The historie of the troubles of Hungarie containing the pitifull losse and ruine of that kingdome, and the warres happened there, in that time, betweene the Christians and Turkes. By Mart. Fumée Lord of Genillé, Knight of the Kings order. Newly translated out of French into English, by R.C. Gentleman.

THE FIFTH BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF HVNGARIE. (Book 5)

THE ARGVMENT OF THE FIFTH BOOKE.

THE Turke prepareth to make warre vpon Ferdinand. Castalde soliciteth for succours, and fortifieth the frontier townes of Transiluania. The great store of treasure of Frier George. Demaunds of Izabella to Ferdinand, for performance of couenants. Zegedin surprised from the Turkes, and the ouerthrow of our people there. The Pope excommunicateth the authors of George his death, and the infor∣mation thereof. Mahomet Basha commeth into Hungarie. Castalde calleth a [ C] Diet at Torde, and the custome there concerning adulterie. Duke Maurice of Saxo∣nie raiseth forces against the Emperour Charles the 5. and forceth him to forsake his aboade, and in the end they are accorded. Izabella complaineth of Ferdinand, and Castalde soliciteth him for succours. Themesuar besieged by Mahomet, in the end yeelded, and the Gouernour thereof with all his people treacherously ouerthrowne and slaine by the Turkes. Caransebesse yeelded to the Turks. The cowardlines of Aldene Gouernour of Lippa, the forsaking thereof, and the burning of it by him, which was afterwards possessed by the Turks. Drigall besieged by the Palauicine, he is defea∣ted there by Achmeth, Basha of Buda, and in the end he is taken, and ransomed. Zal∣uoch besieged by Mahomet, the cowardlines of the Germane souldiours there, and [ D] braue resolution of the Castellan. Mahomet determineth to goe and besiege A∣gria.

IN the beginning of this yeere 1552. Ferdinand and his Lieutenants thought by the death of Frier George, to haue procured to Hungarie and Transiluania a long repose and perpetuall peace, seeing that some of those who were vehemently suspected, did not any thing oppose themselues, nor made any shew of insurrecti∣ons: insomuch that they imagined that Fortune by that meanes had brought to euery one a happie life, [ E] and sweete tranquilitie: euery man applauding the present time, and ex∣treamely blaming the time past, not any manner of way considering that which might happen. Thus continuing in this their hope of a better life, it was not long, but that Fortune (according to her naturall inclination) gathe∣red

together so much poyson, and spread abroad so many perturbations, that she gaue vniuersall notice, of how many mischiefes she had been the [ F] cause. Then, after the discontent of the Sicilians was appeased, and that eue∣ry one was departed from the Diet of Wasrael, Castalde returned to Sibinio, when all the Castles and Fortresses (which in the Friers name for a time held out) they sent to him in the name of Ferdinand, and offered vnto him all o∣beysance, * 1.1 and yeelded vp all the treasure which was found therein, that in any sort appertained to Frier George. In the end hauing accepted their of∣fers, and reestablished the same Captaines in the said places, he presently certified Ferdinand thereof, to the end that with all expedition, he should dis∣patch certaine Comissaries, to receiue by account, all that which was found [ G] in those places to haue been the Friers, and afterward to dispose of them as it pleased him.

Whilest hee expected these Comissaries, and that hee was at Sibinio, cer∣taine newes came daily by Marchants of Tergonista, (a principall towne of * 1.2 the Transalpinians) concerning that which was done at Constantinople, and touching the great preparation that the Turke made, (being exceeding * 1.3 angrie and enraged for the death of the Frier) and caused to bee leauied two great armies to send them against the Transiluanians, with which he deter∣mined at one instant to assaile this Prouince on two sides, on the one side by the Moldauian, and on the other by the low Marishes.

Vpon this newes, Castalde both by letters and messengers vrgently pres∣sed [ H] Ferdinand for present reliefe, and that he would in time prouide himselfe * 1.4 of sufficient men, and other fit necessaries, which should bee needfull for the warre, and that he should draw from the Emperour Charles as many Spany∣ards as he could. He also sent to his Maiestie the Marquesse Sforce, to the end he should acquaint him with all the particulars, and that it would please his Maiestie to giue him meanes to leauie some force of Italians, and that with such expedition, as he might bee able, before neede should require, to returne into Transiluania: and specially to tell him, that he should send good store of great Artillerie; for the conduct of which, there should not be vsed such detracting of time, as was in sending the other, to the end that by such [ I] succour and preparations, they might be able to resist so puissant an enemie, who assuredly would make no shew of any sloth or negligence, to prepare for the ruine of this countrie and poore miserable people.

The Marquesse being now arriued at Vienna, he presently acquainted Ferdinand with all the occurrants of Transiluania, as also of that which was committed to his charge. His Maiestie being attentiue thereunto, and duly considering of these vnwelcomed nouelties, presently dispatched him into Italie, to leauie 4000. Italians, and to bring with him as many Spanyards as he could: and afterward writ to Castalde, that he would not faile to send him [ K] such ayde as he demaunded against that time he required, hoping to send him no lesse then 50000. men: namely, 5000. men of armes of Bohemia, 20000. Hungarish horse, 20000. Launsquenets, and more then 5000. Spany∣ards and Italians, which should make vp the said number and more, of which he should also compose a good strong armie vpon Tibiscus, for the defence

of the passages, and of all those places, and that all these people should bee [ A] payed for foure moneths: the which if Ferdinand had done, Hungarie for that time might haue been in good estate. But this good intended prepara∣tion could not sort to effect, in respect of the aduerse accidents that happe∣ned, and particularly that Duke Mauris brought to Germanie, by occasion whereof he was constrained to bee carefull ouer the affayres of his brother Charles the 5. which were in some hard tearmes, and to lend his aduice to ap∣pease that discord, happened for the not deliuering of the Lantgraue, and the Duke of Saxonie, being greatly busied on all sides by such vnlooked for broyles, which brought so great discommoditie to him, that he could nei∣ther send money, nor men sufficient for such an enterprise: which default [ B] was partly the cause of the vnfortunate successe which happened this yeere in Transiluania, farre different from the former.

In the meane while, Castalde with the greatest expedition he could, caused the fortifications of Themesuar, Lippa, Colosuar, Sibinio, and many other places to be reered, and he omitted no time, but still carefully imployed his best endeuour to that which concerned him. During which imployments * 1.5 about such munitions, the Comissaries arriued, which Ferdinand at his in∣stance had dispatched to receiue the Friers treasure, which after his death was committed to safe keeping for his Maiesties vse; Castalde not willing to defile his hands therewith (although the bruite was that he had the tenth [ C] part of the goods) knowing that such affayres were daungerous, and apt to giue occasion to slanderous tongues to accuse and detract euery man, yea although he should carrie himselfe therein a thousand times more sincerely then Iacob himselfe, and specially when any colourable occasion doth pro∣uoke them to it: in regard whereof, and to auoyde all suspition, he altogether abstained, and by no meanes would haue them in his owne custodie.

His Comissaries being come, he caused them to receiue it by Inuentorie, opening with his owne hands certaine places which were yet fastened, as the Frier had left them, which vntill then were not opened, and which for the greater suretie he caused to be nailed vp and securely preserued. There [ D] was found amongst them in wedges and ingots so much gold, as amounted to 1744. markes, and of siluer 4793. markes; 1000. ancient Meddals of Lysi∣machus, euery Meddall valued at three or foure Duckets; twentie stones or peeces of gold which were found in the riuers of Transiluania, which were valued to be more worth, then if they had bin altogether gold, and weighed 34. markes; 934. markes of siluer wedges of the myne; sixe very great vessels of siluer and guilt; certaine chaines of gold which in all weighed sixe markes and a halfe; 32. cups of siluer guilt ouer after the Hungarish fashion, wrought with faire and curious works; 60. gold rings, set with many precious stones; a faire coller of gold made in manner of a Crosse, inriched with faire Rubies [ E] and Diamonds; 36. great siluer cups double guilt, so that one of them made two; twelue guilt Basons and Eures, great, and of a large receit; an infinit companie of siluer drinking cups, great and small dishes, bowles, spoones, trencher-plates parcel guilt, and some not guilt; 1534. of Hungarish Duckets; many bundles of Martine sable skins, there being in euery bundle 80. or 100.

skinnes: many other bundles of diuers skinnes of great value; certaine Sa∣phirs and other Iewels inchased in gold; diuers ornaments of cloath of gold [ F] and silke, and other goodly moueables for household, as clothes, Tapisterie, and Arras of incredible estimation. He also had a race of 300. Horses and Mares, and in his stables were found good store of Turkish Horses and o∣thers, and of Mules, which afterward were all giuen by Ferdinand to his sonne Maximilian King of Bohemia, and in his name deliuered into the cu∣stodie of Andrew Battor: and besides all these, there was found great store of victuals and munition, so that all things together (not counting that which was purloyned at Binse, at Varadin, at Wyuar, at Deua, and at other places by the Captaines, which was esteemed to bee worth more then 50000. [ G] crownes) was valued at 250000. crownes.

Whilest these things were thus deliuered by Inuentorie, Queene Izabella writ to Ferdinand, that it would please him to commaund Castalde, that hee * 1.6 should restore to her all the gold and siluer which was King Iohns her hus∣bands, that was found amongst the Friers treasure, which he had purloyned and vsurped by force, and in like sort a portion of the Mares, and that hee would cause them presently to be deliuered her. And further, that he would obserue and performe all that which was promised to her, vpon the yeel∣ding vp the kingdome of Transiluania. Ferdinand answered her, that for his part there should be no fault: whereupon he commanded Castalde, that [ H] he should restore whatsoeuer might be found to belong to her, which was presently performed, and there was giuen to her of the breede and other things the halfe. Ferdinand also commaunded the Comissaries that they * 1.7 should giue to Castalde 200. markes (to the end he should haue part of the spoyle of Frier George) in such vessels of the guilt plate, the best wrought that he would chuse, and eight guilded cups of the Hungarish fashion, and cer∣taine great dishes of those which were found at Varadin, foure bundles of Martins skinnes, and other moueables: and besides, 400. golden Meddals of Lysimachus, whereof he was alreadie possessed, besides the 1000. which were in the hands of the Comissaries. He also caused to bee giuen to the [ I] murtherers of the Frier, so good a portion of his moueables and siluer, that with it and the reuenew which he gaue them during their liues, they held themselues well contented and satisfied. The bruite went that the Frier had infinit treasure, but in the end it proued not so much as was reported, yea and it neuer amounted to the third part of that which was esteemed, and the issue proued, that the report exceeded the substance, and the fame thereof was much more then the effect it selfe. The Comissaries being dispatched, returned well contented, hauing in their custodie all these riches, and a good part of the money which was found at Binse in the Friers chamber, which were recouered by good diligence that some vsed therein, there being (by [ K] occasion thereof) apprehended Captaine Andrew Lopez, Guydo Gozio, Ma∣ster of Castaldes house, and certaine other souldiours, who afterward were constrained to restore all that which they had taken, and to submit them∣selues vnder Ferdinands mercie, who meant not, according to the seueritie of iustice, to chastise them, but with sweete and milde clemencie did pardon

them. Now for that the souldiours were to be payed a twelue moneths pay [ A] for their content, they caused to be coyned all that golde and siluer which was found in wedges, and by that meanes they were payed the greatest part of their due, and they retained their affections vnder the oath of all fidelitie, which for want of payment were daily readie to mutinie and depart. As this payment was made, newes was brought that our forces had taken Zege∣din, * 1.8 which is a towne of Hungarie, not far from Lippa, containing about it 1000. households, and is furnished with a strong Castle built vpon the shoare of Tibiscus, neere the place where it entereth into Danubius. This towne is rich and of great traficke, and much frequented by occasion of these two riuers: the maner in taking of it, was thus. [ B]

At the time that Castalde was incamped before Lippa, there came then to speake with him, in the presence of Andrew Battor, a Hungarian, named Ot∣tomiall, (who at that time was Burgomaster of Debrecen, a towne in Hun∣garie, * 1.9 hauing been also Burgomaster of Zegedin, before the Turkes were ma∣sters thereof) and he tolde him, that if he would vouchsafe him his consent and ayde, he would finde the meanes to surprise Zegedin, the Christian in∣habitants being at his dispose, who also had conference with him about it: and besides had at his deuotion the neighbouring places, who desiring no∣thing but to vnwinde themselues from the Turkes slauerie, would at no hand faile him in his enterprise: he hauing alreadie receiued letters from them, by which they gaue him to vnderstand, that if he had the courage to [ C] put in practise this exployte, he should not doubt, but that approaching to them with a good troupe of men, they would put the towne and Castle vn∣der his commaund. Castalde well considering hereof, and knowing of what great strength this place was, supposed this motion to be but a mockerie: neuerthelesse, not minding to repell him, but with good and friendly spee∣ches, seeming to imbrace his aduice and councell, gaue him many heartie and intire thankes for his good affection in the attempting of so waightie an enterprise, and intreated him to continue the attempt of this practise, well hoping after the issue of Lippa, to furnish and prouide him of all whatso∣euer he demaunded, and that then he should not want of what succours he [ D] would himselfe: and with this answere they departed.

After that Lippa was taken, Ottomiall returned againe to Castalde, to de∣maunde of him that which to fore he had put him in minde of. Castalde see∣ing he perseuered in this resolute opinion, and with so sincere affection, in offering his dutifull seruice to Ferdinand, as before he had made sufficient proofe thereof, and that he ceased not both by words and deedes, to shew himselfe very forward in all things, (although that at the first sight, he was not so entertained as he perswaded himselfe he should haue been) he tolde him, that he should haue as many men with him, as should be necessarie to [ E] performe this exploite, aduising him, that if in case he got the towne, and that notwithstanding he could not get the Castle, that by no meanes he should lose any time for the batterie thereof, but hauing sackt the towne, he should set fire thereon, and afterward retire with the bootie, to the place where he should be, for feare of being charged by the Turkes, and that to∣gether

with his life, and the liues of his souldiours, he should not lose that which painfully he had gotten, esteeming the surprise, and the worthie ma∣naging [ F] of this enterprise of no small importance. Ottomiall obtaining this suite, and hauing taken his leaue, assembled the souldiours which was ap∣pointed him at Lippa, to the number of 2000. foote, and 500. horse, and con∣cealing from them the cause which led him thereto, offered to euery foote∣man foure crownes the moneth, and to euery horseman sixe: and hauing thus payd them, he caused their rende vous in a place commodious not farre from Lippa.

The Campe-master Aldene, who (as is aforesaid) was remaining for the defence and gouernment of Lippa, vnderstanding of this assemblie, and not [ G] knowing the cause, gaue present aduertisement thereof to Castalde, who re∣turned him answer, that he should not disturbe him, nor enquire any further of the occasion, since what he did, was for the seruice of Ferdinand. Vpon the receit of this answer, Aldene went presently to Ottomiall, of whom vn∣derstanding the particularitie of the enterprise, perswaded so much with him, that if it should fortunately succeede, he would giue him present notice thereof, to the end that he himselfe might come in person to relieue him. Ot∣tomiall hauing set them all forward, and the one halfe of Zegedin being at his dispose, gaue secret notice to the inhabitants of the said towne, that hee had well commenced and proceeded in this attempt, and that they should at [ H] any conuenient time send him word, when they would haue him to come vnto them. The townes-men presently prescribed a determined day to ef∣fect this practise. The time approaching, one day before he caused his peo∣ple to march the whole night, and the day following he held them ambush∣ed within a wood, and within two nights hee arriued so secretly, that his comming was neuer discerned: and comming before Zegedin at the pre∣fixed houre, about day breake, he of one side disposed the greatest part of his people in ambuscado in the next by woods, and by another way he sent cer∣taine souldiours to giue an alarme to the towne. Which being vnderstood by the Turkes, presently many of them sallied forth of the Castle and towne [ I] to view the occasion of this alarme: and seeing so small a number of these souldiours, and being ignorant of the ambuscado, they boldly went forth a∣gainst them; which when the other seeing, faining fearfully to retire, yet still fighting, vntill by little and little they trained them within the compasse of their ambuscado, where presently they were so enuironed, and on euery side beaten downe, that they had no meanes to defend themselues; and desirous to make a retraict to the towne, euery one made haste who should bee there first. But the inhabitants well vnderstanding this stratagem, hauing alreadie taken armes, they shut the ports against them, and ioyning with Ottomials men, they made such a slaughter amongst them, that of all those who were [ K] gone forth, there remained not one aliue. The Turkes who were remaining for the guard and defence of the Castle, seeing this slaughter, retired them∣selues and stood vpon their guard, and drew vp the bridge, assuring them∣selues within it, giuing diligent order the best they could to present necessi∣tie. Our people being entered into the towne, and not being able to take

the Castle in this manner, determined to sacke all the Turks houses, and spe∣cially [ A] of the Marchants, who were very rich, there being come thither many Constantinopolitans to dwell there. Thus seazing vpon all their moueables, wiues, and children, and committing them into a great house, that after∣wards they might share them amongst the souldiours, Ottomiall made him∣selfe master of Zegedin, who afterwards being desirous to assaile the Castle, found that the Turkes within would brauely defend themselues. For the place of it selfe was naturally very strong, and besides, well furnished with Artillerie, and it was in such sort defensible, that it caused Ottomiall to come short of his conquering purpose. Therefore seeing he could by no meanes winne it without other forces, he writ presently to the Camp-master Aldene [ B] of all that he had done. He receiuing this newes, without expecting other * 1.10 commaund from Castalde, calling to minde the promise which he made to Ottomiall to relieue him, determined with at speede to goe to him, and ta∣king two hundred Spanyards out of Lippa and Themesuar, and foure field peeces, he began with all expedition to march towards Zegedin, perswa∣ding himselfe that with this supplie of men and Artillerie which he brought with him, hee might vpon reasonable tearmes get the possession of this Castle.

Whilest he iournied on, he acertained Castalde of this good newes, and how he marched thither, and desired him that he would not faile to send after him with all speede men and Artillerie, for that Ottomiall might not be [ C] left destitute, and to the hazard of fortune, seeing he was now master of the towne, and assured him, by the meanes of succours which he demaunded, easily to get the Castle. Before this aduertisement from Aldene, Castalde had alreadie receiued newes thereof, by those which he sent with Ottomiall, that they should presently aduertise him of all the occurrants that should hap∣pen, hauing in the meane time prepared a good number of men, and of all other necessaries which should bee fitting, if in case the Castle were taken, that then he would presently send ayde. But vnderstanding that it was yet in the Turkes commaund, and that but onely the towne was taken, which he thought vnpossible to keepe without the Fortresse; sent to Ottomiall that he [ D] should fire the towne, contenting himselfe with that which he had alreadie done, and sparing those who were friends, he should presently retire with the bootie which he had gotten, reputing it a great vanitie to lose his time in an opiniatiue iudgement for the conquest of impossibilities (and specially not being able to surprise it suddenly) which would require a greater armie then that which he had, not being able to furnish, together with foote and horse, more then 4000. men, neither he hauing any peeces of batterie to send him: and in the end he commaunded him that he should deferre no longer time in that place, for that if he did not speedily dislodge, he had [ E] some doubt that the Turkes (by the succours which they prepared) would come in the meane while to charge them, they not thinking thereon, and so by that meanes to lose at one time both that which they gotten with their honour and liues.

