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 FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF HVNGARIE. (Book 4)

THE ARGVMENT OF THE FOVRTH BOOKE.

SOlyman prepareth an army to inuade Hungary, and George (Vayuode of Tran∣siluania) leauieth forces against him. Themesuar summoned by the Turkes, and diuers townes with Lippa is yeelded to them. Themesuar besieged by the Turk, but he raiseth his forces and retireth from thence. George is vehemently suspected by Fer∣dinand, who sent aduertisements to Castalde to kill him. The towne of Lippa be∣sieged and taken by Castalde, but the Castle held out, and George endeuoureth to saue Oliman, who was Gouernour thereof, who in the end vpon composition depar∣ted in safetie from thence: but was set vpon by our men, who were ouerthrowne by him. Aldene made Gouernour of Lippa. The conspiracie of George, his death, who was slaine at Buise; his buriall, and his moueables seized vpon to Ferdinands vse, for whose death the Sicilians began to mutine: but were appeased by Chendies wisedom.

AFter that the agreement passed betweene Ferdinand King of the Romanes, and Queene Izabella was ended and concluded, and that the Queene peaceably lea∣uing the kingdome, was wholly freed out thereof; the Transiluanians for two causes thought happely [ I] to liue a long time in a peaceable tranquilitie, and to haue brought to fortunate issue, the bitter afflictions which they in former time, with many perturbations, sorrowfully endured. The first whereof was, because they saw the sonne of King Iohn in league with the now present King, and to haue taken in mariage the Infanta Ioane his daughter, which aliance and amitie did indifferently mi∣nister to euery one an assured expectation of a perpetuall and quiet repose, and that in time, by meanes of Ferdinands clemencie and bountie, the way should not altogether be taken from Iohn one day, to reenter againe into that kingdome. The other was, that for the late sustentation which by these new [ K] agreements happened to them, they thought themselues so sufficiently assu∣red in abilitie, that the Turk for feare of the puissant authoritie of Ferdinand, and of the Emperour Charles his brother, durst neuer more, or at the least not so often as hee had done, molest and spoyle them: but on the contrarie, in

consideration of this he would greatly feare and doubt them: so that by this [ A] meanes they should haue time and leisure to fortifie and strengthen the pas∣sages, and furnish the low countrie townes in such warlike manner, that they should neuer hereafter stand in dread of the Ottoman violence.

But fortune not minding to satisfie their expectation, vnhappely shuffled all the cardes in their hands, and altered that sweete desire of peace, into a trembling feare and suspition of warre. For this Frenchman (of whom wee haue before spoken) being arriued at Constantinople, declared how he fled from Sassebesse, vpon suspition that he was a Spie for the King of France; and being retired to the grand Seigniour, informed him of all that which had passed betweene Ferdinand and the Queene. Solyman now knowing * 1.1 [ B] that to bee true, which vntill then hee would not beleeue, commaunded with expedition to leauie an armie to send into Transiluania, vnder the con∣duct of the Belerbey of Greece, to whom hee gaue commaund, that with all diligence hee should with 12000. horse repayre vnto Belgrade, where the whole armie should bee ioyned and vnited together, which should bee sent him by the Sangiacs lying there about, and that hee should enter and assaile this Prouince on both sides: on the one side by the helpe and assistance of the Vayuode of Moldauia; and on the other, by the ayde of the Basha of Bu∣da, and that he should with his vttermost abilitie endeuour himselfe to con∣quer it, and leauie such a masse of his people, and so continually imploy [ C] them, that Ferdinand should haue no time to preuent it, norfortifie himselfe there.

Castalde hauing notice of this by speciall aduertisement, in the greatest haste he could, mustered his men of warre, and began to perswade with the Frier, that he should prepare his forces to incounter the enemie, and giue preuention the best he could to the sinister chances which shortly might en∣sue, because that they were not able to prouide for the time. The Frier great∣ly dreading the Turke, in respect hee was vehemently incensed against him, for his former proceedings: answered (dissembling his thoughts) Castalde, that hee would not faile him in any furtherance. But on the other side hee * 1.2 cunningly practised his attonement with the enemie, to whom faining to [ D] write for the good and behalfe of Ferdinand, he onely writ for his owne sa∣fetie and commoditie, and sending certaine presents to Rostan Basha, and to him of Buda, to draw and allure them to his friendship, he assayed as much as he could to shake the blame from himselfe: saying, that if the Turke should send an armie into Transiluania to conquer it, because they had put the King of the Romanes into possession thereof, that for that purpose he neede not send thither, seeing that all was done by the Queene, and not by him; who had alreadie maried her sonne Iohn with Ferdinands daughter, to whose Lieutenants also she had freely, and from the perswasion of her owne opi∣nion, intirely relinquished her countrie and crowne, and her selfe was reti∣red [ E] to Cassouia: and that for these reasons it was to no great purpose to send an armie to destroy the kingdome and spoyle the poore inhabitants, who were vtterly ignorant and guiltlesse of the said facts: and promised that hee would herein so carefully trauaile, that he would chase from thence all those

souldiours and men of warre which Ferdinand had sent thither, and that he would continually pay the ordinarie tribute, and that according to such or∣der [ F] as before was promised, and as they had alreadie begun to pay it: and further writing many other reasons for his excuse: and also to confirme this his deuice, he caused likewise certaine of the principallest of the kingdome, priuately to write to the said Bashaes to approue all that which he had said. Yet would it not induce the Belerbey to desist from marching on with his * 1.3 troupes, which he brought with him from Constantinople. He being arri∣ued at Belgrade, he began to muster and assemble his Campe, and after ha∣uing prepared certaine bridges ouer Danubius, he passed to the other side, and went to lodge by the riuer Tibiscus, vpon which he also caused likewise another bridge to bee made, and from thence passing on a long, he came [ G] neere to a Castle named Becche, situated almost vpon the riuers side. In the next plaine he pitched his Campe, and from thence gaue aduertisement to all the neighbour Prouinces which were subiect to the Turke, that they should not faile, but presently send him men and horses, such as they are bound to send in the like affayres.

Whilest the Belerbey busied himselfe to gather the rest of his Campe, Ca∣stalde commaunded Aldene the Master of the Campe (who then was in the low countries for the defence and assurance thereof) that Stephen Lozonse, a famous Knight among the Hungars, should with George Sotede enter into * 1.4 Themesuar with 600. horse, for the guard and defence thereof. And further, [ H] for the better assurance of the same, he commaunded that Aldene himselfe should enter thereinto with all the Spanyards which he had, making Lozonse Gouernour of those countries, and Generall ouer all the warlike affayres. He with Aldene caused Themesuar and other places to be fortified with the best defences they could: and knowing that the enemie was alreadie in the field, they daily laboured to fortifie the towne with Rampiers and Bulwarkes of good sufficient strength, giuing aduertisement of all things which he heard or they did to Andrew Battor, who was then at Lippa. Battor seeing the ne∣cessitie of the time that vrgently pressed euery one, began to leauie as many * 1.5 men as he could, instantly soliciting all the people of his Prouince, and ad∣monishing [ I] them, that euery one should ayde him against the common ene∣mie. He also drew to him the principall Lords of the Rhatians, not in re∣spect to assist him with their powers, but for that they should not bee inuited to the seruice of the Belerbey, knowing their inconstancie to bee such, that they would affect and take part with the strongest. And hauing thus by all good meanes drawne them to him, and causing them to sweare fealtie to Ferdinand: that he might yet winne their good likings the more, he entertai∣ned 4000. of them into pay, with many Captaines, who voluntarily offered to be also entertained into Ferdināds seruice, as the others were. And hauing [ K] with great diligence leauied 15000. men, who were most horsemen, he pre∣sently with these troupes put himselfe into the field, and went and lodged beneath Lippa, expecting there what the enemie was determined to doe, who also was incamped betweene the two aforesaid riuers. Castalde at the same time diligently suruaied and munitioned the fortifications, and spe∣cially

