Chapter I: Part 1

{Transcriber's Note: Archaic typography which displays the letter "s" in a form that resembles the letter "f" has been transposed to the modern "s." British, archaic and inconsistent spellings have been left as in the original, as have capitalization and italicisation. A few obvious typographical errors have been changed. Margin notes are indicated where they occur in the text with {MN} and inserted in full at the end of the paragraph to which they refer.}

* * * * *

THE TRUE
TRAVELS,
ADVENTURES,
AND
OBSERVATIONS,
OF
Captain JOHN SMITH,
INTO
EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, and AMERICA,

From Ann. Dom. 1593. to 1629.

* * * * *

* * * * *

To the Right Honourable

_WILLIAM_ Earl of _PEMBROKE,_
Lord Steward of His Majesty's most Honourable Houshold.

_ROBERT_ Earl of _LINDSEY,_
Great Chamberlain of _England,_

_HENRY_ Lord _HUNSDON,_
Viscount _ROCHFORD,_ Earl of _DOVER,_

_And all your Honourable Friends and Well-willers._

My Lords,

Sir _Robert Cotton,_ that most Learned Treasurer of Antiquity, having by perusal of my General History, and others, found that I had likewise undergone divers other as hard hazards in the other Parts of the World, requested me to fix the whole Course of my Passages in a Book by it self, whose noble Desire I could not but in part satisfie; the rather, because they have acted my fatal Tragedies upon the Stage, and racked my Relations at their Pleasure. To prevent therefore all future Misprisions, I have compiled this true Discourse. Envy hath taxed me to have writ too much, and done too little; but that such should know, how little I esteem them, I have writ this, more for the satisfaction of my Friends, and all generous and well disposed Readers. To speak only of my self were intolerable Ingratitude; because, having had so many Co-Partners with me; I cannot make a Monument for my self, and leave them unburied in the Fields, whose Lives begot me the Title of a Soldier; for as they were Companions with me in my Dangers, so shall they be partakers with me in this Tomb.

For my _Sea Grammar_ (caused to be Printed by my worthy Friend, Sir _Samuel Saltenstall_) hath found such good Entertainment abroad, that I have been importuned by many noble Persons, to let this also pass the Press. Many of the most eminent Warriours, and others, what their Swords did, their Pens writ: Though I be never so much their inferiour, yet I hold it no great Errour, to follow good Examples; nor repine at them will do the like.

And now, _My most Honourable good Lords,_ I know not to whom I may better Present it, than to your Lordships, whose Friendships, as I conceive, are as much to each others, as my Duty is to you all; and because you are acquainted both with my Endeavours, and Writings, I doubt not, but your Honours will as well accept of this, as of the rest, and Patronize it under the shadow of your most noble Virtues, which I am ever bound in all Duty to Reverence, and under which I hope to have shelter, against all Storms that dare threaten,

_Yours Honours to be Commanded,_

John Smith.

* * * * *

THE TRUE
TRAVELS,
ADVENTURES,
AND
OBSERVATIONS
OF
Captain _JOHN SMITH,_

* * * * *

CHAP. I.

_His Birth; Apprenticeship; Going into_ France; _His beginning with Ten
Shillings and three Pence; His Service in the_ Netherlands; _His bad
Passage into_ Scotland; _His return to_ Willoughby, _and how he lived in
the Woods._

He was born in _Willoughby_ in _Lincoln-shire,_ and a Scholar in the two Free-Schools of _Alford_ and _Louth._ His Father antiently descended from the ancient _Smiths_ of _Crudley_ in _Lancashire;_ his Mother from the _Rickards_ at Great _Heck,_ in _York-shire._ His Parents dying when he was about Thirteen Years of Age, left him a competent Means, which he not being capable to manage, little regarded; his Mind being even then set upon brave Adventures, sold his Satchel, Books, and all he had, intending secretly to get to Sea, but that his Fathers Death stay'd him. But now the Guardians of his Estate more regarding it than him, he had liberty enough, though no Means, to get beyond the Sea. About the Age of Fifteen Years, he was bound an Apprentice to Mr. _Thomas Sendalt_ of _Linne,_ the greatest Merchant of all those Parts; but because he would not presently send him to Sea, he never saw his Master in Eight Years after. At last he found Means to attend Mr. _Peregrine Berty_ into _France_, second Son to the Right Honourable _Peregrine_, that generous Lord _Willoughby,_ and famous Soldier; where coming to his Brother _Robert,_ then at _Orleans,_ now Earl of _Lindsey_, and Lord Great Chamberlain of _England;_ being then but little Youths under Tutorage: His Service being needless, within a Month or six Weeks they sent him back again to his Friends; who when he came from _London_, they liberally gave him (but out of his own Estate) Ten Shillings to be rid of him; such oft is the share of Fatherless Children: But those two Honourable Brethren gave him sufficient to return for _England._ But it was the least thought of his Determination, for now being freely at liberty in _Paris_, growing acquainted with one Mr. _David Hume,_ who making some use of his Purse, gave him Letters to his Friends in _Scotland_ to prefer him to King _James._ Arriving at _Roan,_ he better bethinks himself, seeing his Money near spent, down the River he went to _Haver de grace,_ where he first began to learn the Life of a Soldier: Peace being concluded in _France,_ he went with Captain _Joseph Duxbury_ into the Low-Countries, under whose Colours, having served three or four Years, he took his Journey for _Scotland,_ to deliver his Letters. At _Ancusan_ he imbark'd himself for _Lethe,_ but as much danger, as Shipwreck and Sickness could endure, he had at the Holy Isle in _Northumberland_ near Berwick, ( being recovered ) into _Scotland_ he went to deliver his Letters. After much kind usage among those honest _Scots_ at _Ripweth_ and _Broxmoth,_ but neither Money nor Means to make him a Courtier, he returned to _Willoughby_ in _Lincoln-shire;_ where within a short time, being glutted with too much Company, wherein he took small delight, he retired himself into a little Woody Pasture, a good way from any Town, invironed with many hundred Acres of other Woods: Here, by a fair Brook he built a Pavillion of Boughs, where only in his Cloths he lay. His Study was _Machiavil's_ Art of War, and _Marcus Aurelius;_ his exercise a good Horse, with his Lance and Ring; his Food was thought to be more of Venison than any thing else; what he wanted his Man brought him. The Country wondering at such an Hermite, his Friends perswaded one Seignior _Theodora Polaloga,_ Rider to _Henry_ Earl of _Lincoln,_ an excellent Horse Man, and a Noble _Italian_ Gentleman, to insinuate into his Woodish Acquaintance, whose Languages and good Discourse, and Exercise of Riding drew him to stay with him at _Tattersall._ Long these Pleasures could not content him, but he returned again to the Low Countries.