As he had dispatched this commaund, came Aldenes Courier, by whom

he vnderstood that he was departed from Lippa, with such a number of men and Artillerie, as wee haue said, to relieue Ottomiall. By this Courier he in∣stantly [ F] intreated that he would send him more men and Artillerie, assuring him that the taking of this Castle was very easie. But Castalde by no meanes could be induced to credit it, hauing been sufficiently informed of the quali∣tie and situation of this said Fortresse, and that within there were yet 500. Turkes remaining of those who were slaine at the surprise of the towne; that it was well furnished with good store of Artillerie, and that the walles were very large and thick, and rampierd behinde with as much earth as they were high, insomuch that hee saw no possible meanes that the pursuite thereof could rest victorious to our people. And although he apparantly knew that [ G] to send men thither was much time lost, esteeming it vnpossible to take the Castle in this manner, yet he determined at all aduentures to send them ayde and Artillerie, as Aldene requested. Which he was the rather content to per∣forme (although he-esteemed it a friuolous thing) for that the fault should not bee imputed to him if they did not take it, and that they should not say that this fauourable occasion was lost, for not sending them in time such ayd as they demaunded. And thus in the greatest speede that could be (although it was still contrarie to his liking) he writ to Thomas Varcocce, that hee should presently take two Cannons out of Varadin where he was, and two out of Albe-iula, with certaine field peeces, and with all speed send them with their [ H] munitions and other necessaries to Aldene, who was at Zegedin: which presently was commodiously sent, by meanes of the riuer Marosse. And af∣terwards commaunded Ourestolph (who then was in garrison in the Countie of Varadin) that he should presently march with the men of armes to suc∣cour Ottomiall and Aldene. In like sort he sent to Peter Vicchy (who was Co∣lonell of the Infantrie, and who also at that time had his garrison at Varadin and Albe-iula) that he should march with Ourestolph. At this commaund, the one hauing with him 2000. foot and horse, and the other 200. men of armes, they proceeded on towards Zegedin, without permitting their troupes to repose themselues any time. [ I]

After that Castalde had giuen directions, according as aforesaid, he also * 1.11 writ to Aldene, reprouing him for the fault which he had committed by lea∣uing Lippa and Themesuar, because he had withdrawne from thence the garrisons, greatly marueiling at his folly, how he should be drawne to settle himselfe vpon so vaine an enterprise, which by all likelihoods could not for∣tunately succeede; and to thinke that with so few men hee could take that Castle, which in respect of the situation and strength thereof, would require sixe times as great a power: that hee had sent them those succours that hee demaunded, which he would not haue done, but onely to the end that none should accuse him, that because he had not sent them, this Fortresse could [ K] not bee wonne, further assuring himselfe that time would witnes his iudge∣ment true, and make the detriment to appeare, which was very probable would happen thereupon: and this he was so much the rather perswaded of, for that then he saw himselfe to bee in want both of men and money, so that in losing those which he had now sent him, he should finde himselfe out of

hope, vpon any occasion to reunite so many againe. This done, he departed [ A] from Sibinio, and went and seated himselfe in Albe-iula, that so he might be more neere vnto Zegedin, and in the middest of the kingdome, to the end that hee might the better prouide for all places; and if happely the af∣fayres succeeded well, that hee might presently transport himselfe thither, and giue both by his presence and by the ayde of the rest of his souldiours (which he had lodged about Albe-iula) vigour and courage to the enter∣prise. But hereof there was not any neede at all: for within a few daies after newes was brought, that all those who were at the expedition of Zegedin, were quite ouerthrowne by the Basha of Buda, without knowing the parti∣cular trueth how things had passed. Castalde although the displeasure which [ B] he conceiued of this defeate was exceeding great, yet did he not entertaine this report as any noueltie, for that from the beginning euen to the end hee well foresaw what would happen, and the rather being induced thereunto, in respect of the absurditie which was committed from the first, which was not likely to effect any other end then such as it had. Now after that, besides he had more assured newes, that for certaine all his people were defeated and lost: for feare least the losse of Lippa and Themesuar might not follow, (which Aldene had left both disfurnished of souldiours and of a Com∣maunder) he sent in post to Captaine Roderic Vigliandrando, commaunding him that he should goe to Lippa, and that he would send him so many men [ C] as was needfull for the defence thereof. He also commanded Diego Velez de Mendoza, that he should go to Themesuar with his companie, leading with him besides 300. Germanes, and 300. Hungarish horse, and of that troupe he should send a good part thereof to Lippa, and that he should be very vigilant vpon all that quarter.

These now marching on with tedious iourneys, met many people of di∣uers nations, who fled from about the townes of the low marches, for the feare which they had of the crueltie, which (as they vnderstood) the Basha of Buda had vsed in massacring an infinit companie of people: vpon which bruite they retired in great confusion and tumult towards the mountaines. [ D] But they seeing there were succours sent to the quarters from whence they were fled, staied their fearefull course, and by little and little regained their courages againe; and being perswaded by these Captains to expell all feare, and to returne againe to their houses, they ceased their slight, and taking hart returned with them, and others went to Lippa and Themesuar: where be∣ing * 1.12 all arriued, they vnderstood how Aldene saued himselfe, with all the Spanyards and Ourestolphs men of armes, with a true relation of all the disa∣ster which happened in this sort:

It was now alreadie eight daies that Aldene had been about the Castle of Zegedin, and had enuironed it with a large trench, (expecting the arriuall of [ E] the Artillerie, which approached with all speede) when a day before, Peter Vicchy arriued with those 2000. souldiours (as is aforesaid) and when also ar∣riued from Canoth 100. Germane Harquebuziers, 30. Spanyards, and 100. horse. The tenth day Aldene early in the morning caused all his people to be mustered in a field, and he found his number to be 3000. horse, 230. Spany∣ards,

100. Germanes, and 2000. Hungarian footmen, besides the 200. men of armes of Ourestolphs, who at the same time arriued. Whilest that Aldene was [ F] busied to dispose and lodge them, and before they were seated, the Turks ap∣peared in a plaine by Zegedin, at the sight of whom the alarme was present∣ly giuen in euery place, and our men sarried close vp together. They sent foorth some to take a view and notice of them, who discouered a squa∣dron of 1500. horse, and many Coaches, within which they might also discerne men, and it was the Basha of Buda, who purposely came with suc∣cours to attempt the enterance into the Castle, and not to fight with our people, being not sufficiently accompanied for such a purpose: but he think∣ing he was alreadie discouered, made a stand in that place where our people [ G] might well perceiue them, and of his whole troupe he made two squa∣drons, the one greater then the other, causing all the Ianisaries to mount vp into the Coaches, with which vpon the left hand he made a defence, among whom and with the greatest squadron he placed himselfe, and the lesser he set on the right hand, causing those Coaches and Waggons to couer and defend both the one and the other in manner of a Rampier: and being come but onely to relieue and succour his people, and not to fight with our men, he staied there to see what we would doe. Our men seeing the Turkes thus ranged in battaile, made a squadron of their Hungarian light horse, and Oure∣stolph made another with his men of armes, right opposite to that of the Ba∣sha. Ottomiall and Aldene made another strong bodie of all the Infantrie, [ H] which they placed by the towne, without giuing them charge to fight, or any other directions what to doe. As these squadrons of Caualarie were before the enemies, and a good distance betweene them, Peter Vicchy said to Aldene:

What shall we now doe? Aldene answered him, that in respect hee knew not the manner of the Hungars fight, he would commit all to him, to doe what hee thought fitting.

Afterwards Peter Vicchy said;

Since you know not our manner of fight, let me alone.

Ourestolph seeing that Aldene (Generall of the armie) doubted not a little of that which he had to doe, be∣ing desirous of honour, and couetous not to bee the second that should [ I] charge the Turkes, without further consideration of the matter, spurred on amaine with his men of armes against the Bashaes great squadron: but be∣cause those who were in the front tooke more vpon their left hand then on their right, they did not so fully incounter the said squadron in the middest, but made as it were a touch alongst the side of the squadron, but yet so for∣cibly, that they ouerthrew all those y^t they incountred withall. The Hungars did second them, and charged but in the same place where the men of armes before them had attempted, without disordering any. This ouersight was the beginning of their disorder, indiscreetly pressing and incumbring one another, and seeing many Turkes dead on the ground, who not by them [ K] (the Hungars) but by the people of Ourestolph were so ouerthrowne, and ma∣ny horses coursing about the plaine, thinking that they had alreadie wonne the victorie, and not respecting the other squadron which was yet whole with y^e Coaches, they seemed carelesse any more to fight or expect the issue of the battaile, so that many among them dismounting from their horses, be∣gan

to rifle the Turkes which were remaining on the place either hurt or [ A] slaine. The Basha perceiuing this which was done at the first incounter, be∣gan to despayre, and thought the victorie inclined to the Christians: where∣vpon he began to retire his squadrons and waggons to saue himselfe: but afterward seeing that none followed him, and that the Hungars did not orderly manage in the field, but with confusion thwarting one another without any discipline, being more attentiue to the spoyle, then to the pur∣suite of victorie, and considering that a good part of his squadron was yet intire and whole, determined to make head and returne to the charge, commaunding first to aduance 300. Turkes, with certaine Ianisaries and o∣ther souldiours which should enter into the Castle, (which they easily per∣formed [ B] without any hinderance) and after they kept close with their other squadrons in a strong battalion, and began with great courage and nimble∣nes to giue in among the Hungars, who alreadie were disbanded and disper∣sed euery where, to whom they gaue the greatest mate that could be imagi∣ned, putting all to the sword without any pitie, so that there were more horse seene straying vp and downe, then men running away, the plaine being so harried, that they could not finde any place to hide and saue themselues. The men of armes in the meane time reunited themselues into a strong squadron, and desirous againe to charge and thwart the Turkes, perceiued how the Hungars by their beastlines and couetousnes of spoyle were all o∣uerthrowne and slaine, and the rest that were remaining were put to slight. [ C] In respect whereof, not willing to indaunger themselues to the euent of for∣tune, so slightly to aduenture a second charge, thought it more expedient to goe and ioyne with the Spanyards, who not once remoued from the place by the towne, but were still raunged in battaile all vnited together, and who now began with good speede to retire themselues to other places of more strength and securitie. The Basha of Buda seeing now the victorie to be his, & greatly marueiling that that which he neuer thought of, was happened to him, could not easily be induced to beleeue it; but without pausing he bold∣ly ranged ouer the field as victorious, not sparing the life of any which he in∣countered, commanding the like to be done in the towne by the Turks who [ D] were in the Castle, and by those which he had sent for their ayd, who there∣in imployed themselues so bloodily, that amongst those whom they knew their professed enemies, they so tyrannously dominered, that they neither spared men, women, nor children, causing all pitifully to end their liues by the edge of the sword. The Basha afterwards gathering all his people toge∣ther againe, and making of them a great squadron, raunged the plaine all the rest of that day, and pursued the remainder of those souldiours that Ottomiall had brought with him, of whom he defeated & left vpon the ground there, more then 1500. dead and wounded, insomuch as for that day, as well with∣out [ E] as within the towne, there was more then 5000. persons that perished: and afterwards resting himselfe, as one tyred in shedding so much blood, and to see whether any thing else would offer it selfe vnto him, he descried a farre off to come towards the towne 300. Aiduchs (who are footmen) who two daies before that our men had receiued this ouerthrow, went to seeke their

fortunes in the Turkes countrie for spoyle: which they well performed with [ F] great slaughter of the enemies, and returned from thence well laden, think∣ing to finde all things as they left them, not any thing dreaming that in so short a time and so miserably, Fortune had brought them to so vniuersall a ruine. Thus ioyfully continuing on their iourney, and hastning themselues to Zegedin, as though they had been to goe to their owne homes, they dis∣couered the Bashaes squadron, whereat they were greatly astonished, doubt∣ing whether they were enemies or no: neuerthelesse perswading themselues they were of our people, who were there placed for some good purpose, they rested assured, and began againe to proceede on their way: they mar∣ched not much further, but they were perceiued by the Basha, who knowing [ G] them to be of our Aiduchs, and a small number, and that they had no woods to saue themselues, but only a little Church, which was not farre from them, they began to prepare towards them, who seeing themselues so suddenly as∣sailed and enuironed, contrarie to their expectation, were not any thing a∣mazed thereat: but euery man taking the courage of a lyon, began so fierce∣ly to fight, continually retyring towards the Church, that although there did not any one of them escape, yet neuerthelesse they sold their liues so deare, that there was not any one of them slaine, but first he killed a Turke or two, and many three or foure, and these did twice as much endamage the Bashes people, as all those which Ottomiall had brought against them, besides his [ H] 3000. horse.

These being thus defeated, the Basha remained entire Lord both of the field and towne: where being entered, he gaue in token of victorie to all his people, as well in money as in apparell, what he himselfe thought good. And after hauing thanked Fortune for such happy successe, he addressed himselfe to the repayring of the towne, and to mend vp that which our people had spoyled. Whilest the Basha was imployed in the defeate of these Aiduchs, Aldene retyred himselfe with his Spanyards and men of armes with so great haste and speede, as if the Basha had been at their backes, or all the Turkish Caualarie had pursued them, himselfe being the onely cause of this ouer∣throw, [ I] in respect of his negligence and small iudgement, because he had not caused these Aiduchs to stay and fight. Thus retyring and flying from Ze∣gedin, he trauailed in one day and a night 16. miles, which maketh 32. French miles, and retyred himselfe to a Castle named Cornoch, not farre from * 1.13 Lippa.

During this said battaile, there happened a strange accident to a souldiour, which I would not let passe in silence, esteeming it worthie of memorie: and this it was. When Aldene passed Tibiscus to goe to Zegedin, he left a Cor∣porall * 1.14 of a squadron, named Higueras, with certaine souldiours, who was e∣steemed a man of good sufficiencie, and very valiant, and he was left there to keepe the boates in which he had passed the riuer, to the end he should con∣tinually [ K] haue them in readines, & as it were for any necessitie which might happen. Now this souldiour being in person at the guard of the passage, vp∣on the day that the defeate aforesaid happened, seeing a multitude of men to come towards him flying, and demaunding of them what was happened,

and for what cause they ranne so hastily. They answered him: that all our [ A] people were quite defeated and cut in peeces by the Basha of Buda, and that to warrant themselues from his victorious hand, they fled in the greatest haste they could to saue themselues. This souldiour hearing this, without any other inquirie or information of the surplusage, assuredly beleeuing that the Spanyards were also defeated, vnloosed all the barkes for feare of being pursued, & presently passed to the other side of the water. These other soul∣diours who were with him did the like, and entering a wood together, they tooke the way towards Themesuar, the Corporall of the squadron hauing a boy with him who came somewhat behinde: and trauailing along with others a good while, he presently recalled his spirits to him, thinking of that [ B] which cowardly hee had done; and set before his eyes the little esteeme which euery man would haue of him, in so vily forsaking those boates which Aldene had giuen him in charge, without making further inquirie how all things were passed at Zegedin: and further considering, that if hap∣pely the Spanyards were saued, he could neuer haue the courage to look thē in the face: & on the other side, if they were lost, that those that shuld see him come so sound & safe, might demand of him the occasion and manner how his companions were so ouerthrowne, to which he could neither satisfie nor answer thē; he began now to turmoyle his braine vpon these considerations, and being plunged into the depth of shame for this his vile flight, so farre was he growne into horror thereof, that he resolued to kill himselfe: and [ C] drawing out his sword for that purpose, he was in good time preuented by his boy, who fearing that his master would continue in his wicked purpose; to assure his life, hee tooke away his sword and poynard from him, which the other willingly suffered him to doe, dissembling that which gladly hee would haue executed. The boy not thinking of any other thing, and assu∣ring himselfe of his masters life, by reason of his weapons which he had ta∣ken away, tooke no further care nor respect to him. But this souldiour perceiuing the little account that his seruant made of him, faining to repose himselfe a little out of the way, commaunded that he should there attend. Whilest the boy had no other regard of him, it was not long but, that he fell [ D] on sleepe, being drowsie and wearie of his iourney. And when his master sawe himselfe alone, hee presently charged his harquebuze, and set the mouth of the peece against his stomacke, and discharged it with his foote, which shot him quite through, so that within a short time after he gaue vp the ghost; and so long as his life lasted, he did no other thing but instantly desire his boy (who at the noyse came running thither) that he would finish the killing of him, it being not fitting (said he) that a man should liue, who so dishonourably was fled, and especially being meerely ignorant for what cause, and vpon what occasion hee had so done: and with these words the [ E] soule departed out of his bodie. Behold here the tragedie of this vnfortu∣nate iourney, (which wee haue before described) which was the beginning and an vntimely forewarning of al the future and miserable accidents which happened in this yeere 1552.

About this time the newes of Frier George his death was brought to Rome,

by occasion whereof Pope Iulius the third, and all the Cardinals, made great [ F] complaints against Ferdinand, and those who had slaine him, excommuni∣cating * 1.15 them in the highest degree that could be. And although his Maiesties Ambassadours directly informed the Pope of the cause, for which he was put to death, his Holines notwithstanding for all that would not be appea∣sed, demaunding whether Frier George was of that bad disposition as they deciphered him, and wherefore did their master write in his behalfe, for him to be a Cardinall, and being one, why did he tolerate him to bee slaine: and furthermore, for that he assured all the Colledge of Cardinals of his good∣nes, fidelitie, and endeuour which hee had manifested against the Turkes, to the profit and commoditie of Christendome: for which good and com∣mendable [ G] reports, he could by no meanes be induced to beleeue that he was now fallen into that crime, whereof he was accused: but rather that he was slaine by enuie, and to rob him of his treasure and moueables, which were more worth then 300000. crownes: which in respect he was a Cardinall, * 1.16 and dying intestate, they did of right belong to the Apostolike Sea. More∣ouer, the Pope and Cardinals could not be silent concerning this, that with such ignominie had laid hands vpon the blood of a Cardinall, which by no meanes they could support or digest, in respect of the reuerend degree and honour due to that calling, and to giue example to others not to attempt the like enormitie. Thus they grieuously being incensed against Ferdinand, the [ H] Pope by no meanes would suspend the excommunication: yet in the end, at the earnest instance of his Ambassadours, he was contented and agreed, that three Cardinals with the Deane (who was the Cardinall of Trany) should enquire and take notice of this fact, and should see whether the death of Frier George had been vniustly proceeded in or no, and that they should send appointed men to Vienna, and into those countries, to informe him of the offence; and that in the meane time the Friers moueables should be sea∣zed in the name, and to the vse of the Apostolike Chamber. Against this last demaund of the Pope, the Ambassadours obiected, that Ferdinand had alreadie disposed of the said moueables, as well to pay his souldiours, as for [ I] other necessarie occasions concerning the warre which daily he had against the Turks, and that they were not of that great value, nor so goodly and rich as was said, but farre inclining to a meaner proportion. This accord being thus concluded, there were presently some dispatched to iourney to Vien∣na, to informe and inquire out the cause, and to proceede therein. To these Commissioners, his Maiesties agents failed not to manifest the infidelitie of the Frier, and how hee would haue accorded with the Turke, and purloyne * 1.17 Transiluania from Christendome, and make himselfe absolute Lord there∣of, in paying tribute to the Infidels, and (as happely it was discouered by many of his letters writ to diuers Lords of the Turkes Court) to massacre all [ K] those who in his Maiesties name were vnder the conduct of Castalde. And to agrauate the matter the more, they produced many horrible facts, and the death of certaine persons.

