i>. The <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> to Indignation.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> must tell you, I have <i>Partridges</i> 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 <i>Chios</i> with red Feet and Beaks; -they were so troublesome to me, by standing at -my Feet, and picking the Dust out of my Velvet<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span> -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 <i>Pliny</i> says, -in a certain Place, that <i>Hares</i> and <i>Partridges</i> never -grow fat. You have yet but small ground -for your Wonderment; but, pray, prepare your -Ears for what follows.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Isle of <i>Chios</i> 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 <i>Cæsar</i>, to -teach Emperors that aviary Discipline. ’Tis true,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is so known a Truth in this Country, that -he were an absurd Man that would offer to -deny it. They that come to <i>Constantinople</i> from -<i>Egypt</i>, (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 <i>Vopiscus</i>, -where the Emperor <i>Adrian</i>, being angry -with the <i>Egyptians</i>, inveighs against them with -this Sarcasm; <i>I wish them</i>, says he, <i>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.</i> So that, without Question, this was an old -Custom among the <i>Egyptians</i>; and, therefore, -<i>Adrian</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Be</span> pleased then to know, that I have also a -breed of brave Horses; some from <i>Syria</i>, others -from <i>Cilicia</i>, <i>Arabia</i>, <i>Cappadocia</i>, together with -divers Camels, Sumpture-horses, and all Utensils -fit for a Journey. For I would have the <i>Turks</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> is no Creature so gentle as a <i>Turkish</i> -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 <i>Pontus</i>, passing through a -part of <i>Bithynia</i>, called <i>Axilos</i>, towards <i>Cappadocia</i>, -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span>, 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 <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> yet this is usual and common to all <i>Turkish</i> -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 -<i>Turky</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i> do not Shoe their Horses as we <i>Christians</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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 <i>Grand Seignior</i>’s -Charge. The <i>Turks</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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 <i>Arabs</i>, <i>Caramanian</i>, &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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> have also six She-Camels, which I keep by me, -ready to carry my Baggage, as I pretend to the -<i>Turks</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> are two things which the <i>Turks</i> make -mighty Advantage of, and those are <i>Rice</i> among -the Fruits of the Earth, and <i>Camels</i> among the -Beasts of the Field; both of them very convenient -in their several Kinds, for long Expeditions. As for -<i>Rice</i>, it is not easily spoil’d; it affords very wholsome -Nourishment, and a little of it will serve a great -many People. And for <i>Camels</i>, 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 <i>Camel</i>; 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Scythians</i> send a great many <i>Camels</i> to -<i>Constantinople</i>; but the most part come from <i>China</i> -and <i>Assyria</i>: From those Countries, there are whole -Droves of them; and they are so cheap, that a -<i>Mare</i> of a good Breed is worth an 100 <i>Camels</i>; -wherein, perhaps, they respect more the Scarcity -of <i>Mares</i> than the Cheapness of <i>Camels</i>; for good -<i>Mares</i> are so scarce in that Country, that he that -gets but one, of that sort, thinks himself a very -<i>Crœsus</i> 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 <i>Grand Seignior</i> -goes upon a Military Expedition into the Field, he -carries above 40,000 of these <i>Camels</i> with him, and -as many <i>Mules</i> for Burden; and these he loads with -all sorts of Victuals, especially with <i>Rice</i>. They -also carry Tents, Arms, and other Utensils of -War, upon them; especially when he marches into -<i>Persia</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span>, you must know, that the Countries over -which the <i>Sophi</i>, or, as the <i>Turks</i> call him, <i>Chisilbas</i> -of <i>Persia</i> reigns, are not so fruitful of Provisions, -as our <i>European</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span> -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 -<i>Grand Seignior</i>’s Stores are opened, and some small -Allowance given out daily to the <i>Janizaries</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> -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 <i>Grand Seignior</i> or <i>Vizier</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> the <i>Turks</i> surmount huge Difficulties in -War, with a great deal of Patience, Sobriety and -Parsimony, reserving themselves for more favourable -Circumstances. But our <i>Christian</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> -any Man doubt, in this case, what the Event will -be? ’Tis only the <i>Persian</i> stands between us and -Ruin. The <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> told you before, that the <i>Turks</i> use to carry -their Arms and Tents on Horse-Back to the War; -but they are such as chiefly belong to the <i>Janizaries</i>, -for the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turkish</i> 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 -<i>Janizary</i> 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 <i>Janizaries</i>; 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> -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 -<i>Spahi’s</i>; for the <i>Janizaries</i> 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 -<i>Old Romans</i> were of the same Mind, and especially -<i>Julius Cæsar</i>, who was wont to say, <i>That his -Soldiers would fight well, even though they were -perfumed</i>; for when he horsed the ten Legions, -upon a Conference he was to have with <i>Ariovistus</i>, -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 <i>Romans</i>, their Foot-service -was quite another thing from Horse-service. But -if you say, <i>Cæsar</i>’s Design was only to horse his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -Men for Carriage, but to make use of their Service -on Foot, certainly he had run a great Hazard -thereby, if when <i>Ariovistus</i>’s choice Horse were -within a Stone’s Call of the <i>Romans</i>, and might -have fallen upon them, the Legion was then to -dismount their Horses, to be disposed of, and -ranged into a <i>Foot-Tertia</i>, 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 <i>Romans</i> did of old, and so the -<i>Turks</i> do at this Day, with too good Success. So -much for that Subject.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> return, further to acquaint you, how indulgent -the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Mahomet</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">However</span>, though the <i>Turks</i> have so ill an -opinion of Dogs, that they wander up and down -the City of <i>Constantinople</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> -to a <i>Brute</i>, which they would hardly do to -a <i>Man</i>, though a reasonable Creature, like themselves, -and to be sure, not to a <i>Christian</i>; 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 <i>Venetian</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i> 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, <i>Out!</i> -they cried, <i>What an abominable thing is this, that -an harmless Bird should be so tormented?</i> 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;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span> -but the <i>Bailo</i> of <i>Venice</i> (so they call -their Ambassadors or Residents there) hearing of -the Matter, sent presently one of his Servants to -demand the Man, and the <i>Turkish Cadi</i> was so -merciful as to let him go; but many of the <i>Turks</i> -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 -<i>Turks</i> use towards all sorts of brute Animals, especially -those of the winged Kind.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Over</span> against my Lodgings there is a tall <i>Plane-tree</i>, -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 <i>Turks</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i> that bought them, say, don’t you hear how -glad this Bird is, and how he gives me Thanks for -his Liberty?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">If</span> this be so, you’ll say, What! are the <i>Turks</i> -such <i>Pythagoreans</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -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 -<i>Turks</i> are not of that Mind; some of them keep -<i>Nightingales</i> 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 <i>Linnets</i> 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 <i>Pliny</i>, or an <i>Ælian</i>, and that I were designing -to write an History of Animals.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> preceed then to other Matters, and shall give -you an Example of the Chastity of <i>Turkish</i> Women. -The <i>Turks</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span> -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 <i>Easter</i>, (their <i>Bairam</i>) -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> other Cases, the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Roxolana</i> stand upon her Terms with -<i>Solyman</i>, 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 <i>Ottoman</i> Princes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> 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 <i>Friday</i> Night, -which is their <i>Sabbath</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Divorces</span> 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 <i>Eunuchs</i> -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span> -they and their Women do wash; but the meaner -sort use public Baths.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> <i>Turk</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">By</span> 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 <i>Females</i> burn in Love one towards another; -and the Pandaresses to such refined Loves are the -Baths; and, therefore, some <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> 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 -<i>Constantinople</i>; 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 <i>Chiauxes</i> of the <i>Grand Seignior</i>; -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span> -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 <i>Man</i>, but a <i>Woman</i>: Whereupon, they carried -the supposed Man, the next day, to the General -of the <i>Janizaries</i>, who, in the Absence of the -<i>Grand Seignior</i>, 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?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Away</span>, 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 <i>Turks</i> make no -noise when <i>secret</i> Offences are committed by them, -that they may not open the Mouths of Scandal -and Reproach; but <i>open</i> and <i>manifest</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> the Account of the Troubles in <i>Hungary</i>, -there came lately a Messenger to me, with an Express<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span> -from my Master, the Emperor. The -<i>Bashaws</i> would not let him bring his Letters directly -to me, as they were wont to be brought, -but they carried him first into the <i>Divan</i>. The -Reason of this their unusual Procedure, was, because -they would fain know what <i>Cæsar</i>’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 <i>Cæsar</i>’s -Letters, and only shew’d them those that were -directed to me, from some particular Friends. -Their interpreter, <i>Ebrahim</i>, a <i>Polander</i> 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 <i>Cyphers</i>. 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 <i>Burgundy</i>. <i>Ebrahim</i> 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 <i>Bashaws</i> commanded him to open, read, -and interpret it to them, and they all stood listning -to hear the News; but <i>Ebrahim</i> told them plainly, -that he could not read one Letter of it. That’s -strange, says the <i>Bashaws</i>; what, did you never -learn the <i>Christian</i> Alphabet; or have you forgot -it? Says <i>Ebrahim</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -to the Secretary of the <i>Bailo</i> of <i>Venice</i>, or of <i>Florence</i>? -<i>Ebrahim</i> 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 <i>Ebrahim</i> could get of them. Upon -his Return to the <i>Bashaws</i> 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 <i>Christian</i>, -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 <i>Greek</i>, <i>Latin</i>, <i>Hebrew</i> or <i>Chaldee</i>. Thus they -were disappointed there also. At last, <i>Haly Bassa</i> runs -to <i>Rustan</i> (otherwise a Man not ready to jest) and -says to him <i>Cardassi</i> (Brother in <i>Turkish</i>), I remember, -I had once a Servant, an <i>Italian</i>, 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 <i>Ebrahim</i> 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 <i>Cæsar</i> who sent them; and, withal, I bid <i>Ebrahim</i> -stay, and to Morrow he should see that -Letter translated for the <i>Bashaws</i>. The next day, -when <i>Ebrahim</i> appeared in the <i>Divan</i>, they asked<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span> -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, <i>viz.</i> what I had a mind to discover. -Whereupon, says <i>Rustan</i>, 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 <i>Nonsuch</i> of a Man. For that reason it was, -or perhaps some other, that a while after, having -Conference with <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i>. I told him, I was -resolved to continue in that Religion, wherein I -was born, and which my Master, <i>Cæsar</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i> have taken up, neither is <i>Rustan</i> -thought to be a true <i>Mussulman</i> in all Points. The -<i>Turks</i> thinks it a Duty, and a work of Piety in -them, to persuade a <i>Christian</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> shall now acquaint you with the Effects of -another Conference I had with <i>Rustan</i>, whereby -you may see what daily Feuds are between the -<i>Turks</i> and <i>Persians</i>, upon the account of Religion. -He ask’d me, one time, whether the War did continue -between <i>Spain</i> and <i>France</i>? 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 <i>you</i> and the <i>Persians</i>. The Dispute -is not about Religion, but about civil Right; -Provinces, Cities and Kingdoms, which both lay -claim to. You are quite mistaken, says <i>Rustan</i>, -we are not of the same Religion with the <i>Persians</i>, -but do count them a more Profane and <i>Heathenish</i> -sort of People than you <i>Christians</i> are. But to return -to the Affairs of <i>Hungary</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Since</span> my last Return to <i>Constantinople</i>, Matters -in <i>Hungary</i> have received a very great Alteration, -it would be too tedious to describe them particularly; -and, besides, it were not conducive to my -Design. <i>Isabella</i>, Wife to King <i>John</i>, is returned -into <i>Transilvania</i>, together with her Son, having -refused the Transactions and broken the League -made with the Emperor <i>Ferdinand</i>; and the <i>Transilvanians</i>, -terrified by the <i>Turkish</i> Arms, have again -submitted their Necks to the old <i>Ottoman</i> Yoke. -Matters succeeding thus prosperously with the <i>Turks</i>, -they are not therewith contented, but grasp at all -<i>Hungary</i> too; and, besides other Places, they resolved -to besiege <i>Sigeth</i>, which signifies in the <i>Hungarian</i> -Language, an <i>Island</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span> -Confidence in his own Men, and struck as much -Terror into his Enemy: His Name was <i>Haly Bassa</i>, -an <i>Epirot</i>, who had had good Success in <i>Hungary</i> -before, and especially in the Battel, wherein he -overthrew <i>Sforza Palavicino</i>, and the Bishop of Five -Churches. He was sent for from the utmost Bounds -of the <i>Turkish</i> Empire towards <i>Persia</i>, and came -with great Expectation to <i>Constantinople</i>: My Collegues -were yet here with me, pressing for a Dismission. -’Twas the pleasure of the <i>Bashaws</i> that we -should see him, in regard we counted him, as they -thought, the very Thunder-bolt of War.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> 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 <i>Hungary</i> to be wasted with Fire and Sword, -we should accept those Conditions, which the -<i>Grand Seignior</i> 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 <i>Haly</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Day after he makes great Preparation for his -Expedition into <i>Hungary</i>; where having spent some -Time to provide Materials, he at last marches against -<i>Sigeth</i>, and beats off those which were repairing <i>Babock</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span> -a Castle of <i>Cæsar</i>’s; but <i>Cæsar</i>, being acquainted -long before with his Design, lends <i>Ferdinand</i>, 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 <i>Haly Bassa</i>’s Force, and -by his Valour to retrieve Affairs in <i>Hungary</i>: He -had no great Forces with him, but with a select -Body of Horse he faces <i>Haly</i>’s Army; the <i>Turks</i> that -were present, related to me, that ’twas a goodly -Sight to behold the Splendor, Order and Boldness -of those Forces. <i>Haly</i>, being naturally of a fierce -Disposition, and having a far greater Army, was -even mad to think that a handful of <i>Christians</i> should -dare to look him in the Face.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> was a moorish Piece of Ground between -both Armies, which could not be passed without -great Danger; <i>Ferdinand</i> had no need to pass it, for -his Design was only to relieve <i>Sigeth</i>, and to raise -the Siege: But <i>Haly Bassa</i>, 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 <i>Sanziacks</i>, -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 <i>Bashaw</i>’s Horse by the Bridle, <i>Sultan</i>, says he (for -so the <i>Turks</i> call the great Dignitaries among them) -<i>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 <span class="antiqua">Christians</span> 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;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span> -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.