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CHAP. II.

_The notable Villany of four_ French _Gallants, and his revenge;_ Smith
_thrown over-board; Captain_ La Roche _of Saint_ Malo _relieves him._

Thus when _France_ and _Netherlands_ had taught him to Ride a Horse, and use his Arms, with such Rudiments of War, as his tender Years in those Martial Schools could attain unto; he was desirous to see more of the World, and try his Fortune against the _Turks,_ both repenting and lamenting to have seen so many _Christians_ slaughter one another. {MN} Opportunity calling him; into the Company of four _French_ Gallants well attended, faining to him the one to be a great Lord, the rest his Gentlemen, and that they were all devoted that way; over-perswaded him to go with them into _France,_ to the Dutchess of _Merceur,_ from whom they should not only have Means, but also Letters of Favour to her Noble Duke, then General for the Emperour _Rolduphus_ in _Hungary;_ which he did, with such ill Weather as Winter affordeth, in the dark Night they arrived in the broad shallow In-let of St. _Valleries sur Soame_ in _Picardie;_ His _French_ Lord knowing he had good Apparel, and better furnished with Money than themselves, so Plotted with the Master of the Ship, to set his and their own Trunks ashore, leaving _Smith_ aboard till the Boat could return, which was the next day after, towards Evening: The reason he alledged, was, the Sea went so high he could come no sooner, and that his Lord was gone to _Amiens,_ where they would stay his coming; which treacherous Villany, when divers other Soldiers, and Passengers understood, they had like to have slain the Master, and had they known how, would have run away with the Ship.

* * * * *

{MN} _A notable Villany of four_ French _Gallants._

Coming on shoar, he had but one _Cavvalue,_ {MN-1} was forced to sell his Cloak to pay for his Passage. One of the Soldiers, called _Curzianvere,_ compassionating his Injury, assured him, this great Lord _Depreau_ was only the Son of a Lawyer of _Mortaigne_ in base _Britany,_ and his Attendants _Cursell, La Nelie,_ and _Monserrat,_ three young Citizens, as arrant Cheats as himself; but if he would accompany him, he would bring him to their Friends, but in the _interim_ supplied his wants: Thus Travelling by _Deepe, Cadebeck, Humphla, Pount-demer_ in _Normandy,_ they came to _Caen_ in base _Normandy;_ where both this Noble _Curzianvere,_ and the great Prior of the great Abbey of St. _Steven_ (where is the ruinous Tomb of _William_ the Conqueror) and many other of his Friends kindly welcomed him, and brought him to _Montaigne,_ where he found _Depreau_ and the rest, but to small purpose; for Mr. _Curzianvere_ was a banished Man, and durst not be seen but to his Friends: yet the bruit of their Cozenage occasioned the Lady _Collumber,_ the Baron _Larshan,_ the Lord _Shasghe,_ and divers other honourable Persons, to supply his wants, and with them to recreate him-self so long as he would; But such pleasant pleasures suited little with his poor Estate, and his restless Spirit, that could never find content, to receive such Noble Favours, as he could neither deserve nor requite: But wandering from Port to Port to find some Man of War, spent that he had, and in a Forest, near dead with grief and cold, a rich Farmer found him by a fair Fountain, under a Tree: This kind Peasant relieved him again to his content, to follow his intent. {MN-2} Not long after, as he passed thorow a great Grove of Trees, between _Pounterson_ and _Dina_ in _Britany,_ it was his chance to meet _Cursell,_ more miserable than himself: His piercing Injuries had so small patience, as without any word they both drew, and in a short time _Cursell_ fell to the Ground, where, from an old ruinated Tower, the Inhabitants seeing them, were satisfied, when they heard _Cursell_ confess what had formerly passed; and that how, in the dividing that they had stolen from him, they fell by the Ears amongst themselves, that were Actors in it; but for his part, he excused himself to be innocent as well of the one, as of the other. In regard of his hurt, _Smith_ was glad to be so rid of him, directing his course to an honourable Lord, the Earl of _Ployer,_ {MN-3} who during the War in _France,_ with his two Brethren, Viscount _Poomory,_ and Baron _d'Mercy,_ who had been brought up in _England;_ by him he was better refurnished than ever. When they had shewed him Saint _Malo_ Mount, Saint _Michael, Lambal, Simbreack, Lanion,_ and their own fair Castle of _Tuncadeck, Gingan,_ and divers other places in _Britany_ (and their British _Cornwaile_) taking his leave, he took his way to _Raynes,_ the _Britains_ chief City, and so to _Nants, Poyters, Rochel,_ and _Bourdeaux._ The rumour of the strength of _Bayon_ in _Biskay,_ caused him to see it; and from thence took his way from _Leskar_ in _Bicarne,_ and _Paw,_ in the Kingdom of _Navarre_ to _Tolouza_ in _Gascoigne, Bezers,_ and _Carcassone, Narbone, Montpelier, Nimes_ in _Languedeck,_ and thorow the Country of _Avignion,_ by _Aries_ to _Marseilles_ in _Provence,_ there imbarking himself for _Italy;_ the Ship was inforced to _Tolonne,_ and putting again to Sea, ill Weather so grew upon them, that they Anchored close aboard the Shoar, under the little Isle of St. _Mary,_ against _Nice_ in _Savoy._ Here the inhuman Provincials, with a Rabble of Pilgrims of divers Nations going to _Rome,_ hourly cursing him, not only for a _Hugonot_ but his Nation they swore were all Pirats, and so vilely railed on his dread Soveraign Queen _Elizabeth,_ and that they never should have fair Weather so long as he was aboard them; their Disputations grew to that Passion, that they threw him over board, yet God brought him to that little Isle, where was no Inhabitants, but a few Kine and Goats. The next Morning, he espied two Ships more riding by them, put in by the Storm, that fetched him aboard, well refreshed him, and so kindly used him, that he was well contented to try the rest of his Fortune with them. {MN-5} After he had related unto them his former Discourse, what for pity, and the love of the Honourable Earl of _Ployer,_ this Noble _Britain_ his Neighbour, Captain _la Roche_ of Saint _Malo,_ regarded and entertained him for his well respected Friend. With the next fair Wind, they Sailed along by the Coast of _Corsica_ and _Sardinia,_ and crossing the Gulf of _Tunis,_ passed by Cape _Bona_ to the Isle of _Lempadosa,_ leaving the Coast of _Barbary_ till they came at _Cape Rasata,_ and so along the _African_ Shoar, for _Alexandria_ in _AEgypt._ There delivering their Fraught, they went to _Seandaroone,_ rather to view what Ships were in the Road, than any thing else: keeping their Course by _Cypres,_ and the Coast of _Asia,_ Sailing by _Rhodes_, the _Archipelagus, Candia,_ and the Coast of _Grecia,_ and the Isle of _Zefalonia._ They lay to and again a few days, betwixt the Isle of _Corsue,_ and the Cape of _Orranto,_ in the Kingdom of _Naples,_ in the Entrance of the _Adriatick_ Sea.