Against such accusations, the Pope in defence of the Frier obiected ma∣ny things, and among others produced certaine letters of the Grand Viccar

of Albe-iula, and of certaine other persons, who assured him that he was slaine by the enuie and wickednes of Ferdinands Captaines, who doubting [ A] that he meant to reestablish in the kingdome King Iohns sonne; and not be∣ing able to tolerate that he was so plausible and popular; and that they were in so little esteeme with him; and that hee disposed of all things as absolute Lord of the countrie, without conferring with them of the particularities; to thrust him out from among them, and to vsurpe his possessions, that abso∣lutely they might haue the commaund, they accused him to Ferdinand of treason, who too lightly reposing credit in them, consented that hee should be thus cruelly slaine, it being afterward very apparant, that this trea∣son was not inuented, but only to spoyle him of his treasure and moueables, [ B] there neuer yet falling out any matter, which could in any thing blemish or obscure his honour.

Whilest vpon these particularities many assemblies were in the Deanes house, and that the Comissaries went to Vienna to inquire the manner of this said fact, Andrew Battor was created Vayuode of Transiluania, and Ste∣phen * 1.18 Losonze Counte of Themesuar, who would not haue taken the charge of that towne, except Ferdinand would graunt him a sufficient companie of Spanish souldiours to remaine there with him: which was presently graun∣ted. * 1.19 And for that they were not in the kingdome, but in the confines and frontiers of the enemie, they were presently sent for: and they being arriued, [ C] Losonze went from thence with them to Themesuar, to repayre the fortifi∣cation of that towne; and the Vayuode tooke regard to the affayres of the kingdome.

Now it was alreadie diuulged in all parts, that Solyman had made Maho∣met Basha (his Lieutenant generall) to come and besiege the townes of The∣mesuar * 1.20 and Lippa, and that he was onward on his way at Belgrade, where he amassed together a great armie to inuade that countrie. It was also euery where certainly bruited, that the Vayuode of Moldauia prepared the like to enter into the kingdome about Brassouia. About the same time arriued in Transiluania the Counte of Helfestaine with 4000. old Germane souldiours, [ D] bringing with him tenne peeces of Artillerie. By him Ferdinand writ to Ca∣stalde, that very shortly he would send him 1500. men of armes, and 7. com∣panies more of Germanes, and that the Marquesse Sforce Palauicin should also within a short time bee with him with 3000. Italians and 2000. Hunga∣rian souldiours, and with as many Caualarie as possible he could send him. Whilest these preparations were directing on the one partie, Castalde and the Vayuode on the other made a decree, by which it was commaunded that all the gentlemen of the countrie should assemble at the towne of Torde, and * 1.21 there to aduise and determine for the defence of the countrie, vnderstanding that Mahomet determined to enter at the same time in diuers places with [ E] two armies: to wit, with his owne armie by the low Marches; and with the Moldauian armie by Brassouia. All the Nobilitie being (according to this commaundement) assembled, order was giuen for necessaries, for the preser∣uation of the publike weale; and it was concluded that the townes of Lippa and Themesuar should be well furnished with men and victuals, and that the

fortification should with all expedition be presently reared, for that the ene∣mie might finde it well defended, and that the greatest force of the king∣dome [ F] should be assembled together, as the ancient custome was in such ne∣cessitie, and that they should be mingled with those who were in Ferdinands pay, and that of all they should make but one armie, with which they were to march directly against the Moldauian, to hinder him from entering into that quarter, where there was not any strong place to withstand him, but on∣ly Seghesuar, which neuerthelesse was not of that force that it could resist * 1.22 nor hinder him, but that at the first vollic of the Cannon he must needes also be master of Brassouia, which was a towne of as great importance as any o∣ther * 1.23 in Transiluania; and that likewise he should not burne the Prouince of Seculia, possessed by the Sicilians, and in the middest of the kingdome. This [ G] bruite and feare, although it had not brought with it any other inconue∣nience then a fabulous report, yet was it sufficient to infuse a dreadful amaze∣ment into the minds of the inhabitants, insomuch that euery one with great losse did alreadie begin to retire to some other aboades, and abandon their owne homes and goods. And for that Torde was a place strongly situated, * 1.24 commodious and abounding in all manner of victuals, it was concluded that there should bee the Rende vous for the armie, and that thither should come the Vayuode to receiue the souldiours according as they came thi∣ther. The gentlemen of the countrie being speedily departed, with charge [ H] and commission to bring as many men as euery one was rated at: and being now arriued amongst their people, with great expedition (obseruing their commission) they performed their charge, and began to march with their people to be there at the prefixed time and place.

Whilest they were thus assembling, there happened a memorable acci∣dent, which I would not omit to speake of. There was at Torde an ancient custome, and which yet continueth; and that is, that if the husband findeth his wife in adulterie, he may cause her there to bee publikely executed, in manner as I will speake of: and also on the contrarie, if the wife finde her husband in the same fault, she may pursue that against him, which he would doe against her. It happened then at that time, that a certaine Tayler who [ I] * 1.25 was of Varadin, named Paul, found his wife in bed with one of his compa∣nions, and pursuing the custome of the said towne, he accused her of adulte∣rie: and hauing proued the offence, it was permitted him to haue the course of law, to cut off her head with a Sable in the middest of the market place. She being brought thither by her husband, and by the course of Iustice, and the appointed houre being come for this execution; she with teares and sighs kneeling downe before him, began pitifully to desire that hee would pardon her notorious fault, faithfully promising him, that from that time Forward, she would hold his honour most deare, and that he should neuer [ K] hereafter haue any occasion to bee offended against her; and that it would please him to giue her her life, in regard of the kinde affection which he al∣waies bore her, during the time she liued in good reputation, and that she would euer after serue him, not as a husband, but as her Lord and ma∣ster. (Good) Paul being surprised by these her wofull speeches, and moued

by a (natural) kindnes to pitie, was content to pardon her, exhorting and per∣swading [ A] her to become a dutifull and louing wife: whereupon he absolute∣ly remitting all her hainous offence, tooke her to him againe. When within a while after it happened that this (dutifull) wife found her said husband Paul in adulterie with a young wench: whereupon she accused him to the Iustice, who causing him to be apprehended, appointed that he should bee put into his wiues power, to execute him according to the foresaid manner. She hauing brought him with officers to the deputed place, hee kneeled downe, and there (good kinde Paul) pitifully intreated her that she would pardon him his offence; thinking that she would neuer bee so vnkinde or cruell to him, but that she would vse the like counterchange of mercie, as he before in his owne behalfe had done to her. But by no meanes she would [ B] once vouchsafe to hearken to his complaints, but like an vngrateful monster, * 1.26 forgetting all loue, and the fauours which she had receiued of him, not mo∣ued with any loue or pitie, but followed the extremitie of the law of the place, lifting vp her arme on high, hauing a Sable in her hand, wherewith she gaue him a blow vpon the necke, and like an inraged Bitch she killed (kind) Paul. For this his death all the towne was greatly incensed against her mon∣sterous ingratitude, censuring her to be very cruell, for so requiting the for∣mer good deede which she had receiued of her husband: and if she had not presently fled from thence, she had receiued some sinister and condigne inconuenience. And this seemed to many so vile an act, that the inhabi∣tants [ C] endeuoured to abolish this foule and infamous custome. But by no meanes it could bee done, for that it was of long continuance in that place.

In the meane time, Castalde sent Counte Iohn Baptistad' Archo, in place of * 1.27 of Counte Felixd' Archo, with a companie of Launsquenets to Brassouia, to take the gouernment of that towne, in which vnder his charge hee also commaunded Charles Scerettin to goe with 200. men of armes, and another companie of Germanes, commaunding them that they should not bouge from thence, vntill hee arriued there with his Campe, expressely charging the said Counte, that with another companie of Germanes he should seaze [ D] vpon that Fortresse, which he had commaunded to bee made vpon the top of a little hill that mastered the towne, and which not farre from it, within which he should afterwards place the great and small Artillerie, with as many people as he should thinke to be necessarie to be able to defend it a∣gainst the Moldauian, and to annoy him that he should not incampe about it; because that if he performed it, it would be the preseruation of the towne, and the manifest ruine of the Moldauian, who (because by that meanes there should be taken from him the commoditie to lodge in that plaine) should be forced to march through the mountaines, among which he should endure [ E] great incommodities, and trauaile much to passe through the same, and yet possibly he might be forced to retire.

While these things were in doing, Sibinio (the capitall towne of the Sax∣ons) offered to Castalde all the succours and victuals which he should need of against the Belerbey, yea, both of souldiours and money: for which their

kindnes he gaue them many heartie thankes, and entertaining their offers, he [ F] willed them to bee in a readines, vpon any necessitie which should bee offe∣red.

Thus as Fortune at her pleasure ouerthrew the decrees and enterprises of Ferdinands Lieutenants and Captaines, with extreame daunger: so did she in like manner play her part worse in Germanie, where then was the Empe∣rour Charles the 5. and Ferdinand King of the Romanes in the towne of Is∣purch. Duke Mauris of Saxonie (an Elector of the Empire) incensed against * 1.28 the said Emperour, for that he would not deliuer the Lantgraue his father in law, who with Duke Frederick of Saxonie were detained prisoners, thinking that they had not performed their words, and finding himselfe to be great∣ly iniuried, he was determined, in some sort whatsoeuer, to set them at liber∣tie, [ G] being the rather incited thereunto, for that his said father in law was come to the Court, vnder the safegard of his word, crediting the Emperours fidelitie, in promising to set him at libertie within a while after: who seeing it was not performed in a yeere, nor many moneths after, and finding him∣selfe to bee thus mocked and abused: before hee came to that, which after∣wards he was constrained to accōplish, he went to seek Ferdinand at Lintz, to intreate him that it would please his Maiestie to negotiate with the Empe∣rour so much, that he would not derogate from his faithfull promise, but set his father in law at libertie. Ferdinand was for the same occasion come to Ispurch, and conferring with the Emperour his brother about the request of [ H] Duke Mauris, he could by no meanes draw any other thing from him, but onely a good hope of a speedie deliuerie. But Mauris esteeming of this as of a vaine hope, presently practised with William, the sonne of the said Lant∣graue, and with the Duke of Mechelburge, and other Princes and kinsmen, as well of his father in lawes, as of the said Duke of Saxonie: with whom making a firme and resolute confederacie, seeing by loue and fayre intreaties they could not set these prisoners at libertie, but to deliuer them by force of armes, he made (by the ayd & assistance of his confederates, and other secret enemies of the Emperour) a good strong armie, hauing first negotiated and compacted with Henry King of France, that the said King should enter into [ I] Germanie, to vphold and maintaine his affayres. According to this agree∣ment, the King of France desirous to assist the Duke, and greatly aspiring to the Empire, failed not to bee present at the promised time with great forces. And on the other side, Mauris couertly brought his Campe to a little towne, which was but a mile from Spire, from whence with all diligence he depar∣ted towards Chiouze, and towards the Castle of Ambergh, which belonged to Ferdinand, and by the mountaines and other difficult passages, rude and vnknowne in the night time, in great silence he marched so farre, that then he thought he had the meanes and oportunitie to come in vpon the backes [ K] of the Emperours people, and to cleere the way that might hinder and with∣stand his safetie. Thus being arriued on the sudden at Chiouze, he seazed on the gate thereof, which is betweene two mountaines in a deepe vallie, from whence hauing beaten the guard, he meant also to possesse the Castle. But being brauely defended by those within, he could not make himselfe

master thereof: whereupon leauing certaine people before it, hee went with [ A] incredible diligence to Ispurch, where was the Emperour and Ferdinand, who being aduertised of this sudden noueltie, and greatly astonished, not knowing what to doe in such an vnlooked for accident of fortune, seeing themselues disarmed of forces, determined for his better securitie to retire towards Carinthia. And thus the Emperor departing in the night in a Litter, somewhat sickly, with Ferdinand, by Torch-light, he took the way of Villach, a towne situated vpon the riuer of Drauus: where being arriued, they soiour∣ned there certaine daies, to see what course Duke Mauris tooke: who being now arriued in Ispurch, and not finding the Emperour there (who the night before was fled from that place) would not that any should offer violence [ B] there, nor to no other place belonging to the King of the Romanes. Being a little from Ispurch, there came to him a gentleman of Ferdinands retinue, to know the occasion that incited him to take armes against the Emperour, and what his meaning was, and for what occasion he possessed certaine places of his, and entered into them as a publike enemie, and not as a friend. To these demaunds Mauris answered him, that he was not come to offend the Empe∣rour, nor to withhold any of his townes or Lordships from him, neither had he taken armes against him, but onely against his enemies and aduersaries; among whom were the Bishop of Arras, the Duke of Albe, and certaine o∣ther Councellors of the Emperour, who were said to be in that quarter, and whom he would pursue and take, if it were possible: and that concerning [ C] his sacred Maiestie, he had no other meaning but a good and sincere affec∣tion: and if he could not meete the said enemies by the 25. of May next in∣suing, hee would retire his armie, without offending him in the least thing whatsoeuer, and that hee would haue respect to his subiects, as to his owne, and that afterwards he would bee at the Diet, which his Maiestie had pub∣lished, hoping (that being there, with many Princes and States) there might be made some good peace and reconciliation betweene the Emperour and him.

Whilest this accord was treated of betweene Ferdinand and Mauris, the [ D] King of France still aduanced himselfe to further the proceedings of Mauris, * 1.29 when newes was brought him that Martin Rostan was entered with a great armie into Piccardie and Champagne, where he made great spoyle & waste, and had fiered three townes, and burned almost twentie Castles, putting all to fire and sword, and that with great iourneys he marched towards Paris. By occasion of this newes, the King was constrained (maugre his liking, and for all Fortune seemed to smile on him) to returne backe and defend his owne. Thus he who thought to make himselfe master of anothers, was in danger to lose his owne: and hauing left and retired from Germanie, hee forced Rostan to returne and leaue his countrie at libertie, which was alreadie [ E] greatly astonished, yea and euen Paris it selfe, which (for feare) was in great disorder. Mauris hauing gotten little of his desired intendment, departed from Ispurch, and from the Countie of Tyroll, with his men: and leauing Chiouze went to the Diet, where Ferdinand himselfe was incontinently af∣ter. In this Diet were treated many important things, but especiallie the

peace of Mauris with the Emperour, which at the intreatie of Ferdinand, and many other Lords, it was concluded in this manner: that the Emperour [ F] * 1.30 willingly and freely should deliuer the Lantgraue to Mauris, and the Duke of Saxonie to his children, and that Mauris should bee bound to goe and serue Ferdinand against the Turke with 12000. Lansquenets, and 3000. horse all the whole summer. This conclusion ended, with many other articles, Mauris dismissed his souldiours, and the Lantgraues children went from thence with their people against a Captaine named Henstain, who in the Emperours name was entered into the land of Hesse, and who had defeated and ouerthrowne in battaile the Counte of Odemburg, who was in the field with 16. Germane Ensignes. But in regard of that ouerthrow, the Lant∣graues [ G] children were forced to retire to their places of more securitie; and Duke Mauris sent the rest of his armie to raise the siege from before Magde∣bourg in Saxonie, which was besieged by the Marquesse of Brandeburg and the Duke of Brunswick. Vpon the approaching of Mauris his people, the siege was presently raised, the towne remaining at libertie vnder certaine conditions, and then the Duke of Brunswick, and the Marquesse Albert tooke the Emperours part, with Counte Mansfield, and came to serue his Ma∣iestie against France with 15. Ensignes of Lansquenets, 500. men of armes, and other light horsemen.

Behold the end of these tumults, which greatly blemished the renowne [ H] and glorie of so great an Emperour, insomuch that it may seeme almost im∣possible for him (who would but consider his puissance, and the victories which he before had gotten) to beleeue that he should bee forced to flye to Villach. But men shall not neede much to maruaile at it, if they will duly consider the effects of mutable Fortune, which effects oftentimes cause such strange aduentures, and very often bring to passe that men fall into such la∣byrinths, for that they esteeme not of any other mans force: and such a man is accounted most happie, who can well gouerne and temper himselfe therein.

All these discords being thus appeased in Germanie, there began others to [ I] spring vp in Transiluania, no lesse troublesome and daungerous then the for∣mer. For Queene Izabella complaining her selfe against Ferdinand, because that the promises and conditions to her graunted in the agreement which * 1.31 was made vpon her rendering the kingdome of Transiluania, were not in a∣ny respect kept nor performed, did greatly solicite the King of Polonia, and the Queene Bonna her mother, to require the performance of them, and in∣cited the principallest of the Prouince to this, that her sonne might bee inue∣sted into his kingdome: exclaiming of him that he had not giuen her free possession of the Dutchie of Oppolia, of Monsterberg, and Ratibor, with 20000. crownes of yeerely reuenew, as was promised her: and the better [ K] to make vp this summe, they meant to reckon to her certaine reuenewes which consisted in woods, fowles, and the fishing of certaine Pooles and Lakes, which she esteemed vncertaine, and subiect to the hazard of times: she further complaining of them, that he had not paied her 150000. crownes for her dowrie and debts, for which Cassouia was ingaged to her: and vpon

these said complaints she sent Matthias Lobosky to Ferdinand, to solicite the last expedition. By him Ferdinand gaue her to vnderstand, that his meaning [ A] was alwaies to satisfie her, according to that which hee had promised, and to giue her and her sonne more then was concluded vpon in their agree∣ments: and if she had not the Dutchie of Rhatibor, and the rest giuen her in full possession, the fault was not in him, but rather proceeded from the Mar∣quesse Iohn of Brandeburg, who was vnder the wardship of the Electors of Saxonie, and of Brandeburg, of Marquesse Albert, and of the Duke of Prus∣sia, without whose consent there could bee nothing done, and the rather in respect of the far distance of their aboades; and also because that the troubles which lately happened by Duke Mauris, had slackned this busines, in regard whereof it were necessarie that she should a while expect; and that if she [ B] would not haue this patience, hee would then alot her other Dukedomes and Demaines to her liking, with such reuenewes as was determined vpon in their agreement: greatly maruailing at this, that she was not contented with the reuenew of the Dutchie of Oppolia, and that with that she made no account of the fowle and fish, which he esteemed one of the greatest re∣uenewes in the whole countrie, for that they were wont to bee yeerely far∣med at tenne or twelue thousand Dollers, the said summe amounting to tenne thousand crownes, or there abouts. As for her dowrie, he assured her it should be satisfied, in giuing him some respite, and that in the meane time hee would allow her sufficient consideration for it, as vpright men should [ C] thinke meete: and that besides, he would esteeme her as his sister, and would account of her sonne, as of his owne begotten, perswading her with good and friendly speeches to liue contentedly. With this answer Lobosky retur∣ned, more inriched by a future hope, then a present effect. In the meane time, the King and Queene of Polonia ceased not to endeuour themselues for her satisfaction, and secretly in her behalfe practised, that she should re∣maine a Ladie and Queene as before.