the frontier townes of Transiluania, as he saw was most needfull. And [ A] being acertained y^t the Belerbey would come to Themesuar, he sent another companie of Spanyards thither, and money to pay the Rhatians, whom hee knew were variable and inconstant, and such as were needfull to be entertai∣ned with many and often payes, which happely would procure them from reuolting. On the other side, he vsed his best labour to prouoke Frier George, * 1.6 that instantly (as being Vayuode) hee should assemble all the souldiours of the kingdome, to march with them and relieue Themesuar, commaunding Andrew Battor that he should send to Lozonse as many men as he could, wher∣by he might hinder and withstand the Belerbey from the passage of Tibis∣cus. The Frier was very slow, and fearefull to leauie the inhabitants of the [ B] countrie, hauing before commaunded that none should stirre, without his appointment & expresse command, assuring them that the Belerbey would not passe Tibiscus, and that it was not needful of such an assemblie, which he the rather assured himselfe of, in regard of the letters which he had alrea∣die sent to the Turk and Bashaes. But after hauing certaine notice, that hee prepared two bridges vpon Tibiscus, hee went presently to Deua, leauying thereabouts 3000. horse, and with those hee incamped in the field, and pre∣sently writ to all the townes, that they should with all expedition send such men as they were bound by their custome to furnish, which was willingly executed with great celeritie. [ C]

Now when they would by the authoritie of the superiour Lords raise a∣mongst * 1.7 them such Infantrie and Caualarie, as euery towne is bound to fur∣nish, and that specially for generall defence; the custome of this Prouince is, to send one Launce and a Sword stained with blood, and borne on horse∣backe by one of the principallest officers of euery towne or place, and carry∣ing them on high (in token of great and present necessitie) sheweth them to all thereabout, with another man on foote, who goeth crying;

The com∣mon enemie commeth against vs all, let euery house prepare a man for ge∣nerall good, and send him speedily to that place which is appointed you.

At this crie euery one causeth speedily to depart, all those who are apt and able to beare armes, and sendeth them to the rende vous. And thus within a [ D] short time they assembled a great number of men, as well foote as horse: the care that Castalde had thereof, greatly assisting them in that busines, who spe∣cially hastened the men, which hee caused to bee leauied through the king∣dome, * 1.8 and so much the rather, because hee had vehement suspition of the Frier, who continually ceased not to his vttermost, to driue him out of those countries, whereof he was well aduertised by meanes of one who was very familiar with the Frier, and acquainted him with all such occurrants. Yet Ca∣stalde dissembling the matter, vsed Frier George in the greatest kindnes as was possible, and indeuoured himselfe by al meanes to gaine his good liking, and [ E] the rather, for that hee knew him to bee fickle and inconstant, and stood in much awe of the Turke, hauing continuall distrust that for his inconstancie, he would exchaunge the fauour of his friends, to follow the ambitious wiles of his enemies. In respect whereof, he confirmed him generall Treasurer, * 1.9 with 4000. Florins by the yeere, and also Vaynode of the kingdome, with

15000. Florins by the yeere, as he had requested, and with authoritie in time of necessitie to haue 800. horse, and 500. foote for his guard; and besides, 200. [ F] other horse which he should maintaine at Deua, and at Gherghe, two strong Castles and places which was giuen him to keepe. Being by such bountiful∣nes wonne to a dissembled fidelitie, he came to the Diet at Sibinio, (which a little before was appointed) where euery one being arriued, they required all the Prouinces of the kingdome; to wit, the Sicilians, Saxons, and Tran∣salpinians, to contribute some money to maintaine the charges of the warre; which was agreed vnto by the most. And whilest the Frier by all good out∣ward offices shewed himselfe seruiceable to Ferdinand, yet hee omitted not * 1.10 secretly to practise with the Turke, to accord with him, and in recompence [ G] of the good which was done him, he still caused such souldiours whom hee most trusted, to resort to him, with whom vnder the colour to chase and ex∣pell the Turke, hee endeuoured to thrust out of the kingdome Ferdinands people.

About that time came newes, how Maximilian King of Bohemia, was * 1.11 returned out of Spaine, with Mary daughter of Charles the Emperour, & that hauing passed through Italie, he arriued at Vienna, where, by reason thereof, was made him great feasts and sports: and how some brought letters from Rome to his Maiestie, by which (in the first creation of Cardinals) the Pope promised to include and create Frier George in the number. [ H]

Ferdinand vnderstanding that the Basha of Buda laboured thus that hee might increase his armie, did (besides the people which he sent into Transil∣uania) reenforce the garrisons which were on the frontiers of Hungarie, for feare that the Basha turning his course on that quarter, yet should he not bee so soone master thereof as he imagined. Whereupon he dispatched Andrew * 1.12 Branday with a Regiment of 3000. Germanes, and Charles Seheretin, a Lord of Slesia, with 400. horse, the most part whereof were men of armes, and the rest Pistoliers, all vnder the conduct of the Marquesse Sforce Palauicin, who then was Comissarie generall of the Campe. Being all arriued at Varadine, they soiourned there a time, attending that which Castalde would command [ I] them. He seeing that by no meanes he could depart out of the kingdome, without giuing the Frier great suspition of him, sent to tell the Marquesse Sforce, that with the people which hee brought out of Germanie, hee should come and ioyne with him where he was; and in the meane time, he leauing in Albe-iula one companie of Germanes, another at Sassebesse, and two at Sibinio (it being the greatest and most important towne of Transiluania) with those fewe Spanyards which hee brought with him, and the rest of the Germanes, he departed to goe and ioyne with the Frier. And then he vn∣derstood that the Belerbey had alreadie passed Tibiscus with a great armie of 80000. men, as well Infantrie as Caualarie (as the Spies, and those who secretly had knowledge of his Campe, reported): and that hee brought [ K] with him 50. peeces of Artillerie great and small for batterie, and with this warlike traine, hee held on his course to Themesuar. The Belerbey hauing thus passed Tibiscus, presently commaunded Lozonse, that hee should with∣out * 1.13 any further delay, in the name of the Grand Seigniour, presently yeeld

this towne to him, and that if he would not, he protested to race it stone from [ A] stone, and also both himselfe and those who were with him, to bee put to the sword, and that he would execute this according to the expresse command which he had thereof, without any mercie or fauour. And on the contrarie, that if liberally, and of his owne good will, he would yeeld it into his hands, besides the guerdon and assured recompence which hee should finde, hee would vse all curtesie and fauour, which according to fayre warres, was ac∣customably vsed to valiant and gallant souldiours: and by that meanes hee should assuredly winne the friendship of the Grand Seigniour, whose fa∣uour he should neuer want.