</i> Upon this Speech, <i>Haly</i>, as if he had recollected -himself, drew back; and there was not any <i>Turk</i> -amongst them, but was forced to confess, that the -whole Army was sav’d by the Advice of that <i>Sanziack</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> this matter was carried to <i>Constantinople</i>, -though the <i>Vizier</i> and the Chief <i>Bashaws</i> could not -deny the Thing, yet they thought it dangerous to -suffer the Example of so audacious a Fact in the -<i>Sanziack</i> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Haly</i></span>, a while after, having lost a great Part of his -Army, by the Charges and Ambuscades of the <i>Hungarians</i>, -made an ignoble and shameful Retreat to -<i>Buda</i>, where for very Grief he breathed out his -hateful Soul.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> Arch-duke <i>Ferdinand</i>, on the other side, -returned to <i>Ferdinand</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> to know -that if they proceeded on to press upon <i>Cæsar</i>, he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span> -wanted neither able Soldiers, nor expert Commanders -to chastise their Insolency.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Yet</span> the <i>Turks</i> of those Borders did not carry it -with any great Modesty; for, while <i>Haly</i> was yet -encamped at <i>Sigeth</i>, our Men had scaled the Walls -of <i>Gran</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> Messenger was sent immediately to <i>Haly</i>, 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 <i>Bassa</i> presently asked him, how -Things went? and what was the Cause of his great -Fear? <i>Sir</i>, says he, <i>the Enemy hath taken and plundered -<span class="antiqua">Gran</span>; which great Blow occasions my Grief</i>. -<i>A Blow, Fool</i>, says the <i>Bassa</i>! <i>tell me of a Blow -when I have lost my Genitals</i> (to which he pointed -with his Hand) <i>that shew me to be a Man</i>. Thus -did he scoff at the Consternation of the Messenger, -not without the Laughter of the By-standers, and -undervalued the Loss of <i>Gran</i>, which was easily -recoverable.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Moreover</span>, in <i>Croatia</i> 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 -<i>Sigeth</i> lately mentioned; but in Writing an Epistle, -I do not strictly observe the Order of Time.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">News</span> was brought to <i>Rustan</i>, from those Parts, -that a certain Confident of his, whom he highly -esteemed, and called Cousin, had fallen upon a -Party of <i>Christians</i>, as they were celebrating a Wedding, -and being at a sufficient Distance, as they -thought, from the <i>Turks</i>, counted themselves secure;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> -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: <i>Rustan</i> did much rejoyce -at this Exploit, and in all Companies highly -commended the Stratagem of his Kinsman, for performing -it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> 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, <i>Rustan</i>’s Laughter was soon turned to -Sadness: For a little while after one of the <i>Deli’s</i>, or -mad Sparks, a sort of furious Horsemen among the -<i>Turks</i>, so called by their outragious Boldness, came -post to him out of <i>Dalmatia</i>, and told him, that -a parcel of <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Christians</i>, <i>Dragoons</i> -or <i>Musketeers</i>, who totally routed them, -slew many <i>Sanziacks</i>, and among them his <i>Achillean</i> -Cousin, lately so much extolled by him. This -sad News made <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Dalmatian</i> Trooper, who -brought the News, was asked by the <i>Bassa</i>, in the -<i>Divan</i>, How many were there of you? He answered, -above two thousand five hundred: And how -many of the <i>Christians</i>? 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 <i>Bassas</i>! what! a regular Army of -<i>Mussulmans</i> (so they call the Men of their own -Religion) to be beaten by so small a handful of -<i>Christians</i>! You are goodly Warriors indeed! fit<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span> -to eat the <i>Sultan</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> 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 -<i>Turks</i>, as I hear they are to the <i>Persians</i> also; for -once, there was a Fellow that persuaded <i>Rustan</i>, -when he accompanied his Prince in a War against -<i>Persia</i>, 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. <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> were also against this Armature, -because it was slovenly (the <i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>Medicamentarii</i>, -or <i>Mountebank Soldiers</i>; hereupon they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span> -apply themselves to <i>Rustan</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> mention I made a while ago of things acted -in the Confines of <i>Hungary</i>, gives me occasion to -tell you, what the <i>Turks</i> think of Duels, which amongst -<i>Christians</i> is accounted a singular Proof of -personal Valour. There was one <i>Arslambeg</i>, a -<i>Sanziack</i>, that lived in the Frontiers of <i>Hungary</i>, -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 -<i>Uliber</i>, a <i>Sanziack</i> 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, <i>Uliber</i> was sent for to <i>Constantinople</i>; -upon what occasion I know not. When -he came thither, and the <i>Bashaws</i> had asked many -Questions of him, in the <i>Divan</i>, concerning other -Matters, at last they demanded how he and -<i>Arslambeg</i> (<i>Arsla</i> signifies a Lion in <i>Turkey</i>) 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 <i>Arslambeg</i> 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 <i>Bashaws</i>, much offended, thus -replied, <i>How durst thou challenge thy Fellow-Soldier -to a Duel? What, was there never a <span class="antiqua">Christian</span> to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span> -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?</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Among</span> us <i>Christians</i>, 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 <i>Cholchos</i> made into this City. -His Kingdom is by the River <i>Phasis</i>, in a Creek -or Bay of the <i>Euxine</i> Sea, not far from Mount -<i>Caucasus</i>. His Name is <i>Dadianus</i>, 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 <i>Italians</i>, at this -Day, call the <i>Colchians Mingrelians</i>: They are -some of that People, inhabiting between the <i>Caspian -Gates</i>, (called by the <i>Turks</i>, <i>Demit capi</i>, i. e. -<i>Iron Gates</i>,) and the <i>Potic</i> and <i>Hyrcanian</i>-Seas: -They are at this Day called <i>Georgians</i>; 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 <i>Albanians</i> and <i>Iberians</i> are reckoned -a Part of them. The Cause of his coming is uncertain: -Some say, he was sent for by the <i>Turk</i>;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> -for, when he makes Wars upon the <i>Persian</i>, if -the <i>Colchians</i> 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 <i>Iberian</i>, who had slain -his Father; which if he could obtain, then he -would become Tributary to the <i>Sultan</i>. For, you -must know, that there is an old and inveterate Hatred -between the <i>Colchians</i> and the <i>Iberians</i>. 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 <i>Colchians</i>, fell fast asleep. The treacherous -<i>Iberians</i> made use of this Opportunity, and hurried -away honest <i>Dadianus</i> 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 <i>Colchians</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span> -were repulsed with the like Noise as before. <i>Dadianus</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Country of <i>Colchis</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span> -and such like Ornaments, which sometimes -their King, on pretence of Public Necessity, doth -seize upon, and amass it all to his own use.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Their</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">His</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span> -junket freely without much regard to Modesty; -they carry themselves like Anticks, fleering, nodding, -tipping the Wink, like so many <i>Medea’s</i>, if -there were <i>Jasons</i> ready for them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> 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 <i>Rowland</i>; how he -came into that Country I know not, unless he -passed thither with <i>Godfrey</i> of <i>Bullogne</i>. They tell -many prodigious Stories of this <i>Rowland</i>, as ridiculous -and improbable as any Romance among -us.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whilst</span> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span> -they make a certain Sound from their Throats like -Belching.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">An</span> <i>Italian</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> they go into their Temples, they have -some esteem for the Images of the Virgin <i>Mary</i>, -of <i>Peter</i> and <i>Paul</i>, and other Saints; but their -greatest Veneration is for the Image of St. <i>George</i> -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 <i>Devil</i>, and either conquer’d, or, -at least, foil’d him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I’ll</span> acquaint you with one Passage more, which -you cannot but stand amazed at. ’Tis this.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Princes of the East are always presented -with Gifts at any Audience. <i>Dadianus</i>, in compliance -with this Custom, brought <i>Solyman</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span> -think it to be a small Goblet of <i>Carbuncle</i>, or -<i>Granate</i>, which was lost in Shipwrack, when a -certain Prince of <i>Persia</i> was flying from his Father -to <i>Constantinople</i>, and driven, by a Tempest, to -the <i>Colchian</i> Shore, where it was taken up. He -brought also 20 white <i>Hawks</i>, called <i>Falcons</i>, -there being Plenty of them in that Country of -<i>Colchis</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> is all I can inform you of, concerning the -<i>Colchians</i> 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 <i>Bashaws</i> concerning the Rapines -and Cruelties of the <i>Turkish</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>Rome</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span> -my Health’s Sake, I have made a Bowling-Green, -where, before Dinner, I use to play; and, -after Dinner, I practise the <i>Turkish</i> Bow.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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 <i>Bashaws</i>, and those that have great Families,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span> -train up their Servants in this Exercise, at -their own Houses, where the more skilful teach -the unexperienced. Some of these in their solemn -<i>Bayram</i>, (for they also have their <i>Easter</i>) assemble -themselves together in a great Plain about <i>Pera</i>, -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 <i>Turks</i> -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 <i>Constantinople</i>, -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 <i>Turkish</i> -Arrows being always blunt) would not stick therein. -And he that thus oversees the Mark is very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> -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 <i>Greek</i> Proverb; that, -when a Man miss’d the Mark, he is said to shoot -<i>extra januam</i>, besides the Door; for, I suppose, -the <i>Greeks</i> used this way of Butting, and that the -<i>Turks</i> borrowed it from them. I grant the use of -the Bow is very ancient among the <i>Turks</i>; but -that hinders not, but, when they conquered the -<i>Grecian</i> 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 <i>Great Ordnance</i>, and in <i>Muskets</i>, and -other things, which, though not our Inventions, -yet the <i>Turks</i> borrow their use of from us.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Tis</span> 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>i. e.</i>) <i>Alchoran</i>, 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 <i>Emraim</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">All</span> Men know how averse they are from the -approving of <i>Christian</i> Rites and Ceremonies; -and, yet, let me tell you, that, whereas the -<i>Greek</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> also observe the same<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span> -Ceremony: For, when their Vessels are ready to -sail, they repair to the <i>Grecians</i>, and ask them, -whether they have consecrated the Sea? If they say -<i>No</i>, they desist; if <i>Yea</i>, then they set sail and -away. ’Twas also a Custom of the <i>Greeks</i> not to -open the Pits, in the Isle of <i>Lemnos</i>, for the digging -out of the Earth, called, <i>Agosphragod</i>, before the -Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, <i>viz.</i> -<i>August</i> 6. The <i>Turks</i> also observe the same Custom; -and, whereas the <i>Grecian</i> Priests did anciently -celebrate the Liturgy at that time, the -<i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> acquainted you thus far with the -<i>Turkish</i> Exercises, let me add one more. They -have a Custom derived from the <i>Parthians</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span> -that their Bow being turn’d in their Flight, their -unwary Enemy is shot through.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Tis</span> 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 <i>Pera</i>, originally <i>Genoese</i>, or others; -yet not without the leave of my <i>Chiauxes</i>. 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 <i>Ragustæans</i>, the <i>Florentines</i>, -the <i>Venetians</i>, and sometimes the <i>Greeks</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> few Months ago, there came hither a Merchant -from <i>Dantzick</i>, who had the sole vending of -Amber. He wondred to what Use the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Persia</i>, 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 <i>Juppenbier</i>. It was most excellent Stuff: But -I laughed heartily at my Guests, both <i>Greeks</i> and -<i>Italians</i>, 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 <i>Syrup</i>; but they sipp’d and syrupp’d it about so -long, that, at one Dinner, they emptied my Barrel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> Liberty my <i>Chiauxes</i> (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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> yet when they make use of this Liberty, -the drunken <i>Turks</i> often meet and quarrel with -them in the Streets, especially, if no <i>Janizaries</i> -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 -<i>Chiauxes</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> came lately to me a Messenger from my -Master, the Emperor, one <i>Philip Baldus</i>, an -<i>Italian</i>. 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 <i>Chiaux</i> -would not let him in, nor suffer the Medicine to -be brought to the sick Man. Inhumanely enough, -you’ll say; especially, as that <i>Chiaux</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span> -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 <i>Chiaux</i> 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 -<i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i>, 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 -<i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Plane-Tree</i>, over -against it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Bashaws</i>, and other Grandees, as they -passed by that Place in their return from Court, -and knew, by its Trappings, that it was the -<i>Chiaux</i>’s Horse, eating his Hay under the <i>Plane-Tree</i>, -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> -could not get Food, or the other Provender. -When the rest of the <i>Bashaws</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> a while after that <i>Chiaux</i> was removed, -and then we had more Liberty. <i>Rustan</i> himself -was satisfied how vain his Menaces were by this -Story, I shall now relate.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> came a certain aged <i>Sancto</i>, of great -Esteem among them for his Piety, to pay his Court -to him; and, among other Discourses, he asked -<i>Rustan</i> why, since the <i>Sultan</i>’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 <i>German</i> Emperor, that <i>Solyman</i> -might be secure from Danger on that side? -I desire nothing more, says <i>Rustan</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> was <i>Rustan</i>’s Discourse, as some present -thereat informed me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> reason of their surly Carriage, is this: -The <i>Turks</i> are very suspicious, that the Agents -of Christian Princes have a great Latitude in their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Some</span> think, that a certain <i>Venetian</i> Resident -did much encourage the <i>Turks</i> to these Courses; -for when the Dispute was between the <i>Venetian</i> and -<i>Turk</i>, about <i>Napoli di Romania</i>, 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 <i>Venetian</i> Traytor declared this part of -his Commission to the <i>Turks</i>, 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 <i>Bashaws</i> -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 <i>Solyman</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Venetian</i> Agent was so surprized at this -Discourse, which he did not so much as dream of,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span> -that he very frankly told them all; for which, however, -he was very much blamed in his own Country.