It was then that the bruite greatly increased of the Turkes huge prepara∣tion: * 1.32 for feare of which, Castalde considering the small force which was in the countrie to resist this common and tyrannicall enemie, gaue notice to [ D] Ferdinand of the present necessitie he was in, desiring him he would not faile to send him the 50000. men which hee promised, and to cause Palauicin to hasten himselfe, that he should with all speede come vnto him, with the people and Artillerie which he could gather. Ferdinand returned him an∣swer, that for that time he could not send him the succours which hee had promised, in respect of diuers lets which of late he had in Germanie: but that hee would solicite Palauicin, that hee would bring his people into Transiuania, and would also send others, as the commoditie and necessitie of the time would permit him, and that he hoped that Duke Mauris would very shortly come himselfe in person to this warre with 12000. Launsque∣nets, [ E] and 3000. horse, according to the tenour of his Obligation: and in the meane time he exhorted him to doe his best endeuour to redresse the diffi∣culties of that Prouince, which he wholly recommended to him, and that relying vpon his care and wisedome, he assured himselfe that he would giue

order when and where neede should require, and that he would prouide for [ F] all necessaries, as was fitting for a prouident and expert Captaine, such an one as he esteemed him to bee, commaunding him that he should assist him∣selfe with the reuenewes of the Churches of that kingdome which were va∣cant and without Pastors: and for the notice whereof, he had deputed the Bishop of Vesprimia, and George Veruery, who should make a role of their values, and send the same to his Maiestie to make an equall deuision thereof: and further, commaunding him to render to all the officers and seruants of Frier George their moueables, and specially those which were found at Zal∣uoch, and that of the other he should cause to be made an Inuentorie: and further, that hee should pay the 400. Vssarons (who are light horsemen, [ G] mounted and armed a la Hungresque) who were in the Friers seruice while he liued, for feare they should goe and serue the enemie, and that they should be vnder the commaund of Operstolph, who was the principall Captaine of * 1.33 the Caualarie in Transiluania, and who not long since was entertained on his Maiesties part: all which was presently performed.

Losonze being at Themesuar with 600. horse, and hauing with him Don Gasper, & the companie of Diego Velez, which was 300. men, (ouer whom the * 1.34 Ensigne commaunded) and 300. Bohemians, and two companies of Ger∣manes, they in all making 1600. men, besides the inhabitants, who were apt and able to beare armes, who might amount vnto nine hundred men. Castal∣de sent him one moneths pay for all the souldiours, and two hundred other [ H] Germane Harquebuziers, sending him word by a Spanyard, that he should not faile to get into the towne the greatest store of victuals he could, to main∣taine a longer time all the sieges, which vpon a sudden might happen to him: and besides, he sent him so much Artillerie and munition, as was suffi∣cient for him to withstand all the assaults the Turkes should offer him. In like sort he did aduertise him by Don Gasper, that he could not then succour him any more, in respect of the few men himselfe had, with whom he could not goe into the field against so puissant an armie as Mahomets was, for that he was disappoynted of the ayd he expected frō Ferdinand, by reason of the late troubles happened in Germanie, and that he had no other Infantric vpō [ I] whom he might trust, but a few Spanyards who remained vnto him, with 4000. Germanes which lately were come to him, and 1000. men of armes: therefore he willed him that he should rampier and fortifie himselfe the best he could, and prepare himselfe for the defence of that towne, which in the end would be the onely fountaine and cause of all his glorie and reputation: and that he should not expect to bee relieued by those of the countrie (who should presently be assembled) for that they were not esteemed such that a∣ny trust was to be reposed in them: and therefore he sent him word, that it was requisite that in any case hee should make of necessitie a vertue, and that [ K] so much the rather, because he saw himselfe constrained to march with those few men which he had, against the Vayuode of Moldauia, who would enter into Transiluania by Brassouia, where he had not any Fortresse to stay him; those of the countrie supposing that the damage which they should receiue on that side would bee greater, then that which Mahomet could bring vnto

him about Themesuar, by reason of the strong places which were in that [ A] quarter, and for the commoditie which was there to resist him: for which considerations he was forced to march against the Moldauian, to withstand him from entering into the countrie, and from the possession of that towne, and to goe into the field with as great force as he could, and that besides he was constrained to doe this, except he would see the kingdome vtterly lost, and because of the little content which he perceiued in the hearts of euery one, whom he saw more inclined to a reuolt then a defence: and also because he knew that this quarter was more commodious and fit for aduantages to keepe the field with a few men, by reason of woods, mountaines, and other hard passages, then was that about Lippa or Themesuar: for which diffi∣culties [ B] and aduantages, he not any thing feared the Moldauian, much lesse his Caualarie, which he doubted not but with his Infantrie to defeate and force them recoyle. And whereas he could not come to relieue him, with∣out a like armie to that of Mahomets, that he and Don Gasper should doe their vttermost deuoyre to defend themselues, and valiantly to resist the enemie in that quarter, whilest he of his part should make resistance against the Mol∣dauian, assuring him, that if his enterprise did fortunately succeede, (as hee trusted in God it would) he would presently come to succour him with as great an armie as hee could: and although hee might not come neere vnto Themesuar, for that the enemie was very strong, yet he would lodge neere to Lippa, where, causing a trench to be digged, going from thence to Solimos, [ C] he would not (by reason of that Fortresse) feare the Turkish armie, thinking assuredly to seate his Campe in such a sure place, that the situation thereof should be able to defend him against the violence of the enemie, hauing on the left hand the riuer Marosse, and on the right the high mountaines; from whence he well hoped to be so offensiue to the enemie, that he would either constraine him to retire, or else somewhat neglect the siege, insomuch that he should be able to relieue and preserue it: earnestly importuning them both to be of good courage, and in like sort to perswade all the Spanyards whom he intreated, to remember what they were, and to thinke vpon that which [ D] they were wont brauely to performe when they were in such wars as these, which through all the world had gained to them the name of valour, which they ought now to maintaine without spot or blemish, esteeming this suc∣cesse no lesse glorious to them, then the former on his owne part; assuring himselfe that they would no lesse vertuously performe that now, then that which they had alwaies performed in such honourable exploytes. Besides, he sent them certaine aduertisements very profitable and necessarie, how they should behaue and gouerne themselues in fights and assaults which should bee offered them: and for that they were young and of little experi∣ence, he intreated them continually and onely to thinke vpon this, that he who fighteth couragiously to the end, doth maintaine his life in defen∣ding [ E] himselfe.

Whilest these directions were giuen on the one side, Aldene on the other informed Castalde that hee was in meane estate, and that hee could not any * 1.35 longer remaine at Lippa to take charge thereof, and that he should send ano∣ther

in his place to take that charge. Castalde conceiued of this with great so∣row, for that the time was so short that hardly he could make prouision ther∣fore, [ F] considering that this was to incourage the enemie, and quaile his owne people, seeing before their eyes such a Chieftaine to forsake that Fortresse, and that another should come thereinto for defence, considering that such a worthie man for his owne honour was come to keepe and defend it. Ne∣uerthelesse he returned him answer, that if he thought not himself sure with∣in Lippa, for feare of the Basha (although it was now somewhat late) hee should giue him notice thereof, for that he would send such an one thither, who should defend it. Aldene remembring himselfe of the fault which he had committed, and chaunging his opinion sent him word, that seeing he [ G] was now resident in the towne, he doubted not but to defend it. These things thus concluded on, Castalde presently departed from Torde and went to Colosuar, there to assemble the souldiours that were in Ferdinands pay, and which were sent him, in like sort giuing aduertisement to the Counte of Helfestaine, that he should speedily repayre to him with his Regiment of 4000. Germanes, sending him two payes of foure which they should re∣ceiue. He also sent to Zena (Generall of all the souldiours in that countrie) that he should presently and with all speede he could come to him, because he waited for no more but him, that so he might march into the field.

As these preparations (which we haue spoken of) were in hand in Tran∣siluania, [ H] Mahomet in the meane time (leauing Belgrade behinde him) was * 1.36 now betweene the two riuers, and had alreadie erected a bridge vpon Tibis∣cus. He had in his Campe 100000. men, and 60. peeces of Artillerie, among which were thirtle double Cannons. With him also came the Belerbey of Greece, who the yeere before was Lieutenant generall in that countrie for the Grand Seigniour, and he brought with him vnder his conduct 20000. horse. He had also another great Captaine with him named Cassombassa, who likewise conducted 15000. horse, and 2000. Tartars, who anciently were called Scythians, which are a warlike people, cruel, and greatly redoub∣ted * 1.37 by these nations, and they fight on horsebacke with Bow and arrowes, [ I] Sable and Mace.

The enemies being in this place, the souldiours of the kingdome were in a manner assembled altogether, when Counte of Helfestaine arriued with his Germanes, being halfe in a mutinie, and they were that night lodged in one of the Suburbes of the towne, which were very great. The day follow∣ing, Castalde minding to depart, these by no meanes would dislodge; but mu∣tining, they seazed on the Artillerie, (as their custome is, not willing to take one pay for two, which was due to them, which alone should then haue bin payed them) and after they imbattailed themselues to possesse and sacke the towne. And vpon this resolution they began to batter on the top of the [ K] * 1.38 walles. Which Castalde seeing, and that this was not done counterfeitly, he sent to the inhabitants that they should defend themselues. Whereupon they betaking themselues to armes, and comming to the walles, they began to discarge their Artillerie and good Harquebuzes among the Germanes, making a great slaughter of them: who seeing themselues put into disor∣der,

they determined to take Castalde: whereof being aduertised, hee spee∣dily retired to Torde; sending them word, that if they would not be appea∣sed, [ A] * 1.39 he would presently send his armie (which was alreadie at Torde) against them, to hew them in peeces, and after commaunded that the Caualarie should draw into the field, and made a shew to march towards Colosuar to suppresse the Germanes: who vnderstanding of this newes, and knowing they were in a place where they could neither helpe nor defend themselues, * 1.40 and that this sedition was not any thing profitable to them, but to the con∣trarie very pernitious, and full of certaine daungers, they presently appeased and quieted themselues, without any further motion or soliciting them, and leading the Artillerie along, with their Ensignes displayed, came to [ B] Torde, where (for all their mutinie) they got no other thing, but onely that the Counte did casheere fiftie of them: so that besides the death of many who were slaine at Colosuar, they receiued this condigne chastisement, which they worthely deserued for their rebellious temeritie.

Behold how in this yeere began the discord amongst vs, as though the comming of two such puissant armies against vs, was not sufficient to coun∣terchecke our turbulent spirits, but we of our selues by another warre, worse then the first, must ouerthrow and make hauocke of one another.

Castalde being busied at Torde, in assembling his men to march against the Moldauian, who had alreadie passed the mountaines with 40000. men, * 1.41 and entered into the countrie of Brassouia, newes was brought him how [ C] Mahomet hauing passed Tibiscus, not without great difficultie, was alreadie incamped with all his armie before Themesuar, and that from S. Iohns day * 1.42 vntill that present, he did batter it in three places with 70. peeces of Artille∣rie, and that those within did brauely defend themselues with great resolu∣tion, and that it was alreadie twelue daies since the batterie neither cea∣sed day nor night, and that it still continued. This newes was brought to him by a Spanyard, consorted with a Rhatian souldiour, being both appa∣relled after one manner, and were in the night departed from Themesuar, being commaunded to come to Castalde, to demaund a new supplie of men, [ D] for that the Artillerie had slaine many of them. Castalde vpon this report presently dispatched a messenger for Ottomiall, who then was at Iula, (a very * 1.43 strong towne enuironed with riuers) and desired him that with 400. Ai∣duchs he would endeuour to enter into Themesuar, promising him that if he could finde the meanes to relieue it with these succours, he should so well be rewarded, that during his life he would thinke himselfe well contented. This done, himselfe set forward against the Moldauian, hauing no more in * 1.44 his Campe then 12000. men, as well horse as foote. The Moldauian was al∣readie incamped in a passage two miles from Brassouia, where Counte Iohn Baptisted' Archo entertained him with braue and fierce skirmishes, and bear∣ded him so, that he suffered not any souldiour to disband himselfe from * 1.45 [ E] his battalion, but presently he bought it with the price of his life: and so much did he annoy him, that he neither could nor durst for his life march any further, nor ioyne himselfe with the Basha; which was a thing of no small importance, in respect of the miserie and trouble of the time. The

Counte had so well ordered his people, and those which were left him of Counte Felixd' Archo (who in Ianuarie last was gone to Vienna) that as of∣ten [ F] as the enemies ranged in that place, they suffered not any of them to re∣turne aliue, and he continuing still victorious, and valiantly fighting, gaue them so many routes and ouerthrowes, that they scarcely any more durst so suddenly assaile our men, as they were wont. And among other ouer∣throwes which the enemies receiued, there was one which partly happened through the Countes prowes, for that the Moldauian retired himselfe be∣hinde: and it fortuned in this sort. Counte Iohn Baptiste was aduertised that a troupe of Moldauians (among which were 300. Turkes, and as many Tar∣tars) would goe and discouer Brassouia, and that they should goe by cer∣taine passages, which of the one side had many marishes, and of the other [ G] certaine hils very rough and tedious: among which hee appoynted an am∣buscado of Germane Harquebuziers, and certaine Caualarie, who after that the Turkes were passed, they should make in vpon them at their returne, when they vnderstood that those of the towne were sallied forth to skirmish with them. This multitude then of Barbarians presenting themselues vpon these passages, and hauing passed them, they managed and ranged about the towne, and were presently assailed by a strong troupe of horse and foote, who sallied foorth to skirmish with them, and were so hotly charged, that they were forced to retire more then ordinarie: and comming to those pla∣ces, of which I haue spoken, they were in such sort assailed behinde, without [ H] thinking thereupon by those who were in ambuscado, that being inclosed betweene them, they were so throughly beaten, that there remained neither Moldauian, Tartar, nor Turke aliue, nor any who could carrie newes to the Moldauian of their ouerthrow, they being all either slaine or taken prisoners in the straites: and in token of this victorie, those of Brassouia sent three wag∣gons laden with those heads (who were slaine) to Castalde, who was neere approached to the Moldauian, and so boldly, that the enemy thought he had more men then was reported vnto him, not being able to perswade himself, that a man of that qualitie (as was Castalde) durst appeare in the field, except [ I] his armie were of more strength, or at the least equall to his. Vpon this opi∣nion he was not so hardie to attend him, but speedily and with so great dis∣order retired, that he lost many men in his retraict, and had lost more in ma∣king * 1.46 passage for his Artillerie through the mountaines, if happely Counte Iohn Baptiste had had more men to haue followed him, seeing 500. horse which onely pursued him, had been sufficient to haue put him in disorder and into such hazard, that little would haue wanted but he would haue a∣bandoned all his Artillerie to the chance and hazard of fortune. And if the Sicilians had then done their deuoire, and shewed themselues such as they should haue done, most certaine that day was come wherein the Moldauian [ K] had lost his armie, his kingdome, together with his life, and Transiluania had been no more molested on that side: and this defeature might haue been a happie president for others neuer to attempt the like inuasion. Vpon the newes of this retraict, it was reported that Castalde would dislodge from Seg∣hesuar, where he remained, vnderstanding that the enemie had not dissol∣ued

his Campe, but that he with his people were incamped on the other side [ A] of the mountaines, by reason whereof he was constrained to soiourne cer∣taine daies in that towne, and there to expect what the Moldauian would doe: for that if he should then depart from thence, the other would present∣ly returne againe into Transiluania, (as for certaine he vnderstood) and in respect of that feare and suspition, he durst not yet depart, so that he could not march to the reliefe of Themesuar.

Being thus stayed, continually there came aduertisements to him by the way of Caransebesse and Lippa, that the affayres of Themesuar were in bad * 1.47 tearmes, in respect of those who were within, who had parlied with the Turkes, who told them that the succours of the 400. Aiduchs, which Castal∣de [ B] had sent them, vnder the conduct of Ottomiall, were defeated and cut in * 1.48 peeces by them. Vpon this newes Francis Henriquez was presently dispat∣ched to Lippa, that vpon his returne he might make recitall of the veritie of the fact, and in what state Themesuar stood, and how euery thing was there, and whether it could defend it selfe any longer: and also to informe him of the state, and condition of Lippa, to the end he might prouide therefore, in such sort that it might remaine intire and safe from being attained of Ma∣homets furie. At the same instant newes was brought that the Turkes had slaine Captaine Don Gasper, whose companie was giuen to Roderic Viglian∣drando, with command to endeuour himselfe to enter into Themesuar, con∣sidering they were in danger to perish, and for no other cause then that there [ C] was not any to gouerne them. They sent thither also with him Captaine Andrew Lopez with his companie, and 200. Germane Harquebuziers, to whom Castalde said, that he well knew this enterprise was difficult, specially considering the enemies being very vigilant to hinder that no succours could enter into Themesuar: and that they were very glad that those Ai∣duchs, which Ottomiall brought vnder his conduct to the reliefe of that towne, passed by the edge of the sword: and that neuerthelesse whatsoeuer hee should doe in this behalfe, was to no other purpose but that hee might faithfully discharge his dutie, & not giue any occasion to detracting tongues to censure hardly of him: and that to that end to relieue this towne (either [ D] by one meanes or other) he sent them, greatly relying himselfe in the good esteeme which he conceiued of their manhoods; assuring himselfe that they would to the vttermost endeuour themselues to enter therein, and that ei∣ther of them would now vse this commendable wisedome, which euen vn∣till this present was worthily noted in them, promising them, that within short time with as great force as he could leauie, he would come and lodge by the Castle of Lippa, to the end, that if the affayres of Themesuar did bad∣ly succeede, those of Lippa should at the least be preserued, and that towne (which so much imported the good and commoditie of euery one) should [ E] bee maintained and kept. These Captaines thus dispatched, departed with their people. But the diligence and care of Castalde serued to small purpose at that time: for vpon the same day in which they tooke leaue of Castalde, Francis Henriquez (who a little before was sent to see how Lippa was victual∣led, munitioned, and fortified) arriued with newes of the taking of Themes∣uar. * 1.49

The losse whereof made euery one very grieuous and heauie, as well for the loue and regard they bore to those valiant and excellent souldiours [ F] who were within, as also for that it vntimely happened by the negligent go∣uernment of the Captaines. Vpon this griefe of minde, Castalde did indif∣ferently comfort himselfe, vnderstanding that Aldene shewed himselfe to haue good courage valiantly to defend Lippa, and that the souldiours desi∣red nothing more, then that the Basha would come and salute them, that they might make him vnderstand what their valour and courage was, and the desire they had to winne honor and renowne against him, and that they were all resolued to dye within it, rather then to see themselues brought to such an end, as was happened to those of Themesuar: the losse whereof [ G] I will here set downe.

