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 THIRD BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF HVNGARIE. (Book 3)

THE ARGVMENT OF THE THIRD BOOKE.

THe Queene complaineth to Solyman of George; he seeketh the fauour and ayde of Ferdinand; of which the Queene hauing notice, aduertiseth Solyman thereof; whose puissance George fearing, he retireth and fortifieth himselfe in Sas∣sebasse, and the Queene leauieth forces against him. Solyman sendeth a Chiauss into Transiluania in fauour of the Queene: the Transiluanians forsake her, and in∣cline to George, who accordeth with the Queene for feare of the Turkes power mar∣ching towards him; against whom George taketh armes, and forceth them to re∣tire, and he still vseth the Queene after his accustomed manner: she incenseth the [ H] Transiluanians against him: whereupon he vniteth himselfe to Ferdinand, who maketh Iohn Baptista Castalde his Lieutenant, and sendeth him into Hungarie. The Queene publisheth a Diet, and George interrupteth and dissolueth it. Ca∣stalde besiegeth the Castle of Dalmas, which is yeelded to him. The Queene accor∣deth with George, and Albe-iula is yeelded to him. Many suspitions passeth betweene Castalde and Frier George, and the Queene yeeldeth her selfe to Fer∣dinand: but George seeketh to frustrate that agreement, who in the end is made Vayuode of Transiluania, and created Cardinall. The Queene resigneth all the roy∣all ornaments to Castalde with the Crowne, which are sent to Ferdinand, vnto [ I] whom the Hungars sweare homage. The Queene departeth out of Hungarie, and George seeketh againe the fauour of the Turkes, who lye in waite for the Queene trauailing to Cassouia.

QVeene Izabella seeing the affayres betweene her selfe and Frier George succeede from worse to worse; and also diligently obseruing his bad and euil demeanour, which was more then her patience could digest or to∣lerate; and that notwithstanding shee knew not any meanes how to withdraw him from his obstinate wil∣full course, being highly offended therewith: had no [ K] other recourse or helpe of redresse, but writ to the Turke, greatly complaining her selfe of the bad entreatie which he vsed to∣wards * 1.1 her; desiring him that since he was content to appoint and leaue her in possession of that kingdome, that in like sort he would vouchsafe to assist and ayde her out of such a miserable subiection, wherein she was now fallen

into, specially in suffering the cruell tyrannie of the Frier, which was more [ A] burdensome to her, then the iniurie of her professed enemies; and if it were not speedily preuented, it might in time bee the cause of some sinister and ominous fortune: wherefore wholly relying vpon his fauour and cle∣mencie, she effectually prayed him to relieue her against so great a calami∣tie, whereby she might quietly enioy the same peace, which many times he had promised her, with a faithfull and sincere affection.

Solyman vnderstanding these complaints, made no other shew at that time for the redresse of them, but onely writ to the Frier, that he should vse the Queene as was fitting and answerable to her calling; and that so much the rather, for that she was recommended to him: and if he did to the contrarie, [ B] he would teach him how to behaue himself, yea it might be, he would make him an exāple to others, to take better heede for the like presumption. These letters, in stead of causing him to alter his peremptorie behauiour towards her, confirmed him the rather in a more malicious and obstinate will then before. He now notwithstanding seeing all his actions were discouered to the Turke, and that it was behoofull for him to liue more neere and priuate to himselfe, determined (perceuering still in his peremptorie resolution to vse the Queene after his accustomed manner) to assist himselfe, by the fa∣uour * 1.2 of Ferdinand, who was alreadie crowned King of the Romanes, with an intention to be able by his meanes (at euery assay that might be offered) [ C] to resist and onely defend himselfe against the Turke; and the rather being induced thereunto, through a continuall vexation which he receiued of So∣lyman, demaunding of him oftentimes (besides the yeerely tribute which was payd him) sometimes victuall, sometime munition, and other extraor∣dinarie subsidies which were infinit, by reason whereof, not being able to sa∣tisfie his greedy ambitious minde, the treasure was in the end spent and con∣sumed, in so much that there remained little or nothing thereof; so that he to content his barbarous appetites, was constrained to impose vpon the king∣dome new taxes, and tributes, whereby he procured the dislike and hate of euery one. [ D]

In this time was Counte Nicholas Salm Lieutenant generall for Ferdi∣nand * 1.3 in Hungarie, who (as hath been said) was sent vpon an Ambassage to Solyman, to treate of a peace with him. Long before, Frier George desired con∣ference with him in the Castle of Tocchay, where King Iohn (as wee haue said in the first booke) was ouerthrowne by Ferdinands Lieutenant, where (by the meanes of a riuer) Hungarie doth diuide it selfe from Transiluania. But there neuer falling out any oportunitie to see one another; one day (as they both desired) it happened (they nothing thinking therof) but either of them minding to goe some other way, that they met in the middest of a way * 1.4 comming from Hungarie to that place, the Frier continually soliciting the [ E] Counte, that he might come to him and speake with him for the Kings ser∣uice; and hauing instantly vrged him thereto, the Counte would neuer seeme to hearken thereunto, as not reposing much trust in him, knowing that he was mutable, inconstant, and a friend not much to bee trusted. Not∣withstanding, setting at that time before his eyes the great and often solicita∣tion which he daily vsed, to cause him to come to parley; and seeing himselfe

well accompanied with sufficient bands of footmen, and troupes of Caua∣larie, refused not to hearken to the Frier: whereupon he went to lie at Toc∣chay [ F] with George, who all the whole night continued together in priuate, with long conference concerning his purpose, saying, that hee had notice that Peter Vicchy, Gouernour of Lippa and Themesuar, had intelligence with the Turke, and vnder colour to giue vp these countries (into which he had inuested himselfe, as if it had been into his owne inheritance) vnder the Crowne of King Iohns sonne: and to comfort and ayde the Queene the more, he would wholly take away the care & administration of the kingdom from him, and reduce it into extreame calamitie, and transferre it (as already he saw some likelihood thereof) vnder the gouernment of the Turke: which did not much displease him for his owne particular, as for the great damage [ G] which all Christendome should receiue thereby, this being manifest that Transiluania is the Port that giueth large enterance to annoy it, which being vnder the hands of so puissant an enemie, Ferdinand might then with griefe easily discerne what preparation and meane this would bee, to enter into his countrie of Austria and Germanie, which he could by no meanes hin∣der: considering the weakenes of his forces, and his brother the Emperour Charles greatly incombred by the dissentions of Germanie, in regard where∣of, he could by no meanes send such succour as was needfull for him; and that for his part he saw him alreadie to be old and sickly, and without meanes to defend this countrie, against the mightie puissance of such an enemy, who [ H] not onely by force, but also by deceit and subtiltie would not cease, vntill he had reduced it vnder his gouernment: And that vpon this occasion, before he would see such an indignitie, and receiue so great a losse, and especially not being able, by reason of the great bonds wherein he was obliged to King Iohn, to doe otherwise then procure that this kingdome might remaine free and peaceable to his sonne Stephen, hee had aduised and determined with himselfe, to haue recourse to the maiestie and princely regalitie of Ferdi∣nand, desiring his helpe to frustrate & dissolue such enterprises, importuning the Counte to recite amply this waightie matter to him, praying him hee [ I] would not faile to fauour a deede so holy and iust: the issue whereof would not onely bee profitable to the seruice of God, and to the good of all Chri∣stendome, but also a speciall profit and commoditie to his Maiestie, in whose royall fauour he offered to doe him all possible seruice, to the end that that which hee alreadie had negotiated with the Queene, might take effect, to wit, in perswading her to relinquish that State, according to that which King Iohn had by his last will and Testament decreed; excusing and acquiting himselfe by such like offers, of al dislikes which before had passed, promising to doe him faithfull seruice in time to come, and to obserue and enter∣taine inuiolably, whatsoeuer it would please his Maiestie to commaund [ K] him.

Counte Salms made him answer, that he would very willingly vndertake to aduertise Ferdinand of all which had passed betweene them two. And to animate and confirme him the more in this his good purpose, he promised him to performe it, both by word and deede, assuring him that Ferdinand would not faile but condiscend to all that which he had demaunded: neuer∣thelesse

with this condition, that he should still perseuer in his faith and pro∣mise, [ A] and effectually obserue all which he had promised him. With this con∣clusion they both departed, the Frier taking his iourney towards Transilua∣nia, and the Counte towards Vienna, to impart vnto Ferdinand the whole discourse which had passed betweene them.

This conference was not so priuate, but the Queene had present notice thereof: and well knowing that the Frier sounded all the meanes to doe her the greatest mischiefe and spite he could, she vnderstood that he secretly practised to accomplish fully his thoughts, and put her to all trauaile and paine, which hee thought good and meete to chase her out of her king∣dome: she well knowing that for this end, and not to doe him seruice, nor for any other occasion, then that which he falsely and wickedly pretended, [ B] practised to ioyne with Ferdinand, and take part with him: and knowing her selfe to be a Queene of weake force, and a woman without the ayde of any Christian Prince, and euen of Ferdinand himselfe, by the friendship and fa∣uour of whom she hoped to preuaile in her necessities, being depriued ther∣of by the subtilties and crafts of the Frier; she was constrained that she might not behold a man (to whom she wished so much ill) to triumph ouer her and her sonne; rather to serue her present neede with the promise and offer of the Turke, esteeming it better for her to endure all that which should hap∣pen to her, by the violence of this great disaster, then the euill (although it would proue but little) which might betide her by the Friers wicked po∣licies [ C] and practises. Vpon this resolution, she presently dispatched Iohn So∣lanze (a man of good esteeme, and greatly renowned in those countries, * 1.5 and who was very much deuoted to her) to goe to Constantinople, and ac∣quaint Solyman with the practises that Frier George wrought against her. He trauailing with good expedition, arriued in short time before the Turke, to whom he imparted all the effect of his Ambassage. Solyman, who by his owne people had beene alreadie aduertised of all the affayres which were done in Transiluania, and namely of the Friers proceedings, was at this new information, prouoked and incensed the more, and sent presently one of his Chiauses to the Basha of Buda, with expresse commaund that he should [ D] either take the Frier aliue or dead; he also writing to the Transiluanians, that they should fauour and assist his Chiauss in all things which he might neede from them: and charged him that if he did see that they could not execute that which he would, that then he should shew them other Letters Patents, by which he depriued the Frier of all his degree, dignitie, and state, and commanded them all no longer to obey him, but to oppose themselues against him, and according to the manner of that countrie, that they should endeuour to kill him as a traytor, and theefe, and if any refused to execute this commaund, he should threaten them all with death, and ruinate and [ E] quite subuert the whole countrie. He writ in like sort to the Vayuodes of Moldauia, and Transalpina, and to the Basha of Buda, that as often as the Queene required them, they should presently take armes and ayde her a∣gainst the Frier, with the greatest force they could.

The Chiauss was scarcely departed from Constantinople, and these com∣maunds dispatched by Solyman, but Frier George had presently secret and par∣ticular

notice thereof by many his friends. Vpon which occasion, being well aduised, he retired himselfe from the Queenes Court, to a towne of [ F] good strength called Sassebesse, which he presently caused to be well victu∣alled * 1.6 and fortified, putting therein a good strong garrison, clensing and deepning the ditches, heightning the rampiers, repayring the wals where they were decayed, and furnishing it with Artillerie, sufficiently to sustaine the brunt of a siege; & in the meane while, he forgot not by the best meanes that he could deuise, and particularly by good words, to cleere himselfe to the Turke. During this time, whilest hee was carefull with expedition to ef∣fect this matter, yet neuerthelesse (as being very vigilant) he omitted not to practise on the other side what was fitting for him, that he might not be sur∣prised. Therefore he called together all his friends, and especially the Sici∣lians [ G] (who are the warlikest people in that kingdome) and from amongst them he tooke into his pay 4000. first causing them to sweare that they should bee faithfull to him. By these and others, he so encreased his forces, that he began to be feared neere and farre off.

The Queene vnderstanding of all these preparations, and certainly know∣ing, by such intelligence as was brought her, that the Frier made full account to possesse all, and that then for the present she had no other meanes but take him by force, and fearing withall that she should bee chased out of her king∣dome, before any succours could come to her ayde; writ with all speede to the Basha of Buda, and to the two Vayuodes, that according vnto the ordi∣nance [ H] which they had receiued from the grand Seigniour, they should send * 1.7 her present ayde, she speedily aduertising them in what estate the Friers af∣fayres were. They not omitting any time, caused their people to be in a rea∣dines, and in the meane time, while they were in comming, the Queene lea∣uied 7000. men, and sent them to besiege the Castles of Brancich and Vinc∣ky, which Frier George had built from the ground, vpon the riuer side of Ma∣rosse.

Peter Vicchy vnderstanding of all that passed, as well on the Queenes part, as on the Friers, assembled as many men as he could in his gouernment of Lippa and Themesuar, and through his perswasions drew to his partie Ser∣pietre [ I] Vicchy, who was a Ratian, and one of the greatest of his country, & who before time expected to haue been King: he brought with him 8000. Ra∣tians, and ioyned himselfe and his forces with Peter Vicchy, and they went to * 1.8 besiege the Castle of Senath, which was belonging to y^e Bishop of Varadine, situated in the lower Transiluania, which was kept for the Frier, Bishop of Varadine, by Iasper Perusicchy a Captaine of his, who failed not valiantly to defend it, vntill he was relieued by Thomas Varcocce, although Serpietre vsed all his skill to winne it by batterie. This man being particularly certified of the estate and manner of this siege, was sent with all expedition by the Frier [ K] into the Bishopricke of Varadine, to make a present, leauie of as many per∣sons as could bee found able to beare armes, to relieue Senath. Varcocce hauing diligently ordered all things, and hauing gathered a sufficient num∣ber of foote and horse, as well hirelings, as others bound to performe that seruice, and seeing himselfe no lesse gallant and forward to fight, then his e∣mies, as a valiant and prudent Captaine, that would not through his negli∣gence

let passe any fauourable occasion of fortune, after a thousand delibe∣rations, and as many premeditations, resolued vpon the sudden to set vpon [ A] the Ratians in many places, and by the vertue and dexteritie of himselfe, and fauour of the assieged, to make a direct and quicke dispatch to the victorie. Vpon this resolution, he sent in the night certaine Spies, diligently to view and consider the order and martialing of his enemies Campe, the guards, watch, and number, and in conclusion their qualitie and condition, whether they were hirelings, or of the number of those who were to performe such a dutie, and whether they were more of foote or horse, and in what place, and how they were lodged, to the end, that as occasion serued, he might more commodiously fight with them, without preiudice of his owne people. These Spies in the night entering into the Campe of the Ratians, perceiued * 1.9 [ B] nothing else amongst them but disorder, and that aboue all very great care∣lesnes, in so much that they were of present opinion, that Varcocce might with great facilitie ouerthrow and defeate them. They hauing with good vigi∣lancie suruaied this drowsie leager, returned againe to Varcocce, acquainting him with all that they had seene and knowne. This increased his courage, and redoubled his desire to giue them battaile: and in the meane time giuing notice to those of Senath, of that which he determined to doe, martialed his squadrons in three parts; placing in the first good store of Caualarie, with many Infantrie; and in the other (which was towards a little hill) making a left wing thereof, he placed the rest of his Infantrie, which were flanked with [ C] a good troupe of horse, to the end, that as the first squadron should charge vpon the flankes of the enemie, this should spread it selfe in forme of a Cressant, and with one of the hornes thereof to beare in vpon the taile of the enemie, and with the other to force the left flanke; and as for himselfe, with the best horse and foote he had, was placed in the middest, and purpo∣sed to assaile the enemie before. Disposing of his people in this manner, one morning two houres before day, he marched with so great silence, that his arriuall was sooner felt, then they had any inckling of his comming, and arriued euen by day breake among the Ratians, who thought themselues se∣cure, and charged them at one instant in three sundrie places, with such cou∣rage [ D] and furie, and with so great a noyse of Trumpets, Drummes, Phifes, and cryes, that it seemed the world would haue turned topsie turuie. The Ra∣tians seeing themselues (contrary to their expectation) to be assailed in three places, and furiously charged, they could not so soone, as necessitie requi∣red, put themselues in battaile for their defence, but began wholly to bee discomforted, and sought their priuate safetie by an ignominious flight, which they bought deere at Varcocces hand, who thereupon made a great butcherie and slaughter of them, pursuing them euen to their homes, and ranging the countrie as victorious, and in his retraict led with him 4000. pri∣soners, with great and rich spoyles of his enemies, of whom he put to the sword [ E] 2500. Hauing by this ouerthrow reduced the countrie to his true and ancient obedience; and hauing assured it from the assaults of warre, and infranchised this Castle from such an extremitie, he victoriously returned to Varadine.

Nicholas Serpietre, chiefe leader of these Ratians, escaping halfe naked

from this tempest, retired himselfe safe and sound into a Castle of his owne, [ F] where his wife was remaining, to whom (almost with teares) he sorrowfully recounted all the successe of his disgrace, vnfortunately happened to him, imputing to fortune the losse of his people, which indeede happened by his euill and negligent gouernment. His wife hearing this discourse, in stead of condoling and comforting his hard disaster, began, not as a woman, but as a man of courage, resolute to vpbraide and reprehend his womanish spirit: saying to him, that he should for shame returne, and recouer the honour of * 1.10 his blood and house, which chiesly he had lost, otherwise, that she would neuer consent to bee called the wife of him, that was worse then the basest and cowardliest woman whosoeuer, and that he deserued not to haue an [ G] heire of his linage, since so basely he shewed himselfe in such an act. The husband would willingly haue replied and alleadged some excuse for him∣selfe, whereupon she more inflamed with ire then before, added presently:

I would to God (said she) that thou hadst rather beene brought to me in a thousand peeces, if thou hadst dyed in glorie and renowne, rather then to liue in health, as I now behold thee, bringing with thee nought but dishonor and ignomie: knowing well that thou neuer tookest this reproachfull ex∣ample of thy forefathers, who neuer yet fell into such vnseemely cowardli∣nes, whereinto thy selfe art now deeply plunged. And who of our time is he, that by so base & vile a courage hath committed so foule and enormious a fault? and who hath euer left vnto his heires so great and infamous an out∣rage, [ H] without being reuenged, as they selfe? Doest thou not thinke that it would rather haue reioyced and contented me, if thou hadst with thine owne hands slaine our enemies, and that my selfe, euen with my mouth might haue sucked their blood, then to see them so cruelly murthering ours, and to sucke the blood of mine? And neuerthelesse, thou leauing all thine dead in the place, darest now presume to come crying before me as a little girle, euen as sound and whole as when thou didst depart from thy house. Auoyde infamous man, and cause that mine eyes doe neuer behold thee, for they shall haue as great shame to see thee to bee my husband, as my selfe to [ I] behold my selfe to bee thy wife, since the condition and noblenes of my blood abhorreth the indignitie of thy person, whom (if it had pleased God) I would in regard of so shameles a fact, I had neuer knowne thee, and so I would esteeme my selfe more proud and ioyfull, then now I am, and in stead of life, I should not bee so vrged, as now I am, to desire death.