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ever</span> since that time, the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Velduvic</i>, the Emperor <i>Charles</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> <i>Baldus</i>, 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, -<i>Rustan</i> once sent a large Gourd, called by -the <i>Germans Wasser-plutzer</i>. They ripen to a -delicious Sweetness at <i>Constantinople</i>; their Seeds -are red within, and they came originally from -<i>Rhodes</i>. By this Present, sent to me by my Secretary, -<i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Buda</i> and <i>Belgrade</i>, of a much larger -size than that which he sent me, meaning thereby -<i>Cannon-Balls</i>. I returned Thanks for my Present, -and told him, I should make use of it; but, for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span> -<i>Buda</i> and <i>Belgrade</i>, ’twas no great wonder they -grew there, since there was Plenty of them, even of -a larger size, at <i>Vienna</i>. It was a pleasure to me, -to let <i>Rustan</i> know by my Answer, that I could -retort Quibble for Quibble.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return to the Affairs of <i>Bajazet</i>, which -you desired to be further informed in.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">You</span> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>, -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Besides</span>, he had several Partisans at <i>Constantinople</i>, -who endeavoured to draw over the <i>Grand Seignior</i>’s -Guard to his side; and he did not doubt but, -as his Design ripened, to come privately to <i>Constantinople</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span> -and there to abscond among his Friends, -till he could have a fair opportunity to make his -appearance in public. <i>Solyman</i> was soon let into -all his Designs, particularly by Letters from his -Son <i>Selimus</i>, who warned him to take care of his -Life; and that, if he did not look upon these Villainous -Attempts of <i>Bajazet</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">These</span> Informations from <i>Selimus</i> did more and -more incense <i>Solyman</i> against <i>Bajazet</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> these Expostulations wrought little upon -<i>Bajazet</i>, 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 <i>Selimus</i> mounted the Throne. However, -he answered his Father’s Letters submissively enough;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span> -but his Words and his Deeds did not agree, neither -did he drop the prosecution of his intended Design.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> <i>Solyman</i> 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 (<i>Chiuta</i> was <i>Bajazet</i>’s, -and <i>Magnetia</i> <i>Selimus</i>’s) <i>Bajazet</i> to go to <i>Amasia</i>, -and <i>Selimus</i> to <i>Iconium</i>. This was done, not -out of any disfavour to <i>Selimus</i>, but only to please -<i>Bajazet</i>, 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. <i>Selimus</i> immediately left his Province, -as being confident of his Father’s Favour; -but <i>Bajazet</i> made many Hesitations, and when he -was gone a little way he stopt his Journey, complaining -that the unlucky Province of <i>Amasia</i> 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 -<i>Solyman</i> would grant neither of those Requests. By this -Time, <i>Selimus</i> was marched with an Army which -was augmented with some Forces from his Father <i>Solyman</i>, -(for they were both afraid of <i>Bajazet</i>’s Plots)<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span> -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 <i>Prusias</i>, a City -of <i>Bithynia</i> over against <i>Constantinople</i> on the <i>Asiatic</i> -Shore; his Father gave consent to his March, as -not well pleased with the Delays of <i>Bajazet</i>. For -they thought thus with themselves, that, if <i>Bajazet</i> -could win over the Guards to himself, and march -to <i>Prusias</i>, or even to <i>Constantinople</i> itself, their -Matters, as to <i>Solyman</i> and <i>Selimus</i>, would be in -great hazard; and, therefore, out of a common -fear, ’twas thought most adviseable for <i>Selimus</i> to -stay there, where he might expect most Aid, in case -of Necessity, from the Nearness of the capital Cities. -For <i>Selimus</i> had not yet Forces enough to encounter -his Brother in open Field, with any hopes of -Success.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> <i>Bajazet</i> saw his Brother’s Army in his -Rear, and that he got nothing by his Delay, but -the certain Knowledge, that <i>Selimus</i> 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 <i>Selimus</i>, as, -that his present March did plainly declare, what a -wicked Intent he had towards his Father, who was -come so near the <i>Metropolis</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span> -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 <i>Amasia</i>; -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> the truth is, <i>Bajazet</i> had reason to be averse -from <i>Amasia</i>; for ’tis a Custom among them to build -much on Auguries and ill Omens, even in the -smallest Matters.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> these Letters were otherwise understood by -<i>Solyman</i>, who was well acquainted with his Son’s -Fears, and knew that he affected a Government not -so remote, but nearer to <i>Constantinople</i>, that thereby -he might have the better opportunity for Innovations.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> <i>Bajazet</i> 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. -<i>Solyman</i> looked upon his Design as against himself, -yet the crafty old Man dissembled it what he could; -for he was unwilling to make <i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span> -would do well immediately to repair to their respective -Armies.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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. <i>Solyman</i> chose <i>Pertau</i>, the Fourth -Vizier <i>Bashaw</i>, to carry those Letters to <i>Bajazet</i>; -and, that he might seem to deal impartially between -them both, he sent <i>Mehemet</i>, the third Vizier -<i>Bashaw</i>, to <i>Selimus</i>. He also laid a Charge on -both those <i>Bashaws</i>, not to stir a step from either -of his Sons, till they had both entred on their respective -Governments. This was wisely done by -<i>Solyman</i> to leave such faithful Moniters with his -Children, which would daily put them in Mind of -their Duties.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Accordingly</span>, <i>Selimus</i> did willingly admit -his Father’s <i>Bashaw</i>; but <i>Bajazet</i>, 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 <i>Bashaw</i>, 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 <i>Selimus</i>, whose Injuries and -Affronts he could no longer endure. By this Message -of <i>Pertau</i>, <i>Solyman</i> was assured of <i>Bajazet</i>’s -Design, though, to colour the Matter, and to put -a Blind on his Father’s Embassy, he pretended he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span> -would hasten to <i>Amasia</i>. However, <i>Solyman</i> was -not slow in his Preparations against <i>Bajazet</i>, for he -commanded the <i>Beglerbeg</i> of <i>Asia</i>, though sick of -the Gout, to assist his Son <i>Selimus</i> with a Body of -Horse; and he sent also the most faithful of his -Guards to accompany <i>Mehemet Bassa</i>, (who was -also returned from his Embassies) into <i>Asia</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> -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 <i>Bajazet</i>, he is forced -to do what he doth, in a way of Self-preservation.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> these Rumours came to <i>Solyman</i>’s Ears, -he sent for the <i>Mufti</i> (the High-Priest of the <i>Turks</i>, -from whom, as from an Oracle, they expect Answers -to their Doubts) and puts a Case to him in -these Terms.</p> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">How</span> 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?”</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Mufti</i>’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.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> Answer was divulged among the Commonalty, -and by the Chief of the <i>Chiauxes</i> was -transmitted to <i>Bajazet</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> while after there came a <i>Chiaux</i> to <i>Constantinople</i>, -who had been sent by <i>Solyman</i> to <i>Selimus</i>, but -had been intercepted by <i>Bajazet</i>; 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 <i>Asia</i>, -(as Report says you will) to assist <i>Selimus</i>, 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 <i>Asia</i>, I will destroy all by Fire and -Sword, and make it as desolate, as <i>Tamerlane</i>, or -any of our fiercest Enemies, ever did.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> this Message was delivered to <i>Solyman</i>, -it did much disturb him, especially when Word was -brought to him, that the Town of <i>Axuar</i>, which -<i>Selimus</i>, his Son, was <i>Sanziach</i> of, was taken by -<i>Bajazet</i>; who, after he had exacted a great Sum of -Money from the Inhabitants, plundered and sack’d -it shamefully.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> <i>Selimus</i>, when he heard that his Brother -march’d towards <i>Amasia</i>, and was already come as -far as <i>Ancyra</i>, being now freed from the Suspicion -of Treachery, which he fear’d in his March, hastened -towards <i>Iconium</i>, where a Garrison was kept for -his Arrival.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Twas</span> none of the least of <i>Solyman</i>’s Cares, -which distracted his Mind, lest <i>Bajazet</i> should seize -on <i>Iconium</i>, and so march into <i>Syria</i>, from whence -there is a large Passage into <i>Egypt</i>, a Province not -fully settled in Subjection to the <i>Turks</i>, and somewhat -mindful of the ancient Governors of the <i>Circassians</i> -or <i>Mamalukes</i>, longed for a Change. And -if <i>Bajazet</i> once got thither, he foresaw it would -be a very hard Matter to beat him out, should the -neighbouring <i>Arabians</i> 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 <i>Egypt</i>, yet from thence he might easily be -wafted over into any of the <i>Christian</i> Countries; -whereupon <i>Solyman</i>, by all means, sought to stop -his March thither, because he thought it would be -<i>Bajazet</i>’s last Shift; and to that end he had written -to most of the Governors of lesser <i>Asia</i>, to be watchful, -ever and to assist <i>Selimus</i>, when he called for -their Aid. Accordingly <i>Selimus</i> formed a Camp -before the Walls of <i>Iconium</i>: 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the other side, <i>Bajazet</i>, knowing what a hazardous -Enterprize he had undertaken, was as vigorous -to support his Cause. He hired a great -body of Horse, called <i>Chiurts</i>, perhaps formerly -<i>Gordianes</i>, Men noted for Valour, in whom he -put Confidence.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">His</span> Camp was pitch’d in the plain and open -Fields of <i>Ancyra</i>, from which City he was supplied -with many Necessaries; and at the Castle thereof<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Besides</span> his own Family (consisting of very -many among the higher sort of <i>Turks</i>) and the -<i>Chiurts</i> before-mentioned, those that were of his -Mother’s, or his Sister’s, or of <i>Rustan</i>’s Faction, -came in to him; so did very many of <i>Mustapha</i>’s -and <i>Achmet</i>’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 <i>Bajazet</i>, as being necessitated -to fly to Arms, his last and only Refuge.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> great many favoured <i>Bajazet</i>, because he was -like his Father; whereas <i>Selimus</i> 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, <i>He was cramm’d with Barley-Pudding</i>. -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 <i>Bajazet</i>, <i>Softi</i> (a sedentary -Man, and given up to his Studies) when<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span> -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 <i>Bajazet</i>’s taking -Arms, Necessity forces him to it, and therefore, -he is not to be blamed; for did not <i>Selimus</i>, -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 <i>Solyman</i> 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 -<i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>, 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 <i>Syria</i>, and, if I succeed therein, my -Business is done.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Selimus</i></span> waited for him under the Walls of <i>Iconium</i>, -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. -<i>Bajazet</i> 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.</p> - -<p><i>Now, <span class="antiqua">says he</span>, 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 <span class="antiqua">Buffoons</span> 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 <span class="antiqua">Selimus</span> 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 <span class="antiqua">Best</span>, not the -<span class="antiqua">Most</span>. Certainly, if you consider how the savage -Enemy thirsts after your Blood, you will preserve -yours, by shedding theirs. In fine, <span class="antiqua">said he</span>, I will -not only speak, but do. Let me be your Pattern.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span> -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.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’s Army, so that they fought -blindfold, as it were; whereupon <i>Bajazet</i>, 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 <i>Selimus</i> -move out of his Camp to pursue him, being well -contented to see his Enemies turn their Backs.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> this, <i>Bajazet</i>, considering he had disobeyed -his Father’s Commands, by indulging his -own Humour, and being cut off from his March -into <i>Syria</i>, which he had design’d, resolved to move -in good earnest towards <i>Amasia</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Solyman</i></span> had presently a Messenger sent him of -this Victory, and immediately he posted over into -<i>Asia</i>. His <i>Bashaws</i> would not let him go before; -<i>But now</i> (said they) <i>you must make haste to press -upon <span class="antiqua">Bajazet</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span> -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.</i> -Neither did they thus speak without Cause; for -’tis incredible how much that Fight, though unfortunate, -had added to <i>Bajazet</i>’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 <i>Selimus</i> boast never so -much of his Victory to his Father, this we are sure -of, that, of the two, <i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>, -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 <i>Selimus</i> -should succeed him in the Empire: For, besides -that he was his eldest Son, he had been always -faithful and obedient to him; but <i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Selimus</i> against him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> these Reasons he pass’d the Sea into <i>Asia</i>, -but with a Resolution not to stir from the Shore, -but to assist his Son <i>Selimus</i>’s Affairs, only at a -distance. For why, thought he, should I run -any Hazard to bring my own Forces nearer, lest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span> -my Army, not fully settled in their Obedience, -should be tempted to a Revolt.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> my self saw <i>Solyman</i> march out of <i>Constantinople</i> -in the Year 1559, <i>June 5th</i>, tho’ against the -Will of my <i>Chiaux</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I was certainly inform’d that the <i>Sultan</i> -was ready to pass over into <i>Asia</i>, and that the Day -was fix’d for his Departure, I told my <i>Chiaux</i> -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 <i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i> -had opened my Doors; but finding them shut, -I sent several Messengers to him, to come and let -me out, both my <i>Janizaries</i> that waited within -Doors, and <i>Druggermen</i> that waited to come in: -This I did, through the Chinks of the Gate, which -was very old; but the <i>Chiaux</i> still spun Delays, -pretending he would come presently. Thus I spent -some time, till I heard the noise of the Guns, -which the <i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Janizaries</i> themselves: -they told me, that if my People would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">My</span> <i>Chiaux</i> had a mind to frustrate my Desire, -and yet he was no bad Man neither; for having communicated -my Request to the <i>Bashaws</i>, 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 <i>Sultan</i> -is a Shipboard; then you may think of some -Excuse or other to bring you off.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> 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 <i>Janizaries</i> 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 -<i>Jews</i>, a whole <i>Synagogue</i> 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 <i>Spanish</i>, -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span> -into the Street, and from thence, with a great deal -of Pleasure, I saw all the grand Procession.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Gulupagi</i> and <i>Ulufagi</i> marched two by two; -the <i>Selchers</i> one by one, and <i>Spahi’s</i> (which are the -Names of the <i>Grand Seignior</i>’s Horse-Guards) distinguished -by their Ranks and Troops; they were -about 6000, besides a vast number of the Domesticks -of the Prime <i>Vizier</i>, and of other <i>Bashaws</i>. The -<i>Turkish</i> Horsemen make a gallant Show; the best -Breed of Horses is from <i>Cappadocia</i> and <i>Syria</i>, 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 <i>Babylonian</i> -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span> -his Shield. It is not however my present Design -to acquaint you with the <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> the Horse, a large Body of <i>Janizaries</i> -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 <i>Veterans</i> 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 <i>Aga</i>, or General. Then -succeed the chief Courtiers, amongst whom are the -<i>Bashaws</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> 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 <i>Spanish</i>, for I -heard she was very familiar with <i>Rustan</i>’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 <i>Rustan</i>’s Wife, made one in the Consort, for -she always, in my Landlady’s name, gave me great -Thanks. They offered me <i>Grecian</i> Wine and a -Banquet, which I refused, but with great Acclamations -of all the <i>Jews</i>, made haste to be gone, -that I might manage a new Dispute with my <i>Chiaux</i>, -for keeping my Doors fasten’d, when I should -have come forth.