* * * * *

{MN-1} _A Cavvalue is in value a penny._

{MN-2} _Here he incountred one of the thieves._

{MN-3} _The Nobleness of the Earl of_ Plover.

{MN-4} _An inhuman act of the Provincials in casting him overboard._

{MN-5} _Capt._ La Roche _relieves him._

* * * * *

CHAP. III.

_A desperate Sea Fight in the Streights; His Passage to_ Rome, Naples,
_and the view of_ Italy.

Betwixt the two _Capes_, they met with an _Argosie_ of _Venice_; it seemed the Captain desired to speak with them, whose untoward answer was such, as slew them a Man; {MN} whereupon the _Britain_ presently gave them the Broad-side, then his Stern, and his other Broad-side also, and continued the Chase, with his chase Pieces, till he gave them so many Broad-sides one after another, that the _Argosies_ Sails and Tackling was so torn, she stood to her defence, and made shot for shot; twice in one hour and a half the _Britain_ boarded her, yet they cleared themselves, but clapping her aboard again, the _Argosie_ fired him, which with much danger to them both was presently quenched. This rather augmented the _Britain's_ rage, than abated his courage; for having reaccommodated himself again, shot her so oft between Wind and Water, she was ready to sink, then they yielded; the _Britain_ lost fifteen Men, she twenty, besides divers were hurt, the rest went to Work on all hands; some to stop the Leaks, others to guard the Prisoners that were chained, the rest to ride her. The Silks, Velvets, Cloth of Gold, and Tissue, Piasters, Chicqueens and Sultanies, which is Gold and Silver, they unloaded in four and twenty hours, was wonderful, whereof having sufficient, and tired with toil, they cast her off with her Company, with as much good Merchandize as would have fraughted such another _Britain_, that was but two Hundred Tuns, she four or five Hundred.

* * * * *

{MN} _A desperate Sea Fight._

To repair his Defects, he stood for the Coast of _Calabria_, but hearing there was six or seven Galleys at _Messina,_ he departed thence for _Malta;_ but the Wind coming fair, he kept his course along the Coast of the Kingdom of _Sicilia_, by _Sardinia_ and _Corsica_, till he came to the Road of _Antibo_ in _Peamon,_ where he set _Smith_ on shoar with five Hundred Chicqueens, and a little Box God sent him worth near as much more. Here he left this Noble _Britain_, and embarked himself for _Legorn,_ being glad to have such opportunity and means to better his Experience by the view of _Italy;_ and having passed _Tuskany,_ and the Country of _Siena,_ where he found his dear Friends, the two Honourable Brethren, the Lord _Willoughby,_ and his Brother cruelly wounded, in a desperate fray, yet to their exceeding great Honour. Then to _Viterbo_ and many other Cities he came to _Rome,_ from where it was his chance to see Pope Clement the VIII. with many Cardinals, creep up the Holy Stairs, {MN} which they say, are those our Savior Christ went up to _Pontius Pilate,_ where blood, falling from his Head, being pricked with his Crown of Thorns, the drops are marked with Nails of Steel, upon them none dare go but in that manner, saying so many _Ave-Maries_ and _Pater-Nosters,_ as is their Devotion, and to kiss the Nails of Steel: But on each side, is a pair of such like Stairs, upon which you may go, stand, or kneel, but divided from the Holy Stairs by two Walls: Right against them is a Chappel, where hangs a great Silver Lamp, which burneth continually; yet they say, the Oil neither increaseth nor diminisheth. A little distant is the ancient Church of Saint _John de Lateran,_ where he saw him say Mass, which commonly he doth upon some Friday once a Month. Having saluted Father _Parsons,_ that famous _English_ Jesuit, and satisfied himself with the Rarities of _Rome,_ he went down the River of _Tiber_ to _Civita Vechia,_ where he embarked himself, to satisfie his Eye with the fair City of _Naples,_ and her Kingdoms Nobility; returning by _Capua, Rome_ and _Siena,_ he passed by that admired City of _Florence,_ the Cities and Countreys of _Bolonia, Ferrara, Mantua, Padua_ and _Venice,_ whose Gulf he passed from _Malamoco_ and the _Adriatic_ Sea for _Ragouza,_ spending some time to see that barren, broken Coast of _Albania_ and _Dalmatia,_ to _Capo de Istria,_ Travelling the main of poor _Sclavonia_ by _Lubbiano,_ till he came to _Grates_ in _Styria,_ the Seat of _Ferdinando,_ Arch-duke of _Austria,_ now Emperour of _Almania:_ where he met an _English_ Man, and an _Irish_ Jesuit, who acquainted him with many brave Gentlemen of good Quality, especially with the Lord _Ebersbaught,_ with whom, trying such Conclusions, as he projected to undertake, preferred him to Baron _Kisell,_ General of the Artillery, and he to a worthy Colonel, the Earl of _Meldritch,_ with whom, going to _Vienna_ in _Austria,_ under whose Regiment, in what Service, and how he spent his time, this ensuing Discourse will declare.