She hauing ended these words, inflamed with ire and great indignation, departed from him, being many daies and moneths before she would once vouchsafe to see him againe.

Whilest fortune in this sort fauoured the affayres of Varcocce, the Frier went to Megest, not in respect he misdoubted the strength of Sassebesse, but onely to be more neere vnto the Sicilians, vpon whose forces he greatly re∣posed [ K] himselfe, there being the principall of the kingdome ranged on the * 1.11 Queenes part, to whō they were very fauourable, vntill the Chiauss (of whō we haue before spoken) being without hope any longer to delude the Frier, or obtaine him by any stratagem, did diuulge to them the Turkes com∣maund, telling them, that if all of them did not presently take armes against

the Frier, he would procure the Basha of Buda, and the two Vayuodes of [ A] Moldauia and Transalpina, to chastice and handle them, as the deserts of disobedient persons merited, destroying all their townes, and ruinating the whole countrie, as they were wont to doe. But these threatnings little profi∣ted the Queene, but to the contrarie, so incensed the hearts of those who were adhearing to her part to succour her, that seeing the Turke began to take vpon him to ayde her, they wholly dismissed themselues from her ser∣uice, in respect of the naturall hate which they bore to the Turkes. Vpon this occasion the Frier omitted no oportunitie, but thereby did the better * 1.12 shadow his ambitious proceedings, imparting to those Lords, that if they any longer fauoured the Queenes part, they might be well assured, that it [ B] would be the manifest ruine and vtter subuersion of their countrie, seeing it was apparant, that vnder the colour of ayde, she endeuoured to bring the Turkes in among them, who once knowing the Fortresses and difficult pas∣sages, the condition and fertilnes of the countrie, and prying by all deuises into their commodities, and their other actions, they might within short time finde the meanes to patronize themselues of all Transiluania, euen as by the like facts they tyrannously haue made themselues masters of all Greece.

By these and such like perswasions, the Lords were drawne vnto his fac∣tion, absolutely leauing the Queene, and they amassed and vnited them∣selues [ C] with the Frier, that within few daies he assembled a good armie, and incamped before Albe-iula, where for the most part the Queene made her * 1.13 abode, with such few men as she had of the countrie, the chiefe and Cap∣taine generall of whom was Peter Vicchy. Both parties being thus certaine daies without performing any memorable act, the one against the other, the Sicilians began to mutinie; saying, they would returne home againe, and that they would no longer remaine in that place against the Queene. The Frier not knowing the cause of this mutinie, armed himselfe with his Cu∣rasse, and being well mounted, went into the middest of the mutiners, who vnderstanding the cause that did thus moue them to this tumult, answered them in this sort; that they should not bee astonished at so great [ D] a delay, the which was not done without speciall aduice and benefit to the whole countrie, and that thereof, there should proceede great good and quiet to euery one, for that now in the meane time an agreement was laboured betweene himselfe and the Queene, which was almost well brought to passe. And for that cause he prayed them a while to haue pa∣tience, not doubting but this busines would effect to good end, and that af∣terward they should returne with great content and quiet. By such and ma∣ny other sweete perswasions (which he well knew at pleasure how to vse both in time and place) he appeased all this tumult, yet not without great trauaile and labour. But seeing it was no easie matter for him to entertaine [ E] them with words, but that he must in the end conclude by deedes, for that these dissentions were like to continue long, and end by warre and battaile, (which the Sicilians by no meanes would endure) he began (knowing it greatly imported him, in respect the Basha of Buda, the Moldauian, and the Transalpinian were comming against him with three armies) diligently

to seeke an agreement betweene himselfe and the Queene, who also was * 1.14 greatly inclined to peace, (for that she doubted no ayde would come from [ F] the Turke) and she presently accepted of the conditions which the Frier of∣fered her; and the rather, in regard she was disfurnished of necessaries for the maintenance of warre, as of men, money, fauour, and forsaken (as she thought) of the Turke, in whom she reposed but little trust. And being a sole woman, not hauing any whom she might assure her selfe to relie vpon, she thought that the continuance of this peace would be very momentarie; notwithstanding of two euils she determined to chuse the least, and the ra∣ther accepted of this agreement which was concluded betweene them; and both willingly dismissed all their forces. [ G]

Whilest Frier George and the Queene were in tearmes of reconciliation, the Basha of Buda on the one part, and the two Vayuodes on the other, be∣ing carefully solicited by the Queene, were alreadie in their way, whilest these broyles were in motion, and euery one of them brought a sufficient ar∣mie to relieue her: and although she was aduertised thereof, yet in stead of comming forward, she writ vnto them that they should retire, because the Frier and her selfe were now accorded and in tearmes of agreement, and that their comming would bee little profit or commoditie to her. But nei∣ther the one nor the other would hearken thereunto, for that they determi∣ned among themselues, before their retraict, to enter into Transiluania. The Queene imagining nothing lesse, then of the euill which might ensue of [ H] their proceeding forward, and fearing that it would happen to her, during the peace, which had not chanced to her during the time of warre, to wit, to bee absolutely depriued of her kingdome; sent with all expedition to the Frier, to informe him, that he should vse some present meanes to preuent this inconuenience, and to endeuour himselfe with all expedition, that these forces might returne into their countries, and that she might not neede to send them any presents, whereby they would the willinger retire. The Frier little respecting her request, did not greatly busie himselfe about it, but an∣swered * 1.15 coldly, that they should cause them to returne, who were the cause of their comming: and as for presents, he was not accustomed to send any to [ I] the Turkes, but onely to Christians. And although he made so seuere and obstinate an answere to the Queene to vexe her the more, (shewing his per∣uerse nature) yet neuerthelesse did he not omit, although it was in vaine, to attempt that which the Queene had commaunded him. But neither the Basha, nor the Vayuodes made no great account of his words nor gifts, but still came marching on, desirous with their armies to enuiron and subdue the kingdome. Vpon such obstinacie of theirs, Frier George seeing it was not * 1.16 behoouefull for him to omit any time, presently leauied his people at Torde and Egneth, which are two great townes of Transiluania, and instantly ther∣vpon [ K] gaue commaund to all the prouinces of the countrie, that euery one should betake himselfe to armes, for the common good and defence of the countrie, for that the Basha of Buda, the Moldauian, & the Transalpinian, would euery one enter vpon that side next adioynant to him, and spoile and ruinate the countrie. He so diligently applied this busines, that within few daies he had gathered together 50000. men, with whō he went to Sassebesse,

that from thence he might march against the Basha of Buda, of whom (by [ A] reason he was a good souldiour, and experimented in the warre, although he had fewer men) he had more dread then of both the other, who were not re∣puted to be so expert souldiours. This Basha arriued with his Campe almost at Deua, a Castle of good strength, situated vpon the riuer of Marosse, which * 1.17 is one of the principallest riuers of that countrie. When the Frier dislodg∣ing from Sassebesse & began to march against him, he dispatched vpon the way Iohn Chendy (a man of good regarde, and of a noble house among the Hungars) with a good troupe of horse and foote against the Transalpinian, * 1.18 to defend and stop the passages, whereby he must of necessitie passe, if hee would enter into Transiluania, and also to hinder him that he should not [ B] ioyne with the Basha. Chendy diligently proceeding on his iourney, and ga∣thering together of the next townes (besides the number which he brought with him) almost 4000. men, arriued priuately with them, hard adioyning to the enemie, where they were (as they thought) securely incamped without any feare: and being assured by certaine Spies, what forme and order they held, he appointed his companies to bee stretched forth at large, and so gal∣lant was the shew, that they appeared to bee infinit; and about day breaking, he began to assaile the Transalpinians with great noyse of Trumpets and Drummes, that with the number of men, whereof they were greatly afeard, and the long troupes of their enemies which descended from certaine hils, ranging themselues in battaile, they seemed thrice as great as they were, they [ C] verely thinking the Frier had been there in person with his whole armie: whereupon their hearts presently fainted, and they by no meanes would at∣tend the issue of the battaile, but disbanding themselues they began to flye, and with such disorder, that Chendies souldiours taking courage and follow∣ing the victorie, pursued them so nigh, that in this confusion of slight, they killed more then 5000. and tooke as many prisoners, bringing with them from their chase 3000. horse, and many Ensignes. By this victorie, Chendy so terrified the Transalpinian, that flying from this ouerthrow, through the cowardlines of his people, he drust not in a lōg time after take armes against the Transiluanians. The enemie being thus chased on this side the countrie, [ D] he incontinently returned backe to Frier George, inriched with many priso∣ners, and so great spoyle, as it was a woonder to see. The Frier after he had dispatched Chendy against the Transalpinian, at the same instant commaun∣ded the Sicilians, with all expedition they should repayre to defend their most important townes, which they thought the Moldauian would assaile; that they should fortifie the passages, which naturally by the fauour of the steepy mountaines, were very inaccessible, and such that they might well de∣fend with few men. The Sicilians, who naturally are ancient enemies to * 1.19 the Saxons, being continually catching the one from the other, seeing they must passe by Sassebesse, a principall towne of the said Saxons, and from [ E] thence with violence to proceede through their countrie, leauing that ho∣nest regard which they ought to haue had, for the defence of their countrie, they proceeded on to a reuenge, in such sort, that as soone as they arriued at Robet, they began to ransacke all the houses which belonged to the Saxons, burning and ruinating the townes they passed by, insomuch that they did

not a little waste and endamage that people, carrying with them all the boo∣tie which they got. [ F]

Whilest they were thus occupied in such enormious cruelties, they gaue leisure to the Moldauian to enter into their countrie, and without any im∣pediment, to ruinate and pill their townes, and in destroying and burning all their villages, to turne all topsie turuie, which thing (to say trueth) was iustly permitted of God, to the end, that in reason they might endure from their enemies the same calamities and miseries, which so vniustly they had caused those to suffer, who in consideration of common safetie, ought then at the least to haue been reputed their friends. Whilest the Sicilians and Moldauians practised these cruell exploites, Frier George with tedious [ G] iourneys aduanced his Campe against the Basha of Buda, hauing sent be∣fore Thomas Varcocce into the County of Varadine, to gather what force he could, as well Infantrie as horse, with intent, that if the Basha would perhaps attempt to passe the riuer of Marosse, being receiued at the halfe passage, he should assaile and fight with him before and behinde, or else that hee should bee forced to retire halfe broken and ouerthrowne. But the Basha also di∣strusting * 1.20 the same, and being aduertised that the Frier came in person to fight with him; and fearing that if he proceeded any further, he imagined he might be (as he well considered thereof) surprised in the middest, and charged in the rereward, by the companies that were vnder the conduct of Varcocce, assuring himsefe that he was deceiued by the Queene: whereupon [ H] in the greatest haste he could, passing a little arme of Marosse, he retired, and iournied as farre in one day, as he marched before in sixe, and went againe to Buda, not without the losse of 300. horse, who were defeated by Turchy Iohn, the which before his Vauntgard dislodged, he had sent into the coun∣trie * 1.21 of Deue, to range as well for victuals, as also to discouer if there were no ambushments to hinder or annoy his retraict. This Turchy was sent by the Frier to preuent him of the passage, and to annoy him in his rereward: but the quicknes of the Basha caused that hee arriued too late, and tooke away from him all occasion of being able to ioyne with Varcocce, much lesse to [ I] endamage his rereward, which might easily haue been broken and defea∣ted, if these two had been vnited.

The Frier being now assured by these two, that the Basha was retired in the greatest expedition he could, turned his Campe against the Moldauian, who (as we haue said) spoyled and burned the countrie and townes of the Sicilians, and went forward with a vehement resolution, cruelly to bee re∣uenged of the iniurie, which he esteemed more intolerable, then any that euer he receiued. But the Moldauian hauing notice of the Friers intent, and knowing besides what had happened to the Transalpinian, found it good * 1.22 by the aduice of his Councell, not to attend his comming: whereupon, af∣ter great spoyle made in the countrie, he speedily retired himselfe with his [ K] people, as well horse as foote, who were about 30000. leading with them a great bootie of moueables, and beasts, with more then a thousand priso∣ners, who were taken by a Chiauss of the Turkes, that, in respect of the loue and kindnes he bore to him, came thither with certaine troupes of Turkish Caualarie.

After that Frier George had thus chased all the enemies out of Transilua∣nia, he retired towards the Queene, where with consent of all, in respect of [ A] his valour and prowesse (which vndoubtedly was very great) the peace was * 1.23 againe confirmed betweene them two, with such conditions which should like them both: among which he importuned, that the Queene would write to the Turke, and acquite and cleere him of all such matters, whereof before he had been accused. Which request, though it was contrarie to her disposition (for women like not to countermaund their owne proceedings) yet notwithstanding she presently did it. But the Turke being well infor∣med of the veritie of the cause, and of all that which passed; and withall see∣ing how mightie and puissant the Frier was, and that the greatest part of the kingdome was fauourably addicted to his part; he smoothly dissembling [ B] the matter, reserued the chasticement thereof, vntill better oportunitie, and made shew to the Frier as though he held himselfe satisfied with his fideli∣tie, and that he very well knew, he of his part was not faultie in any of the late broyles. Whereupon hee sent another Chiauss with Letters Patents * 1.24 directed to all the kingdome, by which he commaunded that euery one should obey and reuerence him, as being againe confirmed in all his for∣mer honours and degrees. But yet the peace lasted not long, for the Queene in the end seeing the Frier respected not any thing which he had promised by the last agreement, omitted no time, but by the occasion of his absence, (being then in his Bishopricke of Varadine to recreate and solace himselfe) [ C] she began priuately and vnder hand to raise and incense the greatest Lords of the kindome, with intent to assist her, to chase the Frier out of that pro∣uince, * 1.25 and especially those whom she reputed most faithfull and affectionate to her, and most opposite against the Friers proceedings, manifesting to them how his naturall disposition was inconstant and cruell, and how he vsed her badly, not willing to keepe nor obserue any lawes, couenants, pro∣mises, nor faith, but aspiring to the vniuersall tyrannie of that countrie, he did thus wickedly demeane and behaue himselfe towards her, with this in∣tent to chase both her and her sonne out of the kingdome, and to remaine sole and absolute Lord himselfe; assuring her selfe, that for the loue and fi∣delitie [ D] which they in former time vsed to King Iohn her husband, and al∣waies maintained the same (notwithstanding all sinister fortune) in the be∣halfe of Stephen her sonne and her selfe; in regard whereof they would ne∣uer endure this iniurie, nor tolerate such a crueltie farre surmounting all o∣ther practised against her person, in falling from so high and eminent dig∣nitie of a Queene, to become an ordinarie and poore Ladie, and their King of Transiluania to become a seruant: esteeming it of greater moment, that they should rather desire to haue the sonne of him and their naturall Prince, for their Lord and Patrone, then a Frier voyde of all faith and honestie, and onely gorged with ambition. [ E]

By such like demonstrations, she so awakened the spirits of euery one, that all in generall (not willing to submit themselues to any other Lord, then to King Stephen and her selfe) concluded to take armes against the Frier, with intent to expell him the kingdome. George hauing notice of this, and of all their other proceedings which was practised against him, and seeing him∣selfe

weakened of men, and depriued of such forces, which were necessarie to resist the scourges and assaults of such vnlooked for fortune; after he ha∣uing [ F] long pondered vpon these affayres, determined vpon this resolution, to * 1.26 accorde and linke himselfe with Ferdinand, and to conclude with him the practises, which oftentimes without effecting, he before had acquainted him with, he being induced and in a manner constrained thereunto by his ex∣treame ambition and troublesome minde (the enemie of quiet repose) it be∣ing tolde him, that if by that meanes he could expell the Queene, he might easily compasse his intention; which was, to see himselfe absolute Lord of Transiluania, which he so much esteemed, that he would often say, he cared neither to be Pope nor Emperour, and that he would neuer goe out of it. By [ G] these deuises one might manifestly discerne the insatiable desire of his ambi∣tious nature, which tended to no other end, then to the sole gouernment of this kingdome.

Now, Counte Salm being dead (with whom hee had alreadie begun to treate of this affayre) and knowing not how to effect his determination, fin∣ding himself now neerely driuen, resolued to negotiate this busines by Am∣bassadours, sending secretly to Ferdinand one of his gentlemen, by whom he gaue him to vnderstand, that he greatly desired that either one way or other, they would put in practise that which he before time had giuen him notice of by Counte Salm, instantly praying him againe, that he would not faile to [ H] send speedie succours, and that it would please him to commit this charge to such a one, that was sufficient and able to withstand the Queene, who had againe begun to bandie against him. And further he shewed him, that if he did not allow & ratifie of his former motions, he should in short time see all Transiluania vnder the Turks gouernment: also willing him, that in the meane while he would send such a man as might bee capable, and haue au∣thoritie to manage such affayres, because it might so fall out, that that which he had often desired might be effected; to wit, that Queene Izabella should wholly and intirely yeeld to him the possession of that kingdome: but with this condition, to obserue such couenants as he had before offered, and con∣cluded [ I] with King Iohn: which if he did execute and performe, then he did not onely promise, but also liberally offer (giuing him quiet possession of all the places and Fortresses which were in his gouernment) to vse such meanes, that he should be thereof absolute Lord and King: and swearing not to faile him in this, he greatly importuned him that he should quickly resolue.