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hereupon</span> he turns to the <i>Janizaries</i>, 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 <i>Chiaux</i> was forced to hold his -Peace, and I never heard any more of the matter.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> while after, I had also leave to pass over the Sea, -for the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, 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 -<i>Christians</i> do in that Country, and with one or two -Attendants walked up and down their Camp <i>incognito</i>. -The first thing I saw, was, the Soldiers of -each Body quartered with great Order in their several<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span> -Ranks, and that with a great deal of Silence, (’tis -far otherwise in <i>Christian</i> 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 <i>Christian</i> Army!) -I only heard one <i>Hungarian</i> 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 -<i>Danow</i>; 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, <i>Thrice happy he! O that our Case -were like his!</i> For you must know, the <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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 <i>Janizaries</i>, 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 <i>Constantinople</i>. -When I demanded, <i>What that was</i>, -they shewed me a <i>Janizary</i> near at hand, who was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Their</span> Drink was that which is common to all -Animals, <i>viz.</i> <i>Water</i>; 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, <i>Lent</i>) at which time among -<i>Christians</i>, 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 <i>Turkish</i> Envoy coming -once, at that time of the Year, reported at his return, -That the <i>Christians</i> 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 <i>Ash-Wednesday</i>, and its Eve. The -<i>Turks</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span> -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 -<i>Mosque</i>, (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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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 <i>Olympus</i> in -<i>Asia</i> was always to be sold) and there they ask’d -for Icy water, which they drank jetting strangely -backwards; for the <i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> often ask’d, why <i>Mahomet</i> was so strict, as to -forbid his Followers the use of Wine? In answer -to my demand, they told me this Story, that <i>Mahomet</i> -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span> -his Mind, turning his former <i>Blessing</i> into a <i>Curse</i>, -and forbidding it, as an Abomination, to all his -Disciples for ever.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> 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!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Janizaries</i>, 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 -<i>Janizaries</i>, but as common Soldiers only.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> here let me acquaint you with the Patience -of the <i>Turks</i> 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, <i>Give me another!</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> -with, they count <i>sacred</i>, and that it fell down -from Heaven, as the <i>Romans</i> counted their <i>Shield</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I told you, that the <i>Turk</i>’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 <i>Janizaries</i> -to attend them; only taking some <i>Italian</i> Renegadoes -that professed the <i>Turk’s Religion</i>. Let me -tell you, by the way, that these <i>Italians</i> 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 <i>Christian</i> should make the same proffer to them, -they would either refuse, or hold him to a far higher -Rate.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return: Some of my People, as I told you, -gadding abroad, they happened to meet some <i>Janizaries</i>, -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 <i>Janizaries</i> -revil’d my People, knowing them to be -<i>Christians</i>; for that’s the way of the <i>Turks</i>, to -reproach <i>Christians</i>; ’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span> -Blows, the <i>Italians</i> assisting my Men. The -cause of the Scuffle was, that one of the <i>Janizaries</i> -lost the Linnen Covering off his Head, which -was thrown I know not whither: Hereupon the -<i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Bastinado</i>, (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 <i>Turk</i>’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 <i>Italians</i>, -who of <i>Christians</i> are said to have become -<i>Turks</i>; 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 <i>Italians</i>; but they, foreseeing -what would come to pass, had sailed back -to <i>Constantinople</i>. Much Clamour there was on -both sides; at last my <i>Chiaux</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> have been the more punctual in relating this -Story, because, on this occasion, I understood -from <i>Rustan</i>’s own Mouth, what Opinion the -<i>Sultan</i> had of the <i>Janizaries</i>: For he, hearing -of this Scuffle, sent a Messenger to me, to desire -me to cut off all occasion of Dispute with the <i>Janizaries</i> -as the worst of Men. You know, said -he, ’tis a time of War, whereby <i>they</i> may be said -to reign, rather than the <i>Sultan</i>, who himself -stands in fear of them. This he spake, as being -well acquainted with the Sentiments of <i>Solyman</i>, -who always suspected some Men of their own -to lie in wait against their <i>Militia</i>, who would -break out when he had no Opportunity to prevent -them.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> the Truth is, though there may be some -use of a standing Guard and <i>Militia</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">While</span> I was in their Camp, there came <i>Albertus -de Ubiis</i>, a worthy and learned Person, born -I think at <i>Amsterdam</i>, as an Envoy from my -Master <i>Cæsar</i>. He brought with him some Presents -for their <i>Sultan</i>, 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 <i>Bashaws</i>. -<i>Solyman</i> 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 <i>Christian</i> -Arms.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return to <i>Bajazet</i>, after the Fight at -<i>Iconium</i>, who retired to his Government of <i>Amasia</i>, -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 -<i>Solyman</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i> did by the Advice of his <i>Bashaws</i>; -for the cunning old Man would not declare himself, -till he had brought <i>Bajazet</i> into the Noose of his -own Power. He was terribly afraid, lest out of -Desperation he should march furiously into <i>Persia</i> -(his only place of Refuge,) with such furious Expedition, -that all his <i>Sanziacks</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>, and not to suffer -him to escape, if he should attempt it.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the mean time, he put all those of <i>Bajazet</i>’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 <i>Bajazet</i> -had sent to clear him to his Father.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Kingdom of <i>Persia</i> at that time contained -all the Countries between the <i>Caspian</i> Sea, and -the Seas of <i>Persia</i>, with some part of <i>Armenia</i> the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span> -Greater, (though <i>Solyman</i>, by taking <i>Babylon</i>, -<i>Mesopotamia</i>, and part of <i>Media</i>, had abridged their -Empire very much) and other distant Countries -even to the Empire of the <i>Homamia Patisach</i>, as -the <i>Turks</i> call him, and over that last part of Land -<i>Sagthamas</i> was King: The Father had been formerly -over-thrown by <i>Selimus</i> in a great Fight in -the field of <i>Chalderon</i>; and from that time the -<i>Persian</i> Affairs began to decline, for <i>Solyman</i> a -fierce Engineer press’d upon the very Face of them; -and <i>Thamas</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Persians</i>, 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 -<i>Ismael</i>, like his Grandfather both in Name and -Nature; a beautiful Prince, and a capital Enemy -to the Race of the <i>Ottomans</i>. ’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 -<i>Turks</i>. But when his Father made Peace with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span> -<i>Solyman</i>, ’twas agreed betwixt them, that <i>Ismael</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> <i>Solyman</i> fearing that <i>Sagthamas</i>, (or, as -we call him, the <i>Sophi</i>) 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, <i>Helcas</i>, <i>Thamas</i>’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 <i>Thamas</i> would -pay him in his own Coin, and perhaps recover -by the Sword all the Countries he had taken from -him. The Design of <i>Solyman</i> was kept very secret, -yet <i>Bajazet</i>’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 <i>Bajazet</i> was persuaded -so to do upon a small occasion, as little Matters -often give Weight to greater. There was a Soldier -of <i>Bajazet</i>’s taken in <i>Solyman</i>’s Camp, and -hang’d up as a Spy, because <i>Bajazet</i> had listed him, -after his Father had given him strict Charge to -list no more Soldiers. This was warning enough -to <i>Bajazet</i> to pack up and be gone. Now <i>Solyman</i> -thought himself sure of <i>Bajazet</i>; and, to deceive -him the more, he caused his Army to begin -their March to <i>Constantinople</i> the Day after -<i>Easter</i>. But <i>Bajazet</i>, immediately after Prayers -upon <i>Easter-Day</i>, gave Orders for marching with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span> -Bag and Baggage, and began his unfortunate -Voyage to <i>Persia</i>. He knew well enough that -he went to the old Enemy of the <i>Ottoman</i> 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, <i>Solyman</i>, -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 <i>Prusia</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> would have return’d to <i>Constantinople</i>, the Day -before <i>Easter</i>, but had a great mind to see, how -the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Turkish</i> Soldier, that stood on a rising -Ground, and look’d down on <i>Solyman</i>’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span> -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 <i>Mahomet</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> the Truth is, the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Bashaw</i>, -how much more becoming is that Observance towards -God, who is infinitely greater than the -greatest of Men?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> 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 <i>Janizaries</i> 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 <i>Constantinople</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> remainder of my Talk, is, to acquaint you -what become of <i>Bajazet</i>, 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 <i>Amasia</i> with such Speed, that his -coming prevented the Report thereof; and those -<i>Bashaws</i>, who designed to observe his Motion, he -came upon unawares. He put a notable Cheat -upon the <i>Bashaw</i> of <i>Suvas</i>; for whereas, there<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span> -were two ways in his Province by which he might -march, and the <i>Bashaw</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> a free Passage.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">He</span> put the like Trick upon the <i>Bashaw</i> of <i>Erzerumen</i>; -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Bashaw</i> 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, -<i>Bajazet</i> march’d continually on, allowing -his Men no rest by day, and very little at Night. -The <i>Bashaw</i> of <i>Erzerumen</i> seeing himself deceived, -made haste to join himself with the other -<i>Bashaws</i> in his Flight.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span>, you must know, as soon as <i>Solyman</i> heard -his Son was gone from <i>Amasia</i>, he commanded -a great many <i>Sanziacks</i> and <i>Bashaw</i> to follow, -and upon pain of Death, to bring him either alive -or dead: But all in vain, for <i>Bajazet</i> fled faster -than they could pursue. The <i>Bashaws</i> aforementioned, -paid dear enough for letting him escape; -for <i>Solyman</i> put him out of his Place, but <i>Selimus</i> -put him to Death, together with his two Boys, -though not before they had been most detestably used.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span> -<i>Selimus</i> and <i>Mehemet Bassa</i>, and the <i>Beglerbeg</i> of -<i>Greece</i>, pursued <i>Bajazet</i> at a greater distance. -<i>Solyman</i> was much troubled when he heard of his -Escape, as being well assured, he would make -towards <i>Persia</i>; and thereupon he was about to -gather all his Forces, both Horse and Foot, together, -and so march away to declare War against -<i>Persia</i>: But his wiser Counsellors stopped his -March, alledging the hazard he would run amongst -an ungrateful Soldiery: And besides, say they, -what if <i>Bajazet</i> out of his Temerity and Rashness -should send a Company about <i>Pontus</i> and the <i>Palus -Mæotis</i>, and so march back to <i>Constantinople</i>, -in the Emperor’s Absence, where he might, by -promising Liberty to Captives, and to the <i>Agiamoglans</i>, -get upon the Throne, now vacant? -These Advices restrained <i>Solyman</i> from his Intention.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Bajazet</i></span>, 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 <i>Solyman</i>’s Soldiers suspected -by their Officers, and the rather, because -the common Soldiers talked very freely in favour -of <i>Bajazet</i>. After much ado, <i>Bajazet</i> escaped to -the River <i>Araxes</i>, which is the Bounds betwixt -the two Empires of <i>Turkey</i> and <i>Persia</i>; 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 <i>Sanziacks</i> -might not pass over: They, however, being but -few, were easily discomfited before the <i>Turkish</i> Commanders -pass’d farther into <i>Persia</i>; till at last they -met with a great Body of <i>Persian</i> Horse, whose -Commanders demanded of them, why they invaded -another Prince’s Territories? Their Answer was, -they were to fetch the fugitive Son of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span> -their own Prince. The <i>Persians</i> told ’em, ’twas -contrary to the League to come armed into their -Dominions; there was Peace betwixt <i>Sagthamas</i> -and <i>Solyman</i>, which they ought not to violate: -As for <i>Bajazet</i>, 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 <i>Persia</i> to -<i>Bajazet</i>, to bid him return, and to know the cause -of his coming, and also to spy out what Forces -he had brought with him. <i>Bajazet</i> answers, that -his Brother’s Insolency, and his Father’s Displeasure, -had driven him out of his own Country, and he -was come to <i>Persia</i>, 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 <i>Persian</i> 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 <i>Persia</i> 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 -<i>Orchanes</i>, <i>Bajazet</i>’s Son, and one of the -<i>Sophi</i>’s Daughters; and they gave him Hopes, -that the <i>Sophi</i> would never be at quiet, till <i>Solyman</i> -had bestowed upon him the Government of <i>Mesopotamia</i>, -or <i>Babylon</i>, or <i>Arzerum</i>; for there, say -they, you may live commodiously without Fear, -as being at a great distance, both from your Brother<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span> -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 <i>Bajazet</i>’s thoughts -from the apprehension of present Danger. The -<i>Sophi</i> sent many Ambassadors to <i>Solyman</i> on this -Errand; but whether he dealt sincerely with <i>Bajazet</i> -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 <i>Sagthamas</i> -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 <i>Bajazet</i> to attempt the destroying of <i>Sagthamas</i>; -for one of <i>Bajazet</i>’s Commanders was -heard to say, <i>Why do we not kill this Heretick, and -possess his Kingdoms? For, without doubt, he will -one day be the Ruin of us all.</i> These wild Discourses -coming to <i>Sagthamas</i>’s Ears, put him upon a -Project more necessary than plausible; for <i>Bajazet</i> -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 <i>Bajazet</i>. 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span> -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 <i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Persians</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> have I satisfied your Desire, in acquainting -you with what has been hitherto done with -<i>Bajazet</i>: ’Tis time now to consider what will -become of him for the future: Some think he -will retreat to <i>Babylon</i>, or such-like Province, on -the Borders of each Empire, to be <i>Sanziack</i> thereof. -Others think it a desperate Case, and that -there is no hope of his Life, either from <i>Solyman</i> -or <i>Sagthamas</i>; but that he will either be sent back -hither to be put to Death, or strangled in Prison -there.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> the <i>Persian</i> weighed every thing in his -Thoughts, when he put <i>Bajazet</i> in Prison; he -knew him to be of an aspiring and courageous Spirit, -far superior to his Brother; and that, if he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span> -should succeed his Father in the Empire, it might -do <i>Persia</i> much more Mischief than ever <i>Selimus</i> -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 <i>Bajazet</i> is in Troubles, -and the Issue undetermin’d, they will not easily -make War on <i>Christendom</i> 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 <i>Cæsar</i>, 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’s -Affairs do not answer their Expectation; since it -is yet very difficult, though not impossible, for -the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Bashaws</i> thinks is fitter for rest and quiet, -than for the Fatigues of an unnecessary War. ’Tis<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span> -true, my Pains will be prolonged hereby, but I shall -think them best bestowed, if they succeed at last.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span>, 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 <i>Greece</i>, or barbarous <i>Turkey</i>? If you -have any Value for my Letters, you shall have -more of them after my Return to <i>Vienna</i>, if ever -God permit me to return: If not, excuse the last -Trouble I shall give you. Farewell.