Lozonse at this proud summons answered him thus: That that towne be∣longed to the King of the Romanes, and that in his behalfe hee would vn∣doubtedly [ B] keepe and defend it to the death, acknowledging no other right∣full King, nor Grand Seigniour of that Prouince, but he: and that it were farre better discretion for him to retire backe againe, then to proceede with this crueltie to destroy the poore commons and countrie which were none of his, and ouer whom he had not any mite of interest: and therefore hee held it safest for him and his traine quietly to depart, and let those liue in peace, who did not any thing offend or annoy him. The Belerbey seeing the gallantnes of Lozonse, he made him no other answer, but onely sent to him by writing these foure verses taken out of Virgil. [ C]

Ante leues ergo pascentur in aethere cerui, Et freta destituent nudos in littore pisces, Ante pererratis amborum finibus exul Aut ararim Parthus bibet, aut Germania Tygrim.

Minding thereby to demonstrate, that Harts should rather bruze in the ayre; the fishes forsake the sea; a banished man see the ende of the world; a Par∣thean drinke vp the riuer Saone; or a Germane, the riuer Tygris, rather then * 1.14 hee would returne from his intended course. And so proceeding on his iourney, he came before a little Castle which standeth almost vpon the pas∣sage of the riuer, and is named (as is aboue said) Becche, and there in cam∣ped * 1.15 himselfe before it, and seeing it would not yeeld, he began so rudely to [ D] batter it with tenne Cannons, that the greatest part of the wall fell to the ground. Whereat the besieged being greatly astonished, and perceiuing themselues cast away, because the whole Castle was broken downe and layd open, they presently yeelded to the Belerbey, with this condition only that their liues might bee saued, who obseruing no promise towards them, were notwithstanding slaine by the Ianisaries, who after they were come forth, of 200. men left not one aliue, the Captaine excepted, whom the Belerbey with great difficultie saued. Going from thence with one part of his armie, and two double Cannons, hee came before another Castle named Beche∣rech, * 1.16 which being astonished at the late misfortune happened to Becche, [ E] without induring the force of the Cannon, they presently yeelded. This Castle being thus rendered, the Belerbey speedily with all his armie mar∣ched directly to another Castle named Senath, otherwise Chinath, before which he made a stand with al his squadrons, to see if they would yeeld: and

whilest he was occupied about these attempts, the Rhatians of Ferdinands part, seeing the Turks Campe approched with great force and violence, and [ F] thinking Ferdinands power deferred too much time before they came into the field, they all perswading themselues, that it was neither shame nor dis∣honour * 1.17 to breake their words and othes which they swore to the King (al∣though they had receiued pay) they wholly retired to the Belerbey, sending to him for his greater assurance, their wiues and children, and that because the Turkes are not accustomed to repose ouer much trust in them, knowing their extreame inconstant dispositions. After he had entertained these Rha∣tians, he caused those of Senath to bee tempted to some agreement, promi∣sing them that if they would yeeld, he would preserue both their honours and liues, and he would permit that peaceably euery man should enioy their [ G] owne proper goods. Vpon which condition they yeelded, and the Castle * 1.18 came vnder his commaund, and leauing therein a good garrison, he speedi∣ly marched towards Lippa, which was tenne miles distant from thence, lea∣uing behinde him Themesuar, which then he would not besiege, but reser∣ued that enterprise vntill better oportunitie, and performed no other thing, but diligently obserued the situation and commodities thereabouts, and af∣ter that proceeded on his iourney.

Euery one was of opinion that hee meant not to enterprise any thing a∣gainst this towne, because that hee was certainly informed there was a strong garrison within it, and that it was sufficiently munitioned and for∣tified, [ H] insomuch that hee esteemed the exployte very difficult, and per∣haps he supposed he should neuer get it. Thus leauing the siege thereof, vntill a more commodious and fit time, he thought it more profitable to take from him all the Fortresses thereabouts, and especially Lippa, (which was the direct passage by which Castalde was forced to send all the succours that were necessarie for him) and that afterwards hee seeing himselfe de∣priued of all hope, hee made no doubt, but that either by force or composi∣tion he should carrie it. He being now within one daies iourney of Lippa, presently sent his Vauntgard, to know and suruiew the Campe of Andrew Battor, who was suddenly aduertised thereof by his Sentinels, which hee ap∣pointed [ I] in certaine places, to bee assured when the Belerbey approched. They with all expedition in the beginning of the night brought newes to Battor (who was then at Lippa) that the Turkes drew neere to that towne, * 1.19 and that they had already discouered the Vauntgard. Battor vpon this newes euen the very selfesame night retired so confusedly with his people, y^t all his Campe was in a manner quite defeated, because that euery one for his owne part sought the meanes how by flying he might saue himselfe. Dislodging in this confusion, he left in the Castle Captaine Pete a Hungarian to gouerne it, a man of good reputation as well to manage armes, as also for other poli∣tike affayres, with 300. horse, and certaine Aiduchs, who are (as wee before [ K] haue shewed) footmen, who in their armes and manner of fight, imitate the Turkes; and commanded him with his people to defend both the towne and it, the best they could. Scarse was Andrew Battor departed, when in the morning the Burgomaster of Lippa (who is the principall officer of the

towne, and euery yeere one is chosen and created, for the administration and * 1.20 [ A] gouernment thereof) went to seeke Pete, plainly (yea and like a iolly stoute Burger) telling him, that he would yeeld the towne to the Belerbey, since he saw no forces left to defend it, it being forsaken by Battor, and that there was not one citizen that would hazard the losse of their children, wiues, sisters, and reuenewes, all of them being well assured, that if they should stand vpon their guard, the Belerbey would without mercie put them all to the sword, and that for this feare, neither they, nor the other Rhatians who were remai∣ning in the towne, would aduenture that, which within short time was pro∣bable to bring them to vtter confusion, nor foolishly hazard such a miserable end which now was eminent, if they stood vpon defensiue tearmes, well [ B] knowing that they had neither force nor prouision sufficient to resist him: and that for these considerations he was resolued to present the keyes of the towne to the Belerbey; and as for him hee might doe with the Castle as hee thought good. Pete seeing the cowardly resolution of this Burger, and assu∣ring himselfe, that the Turkes being in the towne, hee could not possible defend the Castle, esteemed it better and more profitable for the seruice of Ferdinand, in preseruing those souldiours which he had with him, to retire with safetie, then to expect and aduenture the losse of all. Vpon this delibe∣ration he forsooke the Castle, and the greatest part of the towne, and so de∣parted out of it with all his souldiours. And of the other side, the Burgoma∣ster [ C] went presently to seeke the Belerbey, vnto whom he yeelded the towne keyes, with many submissiue demonstrations of obedience; in recompence whereof, the Belerbey receiued it with kinde thankes, shewing him many pleasant sports, and also bestowing many presents of him, and presently after went accompanied to Lippa with the said Burgomaster, where hee lodged with all his armie, and soiourned there tenne daies, greatly reioycing him∣selfe, that without the losse of his people, all things were quietly yeelded to him: and supposing with himselfe that all the other places would doe the like, he endeuoured with his vttermost abilitie to take a little Castle, yet very strong, named Solimos, which was situated vpon a mountaine, distant from * 1.21 Lippa onely but a Culuerine shot. The souldiours who were within were [ D] Hungars, and little regarding the Turkes Campe, valiantly defended them∣selues, hoping that within short time Castalde would relieue them (as for cer∣taine he did) and shewing their valiantnes and courage, which was excee∣ding great, they daily made sallies out vpon the enemie, and endamaged and annoyed the Belerbey as much as they could, so that hee seeing neither by promises, good words, nor by more then reasonable offers he could winne it, he was forced in the end to depart, and let them liue in peace, perswading himselfe that he should in the end haue it either by a long siege, or of their owne good will. [ E]

Thus leauing within Lippa 5000. horse, and 200. of the best Ianisaries which were in his Campe vnder the charge of Oliman Bech a Persian (who a little before for some indignation which hee conceiued against the Sophy, was come from Persia to one Turkes seruice) departed with the rest of his ar∣mie to besiege Themesuar, thinking that vpon the conquest thereof, hee

should not leaue any thing behinde him which was not firme and assured to him, and that hee should not haue any more occasion to conceiue any feare [ F] or doubt to be staied by the succours which was hoped to bee sent by Ferdi∣nand: and for the better notifying of this towne of Themesuar, I will make a briefe description thereof.