* * * * *

{MN} _The Popes holy stairs brought from_ Jerusalem, _whereon (they say) Christ went up to_ Pontius Pilate.

* * * * *

CHAP. IV.

_The Siege of_ Olumpagh; _An excellent Stratagem by_ Smith; _Another
not much worse._

After the loss of _Caniza,_ the _Turks_ with Twenty thousand besieged the strong Town of _Olumpagh_ so straitly, as they were cut off from all intelligence and hope of succour; till _John Smith,_ this _English_ Gentleman, acquainted Baron _Kisell,_ General of the Arch-dukes Artillery, he had taught the Governour, his worthy Friend, such a Rule, that he would undertake to make him know any thing he intended, and have his answer, would, they bring him but to some place where he might make the Flame of a Torch seen to the Town; _Kisell_ inflamed with this strange Invention, _Smith_ made it so plain, that forthwith he gave him Guides, who in the dark Night brought him to a Mountain, where he shewed three Torches equidistant from the other, which plainly appearing to the Town, the Governour presently apprehended, and answered again with three Other fires in like manner; each knowing the others being and intent; _Smith,_ though distant seven Miles, signified to him these Words: _On Thursday at Night I will charge on the East, at the Alarum, salley you;_ Ebersbaught answered, _he would,_ and thus it was done: First he writ his Message as brief, you see, as could be, then divided the Alphabet into two parts thus;

_A. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. l._
_I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I._

_m. n. o. p. q. r. s. t. v. w. x._
_2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2._
_y. z._
_2. 2._

* * * * *

{MN} _The siege of_ Olumpagh.

{M-1} The first part from _A._ to _L._ is signified by shewing and hiding one link, so oft as there is Letters from _A._ to that Letter you mean; the other part from _M._ to _Z._ is mentioned by two Lights in like manner. The end of a Word is signified by shewing of three Lights, ever staying your Light at that Letter you mean, till the other may write it in a Paper, and answer by his signal, which is one Light, it is done, beginning to count the Letters by the Lights, every time from _A._ to _M._ by this means also the other returned his answer, whereby each did understand other. The Guides all this time having well viewed the Camp, returned to _Kisel,_ who, doubting of his power, being but Ten thousand, was animated by the Guides, how the _Turks_ were so divided by the River in two parts, they could not easily second each other. {MN-2} To which _Smith_ added this conclusion; that two or three thousand pieces of Match fastened to divers small Lines of an hundred Fathom in length, being armed with Powder, might all be fired and stretched at an instant before the Alarum, upon the Plain, of _Hysnaburg,_ supported by two Staves, at each lines end, in that manner would seem like so many Musketteers; which was put in Practice; and being discovered by the _Turks,_ they prepared to encounter these false fires, thinking there had been some great Army: whilst _Kisel_ with his Ten thousand being entred the _Turks_ quarters, who ran up and down as Men amazed, it was not long ere _Ebersbaught_ was pell-mell with them in their Trenches; in which distracted confusion, a third part of the Turks that besieged that side towards _Knowsbruck,_ were slain; many of the rest drowned, but all fled. The other part of the Army was so busied to resist the false fires, that _Kisel_ before the Morning put two thousand good Soldiers in the Town, and with small loss was retired; the Garrison was well relieved with what they found in the _Turks_ Quarters, which caused the _Turks_ to raise their Siege and return to _Caniza:_ and _Kisel_ with much honour was received at _Kerment,_ and occasioned the Author a good Reward and Preferment, to be Captain of Two hundred and fifty Horse-men, under the conduct of Colonel _Voldo,_ Earl of _Meldritch._

* * * * *

{MN-1} _An excellent Stratagem._

{MN-2} _Another stratagem._

* * * * *

CHAP. V.

_The Siege of_ Stoll-weissenburg; _The effects of_ Smith's _Fire-works;
A worthy Exploit of Earl_ Rosworme; _Earl_ Meldritch _takes the_
Bashaw _Prisoner._

A General rumour of a general Peace, now spred it self over all the face of those tormented Countries: but the _Turk_ intended no such matter, but levied Soldiers from all Parts he could. The Emperour also, by the assistance of the _Christian_ Princes, provided three Armies, the one led by the Arch-duke _Matthias,_ the Emperour's Brother, and his Lieutenant Duke _Merceur_ to defend Low _Hungary;_ the second, by _Ferdinando_ the Arch-duke of _Styria,_ and the Duke of _Mantua_ his Lieutenant to regain _Caniza;_ the third by _Gonzago,_ Governour of High _Hungary,_ to joyn with _Georgio Buson_ to make an absolute conquest of _Transilvania._

Duke _Merceur_ with an Army or Thirty thousand, whereof near Ten thousand were _French,_ besieged _Stoll-weissenburg,_ otherwise called _Alba Regalis,_ a place so strong by Art and Nature, that it was thought impregnable. At his first coming, The _Turks_ sallied upon the _German_ Quarter, slew near five hundred, and returned before they were thought on. The next Night in like manner, they did near as much to the _Bemers,_ and _Hungarians;_ of which, Fortune still presuming, thinking to have found the _French_ quarter as careless, Eight or Nine hundred of them were cut in pieces and taken Prisoners. In this Encounter Monsieur _Grandvile,_ a brave _French_ Colonel, received seven or eight cruel Wounds, yet followed the Enemy to the Ports; he came off alive, but within three or four days died.

* * * * *

{MN} _The siege of_ Alba Regalis.

Earl _Moldritch,_ by the Information of of three or four _Christians,_ (escaped out of the Town) upon every Alarum, where there was greatest Assemblies and throng of People, {MN} caused Captain _Smith_ to put in practice his fiery Dragons, he had demonstrated unto him, and the Earl _Von Sulch_ at _Comora_ which he thus performed: Having prepared forty or fifty round-bellied Earthen Pots, and filled them with hand Gun powder, then covered them with Pitch, mingled with Brimstone and Turpentine; and quartering as many Musket-bullets, that hung together but only at the Center of the division, stuck them round in the mixture about the Pots, and covered them again with the same mixture, over that a strong Searcloth, then over all, a good thickness of Towze-match, well tempered with Oyl of Lin-seed, Camphire, and Powder of Brimstone, these he fitly placed in Slings, graduated so near as they could to the places of these Assemblies. At mid-night upon the Alarum, it was a fearful sight to see the short flaming course of their flight in the Air, but presently after their fall, the lamentable noise of the miserable slaughtered _Turks_ was most wonderful to hear: Besides, they had fired that Suburb at the Port of _Buda_ in two or three places, which so troubled the _Turks_ to quench, that had there been any means to have assaulted them, they could hardly have resisted the fire, and their Enemies. The Earl _Rosworme,_ contrary to the opinion of all Men, would needs undertake to find means to surprize the Segeth and Suburb of the City, strongly defended by a muddy Lake, which was thought unpassable.