Now Ferdinand (although he knew well the mutabilitie of the Friers dis∣position, and that he might not repose any great credence in his words) well remembring how many times before he had cunningly deceiued him: and that he apparantly saw that he was not moued to doe him so good a deede for that purpose which he propounded vnto him, but only for his owne pri∣uate interest and commoditie, and that hee might mount to the top of that, [ K] which he alreadie had imprinted in his circumuenting braine, and execute his deseignes: neuerthelesse, seeing on the other side if he did not take hold and credit his words, hee should let him slide out of his hands, in respect whereof he would by no meanes contradict him, especially holding it al∣waies for a thing commendable in himselfe, not to bee reproached nor bla∣med

of any, for not doing his vttermost abilitie, which belonged to a true [ A] and Christian King, to hinder and withstand that the kingdome should not come vnder the Turks gouernment, and that they should not report of him, that by his fault or negligence, he should leaue the ports open to Infidels, and bring into seruitude, not only Austria and the rest of Hungarie, but also rui∣nate and burne Germanie, with other Prouinces.

Thus vpon these considerations he tooke vpon him the charge of this ho∣nourable and godly enterprise, and respecting not the inconstancie of Frier George, but the trauaile and perill which might circumuent him, if he defer∣red time, presently sent to the Frier 1000. Hungarish horse, payed for foure * 1.27 moneths, and certaine peeces of Artillerie, to maintaine and defend himself, [ B] vntill he might send him such a man with a puissant armie as he demanded, assuring him that there should bee no fault nor want of any thing, which be∣fore he had promised and offered, willing him to perseuer in his good opi∣nion which he had manifested to the world.

Behold now the state wherein this poore and miserable Transiluania was, which (as a man may plainly perceiue from the death of King Lewis, vntill now) was tormented with so many discords, ciuill warres, and assaults, that it was ruthfull for any Christian to behold, seeing of the one side the Turke, and on the other side Ferdinand, and the Lords themselues of the countrie (bandying themselues with one, and then against the other) continually practised al manner of crueltie in it, vsing against it such rigour and violence, [ C] that oftentimes one would iudge it to be almost lost and quite ouerthrowne by her owne euill misfortune; not counting the great losses and damages which she receiued in euery vaine and corner, as well in the fauour and be∣halfe of Iohn, as in that of Ferdinand, as it oftentimes happeneth in such broyles, where surely the fauour that men beare to the victorious, is no lesse hurtfull and offensiue to either part, then the disgrace into which he van∣quished falleth: because that neither the one nor the other receiueth any thing, but with the losse and damage of the very inhabitants and naturals of the countrie. [ D]

Ferdinand with a resolute determination, willing to prepare a remedie for so many mischiefes, and to vnfold and vntagle himselfe from those who had been the cause thereof, and not to omit the occasion which fortune so fauourably presented vnto him, for the conquest of that kingdome (which iustly by succession, by election, and by an agreement appertained to him) determined to vndertake this enterprise, and therein to employ his vtter∣most endeuour with all his skill and force. And for that this expedition re∣quired a man that should bee very wise and circumspect, and one who had good experience in martiall affayres, and who should be vigilant and warie in resisting and apposing himselfe against the Turkish ambushments, and be [ E] able to auoyde and preuent them as occasion should require, and such an one also as should be able to behaue himselfe with that circumspect mode∣stie in this busines with the Frier, that he should giue him no occasion of any new inuention to practise his inconstant wickednes. And besides, seeing that at that time he had none such with him, as the Frier demaunded, he de∣termined to write to his brother the Emperour Charles the fift, that it would

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please him to assist, and not to faile him in this so important busines, and withall to send him so sufficient a man, who could with good discretion con∣duct [ F] this warre to a glorious and happie end, as he desired, well knowing he had many a famous and renowned Captaine with him. He hauing resol∣ued vpon this conclusion, dispatched one of his gentlemen with letters, and besides commaunded his Ambassadour, who was at Auspurg at the Empe∣rours Court, that he should throughly acquaint him with the discourse of this warre, and whatsoeuer else should be giuen him in charge. The Ambas∣sadour, as soone as the genleman was arriued, diligently performed his Ma∣sters commaund.

The Emperour vnderstanding at large this enterprise, and considering of what importance this warre was of, and regarding the distrust which he had [ G] of Frederick Duke of Saxon, and of Philip Lantgraue of Hesse (whom as yet he held prisoners) he could not of a sudden so well determine what to doe, not willing to forsake those Commaunders, whom he knew in all stirrings and tumults to be necessarie for him: and further vnderstanding of certaine motions of warre, that Henry King of France intended against him: and be∣sides, the dislike of Duke Maurice, whom he had in great ielousie, for that he would not deliuer his father in law, obseruing the promise which he had made to him before, which was a thing that within short time after (as in place conuenient wee shall at large more speake of) procured him such hate and toyle, as neuer in all his life time he endured the like. Hauing well con∣sidered [ H] and weighed all these things, and willing to helpe his brother in his necessitie, specially against the Infidels, determined in the end to send to him Iohn Baptiste Castalde, Counte of Piadene, whom he a little before created * 1.28 Marquesse of Cassan, and who at that time was Master of his Campe, and of the Councell for warre, a man sufficiently experienced in all the former warres vnder the old Marquesse of Pescara: who being called to him, he commaunded that he should prepare and employ himselfe in the expedi∣tion of his brother Ferdinand, making him Lieutenant and Captaine gene∣rall to his nephew Maximilian King of Bohemia. [ I]

Castalde gratiously accepted this charge which the Emperour had impo∣sed vpon him, and being well furnished with good store of horse and armes, which were bestowed vpon him by many Lords of the Court, of whom he was well beloued and fauored. And among others of the Duke of Alba, the Bishop of Arras, the Marquesse Iohn of Pescara, and of the Duke of Sessa, he put himselfe in good equipage: and taking his leaue of the Emperour, he set forward towards Vienna: where being at last arriued, with a reasonable companie, he was receiued of Ferdinand, and with great mirth & sports by the King Maximilian, with whom spending certaine daies, he was instructed by them of all things which were needfull for this warre, and of the manner which he ought to vse towards the Frier, and how he should gouerne and [ K] commaund this Prouince, and the meanes to entertaine in loue and kindnes the Lords thereof. After that, Ferdinand promised him yeerely 8400. Flo∣rins of gold, to maintaine his estate, besides the rewards that should parti∣cularly bee giuen him to dispose among men of marke and authoritie who followed him. And to the ende there should bee no default for the true

payment of this money, he made him a more ample and sure assignation. [ A] He hauing thus confirmed his estate and authoritie, he specially commaun∣ded him that he should peaceably & friendly manage his affayres with Frier George, according to his nature, but with speciall discretion, whereby he might at the beginning the better know and enter into his conditions; ac∣cording to which, and to the experience and practise of things, which daily would present themselues to him, he might gouerne and behaue himselfe, and not to contradict him in any thing, but agreeing to all reasonable mat∣ters which he demaunded, he should alwaies shew himselfe towards him liberall, milde, and gratious, knowing well that he was ambitious and coue∣tous: that being the onely way whereby he must walke and temper with him. He also commaunded him that hee should make a memoriall of all [ B] such things which were necessarie for this warre, as well for the commodi∣tie and defence of footmen as horsemen, whereby there might bee proui∣sion made therefore, and all things to be in a readines by that time he should set forward on his iourney: which was presently done, and presented to his Maiestie, according to the articles which here follow.

Instructions for the conduct of an Armie, and maintenance of the same.

1 That first speciall choise is to be made of a good and discreet Gene∣rall * 2.1 of a Campe, who before hath been practised and experienced in that of∣fice, [ C] and knoweth what belongs to that charge, as well to lodge and dispose of a Campe, as also to minister and execute iustice, and to set a reasonable rate of victuals. It is necessarie for him to haue two good Auditors, besides his Secretaries, Notaries, Sergeants, Archers, Masters of iustice, Iaylors, and such other officers, as for example are ouerseers of the Campe, Suruayors of victuals, and such like, by whom all the Campe ought to bee gouerned and subiect vnto, obeying vnto the precept of the ordinances, which daily ought to be set downe. That in like sort all the other officers of the Campe, of what nation soeuer, ought to receiue from the foresaid Generall his or∣dinances [ D] and commaundements, and to execute them in their quarters, whereby all things may proceede in their right and due course, not at any hand tolerating the retaylers to lodge within the Campe, for feare of fa∣mine, and bringing of them to necessitie, or victuals or other marchandise to be heigthned in their price, vpon which things they ought to haue spe∣ciall care.

2 That he must haue a generall Comissarie ouer victuals, one that hath * 2.2 experience therein, who hath the charge to distribute them; and to haue Ba∣kers to make and bake bread; Butchers to giue euery one a sufficient quan∣titie of flesh; Victulars, Tauerners, Hostlers, and others who are accusto∣med [ E] to carrie wine, flesh, poultrie, egges, salt meates, cheese, rice, salt, pulse, and other such marchandise: for which necessaries there must bee conue∣nient roomes, and market places; to make euen measures, waights, and to moderate their prices, seuerally chastising those who shall exceede and in∣fringe the said edicts, or offer violence, or shall inhaunce their marchandise

aboue the price which the Generall hath alreadie rated them at. [ F]

3 Also that he ought to be prouided of a faithfull and politike Treasurer * 2.3 generall, who knoweth meanes to get and bring in money when there shall be need thereof, and to negotiate with Marchants, or others, to haue it at the lowest rate, whereby the souldiours shall not altogether be entertained with words and hopes, but with deedes themselues, suppressing thereby the mu∣tinies and tumults, which often vpon that occasion are stirred vp in a campe.

4 That he ought to haue a diligent and carefull Secretarie, who is to * 2.4 haue the bookes, accounts, and registers of the whole armie, and to keepe the roles of payments that are made to the Generals officers of the Campe, Co∣lonels, Captaines, Ensigne-bearers, Comissaries, Sergeants, and other offi∣cers. [ G]

5 Also hee ought to make choise of a wise and suttle Comissarie, who * 2.5 should haue the charge to know and vnderstand, whether all the Colonels and Captaines, as well of foote as horse, haue as much and the same pay, as their roles bindeth and prescribeth vnto them, whereby the King shall not any waies be defrauded, nor the souldiours deceiued of their pay: and that the Captaines do cause their Colours to be well guarded by the souldiours, to whom they shall bee committed vnto, punishing those who doe not their dutie therein. And that to the said Secretarie and Comissarie, he ought to allow as many officers and clarkes to bee vnder them, as they shall neede, to the end euery man may bee furnished of their due; and that vpon any oc∣casion [ H] they may be readie at hand according to their charge.

6 That he ought to haue a good and experienced Generall of the Ar∣tillerie, * 2.6 who may haue the charge to cause it to bee conducted and planted, where want is thereof, and to bestow them in such conuenient places as shall bee appointed. This Generall of the Artillerie ought to haue such officers as is needfull for him, and to euery peece a Canonier, with his Pioners and ouerseers to gouerne them, as well in their iournies, as in places where they are lodged, and euery number of Artillerie ought to haue his Captaine, with so many Pioners as shall be needfull for the voyage, and for the occasion of time. [ I]

7 Besides, he ought to appoint a sufficient guard for the Artillerie, as well footmen as horsemen, vnder the charge of two Captaines, who ought * 2.7 to haue a speciall care often to visit and ouersee them, to the end that they be not choked, and that the munition be not fiered.

8 That the Canoniers ought to bee lock Smiths, black Smiths, Carpen∣ters, * 2.8 and Masons, because such men are necessarie for a Campe, to shooe the Artillerie and horses, when neede shall require, to build bridges, Bulwarkes, wals, and other engins vpon any occasion.

9 And because that oftentimes it happeneth vpon the way, that the Ar∣tillerie, [ K] * 2.9 by default of the wheeles and carriages, doth breake and faile, by which inconueniences it doth much hinder the speed of an armie: therfore to auoyde such lets, he ought alwaies to haue (in such necessitie) other in∣struments and engins which are fit and necessarie to mount and dismount the Artillerie.

10 The manner being, that after the Artillerie, the munition and instru∣ments

follow: therefore he ought to make prouision of as many waggons * 2.10 [ A] and carts, drawne by horses or oxen, as shall serue to beare the powder, bul∣lets, lines or ropes, tooles to mend the wheeles, cariages, axeltrees, and scou∣rers; veriuice, vineger, leade, nayles, and other necessarie things; as boords, double wheeles, double cariages and axeltrees, barrels, spokes and staues of wheeles, hammers, peeces of iron, anuils, pincers, and many such instru∣ments, and to haue them alwaies in a readines.

11 He ought to haue ouer the said munition, a wise and prouident Co∣missarie, * 2.11 who particularly may haue the charge to distribute and dispose of them, according to the oportunitie and necessitie of the time, and a good Saltpeter or gunpowder maker, and others who can make and inuent al sorts of artificiall fires, and to beate the powder for the Artillerie and small shot, [ B] whereby no inconuenience should happen through his negligence: and to the contrarie, by the good store of prouision, the armie shall not onely haue sufficient for it selfe, but also that it may be able to send to the neighbour for∣tresses some reliefe, if neede require.

12 And considering that it is well knowne what profit Pioners bring to * 2.12 a Campe, to make trenches, rampiers, mynes, and countermynes; to make plaine and mend the bad waies, to sappe the walles, and holds of townes, or Castles that are besieged; to cut trees, and necessarie wood for the fortifica∣tion of any place; to digge pits for the commoditie of souldiours, as well to haue water, as also to throw thereinto all the filth and ordure of the Campe. [ C] For these occasions he ought to be prouided of as many as he can, to whom he must appoint a Captaine and other Commaunders, such as it behoueth to haue some knowledge and art to fortifie a Campe, and to make bastions when occasion serueth: which kinde of people are most necessarie for a Campe.

13 That he ought to chuse a Captaine who may haue the care and charge * 2.13 of the Spies, and another to haue regard to the Guides, they both being very necessarie, and among other things to conduct the Interpreters. These two Captaines shall haue the charge to dispatch all the Spies and Guides that they will employ, to enquire and know by their voyages and trauailes, that [ D] which the enemie intendeth to enterprise against their King and Lord. Vn∣der these, the Spies (which the Lieutenant generall would keepe by himself) must not be comprised.

14 In like sort he ought to ordaine and appoint certaine officers to clense * 2.14 the Campe of the filth and excrements, which is done as well by men as beasts, (which oftentimes causeth a great mortalitie) for that the ayre should not bee corrupted, nor the souldiours fall sicke, and they ought to carrie it by waggons or carts to the riuer, or to throw it into deepe ditches made for that purpose. [ E]

15 That hee ought also to make prouision of good store of waggons, * 2.15 drawne either with horse or oxen, furnished with coffers for bread, bisket, meale, salt flesh, salt fish, cheese, oyle, pulses, and other kinde of victuals: with wine, vineger, and salt, to vse as occasion serueth, and also to carry prouender.

16 He ought also to haue carts to carrie piles, stakes, pickaxes, hatchets, * 2.16 sawes, pincers, and other instruments fit for Pioners; and good store of

helues for piles, stakes, and other iron instruments, as occasion shall serue in [ F] time and place to vse them.

17 He ought also to carrie with him in the carts, Mils to grinde corne, * 2.17 and Ouens to bake bread on the way, where they can finde no such necessa∣ries, and to leaue them as they passe by in Castles and strong Forts, where they haue none, and to assist them therewith in time of necessitie, which of∣ten happeneth vnlooked for.

18 That he ought to be furnished with boates and bridges portable; of * 2.18 beames, boords, cords and cables to binde them together; which things he ought in like sort to haue carried vpon the carts, whereby he may bee the better able to passe any riuer, ditch, bogge, or any bad passage. [ G]

19 He ought also to make good prouision of Pikes, Launces, Caliuers, * 2.19 Swords, Murrions, Burgonets, and Corselets, & also good store of Harque∣buzes a crock, and men who are able to vse them, and serue therewith at neede. These weapons ought to bee carried in carts after the Campe. He ought also to haue good store of Saddles, Bridles, Bits, Stirrops, Spurres, and all such like necessaries which are fitting for a Campe.

20 That he ought to haue with the armie good Phisitions, Surgions, Barbers, and Apothecaries, to attend and heale the sicke and wounded. * 2.20

21 He ought also to appoint a diligent Master of the Post, who ought continually to bee well prouided of good horses, and to follow the Campe, [ H] * 2.21 and still hourely with diligence to carrie the aduertisements and answers which come to his hands.

22 And to the ende that the souldiours doe not of a greedie minde * 2.22 robbe and spoyle others, it is necessarie that they forget not what appertai∣neth to good Christians. Therefore he ought to make choise of Priests to follow the Campe, with their Vestments and other ornaments, fit publikely to sing Masse, whereby they enclining and addicting themselues somewhat to religion, may vndertake the warre for honor and glorie, and not for spoile, or to inrich themselues vniustly by the goods of their neighbours: seeing that in euery armie, the feare of God, the respect of religion, and the obser∣uation [ I] of iustice, are the true foundations and pillers of all commendable vertue.

23 That the said Priests ought to haue the charge of the Hospitall, which * 2.23 for the common good of the poore souldiours, shall be ordained in three or foure Tents, at the Kings cost and charges, and the Campe to bee prouided of Phisitions, Surgions, and Barbers to heale those who are sicke and woun∣ded: and that they also bee prouided of seruants sufficient for their turne. And if any of the sicke bee at the point of death, the Priests shall be readie at hand to confesse them, and minister the Communion and al the Sacraments to them, as is fitting for good Christians: and if they dye, to be buried with as great honour as may be. [ K]

24 He ought also to giue commaund to certaine officers, not to suffer * 2.24 any to disband themselues out of their ranks, and especially when the campe marcheth, and that they may haue authoritie to punish them according∣lie.

25 And lastly, he ought to make choise of a Captaine for the baggage, * 2.25

who shall conduct them vnder an Ensigne, but in such sort, that by the way he doe not intermeddle himselfe with the armie. [ A]

I haue hither vnto written more amply of this note, to the ende it may serue to all Kings and Princes who would manage and exercise martiall dis∣cipline, whereby they may know how to prouide and conduct their armies in their iourneys. And whosoeuer hath a desire to see more of this subiect, I referre them to the fiue treatises that the Lord Ascagne Centorio hath made of warre, wherein hee shall more at large see all things distinctlie writ∣ten.