Themesuar is a little towne enuironed with the riuer Themes, whereof * 1.22 the towne taketh his name. The halfe whereof is inclosed with a mud wall, and built vp with wood in forme of a Rampier, and before it are great Dit∣ches, Marishes, and Quagmires full of water, in regard wherof it maketh the towne in that place so strong, that by no meanes it can bee battered, and much lesse besieged. The other halfe is inclosed with a wall of quarters af∣ter [ G] the ancient manner, which when they heard that the Belerbey would come to besiege, they presently began to repayre it, making within it a long Trench of 150. paces, and of bredth and depth a pike broad and deepe, with his trauerses and necessarie defences, and below at the foote of a tower (which was in the middest) was made a Casemet to defend the Ditch of either side, which was alreadie fortified with flankes, fit for the shot to play out of.

This towne being thus fortified, they got thereinto all the victuals which were in either of the Suburbes, and fiered the greater of them, for that the e∣nemie should not finde commoditie to lodge therein; and the other part [ H] which was enuironed with two armes of the riuer, remained whole vntill they saw where the Belerbey would incampe himselfe, with intention to de∣fend it, as well for that it was of it selfe naturally very defensible, as also for the commoditie which they receiued thereby; and all of them determined to keep and defend that towne against the furie and force of the Barbarians, or else to make an honourable and glorious end. They being generally of * 1.23 this firme resolution, behold the Vauntgard of the Turkes arriued the 14. of October, to peruse and suruay the place: and whilest they were busied and attentiue about their view, Lozonse sallied forth with 400. horse, somewhat against the liking of the Master of the Campe, Aldene. Captaine Viglian∣drando [ I] also issued forth with 50. Harquebuziers to skirmish with the enemie, and so effectually did hee pursue it, that that day hee performed the acts of a valiant and couragious Leader: as for the same valour there was renowned and commended a Spanish Knight, named Alphonse Perez of Saiauedra, to whom a little before Ferdinand had giuen a companie of Hungarish horse. Lozonse on the other side with his horse performed as much that day, as was possible for a man of experience and valour to doe against his enemie, so that being well seconded by the vigilancie and dexterie of the Harquebuziers, he forced the Turkes (which were 2000.) mauger their braueries, to retire themselues to their maine squadrons. And this skirmish continued vntill the Master of the Campe sent to them, with commaund to retire, fearing [ K] that by their too much forwardnes, there might befall them some sinister for∣tune, because the Turkes were a great number, and considering also that they had giuen the enemie sufficient notice of their pr〈…〉〈…〉esse. Obeying this com∣maund, they retired without the losse of any one of their men, although they

were very hotly charged euen to the very enterance of the Suburbes, where [ A] Vigliandrando well foreseeing the euent, had placed certaine Harquebuziers to relieue them, when they should make their retraict. And this preuention stood them in singular good stead, and greatly endamaged the enemie, who for feare of the said shot, were forced to make a stand, and in the end re∣tire

The day after this skirmish, the Belerbey presented himselfe before the towne with all his Campe in a well ordered battaile, who (by reason of the Rhatians that had forsaken and disbanded themselues from our part, and were linked to the Turks) was growne to the number of 90000. men, where∣by he thought to amaze our people onely with the sight of their armie: and [ B] minding to begin to take some knowledge of the place, was by the sallies of the assieged so sharply annoyed, that he could not at that time possibly per∣forme what hee went about. The Master of the Campe in the meane time placed 100. Harquebuziers within the Suburbes to defend it against the Turkes, vntill the munition which was therein, was gotten and had into the towne, the better thereby to ayde themselues during the siege. The second day after, the Belerbey in the night time caused his batterie to be placed, and on that side which Lozonse and the Master of the Camp had begun (as good fortune was) to fortifie. Which thing when our men had vnderstood (by the confession of certaine prisoners, whom they had taken in their sallying [ C] forth) they presently caused with all expedition that night, to lengthen the Trench which they had begun fiftie paces, and so diligently did they la∣bour, that the next day they thought themselues sufficiently strong. The e∣nemie hauing viewed the place, began at dawning of the day to batter with two Cannons, two Culuerines, and other small peeces, with which he bat∣tered against those defences to beate them downe. Our men seeing so weake a batterie (although that Aldene had alreadie sent to Castalde, to certifie him that if within 20. daies he was not relieued, he should be forced to ren∣der the towne) esteemed as nothing the Turkes violence, for that they assu∣redly thought, they were well able to maintaine the defence of their towne, vnlesse perhaps they should be so battered with a great number of Artille∣rie, [ D] that by maine force the walles on all sides should be broken downe and laid open, whereof they had some distrust, fearing that the Belerbey would haue brought thither seuen other double Cannons, which they should bring from Belgrade for this warre, euen as they had vnderstood by the foresaid prisoners.

Now whilest these things passed thus at Themesuar, Castalde hauing first furnished all the Fortresses with Germane garrisons, and after that he had appeased the disorder which was at Bressouia by the souldiours (who were * 1.24 risen against the citizens, and had offered them great outrage: and to ap∣pease [ E] which mutinie, he was forced to vse seuere iustice against those who were authors thereof, and to manifest thereby an example vnto others, to liue more peaceably and in duer obedience: for some of them were execu∣ted, others banished, and others condemned for a certaine time to prison): After (I say) that Castalde had set in order these affayres, he came and ioyned

with the Frier, who with great diligence and promptnes had already leauied * 1.25 as well horse as foote an armie of 70000. men, which daily increased, and [ F] namely by the arriuall of the Marquesse Sforce Pallauicin, who came thither with 3000. Germanes, and of Charles Scerettin with 400. horse, and lastly by the arriuall of Andrew Battor with 10000. men, who after his retraict from Lippa, had thus redressed and reunited his armie, which so timerously and by such a confusion was disbanded and fled. By this augmentation Castalde and the Frier had in their Campe well neere 90000. men, as well those of his owne pay, as also those which were sent him by others, and 50. peeces of Artillerie. But although the number was great, yet were they of little abili∣tie to performe any matter of moment, for that they were men of small ex∣perience, [ G] * 1.26 and such as were sent of euery house, (as the custome is in this kingdome alwaies to send vpon such necessitie) meanly armed, and meerely ignorant of any warlike discipline: so that they are more fit to moue trouble and flie, then to fight or pursue the enemie. For these respects Castalde had no great affiance in them, but only vpon a few men which were in the Kings pay, of whom, and of no other hee made speciall account for any important seruice, which number might amount vnto 15000. horse and foote of all na∣tions: but specially he reposed singular confidence in 500. Spanyards which continually hee had with him, in whose quarter, as well in the field, as else∣where, he alwaies pitched his Tent and lodged. And because that among so [ H] many nations, which from diuers parts were come thither, men could not perceiue any great order or obseruation of Militarie discipline amongst them, but rather, by reason of the hatreds, quarels, priuate and publike enmi∣tie, which they had one against another, they might behold an extreame confusion, because that one Prouince would not ioyne and consort with an other, but euery one would muster and range himselfe a part, the intreatings and perswasions of their Captaines and Officers nothing auailing: Castalde seeing the inconuenience thereof, and endeuouring to abate and suppresse all their particular dissentions, and to reduce and vnite them into one attone∣ment, that he might not by the meanes of such tumults and disorders, cause [ I] to grow the hope of the enemie, and weaken Ferdinands forces; caused the principall and chiefe men of marke among them to assemble before him, and vsed to them this or the like perswasiue admonitions.