* * * * *

{MN} _The effect of good fireworks._

The Duke having planted his Ordnance, battered the other side, {MN-1} whilst _Rosworme_ in the dark Night, with every Man a bundle of Sedge and Bavins still thrown before them, so laded up the Lake, as they surprised that unregarded Suburb before they were discovered: Upon which unexpected Alarum, the _Turks_ fled into the City, and the other Suburb not knowing the matter, got into the City also, leaving their Suburb for the Duke, who, with no great resistance, took it, with many Pieces of Ordnance; the City, being of no such strength as the Suburbs, with their own Ordnance was so battered, that it was taken by force, with such a merciless Execution, as was most pitiful to behold. {MN-2} The _Bashaw_ notwithstanding, drew together a Party of Five hundred before his own Palace, where he intended to die; but seeing most of his Men slain before him, by the valiant Captain, Earl _Meldritch,_ who took him Prisoner with his own hands; and with the hazard of himself saved him from the fury of other Troops, that did pull down his Palace, and would have rent him in pieces, had he not been thus preserved. The Duke thought his Victory much honoured with such a Prisoner; took order, he should be used like a Prince, and with all expedition gave charge presently to repair the Breaches, and the Ruins of this famous City, that had been in the possession of the _Turks_ near threescore years.

* * * * *

{MN-1} _A worthy Exploit of Earl_ Rosworme.

{MN-2} _Earl_ Meldritch _takes the_ Bashaw _prisoner._

* * * * *

CHAP. VI.

_A brave Encounter of the_ Turks _Army with the_ Christians; _Duke_
Merceur _overthroweth_ Assan Bashaw; _He divides the_ Christian _Army;
His Nobleness and Death._

_Mahomet_ the Great _Turk_, during the Siege, had raised an Army of Sixty thousand Men to have relieved it; but hearing it was lost, he sent _Assan Bashaw,_ General of his Army, the _Bashaw_ of _Buda, Bashaw Amaroz,_ to see if it were possible to regain it; The Duke understanding there could be no great experience in such a new levied Army as _Assan_ had, having put a strong Garrison into it, and with the brave Colonel _Rosworme, Culnits, Meldritch,_ the _Rhine Grave, Vahan,_ and many others, with Twenty thousand good Soldiers, set forward to meet the _Turk,_ in the Plains of _Girk._ {MN-1} Those two Armies encountred as they marched, where began a hot and bloody Skirmish betwixt them, Regiment against Regiment, as they came in order, till the night parted them: Here Earl _Meldritch_ was so invironed among those half circular Regiments of _Turks,_ they supposed him their Prisoner, and his Regiment lost; but his two most couragious Friends, _Vahan_ and _Culnits,_ made such a Passage amongst them, that it was a terror to see how Horse and Man lay sprawling and tumbling, some one way, some another on the Ground. The Earl there at that time made his valour shine more bright than his Armour, which seemed then painted with _Turkish_ Blood; he slew the brave _Zanzack Bugola,_ and made his Passage to his Friends, but near half his Regiment was slain. Captain _Smith_ had his Horse slain under him, and himself sore wounded; but he was not long unmounted, for there was choice enough of Horses, that wanted Masters. The _Turk,_ thinking the Victory sure against the Duke, whose Army, by the Siege and the Garrison, he had left behind him, was much weakened, would not be content with one, but he would have all; and lest the Duke should return to _Alba Regalis,_ he sent that Night Twenty thousand to besiege the City, assuring them, he would keep the Duke or any other from relieving them. Two or three days they lay each by other, entrenching themselves; the _Turks_ daring the Duke daily to a sett Battle, {MN-2} who at length drew out his Army, led by the _Rhine-Grave, Culnits,_ and _Meldritch_ who upon their first Encounter, charged with that resolute and valiant courage, as disordered not only the foremost Squadrons of the _Turks,_ but enforced all the whole Army to retire to the Camp, with the loss of five or six thousand, with the _Bashaw_ of _Buda,_ and four or five _Zanzacks,_ with divers other great Commanders, Two hundred Prisoners, and nine pieces of Ordnance. At that instant appeared, as it were, another Army coming out of a Valley over a plain Hill, that caused the Duke at that time to be contented, and to retire to his Trenches; which gave time to _Assan,_ to reorder his disordered Squadrons: Here they lay nine or ten days, and more Supplies repaired to them, expecting to try the event in a sett Battle; but the Soldiers on both Parties, by reason of their great Wants, and approach of Winter, grew so discontented, that they were ready of themselves to break up the Leager; the _Bashaw_ retiring himself to _Buda,_ had some of the Rear Troops cut off. _Amaroz Bashaw_ hearing of this, found such bad welcome at _Alba Regalis,_ and the Town so strongly repaired with so brave a Garrison, raised his Siege, and retired to _Zigetum._

* * * * *

{MN-1} _A brave encounter of the_ Turks _Army with the_ Christians.

{MN-2} _Duke_ Merceur _overthroweth_ Assan Bassa.