These Articles being finished and presented to Fredinand, he gaue spe∣ciall order to execute them, if not in all places, yet at least in as many as for that time they could conueniently. And whilest they were busie in these [ B] affayres, Frier George fearing, that by too long a delay of succours, which he daily expected, the Queene should assemble so great forces, that the prepa∣ration of Ferdinand would bee in vaine, and to little effect to ayde him: wherefore he ceased not by messenger vpon messenger to solicite and vrge him, that his armie should march towards him with as great expedition as was possible, because that in temporising and deferring time, hee feared the losse of so fayre an occasion in the conquest of the kingdome. Ferdinand be∣ing aduertised of this, and iudging it best not to omit any time; after the ac∣complishment and deliuerie of the said Articles which they presented vnto him, and perceiuing that it was best that Castalde should depart with such [ C] men and munition, as for the present he then had, he caused to be dispatched to Castalde a very large Commission, by which he gaue him power & autho∣ritie to cause him to bee obeyed, and to commaund euery one, not onely in Hungarie, and Dalmatia, but also through all Croatia, and euen to the other parts of Slauonia, and lower Austria, minding that he should be chiefe in all the Councels and assemblies which were held in those countries: and hee commaunded him that before he went to the Campe, he should visit the Ile of Comar, and other holds, and enquire in what estate the frontire places were, that so hee might diligently prouide what was necessarie for them; be∣cause that they were then but meanly munitioned, through the sloth and [ D] carelesnes of those who had the commaund of them.

Following this commaund, the first day of May Anno 1551. Castalde de∣parted * 2.26 from Vienna, and tooke the way leading towards Agria, where the souldiours were that he should leade into Transiluania, first going himselfe to the frontier places (as we haue said) which he commaunded to be repai∣red the best hee could, foreseeing that a time would shortly come, which would manifestly declare how profitable it might be, not to haue been sloth∣full and negligent in these things, which in semblance are thought little and of no validitie, and yet afterward doe cost very deare: for besides the losse of honour, men many times lose for them, both State and life it selfe. Ca∣stalde [ E] being arriued at Agria, he found there Bernard Aldene, Campe master of seuen Companies of Spaniards, which Ferdinand at his costs and charges entertained in those quarters, and those to attend him were lodged by the towne. He spent there certaine daies, vntill hee had gathered all his soul∣diours together, and in the meane time he laboured to furnish himselfe of all

necessaries, which was behoouefull for a battaile. And he seeing this towne * 2.27 to bee one of the most important of Hungarie, and that it was neither [ F] strong by situation nor rampier, and that there was no industrie nor art vsed for the remedie thereof, and that the walles (such as they were) were not yet very well flanked, being rather built after the ancient manner of fortifica∣tion, then such as of our time: for the remedy of so many inconueniences, he committed the charge therof to Erasmus Teufl to fortifie it, and (by the com∣maund of Ferdinand) not to omit nor deferre the fortifying thereof, vntill he had fully finished it.

Hauing gathered together all his armie, and seeing that in expecting the Cannons (which by the negligence of those who had the charge to send them, were not yet arriued, and which might bee the cause of some [ G] inconuenience) he determined neuerthelesse to depart without them, gi∣uing notice to Ferdinand, that he should cause them to bee sent with as great expedition as could be. Resting vpon this determination, he departed from Agria the 26. of May, appointing his armie to march in this manner. Hee placed in the Vauntgard seuen Ensignes of Spaniards, who were in number 1200. and 500. Hungars, called Aiduchs, and 1000. of light Hungarish horse∣men, named Vsarons, who after the Turkish manner fought with Targets, * 2.28 Turkish Launces, Maces of iron, Sables, and Murrions: they were vnder the * 2.29 conduct of a Lord of Slesia, named Captaine Christopher, and after them fol∣lowed 4. field peeces. The Battaile was led by Counte Felix of Arco, and [ H] Counte Iohn Baptista of Arco, they had vnder them one Regiment of 3000. Almaines, all good experienced souldiours and well armed, with 4. other field peeces, and two small Culuerins, with 400. horse, whereof were 300. of Launces, and 100. Pistoliers. He caused to march in the Rereward, the Hun∣garish Infantrie, with 300. light horse, and the baggage with three field pee∣ces, the whole armie making 5700. souldiours, and 1700. horse. With this small armie, Castalde proceeded on his iourney to conquer Transiluania, a∣gainst so puissant a Prince as the Turke. And hereof may bee said, as King Tygranes scoffingly said of the Romanes armie, which came to incounter [ I] him, vnder the conduct of Lucullus: That they were too many for Ambassadours, and too few for fighters, for that they seemed but a handfull of men, in respect of his which were 250000. Castalde being arriued in this Militarie order at Tisse, anciently called Tibiscus, which is a large and deepe riuer, which ta∣keth * 2.30 his beginning in Poland, at the foote of the hill Carpatus, and thwar∣teth Hungarie, and stretcheth it selfe towards the South, vntill it entereth in∣to Danubius betweene Belgrade and Cenedin, where then it loseth his name. It is in some places eight miles broade, by reason of Quagmires, and Marishes which it maketh, as it findeth the ground there flat and euen, and it glideth so soft and smooth away, that one can scantly see it moue. The wa∣ter [ K] thereof is very fayre and cleere, and greatly abounding in fish. Castalde by this riuer a while reposed his Campe, and willing himselfe the first to passe it, the better to encourage his Captaines and souldiours: some say that vpon the shore of this riuer he made to them this or the like speech.

If I had not knowne (my braue and valiant souldiours) that your spirit * 2.31 and courage desireth rather the glorie and renowne of God, then your own

proper safeties, I would neuer haue ventured my selfe thus farre vnder your [ A] affiance and valour. And for that I well know the renowne and fame of your predecessors, who haue obtained in this countrie so many victories, will stirre vp in you (my louing companions) courage to follow their steps and honourable endeuours, and that the memorie of their exploites and glorious acts may be as preuailent in you, as they haue been in your prede∣cessors, in cōsidering the things which may now eternise you, I doubt not at any hand but you will cause your valiantnes and vertues to appeare through the world, and specially in these quarters, where we may see more store of e∣nemies then friends, and where in respect of the common enemie, we must with the edge of the sworde make our passage, being now in a Prouince which wee haue neuer seene nor sought after; where is no great suretie [ B] to repose any confidence; where it is a noueltie to see a new kingdome erected; and where infinit daungers doe abound, necessitie forceth, and the warres which now alreadie are prepared against the Infidels threatneth vs; which are motiues (albeit they seeme very fearfull) of which wee ought to make our benefit, to cause our prudence, wisedome, and dexteritie of spi∣rit to bee knowne, (which are vertues more desired then any other) in that thereby men shall see the boldnes and courage of you (my louing soul∣diours) and the faith and end of that inuiolable oth which we all haue made to our King. Behold we are here vpon Tibiscus, the passage whereof should [ C] cause vs all to reioyce; wee our selues being now out of Italic, you out of Spaine, and the other forth of Germanie, not to follow corporall and effe∣minate pleasures, which make a man weake, sickly, effeminate, tender, and bleakish: but, to aspire to honour, riches, and victorie, and to haue the reward of our honourable deedes, such as shall bee yeelded to vs by prosperous for∣tune, which I doubt not but it will bee such towards vs, that ofterrestriall men, it will make vs celestiall, and sound in the ayre so honourable a bruite of our worthie names, that neither time, nor death shall obscure nor rake it vp in obliuion, but wee shall liue time out of memorie, yea eternally. And for that wee are now to deale with people, who are diuerse from our cu∣stomes and manner of liuing, of whom it behoueth vs to winne their loue [ D] and liking by policie and discretion, and to whom, to the end our manner of life and estate ought to bee an example and myrrour: it seemeth to me not to be vnfitting or vnworthie, but rather necessarie and commendable (dis∣coursing of this with you, and reducing the whole to the first glorie of true Militarie discipline) to aduertise you, that after we haue passed this riuer, and begun to enter into the countrie, (which by vs, in the name of our King, ought to be defended and conquered) to draw the hearts of the inhabitants (which are diuided into three Prouinces; namely, the Sicilians, Saxons, and Subalpinians) to our deuotion, will, and friendship, we must bee with all of [ E] them very modest, temperate, and quiet, and must banish auarice, despise voluptuousnes, and contemne the pleasures of the body, and aboue all, must flye all idlenes; which how hurtfull it is to an armie, and how many euils it bringeth with it, you sufficiently conceiue. Besides, we must auoide robbe∣ries, preserue the honour of women, respect ancient persons, haue care of poore children, to liue amongst your selues as obseruers of true religion, to

fauour the friends thereof, and pursue the enemies: and thinke that wee be∣ing in a strange countrie, and in another mans house, to doe but that which [ F] you would doe at home: wee seeing by experience that euery beast, though neuer so little, being in his denne becommeth as a Lyon, in defen∣ding himselfe from the iniurie and oppression which is offered him: and iudging thereby how much more they ought and will become couragious and hardie in their owne houses, if they see or feele themselues outraged by vs. Besides, ye ought in all your actions to haue God alwaies before your eyes, for the loue and honour of whom we ought to expose our bodies and liues; and thereby manifesting our selues meeke and curteous one to ano∣ther; and towards our enemies, fierce, bold, horrible, fearfull, prompt, and [ G] hardie, to cause others to know that wee are couragious without feare, wise, and full of vnderstanding, that by such meanes you may alwaies haue toge∣ther with health, a high way to vertue set open before you, and that euery one of you may with me carrie into his countrie renowne and eternall me∣morie: not refusing any paine or trauaile, for that no wearines nor any in∣commodities, or crosses, can, or ought euer to enter into such vigilant or he∣roicall spirits, whereby to darken or deface the desire and earnest affection which proceedeth from true honour and glorie: and specially, I being with you, not as a Commaunder amongst you, but as a father, brother, and com∣panion as well in aduersitie as in prosperitie. And to the end you may as∣sure [ H] your selues that it is true which I haue said, my selfe will be the first that will passe ouer this water, and will not refuse the first danger that may befall me; to the end that by this example, euery one of you may learne rather to esteeme honour and reputation, then his owne proper life, and preferre an honourable death before a vile and dishonest life.

Hauing thus ended his speech, he presently passed to the other side of the riuer, causing also the rest of his armie to follow, which was eight daies in * 2.32 passing, in respect of the largenes of the riuer. After they were all beyond the water, they continually marched in battaile, vntill they came to Debre∣zen, * 2.33 a small towne of no great strength, where they found Andrew Battor, and [ I] Thomas Nadasdy, who were the greatest and richest Lords of Hungarie, and * 2.34 such who alreadie had obtained great reputation through the whole coun∣trie. * 2.35 One of them was Generall of the Hungarish Caualarie, and great Co∣missarie; and the other was Lieutenant generall. These two were in this towne with 500. horse to receiue Castalde, and to conduct him into Transil∣uania, according to the meanes and experiences which they had in that kingdome. Castalde knowing that they would at their entrance into the towne, obserue and note what number his armie might be of, commaunded the Sergeant Maior, and Campe master, that they should presently cause the armie to march in the best order and forme they could, and so, that it might seeme hee had more men, then in trueth hee had. This presently was done [ K] with such dexteritie and iudgement, that those Lords esteemed the armie to be of farre greater number, then indeed it was, and seeing all the souldiours well ordered and marching with a graue and settled countenance, they highly commended their ordinance. The armie being certaine daies re∣freshed in this towne, they all together continued on their iourney, vntill

they came to Zalnoch, which is a Castle enuironed with water, where, for * 2.36 the guard and safetie thereof (before he departed) he left 50. Spaniards. [ A]

During the march of this armie, and that they hasted to arriue at the place * 2.37 where Frier George was, the Queene had published a Diet to bee held at Eg∣neth, (which is one of the greatest townes of Transiluania) there to delibe∣rate and aduise what meanes was best to chase and expell the Frier out of that Prouince. He at that time (as wee haue said) was at his Bishopricke of Varadine, and vnderstanding the drift of the Queene, and to what purpose she laboured, omitting all things, which then he was greatly busied about, called for his Coach, and in the greatest haste he could, tooke the way that lead towards Cheresuania. Vpon the way, passing a little brooke which runneth by a valley, it happened that his Coach ouerturned in such dange∣rous [ B] manner, that if hee had not instantly been helped by his men, he had there been drowned. Certaine gentlemen of his traine, ill interpreting this accident, aduised him to returne from thence: but hee smiling, made them this answer: That such diuinations as were grounded vpon Chariots, were exceeding miserable; knowing that they had in heauen another Cha∣riot, which by his influence would warrant him: minding by his pleasant countenance to inferre, that the Chariot of Erictonius placed in heauen, should among other signes stand him in stead of a guide: and so with expe∣dition continuing on his iourney, within short time he approached neere to Torde, from whence hee wrote to all the Lords, who were with the [ C] Queene, and specially to his friends, that if they would see the safegard and defence of their countrie, and that the whole kingdome should not bee o∣uerthrowne and lost, and fall into the puissant commaund of the Infidels, * 2.38 they would not faile, but presently come to the place where hee was, and where hee daily expected them, that they might speedily prouide for the common good of all. Within a while after, there came to him certaine bands of souldiours and companies of horse, which hee caused to come from Varadine, which being come together, made a good number of men, with whom he determined to goe to this Diet, shadowing his intent, that they came with him for no other cause, but onely to bee a guard for his per∣son. [ D] Thus against the opinion and liking of all, he came from thence to Eg∣neth, where being arriued, he so throughly dissolued and brake off the Diet, that not any (so great and mightie was hee) durst stay there any longer, least the Frier should stomacke and malice them: and by this meanes he o∣uerthrew all the Queenes deseignes, which vanished into smoke. She vn∣derstanding the arriuall of the Frier, and seeing she could come to no better end of that, which to her great charges and trauaile she had alreadie begun, suddenly dislodged from that towne with her sonne, and retired her selfe to Albe-iula, with such force as she had, of which Peter Vicchy was Captaine [ E] generall, who caused the towne to be well fortified. But after fearing to be besieged therein by the Frier, leauing there as many men as was thought necessary for the defence therof, she thought it better to make her retraict to Sassebesse, (a place for the situation farre stronger then Albe-iula) where she determined to stay and expect what would be the issue of her fortune. The Frier being aduertised of all this, and also vnderstanding certaine newes, that

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the forces which Ferdinand had sent were alreadie on their way, and that Ca∣stalde came with no small ayde, presently determined vpon this occasion to [ F] * 2.39 besiege Albe-iula, thinking that if he were able to be master thereof, he had effected the greatest part of his desires. Being there arriued, with this reso∣lution he very straightly besieged and battered it in many places with great store of Cannon. But those within being nothing possest with feare, valiant∣ly defended themselues, and more couragiously then the Frier expected. He now seeing the constancie and resolution of the besieged to bee such, and that Castalde made but slow speede, although euery day by letters and Posts vpon Posts, he willed him to hasten on his iourney, and so much the rather because he besieged this towne, which defended it selfe so gallantly, that it [ G] was greatly needfull for him to haue the helpe of his forces; hee againe thought it sitting to seek out meanes once more to accord with the Queene. Whilest these matters were treated of, Castalde arriued at the confines of Transiluania. But since it now very fitly falleth out, I will for a while leaue the continuation of this historie, and will largely describe the situation, the inhabitants, the strength, the qualitie, and fertilitie of that countrie.

Transiluania is a Prouince of the kingdome of Hungarie, making a part * 2.40 thereof, enuironed on all sides with high mountaines, resembling a well wal∣led towne, hauing all his entries and passages very difficill and narrow, which maketh me thinke that it tooke his name thereof, being anciently named [ H] Dacia, of King Docus, who was Lord and King thereof. Towards the North it boundeth vpon Polonia, and of one part of Moldauia, hauing in the midst the hils Carpates. Towards the West it doth confine vpon Hungarie: and towards the East it stretcheth it selfe to the shores of Danubius, and taketh his ending against Walachia: the inhabitants whereof are called Walachi∣ans, * 2.41 anciently dissended of some Romane Colonie, sprung from the familie of the Flacchians, who were sent to subdue that countrie, of whom that Pro∣uince afterward tooke the name of Flaccia, which at this present is corrup∣ted into the name of Walachia, which also containeth in it Moldauia, being * 2.42 two seuerall Prouinces, which now are separated, comprised in time past vn∣der [ I] the name of Flacchia. Towards the South it neighboureth vpon the * 2.43 Transalpinians, and Seruians named Slauons, and the Rascians, vulgarly cal∣led Rhatians, who in a manner are as naturall Walachians, for that they all * 2.44 liue vnder one law and custome: they are Christians, and obserue the de∣crees and ceremonies of the Greeke Church, they obey the Patriarke of Constantinople; they vse the Italian language, but so corrupted, that it is hardly vnderstood to be the same; they vse armes like to those of the Turks; they haue been and are yet a warlike nation, cruell, and endureth trauaile and wearines of warre more then any other people, for that they are naturally very strong. Within Transiluania there is a Prouince in a manner linked to a mountaine, which separateth it from Moldauia, which is named Ceculia, [ K] and the inhabitants thereof are called Ceculians, and at this day they are cal∣led * 2.45 Sicilians, who are of the Hungarian nation, and of the same qualitie and * 2.46 disposition, liuing according to the lawes and customes of Hungarie. The other part of the kingdome, which is the greatest, is inhabited by the Sax∣ons, * 2.47 who euer since the time that Charlemaine ouerthrew them, by meane of

that great battaile which hee obtained against them nigh the mountaine of [ A] Ouege, haue alwaies remained there. For Charlemaine defeating them, cau∣sed a good number of them to be led into Gaule, and forced the other who would not obserue and obey the lawes (which he would haue established) to goe seeke some other habitations. Of these a great part entered into Tran∣siluania to conquer it, and making themselues masters thereof by force of armes, they there set vp their abode, and built seuen townes or Castles, whereof for a long time that Prouince tooke the name, which continueth vntil this day, and in respect whereof, it is called in their language Sibembur∣gen. These liue after the Germane manner, and obserue their customes, speaking the ancient Saxon language; they are affable people, and of great [ B] trueth and fidelitie. They are not alwaies in league with the Hungarians, neither will they suffer them to build in their townes. Their mountaines are inhabited by the Walachians, to whom the Saxons (who are of the grea∣test authoritie and rule in that kingdome) would not permit them to build any of their houses with chalke and stones, nor haue nor possesse much about them. And therefore they dwelt in little houses and cottages, which they made themselues, without any Mason or Carpenter, and are but thatched with straw and rushes. They labour not nor till the fields in hope of any gaine, but onely to gather together so much as is necessarie to nourish and sustaine their familie, and the Slaues which they get. This kingdome great∣ly aboundeth in corne, wine, flesh, venison, and all manner of fruites, and [ C] breedeth very many strong and goodly horses. There is found in many of those mountaines, mynes of gold, siluer, iron, and salt is fetched from thence in so great abundance, that most part of Hungarie and Polonia are serued therewith, which is an exceeding rich commoditie, and bringeth great pro∣fit to the King. These mynes are not farre from Isembergh, Clausemburgh, and Saltzburgh. Victuals are there sold ordinarily at so cheape a rate, that it is a thing incredible. The Marchants of this Prouince, during the peace and truce, might trafficke with their marchandise through all the Turkes domi∣nions, and continually haue entercourse with Germanie, Hungarie, Polo∣lonia, and Italie. The ayre is many times intemperate, by the extreame cold, [ D] and excessiue heate, which often is felt there: the cold though neuerthelesse it bee terrible and sharpe, yet it dureth not long, and happeneth not but at certaine times, which being past, the heate preuaileth more then the cold. All the countrie is vneuen or hillie, and the greatest part is like to Tuscane, or hillie Spayne, and is full of great forrests, which yeelde store of wood, as well to build, as for other priuate commodities. There be two great riuers which be nauigable; the one runneth through the middest of the kingdome and is called Marosse, which springeth from the mountaines of Moldauia to∣wards * 2.48 the North, and runneth from one side to another of that countrie, vn∣till it entereth into Tibiscus, neere the frontier townes of Lippa and The∣mesuar, [ E] which are two strong holds, and so named, for that they are situated beyond the mountaines towards the West. The other is named Alto, and * 2.49 at this day the inhabitants call it Cheres, which springeth at the foote of Mount Carpatus, about the place where it ioyneth with the other hils of Moldauia. There is also other small riuers, wherein are found amongst the

grauell, many graines of gold of great value and price. Towards the South dwelleth certaine people named Rhatians, which were relikes of the ancient [ F] * 2.50 Rascians, who remaine vntill this day, since the time they were chased foorth of their natiue countrie of Macedonia, by Lysimachus. They are to bee hired of any who will giue most: one while they take part with Ferdi∣nand, and then againe they are in the Turkes pay. They are vnconstant peo∣ple and of little faith; they are Christians, and liue after the Greeke Church; they are poore, hauing no townes peculiar to themselues, and they are in great dislike with all other nations for their inconstancie and perfidiousnes. They dwell among the Bulgarians and Seruians in two places of the king∣dome, and on the other side among the mountaines by the Transiluanians, [ G] which stretch themselues towards Walachia.