My louing and friendly fellowes in armes, your famous predecessours in * 1.27 times past florished by good and commendable customes, and abounded in all excelling vertue, and specially in warlike affayres; where in former time they vsually attained to the period of eternall glorie: yea, and in such famous sort, that they thereby were greatly admired of all Nations, Kings, and Pro∣uinces. But since, this path of vertue hath been left by their posteritie, and that it hath been couered on all sides, and darkened with innumerable vices; [ K] this brightnes and light of true glorie (there being laid a part ancient Milita∣rie discipline) remaineth so obfuscate amongst you the rest of the Dacians, that it hath ingendred in this Prouince a most infamous losse and markable damage. In considering of which, I now esteeme it no lesse necessarie then commendable to reforme this armie, and reestablish it in that estate and re∣nowne,

which our ancient custome and obseruation requireth: which is vn∣possible [ A] to be done, without your assistance. Therefore I am very desirous to admonish and exhort you, that leauing all couetousnesse, forsaking all plea∣sures, auoyding all corporall delights; and aboue all, excluding the slothful∣nes mixt with your priuate hates and dissentions, you would endeuour to reduce and submit your selues vnder obeysance and good order (vnder which, your ancestors with vnspeakable fame were wont to liue and manage armes: to the ende that following this infallible rule, by the helpe of your forcible armes, you might haue an open and free passage to a blisfull and most quiet repose, and that you might (being all vnited together) bring into your country (by the defeature & flight of the Turks) memorable triumphs, [ B] and not by the meanes of your preiudiciall hatreds, increase their puissance. In performing of which, you may assure your selues, I will not be to you as a Captaine and Generall: but, as an affectionate father and deare companion, as well to comfort my self with your good and fortunate successe, as also pa∣tiently to take part with any euill (which God defend) that shall betide you.

By vertue of these and such like speeches, al the people which before were so disordered, did now vnite themselues louingly into one, hauing more re∣spect to the person which did thus speake, then regard of their owne particu∣lars, and were content to be ordered and mustered with the other. [ C]

This done, Castalde and Frier George with this armie and Artillerie, began to march with great iournies, desirous in time to relieue Lozonse and Aldene, who were besieged at Themesuar. In the continuance of their marching, the Frier would alwaies leade the Vauntgard, hauing all his people with him. But when he approched the enemie, Castalde tooke the conduct with the best and approued souldiours which hee had, leauing the battaile to the other. And marching in this manner, hee himselfe appointed the quarters for the armie to lodge, alwaies chusing the places of most strength and com∣moditie, whereby his people should not receiue any detriment, continually causing his Campe to march in good order, although it was with some diffi∣cultie, for that the armie was great, and the way where they should passe very [ D] narrow and tedious, and specially in some places which they found be∣tweene the mountaine and the riuer, they being sometime 12. or 13000. in length, where they were so straightly crouded together, that very hardly a Coach could passe. In respect whereof the iournies were little, which did much trouble Castalde, seeing that thereby the succours which he determi∣ned should enter into Themesuar were slackened, which he knew to be vio∣lently battered by the Belerbey.

Now whilest the Campe marched, the Commaunders of the armie dis∣coursed * 1.28 among themselues, whether they should goe to Lippa or Themes∣uar: and after many and sundrie opinions, it was thought fittest that they [ E] should direct their course to besiege Lippa, and others were of opinion to proceed on and succour Themesuar, and that afterward they would returne and assaile the other. Against which opinions, Frier George firmely opposed himselfe, saying, that it was much better directly to goe to Lippa; alleadging

for his reasons, that the Belerbey to relieue Oliman, would raise his Campe from before Themesuar, and that hee would assuredly come to them; and [ F] by this meane they should auoyde a tedious and cumbersome iourney; and that afterward they might commodiously send such succours as they would to the besieged at Themesuar.

Castalde tooke these opinions not to bee good, and prouing his speeches by diuers reasons, in the end perswaded euery one to determine vpon this resolution, to leaue a Campe before Lippa, which should bee sufficient to maintaine a siege there, and so to hinder Oliman that he should not by sallies be greatly offensiue to them, neither escape himselfe: and with the rest of his people (since he had sufficient) he would march on towards Themesuar, [ G] and that he would take the way which leade towards Caransebesse, which is a Castle situated in the confines of the Transalpinians, not farre from The∣mesuar, from whence he might within few houres send succours to Lozonse and Aldene, and that if he did otherwise, it would redound to small profit; and this enterprise could bee subiect to nothing else, but to inconstant for∣tune, voyde of all reason.

After (I say) such aduices discoursed and determined of, the Frier at the same instant called to him Battor, that he might bee present at that which he would speake; and said to Castalde, that he had altered his minde, and that he thought it not good to goe with this armie to relieue Themesuar, being as∣sured [ H] that this armie composed rather of people mustered together, who were but badly armed and vnexperienced, then of good and trained soul∣diours, (whereof the Turkes no doubt would bee aduertised) it would bee suddenly incountered by the enemie, and that these two armies rudely shocking together, our Campe without doubt would be broken and ouer∣throwne, by the good order, practise, and long experience of the enemie. And thus publishing to them many other friuolous reasons, hee concluded in the end (appartly shewing) that he was mutabilitie it selfe, and that his disposition was not to bee long firmely stayed vpon one resolute pur∣pose. [ I]

Castalde answered him, that he had reason to be as he was, especially in im∣portant affayres, in which it was behoouefull to take good counsell, and vse a consideratiue foresight, it being commendable for him sometimes to change his opinion from good to better; but onely he now meant to per∣swade him to goe to Lippa, where (according to the euent of things) they would agree amongst themselues either to assaile Lippa, or relieue Themes∣uar. The Frier replied, saying, that he well knew Themesuar to be a place not very strong, and that by a Polacque, (whom he had of purpose sent thi∣ther; and after that hee had diligently considered all that which was done there, as well within as without, hee was againe returned to him) by whom he had also notice that the Turkes expected more Artillerie to be sent them, [ K] and that the besieged, although they were couragious (and had good desire to fight) yet were they not able any longer to endure the siege, in respect of the intolerable and laborious toyles, which day and night they endured, in digging and fortifying with straw. Castalde hearing these things, with other