Losonze being Commaunder within this towne, with such a number of * 1.50 men, as before is said, and imploying himselfe the best he could for the forti∣fying thereof: which for the contrarieties and hatreds, proceeding from the concurrence of qualities, and from some other precedent cause, could not be so well munitioned as it was necessarie; for that Aldene (for the foresaid oc∣casion) had conuerted all the money to the affayres of Lippa, leauing this o∣ther Fortresse vnder the mercie and protection of Fortune. As one day at the rising of the Sunne he walked about the towne to visit it, Mahomet (the 24. of Iuly, which was dedicated to the feast of S. Iohn Baptist) then presen∣ted [ H] himselfe with his Vauntgard, which was 15000. horse, conducted by Cassombassa. He presently caused to take notice of the situation of the towne, wherein was built fiue Bulwarkes of earth, some whereof were alreadie mounted to the heigth of the wall, but that which was lower was raised no higher then the length of an Halbert and a halfe: and of all these there were two very defencible, and the other were but in a meane. There was with Mahomet the Belerbey of Greece, who was greatly practised and perfect in that countrie. As they were thus arriued within the sight of Themesuar, he said to Mahomet; behold a part of the towne, the Spanyards who are within will shew you the rest: and marching about it, Alphonse Perez de Saianedra [ I] presently sallied forth with 400. horse, and 100. Spanish Haquebuziers, and began to skirmish with the Turkes, entertaining them vntill they themselues were forced to retire. Vpon the 27. day following, all the Campe arriued with so great cryes, neighing of horses, clattering of armour, sounding of Drummes and Trumpets, that it seemed the world would haue turned top∣sie turuie, and presented themselues before our people in strong and fearfull squadrons, with great store of Artillerie: whereof those within seemed to make little account of, but receiuing them with a bloodie sallie, they gaue them sufficient notice of the little esteeme they conceiued of their proud and contemptuous puissance: but for all this their gallant resolution, Maho∣met desisted not to incampe, lodging his people round about the towne, and [ K] so straightly enuironing it, that not a man could enter in, to their reliefe, but onely by certaine marishes, where it could not so well be besieged, but that our people might enter in thereby. Vpon their approaching our people opposed themselues with a gallant resolution, and for the space of sixe daies

they made continuall sallies vpon the enemie, not without great effusion of [ A] blood, during which time they assured the Suburbes. But in the end Ma∣homet vrged them hard, and caused thirtie great peeces of Artillerie, and many other lesser, to batter the defences, and made three batteries, one a∣gainst the Castle, another against the towne-gate, which was not walled, and the third against the Bulwarke: which for that it was of least strength, was defended by the Spanyards. They in this sort battered the towne eight whole daies, and not any of the besieged making signe of faintnes, and so long vntill they appertly sawe the great ruine which the Artillerie had made, and that the towne in many parts was as it were all open, and that they had lost many a braue souldiour in two assaults which the Turkes had giuen [ B] them, of whom were remaining within the Ditch more then two thousand, and many wounded. Lonsonze knowing then they could not long hold out, and that all the towne was sorely brused and battered by the Cannon, and that a good part of the Bulwarks, which maintained and defended the wall, were beaten to the ground, called to him all the Captaines, imparting to them the daunger wherein they were, and how within a short time they were likely to fall vnder the edge of the sword, or mercie of the enemies. And he told them, that before Mahomet had passed Danubius, the Vayuod of the Transalpinians on his part wrote to him, that the Campe had not come into those quarters, if Ferdinand had meant to haue payed Solyman the tribute, which Peter Vicchy was wont yeerely to pay him for the Countie of [ C] Themesuar; to whom he would giue no answer, nor aduertise Castalde there∣of, he beleeuing they were deuises and brauadoes of the Basha, as he was accustomed to doe, thinking with himselfe that he would not come thither with so great force, to content himselfe with that which another declared vnto him. But seeing himselfe deceiued in his opinion, and considering vn∣der what a miserable condition they were like to fall into, if the batterie con∣tinued, he said to them: that he was of opinion, they should send to the Ba∣sha to obtaine truce of him for foure daies, during which time they might aduertise Castalde of all the accidents, and solicite him to consent to pay the [ D] yeerely tribute to the Turke, vpon condition he would raise his Campe and retire: and so by that meanes happely they should giue remedie to their di∣stressed fortunes. This aduice was approued by some, and refuted by many others, as vsually it happeneth in councels, where is daily seene some contra∣rieties among opinions, in respect of the reasons and arguments which are alleadged either of the one part or other: in regard whereof, they could determine nothing that day.

The 3. of Iuly the Basha on the Castle side and towards the towne-gate, caused to be giuen an hot and fierce assault, which endured foure long houres, with the death of more then 1500. of the assailants, and about some [ E] 150. of those within. In this assault Losonze with the other Spanish and Ger∣mane Captaines valiantly defended themselues, and forced the enemies to retire to their Tents. After this retraict, and that all our people were dressed of their wounds, and somewhat refreshed, all the Captaines were againe as∣sembled in councell to determine vpon the foresaid busines, and then there

were more then before of Losonzes opinion. Thus he perceiuing many to be of his minde, without expecting any more, sent by a trustie messenger to ac∣quaint [ F] the Basha with his intention: to whom he returned answer, that the Transalpinian had truly managed and conferred of this busines by his com∣maund: but he should haue conceiued, that this accord should haue been accepted of, before hee had assembled his armie, and passed Danubius and Tibiscus, and not at this present, he being now in the field and incamped be∣fore the towne: in consideration whereof, he would not that this expedition should haue any more respite, nor otherwise consent to raise the siege, nor depart from thence before he were master of the towne and Castle.

Losonze vnderstanding this answer, and perceiuing no meanes of agree∣ment, [ G] not willing to submit himselfe to the discretion and mercie of the Ba∣sha, set vp his rest to fight it out to the last man. Whereupon the Turkes be∣gan to renew the batterie more fiercely then before, without any intermis∣sion of daily assaults, and to doe the worst they could: and thinking that the great quantity of Artillerie which they had was not sufficient to satisfie their miserable crueltie, one night they put into the Ditch more then 2000. Pyo∣ners, who began to myne the Bulwarke which the Spanyards kept, which was in such sort indamaged and impayred, that one might easily mount to the top of it by the ruines: for that all the defences and flankes which might annoy and withstand them, were all broken and throwne to the ground. [ H] The Spanyards seeing this imminent daunger, & to giue redresse thereunto, with all speede they made within the said Bulwarke a Caue sufficiently large and deepe, in which they erected certaine defences, where in euery one of them eight Harquebuziers might be commodiously placed, without being impeached or indangered by the enemie. These (whilest that the Pyoners were most busie in their labour, and euen as they were readie to giue fire) be∣gan so effectually to discharge their shot amongst these Deluers, that it was a marueilous thing to behold, they falling one vpon another in such heapes, that the dead bodies hindered the rest of the liuing, in regard whereof they were forced to giue ouer the worke and be packing, without daring once to [ I] returne thither againe. Insomuch that the Turkes seeing this deuice of the Christians, and that by this meanes they could not come to the conclusion of their intended purpose, gaue that ouer, and pursued another; daily soun∣ding them by promises, assurances, and perswasions, that it were best to yeeld to them. But seeing in the end they could not bring them to yeeld, neither by letters, nor by gifts, nor by any other great offers, and that all their labours were to small purpose, they made vpon the Castle side two great Caualliars of Carpenters worke, in bignes tenne fadome, as any man would iudge, and brought and set them right ouer against the Bulwarke where the Spanyards were caued: vpon which they mounted certaine peeces of Artillerie, by rea∣son whereof not any could be in safetie vpon the said Bulwark, nor remaine [ K] vpon the defences, insomuch that the Spanyards were constrained to retire from one place to another, secretly to make Trenches and certaine Rampiers to couer themselues withall, when they should defend the towne, which * 1.51 then was very open. Don Gasper at this instant was slaine with a small shot,

which strooke him in the forehead and pearced him quite through, and so [ A] hotly did they shoot and neerely marked our men, that there were few Spa∣nyards, Germanes, and Hungars left: yet neuerthelesse those which remai∣ned lost not any courage, but resolutely defended themselues, as though they had been a great number. But the Turkes for all their brauerie slacked not their endeuours to enter into the towne, and our men did no lesse then gallantly oppose themselues for the defence thereof. Thus both the one and the other tooke greater heede to themselues, continually indamaging one the other with diuers conflicts. But Mahomet distrusting himselfe, that he was not able to conquer this towne by force of armes, determined one day to haue some speech with Losonze, and to seeke him out to parley with him, [ B] that so he might perswade him to some composition, which Losonze meant not to refuse: but the others not willing to consent thereto, were the cause that of the said conference proceeded no effect at that time. The Turkes ne∣uerthelesse ceased not from daily assaults, which they alwaies renewed with greater force then before, hauing no want of able men more fresh and lustie then our people were, of whom they had few sound amongst them, & many cruelly wounded; and specially by meanes of those two mischieuous engins which they had made, who also caused more to bee made like vnto them, in place where our Bulwarkes and walles were, by the violence of their Artille∣rie ruinated: and the rather they were incouraged, because that victuals and munition greatly abounded in their Campe, whereas our men daily wanted [ C] all: as it often happeneth after a long and tedious siege.

The Basha wearie (as I well beleeue) to see so great a slaughter of his peo∣ple, and that he must fight so continually, earnestly desiring that our people would yeeld themselues to him, practised this deuice following. The day before, Ottomiall was defeated with his 400. Aiduchs, which hee brought with him to put into Themesuar (as is aforesaid) and they were by a strong squadron of Turkish Caualarie also cut in peeces, that not any one man of them escaped, the fight being perceiued by the Sentinels of the towne. The day following this ouerthrow, the Basha for the foresaid reasons, the more [ D] to amaze and terrifie our people, caused 100. of these Aiduchs heads to bee most vily deformed, and to be set about the walles, with inscriptions that sig∣nified, those were the succours which came to them, and that they should not hope of any other, for that they would vse the like to al those who would attempt to come. Presently vpon this sauage deuice, certaine of the towne came forth, and beholding this horrible spectacle, and seeing that their pre∣sent affayres were in desperate tearmes, had an apprehension of feare to fall into the like miserable end, as these poore Aiduchs were. The night follow∣ing two Spanyards came foorth, one whereof had his wife and children at * 1.52 Constantinople, where he was maried, after that he was taken at Castelnouo [ E] and had denied his faith: and the other was a Moresque borne in Granado. These halfepeny fellowes hauing but faint hearts (by reason of the feare which doth ordinarily raigne in such base persons) louing rather to pre∣serue their liues with a shamefull and miserable seruitude, then to lose it vn∣der an honest libertie, with a glorious death (as it is the guise of valiant and

magnanimious mindes, to finish their daies with the losse of their dearest blood) they went to the Basha, and acquainted him with the whole estate of [ F] Themesuar, assuring him there were few men within it, and that their coura∣ges were cooled; and although they fought valiantly, yet were they greatly astonished, and that the towne was in diuers places so open, that it was im∣possible they could longer maintaine it, if they continued the siege and their assaults, but that they must of force yeeld. This aduertisement gaue some courage and hope to the Basha to winne this place, although he had com∣maundement from the Grand Seigniour to withdraw his Campe from thence to Belgrade, seeing it was so long in taking, and that he had lost so ma∣ny men before it: whereupon it was said, that Solyman was somewhat incen∣sed [ G] against Mahomet: which if those within had had but some inckling thereof, and had been able to maintaine it sixe daies longer at the most, they had neuer tasted of this aduerse fortune, which within few daies after happe∣ned to them with so great effusion of blood, and the Basha had retired with his armie, as it was afterward certainly knowne. But Losonze seeing that Ma∣homet obstinately perseuered to molest him day and night, conferred with all the souldiours to yeeld; considering how they were all greatly wearied and timerous, by reason of the last assault which they receiued since the de∣parture of the two Spanyards (who were fled from thence): during which, towards the Castle side they saw themselues in very great danger, the Turks [ H] being entered in, who had possest and made themselues masters of that place, if certaine Spanyards and Germanes had not presently been sent to succour that breach, who vpon their arriuall forst them to retire, and pur∣sued them euen to the entrie of their Trenches, making a great slaughter a∣mongst them. Which being vnderstood by all the nations there, euery man fauoured Losonzes opinion to yeeld, his life, armes, and baggage saued, ex∣cept the Spanyards, who said; that according to their iudgement, they ought not to seeke for any accord, but to be well aduised how they might escape in the night by the marishes adioynant to the Castle, which if they could passe, they should presently finde woods which would procure them safe passage [ I] vnto Lippa, and that there was not any who could hinder or annoy them from going foorth, and from arriuing at that place: and this should bee so much the more easily performed, because that towards that side there was not any person lodged, by reason of the great marishes which were in that place, which was a thing they might easily compasse, and which was farre better for them, then to repose any trust in the Turkes faithlesse promises, euery one knowing by too many presidents, that very seldome or ne∣uer they obserue or keepe them, which assuredly they will now much lesse performe, for that they will remember that our people halted in their pro∣mises to Oliman when he departed out of Lippa, this act being not any thing [ K] concealed from the Basha, nor yet slipped from his memorie, whereof they thought good to aduertise them, whereby they should be the lesse deceiued and ouerthrowne. Losonze answered them, that they should not any thing doubt, but that they should giue him leaue to proceede therein; and that he would so order the matter, that his composition should bee so cleere and

euident, that euery one should securely depart with his honour: which was [ A] liked of many, saying, that 27. whole daies they had couragiously fought, and were continually annoyed by the Artillerie, and receiued so many as∣saults, and slaine so many Turkes, that they might well with their great ho∣nour and commendation yeeld. Vpon this resolution, Losonze made signe againe vnto the Turks that he would parley with them, and tolde them that * 1.53 he was content to yeeld the towne, and that he would send a souldiour and an Hungarian to treate with them of an agreement. Mahomet was very glad to heare of this, for that he greatly distrusted his owne power, and was alrea∣die resolued not any more to thrust his men to the imminent daunger of slaughter, but rather to trusse vp his baggage and depart: and by them he re∣turned [ B] answer to Losonze, that he would sincerely from point to point ob∣serue whatsoeuer he would demaund of him, and he sent them back againe apparelled in certaine long silke robes after the Turkish manner, which was by these souldiours taken for a good signe, with which they were sent backe, so deceiuing themselues, as it is incident vnto men to abuse and flatter them∣selues in their proper and particular affayres, oftentimes thinking that in their businesses all things should wishedly succeede: yea, and so much doe they blind themselues, that they cannot discerne the euill which often doth befall them, for want of due consideration. These souldiours being retur∣ned into the towne, they openly recited the large promises and fayre offers [ C] that the Basha had made them. Losonze too lightly giuing credence there∣vnto, writ in a paper all the conditions which he esteemed to bee either ne∣cessarie or meete for him to demaund; which were these.

1 That it should be permitted him to carrie away all the Artillerie which was within Themesuar, and safely to conduct it, without any impeachment, * 1.54 to the place he thought good.

2 That all the souldiours should goe forth with their armes, and En∣signes displayed, with all their baggage, and that the Basha should giue them safe conduct to some secure place.

3 That the towne should be held in some regard, and that there should [ D] not any of the inhabitants bee molested: and to conclude, as well in com∣ming forth, as in going on their iourney, there should not any bee annoyed or indangered by his armie.

All these articles were very willingly accepted of by the Basha, and accor∣ded by oth to bee sincerely performed, and returned them to them againe signed and sealed, without contradicting any of the demaunds of Losonze, e∣steeming (as he that was determined to obserue neither faith nor promise) these couenants of small validitie, and to promise and deceiue of one conse∣quence. Now these negotiations being dispatched, and agreements con∣cluded, the 24. of Iuly, being the vigill of S. Iames, two daies after, about eight * 1.55 [ E] of the clocke in the morning, they began to set forward their baggage and Artillerie, and Losonze followed after with all the Caualarie, among which marched the remnant of the Infantrie which was left, marching all in bat∣taile with their armes and Ensignes displayed. In their comming forth, they perceiued two great squadrons of horse & foot, amounting to some 50000.

keeping and stopping the way where they should passe, which was a little hill on both sides. The Spaniards who marched last, perceuing so many men [ F] in their way, and conceiuing hardly thereof, presaged what was like present∣ly to befall them: whereupon they sent to tell Losonze that they would not forsake the towne, except the Basha would cause those squadrons to retyre out of their way: whereof the Basha being aduertised, answered them, that vpon paine of his head they might securely come forth, without recei∣uing any preiudice, and that he sent these troupes into that place to no other end, but onely that his souldiours seeing them goe forth of the towne, they might by them take example vpon the like and future occasion, to carrie themselues valiantly, considering that so few men had so wonderfull well [ G] defended themselues against such an infinite multitude; and seeing they all professed armes, & were men that liued by war, it was necessarie they should be instructed therein, according as occasion serued. Vnder the protection of this assurance they all came forth, and began to march through the midst of these squadrons, being distant from the towne some 300. paces, which they had no sooner performed, but the treacherous signall was giuen with an harquebuze shot, as Mahomet had appoynted. At the report whereof one * 1.56 part of these squadrons presently enuironed the Artillerie and those who marched before, and the other part enuironed the rest, and so compassing thus our people in the midst of them, they began to execute their barbarous [ H] tyrannie in massacring them, and specially those who offered to defend themselues, and who loued rather a famous libertie, honorably to dye fight∣ing, then to remaine slaues during their liues, vnder so wicked a nation. Of this number were the most part Spanyards, and some Hungars, and Ger∣manes, and those who would not defend themselues were presently forced away and lead prisoners, and among others Losonze was taken and conduc∣ted to the Basha. In this massacre there happened an accident which I will * 1.57 recite, although it seemeth fabulous, and worthier to be registred in the bookes of Romancers, then in a true historie, being so incredible that a sole man could make passage and escape through so many thousands of men: [ I] and yet neuerthelesse it was a true thing.