This kingdome of Transiluania, after it was reduced to the faith of Iesus Christ, was subiect to the Crowne of Hungarie; for the gouernment and rule whereof, one of the principallest of the Court was deputed and nomi∣nated with the title of Vayuode. The capitall towne is called Sibinium, ta∣king * 2.51 that name of a riuer which passeth by it. This towne is named by the Germanes Hermenstat, others call it Pressouia, alias Cronenstat, and it is of great trafficke. Thither is brought great store of marchandise from Greece, which from thence is dispersed throughout Hungarie. There are many o∣ther townes, as Corone, Torde, Cassouia, and Albe-iula, which was built by [ H] * 2.52 the Romanes, and established for one of their Colonies. This Prouince had no absolute King but Iohn, who raigned after the death of Lewis King of Hungarie; and after that, Stephen possessed it, (who for the present is King) * 2.53 who also was called Iohn in memorie of his father, and by the Turkes fauour and assistance enioyeth it peaceably: and from hence forward wee will call him Iohn, and not Stephen.

Castalde (as a little before hath been said) being arriued in Transiluania, sent Andrew Battor and Thomas Nadasdy before, to foresee and suruay the passages of the mountaines, by which hee must of necessitie passe, giuing them a good troupe of horses, with other souldiours. Which being well foreseene by the Queene, she sent the Marquesse of Balasse, a great Lord of [ I] Hungarie (who a little before was entertained into her seruice, through * 2.54 some disgrace offered by Ferdinand, for that hee had thrust him out of cer∣taine Castles situated in Hungarie, vnder the colour of rebellion, which was said to haue been pretended against his Maiestie) to possesse those passages with 700. horse, and a good troupe of souldiours. Castalde being assuredly informed of this, was by the aduice of two (although it was a thing very te∣dious and difficult) constrained to seeke other passages and waies, which be∣ing in the end found, he commaunded them to bee repayred the best they could, which assuredly was a worke long and tedious: but neuerthelesse [ K] they laboured so diligently and commodiously, that by the same way, all the Artillerie might passe without any great labour. Whilest the Marquesse kept the most frequent passages, Castalde by that new vnaccustomed way, en∣tered with all his armie into Transiluania, without any disturbance, and the day following marched in battaile, and was forced to passe by a Castle of * 2.55 the Queenes named Dalmas, seated in the way vpon the top of a moun∣taine,

from when he was saluted with the force of the Cannon: hee being [ A] not willing to tolerate such a brauado, went himselfe to view the place, and to see if he could take it by assault, with intent to leaue nothing behinde that hereafter might annoy him. But he seeing it was more strong then he tooke it to be, and that it was of no small importance by reason of that passage, and being needfull to haue Cannons to batter it, whereof hee was altogether vnprouided, was forced, without doing any other thing, to depart, leauing there Counte Felix, and Counte Iohn Baptista of Arco (who then led the rereward) to continue the siege with their Germanes, and to batter it with foure field peeces, and two small Culuerins which they brought with them, with intent to proue them, if through feare they would yeeld. Which thing [ B] the Counte performed, by straightning the besieged, and battering it as he was commaunded. Whilest Counte Felix was thus busied about this place, Castalde proceeded on his iourney with the rest of his armie, and lodged by a towne named Colosuar, from whence he sent to the Counte 300. Haque∣buziers of Spaniards, to be at the siege of Dalmas.

The Queene being perswaded by the Frier to accord with him, refused * 2.56 not any agreement, specially after she vnderstood that there should come to his ayde 10000. Spanyards, and great store of Caualarie from many places: euen as Fame (a messenger as well of false as of true matters) is accustomed to increase and multiplie in the mouthes of men, sometimes stretching things beyond the compasse of trueth. And knowing that he was alreadie [ C] arriued in her kingdome, and that her Castle of Dalmas was besieged, she was by this newes greatly troubled, seeing her selfe disfurnished of soul∣diours, and fearing to be expelled forth of her kingdome by the Frier, and to lose that which she held most deare, falling from the dignitie and maie∣stie of a Queene, to the state and condition of a miserable Ladie, being as∣sured that Albe-iula (wherein were her Iewels, and moueables, and the Crowne of Hungarie, which aboue all things was specially desired of the Frier, and also greatly esteemed of her) could no longer hold out, she wil∣lingly accepted of such an agreement as was offered her; and gladly incli∣ning thereunto, commaunded those of Albe-iula to surrender the towne, * 2.57 [ D] conditionally the goods and the rest of any worth that was therein to bee saued; whereunto her people obeyed the Frier in all things that he would. Whereupon hee permitted not that any souldiour should enter into the towne, vntill all the Queenes moueables were carried out: and to the end they might be carried to the place where she desired, he prouided them of many waggons for the more commodious carrying of their baggage.

Presently vpon the taking of this towne, hee failed not speedily to send aduertisement to Castalde of all that which had happend vntill then; and withall sent to him a certaine Comissarie to guide and direct him through [ E] the passages of the countrie, and to march with his armie towards Egneth, where hee might at pleasure commodiously lodge and refresh his Campe certaine daies, the place being very pleasant and abounding in victuals. Ca∣stalde * 2.58 being there arriued, hee was lodged with the Spanyards within the towne, and disposed the Caualarie and the rest of the souldiours in places conuenient thereabout, whereby they might keepe euery man in the grea∣ter

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securitie, attending there a certaine time, to finde the meanes to ioyne with the Frier, who after the taking of Albe-iula, went to see the Queene, and [ F] gaue her notice of the comming of Castalde, further perswading her to com∣maund those of Dalmas, that they should yeeld to him, and not hold out any longer against them which did besiege it, nor against the Artillerie which greatly endamaged them; especially considering that she very well knew, that granting to their accord, this Fortresse should become hers. The Queene consented to it for two causes: the one, that she might not see those within the Castle so greatly oppressed for the loue and affection they bore to her, and the place to fall in decay and ruine: the other, to the end that the Counte (for the hope which the Frier gaue him) might not by the losse of [ G] his people receiue any detriment, and for that respect hee might not shew himselfe too cruell towards her people. Thus by reason of such feare, she gaue commaund to all the souldiours of Dalmas to yeeld. They following * 2.59 this commaund, failed not to surrender the place into Counte Felix posses∣sion, euen at the same instant when a myne was almost finished to haue blo∣wen it vp, in stead of the Cannon; and withall to haue giuen a fierce as∣sault.

As this Castle was yeelded, and Castalde remained at Egneth, the Frier came to conferre with him, who although hee was councelled to come vn∣looked * 2.60 for into the place where he was lodged, yet was it not done so secret∣ly, but it was discouered halfe an houre before his comming. Castalde hauing [ H] notice therof, presently went forth of the towne well accompanied to meete him, the Frier comming in his Coach, drawne with eight great horses, as he was vsually wont to ride, there being in his company for his guard more then 400. horse, the most part of whom were Gentlemen and Knights, and of the principall and chiefe of the kingdome, hauing besides 200. Harquebuziers. In this equipage the Frier approaching Castalde, presently descended his Coach, and mounted vpon a well paced horse, which alwaies he caused to beled with him, and comming to Castalde, he imbraced him very kindly, ma∣nifesting what infinit content he receiued at his comming, there passing be∣tweene them a thousand speeches full of curtesie, and shewing excee∣ding [ I] honour one to another. After which salutations betweene them, the Frier turning himselfe towards Aldene Master of the Campe, and other Spanish Captaines who also were there present, entertaining them with ma∣ny friendly and kinde speeches, hee made it knowne to them what singular comfort he receiued, in seeing them so safely arriued and conducted thither. After all these friendly salutations, they entered together into the towne, and went directly to Castaldes lodging: where after they were refreshed, and had discoursed together of many important things, Castalde shewed him the let∣ters of Ferdinand, acquainting him with the authoritie and commaund that his Maiestie would he should haue in managing these affayres of the king∣dome; [ K] * 2.61 in the administration and rule whereof, he was expressely charged to obey and submit himselfe to his iudgement, considering that for the time to come, all things should passe through his hands, as alreadie they had vntill then done; yeelding to him all authoritie to dispose of things at his pleasure, knowing that such was the will of Ferdinand, from whom hee had expresse

commaund, to content and gratifie him in any thing which should please [ A] and satisfie his liking. Whereof the Frier was exceeding glad, and thought himselfe well apayd, as well in respect of Castalde himselfe, as also for the ho∣nour which was done him, and of the fayre words which (in the name of Ferdinand) was reported to him. For being by his naturall disposition of a proud and haughtie spirit, and puffed vp with honour and renowne, would by no meanes endure that any should bee his superiour. And considering the great authoritie and commaund that Castalde (as Lieutenant generall for the King of Bohemia) had, and the reuerence, honor, and submission which neuerthelesse he made shew to vse towards him, hee esteemed it a good be∣ginning to continue his pride and greatnes, and that in all the affayres of the [ B] kingdome he might commaund and dispose thereof according at his owne pleasure. Desirous then to enioy (according to his accustomed manner) such preheminence and authoritie, and to shew the commaund and greatnes which he had through all Transiluania (two daies after that he was departed from Castalde) he presently seized vpon Albe-iula for himselfe to lodge and remaine in, not acquainting Castalde therewith, saying, that that place was the most commodiest and fittest to finde him, when neede should require, and the necessariest to treate of all businesses that might fall out. That being * 2.62 done, he posted to the Queene to Sassebesse, to informe her of all which had passed betweene him and Castalde. [ C]

During the time the Frier was on his way, the Queene (who nothing was idle nor slept) had by one of her Lords, who was a Polonian, a man of good esteeme in his countrie, sent another way to visit and salute Castalde. By him, and by the offers which she made to him, Castalde did prognosticate what the issue and euent of all the affayres of that countrie would sort vnto, and principally of those which concerned the Queene, he wel knew they would succeede to his desire, and haue such ending that Ferdinand should thinke himselfe well apayd therewithall. Certaine daies being passed before any newes was heard of the Frier, in the ende there arriued a messenger from him, who gaue notice to Castalde, that hee should not faile the 6. of Iuly to finde him at Albe-iula, to conferre together vpon their affayres. The time [ D] being come, Castalde without any guard, onely accompanied with certaine * 2.63 of his owne household, went to the place appointed. The manner of this de∣parture was against the counsell of Andrew Battor and Thomas Nadasdy, and many other, who thought it not conuenient so slightly to repose himselfe in this man, who because they knew him to be so mutable in his opinions, and so variable in his doings, might bee able within a short time after, vnder the colour of any occasion whatsoeuer, to inuent and stirre vp some new matter, and be more hardie and bold to execute the same, seeing Castalde alone, then otherwise he would be, if his forces were with him: and for that cause they perswaded him, that he would not depart but with a good troupe. But Ca∣stalde [ E] considering, that although he should haue all his people to guard him, yet was it little and to small purpose to resist the Frier, in case he would vse a∣ny treason against him: wherefore hee iudged it much better to goe so pri∣uately, whereby he should outwardly manifest the great and speciall trust he reposed in him, rather then by a strong guard to giue him suspition and oc∣casion

to stand vpon tearmes, an act which in no sort he found to bee conue∣nient for the beginning of such affayres, and specially seeing hee had to ne∣gotiate [ F] with a man so giddie brained, who was almost of a childs condition, that for the least toy whatsoeuer, would bee offended and alter his opinion; resoluing that if he did otherwise, he would easily escape his hands, and all his purposes should be ouerthrowne.

But proceeding on his determinate iourney, in the end he arriued at Al∣be-iula, where (according to the foresaid aduertisement) hee found not the Frier, for that he was yet at Sassebesse with the Queene, vnto whom he was gone, without giuing him any notice thereof. Whereupon those of his com∣panie thought it not amisse (since the Frier and the Queene were yet toge∣ther) [ G] that he should goe thither to them, where he might more commodi∣ously, and with quicker dispatch, establish many important matters, and such which had neede of present and sudden resolution: wherefore they coun∣selled him to goe to Sassebesse, where hee arriued about the third houre of * 2.64 the night, finding the Queene accompanied onely with those of her Court, for that a day before, Peter Vicchy (seeing he could not conclude any league with the Frier) retired himselfe to his commaund of Lippa and Themesuar, with all the men of warre, leauing thus the Queene alone at Sassebesse, in which place two daies after, Castalde sate in councell with Frier George, and many other great Lords of Transiluania, where he declared the occasion of his comming, which was tending to this end; that the Queene should re∣store [ H] that Prouince to Ferdinand, according to the articles concluded with King Iohn her husband, he himselfe being readie to accomplish all which his Maiestie had promised, declaring that vpon the accomplishing of these co∣uenants, it could not happen but (besides the generall contentment that e∣uery one should receiue thereby) all things would succeed better and more expedient, and specially to her selfe profitable and commodious then to any other, if she would duly consider with what trauaile and sorrow she possessed those countries, and with what suspition and doubt she was main∣tained amongst them, onely depending but vpon the Turkes good liking, [ I] who when he thought good might disposse her, and so in fine to bee alwaies in danger to lose both the one and other. And that therefore knowing Tran∣siluania to be the key and bulwarke of all Christendome (as by apparant ef∣fect was to be seene) which if it were lost, not only the vtter ruine of the rest of Hungarie and Austria would follow, but also of Germanie, and of all o∣ther Christian countries. Wherefore for these respects she ought to desire, that this Prouince should fall into the gouernment and rule of a Christian Prince, great and puissant, as Ferdinand was, who might at all times be a curb against the force and violence of the Turke, and might hinder him from further proceedings: and the rather, that she ought to haue such a desire, for so much as she saw her selfe (though a Queene) yet of no force nor com∣maund [ K] for such an enterprise, neither was she able to promise her selfe any defence, to maintaine that kingdome, without she craued ayde of others. Therefore all these things duly considered, it were much better for her to accept of Ferdinands offer, as the most sure and peaceable for her, although it were lesse, then remaine in continuall danger and trauaile, and to raigne

in a kingdome, which was not in her power to preserue nor keepe. Besides [ A] these foresaid agreements, Castalde for the more assurance and confirmation * 2.65 of both parties, offered the Queene in the name of his Maiestie the Infanta Ioane his youngest daughter, with 100000. Crownes for a dowrie, and to giue her in mariage to her sonne Iohn, and to enter into bonds to satisfie her in euery thing which he promised her, and to pay all the interest which she could pretend, and in like sort to satisfie all the debts which were found to be due since that time. These offers seemed generally good, and reasonable to all, and specially to Frier George, who also made shew to bee well pleased therewith. And after many aduertisements, it was concluded that he should cause the Queene to vnderstand thereof, and bring an answere from her. [ B] This charge was committed to the Frier, who willingly accepted thereof; and being come to the Queene, he recited to her all which had been pro∣pounded in the Councell. She being attentiue, and vnderstanding what had passed, and withall considering the offer of Ferdinand, and that it was a meanes for her to wade out of that subiection, wherein the Frier so peremp∣torily held her: she presently answered, that whatsoeuer he did, she esteemed it greatly beneficiall to her, committing all her actions and affayres into his hands; of which particularly and by peecemeale they conferred together by the space of fifteene daies. But the Frier continued still without resolu∣tion, now saying this, then that, apparantly shewing that he had no other re∣spect [ C] but to his owne proper commoditie, which he shadowed by this, that he fained that herein he aymed at nothing, but that which particularly con∣cerned the Queene and the good of her sonne, whom he protested he lo∣ued more then himselfe, in respect of the indissoluble bonds of gratitude that forced him to it, which oftentimes hee had receiued from his father King Iohn, who was his raiser and maker, and of whom depended all which he possessed in this world, being raised by him of nothing, and exalted to this high degree of honour wherein he was now. And thus cunningly did he dissemble and draw backe the most he could.

