Chapter VII: Part 7

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.