more colourable reasons, strengthening still his owne, tolde him he should [ A] remember that which vsually hee was wont to say; that except Lippa were recouered, Transiluania would bee lost, and that it might please him not to deceiue Christendome of that speciall hope, which it had conceiued of him, and of that glorie which it should get, by the recouerie of this towne, and by the retraict of the enemie, being very well content that in this matter he himselfe should absolutely commaund, and that he would obey him as a priuate Captaine. By these reasons he endeuoured to perswade the Frier to march to Lippa, and specially because the time approched that hee should relieue Lozonse and Aldene, as they had demaunded, hauing protested, that if during the limited time of twentie daies, they were not relieued, they [ B] could no longer hold out, but be forced to yeeld to the Belerbey. The Frier, whether it were that he feared to giue battaile to the Belerbey; or that it was for some consideration of the practises which hee had with him, that by his meanes he might reconcile himself againe to Solyman; or else that he thought not his Campe to be sufficiently furnished of such men, vpon whose valour he might aduenture the hazard of a combat, I know not, but for these rea∣sons hee would not vpon had I wist, neither aduenture his person nor the kingdome, nor march any further, and lesse relieue Themesuar. But in the end he manifested with an euill will to goe towards Lippa, and thinking to escape from thence (since otherwise he could not doe it) he held on his pace [ C] with slow speede, not without suspition, as it seemed, to giue leisure that Oli∣man might retire himself, for that he thought he would neuer aduenture nor attend him within so weak and vnfortified place. Thus the Friers idle excu∣ses was not without some considerations best knowne to himselfe. And whi∣lest some were disputing to proceede on, and others to make no haste, newes was brought how the Belerbey, after hee had battered Themesuar eight whole daies together, was now retired; notwithstanding there was brought * 1.29 him more Artillerie and munition, esteeming it to bee his best safetie not to attend there any longer, vnderstanding that Frier George and Castalde appro∣ched neere with a great armie. And thus vpon the day that our men thought to receiue the assault, at the dawning of the day, they perceiued the Turkes [ D] had forsaken and quitted their Trenches, and left them disfurnished of their accustomed guards, and that they had drawne their Artillerie into those Castles which they had wonne before, and were in the night dislodged with so great a noyse and tumult, that our men thought they yet planted o∣ther Artillerie to endamage them the more. Lozonse and Aldene being ad∣uertised of this departure, would not that any should yet goe out, fearing the enemie was not wholly retired; but caused certaine Aiduchs to goe forth to suruiew the Trenches, and discouer the occasion of so sudden a remouing. These being abroade, saw that the Turkes were assuredly retired, and that in [ E] such great haste and disorder, that in token thereof they had left in their Trenches more then 200. iron bullets for Artillerie, which presently were taken into the towne by our men. The Frier taking courage by this dislodg∣ing, made shew to be very ioyfull thereof, and causing the day following an assemblie of the Councell, it was concluded then among them, more expe∣dient

to assaile Lippa, (and not leaue it behinde) then to follow the enemie. The army proceeding on in this course towards Lippa, they had notice how [ F] Oliman determined resolutely to defend it, and as they marched (being al∣readie within foure miles of Lippa) there arriued the 20. of October in the night, a Currier, who brought newes, that Pope Iuly the third, at the request * 1.30 and instance of Ferdinand, had created Frier George a Cardinall, and brought him the red Hat, with many Cardinals letters, who not knowing him, but being onely induced thereunto by the good and commendable reports which were spoken of him, sent to him this newes, with great and magnifi∣cent salutations, aduertising him with what good affection of all their Col∣ledge, the Hat was bestowed vpon him, assuring him also, that not onely this [ G] dignitie was due to his worthie merits, but also an honour farre more re∣nowned, for a man of that sincere Christianitie, and religious protector of the Romane faith, defending this kingdome with so great trauaile and indu∣strie against the Turkes, whereof they generally receiued a singular content∣ment.

As these and Ferdinand had written to him these particulars, and that ac∣cording to the great information which was reported of his vertue, great∣nes, and courage, hee seeing such commendations to bee greatly to his re∣nowne, could not so much containe himselfe within the bounds of tempo∣rance, but that hee apparantly declared to all men great tokens of ioy in his [ H] countenance, considering that euery where men made so speciall an account of him, yea, and euen at Rome it selfe, whither all the world resorted. But on the other side he was much disquieted, fearing that the Turke, vpon aduer∣tisement of these honourable fauours which he daily receiued of Ferdinand, should in respect thereof, and in time to come greatly suspect him, and vpon these reasons might haue iust occasion not to repose the like trust in him, as he before, euen vntill that time, had done. By reason of these two contrarie∣ties which he had in his minde, there were contrarie shewes in him: for vnto them which did little knowe and vnderstand his practises, hee made shew as though hee little regarded the Hat: but to others who were of a deeper reach, hee to vaile their iudgements, endeuoured himselfe by many inuen∣tions [ I] to make it apparant to them, what singular pleasure he conceiued of it. The same night, in token of reioycing, Castalde commaunded that a Salue should bee made with all the Artillerie, to the end that the Frier being throughly prouoked with such signes of honour and ioy, he might resolue himselfe wholly to follow Ferdinands part, and that with such sinceritie as he ought, and that hee would wholly giue ouer himselfe to his seruice, and not haue so many Irons in the fire. But all this was done to small purpose. For with his deceits and shifts, he still continued to maske his falsehood, little re∣garding any person of what qualitie soeuer; which was a thing that greatly [ K] displeased as well Castalde, as all the other Commaunders who were adhea∣ring to the Kings part. This, and the ambitious desire of power and great * 1.31 places, were first the cause of the hate which was ingendred against him, and in the end procured his death, because that all the Commaunders seeing he did not any thing esteeme nor fauour them, but on the contrarie held them

in disdaine and contempt, began to apprehend a suspition of being betraied, [ A] and in some place or other, when occasion serued, to be massacred.

Now while Frier George by his malice, in concealing his purposes, dissem∣bled one thing, Castalde with as great policie and wisedome fained another, alwaies shadowing his intention with such discretion, that none had any perseuerance of the dislike which he conceiued in his heart against him; and hauing before noted the Friers deceitfull proceedings, as it was said, he repo∣sed no trust in him at all, but continually had a vigilant and suspitious eye o∣uer his actions. As these affayres proceeded on in this sort, two daies after * 1.32 there arriued with Castalde a gentleman of Ferdinands retinue, named Iulius Salazar, who was come post from Vienna, with letters of credence, which [ B] imported, that if Castalde was not then departed out of Transiluania, hee should not now stirre from thence, but resolue to keepe and maintaine him∣selfe there so strongly, that the Frier should finde no deuises to expell him out: and that he should inuent the best meanes he could presently to haue him slaine, for that he perceiued not onely by his owne letters, but also he vnderstood for certaine, by speciall aduertisements from those who were come from the Turkes Court, and from the King of Polonia, and some of his Secretaries, that he intended to enter league with the Turke, and to seeke the destruction of him and of all his armie, and thereby to make himselfe ab∣solute Lord of Transiluania: and that before he should put in practise his de∣termination, he aduertised him to haue a speciall and vigilant eye of his pro∣ceedings, [ C] and that he should in such sort doe it, as though there were no such intended practise to intrap him; and that hee referred to his wisedome the meanes which hee should vse to effect it, skilfully endeuouring to deliuer himselfe from the danger in which he might behold his person and people at that time. Castalde then vnderstanding Ferdinands pleasure, he thought it no new or straunge thing, because that hee alreadie very well perceiued that the Frier vsed but little sinceritie and true dealing in those affaires which concerned the Kings seruice, which possest him in a confirmation of the di∣strust, which he not without cause conceiued of him. Now to frustrate his iealous braine from suspecting any intended practise against him, hee by [ D] some new deuises, for his better satisfaction, dissembled the Kings mes∣sage: and his temporising with him was so discreete and wise, that hee neuer gaue him the least occasion to suspect him, imparting to him what desire Ferdinand had to see a good ende of this warre, and what speciall hope he had of his valour and integritie, to obtaine by his meanes some re∣nowned victorie, attributing all the glorie which should be gotten thereby, to his vertue and prowesse. With such colourable fictions he continually entertained him, vntill that time which then should present vnto him the meanes to execute his enterprise, euen as hee well hoped it would come to [ E] effect, without any danger or losse, and after such manner, that by the execu∣tion of it he should neither hazard that kingdome nor his armie: which he knew so well to conduct and manage, and that with such suttletie and secre∣sie, and to bring it so to end, that the Frier should neuer haue any suspition or coniecture of it, which might haue giuen him any trouble in his minde.