As the Turkes attempted to hewe our men in peeces, and to perfourme that, they began their accustomed high clamors. Captaine Alphonse Perez de Saianedra a strong and able man, being mounted vpon a good horse, tooke presently his sword in his hand, and at the first bruite and clamour of the e∣nemies he thrust in among them, and with maine force he made himselfe place and way through the midst of the throng: and as some were busied in the slaughter of the other, he saued himselfe without touch of wound, running towards Lippa, being well armed and mounted vpon a horse, which ran exceedingly swift. The Turkes seeing that one man alone had thus stoutely made himselfe passage and was saued, passing in despight [ K] through so many horses, being incensed with shame and anger, there pursu∣ed him more then 500. and although their horses were no lesse swifter to run, than his, yet neuer could they once come neere him. But in an ill houre as this Captaine was in his speedie course (almost out of danger) hauing little

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Castalde hauing speedie newes of this losse, presently departed with great [ F] iournies, to be more neere, and to prouide that the rest might be better de∣fended and kept. He perceiued by the way that all the Hungarian Knights and nobilitie, who then followed him, were very pensiue and dismayed, in∣somuch that leauing all at randome, to the pleasure of Fortune, they seemed carelesse of any thing: whereupon turning himselfe towards them, he mo∣destly reproued them with such milde speeches as he thought good, and gaue them some heart and hope that this losse should shortly be recouered by Ferdinands power (which daily was expected) & by their own force and vertue, exhorting them to defend the rest: hee so effectually perswaded them, that he expelled from them all feare & dispaire, and caused to increase [ G] in them courage and boldnes, and to thinke more vpon the reuenging of Lo∣sonzes death, and the death of his Captaines and souldiours, then euer they had done. But Fortune (which is not alwaies permanent, but at her pleasure cutteth off the dessignes of men in the most flourishing time of their Aprill, and doth raise and abate humane actons as seemeth good to her) would that Aldene should not perseuer long in this his braue resolution, in which vntill then he was resolute in the defence of Lippa, against any strong and puissant armie whatsoeuer, the same being vnto Ferdinand of as great importance as the losse of an armie or kingdome, as we shall hereafter fur∣ther speake of.

During the time that Mahomet besieged Themesuar, and that he was vp∣on * 1.58 [ H] the point to capitulate with Losonze, Aldene perhaps thinking that this towne would neuer be taken, was nothing prouident to vse that diligence which was requisite for the due of his charge, neither yet did he imploy a∣ny spies to aduertise him: and now foure of fiue dayes were alreadie past, * 1.59 that he knew nothing of the enemies proceedings, neither had he any other newes then by the Rhatians or others, who by chaunce brought him a cer∣taine Turke prisoner, who imparted to him as much as he desired: and when a Captaine of the Vssarons, named Demetre Vzarenky, exhorted him to vse greater diligence, and tolde him that he would accomodate him with such persons that should faithfully serue him in such affayres: he made sleight re∣gard [ I] thereof, neither did he endeauour himselfe to retaine them with giftes or rewards, nor yet so much as with any good words, so that the affayres of Lippa daily proceeded from euill to worse. In the end newes being come that Themesuar was reduced vnder the Turkes commaund, and of all other occurrances which passed there; Aldene thought that Mahomets campe * 1.60 would presently visite him, and thinking that the Castle was not so strong, as gladly he would haue had it, to resist his victorious enemie, and seeing the occasion conformable to his conceite; and perswading himselfe that the little hope which he had to defend himselfe (both by reason of the weake∣nes of the towne, and also of the Castle) would be a sufficient excuse to dis∣charge [ K] him of so vile and infamous a thing as this which he pretended to doe, he resolued in himselfe to leaue it. And to the end the Turkes should not ayde themselues by the Castle, he determined to fire it with all the Ar∣tillerie and munition, without acquainting any therewith, but onely at the

instant when he would execute his enterprise, (as he did) although he saw [ A] not the Bashaes campe approaching, and notwithstanding that some tolde him that Mahomet should stay, that since Themesuar was so tedious to him, (although it was a place of no great strength) he would not now march to∣wards Lippa, assuring himselfe that he should doe no good there, knowing the exceeding diligence and care which had been vsed to fortifie it, and the resolute souldiours of all nations which was within it, and the quantitie of Artillerie and munition that Castalde had caused it to bee furnished withall, and the great care which he had for the defence thereof: for all which rea∣sons duly considered, he was in despayre that he should neuer be able to take it. This report neuerthelesse could not any thing diuert Aldene from his [ B] wicked resolution, although he well perceiued that Iohn Turky and Barthol∣mew Coruatte made not any semblance to bouge from that place where they were, which was an Abbey of Monks, situated three miles from the enemie, where (during the siege of Themesuar) they daily with 1000. horse annoyed and endamaged the enemie as much as was possible for them. Which to him who had no eyes, it must needes serue for a sufficient argument to make him discerne, that the Basha was not determined to come against him: for that also some of our people, who were lodged foure or sixe miles off, neuer once offered to remoue or retire, hourely expecting what the Basha determined to doe. Notwithstanding all that, Aldene still perseuered in his infamous and shamefull fantasie. And as puissance and rule cannot long continue where [ C] feare and cowardise preuaileth, sixe houres before hee meant to depart, he declared his conceit to certaine old Spanyards, who greatly blamed this ad∣uice, telling him that in no case he should not remoue or disioyne himselfe from thence, before they saw whether the Basha would come or no, and that he should duly consider in what esteeme he should bee, if hee forsooke this place (at the least before he saw the enemie) which was recommended to him, in regard of speciall trust reposed in his worthines; and that if in this he would not haue respect to his owne reputation and honour, yet at the least he should haue regard to the credit of his nation; and that sith neuer any [ D] Spanyard, vntill now, had committed so cowardly an act, that he would not be the first, into whose hart should fall an infamie so shamefull and villanous, which assuredly would equally redound vpon all, and specially in such a place, where honour should more preuaile, then any fearefull desire which was in him, in respect from being noted of pusillanimitie and cowardise a∣mong these barbarous nations, with a perpetuall and infamous blot. But these admonitions were not sufficient to withdraw him from his base determination: but continuing therein, other souldiours had notice there∣of; and among others, Captaine Paul of Zaraz, a Germane Colonell, who went to see Aldene, desiring leaue that he might enter into the Castle with his souldiours, and other Spanyards, who were more desirous of glorie then [ E] of life, and that he might cause all necessaries to bee put therein before the bridges, which were made for the bringing in of prouision needfull for the Rampiers, should bee broken. Aldene answered him, that he should enter therein when time should require. The souldiours seeing this disorder, be∣gan

to murmur, and say, that before they entered they would know what [ F] quantitie of victuals there was within. The next day in the morning, they intreated him to goe vnto the souldiours (and as their Chiefe) to appease them, and to take an oth of euery one of them to liue and die in the seruice of God and Ferdinand, as by dutie they were all bound thereunto; and ne∣uer to depart from Lippa, before the Turkes were gone from thence. Which being done, and the oth taken, certaine souldiours entered into the Castle to suruey the munition and victuall, whereof was found good store: by reason of which they were incouraged, and they againe redoubled the said oth, and after that, euery man retired to his lodging, where they were not long, but that they vnderstood the commaund that Aldene (the Camp-master) caused to be published: which was, that euery one should be readie with his armes, [ G] and prepare himselfe to march. Whereupon all the nations who were in the towne began to set forward, not without some little mutinie, and Cap∣taine Paul of Zaraz went againe to Aldene, to disswade him from the per∣formance of such a dishonourable fact, telling him, that neither he, nor none of his did euer thinke to commit such a mischieuous treason against Ferdi∣nand, and that if he would needs goe, he might, but as for himselfe he would with his people defend the Castle against Mahomet, or else he would there end his daies. All the Hungars assured him also that they would doe the like. To whom he answered, that they vnderstood him not, and that he well knew what he meant to do, and that the King should receiue more seruice by that [ H] which he had determined to do, then by all y^t which they had propounded. Vpon this the Spanish souldiours began to bee of diuers factions and opi∣nions among themselues, the greatest part esteeming it a foule fault to dis∣lodge themselues from thence, as Aldene had commaunded; and the fewer sort were of opinion to doe that which he determined, perswading the other to take part and goe with them, and not remaine to cast away themselues: which the Germanes and Hungars by no meanes thought conuenient, and gaue notice thereof to Aldene, who said to them, that he knew not what to doe therein, but hee would thinke thereon, and prouide for it. Now, there [ I] was about Lippa some 10000. Hungarish and Rhatian waggons, within which they carried their wiues, children, and their best moueables, these be∣ing fled after this manner from their townes and houses, then when the Ba∣sha passed Tibiscus, and were come thither to saue themselues in Transilua∣nia, and by the fauour of this strong place, beneath which they were lodged in a champion vnder their Tents and Pauillions in manner of an armie, expecting the issue of Themesuar. The principall of them vnderstanding that Aldene would forsake this towne, and remoue with his people from thence, went presently to him, to desire him not to depart, and importuned him, that if hee were resolued to forsake the Castle, yet that hee would not [ K] race it, but rather deliuer it into their custodie, and that they would with their best endeuour defend it, or else resolutely to die within it. But all these intreaties, admonitions, and protestations had not any force to remoue him from his dishonest thought, but commaunded that all should bee in a readi∣nes to march at the first sound. The Germanes and Hungars perceiuing

the wicked and base intent of Aldene continued, said to him, that although [ A] there were many inclined to obey him, yet they would not for all that cease from giuing him to vnderstand, that they determined to remaine and de∣fend it, that so they might shunne and auoyde the shame, which without all doubt they should condignely receiue in dislodging so vily: whereupon Paul of Zaraz reenforcing the guards, tooke charge of the towne, through which walking in the night season, he saw many souldiours (who by Alde∣nes oppointment were with their horses sadled) readie to troupe on with their armes and baggage, to whom giuing incouragement, and perswading them not to bouge, hee went from thence to Aldenes lodging, whom hee found vpon his bed, and conferring with him, he desired to know why he [ B] had commaunded that the Spanyards should be in such readines. For that, (said he) he had receiued newes that the enemies were alreadie approached within two miles of Lippa, with fifteene peeces of Artillerie, and that vpon this occasion he was resolued, that he would not at any hand attend them, because the place was not strong enough, he hauing before hand con∣cluded presently to depart. To which, Paul replied, that he would stay, but vntill he had sent to know the certaintie thereof. And he did so much, that three houres before day hee presently dispatched two horsemen towards Themesuar, to discouer whether the Vauntgard of Mahomet approached or not. These souldiours posting with good speede, arriued at the place where were lodged Iohn Turky and Bartholmew Coruatte, and seeing them to [ C] be at quiet, and not fearing any trouble of the enemies, they returned backe againe with great speede, to declare vnto Aldene that there was not any bruite or newes that the Bashaes Campe was risen from about Themes∣uar.

During the time that these two horsemen made this discouerie, Aldene caused all the Canoniers to come to him, commaunding them to charge the Cannons euen to the mouth, with intent to breake them, and that they should put the rest of the powder into the vautes and sellers of the towers and Bulwarkes, to blow them vp when neede should require: and being af∣terwards [ D] to expect the returne of these two souldiours, who should bring certaine newes of all, a Sentinell (which was in the top of one of the towers at Sunne rising) discouered two horsemen who came spurring on amaine. These were the two souldiours, which we haue before spoken of, who rode in great post, thinking that if they deferred any time, Aldene would set fire on the Castle before they returned againe: and on the contrarie, the certaine newes which they should bring, would expell this wicked determination out of his cowardly mind, and this was the cause of their speed. Another Sentinell at the same instant, being not farre from the other, discouered a farre off a great dust in the ayre, which was raised by a number of Cowes, [ E] which ranne wildly together in the fields without any keeper, and these two souldiours were neere the towne, crying with a loude voyce (although they could not perfectly be vnderstood) and said, that they should make stay, and not fire the munition nor Castle. The other souldiours crying (by the ad∣uertisement of the Sentinell) that this dust was raised by some great batta∣lion * 1.61

of the enemies, and that these two souldiours came posting before to giue notice thereof: they went presently to aduertise Aldene, who was the [ F] * 1.62 first that mounted vpon a good horse, and sent to Captaine Paul of Zaraz, that he should open the towne-gate, and let the waggons forth that were full of his moueables, and of certaine Marchants. It being opened, the Spaniards began softly to march, euery man ranging himselfe vnder his Colours, and presently vpon it he commaunded the Canoniers to giue fire to the Castle, and to all the Artillerie: wherein they vsed such haste, that giuing fire to the vaults of the towers, two among them (blinded with feare and smoke) re∣mained vnder it burnt and consumed. By the violence of this fire, two great towers (which were at the enterance of the Castle) were blowne vp into the [ G] ayre, and there were fiue or sixe peeces of Artillerie which were discharged against the walles, being laden euen to the mouth, and the Castle began to burne on all parts, and in like sort the towne, which caused a mournfull pi∣tie among all those nations, who not without iust cause cōplained for such a losse, worthily blaming so vile an act, inueighing with great bitternes against the Spanyards and Germanes, deeply cursing Castalde that had placed them there, not knowing now where to dispose or turne themselues, or what might betide them by this lamentable inconuenience, they being with great cries and laments dis-vnited and seuered from thence, and with the greatest confusion and discontent that could be, they began to lode their waggons [ H] with their wiues and children, and of those commodities which they had then with them, and to proceede on their iourney whither Fortune would guide them; and endeuouring to saue themselues, some went to one place, and others to another, and Aldene leauing Lippa behinde him (which mi∣serably burned like a second Troy) tooke his way with his souldiours to∣wards Transiluania, marching with so great speede, that not any taried to ex∣pect his companion; euery one speedily labouring for his owne safetie, and amongst them he was esteemed to be most valiant and sure, who better then the other could nimbly vse his legges, and their iourney was no lesse disor∣dered, then their departure was inconsideratiue, and in such sort it was per∣formed, [ I] that the peasants, who inhabited among the mountaines, for the dispight which they had of so foule and execrable a fault, tooke courage to assaile and kill many of them, and to rob many Marchants of Lippa: so that they were in a manner all lost and perished, some remaining dead, others wounded and sore hurt: and this happened to them in reuenge of the ruine and losse of Lippa.

Bortholmew Gornatte (who as we haue said) was foure miles from Lippa, seeing the great fire which (as he thought) proceeded from this towne, was greatly astonished at the sight thereof, not being able to imagine what it could be, rather suspecting some other casualtie, then that which happened to be true: and presently mounting on horsebacke, spurred on to the place [ K] from whence this flame came; and arriuing neere to Lippa, hee could not conceiue what the occasion should be of the burning thereof; and not able to thinke who should be he that had caused so great a losse, nor by what peruerse accident it should happen, he vehemently mistrusted some treason,

by meanes whereof he thought Aldene with all his souldiours might haue been [ A] consumed in that fire. And demaunding of some that went wandring about the towne, who had comitted so vile an acte, they presently made re∣lation to him of the whole matter as it was done, which he vnderstanding, and not minding (as a wise and prouident Captaine) to neglect any thing which should concerne the seruice of his Prince, and the noblenes of his owne minde, without being constrained by any commaund, but moued onely by a true compassion for such an vnspeakeable calamitie and suddaine ruine, began in the best sort hee could to giue order to cause to be retyred that Artillerie which remained whole from the violence of the fire, seeing he could not remedie any other thing, for that all was fallen to a marueilous [ B] ruine. He remained within Lippa three dayes, and vntill he had seene all the Artillerie (which was dispersed in the towne that remained whole, to the number of fifteene peeces) conducted in safetie, of which there were some sound, and many broken and crakt, and with those and all his people he re∣tyred to Iula, first causing fire to be set in euery place of the towne that re∣mained vnburnt, to the end that the enemy might not in any sort reliue him∣selfe tierewith. Which being done, he presently gaue aduertisement there∣of to Castalde, who alreadie vnderstood of this miserable ruine, which was exceeding displeasant to the armie, and to all Transiluania, and specially to the Spanyards, whose reputation it touched more then any other, conside∣ring [ C] that he was a Spanyard which committed so infamous and dishonou∣rable a thing; in regard whereof, they were alwaies held in contempt, and derided by all the nations of that Prouince, they being not able to alleadge any colourable reason for their excuse, which procured great discontent and irksomenes to Castalde, for that he reposed all his hope vpon this Fortresse; thinking, that in well defending it, all the Bashaes force would not haue been sufficient to haue wonne thereof one thumbes bredth of ground. And al∣though he esteemed the kingdome, together with his armie and reputation to bee in a manner lost, yet was he not troubled, nor made any semblance of feare in his heart of so great a losse: and although the cowardise of another had thus euerted his deseignes, and that sudden and rash attempts common∣ly [ D] bring more trouble and amaze, then those which are foreseene by an ad∣uised consideration; yet neuerthelesse hee did not omit to aduertise Ferdi∣nand of all these accidents, and present daunger wherein he was, for that the Port of the countrie being by the carelesnes of another opened to the ene∣mie, to enter into that countrie, he being not able to withstand him, without another armie answerable to that of Mahomets, or at the least halfe as strong. In like sort he gaue aduertisement to Roderic Vigliandrando, and to An∣drew Lopez, that they should march no further, because (as is aboue said) they were sent, who by some meanes or other they might enter into The∣mesuar; [ E] and he commaunded Captaine Lopez to enter with his companie into the Castle of Deua, which next vnto Lippa was the strongest Fortresse in that quarter, and of the most importance for the enterance into the king∣dome; * 1.63 commaunding in like manner Aldene, that he should remaine in that towne with the companies which he brought from Lippa, and that vntill he

knew further of his pleasure. The towne of Deua is very fayre and rich, [ F] and situated in a place which participateth of a plaine and hill, hauing a Castle of good defence, neere vnto which, a few yeeres past, was found (by such meanes as we shall speake of) great store of treasure by the peasants of the countrie, vnder an old ancient Castle or Palace all ruinated and decaied. The raine continuing a long time, and the water running in great abun∣dance with a forcible currant, by violence thereof there was discouered an infinit companie of golden Meddals, vpon one side of which was coyned the image of Lysimachus, and on the other side a victorie, euery one weigh∣ing * 1.64 two or three crownes. The storme and rage of the water being past, and the Sunne shining vpon these, they made a marueilous glistering: which be∣ing [ G] perceiued by certaine peasants of the countrie, and they running to see what it might bee, they remained rauished with ioy, considering so great a quantitie of the golden Meddals, and offering to take them vp, they also * 1.65 found a golden Serpent, which afterward Castalde sent to Ferdinand, hauing had it at the death of Frier George, with a part of these ancient Meddals: this being an ancient custome amongst those who buried their treasure, to place Serpents there, in token of a faithfull keeper. And after that these peasants * 1.66 had taken no man knew what, others tooke from thence more then twen∣tie thousand Duckets, and the report was, that they might haue taken more then 100000. for that this place had sometimes been Lysimachus a∣boade: whereof Ferdinand had (as wee haue said) 1000. and Castalde about [ H] 300. which coyne remained in this place from Lysimachus his time. Among other notable antiquities that was found, there were two Meddals of gold, the one was of Ninus, and the other of Queene Semiramis: which two were * 1.67 sent to the Emperour Charles the 5. And there was not any man in all that Prouince, of what authoritie or reputation soeuer, which had not some of these Meddals: so infinit was found this summe to be.