As these affayres proceeded on in this manner without any resolution, it happened one day the Queene, without the Friers knowledge, found opor∣tunitie [ D] * 2.66 to haue some priuate conference with Castalde, and in such a conue∣nient place where she might freely discouer and impart the conceptions of her owne minde; assuring him what singular contentment she receiued, in that Ferdinand King of the Romanes, had sent so sufficient and worthie a man as hee was, to negotiate in these affayres; the vertue and renowne of whom, she had before heard an exceeding good report of, and she thought her selfe thrice happie of his comming, greatly commending the choise that was made of him, and the iudgement of the King, in giuing him that abso∣lute authoritie to dispose of things in his name as he thought good of, think∣ing thereby she should haue occasion speedily to bring her miseries to an [ E] end, which vntill then had held her wrapped vp: effectuously importuning him that he would giue faith and credit to the integritie of her heart, which had alwaies desired and endeuoured her selfe to doe his Maiestie seruice. And afterward she earnestly desired Castalde, that for her discharge he would amplie aduertise his Maiestie, that for the time passed she was not of her selfe

withdrawne from the agreements betweene them, but that all proceeded through the Friers subtilties, who neuer would agree nor consent that they [ F] should proceed to the execution of them; but to the contrarie intreated her so badly (as still he did) that finding none to whom she might haue recourse in such necessities, she was constrained (as being in despayre) to demaund ayde of the Turke, of whom she had been many times importuned and inci∣ted to leaue that kingdome peaceably vnto him, in exchaunge of another great estate, which he offered her, especially seeing it was in his power (as he said) to thrust her out of it. And although some great feare might giue her good occasion to thinke seriously thereof, yet neuerthelesse she meant not for all that to offer that displeasure to Ferdinand, especially considering [ G] that she was a Christian borne, and that it was not conuenient for her to yeeld to any agreement with a Heathen Prince, she being greatly sorrowfull for that which was past.

Thus to release her self out of the Friers snares (which she reputed a worse and more intolerable subiection, then that of the Turkes) as she had been be∣fore constrained peaceably to depart from one part of her kingdome, so for * 2.67 the like effect, she would now willingly forsake the other, with a resolute determination to deale with him so, that besides the consideration of the seruice which shee meant to performe to Ferdinand, hee should finde great contentment freely by her meanes, thus without any condition to sur∣render [ H] this Prouince, which by force of armes she would neuer haue yeel∣ded to any. And yeelding all things into his Maiesties hands, she would in∣treate him that he would haue regard to her sonne, who was a King, a child, and an orphane, for which respects he should not refuse to be a Lord and fa∣ther to him, and esteeme of him so in regarde of the time to come, as if hee were his naturall sonne, hauing that particular respect and care of him, as she would, and ought to haue of him her selfe: and specially acquainting him with the paines and torments whereinto she was fallen, yet withall hauing patience to see her selfe brought to that low ebbe, that of a great Queene (as in former time she saw her selfe to be) she was now forst to become a poore [ I] Lady and a begger, hauing neuer since the time she was expulsed Buda, with her sonne in her armes, and accompanied with a small traine (leauing that towne (by the Friers iugling) in the gouernment of the Turke) receiued any comfort, vntill now that he gaue her occasion of exceeding consolation, see∣ing her self now readie to depart out of Transiluania, which she would leaue vnder the gouernment of such a King as Ferdinand was, who no doubt would defend it, and neuer lose it; and who might repute it for no small good fortune, seeing so voluntarily she suffered her selfe to bee by him depri∣ued of her kingdome, with so small a number of men & Artillerie, of which others with great armies could not dispossesse her. Castalde in Ferdinands name answered her, that hee accepted of her good and sincere affection, [ K] which she manifested in these proceedings, more then any rich kingdome whatsoeuer; promising her that in all fidelitie and sinceritie, he would per∣forme all that had been treated of from point to point, and he firmely assu∣red her (gaging his word) that his Maiestie from thence forward, would haue such respect to King Iohn, as to his owne children. And for his owne

particular, he offered in all her affayres to remaine her obedient and faithfull [ A] seruant, and protector of her cause, desiring no lesse to satisfie her expectation and to please her, then Ferdinand himselfe who sent him thither.

After such like discourses, they tooke leaue one of another, the Queene retyring to her chamber, and Castalde to his lodging. In the meane time the Frier began to practise a dissoluing of all the agreements which already were * 2.68 but lately propounded, and mistrusting the disposition and humour of the he Queene, to bring that to better effect which he desired should happen, would neuer consent to any conclusion, but deferring it from day to day, bu∣sied his braine about no other things, then trifeling delayes. And that his purpose might not bee frustrate, and to the end also that he might not bee [ B] thought he pressed so much for his owne particular commoditie, as for the good of the Queene and her sonne; he would that before any other thing, * 2.69 they should begin to treate of that which concerned them, that so he might at the length perceiue what conclusiō he might make, minding also that be∣fore any act of renouncing the kingdome to Ferdinand should passe, his Ma∣iestie should be first bound to giue and performe to Iohn the Queenes sonne, a yeerely reuenew of 25000. crownes, to him, his heires, and successors, euen as had been alreadie promised him, and that out of such estates which were free, peaceable, and sure. Which was presently accepted of by Castalde, and promised (notwithstanding that when such offers were made, Buda was not then lost, nor other principall places of the kingdome, for the losse of which [ C] the Crowne was shrodely weakened) there should bee giuen and assigned the Dutchie of Oppolia and Rhatibor, which are two pleasant and fertile countries, abounding in all things which can bee desired, and are within the Prouince of Slecia. The Frier thinking himselfe satisfied for that point, in∣stantly propounded another motion; which was (besides the agreement of∣fered and decreed vpon for the good of King Iohn) he should pay to the Queene the 150000. crownes, which for her dowrie was imposed vpon King Iohn her husband: and vntill she was fully satisfied and payed it, Ferdi∣nand should be bound to giue her some towne in pawne, whither she might retire with her sonne, and remaine there vntil such time they had performed [ D] all, and put them in possession of the aforesaid States, and discharged the said summe, with reasonable interest therefore, and in like sort the reuenew of 25000. crownes which was promised. This demaund was also agreed vpon, and immediatly she was appointed the towne of Cassouia, which is one of the greatest and richest in that countrie, wherein she might for her owne commoditie remaine, vntill an absolute accomplishment should bee, of all that which had been promised.

After they had concluded and decreed in this manner, of all which ap∣pertained * 2.70 to the Queene and her sonne, the Frier began to negotiate and practise for himselfe, and demaunded that they would bestow vpon him the [ E] Vayuodship of Transiluania, with the same condition that King Iohn was wont to giue it, which was 15000. crownes by the yeere; which request was graunted him, neuerthelesse with this condition, that he should haue for his copartner and companion Andrew Battor. But by no meanes he would ad∣mit thereof, alleadging that he had alwaies been accustomed to commaund

and rule alone, and not accompanied, neither would he receiue into his go∣uernment an equall, in respect it would rather be a charge and burthen to [ F] him, then an honour. In the end, not to discontent him in any thing, he had his full asking. He hauing obtained this dignitie, he yet demaunded the Treasurership, which in former time he executed with y^e ordinarie wages of 4000. crownes yeerely: and besides that, his demaund was that they should allow him aswell in peace as in warre 1500. horse for his guard and the coun∣tries: * 2.71 and further, he desired to haue the Salt pits at Torde, which were ex∣ceeding profitable, and he at that time was in possession of them. He motio∣ned this last demaund with such craft and subtiltie, that he thought thereby to finde some iust cause to frustrate the former conference, assuredly think∣ing [ G] they would neuer agree vnto it. But herein his expectation failed him, * 2.72 and discretion would he should haue credited the contrarie, in respect him∣selfe was often wont to say; That it was requisite for him who would raigne and gouerne, although he had not the gift to accomplish them, yet to giue fayre words and promises to euery one, and to performe but a little thereof: which well hee might imagine to be practised vpon him by Ferdinand, since hee saw that so readily they condiscended to all that he demaunded. He hauing now ob∣tained all which he desired, yet could he not thus suppresse the great thirst of his couetous and greedie minde, but altering euery houre from the pur∣pose, he often repented himselfe euen in a moment of that which hee had [ H] done, not supposing that his inconstancy was any shame or discredit to him. Castalde being one day with him, marueiled greatly at his vncertaintie, and that he was so changeable in his proceedings, telling him that he was great∣ly astonished at this his mutabilitie, for that hee saw his nature was to speake of one particular matter, at one time this, and another time that, by this meanes causing euery one to bee doubtfull, and without any resolution he deferred the time, vntill he found the occasion such as hee desired, and see∣med fauourable for his affayres.

Whilest these affayres were thus trauersed betweene them, one day hee acquainted Castalde, that hee greatly desired to be a Cardinall, and desiring [ I] him greatly for that purpose hee would solicite Ferdinand to write to the Pope concerning it. Castalde promising him his best endeuour, speedily aduertised his Maiestie thereof, giuing direct intelligence of the Friers am∣bition, and of the speciall desire he had of the Cardinals hat. Ferdinand ha∣uing notice hereof, lost no time, but presently dispatched a messenger, wri∣ting * 2.73 to Pope Iuly the third, that it would please his holines to receiue Frier George into the Colledge of Cardinals, amply reciting to him his vertue and prowesse, and how for many yeeres with his owne forces and industrie, hee had defended and maintained the kingdome of Transiluania against the puissance of the Turke, whom he had often foyled; greatly praising him, that from an vncredible pouertie (although hee was dissended of a noble [ K] house) he had by his vertue and wisedome attained to these high degrees of honour, wherein he was now installed, in opposing himselfe for the generall good of Christendome against the Infidels (as appeared to all the world) as a prouident and valiant Captaine; shewing thereby to his holines, that in consideration of such commendable acts, he well deserued to be admitted

to that dignitie. He also writ to his Ambassadours who were at Rome, to vse the best meanes they could to further this suite, and to haue answer of the [ A] Pope according to his desire.

Whilest this matter was negotiated at Rome, the Archbishop of Strigo∣nium * 2.74 died, by whose death the Bishopricke was voyde, which was yeerely worth 150000. crownes. The Frier omitted no time, but presently made suite for it, which was as readily graunted by Castalde in Ferdinands name, to whom hee writ with all speede, praying him that with like diligence hee would send him the confirmation thereof, seeing they had to deale with so variable and inconstant a man, it was therefore requisite to make a briefe con∣clusion, for that in prolonging time to bestow it of him, and not to yeeld to that which he demaunded, was too much to aduenture and hazard the pre∣sent [ B] affayres. In the end, there remained not any thing for him to demaund more, but onely to bee King, thinking he had now well effected all his af∣faires, was at last content to allow and ratifie the articles made betweene them. Now to conclude or repent that which he had done, was all one to him, insomuch that euen at the same instant, he went to the Queene to per∣swade * 2.75 her, not so easily to passe these articles, which were alreadie accorded, telling her she might doe it without bringing her honour and name in que∣stion; in saying, that she would not depart out of the kingdome, vntill Fer∣dinand had accomplished all that which hee had promised: for the rest hee [ C] would afterwards take it vpon himselfe, assuring her to finde the meanes to dismisse Castaldes armie out of Transiluania, and to deliuer her out of that subiection wherein she was, promising her by fayre words, that he would alwaies be faithfull to her, and neuer contrarie her in any thing, further per∣swading her, that this kingdome because it was iustly come by, did apper∣taine rather to her sonne Iohn, then to Ferdinand. Whereto the Queene made no great semblance neither with yea nor nay, giuing him thereby to vnderstand, that it was neither iust nor lawfull to halt and dissemble so often in his words: and on the other side she told him, that she had committed all her affayres into his hands, from which she rather desired to be deliuered [ D] then from the Turkes. The Frier not perceiuing himselfe deceiued by her suttle fetch, and considering that hee could not worke so with Ferdinand, as he had effected with the Queene, and that he should not bee any more of that great commaund in those quarters, as hee had been, began to manifest exceeding great contentment of that which in priuate they had agreed vp∣on, faining afterward, that the Queene would neuer condiscend to such a∣greements. But the Queene much doubting that the Frier would not faile to practise most cunningly that which hee had said to her, caused Castalde * 2.76 once againe to come and speake with her, aduertising him of all which had passed betweene her and the Frier since the time of their two meetings; plainly telling him, that those whom Ferdinand had chosen for arbitrators in [ E] this busines, were the most opposite to his proceedings that possible could be, and especially Frier George, who brewed new inuentions to dissolue all that which had been concluded amongst them, acquainting him with some particulars of his disposition, and instructing him of that which was requisit for him to doe in time to come, that so he might the better treate of these af∣fayres

with him, against the next Diet; because besides that which he vnder∣stood alreadie touching his condition, deceits, and subtilties, hee should yet [ F] the further hee went on perceiue more and more: but yet not so well as o∣thers, who by their experience they haue had of him, haue discouered such his deceits. In fine, the Queene for conclusion added, that by no meanes he should repose any confidence in him, because that by how much the lesse he should thinke thereof, by so much the more he should finde himselfe to bee deceiued and sold.

The Frier seeing his deuises succeeded not to his liking, was in the end * 2.77 content to accept thereof, and conclude all the articles contained in their parley: that is to say, that the Queene among other points should depart [ G] out of Transiluania within sixe daies, and retire her selfe to Cassouia. The premises being thus determined, notice by writing was giuen to Peter Vicchy, that the Queene would forsake the kingdome, and that also she would leaue to Ferdinand the low countries, wherein Lippa and Themesuar are situated, and that they would in recompence therof, giue her in Hungarie, or in some other places, so much as would satisfie and content her. And to the end that this busines might with better expedition be dispatched, there was safe con∣duct sent him, that he might with more securitie, and without any suspition come himselfe to the Court. Vicchy mistrusting that it was a traine of the * 2.78 Frier to get him into his clutches, and not thinking that the Queene would [ H] so soone aduance the King of the Romanes, and renounce and depriue her selfe of her owne kingdome, (which vntill then she had with many trauailes and cares defended and preserued): and not daring to come himselfe in per∣son, hee sent two Ambassadours to know in what estate and condition the Queenes affayres were. They being come to Sassebesse, they vnderstood of all the occurrants which had passed vntill that day: and it was concluded with them, that seeing Peter Vicchy would not otherwise come, for his greater securitie, and also speedily to remoue all distrust, Andrew Battor should bee sent to manage those affayres with him. Thus they went together from thence, and Andrew Battor notwithstanding led with him 2000. horse for [ I] his guard; and also because they vnderstood that Vicchy daily expected suc∣cour from the Turke (to breake all this agreement) who presently after, as he had aduertisement of that which the Frier practised with Ferdinand, gaue commaund to the Basha of Buda not to faile, but ayde him. And truly if these succours had been arriued before Battor had spoken with Vicchy, this peace had neuer been made, neither had they spoken any more of it.

Battor being now arriued at Lippa, whilest he conferred with Vicchy con∣cerning * 2.79 the effect of his charge, there departed from Sassebesse a French gentleman, who was called Monsieur de Santon, whom Ferdinand had sent to be entertained amongst the Spanish companies, he being recommended * 2.80 to him by the Emperour Charles his brother. This man (as it was reported) [ K] had been a Captaine in France, whither (he said) he would not returne, vntill hee had reuenged certaine iniuries which was offered him; in memorie whereof he wore his haire so long, that it reached to his shoulders, and sayd, he would neuer cut it off, vntil he had first satisfied himself with reuenge. Ca∣stalde had great distrust of him, thinking (as it proued) he was a Spie for the

Turke, and sent thither by Henry King of France, to the end that hee might [ A] take notice of all occurrances which passed in Transiluania, to aduertise the Turke thereof. And although he liked not, that one whom he so much di∣strusted, should bee suffered to practise and bee familiar amongst his soul∣diours, yet neuerthelesse would he not in any sort disturbe him, for that he was greatly recommended to him by Ferdinand. Within a while after hee was departed from Sassebesse, it was certainly knowne that hee was a Spie, and what diligence so euer was vsed to recouer him, yet hee could not bee found; and at the same time came commaund from Ferdinand, that his head should bee cut off, being aduertised by the Emperour that he was a Spie for the Turke. In the meane time, while they expected newes of him, hee saued [ B] himselfe at Lippa with Peter Vicchy, to whom he was sent. Vicchy vnderstan∣ding the decree, and the proclamation that was made against him, and how they sought him in euery place, gaue aduertisement to Castalde that he was arriued at Lippa, and that if hee so pleased, hee would send him to him: but during this message, he caused him safely to be conducted with a good guard to Belgrade, from whence he tooke the way directly to Constantinople, to aduertise the Turke of all which was done in that countrie.

At the same time the day came that was appointed for the Diet to be held * 2.81 at Colosuar, where should haue been all the principall of the kingdome, and where (as it was determined) the Queene should renounce and resigne to Ferdinand the kingdome, and acknowledge and approue himselfe King [ C] thereof. After all the Deputies of those Prouinces and townes were arriued, the Queene the 28. of August departed from Sassebesse, accompanied with all the Knights and Gentlemen of the countrie, and also with Frier George and Castalde, the one riding on the right hand, the other on the left. Two daies after they were departed, they arriued at an Abbey, distant from Co∣losuar eight miles, where they lodged; and there it was concluded betweene them, to execute all that which before had been a greed vpon. And the be∣ginning of this solemne resignation, was by the royall ornaments, which were, a Crowne made of plates of gold, mounting on high in forme of a * 2.82 high crowned hat, inriched with stones and pearles, and hauing a little crosse [ D] of gold on the top. The next was a Scepter of Iuorie, garnished with gold, and a Mantle of cloath of gold, after the ancient habite in manner of a Vest∣ment, beset with many stones, but of small value. A gowne, and a payre of shooes of gold, which in respect of the worke were like to those made for the Apostolike Sea. Among all those Iewels, the Frier demanded of the Queene that she would commit the Crowne into his custodie and keeping. Which request she absolutely denyed him: saying, that she would neuer giue her consent, that a Frier should bee King of that kingdome, whereof she dispos∣sessed her sonne; but she would that they should bee conueied to him, to whom in right that Prouince belonged. And causing them to bee brought [ E] before them all, she tooke the Crowne in her hand, in the presence of the Frier, and many great personages, and after great effusion of teares, from her owne eyes, and from her yong sonne (who was present at the whole action) * 2.83 turning her selfe towards Castalde, sayd in Italian, such or the like spee∣ches.