</p> - -<p class="right"><i>Constantinople</i>, June 1st.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/header2.jpg" width="500" height="125" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span></p> - -<p class="nobreak"><i>SIR</i>,</p> - -</div> - -<div> -<img class="dropcap" src="images/dropcap-i.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="dropcap"><span class="smcap">I</span> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’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 <i>Turkish</i> -Fleet, which sailed toward the Isle of <i>Meninge</i>, -(now called <i>Gerse</i>,) upon News that the <i>Spaniards</i> -had prevailed there. For <i>Solyman</i> (being assured -that Island was taken by the <i>Christians</i>, 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 <i>Mahometans</i> like himself; -and made <i>Pihal Bassa</i> Commander of his Fleet. He<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i>, for a long time, -have had a great Opinion of the Valour of the -<i>Spaniards</i>, as knowing that they have waged great -Wars, and came off with good Success. They -had heard of the Emperor <i>Charles</i>, and of his Son -<i>Philip</i>, the Heir of his Valour, as well as of his -Kingdoms. The Report of his Power made the -<i>Turks</i> very solicitous; so that those that went the -Voyage, made their last Wills, as if they were -never to return to <i>Constantinople</i> 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 <i>Christians</i> 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 <i>Medina</i> the General, and <i>John Andrea -Doria</i> the Admiral, fled to the Castle, from whence -they escap’d in a dark Night, undiscovered, through -the Enemy’s Fleet to <i>Sicily</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Pihal</i></span> 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 <i>Christians</i> was presently noised abroad, and -the <i>Turks</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span> -<i>Spanish</i> Fleet? If you had, said they, you may -shortly have the opportunity of seeing their Faces -here.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Besides</span>, they highly extoll’d their own Valour, -and blam’d the Cowardise of the <i>Christians</i>. -Who, say they, shall now be able to stand before -us, seeing we have conquered the <i>Spaniards</i>? -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 <i>Turks</i> 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 -<i>Don Alvarez de Sande</i>, 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 -<i>Sicily</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i>, hoping to find them -the more merciful, because of their easy Admittance. -<i>Don John</i> of <i>Castile</i>, 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 <i>Spaniards</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span> -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, <i>Water! Water!</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the Month of <i>September</i>, the victorious Navy -of the <i>Turks</i> returned to <i>Constantinople</i>, bringing -the <i>Christians</i> Captives, with their Gallies along -with them. A joyful Spectacle to the <i>Turks</i>; -but a sad one to the <i>Christians</i> that lived amongst -them! That Night it lay at Anchor near the -Rocks over against <i>Byzantium</i>, that so they might -enter the Port the next Day in greater Pomp and -Splendor. <i>Solyman</i> came down into an Apartment -in his Gardens near the Sea-side, that from thence -he might see the Prisoners entring in. <i>Don Alvarez -de Sande</i> was in the stern of his Admiral Galley, -and with him, <i>Don Sancho de Leyva</i>, and <i>Don -Bellinger de Requesne</i>, one Commander of the -<i>Sicilian</i> Galleys, the other of the <i>Neapolitan</i>. The -Galleys of the <i>Christians</i> were despoiled of their -Ornaments, as Streamers, <i>&c.</i> and hall’d in -Barques, that they might appear little and contemptible -in the sight of the <i>Turks</i>. They who -observ’d <i>Solyman</i>’s Countenance at that time say,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Prisoners were afterwards brought into -the <i>Seraglio</i>, 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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Spaniards</i>? There was a -Commander in the <i>Turkish</i> Fleet, with whom I -had some Acquaintance, who had taken the great -Banner of the <i>Neapolitans</i> Galleys, being Imperial -Eagles embracing one another; being inform’d -that he was about to present it to <i>Solyman</i>, I thought -good to prevent him; and sending him two silken -Garments, I obtained the Banner, that so the -Ensign of <i>Charles</i> the Fifth might not remain in -the Hands of Infidels, to the eternal Infamy of the -Christian Name.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> were amongst the Prisoners, besides -those above-mentioned, these two eminent Persons, -<i>Don John</i> of <i>Cordona</i>, the Son in Law of <i>Don -Bellinger</i>, and <i>Don Gasto</i>, the Son of the Duke of -<i>Medina</i>, who, though but a Youth, had an honourable -Post in his Father’s Army, <i>Don John</i> promised -to give a great Sum of Money to be left -Prisoner at <i>Chios</i>, (which was inhabited by the -old <i>Genoese</i>) which was accordingly done. As<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span> -for <i>Don Gasto</i>, he was concealed by <i>Pihal</i>, in -hopes to have a large Price for his Redemption; -which Project of his had like to have proved his -Ruin: For <i>Solyman</i>, by some means or other, -smelt out the Cheat, and was grievously vex’d -that <i>Pihal</i> should serve him such a Trick. He -resolv’d, at the Instigation also of <i>Rustan</i>, that -<i>Gasto</i> should be brought to Light, that so <i>Pihal</i> -might be punish’d; but <i>Gasto</i> died in the Search; -some say, of the Plague, others by the procurement -of <i>Pihal</i> himself, that he might tell no -Tales. This is certain, that, upon the most diligent -Search, he could not be found. However, -<i>Pihal</i> was afraid to come to <i>Constantinople</i> to appear -before his angry Master, lest he might be imprisoned -there; but he hovered with a few Galleys about -several Islands of the <i>Ægæan</i> Sea, pretending divers -Excuses for so doing. But at last <i>Solyman</i>, -by the persuasion of the chief Eunuch of his Son -<i>Selimus</i> gave him his Pardon in these Words: <i>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!</i> -So strongly are the <i>Turks</i> persuaded, that no evil -Fact should pass unpunished!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Don John</i></span> of <i>Cordona</i> fared better; for, by the -care of <i>Adam a Ditrichstein</i>, Baron of <i>Austria</i>, -who married his Sister, and by my engaging for -him, he returned safe into <i>Spain</i>. As for <i>de -Sande</i>, he was brought into the <i>Divan</i>, and there -<i>Rustan</i> demanded of him, what his Master meant -by invading other Men’s Rights, when he could -not maintain his own? <i>De Sande</i> 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 <i>Bashaws</i><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span> -upon his Knees, that, in regard he had a Wife -and Children at Home, they would speak a good -Word for him to <i>Solyman</i>. <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Caradenis</i>, -that is, <i>of the Black Sea</i>: 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 <i>Sancho -de Leyva</i> with his two natural Sons, and <i>Don -Bellinger</i> himself, were sent into the Castle of -<i>Pera</i>, or <i>Galata</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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 <i>Turks</i> -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span> -of <i>Pera</i>, a Town over against <i>Byzantium</i>, whom -the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Pera</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span> -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?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> 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 -<i>Asia</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span> -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 <i>Spaniards</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> live many Merchants in <i>Pera</i>, <i>Italians</i> -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 -<i>Italian Greek</i>, 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 <i>Italian</i> Style, -the <i>Greek</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span> -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 <i>Bajazet</i>, struck a great Terror into me, -that the <i>Turks</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span>, before I speak of that, there was another -Case surprised me, arising on this account.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Solyman</i></span> 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 -<i>Constantinople</i>, either for <i>Christians</i> or <i>Jews</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> Edict did much concern me and mine, -who had never used to drink Water; and what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span> -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 <i>Divan</i>, that I might retain my ancient -Right. The <i>Bashaws</i> 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 <i>Christians</i> may drink -Wine, and themselves be strictly forbid the use of it? -If <i>Christians</i> in the midst of <i>Constantinople</i>, might -guzzle what Wine they please, the stink of it will -spread far and near, and profane all; yea, the <i>Mussulmen</i> -themselves, when they came to us, would -return belching out the smell of Wine.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hereupon</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Some</span> of the <i>Grecians</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span> -were cutting down their Vines to make Fuel for -the Fire. For shame, says <i>Solyman</i>, 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 <i>Greeks</i> were fool’d in -their Project.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> to return to the Story of the Pestilence -which was within the Walls of my House. I went -to <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Solyman</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> <i>Rustan</i> died of a Dropsy soon after, and -<i>Haly</i>, then Second Vizier succeeded him. He was -a prudent and courteous Person as any was among -the <i>Turks</i>. 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span> -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 <i>Haly</i> which I had done to <i>Rustan</i> -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 <i>Principo</i>, for my Dwelling, -about four Hours Sail from <i>Constantinople</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Physician, I lately told you died at my -House of the Plague, was my old Friend Dr. <i>Williams</i>, -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thus</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[231]</span> -return, I knew none fitter to leave in my place at -<i>Constantinople</i> than himself, had he out-lived me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> lived there very pleasantly for three Months. -It was a private Place, without any Crowd or Noise. -There were only a few <i>Greeks</i>, with whom I diverted -myself; but never a <i>Turk</i> to interrupt my Mirth. -As for the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>French</i> 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 <i>Grecian</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[232]</span> -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 <i>Synodontes</i>, 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 <i>Hali Bassa</i>, and his Chief -Steward, with Part of what I had taken, who -thought it a very acceptable Present.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sometimes</span> 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 <i>Cicero</i>, <i>Pliny</i>, -and <i>Athenæus</i> 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 <i>Pinncphylax</i> bite it, and by this warning -she closes her Shell, and divides the Prey with the -<i>Pinncphylax</i>. The Figure of these <i>Pinnæ</i> you have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[233]</span> -in <i>Bellonious</i>. 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 <i>Pinnophylax</i> -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 <i>Pinnæ</i>; they are -but coarse Fare, like Muscles, of which you would -be soon weary; but the Fishermen advised me to -keep the <i>Pinnophylaxes</i> apart, for they are a grateful -and nourishing Food.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Amongst</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> 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 <i>Franciscan</i> 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 <i>Pera</i>, 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?<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[234]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Now</span> and then, some Friends visited from -<i>Constantinople</i>, and from <i>Pera</i>; yea, and some -<i>Germans</i> also of <i>Holy</i>’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 <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Metrophanes</i>, a <i>Metropolitan</i> -who presided over a Monastry in <i>Chalcis</i>, one of -those Islands. He was a Learned and a Vertuous -Man, very desirous of an Agreement between the -<i>Latin</i> and the <i>Greek</i> Churches; so that he differed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[235]</span> -from the Humour of the rest of the <i>Grecians</i>, who -esteem the <i>Latins</i> as Men of an impure and profane -Sect. So much doth every Man abound in his -own Sense!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I had lived about two Months in those -Islands, some of the <i>Bashaws</i> began to suspect my -long Absence, and told <i>Haly</i>, 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 <i>Chiaux</i> -to advertise me thereof. The <i>Chiaux</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> that time forward l had a Familiarity with -<i>Haly</i>, and our Discourse was still of Peace. He is -a <i>Dalmatian</i> 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 <i>Rustan</i> thought to do by Austerity,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[236]</span> -Severeness and menacing Expressions, <i>Haly</i> endeavours -to compass by Mildness, Moderation -and Friendship. <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>be gone</i>: I presently -rose up and went my way, only telling him, -<i>That I could propose no other Conditions than what my -Master commanded me to do</i>. 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, -<i>No: What</i>, said he, <i>if I should obtain -what he desires of the <span class="antiqua">Sultan</span>, dost thou think he -will perform his Word to me, in presenting me -with the Sum he promised me?</i> <i>No question</i>, said -the <i>Drugger-man</i>, <i>but he will be as good as his -Word to a Tittle.</i> <i>Then</i>, says <i>Rustan</i>, <i>go home -and ask him.</i> 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 <i>Rustan</i> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[237]</span> -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 <i>Drugger-man</i> 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. -<i>But let the Ambassador</i>, said he, <i>keep it for me, -as my Treasurer, till he sees the Event.</i> Thus -was the Money brought me back again, and -<i>Rustan</i> died soon after.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Here</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[238]</span> -Day longer: But to return from whence I digressed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Haly</i></span> and <i>Rustan</i> were of quite different Humours -and Dispositions: <i>Haly</i> lived a blameless Life, -free from Sordidness, and never feared that his -courteous Deportment would procure him the -<i>Sultan</i>’s Ill-will; but <i>Rustan</i>, on the contrary, -was a Money-monger, Avaritious, and his -Conscience hing’d at his Purse-strings. <i>Rustan</i>’s -Conferences with me were very short and concise; -but <i>Haly</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>, 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. <i>The -minds of Princes</i>, says he, <i>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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[239]</span> -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.</i> 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 -<i>Divan</i>, and came to a cross way where he was -wont to salute his Fellow <i>Bashaws</i> 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, <i>This -Christian Agent</i>, says he, <i>has, I thank him, a -mighty Love for me.</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> 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 <i>Greek Despote</i>, by the help of <i>Cæsar</i>’s -Soldiers which guarded the Frontiers of <i>Hungary</i>, -had broke into <i>Moldavia</i>, and driven out the <i>Vaivode</i> -thereof, possessing it for himself. This Business -gave a great Alarm to the <i>Turks</i>, as not knowing -but such Beginnings might end in greater Mischief; -and indeed the Danger was considerable, -though the <i>Turks</i> thought it Prudence to dissemble -their Forces. <i>Haly</i> intended to speak with me about -it, as I understood by one of his Domesticks;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[240]</span> -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: <i>Don’t -you hear</i>, said he, <i>that your <span class="antiqua">Germans</span> have made -an Inroad into <span class="antiqua">Moldavia</span>?</i> <i>No</i>, said I, <i>neither do -I believe it; for how should the <span class="antiqua">Germans</span> come to a -Place so very remote from them as <span class="antiqua">Moldavia</span>?</i> <i>’Tis -most certainly true</i>, said he; <i>I have it by several -Expresses, and I will send one of your own Countrymen -to convince you.</i> 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 <i>Cæsar</i>. <i>The <span class="antiqua">Germans</span></i>, said I, -<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 -<span class="antiqua">Hungarian</span> Nobles of that Neighbourhood, who -being provoked by the daily Injuries of the <span class="antiqua">Turks</span>, -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 <span class="antiqua">Hungary</span>? 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[241]</span> -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.