The Duke understanding, that the Archduke _Ferdinando,_ had so resolutely besieged _Caniza_ as what by the loss of _Alba Regalis,_ and the _Turks_ retreat to _Buda,_ being void of hope of any relief, doubted not, but it would become again the _Christians._ {MN-1}To the furtherance whereof, the Duke divided his Army into three parts. The Earl of _Rosworme_ went with Seven thousand to _Caniza,_ the Earl of _Meldritch_ with Six thousand he sent to assist _Georgio Busca_ against the _Transilvanians,_ the rest went with himself to the Garrisons of _Strigonium_ and _Komara;_ having thus worthily behaved himself, he arrived at _Vienne,_ where the Arch-dukes and the Nobility with as much honour received him, as if he had conquered all Hungaria; his very Picture they esteemed would make them fortunate, which thousands kept as curiously as a precious relique. To requite this honour, preparing himself to return into _France,_ to raise new Forces against the next year, with the two Arch-dukes, _Matthias_ and _Maximilian,_ and divers others of the Nobility, was with great Magnificence conducted to _Nurenburg,_ there by them royally feasted, (how it chanced is not known;) {MN-2} but the next Morning he was found dead, and his Brother in Law died two days after; whose hearts, after this great Triumph, with much sorrow were carried into _France._

* * * * *

{MN-1} _Duke_ Merceur _divideth his army._

{MN-2} _Duke_ Merceur _and his brother in law die suddenly._

* * * * *

CHAP. VII.

_The unhappy Siege of_ Caniza; _Earl_ Meldritch _serveth Prince_
Sigismundus; _Prince_ Moyses _besiegeth_ Regall; Smith's _three single
Combats; His Patent from_ Sigismundus, _and Reward._

{MN} The Worthy Lord _Rosworme_ had not worse Journey to the miserable Siege of _Caniza,_ (whereby the extremity of an extraordinary continuing Tempest of Hail, Wind, Frost and Snow, insomuch that the _Christians_ were forced to leave their Tents and Artillery, and what they had; it being so cold, that three or four hundred of them were frozen to Death in a Night, and two or three thousand lost in that miserable flight in the Snowy Tempest, though they did know no Enemy at all to follow them) than the Noble Earl of _Meldritch_ had to _Transilvania,_ where hearing of the Death of _Michael,_ and the brave Duke _Merceur,_ and knowing the Policy of _Busca,_ and the Prince his Royalty, being now beyond all belief of Men, in Possession of the best part of _Transilvania,_ perswaded his Troops, in so honest a Cause, to assist the Prince against the _Turk,_ rather than _Busca_ against the Prince.

* * * * *

{MN} _The unhappy siege of_ Caniza.

{MN} The Soldiers being worn out with those hard Pays and Travels, upon hope to have free liberty to make booty upon what they could get Possession of from the _Turks,_ were easily perswaded to follow him whithersoever. Now this Noble Earl was a _Transilvanian_ born, and his Fathers Country yet Inhabited by the _Turks;_ for _Transilvania_ was yet in three Divisions, though the Prince had the Hearts both of Country and People; yet the Frontiers had a Garrison amongst the unpassable Mountains, some for the Emperour, some for the Prince, and some for the _Turk:_ To regain which small Estate, he desired leave of the Prince to try his Fortunes, and to make use of that experience, the time of twenty years had taught him in the Emperours service, promising to spend the rest of his days, for his Countrys defence in his Excellencies Service. The Prince glad of so brave a Commander, and so many expert and ancient Soldiers, made him Camp Master of his Army, gave him all necessary relief for his Troops, and what freedom they desired to plunder the _Turks._

* * * * *

{MN} _Earl_ Meldritch _serveth with Prince_ Sigismundus.

{MN-1} The Earl having made many Incursions into the Land of _Zarkan,_ among those Rocky Mountains, where were some _Turks,_ some _Tartars,_ but most _Bandittoes, Rennegadoes,_ and such like, which sometimes he forced into the Plains of _Regall_ where is a City, not only of Men and Fortifications, Strong of it self, but so environed with Mountains, that made the Passages so difficult, that in all these Wars, no attempt had been made upon it to any purpose: Having satisfied himself with the Situation, and the most convenient Passages to bring his Army into it: The Earth no sooner put on her green Habit, than the Earl overspread her with his armed Troops. To possess himself first of the most convenient Passage, which was a narrow Valley betwixt two high Mountains; he sent Colonel _Veltus_ with his Regiment; dispersed in Companies to lie in _Ambuscado,_ as he had directed them, and in the Morning to drive all the Cattel they could find before a Fort in that Passage, whom he supposed would sally, seeing but some small Party to recover their prey; which took such good success, that the Garrison was cut off by the _Ambuscado,_ and _Veltus_ seized on the Skonces, which were abandoned. _Meldritch_ glad of so fortunate a beginning, it was six days ere he could with six thousand Pioneers make passage for his Ordnance: The _Turks_ having such warning, strengthened the Town so with Men and Provision, that they made a scorn of so small a number as _Meldritch_ brought with him before the City, which was but eight thousand. Before they had pitched their Tents, the _Turks_ sallied in such abundance, as for an hour, they had rather a bloody Battel than a Skirmish, but with the loss of near Fifteen hundred on both sides. The Turks were chased till the Cities Ordnance caused the Earl to retire. {M-2} The next day _Zachel Moyses,_ General of the Army, pitched also his Tents with nine thousand Foot and Horse, and six and twenty Pieces of Ordnance; but in regard of the Situation of this strong Fortress, they did neither fear them nor hurt them, being upon the point of a fair Promontory, environed on the one side within half a Mile with an un-useful Mountain, and on the other side with a fair Plain, where the _Christians_ encamped, but so commanded by their Ordnance, they spent near a Month in entrenching themselves, and raising their Mounts to plant their Batteries; which slow proceedings the _Turks_ oft derided, that their Ordnance were at pawn, and how they grew fat for want of Exercise, and fearing lest they should depart ere they could assault their City, sent this Challenge to any Captain in the Army.

* * * * *

{MN-1} _Earl_ Meldritch _maketh incursions to discover_ Regall.

{MN-2} Moyses _Besiegeth_ Regal.

That to delight the Ladies, who did long to see some Court-like pastime, the Lord _Turbashaw_ did defie any Captain, that had the command of a Company, who durst Combate with him for his Head: The matter being discussed, it was accepted, but so many Questions grew for the undertaking, it was decided by Lots, which fell upon Captain _Smith,_ before spoken of.