Although inconstant Fortune following her cruell alterations, cutting off and confounding at her pleasure the affayres of this world, hath in such [ F] sort subuerted mine, that now both my sonne and my selfe are forced to for∣sake this kingdome, this Crowne, and all these other royall ornaments, which in times past were belonging to my deare Lord and spouse King Iohn of most happie memorie (but now vnhappie that wee bee) and to re∣signe into the hands and protection of others: yet notwithstanding she shall not for all this hinder me, but that at the least in my troubles and anguishes, I may take this onely contentment, seeing them to fall into the hands of a Prince, who is not only a Christian, but also so puissant and benigne, as is the King of the Romanes, whom I repute for my Lord and father, who also shal [ G] know with what zeale and affection they are giuen him, and whom by our good liking we reestablish in this State, praying God y^t he may enioy it with greater tranquilitie and longer time, then we haue done. And thus Seigneur Iohn Baptista Castalde, I present them into your hands, with intent (of my part) they may bee sent to his Maiestie, giuing him to vnderstand, that wee yeeld him not this kingdome and Crowne, vnder the bond of any condi∣tion or couenant whatsoeuer, but freely. And we, my selfe and my sonne, cast our selues into his mercifull armes with all our fortune, beseeching him he would haue regard of our miserable destinie, which, besides that wee are Christians, hath caused vs to spring of royall and princely blood. And that [ H] it would please him (following his accustomed bountie, which maketh him beloued of all the world) to receiue and account of vs for his chil∣dren, and not denie vs the reliefe, fauour, and protection, which wee hope and expect from him, and which you your selfe many times in his name haue promised vs.

After these speeches of the Queene, her sonne being yet but young, and * 2.84 knowing notwithstanding how greatly it imported him, to see himselfe depriued of his estate, and of that wherwith his father sometimes was crow∣ned, making some resistance, he shewed to the Queene his mother the little contentment which he conceiued of this surrender, and appartly manifested [ I] that he would not consent thereto.

But the Queene turning her selfe towards him, sayd: Since (O Iohn my deare and tender sonne) that I know thy fortune and mine is not sufficient and able to defend this kingdome, without the ayde and helpe of others, by occasion of the great number of those, who either by enuie, or of some certaine malice, or by some wicked disposition, make themselues masters of others, continually searching with the losse of the same, our ruine and de∣struction: Thou oughtest not to conceiue ill thereof, if hauing a care rather to publike good, then to our particular profit, which wee cannot main∣taine against the Turkes power, who by the daily prouocation of our ene∣mies [ K] doth molest vs, and in a manner depriue vs of all. Therefore in the middest of so many assaults of miserie, which fortune hath bequeathed vs, I haue chosen this to be the best meanes, to giue and resigne this kingdome to the King of the Romanes, who will defend and deliuer it from the Turkes violent attempts, and who in recompence will assigne thee such estates, as he hath promised me, for the renouncing which I haue made to him; to the

end that thou maist (at the least) yet liue as a great Prince, if thou canst not [ A] liue like a King: and I haue the rather yeelded to this, as not minding with common losse, to bee obstinate in warre, and to leaue and omit the cer∣taine for the incertaintie in the disposition of Fortune: considering also the inconstancie and mutabilitie of her tickle gouernment, which is accusto∣med rashly to rule and gouerne Kings houses, which are fallen in disgrace and contempt with the world, & who oftentimes imprudently and without thinking thereon, suddenly doth depriue them of their kingdomes, and sen∣deth them into perpetuall exile. Therefore that on my part I may not be∣hold such infelicitie, and not to fall into such an indignitie and miserie (be∣ing forsaken of all ayde and helpe) with the losse of the kingdome, I am [ B] easily perswaded with a comfortable hope, to reserue thee to a perpetuall and quiet repose, with a lesse estate and condition, and to take thee out from so many troubles, amongst the which I doe not yet despayre, that for a king∣dome which thou doest now leaue, it may bee in his power that taketh it from thee, to giue thee another, and happely of greater commaund. Let it not seeme strange to thee to leaue this kingdome wherein thou wert borne and nourished, being a thing which happeneth to many: but bee assured, that by the fauour and dignitie of vertue, a noble courage shall neuer be so much reiected of fortune, that he shall want any States or kingdoms. There∣fore for the deliuerie of the poore people, which are afflicted and destroy∣ed by our warres; for common repose, and for the preseruation of our [ C] faith, thou oughtest not to withstand or gainsay it, but confirming all that, which for thy good I haue yeelded vnto, consent that these princely orna∣ments bee sent to his Maiestie. And although I haue good cause to mourne in giuing ouer this Mantle, this Scepter, and chiefly this royall Crowne, (which not long since adorned thy fathers head, and which also should haue been set vpon thine) yet shall I not for all that faile but greatly comfort my selfe, since they fall into the puissantnes of a King, who will embrace thee as his owne person, and maintaine thee against those enemies, who secretly (in respect of the alienation of thy estate) will now rest satisfied, and who (it may bee) in time to come, would notwithstanding thinke themselues but [ D] little eased thereby, receiuing at the least from God in another world, be∣sides iust punishment, that chastisement which they receiued not here, euen as notwithstanding they had well deserued by their iniquities and wicked trecheries. Therefore whilest we are floting in the middest of this turbulent sea, it is requisite we saile with aduised patience, as fortune will ap∣point the winde, and conforme our selues to Gods omnipotent pleasure, since that there is no felicitie durable to mortall men, nor any kingdome, nor principalitie permanent.

Hauing ended these penitrating speeches, which were of that efficacie to haue mollified a stonie heart, and could not be spoken without being inter∣rupted, [ E] with many deepe and lamentable sighs, great comisseration and teares of those who were present, and especially of Frier George, she gaue the Crowne and the other ornaments to Castalde, who kindly and with good words gaue her infinite thankes, as well for the good will he perceiued in her, as also for the magnanimitie which she had declared, and for the boun∣tifull

liberalitie by which she did giue vnto Ferdinand this Crowne, and the absolute entering into this kingdome. And applying comforts to her ad∣uersities, [ F] he perswaded her not to attribute the renounciation of this king∣dome to her misfortune, since she could by no meanes properly say, that she lost it, leauing it to Ferdinand, whom she drew and bound to be a continuall friend, and father vnto her, who would neuer forsake nor leaue her in all her needfull affayres; and incouraging her the more, hee assured her that he would intirely and religiously keepe it for him, and that he would performe to the vttermost all whatsoeuer he had promised her. And with this doubt∣full hope, the poore afflicted Queene departed to goe towards Colos∣uar. [ G]

Castalde hauing in this manner receiued the Crowne, caused it to be care∣fully kept, being aboue all things by the Kings of Hungarie highly estee∣med, in respect of the vulgar opinion which is held thereof in that countrie: the report being, that an Angell brought it from heauen to S. Ladislas King * 2.85 of Hungarie; and that the King which doth not possesse it, cannot bee the true nor lawfull King, nor iuridially gouerne the people, nor execute iustice to them. Men doe yet say further, that if by chance this Crowne should by some casualtie be lost, and found by any whosoeuer, although hee were the poorest in the world, presently without any other triall, he should be created King, and they should sweare fealtie and homage to him, as to their lawfull and vndoubted King. But whether this be true or no, I know not; yet vpon [ H] this opinion, the Turkes haue a speciall desire to get it within the compasse of their custodie, as also Frier George had. All the Gentlemen and Lords who were present at the deliuerie of this Crowne, iudged that which the Queene had done, was of no small importance, esteeming the validitie of the Crown to be of equall price with the kingdome it selfe.

For this respect Castalde caused it continually to bee kept in his chamber with great vigilancie, vntill with a good conuoy he sent it to Ferdinand, by * 2.86 the Lord Iohn Alpohnse Castalde Pescaire, his nephew. The Queene being arriued at Colosuar, Castalde also arriued there within a while after, where he remained certaine daies, attending those who should be there, and that were [ I] called to the Diet, to know what their affection was to the King of the Ro∣manes, and to confirme them in their good deuotion, and to satisfie the Queene of that which was promised her; to appease all the tumults which was amongst them, and to incite them to take armes against the Turke, and chase them from those parts, vnderstanding they would once againe at∣tempt to enter thereinto. And after they were all arriued and assembled to∣gether, Castalde acquainted them with all the passed proceedings, whereof euery one was well contented. And if peraduenture there were some, yea, and of the chiefest, to whom it seemed not good what the Queene had [ K] done, yet durst they not make shew to the contrarie, for that Ferdinands part was then the strongest. And thus they all with one accord did sweare feal∣tie * 2.87 to his Maiestie, manifesting great ioy to see themselues returned vnder the gouernment of their natural Lord and King, to whom of right that king∣dome belonged. And although Castalde discouered the affections of many (who rather inclined to the amitie and league of the Turke, then to that of

the King) yet faining notwithstanding to reduce and bring all to his deuo∣tion, [ A] and to shew them the inconuenience of the amitie and friendship of the Turke, and how hurtfull and preiudiciall it would bee to them, with a speech as eloquent, as his countenance and cariage was graue, hee vsed to them this oration.

I haue alwaies esteemed it (Lords, and chiefe Commanders of this king∣dome) to be a thing very conuenient and necessary, not to speake at any time for any grace or friendship, which we haue purchased from other men; nor for the fauour which wee haue, or hope to receiue from them; nor for any instinct which we haue towards any: but only sincerely to explaine and de∣clare what we take to bee good and praise worthie, as well for the particular, as publike benefit; and not at any time to perswade any thing which is not [ B] both reasonable, iust, and holy, as well before God as men; which I for mine owne part haue practised as much as hath bin possible for me, and (by Gods assistance) will alwaies do it, chusing rather the good and glorie of the King (your Lord and mine) and the publike and generall quiet, then my owne proper life, as this day I meane to manifest to you, not minding to doe any thing, but that which shall bee sitting for the office of a louer of peace and publike tranquilitie, who ought not to omit vnspoken any speech, that may bee necessarie for the good and safetie of this countrie and kingdome, al∣though with his owne proper blood, he should not faile to sustaine and as∣sist it. Now, considering the present estate and condition into which you [ C] are fallen, by the secret hatreds which raigne amongst you one towards an other, and by the dissentions sprung amongst you, and your former Lords: by occasion whereof you haue called the Turke to your ayde, and haue brought him into this countrie, with the ruine, not onely of the vulgar peo∣ple, but also of your selues, and haue shewed him an open high way for the time to come, in a moment to be masters of you, he practising towards you that which he did to the Paleologians, Comins, Buccals, and other of the prin∣cipall of Greece, who for their conceiued hatreds, thinking by the Turkes ayde wholly to banish and expulse their Emperour, did not only ruinate the Empire, but also lost their owne goods, honours, themselues, and liues, the [ D] Turkes being allured with the goodlines and fertilitie of the countrie, and faining to fauour or support the discords of one faction or other, learning to make war after their maner, & hauing therewith in such diligent obseruance, noted the situation and passages of their countrie, that with little labour they thrust in vpon them, with such multitude and force, that after they had seene their young infants, their deare sisters, their beloued wiues and kindred to be prayes and slaues enchained; their townes burnt and destroyed, the coun∣trie harried, and the common people made slaues, and they forced to flye and seeke other Prouinces to inhabite, wherein liuing in calamity they were forced to end their miserable life; of Lords to become seruants, and of li∣bertie [ E] to be in the thraldome of subiection, which is the greatest miserie and calamitie of all, and surely which in all the world hath not his like; being too painfull and intolerable a burthen, that a free man, fortunate, and rich, should become a seruant, miserable, afflicted, and begging to satisfie his necessitie. All which mischiefes had assuredly happened to you, if Gods goodnes, and

the bountie of the King had not foreseene it, opening the eyes of your vn∣derstanding, to remember the passed glorie and renowne which your Kings [ F] haue vndoubtedly atchieued, by the victories and triumphs obtained a∣gainst the Turkes. Considering, I say, this your poore state, and knowing that you are not ignorant with what abilitie and force I am come hither, and how his Maiestie hath sent me with an armie, to take care and charge of this Prouince, and to succour and assist it in her afflictions, and by your friendly ayde to deliuer it out of the hands of Infidels, our common enemies; I haue esteemed it necessarie to declare vnto you, that you ought to sweare fidelitie to Ferdinand your King and Lord, with such homage as you are bound to performe, and to perswade you, that you ought so much the more to settle [ G] your selues in his fauour and clemencie, who will imbrace you not as his subiects, but will place you in his bosome, as his naturall and deare children, in such affectionate manner, that you may say, you haue rather gotten a fa∣ther, then a Lord, who will not faile to assist you in your necessities, nor for∣sake you in all chances of fortune, counting himselfe happie if they be such: and on the other side, deeming himselfe wretched with you, if it should suc∣ceede otherwise (which God defend it should) seeing the fortune of men is variable and more mutable then the waues of the sea, and subiect to infi∣nite hazards. But he esteeming you as deare as his owne members, it beho∣ueth not you therefore to giue any credit to the dissembling promises of [ H] Infidels; nor to the inticing perswasion of those who little affect your good, and lesse your quiet; nor by the instigation of those, who secretly practiseth your ruine, and would separate you from the bodie, of which depende the common health and life: but rather, it is needfull that you vnite and in∣corporate your selues into one resolute minde, and by that meanes valiant∣ly redoubling your forces, you may shew your selues such, that in opposing your selues couragiously, you may bee able to chase out of this kingdome, those enemies who violate our Religion, dishonour your Churches, force your Virgins, and with as much possible wickednes as they can imagine, de∣fame your wiues and children, neuer obseruing any faith. After this your [ I] manifest and couragious fidelitie, it behoueth that you deliberate and con∣sult with me for the publike libertie (although it bee a thing that seemeth daungerous) to denounce warre against them, which being iustly and dis∣creetly managed, will promise to vs victorie, and immortall glorie with them that shall succeede vs, who learning of vs to esteeme honour and glorie, (more deare then their liues) will freely choose rather to die fighting for faith and libertie, then to bee as prayes to these inhumane Barbarians, liuing in continuall dishonour. And if these reasons are not so perswasiue, nor yet of that force to moue your courages, yet ought they at least to make them tremble, by reason of the horrible cruelties you shall receiue when the Turke shall become your Lord: for assure your selues you shall not for all [ K] that enioy any great content or quiet, but euen daily your sorrowes and griefes will be redoubled with great and tedious impositions, for that he will not satisfie himselfe with an ordinarie and reasonable tribute: but with an absolute commaund hee will take away the dearest of your children, for∣cing them to denie our faith, and to forget both the father and mother,

who haue begotten, produced, and brought them vp; and will nousle them [ A] among his Ianisaries, to increase by that meanes their wicked and heathenish opinion, and ouerthrow and suppresse ours, which is grounded vpon the blood of our deare Sauiour Iesus Christ. And besides, if you haue a fayre yong daughter, who is of seemely and well fauoured countenance, and en∣riched and adorned with vertue, she shall presently bee taken from you, and put into the Serraile, to satisfie the vnsatiable lust and incontinencie of this abominable Tyrant, who cōtinually will aspire to no other thing, then whol∣ly to extirpate and ruinate you, and to make you in the end to become his seruants and perpetuall slaues, purloyning from you the best of whatsoeuer you haue, and the remainder of all which shall be left vnto you by your an∣cestors: [ B] neither can you say any thing in defence of your selues, nor contra∣dict them, which if you do, or make any shew of discontent, then shal you be straight in present danger of your life. Consider by this and firmly impresse it, what these calamities are, and how horrible and grieuous the effects be. A∣wake, awake therefore, I say, your drowsie spirits, and waite not vpon a vaine desire, & vpon a swelled pride, so willingly to yeeld your selues vnder so mi∣serable a seruitude, yea much worse then death it selfe: but valiantly oppose your vttermost abilities against such enterprises, and giue not occasion to o∣thers to call you tyrants: for surely not onely he is a Tyrant, who is the cause of another mans seruitude, but also he who is able to oppose himselfe against the violence of another, and yet maketh no resistance. Call together with [ C] you all the Sicilians and Transalpinians, making a league with your neigh∣bours, and with those of whom in time you may hope for succour and ayde, and in defending your selues, offend the enemie; this being no dishonest thing nor worthie of blame, for defence of your selues, to enter into league with any straunge nation whatsoeuer. And resolue and vnite your selues quickly in one, considering that in the occurrances and aduentures of warre, too long remissenes increaseth more detriment then profit. And by such a sudden determination, doing that which in reason and courage ought to be done, you shall manifest to your King a quicknes of spirit, and declare how much your hearts are cleere and cleane, as well in prosperitie as in aduersitic, [ D] those onely meriting to bee reputed truly couragious, and of a firme resolu∣tion, who perfectly discerning troublesome things, and things that are plea∣sant one of them from another, not doubting at any hand any perill, nor withdrawing themselues from the seruice of their Lord, as I assure my selfe you will not doe; making full account of this, that hauing before your eyes the pregnant experience of euils passed, and deeply thinking on the present labours, you will rather make choise to lose your liues by a iust and honou∣rable warre, then liue with a vile peace and an infamous quiet.

These speeches animated Frier George, with all the rest and chiefest of Transiluania, presently to yeeld themselues (knowing the veritie of the [ E] cause) to the Kings seruice, and he offered himselfe with them altogether to his deuotion, acknowledging him for their true Lord and King. The first who did sweare fealtie, were the Saxons and Sicilians, neuerthelesse with this condition, that he would confirme and obserue their priuiledges. Their chiefe Commaunder among them, named Ladislas Endef, was then greatly

recommended, because hee had induced them to such their acknowledge∣ment. And they deliberating together vpon the warre, that they meant to [ F] take against the Turke, (who, as it was said, would come and assaile them) it was concluded that they should send (as they had alreadie done through all the Prouinces) and publish that euery man should be in a readines vpon the first sommons that should be giuen them, to march against the common ene∣mie. During this time, and whilest these things were discoursed of, Ferdi∣nands * 2.88 packet of letters arriued, by which hee confirmed and ratified all that which Castalde had promised and agreed vpon with the Queene and Frier George. And besides, gaue thereby further authoritie to Castalde, that if pos∣sible it could be done by a Proctor or Deputie, to celebrate the espousals be∣tweene the Infanta Ioane his daughter, and Iohn the Queenes sonne; which [ G] * 2.89 within a short time euen in the very same place was after performed, with great ioy and contentment of all the kingdome, being the generall opinion, that this new aliance and agreement made betweene these Kings, would bring forth among them a perpetuall quiet.

