Chapter VIII: Part 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_Constantinople_, June 1st.

_SIR_,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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