{MN} Truce being made for that time, the Rampires all beset with fair Dames, and Men in Arms, the _Christians_ in _Battalia; Turbashaw_ with a noise of Haut-boys entred the Field well mounted and armed; on his shoulders were fixed a pair of great Wings, compacted of Eagles Feathers, within a ridge of Silver, richly garnished with Gold and precious Stones, a _Janizary_ before him, bearing his Lance, on each side another leading his Horse; where long he stayed not, ere _Smith_ with a noise of Trumpets, only a Page bearing his Lance, passing by him with a courteous Salute, took his Ground with such good success, that at the sound of the charge, he passed the _Turk_ thorow the sight of his Beaver, Face, Head and all, that he fell dead to the Ground, where alighting and unbracing his Helmet, cut off his Head, and the _Turks_ took his Body; and so returned without any hurt at all. The Head he presented to the Lord _Moyses,_ the General, who kindly accepted it, and with joy to the whole Army he was generally welcomed.

* * * * *

{MN} _Three single combates._

The Death of this Captain so swelled in the Heart of one _Grualgo,_ his vowed Friend, as rather inraged with madness than choler, he directed a particular challenge to the Conqueror, to regain his Friends Head, or Idle his own, with his Horse and Armour for advantage, which according to his desire, was the next day undertaken: as before upon the sound of the Trumpets, their Lances flew in pieces upon a clear Passage, but the _Turk,_ was near unhorsed. Their Pistols was the next, which marked _Smith_ upon the Placard; but the next shot the _Turk,_ was so Wounded in the left Arm, that being not able to rule his Horse, and defend himself, he was thrown to the ground, and so bruised with the fall, that he lost his Head, as his Friend before him, with his Horse and Armour; but his Body, and his rich Apparel were sent back to the Town.

Every day the _Turks_ made some Sallies, but few Skirmishes would they endure to any purpose. Our Works and Approaches being not yet advanced to that heighth and effect, which was of necessity to be performed; to delude time, _Smith_ with so many incontradictible perswading Reasons, obtained leave, that the Ladies might know he was not so much enamoured of their Servants Heads; but if any _Turk,_ of their rank would come to the place of Combate to redeem them, should have his also upon the like conditions, if he could win it.

The challenge presently was accepted by _Bonny Mulgro._ The next day, both the Champions entring the Field as before, each discharging their Pistol, having no Lances, but such martial Weapons as the Defendant appointed, no hurt was done; their Battle-Axes was the next, whose piercing Bills made sometime the one, sometime the other to have scarce sense to keep their Saddles, specially the _Christian_ received such a blow, that he lost his Battle axe, and failed not much to have fallen after it, whereat the supposed conquering _Turk,_ had a great shout from the Rampires. The _Turk,_ prosecuted his advantage to the uttermost of his power; yet the other, what by the readiness of his Horse, and his judgement and dexterity in such a business, beyond all Mens expectation, by God's assistance, not only avoided the _Turks_ violence but having drawn his Faulchion, pierced the _Turk,_ so under the Culets, thorow back and body, that altho' he alighted from his Horse, he stood not long ere he lost his Head, as the rest had done.

* * * * *

CHAP. VIII.

Georgio Busca _an_ Albane, _his ingratitude to Prince_ Sigismundus;
_Prince_ Moyses _his Lieutenant, is overthrown by_ Busca, _General for
the Emperour_ Rodulphus; Sigismundus _yieldeth his Country to_
Rodulphus; Busca _assisteth Prince_ Rodol _in_ Wallachia.

This good success gave such great encouragement to the whole Army, that with a Guard of six thousand, three spare Horses, before each a _Turks_ Head upon a Lance, he was conducted to the Generals Pavilion with his Presents. Moyses received both him and them, with as much respect as the occasion deserved, embracing him in his Arms, gave him a fair Horse, richly furnished, a Scimitar and Belt worth Three hundred Ducats; and _Meldritch_ made him Sergeant Major of his Regiment. But now to the Siege, having mounted six and twenty pieces of Ordnance, fifty or sixty Foot above the Plain, made them so plainly tell his meaning, that within fifteen days two Breaches were made, which the _Turks_ as valiantly defended as Men could; that day was made a darksome Night, but by the light that proceeded from the murdering Muskets, and peace-making Canon, whilst their slothful Governour lay in a Castle on the top of a high Mountain, and like a Valiant Prince asketh what's the matter, when horror and death flood amazed each at other, to see who should prevail to make him victorious: {MN} _Moyses_ commanding a general assault upon the sloping front of the high Promontory, where the Barons of _Budendorfe_ and _Oberwin,_ lost near half their Regiments, by Logs, Bags of Powder, and such like, tumbling down the Hill, they were to mount ere they could come to the breach; notwithstanding with an incredible courage, they advanced to the push of the Pike with the Defendants, that with the like courage repulsed, till the Earl _Meldritch, Becklefield_ and _Zarvana,_ with their fresh Regiments seconded them with that fury, that the _Turks_ retired and fled into the Castle, from whence by a Flag of truce they desired composition. The Earl remembring his Fathers Death, battered it with all the Ordnance in the Town, and the next day took it: all he found could bear Arms, he put to the Sword, and set their Heads upon Stakes round about the Walls, in the same manner they had used the _Christians,_ when they took it. _Moyses_ having repaired the Rampires, and thrown down the Work in his Camp, he put in it a strong Garrison, though the pillage he had gotten in the Town was much, having been for a long time an impregnable den of Thieves; yet the loss of the Army so intermingled the sowre with the sweet, as forced _Moyses_ to seek a farther revenge, that he sacked _Veratio, Solmos,_ and _Kupronka,_ and with two thousand Prisoners, most Women and Children, came to _Esenberg,_ not far from the Princes Palace, where he there Encamped.

* * * * *

{MN} Regal _assaulted and taken._

_Sigismundus_ coming to view his Army, was presented with the Prisoners, and six and thirty Ensigns; where celebrating thanks to Almighty God in triumph of those Victories, he was made acquainted with the service _Smith_ had done at _Olumpagh, Stoll-Weissenburgh_ and _Regal;_ for which, with great honour, he gave him three _Turks_ Heads in a Shield for his Arms, by Patent, under his Hand and Seal, with an Oath ever to wear them in his Colours, his Picture in Gold, and three hundred Ducats yearly for a Pension.