These affayres being thus decreed and concluded, the day following, which was the 9. of September, the Queene departed from Colosuar, with a conuoy of 400. Hungarian horse, which Castalde sent with her, accompany∣ing * 2.90 her himselfe from that place two miles, which maketh foure French. The Queene being thus accompanied and in a Coach with her sonne (who was very sicke) and trauailing on her iourney, she that day plainly manifested the [ H] great sorrow and extreame discontent which she felt, to see herselfe depri∣ued of her kingdome, and by agreement to leaue her owne, and to search af∣ter another mans, which was very apparant to euery one, by the mournfull plaints and deepe sighs which she powred out, together with abundance of teares falling from her eyes (true witnesses of her sorrow and distresse). They being all come to a way which led on two hands, the Queene and her sonne tooke leaue of Castalde, not without great redoubling of sorrow and teares, the one returning towards Colosuar, the other proceeding on their iourney towards Cassouia. [ I]

Scarse was the Queene departed, but newes was brought her that Peter Vicchy had agreed with Andrew Battor, into whose custodie he had alreadie * 2.91 yeelded Lippa and Themesuar, with Becch, Becherech, and Chinad, and all the other Castles which were vnder his gouernment, not being willing be∣fore to come to this agreement, vntill hee was acertained by the Queenes letters, of all which had passed vntill then. And after he had thus yeelded his whole commaund, hee set forward on the way towards the Queene, to ac∣companie her to Cassouia. Whilest he was proceeding on his iourney, Bat∣tor entered into the said townes, and taking ample and sure possession of them, furnished thē with a garrison of such souldiours, as he had drawne out [ K] of certain Fortresses, and who for that purpose he had brought with him, be∣ing 800. Aiduchs, who are footmen bearing Halberts, Curasses, Bowes, Ar∣rowes, Crosbowes, and Sables, and 300. horse. With this warlike companie he greatly assured the countrie, specially because the Caransebansses, the Lu∣gasiens, and the Rathians (people very puissant) were reduced vnder the o∣bedience of Ferdinand, and had declared that they were content to liue vn∣der

his Maiesties deuotion, and to serue him in all occasions of warre which [ A] should be offered.

The affayres of Lippa and Themesuar being thus with diligence dispat∣ched, Castalde thought then he had fully effected his most important busines; because that whilest these two Fortresses were not yet vnder the gouern∣ment of Ferdinand, men thought, that that which he had negotiated before, was to little or no purpose, for that those two places were of great impor∣tance, * 2.92 and specially Lippa, which was esteemed and reputed the key and port of all Transiluania. The same, besides it was of great importance, was exceeding profitable and commodious, and therefore necessarie to be more carefully maintained and kept, in respect of the great reuenewes which come [ B] from thence, because it is the Port where al the vessels of salt are laden, which is transported by the riuer Marosse through all Hungarie, and is a marchan∣dise of the best and greatest trafficke dispersed into all those countries. Frier George demanded this toll of the King, importuning that his Maiestie would giue it him: but afterward the King vnderstanding it was yeerely worth 300000. Florins, hee would not intirely giue it him; but yet hee had it at a reasonable rate, although the other would not so accept thereof: and because he was not willing to giue him any occasion to complaine of him, hee libe∣rally * 2.93 gaue him the third part thereof. All Transiluania being reduced vnder the obedience of Ferdinand, and the Marquesse of Balasse, and Francis Chen∣dy, men of speciall authoritie and credit in their countrie, being also entered [ C] into amitie with him: Bernard Aldene Campe-master of the Spanyards, de∣sired * 2.94 Castalde, that since hee would send other Captaines for the defence of Themesuar and Lippa, that it would please him to send him thither, being the rather desirous to goe, for that he vnderstood he would send Spanyards thither. Castalde was therewith well content, and presently dispatching him, he gaue vnto him 300. Spanyards, and sent with him Captaine Rodrigo Vig∣liandrando, who then was come to the seruice of Ferdinand, during this expe∣dition, and who was by the same Aldene, earnestly desired to haue him in his companie, and that to the end that he might assist him both by his vertue and good aduice in any Martiall affayres, for that he was a man of trust, expe∣rienced, [ D] and very desirous of honour. Being thus dispatched, hauing with them two peeces of Artillerie, they set forward on the way from Colosuar, drawing towards Themesuar, which according to the iudgement of all, was of greatest importance, taking with them diuers Ingenors, to fortifie and re∣payre the other places which were of least strength. On the other side they caused to fortifie and strengthen Sibinio, Albe-iula, and Sassebesse, which are townes situated vpon little hils in the middest of great plaines, and which with little cost would bee made impregnable. Castalde caused these fortifi∣cations to bee repayred, to no other end, but onely to stop the Turkes incur∣sions, in case he would enter into the kingdome; and that in the meane time [ E] he might make other prouision and haue commoditie, to expect the suc∣cours which Ferdinand should send him, if need so required. And for that in the late Diet of Colosuar, the Transiluanians being for that particular cause required to ayde Ferdinand with certaine summes of money, they had excu∣sed themselues in respect of the great pouertie of the countrie, which was an

occasion they could not contribute thereunto: therefore by the commaund * 2.95 of the King it was ordained, that all the reuenewes of the Bishoprickes in [ F] Transiluania, with the Bishopricke of Agria, should bee employed for the charges of such fortifications.

Whilest these things were thus in doing, the Frier made semblance as though he had been very glad thereof, but especially because he had thrust out the Queene before him: and thinking that his purposes had at the be∣ginning taken good effect, hee hoped (as it many times chaunceth to men who often deceiue themselues in their owne affayres) that also the middest and the end would succeede fortunately, as his owne conceits had alreadie promised him. Now the Frier knowing that hee had greatly offended the [ G] Turke, in bringing Ferdinand into this Prouince, hee endeuoured by all meanes to cleere himselfe thereof, and againe to creep into his former grace * 2.96 and fauour. Thus by his subtilties thinking to hold Ferdinand in one sleeue, and the Turk in another, and to content them both, he meant now to kindle that, which afterward in the end hee could not extinguish. And to execute this his intention, he departed from Colosuar to go to a Castle of his owne, which he had built from the ground, named Wiuar. He had giuen order that there he would meete the Chiauss, which the Turke sent to receiue the tribute which that Prouince yeerely payed him, to the end they might liue in peace. The Chiauss was alreadie arriued at this Castle, whilest they nego∣tiated [ H] all the premised affayres. And the Frier caused him to be so priuately, yet well entertained, that none could speake with him, which he did in this respect, for feare that any should aduertise him of what had passed. For this cause he appointed him to bee lodged and friendly vsed in this place as the most commodious, being more solitarie and lesse frequented of waies, then any other in the kingdome. The Frier being arriued at this place, presently caused many sports and rich presents to bee shewed and giuen to this Chi∣auss, with sumptuous entertainment, and after he sent for Castalde, who pre∣sently came thither, and by their generall agreement and consent, he payed the tribute to the Turke, the time being almost expired, in which the said tri∣bute [ I] should be payed; and the truce yet continued, during which, it seemed * 2.97 not good to Castalde (and specially at that time) to giue the Turke any other occasion to infringe or breake it, then that he had alreadie done, which was, in lifting him out of Transiluania; which he meant not to doe for many re∣spects, and specially because he had a purpose with speede to prouide for the fortifications of the places before mentioned; and because that in the meane while hee meant to gaine the good wils of the ablest and mightiest men in the countrie, and to increase himselfe both with men and money to main∣taine and keepe it: but fortune would not suffer that he should long enioy his desire. For being one night at supper with the Frier, newes was brought * 2.98 him, that by the commaund of Achmeth Basha, there was gone out of Buda [ K] 3000. horse to assay to take the Queene, her sonne, and the Crowne of the kingdome, which was sent to Ferdinand, assuredly thinking that she would carrie it with her as a precious Iewell. But she (as good fortune was) tooke the way towards Cassouia, going in the poorest habite and painfullest tra∣uaile * 2.99 that could bee imagined, not any thing dissembling the extreame

griefe which still heauily opprest her. To her vttermost abilitie she mani∣fested [ A] this her immeasurable affliction, which hourely gnawed and sorely distempered her minde. Insomuch that one day passing a mountaine, which separateth Transiluania from Hungarie, and going downe the side thereof, which was very rough and tedious, by which ragged way her Coach could not passe, shee was constrained (during a great shewer) to goe on foote, and downe that side with her children and Ladies, and that not without great labour. Walking in this sort, she greatly complained her selfe of her aduerse fortune, who not contenting to be contrarie and opposite to her in great and waightie things, would yet afflict her in small and meane matters. And attributing this sorrow and discontent of minde, which vntimely hap∣pened [ B] to her, to the wickednes of her destinie, she tooke a knife, and with the point thereof (to ease a little her vntolerable griefe) writ in the barke of a great tree (vnder which she was retired to repose and shrowd her selfe from the raine, which powred downe amaine) these Latin words; Sic fata volunt, * 2.100 and vnderneath it, Izabella Regina, which is as much to say, Ainsi le veulent les Destinées, Izabella Royne. After she had engrauen these words, she againe presently tooke her Coach and proceeded on her iourney, and arriued in * 2.101 safetie at Cassouia, making by that meanes the Turkes sallie out of Buda vaine and friuolous, who knew not what to doe, for that she tooke another way more vnusual and lesse frequented, and quite differing from that which they were of opinion she would take: but the Queene being exceeding [ C] prouident and of good iudgement, preuented the Turkish subtilties, esca∣ped their ambuscadoes, and fell not into their hands. And thus (by Gods prouidence) altering her way, she disgraced Achmeths friuolous enterprise, and his followers found little con∣tentment of their laborious desires.

The end of the third Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Queene complaineth of George to Solyman.
• * 1.2

  George see∣keth againe the fauour of Ferdinand.
• * 1.3

  Nicholas Salm Lieute∣nant generall for Ferdinand in Hungarie. Tocchay.
• * 1.4

  The confe∣rence be∣tween George and Counte Salm.
• * 1.5

  The Queene sent to Soly∣man, aduerti∣sing him of the Friers practises.
• * 1.6

  George reti∣reth and for∣tifieth him∣selfe with Sas∣sebesse.
• * 1.7

  The Queene gathereth for∣ces against George.
• * 1.8

  Peter Vicchy besiegeth Se∣nath.
• * 1.9

  Thomas Var∣cocce defea∣ted the armie of Vicchy.
• * 1.10

  The maruei∣lous courage of a Ratian wife.
• * 1.11

  The Chiauss of Solyman in fauour of the Queene threatneth the Transil∣uanians.
• * 1.12

  The Transil∣uanians for∣sake the Queene.
• * 1.13

  George in∣camped be∣fore Albeiula.
• * 1.14

  The agree∣ment between the Queene and George.
• * 1.15

  The arrogan cie of the Frier
• * 1.16

  George ta∣keth armes against the Turkes.
• * 1.17

  Deua.
• * 1.18

  Chendy, Lieu∣tenant of George, de∣feareth the Transalpi∣nians.
• * 1.19

  The Sicilians and Saxons naturall ene∣mies.
• * 1.20

  The retraict of the Basha of Buda.
• * 1.21

  Turchy Iohn.
• * 1.22

  The retraict of the Molda∣uian.
• * 1.23

  The peace confirmed be∣tweene the Queene and George.
• * 1.24

  Solyman sen∣deth to the Transiluani∣ans that they should obey George.
• * 1.25

  The Queene incenseth the Transiluani∣ans against George.
• * 1.26

  George a∣greeth and v∣nited himselfe with Ferdi∣nand.
• * 1.27

  Ferdinand sendeth ayde to George.
• * 1.28

  Iohn Baptiste Castalde cho∣sen to goe Lieutenant into Hungarie for Ferdinand.
• * 2.1

  Lieutenant generall of a Campe.
• * 2.2

  A generall Comissarie of victuals.
• * 2.3

  A generall Treasurer.
• * 2.4

  A secretarie.
• * 2.5

  A Comissarie.
• * 2.6

  A Generall of the Artillerie.
• * 2.7

  The conduct or guard of Artillerie.
• * 2.8

  Canoniers.
• * 2.9

  Ingins to mount and dismount Ar∣tillerie.
• * 2.10

  Waggons and carts.
• * 2.11

  A Comissarie ouer the mu∣nition.
• * 2.12

  Pioners.
• * 2.13

  Captaine of the Spies.
• * 2.14

  Officers to clense the Campe.
• * 2.15

  Waggons or carts to carrie victuals.
• * 2.16

  Carts to carry implements and tooles.
• * 2.17

  Mils and O∣uens.
• * 2.18

  Boates and bridges.
• * 2.19

  Pikes, Laun∣ces, Caliuers, &c.
• * 2.20

  Phisitions, Surgions, Bar∣bers, &c.
• * 2.21

  A Master of the Post.
• * 2.22

  Priests.
• * 2.23

  That the Priests haue charge of the poore and sick louldiours.
• * 2.24

  Commaunds that none dis∣bandeth themselues.
• * 2.25

  A Captaine of the baggage.
• * 2.26

  Castalde go∣eth into Hun∣gary An. 1551.
• * 2.27

  Castalde cau∣sed Agria to be fortified.
• * 2.28

  Aiduchs. Vsarons.
• * 2.29

  The armie of Castalde.
• * 2.30

  The riuer Ti∣biscus or Tisse. The hill Car∣patus.
• * 2.31

  The oratiō of Castalde to his soul∣diours.
• * 2.32

  Castalde en∣tereth into Transiluania.
• * 2.33

  Debrezen.
• * 2.34

  Andrew Bat∣tor.
• * 2.35

  Thomas Na∣dasdy.
• * 2.36

  Zalnoch.
• * 2.37

  The Queene caused a Diet to be held at Egneth.
• * 2.38

  George dissol∣ueth the Diet at Egneth.
• * 2.39

  George besie∣geth Albeiula.
• * 2.40

  The descrip∣tion of Tran∣siluania.
• * 2.41

  Walachia.
• * 2.42

  Moldauia.
• * 2.43

  Transalpiniās.
• * 2.44

  Rhatians.
• * 2.45

  Ceculians.
• * 2.46

  Sicilians.
• * 2.47

  Saxons.
• * 2.48

  The riuer of Marosse.
• * 2.49

  The riuer of Cheres.
• * 2.50

  Rhatians.
• * 2.51

  Sibinium cal∣led Hermen∣stat. Pressouia cal∣led Cronen∣stat.
• * 2.52

  Corone. Torde. Cassouia. Albe-iula.
• * 2.53

  Stephen King of Transilua∣nia called Iohn.
• * 2.54

  The Mar∣quesse of Ba∣lasse.
• * 2.55

  Dalmas be∣sieged by the people of Fer∣dinand.
• * 2.56

  The Queene accordeth with George.
• * 2.57

  Albe-iula yeelded to George.
• * 2.58

  Castalde at Egneth.
• * 2.59

  Dalmas yeel∣ded to Ca∣stalde.
• * 2.60

  The meeting of George and Castalde.
• * 2.61

  The subtilties betweene Ca∣stalde and George.
• * 2.62

  George went to the Queen.
• * 2.63

  Castalde went to seek George
• * 2.64

  Castalde went to seeke the Queene, and to declare his charge.
• * 2.65

  Offers made to the Queen by Castalde in the name of Ferdinand.
• * 2.66

  The Queene conferreth with Castalde, and com∣plaineth of George.
• * 2.67

  The Queene yeeldeth her selfe to Fer∣dinand.
• * 2.68

  The deuises of George to dissolue the agreements of the Queen and Castalde.
• * 2.69

  The second a∣greement be∣tweene Ferdi∣nand and Queene Iza∣bella.
• * 2.70

  George Vay∣uode of Tran∣siluania.
• * 2.71

  1500. horse for the guard of George.
• * 2.72

  The custome and maner of Princes.
• * 2.73

  Ferdinand in∣treateth the Pope to make George a Cardinall.
• * 2.74

  George made Archbishop of Strigonium.
• * 2.75

  George dis∣swadeth the Queene from the agree∣ments made with Castalde.
• * 2.76

  The Queene accuseth George to Castalde.
• * 2.77

  The agree∣ments de∣creed.
• * 2.78

  Vicchy repo∣seth no trust in George.
• * 2.79

  Battor and Vicchy con∣ferre together.
• * 2.80

  A French Spie in the armie of Ferdinand, who aduerti∣sed the Turke of the occur∣rents of Tran∣siluania.
• * 2.81

  A Diet held at Colosuar, where the Queene re∣signed all the royall orna∣ments to Ca∣stalde.
• * 2.82

  The ornamets of the King of Hungarie.
• * 2.83

  The sorrow of Iohn, seeing his mother giue y^e Crowne to Castalde.
• * 2.84

  Iohn yet a childe mani∣festeth not to consent to the Queene his mother.
• * 2.85

  The common opinion which is held in Hungarie of the royall Crowne.
• * 2.86

  The Crowne of Hungarie sent to Ferdi∣nand.
• * 2.87

  The Hunga∣rians sweare fealtie to Fer∣dinand.
• * 2.88

  The ratifying of Ferdinand vpon the a∣greements.
• * 2.89

  The betro∣thing of the Infanta Ioane the daughter of Ferdinand, with Iohn the sonne of the Queene.
• * 2.90

  The depar∣ture of the Queene out of the king∣dome with teares and sorrow.
• * 2.91

  Vicchy yeel∣deth the low countries to Battor.
• * 2.92

  Lippa and Themesuar townes of im∣portance.
• * 2.93

  George had the third part of the toll of salt.
• * 2.94

  Bernard Al∣dene a Spa∣nyard, sent to to commaund Themesuar and Lippa.
• * 2.95

  The reuenews of the Bishop∣ricks employ∣ed to the for∣tification of the countrie.
• * 2.96

  George see∣keth againe the fauour of the Turke.
• * 2.97

  Tribute payd to the Turke by the Tran∣siluanians.
• * 2.98

  The Turkes in field to take the Queene.
• * 2.99

  The miserie of Queene Izabella.
• * 2.100

  So the Desti∣nies will haue it, Izabella the Queene.
• * 2.101

  The Queene arriued at Cassouia.