Now, Castalde hauing taken order for the most important affayres of the kingdome, he went from thence with the Vayuode of Transiluania to Seg∣hesuar, from whence afterwards he went to Sassebessa. And being there ar∣riued, he lodged in the best manner he could within the towne, it being sea∣ted [ I] in the midst of the countrie, where he hastened the fortifications of those townes which were alreadie begun to be fortified, and into which places he determined to place garrisons, to defend them against the Basha, knowing he had not the force to incounter him in the field, and writ againe to all the townes that they should send him more souldiours, certifying them of the bad fortune which was lately happened to the low countries: and although they ceased not to send vnto him, yet could they neuer leauie but 16000. men.

In this time arriued 1500. men of armes, which Ferdinand had promised to Castalde, 1000. whereof were vnder the conduct of Fabian Schinach, and [ K] the other 500. remained with the Marquesse Sforce Palauicin, who brought with him 3000. Germanes, and as many Italians, with certaine troupes of Hungarish horsemen, and some Artillerie, to succour Castalde, and marched with great iourneys, hauing alreadie passed Papau, which is a Fortresse vpon * 1.68

the confines of Hungarie, neere to Vesprimia, and he marched very speedi∣ly. [ A] There is found vpon the way (which is neerest out of Hungarie into Transiluania) a Castle named Drigal, situated iust in the way, which then * 1.69 was kept by the Turkes, so that they could not conueniently passe that way, which was farre better, and the surest to conduct an armie into the countrie. Whereupon to finde some meanes to winne this Fort, Ferdinand comman∣ded the Marquesse Sforce, that arriuing neere vnto the said Castle, he should with all his power make some stay there, and endeuour himselfe by all meanes possible to get it. Which Castalde vnderstanding, and knowing by many reports the strength of that place, by reason of the few men the Mar∣quesse had with him, he writ presently vnto him, that he should not at that [ B] time stay about that enterprise, vntill they were vnited together, because that they two ioyning in one, happely they might attempt some fortunate suc∣cesse: which on the contrarie they could not possibly obtaine, if they were separated: for that one was not sufficient to make that conquest, but their vnion was likely to bee the cause of some good euent, and the time should not be lost in vaine (as it might happen) if he himselfe would onely bee opi∣nionated to stay there, with daunger to lose it. Besides, aduertising him, that if in case he would persist in this enterprise, and that he saw the Basha of Bu∣da attempted to succour that Castle, yet by no meanes he should fight, for feare of losing the battaile: but that he should endeuour himselfe to retire the best he could, it being now no time to hazard his men, seeing he very [ C] well knew the great and present necessitie which himselfe had thereof. He also writ to Ferdinand concerning the same, desiring him that hee would cause Palauicin to depart from Drigal, and that hee would commaund him presently to march and ioyne with him, it being more necessarie then the ta∣king of this Castle. This reason although in it selfe it was sound and true, yet was it not so apprehended by Ferdinand, nor receiued by such due obe∣dience of the Marquesse: so that, for not inclining to this counsell, he fell into such calamitie, as we shall hereafter speake of.

Mahomet (who had not the heart to goe to besiege Lippa) knowing it [ D] was very strong, and that the garrison was of Spanyards, Germanes, and Hungars, all chosen and approued souldiours, hauing at this instant had newes, that the master of the Campe (Aldene) had forsaken it, and set fire on the Castle; and not beleeuing that a Spanyard would commit such an in∣dignitie, and so vnfit for him, sent (the same day that Bartholmew Coruatte had drawne out the Artillerie) to know the certaintie. The Turkes who went thither, approached so neere vnto it, that they perceiued that the towne and * 1.70 Castle had not receiued very great damage, and they began as well as they could to quench the fire, and presently aduertised the Basha that this fire had procured no great detriment to that which was newly fortified, and that al∣though [ E] the Castle was broken and rift in many places, the Bulwarkes and Curtaines neuerthelesse were sound and whole, and very defencible: onely that there was two old towers fallen downe, but not any thing of that ruina∣ted which was fortified within, and that the Castle it selfe might easily be re∣duced into his former strength, and made sufficient to defend it selfe. The

Basha vpon this aduertisement was so well content, as if he had conquered the moitie of Transiluania, and presently dispatched Cassombassa with 5000. [ F] horse to goe and enter into Lippa and defend it. Presently vpon this Cap∣taines arriuall there, he commaunded certaine Turkes to goe and view Soli∣mos, thinking for certaine that he should spend more time in taking of it, * 1.71 then he did, and that it might proue so ill an neighbour to him, that he shuld scarcely hold Lippa in peace, because that although that Castle was very little, yet it was inexpugnable: for that it could neither bee battered by the Cannon, nor yet assaulted: and there was within the said Castle a Corporall of Aldenes squadron with 25. Spaniards, and about some 100. Hungars, which number was sufficient to defend it against all the world, they hauing victuals [ G] for two yeeres, and of Artillerie and munition as much as should suffice them. But feare had alreadie possest euery mans heart, insomuch that newes being come that Cassombassa was within Lippa, the Corporall fearing the e∣nemie would come directly to the Castle, did resolue to leaue it to the ha∣zard of fortune, thinking that the former fault of others would excuse him from the reproach of any dishonourable act: vpon which resolution, he per∣swaded all the souldiours who were within to depart, who alreadie were so discouraged for the passed accidents, and for the faint-heart which they per∣ceiued in him who commaunded them, that they were presently induced (without any vrgent perswasions) to credit his sayings: and began to goe [ H] forth at the instant, when Cassombassa had sent 200. horse to summon them to yeeld: who being arriued before the Castle, and finding it open (although * 1.72 they suspected some deceit) yet they boldly entered in, and without any re∣sistance made themselues masters thereof: and considering that the garrison could not be farre off, vnderstanding that the night before they were with∣in, presently they set themselues forward to follow them: and they had not gone farre, but that they ouertooke, and so intrapped them with such an as∣sault, as wolues commonly giue to amazed sheepe being in flight, and put them all to the sword, except the Corporall, whom they led prisoner to Cas∣sombassa: and thus was the desert of their shamefull cowardise duly rewar∣ded, [ I] yea euen at the time when seeking their owne safetie, they then found death: which then had not ended their daies, if they had remained within the Castle, and valiantly employed themselues for the defence therof, which men expect for at the hands of resolute souldiours: for thus in keeping So∣limos, they might thereby with good securitie haue defended Lippa.

Castalde at that time alwaies remained about Sassebessa, with that small force which wee haue spoken of, daily expecting the arriuall of the Mar∣quesse Sforce, and assuredly beleeuing that the Basha would not omit to at∣tempt the enterance into the kingdome (and that so much the more boldly, because he saw himself Lord, without any impeachment of the place, which [ K] he esteemed of most importance) he was attentiue to see what he would de∣termine of, because that vntill then he could neuer vnderstand the drift of his intention, but onely then when he was at Themesuar, he heard that hee durst not enter into Transiluania, because it was reported that Castalde was therein with a good number of men, and that daily he expected more, and

that if he should then enter there, he could not so easily retire himselfe as he [ A] would. This opinion of the Basha was grounded vpon certaine policies and stratagems, which Castalde, Andrew Battor, and Thomas Nadasily had vntill that time vsed, deceiuing thereby his Spies, causing his people daily to bee newly mustered, and stretching their squadrons at length, to the end that they might seeme double as great as they were, adding thereto very great * 1.73 Salues of the Artillerie and Harquebuziers, hauing caused their Campe to be largely lodged, to the end that it should seeme greater then it was; further reporting that daily they expected ayde, and that Duke Mauris would shortly arriue with 20000. men, and Ferdinand in person with a great armie. By such and other like inuentions, Castalde greatly helped himselfe in the ne∣cessitie [ B] wherein he then was, supplying therein by his owne industrie, that which he knew was wanting, by reason of the smalnes of his armie; and not being able therewith to resist the power of the Basha, he endeuoured to op∣pose himselfe against him, and to delude them by the subtelie of his fained shewes; which Mahomet supposing to be true, was in doubt what to doe. But at the last Castalde hauing vnderstood, that one day he would vpon a sudden enter into Transiluania, and send the Belerbey of Greece before with 25000. horse, to giue remedie to that, leauing the Vayuode Battor, with all his souldious of the kingdome in the same place, to the end he should maintaine the reputation of a Campe; and to the end also that that might al∣waies appeare to bee true which the Spies reported to Mahomet, who vntill [ C] then (in regard of the report, as we haue declared before) had put him into some feare and doubt, he departed with his Infantrie and men of armes, with this resolute determination, to meete the Belerbey, and to fight with him: and although it seemed an expresse rashnes, yet leauing the issue thereof in the hand of God, he was not any whit amazed or discouraged, but determi∣ned resolutely, either to ouerthrow the Belerbey, (and by that meanes to giue iust occasion to Mahomet; not to attempt any more the enterance into the kingdome) or else gloriously there to end his happie daies. For that if it happened that vnfortunately he should lose this battaile, yet for all that he would not censure himself to be vtterly subuerted, but as fierce as at the first, [ D] because hee should leaue behinde him another armie, answerable vnto that which he met the Turkes withall.

As these things were thus a brewing, he went to take view of a lodging between Deua and Sassebessa, which he found very conuenient for his pur∣pose, and commodious to fortifie with great aduantage for the safetie of his Infantrie, which he might well accommodate and lodge vpon certaine little pleasant hils, which would be as a Caualliar against the Belerbeys horse, and afterwards appointed a garrison at Deua, wherein he placed Counte Helfe∣stin, and two Spanish companies, with Vayuode Battors Caualarie, to the [ E] end that as occasion serued, they should make in vpon the Rereward and flanks, he being with his men of armes so well accommodated, that he might well offend and annoy the enemie, without any detriment to himselfe. But all these inuentions and troublesome conceits, which daily hammered in Castaldes braine, proceeding rather by necessitie then of free will, tooke no

effect, for that the Basha altering his determination, resolued of some other course, and went towards Hungarie, he being aduised, that if he tooke the [ F] strong places thereof, Transiluania would then bee wonne with lesse paine and daunger, and without hazarding his armie, as then hee should hazard them, if he entered into that Prouince. And truly it was a work of God, that the Basha remained so blinded, and that he could not discerne so easie a way to conquer that countrie, because that Castalde not being of sufficient force to maintaine the field, it was necessary for him to retire his forces into strong holds, considering that all the gathering together of the powers which they could make out of all the countries of the kingdome, was not such as they might affront this barbarous tyrant: and yet though it had been sufficient [ G] to incounter him withall, yet for all that they knew not how, neither at the enterance, nor at the retraict of the enemies Campe, to auoyde in that coun∣trie very great desolation and ruine, which as well by reason of the one as of the other should haue happened, and specially if such an armie had made long aboade therein, it being composed of more then 90000. men, besides aduenturers, and other straglers, who to rob and steale doe vsually follow a Campe.

Whilest that Mahomet was determined to enter into Hungarie, and that * 1.74 the Castle of Drigal was now besieged, and sorely battered by the Marquesse Sforce, and Erasmus Teifel, contratie to the liking of Castalde (as is aforesaid) [ H] and being not yet taken, Achineth (Basha of Buda) vnderstanding of this violent battering, and that this siege was maintained against the aduice and liking of Castalde, he determined to relieue the assieged, and commaunding that all the Caualarie (which were vpon the frontiers) should make their Rendevous in a place by him appointed, who in the end were 15000. horse, with whom he marched towards our people, and at the dawning of the day he arriued neere to the Marquesse his Campe, sending before 500. horse to giue the alarme, and he with the rest of his troupe passed towards another side of the Castle, not being perceiued of any, to giue in vpon the Rereward of our men, if they would offer to come out of their Trenches to fight with [ I] those who should giue the alarme. At the sight of these 500. horse, our men began to make some sallies and charges vpon them, and by little and little the alarme waxed so warme, that the greatest part of our people, either by ne∣cessitie or desire to fight, went out of their Trenches, and ranging themselues in battaile, they so fiercely charged the Turkes, that they slew most of them, and put the rest to a speedie flight, ouerthrowing many in the pursuite. And as it often happeneth, our souldiours thinking by the defeate of these few men they had the victorie assured in their owne hands, not foreseeing what might happen, they began to disband themselues and pursue the Turks, one getting a horse, another spoyling the dead; when to this medley the Basha [ K] * 1.75 (after that he saw the occasion to be such as he desired) came with such great furie and rage, that our people could not really themselues, nor resist so vio∣lent a charge, as well for that they were in disorder, as also because they saw themselues out and farre from their Trenches, which might haue warranted them from this crueltie. The Germanes of Erasmus Teifel, who made the

battalion, and were about 3000. were so at an instant ouerthrowne, as if lions [ A] had entered into a parke of sheepe. The Marquesse Sforce, who was armed before the battalion of the Italians, seeing that our Caualarie and men of armes were all fled, and that also all the Germanes were defeated, and that on that side all was lost and ouerthrowne; like a prouident Captaine would not indanger the rest of his men, but would haue conducted them into some secure place, and caused them to take a wood which was there by, hoping by that meanes to saue them, his enterprise was by the Basha ouerthrowne, who cut off his way, and forced him in spight of his teeth to fight. Who see∣ing he could not remedie it, he in the best manner he could ordered his peo∣ple in battaile, and incouraging the Captaines, and the Captaines the soul∣diours, [ B] as a valiant and resolute Leader he placed himselfe in the most daun∣gerous place, and began the fight, which scarcely was begun, but his men (by reason of the multitude of the enemies horse) were so disordered, that by no meanes they could not any more reunite themselues to fight, but tooke so desperate a flight, as though their onely safetie had consisted therein, not∣withstanding the menaces and intreaties of the Marquesse did no good, and many Captaines (forgetting all shame) leauing their companies fighting on foote vnder their Ensignes, mounted vpon the first horses which by chance they found before them, (as there were many in the field disfurnish∣ed of their masters) and therewith leauing their souldiours as a pray, they did in such sort flie, that there were some of them that neuer looked backe nor [ C] stayed, before they arriued at Vienna. The Marquesse Sforce seeing himselfe thus alone and forsaken of his people, although he had as good meanes to saue himselfe as others had, yet hauing a generous and a noble minde, did ra∣ther chuse to dye there with honour and glorie, then in flying to saue him∣selfe with shame and infamie. Wherefore seeing hee could not escape this certaine daunger, he determined to sell his life to the Turkes as deare as he could, and valiantly fighting he would neuer yeeld, although in many pla∣ces he was very sore wounded, killing and hurting many of those who enui∣roned him: and as he was in reaching at the necke of one, another hurt him in the right hand, so that he was forced to let his sword fall, and so conse∣quently [ D] his courage decreased, that he was forced rather to yeeld his bodie, then his minde. He being thus taken prisoner, hee was presently led to the * 1.76 Basha, not without the great admiration of all those who had seene him fight so brauely, being much astonished at his valour and prowesse, which most resolutely they had seene him performe, not being vntill then euer knowne to bee Generall, but onely for a man of some good respect and au∣thoritie, and for such an one he was held by the Basha. As soone as Erasmus was taken, and knowne to bee a man of no small qualitie, hee was presently sent to Constantinople, where at his arriuall he had his head cut off. There [ E] dyed in this ouerthrow many persons of marke, and among others the Bi∣shop of Vaccia, who was Comissarie generall, and many other Germane Captaines. The prisoners were Hyppolitus Palauicin, Captaine Albert de Ca∣stello, a Boulonian, Captaine Bambino de Carpi, Captaine Maria de Tiuoli, Cap∣taine Vincent Antiuory, a Florentine: and of the rest which fled I will not

make any mention of, in regard they deserue not commendations. [ F]

After this route, the Basha at pleasure relieued those of Drigal, and hauing effected this vnfortunate iourney, which happened the 8. day of August, an∣no 1552. he sent to Buda all the pray and spoyle which he had gotten, and re∣turned * 1.77 another way to ioyne with Mahomet, who had willed him to come, that he might discourse with him vpon that which he desired to doe against Hungarie, for that Achmeth had the more knowledge in the discouery & pas∣sages of that countrie. Castalde in the meane time hourely receiued news, tou∣ching some bad chance (because he was not beleeued) of the succours which he expected in this great necessitie wherein he was: & during certaine daies, he assuredly beleeued that the Marquesse Sforce was slaine in battaile, but af∣terwards [ G] he knew that he was liuing, and vnder the Basha of Buda his com∣mand, * 1.78 frō whō certaine moneths after he was ransomed for 15000. Duckets.

Now Achmeth being come to Mahomet, (who was determining to march into Hungarie, but yet with a colde resolution, considering with him∣selfe that this yeare he had performed sufficiently in conquering of Lippa and Themesuar) he exhorted and perswaded him earnestly to follow on his first determination, with a resolution of conquest, promising him within few dayes to render the Castle of Zaluoch and the towne of Agria to him, possessing him that the greatest part of the townes of that Prouince would assuredly yeelde to him, in respect of the feare which was bruited in them, by the taking of the foresaid townes, and by the ouerthrowe of Palauicin, and [ H] that by this meanes he should get infinite renowne and glorie, and such as he could not hope for, and that to that purpose he should be now incited, for that he saw Ferdinand busied in the Germane affayres, and oppressed by many reuolutions and garboyles, and by the losse of men and horses, which he apparantly saw was happened to him, and which he could not presently renew, being in extreame necessitie and want of money: so that by these in∣commodities which he knew to be most true, he had now all the meanes that might bee to make himselfe Lord of many townes, without any im∣peachment or danger to him, and to leade away infinite prisoners, and get inestimable bootie. Mahomet greatly incouraged by such hopes, presently [ I] tooke the way to Zaluoch with all his armie, marching with tedious iour∣nies. This Castle is very strong, and about some three yeares past it was rea∣red * 1.79 and built by Ferdinand from the ground, in respect of the commoditie of the place, which by cause of the naturall situation, and by the shoares and bankes of Tibiscus, seemed as though it had been erected by hand. Ferdi∣nand the rather was incited hereunto, because he knew that Solyman ment to possesse himselfe of that place for the same purpose, and for the fertillitie and pleasure of the countrie. And thus he preuenting the determination of his enemie, first possessed himselfe on this seate, and esteeming it worthie of a [ K] Fortresse, procured with great diligence to builde that Castle, which cer∣tainely was esteemed inuincible, and one of the fairest workes that was in that kingdome, hauing about it fiue great Caualliars very high, watered on the one side by Tibiscus, and on another side enuironed with another riuer named Zagiua, and in two other places there was a ditch very deepe which

was filled with water from those two riuers; and there was within it a large [ A] place to range or embattaile fortie thousand men: to be short, this place was reputed one of the strongest Forts that was in all Hungarie, and such a one Ferdinand did esteeme it, and alwaies maintained therein a strong garrison of men, Artillerie, victuals, and all sorts of munition for ten yeares. To answer which with like correspondence, if it had then been as well furnished of re∣solute souldiours, as it was well munitioned of other things, it should not haue come to such an vnfortunate end as it receiued, by the cowardise of those who were in garrison there. Besides these aforesaid preparations, Fer∣dinand had caused there to be kept 50. long narrow boates, with which they might vpon those riuers fish and fight if occasion serued; and within he had caused [ B] to be placed at that time for an ordinarie garrison 300. Germans be∣sides their Captaine who was absent, 100. Bohemians, 200. Aiduchs, and 50. Spanyards, besides 200. Hungarish horse, who in all amounted to 850. men.