</i> -<i>Let them retaliate</i>, said <i>Haly</i>, <i>provided it be within -<span class="antiqua">Hungary</span>, and the Borders of it; but ’tis intolerable -they should range as far as <span class="antiqua">Moldavia</span>, which -is but ten day’s Journey from <span class="antiqua">Adrianople</span>.</i> To -which I replied, <i>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.</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">During</span> these Transactions with the Vizier, -the <i>French</i> Ambassador did me a great Favour; -there were thirteen young Gentlemen (some -of whom were <i>Germans</i>, and some <i>Hollanders</i>) in -prison at Constantinople upon this remarkable occasion. -They took Ship at <i>Venice</i>, in a Vessel -every Year carried Pilgrims to <i>Jerusalem</i>, 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 <i>Syria</i>, the Knights of -<i>Malta</i> had landed some Soldiers, and plunder’d -the Sea-Coast of <i>Phœnicia</i>, carrying away some of -the Inhabitants Prisoners: Whereupon those <i>Syrians</i> -who had lost Parents, Children and Friends, -having no other visible way of Satisfaction, seiz’d -on these Gentlemen in the <i>Venetian</i> 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 <i>Venice</i>, and were put in mind of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[242]</span> -the Public Faith, and the League betwixt them, -yet all was one, away they must be sent Prisoners -to <i>Constantinople</i>: And their Youth was a great -Prejudice to them, for the <i>Bashaws</i> thought such -young Striplings would never undertake so long a -Voyage on the account of Religion, for the <i>Turks</i> -never begin their Pilgrimage till they are well in -Years.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> I heard of this Disaster, I did what I -could to release them, but all to no purpose. The -<i>Bailo</i> of <i>Venice</i> 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; <i>But what Justice</i>, -said he, <i>can we obtain among such an inhuman -and barbarous People?</i> 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 <i>French</i> Ambassador, -who had obtained their Liberty. I was -mighty glad of their Releasement, and sent great -Thanks to the Ambassador, whose Name was -<i>La Vigne</i>. 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. <i>Solyman</i> -granted his Request, and released them presently: -Whereupon I supplied them with Accommodations -for their Voyage, and sent them first to -<i>Vienna</i>, and then home into their own Country.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> <i>La Vigne</i> at first was very strict and -vexatious to me, and used all his Arts to bring me -into the <i>Bashaws</i> Dislike without any Fault of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[243]</span> -mine: He told them, I was a Subject to the King -of <i>Spain</i>, born in the <i>Low-Countries</i>, and that I -served the <i>Spaniard</i> more than the Emperor; that -I acquainted him with every thing that was done -at <i>Constantinople</i>, and had Emissaries in Pay, who -related to me the very Secrets of that Empire, -amongst whom was <i>Ebrahim</i> the chief <i>Druggerman</i> -of <i>Turkey</i>. This he did, before the Peace -was made between <i>Spain</i> and <i>France</i>; but, -when those two Princes were agreed, he took -the first opportunity to retract what he had -spoken.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>La Vigne</i></span> was a Man of a prodigious Liberty -of Speech; he would tell all he knew, let it be -taken how it would. This made <i>Rustan</i> himself -to avoid his Company; whilst at the same time -others were backward to converse with <i>Rustan</i>, -because of the sourness of his Humour. He sent -once to <i>Rustan</i> 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 -<i>La Vigne</i> would needs come himself, where he -spoke that which grated <i>Rustan</i>’s Ears. <i>What do -you think</i>, says he, <i>that you have got <span class="antiqua">Buda</span>, <span class="antiqua">Gran</span>, -<span class="antiqua">Alba Regalis</span>, and other <span class="antiqua">Hungarian</span>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 <span class="antiqua">France</span> and <span class="antiqua">Spain</span>, you would -have been so far from possessing those Towns, that -<span class="antiqua">Charles V.</span> would hardly have suffered you to live -quiet at <span class="antiqua">Constantinople</span> it self.</i> At which Speech -<i>Rustan</i> was so provoked, that he told him, <i>What -dost thou tell me of the Kings of <span class="antiqua">Spain</span> and <span class="antiqua">France</span>? -If all the Christian Princes join their Arms together<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[244]</span> -against my Master, he cares not a Rush; he -will easily conquer them all.</i> 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 -<i>Tauric Chersonese</i>, who are reported to have been -originally <i>Germans</i>, 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 <i>Flemming</i> or a <i>Batavian</i>: The -other was shorter, of a well-set Body, and -browner Colour, a <i>Greek</i> 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 <i>Tartary</i>, when he pleased, -used to draw forth 800 Musketeers, the chief -Prop of his Army. Their chief Cities were two, -one called <i>Mancup</i> the other <i>Scivarin</i>. 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[245]</span> -briefly, yet very much to the purpose. Insomuch, -that the <i>Turks</i> said frequently and justly of them, -that <i>other Nations had their Learning in their -Books, but the <span class="antiqua">Tartars</span> 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.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">They</span> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Their</span> 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 <i>German</i> 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 <i>Tho</i> or <i>The</i>. The Words which -were ours, or little different from them, were -these:</p> - -<ul> -<li>Broe, <i>Bread</i>.</li> -<li>Plut, <i>Blood</i>.</li> -<li>Stul, <i>a Stool or Seat</i>.</li> -<li>Hus, <i>a House</i>.</li> -<li>Wingart, <i>a Vine</i>.</li> -<li>Reghen, <i>Rain</i>.</li> -<li>Bruder, <i>Brother</i>.</li> -<li>Schwester, <i>Sister</i>.</li> -<li>Alt, <i>Old Man</i>.</li> -<li>Wintch, <i>Wind</i>.</li> -<li>Silvir, <i>Silver</i>.</li> -<li>Goltz, <i>Gold</i>.</li> -<li>Kor, <i>Wheat</i>.</li> -<li>Salt, <i>Salt</i>.</li> -<li>Fisct, <i>Fish</i>.</li> -<li>Hoef, <i>the Head</i>.</li> -<li>Thurn, <i>a Gate</i>.</li> -<li>Stern, <i>a Star</i>.</li> -<li>Sune, <i>the Sun</i>.</li> -<li>Mine, <i>the Moon</i>.</li> -<li>Tag, <i>a Day</i>.</li> -<li>Oeghene, <i>the Eyes</i>.</li> -<li>Bars, <i>a Beard</i>.</li> -<li>Handa, <i>the Hands</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[246]</span></li> -<li>Boga, <i>a Bow</i>.</li> -<li>Miera, <i>an Ant</i>.</li> -<li>Rinck, <i>or</i> Ringo, <i>a Ring</i>.</li> -<li>Brunna, <i>a Fountain</i>.</li> -<li>Waghen, <i>a Waggon or Coach</i>.</li> -<li>Apel, <i>an Apple</i>.</li> -<li>Schieten <i>to shoot an Arrow</i>.</li> -<li>Schlipen, <i>to Sleep</i>.</li> -<li>Kommen, <i>to come</i>.</li> -<li>Singhen, <i>to Sing</i>.</li> -<li>Lachen, <i>to Laugh</i>.</li> -<li>Criten, <i>to Weep</i>.</li> -<li>Geen, <i>to go</i>.</li> -<li>Breen, <i>to roast</i>.</li> -<li>Schwalch, <i>Death</i>.</li> -</ul> - -<p><i>Knauen Tag</i> was <i>Good-day</i> with him; <i>Knauen</i> -was <i>Good</i>; and several such Words he used, not -well agreeing with ours, as,</p> - -<ul> -<li>Jel, <i>Life, or Health</i>.</li> -<li>Jelisch, <i>alive, or well</i>.</li> -<li>Jeluburt, <i>let it be well</i>.</li> -<li>Marzus, <i>Marriage</i>.</li> -<li>Schuos, <i>a Spouse</i>.</li> -<li>Baar, <i>a Boy</i>.</li> -<li>Ael, <i>a Stone</i>.</li> -<li>Menus, <i>Flesh</i>.</li> -<li>Rintsch, <i>a Mountain</i>.</li> -<li>Fers, <i>a Man</i>.</li> -<li>Statz, <i>the Earth</i>.</li> -<li>Ada, <i>an Egg</i>.</li> -<li>Ano, <i>an Hen</i>.</li> -<li>Telich, <i>a Fool</i>.</li> -<li>Stap, <i>a Goat</i>.</li> -<li>Gadeltha, <i>Beautiful</i>.</li> -<li>Atochta, <i>Evil</i>.</li> -<li>Wichtgata, <i>White</i>.</li> -<li>Mycha, <i>a Sword</i>.</li> -<li>Lista, <i>a little</i>.</li> -<li>Schedit, <i>Light</i>.</li> -<li>Borrotsch, <i>the Will</i>.</li> -<li>Cadariou, <i>a Soldier</i>.</li> -<li>Kilemschkop, <i>drink up your Cup</i>.</li> -<li>Tzo Warthata, <i>as thou hast done</i>.</li> -<li>Jes Varthata, <i>he did it</i>.</li> -<li>Ich malthata, <i>I say</i>.</li> -</ul> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> he was desired to number, he said thus, -<i>Ita, tua, tria, fyder, fyuf, seis, sevene</i>, just as -we <i>Flemmings</i>; for you <i>Brabanters</i>, who speak -<i>German-like</i>, do highly value your selves, and -laugh at us, as if we pronounced <i>Seven</i> more -coarsely: He went on reckoning <i>Athe, nyne, -thiine, thiinita, thiinetua, thiinetria</i>, &c. <i>Twenty</i><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[247]</span> -he called <i>Stega</i>, Thirty <i>Treithyen</i>, Forty <i>Furdeithien</i>, -an Hundred <i>Sada</i>, a Thousand <i>Hazer</i>. -He also sung us a Song in that Language, which -began thus:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0"><i>Wara wara ingdolou:</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i>Scu te gira Galizu.</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"><i>Hæmisclep dorbiza ea.</i></div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whether</span> these People be <i>Goths</i> or <i>Saxons</i>, -I cannot tell; If <i>Saxons</i>, then, I suppose, they -were transplanted thither in the time of <i>Charles</i> -the Great, who dispersed that Nation into many -remote Countries, as appears by the Cities of -<i>Transilvania</i>, which to this day are inhabited by -<i>Saxons</i>; and possibly he might transplant the rest -of the Nation as far as <i>Tauric Chersonese</i>, where -they still retain the Christian Religion, though surrounded -by the Enemies of it: But if they are <i>Goths</i>, -then I judge they chose their Inhabitants there -next to the <i>Getes</i>, and perhaps most of that -Tract of Land between the <i>Gothick</i> Isle and -<i>Procopia</i>, (as now ’tis called) was heretofore inhabited -by <i>Goths</i>. Hence we read of the Names -of sundry <i>Goths</i>, as <i>West-Goths</i>, and <i>East</i> or -<i>Ostro-Goths</i>, 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 <i>Procopiensians</i> concerning the <i>Tauric Chersonese</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Let</span> me now tell you something of the City -and Country of <i>Cathay</i>, which I learned of a certain -<i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Portuguese</i>;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[248]</span> -but, having a desire to visit <i>Cathay</i> 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 <i>Persia</i> behind him, he -came to <i>Samarchand</i>, to <i>Borchar</i>, and to <i>Taschan</i>, -and other Towns inhabited by the Successors -of <i>Tamerlane</i>. 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 <i>Caravans</i>. After some -Month’s Travel they came to the <i>Streights</i>, entring -into <i>Cathay</i>, (for you must know, that a -great part of that Country is <i>Mediterranean</i>, 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 <i>Cathay</i>. 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 <i>all</i> be admitted -to enter, or only <i>some</i>, the rest being either excluded, -or made to stay longer. When they are -admitted, they are guarded all along to their several<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[249]</span> -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 <i>Carthayans</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> 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 <i>Christian</i>, <i>Jewish</i> or -<i>Mahometan</i>; but nearest to the <i>Jewish</i>, except -their Ceremonies.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Printing</span> hath been in use among them for -many Ages, as appears by their several printed -Books: For Paper, they use the Cases of <i>Silk-worms</i>; -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 <i>Cathay</i>; -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[250]</span> -and relieve him; and thereupon he gave me a -piece of it, telling me I must use it very sparingly: -I desired Dr. <i>Williams</i>, my Physician, then alive, -to taste of it, who, by its biting and inflaming -the Mouth, judged it to be a root of the <i>Wolfleaf-tree</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Let</span> me now tell you another wondrous Story -of another wandering <i>Turkish</i> Monk. He wore a -Cap and white Cloak down to his Heels, with long -Hair, such as Painters draw the <i>Apostles</i> with. -He had a promising Countenance, but was a -meer Impostor; and, yet the <i>Turks</i> 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; <i>Oh</i>, says he, <i>he is a meer Cheat</i>; -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[251]</span> -the Iron were hot enough yet, and whether -he would touch it again or not?</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> same <i>Turk</i>, 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">And</span> 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 <i>Venice</i>, I saw a -Juggler take melted Lead, and wash his Hands -with it, as if it had been common Water: But -enough of this.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> told you before, that I had a little more Freedom -some time before <i>Rustan</i>’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 <i>Janizaries</i>, -and so they met with many Affronts,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[252]</span> -which cost me some trouble: I’ll tell you of one, by -which you may judge of the rest.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Two</span> of my Servants passed over in a Boat to -<i>Pera</i>; they went alone, either because the <i>Janizaries</i> -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 <i>Constantinople</i>; they were scarce sat down in -the Boat, but there came a Youth from the <i>Caddy</i>, -or Judge of that Place, commanding them to come -forth, for the <i>Caddy</i> must be wafted over in that -Boat: My Servants told him, there were Boats -enough to carry over the <i>Caddy</i>, 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 <i>Caddy</i>, who was coming down to -the Boat, it made him run to help the Boy, (who -was thought to be his <i>Ganymede</i>) 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 -<i>Pera</i>, and the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Italian</i>, cried out in a Rage, <i>Beat, strike, -Dogs, strike! we are wronged, we are innocent! -we are Servants to <span class="antiqua">Cæsar</span>’s Ambassador, and doubtless -when your own Emperor shall know how we are abused, -he will make you smart for it</i>. One of the <i>Turks</i>, -hearing him cry out so boldly: <i>D’ye think</i>, said he,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253"></a>[253]</span> -that One-ey’d thing is a Man? No; for certain, he -<i>is an One-ey’d <span class="antiqua">Cacodæmon</span></i>, (for he had a Blemish -in one of his Eyes.) The <i>Waywode</i> 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 <i>Rustan</i>: Thither went the -whole Rout, with a pack of false Witnesses, ready -to give their Testimonies against the Innocent; -for the <i>Turks</i> count it meritorious to give in false -Evidence against a <i>Christian</i>; 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 <i>Grand Vizier</i>, 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 <i>Rustan</i> 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 <i>Caddy</i>’s Door. In -the mean time I sent my Interpreters to demand my -Servants; but <i>Rustan</i> thought fit to refer the Matter -to the <i>Divan</i>, lest, if the <i>Sultan</i> should hear of it, -he might suspect, that a Bribe had made him partial -and negligent in the <i>Caddy</i>’s Case. I had at this -time some intimate acquaintance with <i>Haly</i>, to -whom I sent my <i>Druggerman</i> with a grievous Complaint, -that I might not suffer Wrong to the end -of the Chapter; <i>Haly</i> undertook my Cause, and -bid me rest confident that the Business would soon -end to my Satisfaction. But <i>Rustan</i> came not off<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254"></a>[254]</span> -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 <i>Caddy</i>; 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: <i>For</i>, said I, <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.</i> Thus were my Servants, -by the Mediations of <i>Haly</i> sent home to me. -When the <i>Bailo</i> of <i>Venice</i> heard of their Release, -he sent for one of my Servants present, and desired -to know of him, what that Business had cost me? -<i>Not a Doit</i>, said he. Then said the <i>Bailo</i>, <i>It would -have cost me 200 Ducats before I could have come -off.</i> But the poor Judge suffered most of all; for -he was put out of his Office, the <i>Turks</i> accounting -it an absurd and hainous thing to be beaten by a -<i>Christian</i>, as he confessed he had been.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> for the Release of the <i>Spanish</i> Commanders, -it was obtained by my Mediation; they were these, -<i>De Sande</i> Commander of the Land Forces, and -<i>Leyva</i>, and <i>Requesne</i>, the one Admiral of the <i>Neapolitan</i>, -the other of the <i>Sicilian</i> Gallies. In short, -I’ll tell you how I compassed their Release: The -Peace made between the Kings of <i>Spain</i> and <i>France</i>, -did much trouble the <i>Turks</i>, 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255"></a>[255]</span> -but sought for an Opportunity to shew their -dislike of it. <i>Solyman</i> had writ to the King of <i>France</i>, -that he agreed to the Peace, yet would have him -remember, <i>That Old Friends are not easily made -Enemies, nor Old Enemies, Friends</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> Disgust of the <i>Turks</i> was of no small Advantage -to my Affairs: To which <i>Haly Bassa</i>’s Affection, -and <i>Ebrahim</i>’s great desire to shew his Gratitude -to me, did very much contribute.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">You</span> may remember, I told you before, that, -when <i>La Vigne</i> did accuse me to the <i>Bashaw</i>, at the -same time he forgot not <i>Ebrahim</i>, but told them, -that he discovered all the secret Counsels of the <i>Turks</i> -to me. This <i>Ebrahim</i> was the chief <i>Druggerman</i>, -(<i>i. e.