In the meane while the Campe approched very neere to Lippa, and then the Frier for that day would needes leade the Vauntgard, which Castalde by [ F] no meanes would denie, but gratified him in any thing he demaunded. The Frier being arriued at a place where hee lodged that night, found the passage * 1.33 to be exceeding bad for the Artillerie, the way being very narrow, by reason of the mountaine and riuer which fronted each other: but yet not so rough that it should bee any occasion to hinder or slacke that which hee desired to doe; yet did the Frier finde it to be a sufficient subiect, to execute his waue∣ring intention. Thus he now seeing it was time to accomplish that which he had imprinted in his braine, hauing suruaied the passage, declared to Castalde that he thought it would bee impossible for the great Artillerie to passe that place, and that he was of minde that it was good to leaue it there, notwith∣standing [ G] with such a guard of horse and foote as might defend it, and that himselfe alone with the field peeces would proceede on the iourney. Castal∣de not liking of that which the Frier aduised him of, went himselfe to view the said passage, and saw it was not so bad, as that it should stay or hinder the Artillerie from passing: and thinking the Frier was not so simple, but that he knew this passage might easily be fitted, iudged in himselfe that he set before them these difficulties to no other end, but to slacken the deseignes of Ferdi∣nand. Vpon which consideration, Castalde caused good store of Pioners to bee set on worke, and made them bring many pickaxes, who within a short [ H] time so repayred and enlarged the way, that two horses might goe in front with a wagon, and so by little and little they cut so much of the Rocke, and made the passage so large, that the Artillerie might well passe without any inconuenience. Castalde with the other Captaines to bring the worke to an end, began themselues to set to their hands, and there they laboured so long, till it was farre in the night, in respect whereof he was forced there to lodge his Battaile and Rereward, and commaunded certaine Spanish Captaines who were then with him, that although it was not yet day, they should march with the Artillerie the rest of the night, notwithstanding it was then time rather to repose and rest themselues, in respect of the former daies wea∣rines; [ I] and himselfe, not being perceiued of any, with his owne guard depar∣ted secretly out of the Campe, and went from thence priuately to the place, where two miles from Lippa the Frier was lodged, and being entered into his Tent, accompanied with sundrie Spanish and Italian gentlemen (among whom was one Iulian de Carleual) he said to him, that he should not be asto∣nished, although they came to him at that time of the night, and in that man∣ner (as hee sawe) to speake with him, for it was for no other purpose, but to knowe the cause that moued him without any occasion, to wish him to leaue the great Artillerie, being so nigh the enemie, against whom not∣withstanding couragiously marching, they should be sure to get vncredible [ K] honor, and making themselues masters of Lippa, to obtaine so great and ho∣norable reputation, as they might well hope for, from all this warre: and so much the rather, for that the enemie had raised his Campe from before The∣mesuar, vpon the bare bruite of their comming to relieue the besieged, which vndoubtedly had alreadie purchased to them inestimable honour,

and great astonishment to the enemie. The Frier answered him; that the occasion which moued him to come vnto that place with the armie, was, for [ A] that hee thought the Belerbey would intirely retire himselfe: but, sith hee vnderstood that he had not yet passed Tibiscus, it gaue him to suspect some further matter, seeing that Oliman bouged not from Lippa, but resolued to withstand all the inconueniences and hazards of a siege, not beleeuing that such a resolution did proceede from any other thing, but onely of the confi∣dence which the said Oliman reposed in the neere assistance of the Belerbey, and that if it were so, he could see no assurance to proceede any further, for that heretofore he neuer incountered with so great an armie, composed of so many warlike souldiours, as that of the Turkes was, and that for this occa∣sion, [ B] and also for the regard and care which they should haue of those soul∣diours which were vnder his commaund, hee was very confident that hee was not able to resist them, nor to reconquer the half of that which the Turks had inuaded and gotten, and that therefore hee would not so inconside∣rately aduenture his person and the kingdome together, and that he thought it more expedient to make some truce with the enemie, without remouing from the place where they were, considering it was to their more aduan∣tage, and that it could not chuse but bee greatly to the honour and reputa∣tion of them all.

Castalde tolde him, that specially they were to consider the foule offence which would be greatly imputed to them, if they retired without some iust [ C] cause, it being reported through the world, that they two were in the field with so puissant an armie, as that was which they had conducted to this place, with a resolution to expulse the Turks out of that kingdom, and that in retyring and leauing Lippa in the enemies possession, it might be iustly said to bee done, not without some secret practise and conspiracie which wee should haue with them: and specially the same being a towne of great e∣steeme, and knowne to be the most important key of all Hungarie and Tran∣siluania, and consequently of all Christendome, which being in the Turkes commaund, he might continually make incursions from thence, with re∣turne of great spoyles and robbings, and by many inconueniences enda∣mage [ D] all the whole countries and subiects of Ferdinand. Therefore to auoyd that staine of dishonour, hee most instantly prayed him, that at the least he would goe to Lippa, and (by Gods assistance) he would promise him to de∣liuer it into his hands within sixe daies. In the end he pursued his perswa∣sions so effectually, that he was content to goe as farre as Lippa, although he often alleadged the great inconuenience which might befall them for want of Artillerie, which by good fortune, and by the diligence of the Spanish Captaines, arriued that day at the Campe, to the great admiration of the Frier, who assuredly thought they could not bee there in eight daies. This animated Castalde presently to troupe on with 3000. Hungarish horse, and [ E] 400. men of armes to view Lippa, which of one side is square, and of the o∣ther * 1.34 keepeth the circuite of an ouall forme, so that it is more long then broad. The length thereof is 720. paces, and the bredth 380. being of one part (for that the riuer Marosse watereth it) very strong, and of the other it seemeth

very weake, by reason of a mountaine which doth greatly commaund and annoy the defences thereof. It is altogether mured with a wall after the an∣cient [ F] manner, without any defences and few turrets. There is in the lower part of the towne a little square Castle, garnished in euery corner with a tower, and is compassed about with a deepe Ditch full of water. Presently vpon Castaldes approaching, he lighted from his horse and walked on foote, and passing through certaine gardens, accompanied with Iulian Carleuall, and two other Spanish Captaines, he went to peruse the Ditch, hauing first sent a good troupe of those which he had brought, to dare the Turks to skirmish, who by no meanes would aduenture forth to fight, imploying themselues from the wall wholly to annoy our men with the harquebuze, and hinder [ G] that none should haue a view of the towne. Castalde hauing well and dili∣gently viewed all, and after he had caused his men to retire, the same night he returned againe to the Campe, where he found the Captaines Roderic Vigli∣andrando, and Francis Henry Tescieda, who were come forth of Themesuar to bee at the assault of this towne. He fully learned of them the aduentures which had passed in that place, and the manner of the Belerbeys retraict, ha∣uing not before vnderstood any thing for certaine.