Castalde vnderstanding that Mahomet marched towards Hungarie, cer∣tainely perswaded himselfe (as afterward was seene) that if then he retyred from Themesuar, he should not haue the like occasion and commoditie to enter into Transiluaniaas he had: and although he was glad to see him out of this Prouince, yet was he greatly perplexed in his minde, fearing that he would march directly towards Agria, because that that was a towne of little strength, but yet of great importance: notwithstanding he had a special hope [ C] of this, that Mahomet would first (before he came to Agria) make some stay before Zaluoch, for that he would not leaue it behinde him; and he thought that this Castle would defend it selfe from his crueltie, because it was so well munitioned, & impregnable: so that he assured himselfe that Mahamet should consume the greatest part of his forces during the siege there, & that if those within it would shew their vttermost deuoire, he should be forced rather to retire with shame and losse, then remaine there with profit and honour.

Before that Mahomet approached Zaluoch, he sent 2000. horse to scoure and discouer the plaine, and gather what victuals they could for his armie, which stoode in some distresse, for that they had passed ruinated and dis∣peopled [ D] Countries, from whence to auoide his tyrannie, all the people were fled into diuers places of safetie. Some of his Vaun-currers presenting them∣selues before Zaluoch, and being knowne to be such as they were, our peo∣ple sallyed forth to skirmish with them, and tooke some of them who were scattered from their companie, by whom they vnderstoode that Mahomet would presently come and besiege them with all his armie. It happened the same day, that the Turkes Vauntgard arriued, a certaine Germane bru∣sing in his lodging a little powder, fire tooke holde thereof and burnt the house, and almost all the Castle, because that the flame being carried with the winde (which then was very great) dispersed it selfe into all parts, and [ E] suddainely flamed, for the greatest part thereof being built of wood, and filled with such other things which drew fire to it from a farre, and if they had not with great expedition slaked it, surely all had been consumed into a∣shes: and euen as the Vauntgard wherein Achmeth Basha was arriued, the fire was quenched, and then al those within put themselues in battaile and good order about the wals, and with the force of Artillerie & Harquebuziers, they

began to salute the enemy with such violence, that they brake that squadron, insomuch that he was forced to retire from approaching any neerer: and [ F] forthwith sallying out, they made a great murder amōgst the Turks. The day following arriued Mahomet himselfe with all the rest of his campe, lodging a good distance off, and in a place where the Artillerie could not offend him, and presently with a strong troupe of horse he went to view the Castle on the two sides that were not enuironed with water, but onely with drie Dit∣ches, and the day following he caused all his armie to approach before that place, quartering them on these two sides, and they were so many in num∣ber, that all the ground within that compasse was couered with them: and afterward he sent by some of his people to certifie him who commaunded [ G] within, that he shuld for certaine vnderstand, that that place where the Castle was built, appertained to the Grand Seigniour, and that Ferdinand erected it in a place which was none of his: and for that cause he commaunded them to yeeld it vnto him, offering vpon that condition some reasonable re∣wards, and that he would permit him, with all his souldiours, safely to depart with their armes and baggage; further admonishing him not to be obstinate, least he should plant the Artillerie: for if he expected that, he had sworne and protested not to make any accord with him at all, but the contrary, putting all to fire and sword, he would without mercie murther all those who fell in∣to his hands. The Castellan made him this answer, that being borne Ferdi∣nands [ H] subiect, and by him placed in this Castle, and hauing sworne to him fi∣delitie, and giuen him assurance to keepe and defend it (which also he pur∣posed to doe) he could not yeeld it to him: but if he would be master there∣of he should winne it by force, and that he should not solicite him any more with the like friuolous messages, for that he had no dread nor feare of his words, and as little esteemed he of his deedes, but that he should doe his vt∣termost, and he for his part would also doe what he could to defend and maintain it, desiring rather to die Ferdinands seruant, thē liue Solymans friend.

The Basha vnderstanding of this resolute answer, the day following he caused the Trenches to be made hard by the Ditches, on those two sides of [ I] which we haue spoken, and that not without great labour, for that the Pyo∣ners were forced to carrie the earth very farre, because the place was drie and stonie, and very vnfit for such a purpose. And after they had finished their worke, one morning before day-break, he caused his Artillery to be brought into them, and planted it against the Castle, and began very violently to bat∣ter: but the Cannon did no great harme, for that the Castle was well ram∣pierd and enuironed with earth and faggots, which presently did quallifie the force of the bullet. About three daies after that the Turks had continued their batterie, the Germanes assembled together, & spake vnto the Captaine * 1.80 of the Spaniards, and to certaine other souldiours, telling them, that the most part of the Hungars were alreadie on horseback, and that when they thought [ K] least of it, they would in the night depart and forsake them, and that if they did so, euery one might cleerely discerne, that they were not of sufficient strength to maintaine and keep it against so great an armie, as was that of the Turks: and that for that cause this was their counsell, that all should dislodge and endeuour to saue themselues, perswading this Captaine to speake of

this matter vnto him who commanded the place, and was the Castellan, who for that he was his friend would not refuse to hearken to him, and it might [ A] be would yeeld to his opinion. The Spaniards replied, that as yet they saw no occasion that should moue them to depart from thence so vily, and they told them that they shuld not vse any more so dishonest and infamous spee∣ches, but rather they should haue the courage to die honourably, then com∣mit so cowardly an act; and that for their parts they would doe that which should seeme good to them, not being willing at any time to lend their eares to such vnfitting discourses. The Germanes then seeing that the Spaniards respected not their motion, went to the Bohemians to acquaint them with their determination, and there they caused it to finde such good entertain∣ment, [ B] that they easily drew them to their opinions: whereupon they altoge∣ther went to the Castellan, to tell him in few words that they would depart, for that they saw the Hungars had trussed vp their baggage in their wagons, and their horses were readie sadled, of which they knew not the meaning, except it were to begon, and leaue the rest as a pray to the Turkes: for that if they departed, who were the greatest and strongest part, it was not in their power to warrant & withstand the assaults of Mahomet, and to defend them∣selues against so puissant a force; in respect where of they thought it better to depart and retire in safetie, then to remaine in danger of so apparant a losse, which euery man might see readie to befall them with a cruell death. The Castellan willing to appease them, told them that the Hungars had not loded [ C] their baggage, neither were their horses sadled to any other end, but onely for feare of the fire, which in that extremitie they might more conueniently transport them from place to place, and that if they thought otherwise, they deceiued themselues, and if they were of this opinion, hee himselfe would be the first that should burne their baggage, and maime all their horses, and would cause that the Hungars should euery one execute the like in his owne * 1.81 behalfe, promising to recompence them in the end according to their de∣serts: and this he did to the end that they should be the more willing to put fire thereto, assuring them, that before he would depart from this Castle, he was resolued rather to die within it. The Germanes seeing that by this means [ D] they could not compasse their drift, they presently replied, that they would not remaine, except they might haue their pay which was due to them. The Castellan made liberall promise to them thereof, and sounding the bottome of his friends purses, he got so much money as was needfull to satisfie them all that was their due.

In the meane time the Basha ceased not from continuall battering: but it was to no great purpose, for that the Cannon did little good; in regard wher∣of our people in stead of taking courage, they hourely seemed faint-hearted and more discouraged: and this batterie hauing dured 8. whole daies, they determined one night secretly to depart, and by the meanes of boates to saue [ E] themselues on the other side of the riuer. Which the Spaniards perceiuing, they presently aduertised the Castellan thereof, who told them, that he had caused the boates to be sunck, for that they should not haue that meanes to flie, they being not able to goe forth at any other place, because the enemie had wholly enuironed them, who would hinder their passage; which they

found not true, and the Spaniards in the night time walking the round, about the Castle, and visiting the Sentinels, saw the Germanes in armes with their [ F] baggage readie to depart, and comming to the Port, they met the Hungars (who were all on horsebacke) and the Castellan that vrgently intreated them that they would not depart, and leaue this Fortresse with so great shame and infamie to their nation, and with so great a losse to K. Ferdinand: by which speeches they in like manner saw that they preuailed not much with them, in their behalfe, for that they opening the Port by force, they all thrust them∣selues forth. The Turks who were for the watch within their Trenches, hea∣ring first the bruite which was within the Castle, and presently after hearing no more therof, and not perceiuing any signe or token of any watch (as they [ G] vsually perceiued it euery night before) went presently to breake open the * 1.82 Port, which was opposit to that part which the Hungars & Germanes went forth at: and entering in, and not finding any person, they greatly marueiled thereat, and looking about them, they found the Castellan alone by the Port, who begā to shut it after his people, not meaning at any hand to depart with them, but rather to remaine and die therein, or else to be made a slaue, before he would commit so shamefull and disloyall a fact to his Prince. The Turks presently tooke him prisoner, and hauing bound him, they led him to Ach∣meth, Basha of Buda: who after he had vnderstood how all things had passed, he shewed him great honor, and entreated him curteously, esteeming it to be [ H] a thing no lesse vertuous to vse clemencie towards his enemies, then kindnes to his friends; yea although a man hath power to suppresse or raise them vp, and specially when it is in the behalfe of those who haue not committed any dishonourable or vnworthie act, but on the contrarie haue performed that which was agreeable to their honour and reputation.

So soone as the Germanes were out, they went towards the boates, which because they were halfe on land and halfe in the water, they found very farre ingaged, and before they had drawne them out of their Docks into the water, they so filled them with their implements and their own persons, that they could by no meanes wagge them: and thus losing the time (whilest on [ I] another side the Hungars saued themselues in passing the riuer with their horses at a foord) the Turks set vpon them as they were thus busied, and put them all to the sword, so that not a man escaped aliue. Whilest that the Turks inflicted this punishment vpon these miserable men (which they iustly de∣serued) the Spaniards were almost al saued, some by water, & others by land

Mahomet hauing in this sort won this Castle with lesse paine and trauaile then he expected (not conquering it by force, but by the cowardise & trea∣cherie of the Germanes and Hungars who were there in garrison, and who rather desired to flie and forsake their King, then remaine fighting & get ho∣honour and glorie, being well able to make resistance without their losse or danger) reposed himselfe with his armie certaine daies in this place, and af∣terward [ K] leauing in it a strong garrison, he tooke his way towards Agria, with intention to besiege it, thinking that those who were within, would doe as those of Zaluoch and Lippa had done. But God as an enemie to those who trust more in their forces, then in his assistance, would that all whatsoeuer we esteeme impregnable, should be lost: and againe, that all that which we think

vpon very good reason to be feeble and weake, forsaken of all helpe, and not [ A] anything fortified by any humane industrie, should gallantly maintaine and preserue it selfe: as appeared by this towne which the Turks found so strong, that they had iust cause to bewaile that they were so euilly intreated there, as if they had receiued some bloodie ouerthrow in open field; this being an incredible thing how this towne could preserue it selfe, and so exceedingly endamage the enemie.

The losse then of Zaluoch ingendered in Ferdinands campe a great admi∣ration, and generally no lesse astonishment to all, because this was a place (as we haue said) inuincible and impregnable, except by such a manner where∣with it was lost: and Castalde bare inwardly in his heart, in finit griefe and sor∣row [ B] for it, although outwardly he inforced himselfe to shew very exceeding valour; and knowing that amongst humane actions there commeth not one mischiefe alone, but that it is accompanied with another euen hard at the heeles, this being the qualitie of Fortune, neuer to begin her sports for a little while, he distrusted that this disgrace would be accompanied with another, and that so much the rather, because he saw so puissant an enemie, readie not onely to the ruine and subuersion of Transiluania and Hungarie, but also of all Christendome; and he supposed that he had done no small matter, if he could maintaine himselfe in such estate as then he tooke himselfe to be in, ha∣uing but weake force & a very smal armie, which also then he could not pay, and daily seeing the Fortresses to be abandoned, & most cowardly left in the [ C] Turks power; and on the other side, continually perceiuing war to approach vpon him, and that euen by them from whom he hoped to find most fauour and ayd to maintaine Ferdinands part, and to assure these countries vnder his obeisance, who on the contrarie wrought a dangerous reuolt, and secretly practised to depriue King Maximilian of al this prouince, to render it to King Iohns son, & to reinuest the Queene his mother into her first & royall dignity, they being not able any longer to support the wars, & other inconueniences which daily afflicted thē, labouring with al their skill to effect their purposes.

In respect of these vehement suspitions, Castalde was in great vexation and heauines, fearing that that would shortly happen to him which he had al∣waies [ D] before suspected, specially because he knew the nature of the Transil∣uanians to be much inclined to nouelties and alterations, and that more then any neighbour Prouince whatsoeuer; and that alreadie oftentimes the prin∣cipall persons among them, vnder the colour of diuers vrgent occasions, reti∣red into such places, where they gaue more suspition of reuolting, then assu∣rance of true amitie; all this notwithstanding he omitted not to consult and deliberate with the Vayuode and others, touching all that which was neces∣sarie, and to prouide for it accordingly, not minding that any fault should be attributed to him by his negligence or indiscretion, nor to be reproued for [ E] that he had not as a skilfull Captaine foreseene euery inconuenience; as he very wisely managed matters, which thing hereafter we shall more amply treate of in his proper place.

The end of the fifth Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  All the places of George ac∣knowledge Ferdinand.
• * 1.2

  Tergonista.
• * 1.3

  The Turke prepareth to make warre vpon Ferdi∣nand.
• * 1.4

  Castalde soli∣citeth for suc∣cours.
• * 1.5

  The treasure of George committed into the cu∣stodie of the Comissaries.
• * 1.6

  Izabella de∣maunded of Ferdinand the moueables of George, and also requested the accom∣plishment of that which he had promised her.
• * 1.7

  Castalde and the mur∣therers of George, re∣compenced with Georges moueables.
• * 1.8

  Zegedin sur∣prised from the Turkes.
• * 1.9

  Ottomiall.
• * 1.10

  Aldene re∣lieueth Otto∣miall.
• * 1.11

  An offence to disfurnish a garrison.
• * 1.12

  The defeate of Ferdinands people at Ze∣gedin by the Turkes.
• * 1.13

  Cornoch.
• * 1.14

  The coward∣lines of a Spa∣nish soul∣diour, who in the end killed himselfe.
• * 1.15

  The Pope ex∣communica∣teth the au∣thors of George his death.
• * 1.16

  The moue∣ables of a Cardinall dy∣ing intestate, belong to the Pope.
• * 1.17

  Information of George his death.
• * 1.18

  Andrew Bat∣tor, Vayuode of Transilua∣nia.
• * 1.19

  Losonze, Counte of Themesuar.
• * 1.20

  Mahomet Ba∣sha commeth against Tran∣siluania.
• * 1.21

  A Diet at Torde.
• * 1.22

  Seghesuar.
• * 1.23

  Brassouia.
• * 1.24

  Torde.
• * 1.25

  The custome betweene the husband and wife touching adulteric.
• * 1.26

  Saue one frō the gallowes, and he will seeke to hang thee.
• * 1.27

  Iohn Baptista of Archo cō∣maundeth within Brasso∣uia.
• * 1.28

  Duke Mauris of Saxonie confederate with the King of France, raiseth forces against the Emperour Charles.
• * 1.29

  The King of France com∣pelled to for∣sake Germa∣nie.
• * 1.30

  An agreement betweene the Emperor and Duke Mauris.
• * 1.31

  Izabella com∣plaineth of Ferdinand.
• * 1.32

  Castalde soli∣citeth Ferdi∣nand for suc∣cours.
• * 1.33

  Operstolph.
• * 1.34

  Losonze commandeth Themesuar, & furnisheth it with men.
• * 1.35

  Aldene faint∣hearted.
• * 1.36

  The armie of Mahomet Basha.
• * 1.37

  Tartars.
• * 1.38

  Colosuar bat∣tered by the Germane mutiners.
• * 1.39

  Castalde con∣strained to re∣tire to Torde, to auoide the daunger of the Germane mutiners.
• * 1.40

  The mutinie appeased.
• * 1.41

  The armie of the Molda∣uian.
• * 1.42

  Themesuar besieged by Mahomet.
• * 1.43

  Ottomiall. Iula, or Giula.
• * 1.44

  Castaldes ar∣mie.
• * 1.45

  Iohn Baptiste d' Archo stay∣eth the Mol∣dauian.
• * 1.46

  The retraict of the Mol∣dauian.
• * 1.47

  Themesuar in bad termes.
• * 1.48

  Ottomiall de∣feated by the Turkes.
• * 1.49

  Themesuar taken by Ma∣homer.
• * 1.50

  The descrip∣tion of the siege of The∣mesuar.
• * 1.51

  Don Gasper Casteluio slaine.
• * 1.52

  The treason of two Spa∣nyards.
• * 1.53

  Losonze capi∣tulateth.
• * 1.54

  The Articles of agreement.
• * 1.55

  Losonze lea∣ueth Themes∣uar to the Turkes.
• * 1.56

  Losonze and all his people ouerthrowne.
• * 1.57

  Losonze ta∣ken.

  A strange ac∣cident.
• * 1.58

  The carlesnes of Aldene.
• * 1.59

  Spies necessa∣rie.
• * 1.60

  The cowardli∣nes of Aldene.
• * 1.61

  Base mindes suspitious of feare.
• * 1.62

  Lippa forsa∣ken and bur∣ned by Al∣dene.
• * 1.63

  Deua.
• * 1.64

  Money of Ly∣simachus.
• * 1.65

  Treasure found.
• * 1.66

  A custome of the An∣cients.
• * 1.67

  Meddals of Ninus and Semiramis.
• * 1.68

  Papau.
• * 1.69

  Drigal.
• * 1.70

  The Turkes seazed on Lippa.
• * 1.71

  Solimos left to the Turks.
• * 1.72

  The coward∣lines of the Spanish soul∣diours.
• * 1.73

  The policie of warre.
• * 1.74

  Drigal besie∣ged by the Pa∣lauicin.
• * 1.75

  The Palaui∣cin defeated by Achmeth, the Basha of Buda.
• * 1.76

  The Palauicin taken.
• * 1.77

  Anno 1552.
• * 1.78

  The Palaui∣cin ransomed for 15000. Duckets.
• * 1.79

  Zaluoch be∣sieged by Ma∣homet.
• * 1.80

  The coward∣lines of the Germane souldiours.
• * 1.81

  The braue resolution of the Castellan of Zaluoch euen to the end.
• * 1.82

  Zaluoch co∣wardly left to the Turks.