* * * * *

Sigismundus Bathori, _Dei Gratia, Dux_ Transilvaniae, Wallachiae, & Vandalorum; _Comes_ Anchard, Salford, Growenda; _Cunctis his literis significamus qui cas lecturi aut audituri sunt, concessam licentiam aut facultatem_ Johanni Smith, _natione_ Anglo _Generoso,_ 250. _militum Capitaneo sub Illustrissani & Gravissani_ Henrici Volda, _Comitis de_ Meldri, Salmariae, & Peldoix _primario, ex_ 1000 _equitibus_ & 1500. peditibus bello_ Ungarico _conductione in Provincias supra scriptas sub Authoritate nostra: cui servituti omni laude, perpetuaq; memoria dignum praebuit sese erga nos, ut virum strenuum pugnantem pro aris & focis decet. Quare e favore nostro militario ipsum ordine condonavimus, & in Sigillum illius tria_ Turcica _Capita defignare & deprimere concessimus, que ipso gladio suo ad Urbem_ Regalem _in singulari praelio vicit, mactavit, atq; decollavit in_ Transilvaniae _Provincia: Sed fortuna cum variabilis ancepsq; sit idem forte fortuito in_ Wallachiae _Provincia, Anno Domini_ 1602. _die Mensis Novemberis_ 18. _cum multis aliis etiam Nubilibus & aliis quibusdam militibus captus est a Domino_ Bascha _electo ex_ Cambia _regionis_ Tartariae, _onjus severitate adductus salutum quantem potuit quaesivit, tantumque effecit, Deo omnipotente adjuvante, ut deliberavit se, & ad suos Commilitones revertit; ex quibus ipsum liberavimus, & haec nobis restimonia habuit ut majori licentia frucretur qua dignus esset, jam tendet in patriam suam dulcissonam: Rogamus ergo omnes nostros charissunos, confinititmos, Duces, Principes, Comites, Barones, Gubernatores Urbium & Navium in cadem Regione & caeterarum Provinciarum in quibus ille refidere conatus fuerit ut idem permittatur Capitaneus libere sine obstaculo omni versari. Haec facientes pergratum nobis feceritis. Signatum_ Lesprizia _in_ Misnia _die Mensis_ Decembris_ 9. _Anno Domini_ 1603.

_Cum Privilegio propriae, Majestatis._ Sigismundus Bathori.

Universis, & singulis, cujuscunq; loci, status, gradut, ordinis, ac conditighis ad quos hos praesens scriptum pervenerit,_ Gulielmus Segar, Eques auratus alias dictus Garterus Principalis Rex Armorum_ Anglicorum, Salutum._ Sciatis, _quod Ego praedictus Garterus, notum, testatumque facio, quod Patentitem suprascriptum, cum manu propria praedicti Ducis_ Transilvaniae _Subsignatum, & Sigillo suo affixum, Vidi: & Copiam veram ejusdem (in perpetuam rei memoriam) transcripsi, & recordavi in Archivis, & Registris Officii Armorum. Datum_ Londini 19. _die Augusti, Anno Domini_ 1625. _Annoque Regni Domini nostri_ CAROLI _Dei gratia Magnae_ Britanniae, Franciae, & Hibernix _Regis, Fidei Defendoris, &c. Prime.

Gulielmus Segar, Garterus.

{MN} Sigismundus Bathori, by the Grace of God, Duke of _Transilvania,_ _Wallachia,_ and _Moldavia,_ Earl of _Anchard, Salford_ and _Growenda;_ to whom this Writing may come or appear. Know that We have given Leave and Licence to _John Smith_ an _English Gentleman,_ Captain of 250 Soldiers, under the most Generous and Honourable _Henry Volda,_ Earl of _Meldritch, Salmaria,_ and _Peldoia,_ Colonel of a thousand Horse, and fifteen hundred Foot, in the Wars of _Hungary,_ and in the Provinces aforesaid under our Authority; whose Service doth deserve all praise, and perpetual Memory towards us, as a Man that did for God and his Country overcome his Enemies; Wherefore out of our Love and Favour, according to the Law of Arms, We have ordained, and given him in his Shield of Arms, the Figure and Description of three Turks Heads, which with his Sword before the Town of _Regal,_ in single Combat he did overcome, kill, and cut off, in the Province of _Transilvania._ But Fortune, as she is very variable, so it chanced and happened to him in the Province of _Wallatchia,_ in the year of Our Lord 1602. the 18th day of _November,_ with many others, as well Noble Men as also divers other Soldiers, were taken Prisoners by the Lord _Bashaw_ of _Cambia,_ a Country of _Tartaria;_ whose cruelty brought him such good Fortune, by the Help and Power of Almighty God, that he delivered himself, and returned again to his Company and fellow Soldiers, of whom We do discharge him, and this he hath in Witness thereof, being much more worthy of a better Reward; and now intends to return to his own sweet Country. We desire therefore all Our loving and kind Kinsmen, Dukes, Princes, Earls, Barons, Governours of Towns, Cities or Ships, in this Kingdom, or any other Provinces he shall come in, that you freely let pass this the aforesaid Captain, without any hindrance or molestation, and this doing, with all kindness, we are always ready to do the like for you. Sealed at _Lipswick_ in _Misenland,_ the ninth of _December,_ in the year of our Lord, 1603.

* * * * *

{MN} _The same in_ English.

_With the proper privilege of his Majesty._ SIGISMUNDUS BATHORI

To all and singular, in what Place, State, Degree, Order, or Condition whatsoever, to whom this present Writing shall come: I _William Segar,_ Knight, otherwise Garter, and principal King of Arms of _England,_ wish health. Know, that I the aforesaid Garter, do witness and approve, that this aforesaid Patent, I have seen, Signed, and Sealed, under the proper Hand and Seal Manuel of the said Duke of _Transilvania,_ and a true Copy of the same, as a thing for perpetual memory, I have Subscribed and Recorded in the Register, and Office of the Heralds of Arms. Dated at _London,_ the nineteenth day of _August,_ in the year of Our Lord, 1625, and in the first year of our Sovereign Lord _Charles,_ by the Grace of God, King of great _Britain, France,_ and _Ireland,_ Defender of the Faith, &c.

WILLIAM SEGAR.

* * * * *

CHAP. IX.

Sigismundus _sends Ambassadours unto the Emperour. The Conditions
reassured. He yieldeth up all to_ Busca, _and returneth to_ Prague.