</i> Interpreter of <i>Solyman</i>) a <i>Polander</i>, and therefore -more hated by <i>La Vigne</i>, because, in a deadly -Feud with <i>Codognatus</i>, a former Ambassador of the -same King, he seem’d to take <i>Codognatus</i> his part. -I shall not trouble you with the Contest betwixt -them, it being little to my purpose: This is certain, -that <i>La Vigne</i> was mindful of the Affront, and could -never endure <i>Ebrahim</i>; but when he had Access to -the <i>Bashaw</i>, every third Word was against him; -neither did he desist from complaining, till <i>Ebrahim</i> -was remov’d out of his Place. For my part, I was -not much concern’d at <i>Ebrahim</i>’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 <i>Bashaws</i> in my -Transactions about the Peace. And <i>Haly</i> admitted -him, out of Respect to me, and because he was degraded -without any just Cause. In short, I never<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256"></a>[256]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i> had taken at the <i>French</i>, for making -Peace with the <i>Spaniard</i>. On this Account, when -the Noble <i>Salviatus</i> was sent by the <i>Most Christian -King</i>, to procure <i>de Sande</i>’s Liberty, he was wholly -and absolutely refused. <i>De Sande</i> 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 <i>Grand Seignior</i>, and other great Men -upon his Release. All which signified nothing, for -<i>Salviatus</i> went away without doing any thing. -When he was gone, the Servants and Solicitors -of <i>de Sande</i> came to me in a great Fright; and -told me, they durst not acquaint their Master with -the unsuccessful News of <i>Salviatus</i>’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 <i>Common Places</i> enough to draw Comfort from, -for a Man in so deep Distress. For <i>de Sande</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whilst</span> Matters stood thus at a Hand, in comes -<i>Ebrahim</i>, my Interpreter, very opportunely; and -falling into Discourse about these <i>Spanish Prisoners</i>, -he told me plainly, that if I did but demand their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257"></a>[257]</span> -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 <i>Salviatus</i>’s Negotiation: But -he was gone, and <i>Ebrahim</i>, 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 <i>Salviatus</i> having attempted it in vain; -yet he advised me to proceed therein, and amused -me with the Assurance of good Success.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> this Encouragement, I wrote to <i>de Sande</i>, -how fruitless <i>Salviatus</i>’s Embassy had been, yet I -advised him not to despair; for, if any Credit were -at all to be given to a <i>Turk</i>, there was good hope of -his Affairs; and then I related what <i>Ebrahim</i> had -told me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> laid this Foundation, I advised with -some Friends who were well skill’d in <i>Turkish Affairs</i>. -They wish’d me all good Success, but were -very doubtful of it; especially since the King of -<i>France</i>’s Ambassador had been denied, and the Issue -of a Peace was yet undetermined; and moreover, -as the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Bashaws</i>, for their Favour in this -Case; the Day before St. <i>Laurence</i>’s Day, all the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258"></a>[258]</span> -Prisoners were released and sent to my Lodgings. -<i>De Sande</i> and <i>Leyva</i> were so odious to each other, -that they would not eat together, but I was forced -to spread their Tables a-part; <i>Requesne</i> eat with -<i>Leyva</i>, and <i>de Sande</i> with me. While we were at -Supper, the <i>French Ambassador</i>’s Steward came to -me, with a small Pacquet of Letters. <i>De Sande</i> -ask’d, if he knew him? Yes Sir, said he, I think -you are <i>Don Alvarez</i>. 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. <i>De Sande</i> did thus accost him, because his Master, -the <i>French Agent</i>, would never believe that <i>Solyman</i> -would release those great Men at the Emperor’s -Instance: And the Truth is, before they could obtain -their Liberty, their <i>Mufti</i>, who is an <i>Archbishop</i> amongst -the <i>Turks</i>, was consulted, Whether a great -many <i>Turks</i> might not be released for a few <i>Christians</i>; -for I had promised, that about forty <i>Turks</i>, -of an ordinary Rank, who were Prisoners with us, -should be released for them. The <i>Mufti</i> answered, -That there were two Opinions on the Case; one -<i>Pro</i>, the other <i>Con</i>; but he was for the Affirmative.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> now remains that I acquaint you with the last -End of <i>Bajazet</i>, who, I told you before, was put -in Prison by the <i>Persians</i>. Many Messages had passed -between those two Princes on that Occasion; and -an Ambassador came once from <i>Persia</i> with Presents, -a Tent curiously wrought, <i>Assyrian</i> and <i>Persian</i> -Tapestry, with the <i>Alcoran</i>, and some Beasts -of an unusual Sort; as, an <i>Indian Ant</i>, as big as -an ordinary Dog; a fierce and biting Present. The -Cause of the Embassy was pretended to be, the Reconciliation -of <i>Bajazet</i> with his Father; and they -were received very honourably, entertained with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259"></a>[259]</span> -rich Banquets, of which <i>Haly</i> sent me a part; -eight huge Dishes full of Sweetmeats, and plenty -of the richest Wines. ’Twas the Custom of the -<i>Romans</i> to send Dishes from their Feasts to their -Friends; the <i>Spaniards</i> do it to this Day; and the -<i>Turks</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Let</span> 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 <i>Cato’s</i>, but that sometimes we may season our -Care with moderate Laughter, which shews that -we are <i>Men</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Tis</span> the custom of the <i>Turkish Bashaws</i>, some -Days before their Fast, (which we call <i>Lent</i>) 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 <i>Bashaw</i> -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 <i>Bashaw</i> making such a Feast, invited a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260"></a>[260]</span> -<i>Sinziack</i> to sit next to him; an old Man of the -Sect which the <i>Turks</i> call <i>Hogies</i>, (<i>i. e.</i> Learned -Men) sat next to him. This <i>Hogi</i> 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 <i>Sinziack</i>’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 <i>Sinziack</i> -also rose from the Table, and having saluted -the <i>Bashaw</i> 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 <i>Bashaw</i> imagining how it -came to pass, desired him to sit down again, and -so he sent for the <i>Hogi</i>, and when he came, he accosted -him thus: <i>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.</i> <i>Truly, Sir</i>, said he, <i>’twas no -Fault of mine; but of my Evil <span class="antiqua">Genius</span>; for I -stuff’d my Sleeve with Viands, and yet, when I came -out, I found it empty.</i> Thus the <i>Sinziack</i> was -cleared, and the Disappointment of the <i>Hogi</i>, -together with the Novelty of the Case, occasioned<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261"></a>[261]</span> -no small Laughter throughout all the Company. -But to return to <i>Bajazet</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">His</span> Case was desperate, between an <i>angry Father</i> -that required to have him given up, and a -<i>false Friend</i>, who pretended to detain him. -Sometimes <i>Solyman</i> dealt mildly with the <i>Persian</i>, -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 <i>Bajazet</i> were not surrendered; and -thereupon he placed strong Garrisons on all the -Confines of <i>Persia</i>; he filled <i>Mesopotamia</i> and the -Banks of <i>Euphrates</i> with the Soldiers, especially -the Veteran ones, whom he had employed against -<i>Bajazet</i>, over whom <i>Mahomet</i> the third -of the <i>Vizier’s Bashaws</i>, and <i>Beglerbeg</i> of <i>Greece</i>, -was made General, for <i>Selimus</i> was returned -home: Moreover, he solicited the <i>Georgians</i> -dwelling between the <i>Hircan</i> Sea and <i>Pontus</i>, -bordering on <i>Persia</i> to aid him against them: -They answered courageously, That they were -not strong enough of themselves to cope with the -<i>Persian</i>; but if he himself came upon the Place -with an Army, they would then shew themselves -Men of Courage against the <i>Persian</i> as their common -Enemy. The <i>Hircanians</i> also and the Posterity -of <i>Tamerlane</i> were solicitous to join Arms. -<i>Solyman</i> himself gave out, that he would go to -<i>Aleppo</i>, (a City of <i>Syria</i>, seated on the Banks of -<i>Euphrates</i>) that from thence he might make War -on the <i>Persian</i>: Nor was the <i>Persian</i> himself without -Fear; for he had often experienced the Dint -of <i>Solyman</i>’s Sword. But the generality of the -<i>Turks</i> were averse to the War, and look’d on it -as a wicked and detestable one; and this cooled -the <i>Sultan</i>. A great many of the Soldiers, especially -the Horse, forsook their Colours, and return’d<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262"></a>[262]</span> -to <i>Constantinople</i> without leave of their Officers; -and being commanded immediately to -return, they did so; but so unwillingly, that -<i>Solyman</i> plainly saw their Aversion from the Service.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whereupon</span> <i>Solyman</i>, seeing he could not -get <i>Bajazet</i> alive out of the <i>Persian</i>’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 <i>Persian</i> 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, <i>Bajazet</i> had been a great Charge to him, -before he could be taken, and therefore ’twas fit -an Account should be had of those Expences. -<i>Solyman</i> thereby saw that Money was requir’d, -and therefore by the Advice of his <i>Bashaw</i>, he -resolved to take any other Course, rather than to -involve himself in an unnecessary War with the -<i>Persians</i>. Hereupon <i>Hassan Aga</i>, together with -an old <i>Bashaw</i>, one of the Bed-Chamber, was -sent by <i>Solyman</i> into <i>Persia</i>. 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 <i>Casbia</i> to the <i>Sophia</i>, and desired to see <i>Bajazet</i>; -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 <i>Hassan</i> knew him by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263"></a>[263]</span> -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 <i>Persian</i> should be repaid -what he had laid out, and should have many rich -Presents besides, and then <i>Bajazet</i> was to be -put to Death. <i>Hassan</i> returns and gives an account -to his Master, who thereupon sent the Expences -by him, with the Gifts, which were guarded -by the <i>Turks</i> to the Confines of <i>Persia</i>. Thus -<i>Hassan</i> again returned to be the Executioner of -unfortunate <i>Bajazet</i> with his own Hand, for so -<i>Solyman</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> -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 <i>Amasia</i>, whom his Grandfather -had removed to <i>Persia</i> to be educated there, -when his Father was dead, a trusty <i>Eunuch</i> was -sent to <i>Persia</i> to destroy him too; but the <i>Eunuch</i> -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 <i>Eunuch</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264"></a>[264]</span> -strangled the poor innocent Child. By this Passage -it appears, that <i>Solyman</i> spar’d his Nephew hitherto, -not out of any Principle of Mercy, but out of an -Opinion the <i>Turks</i> have, that Matters, if they succeed -well, are pleasing to God; and therefore, as -long as ’twas uncertain, what might be the event of -<i>Bajazet</i>’s Designs, he would not imbrue his Hands -in his Child’s Blood, lest, if <i>Bajazet</i> had succeeded, -he might seem to have resisted the Will of God: -But, when <i>Bajazet</i> was slain, he thought God had -determined the Controversie, and that his Son also -might not be spared, lest the Proverb should be verified, -<i>Of an ill Crow, an evil Egg</i>. I had along Discourse -with my <i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Turks</i> were also forced to -land, by the same Stress of Weather. Our Table -was spread in a green Meadow; my <i>Chiaux</i> and my -Interpreter sate at Table with me. Mention being -occasionally made of <i>Bajazet</i>, the <i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i> persisted still to call it an execrable -Undertaking; whereupon I argued thus; you -accuse <i>Bajazet</i> as guilty of an horrid Offence; -but you acquit <i>Solyman</i>, the Father of your present -Emperor, who took up Arms against his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265"></a>[265]</span> -Father. We do so, said the <i>Chiaux</i>, 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 <i>Good</i> and <i>Evil</i> 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; <i>Can the -Vessel say to the Potter, why hast thou made me -thus? I will harden <span class="antiqua">Pharaoh</span>’s Heart: <span class="antiqua">Jacob</span> -have I loved; but <span class="antiqua">Esau</span> have I hated</i>: and others -of like import.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>Turks</i>, that were not far from us, wonder’d -what we were so earnest about; and after -we rose from the Table, my <i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i> 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 <i>Chiaux</i>, what serious Discourse he held with -his Country-men? He smil’d, and made me this -Answer: <i>We were disputing about <span class="antiqua">Predestination</span>, -and I told them what you had alledg’d <span class="antiqua">Pro</span> and -<span class="antiqua">Con</span>; by which it was plain, that you had read -our Books, and was well read in the <span class="antiqua">Scriptures</span>, -so that there was nothing wanting to your Happiness,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266"></a>[266]</span> -but to turn to our <span class="antiqua">Religion</span>, which, in the -Prayers you saw us make, we desired of God.</i> -When News was brought to <i>Constantinople</i> that -<i>Bajazet</i> 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 <i>Bajazet</i> might over-turn all, -make the <i>Turks</i> more Insolent, undo what was -done, and propose harder Conditions. I had passed -over some Difficulties, as the Loss of <i>Gerba</i>, and -the Imprisonment of <i>Bajazet</i>, and the <i>Vaivode</i>’s -Expulsion out of <i>Moldavia</i>; but there were two -terrible ones, <i>Bajazet</i>’s Death, and another, which -I shall speak of by and by.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Haly</i></span> sent one of his Domesticks, to tell me, -that <i>Bazajet</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> 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 <i>Bajazet</i>’s -Death: They all returned me answer, <i>That he was -most certainly dispatched</i>: 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 <i>Turks</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267"></a>[267]</span> -might be taken out, or corrected, and made more -favourable on our Side. My Master <i>Cæsar</i> 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 <i>Haly</i>’s Message as aforesaid.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> met also with another grievous Rub; some -Noblemen of <i>Hungary</i> had revolted from the -<i>Vaivode</i> of <i>Transilvania</i> to the Emperor, that is, -to speak the Truth, had returned to their Duty; -and the Garrisons also, which they commanded, -yielded to <i>Cæsar</i>. This new Accident might have -disturbed all; for the <i>Turks</i> 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 <i>Vaivode</i>, -their Client and Vassal. But, <i>Haly</i> 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 <i>Vaivode</i>, 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 <i>Bashaws</i> were moved -with their Complaints, only <i>Haly</i> 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 <i>Cæsar</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268"></a>[268]</span> -thought it fit to leave all to the Pleasure of my -Master: I told <i>Haly</i>, 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 <i>Ebrahim</i> -seemed to be the fittest Man for this purpose, -by whom <i>Cæsar</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">’Tis</span> a Custom, that when Ambassadors depart -from <i>Constantinople</i> upon fair Terms, the <i>Bashaws</i> -do entertain them with a Feast in the <i>Divan</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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. <i>Haly</i> 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 -<i>Haly</i>, for a Present; one was an <i>Arabian</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269"></a>[269]</span> -also, how to manage their <i>Turkish</i> 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 <i>Adrianople</i>, which used to be performed -in five: He gave me also a curious Veil -wrought with gold, and a Box full of <i>Alexandrian</i> -Treacle, the best in the World; and a Glass full of -Balsam, which last he highly prized, complimenting -me thus: <i>Any other Present</i>, said he, <i>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</i>, said he, <i>when I was Governor -of <span class="antiqua">Egypt</span>, 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.</i> 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 <i>Maple</i>, or any other Tree, wherewith -our Artists use to inlay their Tables. As for -<i>Solyman</i>, 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 <i>Heydukes</i>, and the Insolency of the Garrison of -<i>Syeth</i>: To what Purpose, is it, <i>said he</i>, to make -Peace here, if they continue the War thus? <i>I told -him</i>, 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 <i>August</i>, I entered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270"></a>[270]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> we came to <i>Sophia</i>, where the Way -parts, one to <i>Rhagusa</i>, the other to <i>Belgrade, -Leyva</i> and <i>Requesne</i> desired me to part Company, and -go to <i>Rhagusa</i>, that so they might more easily pass to -<i>Venice</i> and <i>Italy</i>, and procure those Gifts which they -promised to lend to the <i>Bashaws</i>, and repay the -Money they had borrowed at <i>Constantinople</i>; and -that they would send Letters of Thanks by me to -<i>Cæsar</i>, 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 <i>Requesne</i>, being a -very old Man, died before he came to <i>Rhagusa</i>: -If I had denied their Request, it might have been -thought my Refusal had contributed to his Disease.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>De Sande</i></span> 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, <i>Ebrahim</i> would ride up -to us (for he with his <i>Turks</i> 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 -<i>Turks</i>. His Advice made us sometimes get into our<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271"></a>[271]</span> -Chariot again, but the Pleasure of walking afoot still -got the better.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">One</span> of <i>de Sande</i>’s many facetious Sayings, I -must give you. When we came from <i>Constantinople</i>, -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 <i>de Sande</i>, -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 <i>October</i>, I drew near to the Borders of -<i>Austria</i>; 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> <i>de Sande</i> 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 <i>Tulna</i>, where we met with -some Trouble. <i>De Sande</i> 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 <i>Tulna</i>, and therefore, desired the -<i>Janizaries</i> whom I brought with me from <i>Constantinople</i> -to <i>Buda</i>, 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 -<i>Spaniard</i>, whom <i>de Sande</i> had released at <i>Constantinople</i> -at his own Charge, went along with the <i>Janizaries</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272"></a>[272]</span> -They happened to go to the House of -another <i>Janizary</i> hard by, who was appointed as -Governor of the Place to guard Passengers; for the -<i>Turks</i> use to appoint one or two <i>Janizaries</i> in every -noted Town to protect <i>Christian</i> 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 <i>Janizary</i> first, my Servant next, and the Physician -last. In the <i>Interim</i>, the <i>Janizary</i>, Master -of the House, walking in his Garden, was told, -that some <i>Christian</i> Passengers were seeking for a -Lodging at his House: Whereupon, he came in a -great Rage, with a Club like <i>Hercules</i>’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 <i>Janizary</i>, -and was about to cleave his Skull with his Weapon: -Whereupon, the <i>Janizary</i> 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. <i>De Sande</i> 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,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273"></a>[273]</span> -was, lest on this Occasion he should be carried back -to <i>Constantinople</i>: He was of Opinion that the -<i>Bashaws</i> 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 <i>Janizary</i>, especially for saying, <i>That he was -very sorry that he had not killed him upon the Spot</i>. -His Words to him were these; <i>Honest <span class="antiqua">Henry</span>, -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 -<span class="antiqua">Constantinople</span>, 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.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> <i>Henry</i> was deaf to all his Persuasions; he -being an obstinate Fellow, and when angry, would -not hearken to Reason. <i>What care I</i>, replied he, -<i>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 <span class="antiqua">Turk</span> of them all; -for, if he assaults me, I’ll give him as good as he -brings, though it cost me my Life.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>De Sande</i></span> did not like this surly Answer; but -the <i>Janizary</i> who had received the Wound, made -the worst of it; upon whose Complaint, two Jews, -who could speak <i>Spanish</i>, came to me, and told me, -that he was dangerously hurt, and if he did not<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274"></a>[274]</span> -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 <i>Turks</i>, I -thought it best speedily to guard against them; and, -therefore, sent presently one of the Youths to <i>Ebrahim</i>, -desiring him to let one of his Servants be -a Guide to one of mine to <i>Constantinople</i>, a sudden -Emergency had made this Journey necessary. <i>Ebrahim</i> -wondered what the Matter was, and came presently -to me to know. I told him, I desired a -better Convoy from <i>Hali Bassa</i>, 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. -<i>Ebrahim</i> soon perceived how much his own Interest -was concerned, and therefore desired me to have -a little Patience till he had spoken with the <i>Janizary</i>; -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 <i>Port</i>, and was in great Favour with <i>Solyman</i>, -and all the <i>Bashaws</i>; 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 <i>Constantinople</i> to complain thereof; -and if I did, it might cost him his Head. This -took down my <i>Janizary</i>’s Crest, and put him into -a terrible Panick besides.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> next Day we continued our Journey to -<i>Buda</i>; and the Physician, notwithstanding his -Bruises, was as well able to travel as any of us. -When we came in Sight of <i>Buda</i>, the <i>Bashaw</i><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275"></a>[275]</span> -thereof sent some of his own Family, with several -<i>Chiauxes</i> 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 -<i>Pragensian</i>) 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> this Pomp we entered <i>Buda</i>, and were introduced -to the <i>Bashaw</i>, with whom, in the Presence -of <i>de Sande</i>, 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 <i>Bashaw</i> 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 <i>Bashaw</i> laughed, -and dismissed us.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Day after we came to <i>Gran</i>; from thence -to <i>Comara</i>, the Frontier Garrison of the Empire, -situate on the River <i>Wage</i>; on both sides its Banks -the Garrison of the Place, with the Seamen, called<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276"></a>[276]</span> -their <i>Nassadists</i>, waited for us. Before I passed over -the River, <i>de Sande</i> came to me, and embracing me -in his Arms, gave me Thanks for completing his -Liberty: He told me plainly, he thought the <i>Turks</i> -had but dissembled with him, and therefore, he -was in continual Fear, lest he should be haled -back to <i>Constantinople</i> to die in Prison; but now, -being in the Emperor’s Territories, he acknowleged -himself to be eternally obliged to me.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A</span> few Days more brought us to <i>Vienna</i>. <i>Ferdinand</i> -the Emperor, was then at the Imperial Diet, -with his Son <i>Maximilian</i>, about Inaugurating him -<i>King of the Romans</i>. I acquainted <i>Cæsar</i> with my -Return, and with <i>Ebrahim</i>’s coming, and desired to -receive his Commands concerning him; for he had -a great Desire to wait upon the Emperor at <i>Francfort</i>. -His Highness’s first Answer was, That ’twere -best for the <i>Turks</i> to stay at <i>Vienna</i> till his Return, it -being not adviseable to carry an Enemy thro’ the very -Heart of the Country, so long a Way as from <i>Vienna</i> -to <i>Francfort</i>. And, on the other side, Delays were -dangerous, and might create Suspicion in the <i>Turks</i> -of some unfair Dealing. As for <i>Ebrahim</i>, 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 <i>Francfort</i>, with how -great Unanimity Prince <i>Maximilian</i> 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 <i>Ebrahim</i> and his -Retinue should come to <i>Francfort</i>. We began our -Journey thither by the Way of <i>Prague</i>, <i>Bamberg</i>, -and <i>Wirtzburg</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277"></a>[277]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Ebrahim</i></span> passing through <i>Bohemia</i>, was willing -to pay his Court to Arch-Duke <i>Ferdinand</i>; but -the Arch-Duke would have it <i>incognito</i>. When we -were a few Days Journey from <i>Francfort</i>, 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 <i>Francfort</i> -that Day seven Years on which I set out from <i>Vienna</i> -to <i>Constantinople</i>. 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 -<i>Francfort</i> 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 <i>Turks</i>. They had a Place assigned them, from -whence they might behold <i>Cæsar</i> Elect pass by -with great Pomp and Splendor; it appear’d to them -a glorious and magnificent Sight to see, amongst -others of <i>Cæsar</i>’s honourable Train, three Princes, -who could raise great Armies in their own Territories; -to wit, the Dukes of <i>Saxony</i>, <i>Bavaria</i> and -<i>Brandenburg</i>: They saw also, many other Monuments -of the Dignity and Greatness of the Emperor. -A few Days after, <i>Ebrahim</i> was introduced into his -Presence, and delivered the noble Presents the <i>Sultan</i> -had sent him. The Emperor confirm’d the -Peace, rewarded him amply, and sent him back -with large Presents to <i>Solyman</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278"></a>[278]</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279"></a>[279]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Again</span>, some have managed the Beginning of -their Reign innocently and justly, but soon after -they have degenerated into Licentiousness and Corruption, -<i>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</i>. 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> 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.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280"></a>[280]</span> -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 <i>Romans</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281"></a>[281]</span> -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 <i>Spanish</i>, which is his -<i>Mother-Tongue</i>; next the <i>French</i>, <i>German</i>, <i>Latin</i>, -and <i>Italian</i>: He can express his Meaning pretty -well in the <i>Latin</i>, yet not so exactly, but that sometimes -he breaks <i>Priscian</i>’s Head; a Fault blameworthy -in a <i>Gramarian</i>, but excusable in an <i>Emperor</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">What</span> 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 <i>Turks</i> carry all in <i>Hungary</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282"></a>[282]</span> -the <i>Genius</i> 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 <i>Atila</i> of old, <i>Tamerlane</i> in the Days -of our Forefathers, and the <i>Ottoman Princes</i> 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. <i>Solyman</i> comes terrible, -by his own and his Ancestor’s Successes: He -invades <i>Hungary</i> with 200,000 Horse, he draws -near to <i>Austria</i>, and threatens the rest of <i>Germany</i>; -his Troops are fetched from the very Confines of -<i>Persia</i>; 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 <i>Herculean</i> -kind of Constancy. Amidst these Dangers, <i>Ferdinand</i> -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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283"></a>[283]</span> -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, <i>an unsuccessful Battel -would prove</i>, 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 <i>Nicopolis</i>, and at <i>Varna</i>, and the Fields of <i>Mohac</i>, -as yet white with the Bones of <i>Christians</i> -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>I had not thought</i>. ’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 <i>Cæsar</i>; -he counted it a Happiness to <i>Lucullus</i> and to <i>Pompey</i>, -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 <i>Pharnaces</i>, he jestingly said, <i>I came, I saw, -I overcame</i>: 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 -<i>Livy</i> reasons upon good Grounds, that <i>Alexander</i> -the <i>Macedonian</i> would not have had the same Success -against the <i>Roman Enemy</i>, as against the <i>Persian</i>, -or the Womanish <i>Indian</i>: There is a good<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284"></a>[284]</span> -deal of Difference between a Warlike, and a Luxurious -People, unaccustomed to Arms. ’Tis true, -the Multitude of <i>Persians</i> made it an Admiration, -<i>That there was more Toil in Killing, than in Overcoming -them</i>. In my Judgment, <i>Hannibal</i>’s three -Victories at <i>Trebia</i>, at <i>Thrasymene</i>, and at <i>Cannæ</i>, -did far exceed all the Exploits of <i>Alexander</i>: For -why? the one overcame valiant Warriors, the other -had to do with the slothful People of <i>Asia</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap"><i>Fabius Maximus</i></span> had as much Courage, as -<i>Titus Sempronius</i>, <i>Caius Flaminius</i>, or <i>Varro</i>; 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 <i>Fabius</i> was as -much Renown’d as <i>Scipio</i> himself, who ended the -War against <i>Hannibal</i>; for who knows whether -<i>Scipio</i> would have ever overcome him, if <i>Fabius</i> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Emperor <i>Ferdinand</i> had the same Design -with <i>Fabius Maximus</i>, if his and <i>Solyman</i>’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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_285"></a>[285]</span> -Forty Years since <i>Solyman</i>, in the Beginning of his -Reign, took <i>Belgrade</i>, slew <i>Lewis</i> King of <i>Hungary</i>, -and thereby promised himself the Possession of -that and other Countries; in hopes whereof he besieged -<i>Vienna</i>, and, renewing the War, he reduced -<i>Gonitzium</i> again, threaten’d <i>Vienna</i> at a Distance. -But what did he get by this great Armament: He -was forced to stick in that Part of <i>Hungary</i> 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 <i>Vienna</i> -once, but never after. ’Tis said, that <i>Solyman</i> wished -his Life to be prolonged, to see three Things finished, -<i>viz.</i> The Structure of his Temple, a sumptuous -and magnificent Work! the repairing of the -old Aquæducts to bring Water enough into <i>Constantinople</i>, -and the Conquest of <i>Vienna</i>. The two -first he hath accomplished; but at the third he sticks, -and I hope ever will; so that he always calls <i>Vienna</i> -his <i>Ignominy</i> and <i>Disgrace</i>. But to return.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Emperor <i>Ferdinand</i> 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 <i>Hungary</i> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_286"></a>[286]</span> -of assaulting him, must needs conclude, -<i>That ’tis next to a <span class="antiqua">PRODIGY</span>, that the -open and extensive Kingdom of <span class="antiqua">Hungary</span>, 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 <span class="antiqua">Charles</span> too at a great Distance; <span class="antiqua">Germany</span>, -though next to the Fire, yet weary in sending -Aid; the Hereditary Countries exhausted by Contribution, -and the Ears of many <span class="antiqua">Christian</span> 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 <span class="antiqua">Hungarians</span>, -<span class="antiqua">Austrians</span>, and <span class="antiqua">Bohemians</span>, and sometimes by hiring -some <span class="antiqua">Italian</span> or <span class="antiqua">Spanish</span> Soldiers at a vast Expence. He -defends the Confines of <span class="antiqua">Hungary</span>, 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 -<span class="antiqua">Hungary</span>.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whilst</span> our <i>Prince</i> 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, <i>Johannes Trantzen</i>, <i>Rudolphus<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287"></a>[287]</span> -a Harrach</i>, both eminent for their Faithfulness and -Prudence.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288"></a>[288]</span> -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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> 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>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</i>. 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 -<i>Trajans</i>, <i>Varus</i>’s, and <i>Theodosius</i>’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, <i>That you may know what a Master I serv’d</i>. -I close all with this public Prayer, <i>That he may return<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289"></a>[289]</span> -late to Heaven, whose vertuous and holy Presence -alleviates the Miseries of our Age</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> to the <i>Greek Books</i> 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 <i>Ichneumon</i> very gentle, which is known for -its deadly Quarrels with the <i>Crocodile</i> and the <i>Asp</i>. -I had also a <i>Weesel</i> of that kind they call an <i>Ermine</i>, -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 <i>Matthiolus</i>, with some other -Things, many Years ago. I sent him Tapestry -and Linnen after the <i>Babylonian</i> Fashion, with -Swords, Bows, and other Trappings: I have also -many other Things made of Horses-hides, curiously -wrought after the <i>Turkish</i> Fashion, or rather I may -say, I had them; for in so great an Assembly of -principal Men and Women at <i>Francfort</i>, 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 -<i>Pliny</i> 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 -<i>Mattarcan Gardens</i> near <i>Cairo</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Before</span> I left <i>Constantinople</i>, I sent one <i>Albacarus</i>, -a <i>Spanish Physician</i>, into <i>Lemnos</i>, on the sixth -Day of <i>August</i>, 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<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290"></a>[290]</span> -he is not hindered. I had a Mind to go thither my -self to be an Eye-witness of it; but, the <i>Turks</i> 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 -<i>Greek Manuscripts</i>, and about 240 Books, which I -sent by Sea to <i>Venice</i>, from thence to be carried to -<i>Vienna</i>: I design them for <i>Cæsar</i>’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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">I</span> left one very old Manuscript behind me at <i>Constantinople</i>, -all very well written in large Characters; -it was <i>Diascorides</i>, with the Figures of Plants, -wherein there were some few Things of <i>Crativa</i>, -and the Book of Birds; ’tis in the Possession of a -<i>Jew</i>, the Son of <i>Hammon</i>, who in his Life-time -was <i>Solyman</i>’s Physician: I desir’d to buy it, but -the Price frightned me; he rated it at 100 Ducats, -a Price fit for <i>Cæsar</i>’s Purse, not mine. However, -I will not cease to press <i>Cæsar</i> 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.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span> 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 <i>Turks</i>. 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