Vpon this newes, the 2. of Nouember they all marched to Lippa, where * 1.35 all the Campe being arriued, Castalde martialled all his battalions and Artil∣lerie before the Turks, with a marueilous crie and confused noise of all those barbarous nations, and continuing there a certaine time in such apparance, [ H] they tooke possession of the Mountaine, and the Frier incamped with his people on the otherside towards the Castle. Castalde possessing all the hill, (which commaunded in manner of a Caualier) quartered those highest who were entertained by Ferdinand, namely the Spanyards, Germanes, and Hungars, and caused his Tent to be erected in the middest of them. Whilest the Campe lodged there, the Turkes came forth to fire one of the Suburbes, which was well prouided of victuals, and specially of wine which groweth in that quarter, as good as could be desired. Castalde vnderstanding hereof, commaunded Captaine Iohn Vilioa that presently he should take 100. Spa∣nish [ I] Harquebuziers, and so force the enemie to retire: and that after hee had quenched the fire (which alreadie began violently to burne & to spread it selfe vpon the houses) he should endeuour as much as he could to saue the victuals, for the better reliefe and prouision of the Camp, and that he should hinder that they might not bee spoyled by those nations. But they could not so well bee kept, neither take so good order, but that the Friers Ai∣duchs came and tooke their pleasure and fill of the wine, in such sort, as the superfluitie thereof so chafed and stirred vp their courages, that 500. of them being pricked with that Bacchinall furie, they ranne instantly to assaile the towne, without ladders or any order, thinking by their brauing tearmes [ K] to subuert and ouerthrow the walles. By this sudden attempt, happened an alarme to the whole Campe, euery man thinking that the Turkes had made some sallie forth to skirmish with our men. On the other side, the Turkes also assuring themselues by this horrible bruite and noyse, to be assai∣led both with scallado and batterie, they presently stood vpon their de∣fence,

couering the walles with men, and with their harquebuzes they made a great slaughter of these Aiduchs, who like beasts were easily discouered; [ A] and grasping the wall, attempted to leape vp, vttering to the Turkes many in∣iurious speeches (as their manner is) who being couert and attentiue behind the wall, shewed them by their defences that they were in double safetie, so that they at pleasure slew whom they listed, vntill they were wearie of killing them. On the otherside, certaine horsemen stinged with the same mad hu∣mour, ranne with their Sables drawne in their hands euen to the Ditch, bra∣uing and menacing the Turkes, who in the end seeing their order to be but disorder, made a great massacre of them, as well from the wall as within the Ditch, and with maine strength caused them to retire backe. But this retraict was presently staied by the courage which their companions gaue them, [ B] who offering themselues to the like perill, seemed not any thing to shrinke from the daunger. This disorder had proceeded further then was imagi∣ned at the first, if the Frier had not hindered it, who speedily thrust in a∣mongst them, and caused them to retire. And this was the end of this drun∣ken alarme that proceeded of wine, which in the end being appeased, the armie was then quietly lodged.

During this time, there arriued at the Campe a Hungarish Lord named * 1.36 Patocche, with 400. horse and 600. foote, which he leauied and brought with him at his owne proper charges, to be imployed in the seruice of Ferdinand, during this warre of Lippa. He also brought with him foure good peeces [ C] of Artillerie, with which passing by a Castle that held for the Turkes, not farre from Lippa, he thought good to trie his fortune, and to see if he could by any meanes take it by force. Thus arriuing on a sudden, he assailed it with so great courage, and with so good order, that during the batterie his people behaued themselues so valiantly, that winning one port, and setting fire on another, they entered it, killing and vanquishing as many Turkes as they found therein, not sparing any, but onely the Captaine. This place being thus sacked and burnt, Patocche with his people proceeded on his iourney, leading prisoner with him the Captaine, by whom vnderstanding of what qualitie and condition he was of, he determined to giue him to Castalde. But [ D] neither the one nor the other did long enioy him, because that vpon the day following, as this Captaine marched in the middest of the troupes, one of the souldiours who was at his taking, vnderstanding that he was of that qua∣litie and reputation, that hee might well pay a large raunsome, and that he should haue nothing thereof, for that Patocche had taken him from him: whereupon being possest with despayre, he suddenly discharged his peece against him, betweene his shoulders, and so mortall was the wound, that he suddenly fell dead to the ground, he not minding that any other should pos∣sesse that, which himselfe could not enioy. This Captaine, as it was after∣ward knowne, was of such qualitie and parentage, that if the line of the Ot∣tomans [ E] had failed, the succession of the Empire belonged to none but to him.

Patocche being arriued at the Campe, was honourably receiued by Ca∣stalde, and great mirth and ioy was made for the good successe and taking of

this Castle; and not without cause, since voluntarily and at his owne expen∣ces, without any particular hope of profit, but onely in regard and expecta∣tion [ F] of honour, he was voluntarily come to serue his Prince. The same day they had newes also, that vpon the Belerbeys retraict, were gone forth of Themesuar 200. horse, with 26. Harquebuziers mounted, to cut of the strag∣lers and those who were disbanded from the Turkes Campe, and that these returning without performing any thing, they came by a Castle named Ga∣la, possest by the enemies: against which preparing themselues to see whe∣ther * 1.37 they could winne it, they enuironed it, who being discouered by the Sentinels, and perceiuing that the Turkes made not any shot of Cannon a∣gainst them, nor no other shew for their owne safeties, they were determi∣ned to giue an assault to it, and force the Port, and assay if by that meanes [ G] they could surprise it. Which did as fortunately succeed as they themselues desired: for that the Turkes (in a happie time for our people) expected that day certaine men, which they had sent to demaund of the Belerbey, power and succour to maintaine themselues against Ferdinands armie, which they knew should presently march against Lippa: and they seeing our men com∣ming, did verely thinke that they had been the same which they expected, insomuch that they were not any thing moued or feared therewith, and the rather in respect of their habits, who were apparelled after the Turkish man∣ner, which they had gotten of those who were dead in the Campe: and be∣ing by this traine deceiued, and thinking our people had come to their ayd, [ H] they did not any thing furnish their guards with more men, but gaue place and commoditie to our souldiours to approach neere the Castle, and peace∣ably to enter into it by the Port: the guard of which Port, before that they were knowne, were discomforted, and afterwards the enemie perceiuing the deceit, and taking weapons in hand valiantly to defend themselues, our peo∣ple were constrained to force the rest of the Castle by maine force, and carie the victorie not without great paine and hazard, compelling the Turkes (mauger their wils) to retire to the end of a streete, where, not being able a∣ny longer to desend themselues, were in the end ouercome by the Spany∣ards and Hungars, who were on foote, killing as many of them as they could [ I] incounter, without receiuing any damage to themselues, but by the death of two Spanyards, who at the first incounter were shot with the enemies Har∣quebuziers: and after this execution they set fire on all, leading all the in∣habitants prisoners, and then they retired to Themesuar. The taking of this Castle, although it were of small moment, yet it gaue speciall content∣ment to euery one, and greatly encouraged the Captaines; not in respect of the importance of the thing, as to see fortune so fauourable, and incline to them in euery place.

After such ioy and mirth, the night being come, it was decreed that du∣ring [ K] the same, some should bee sent to suruiew Lippa, to approach more neere, and plant the batterie. Of one side thereof was sent Captaine Iohn Viglioa, Don Antonie Azinetta, and Thomas Varcocche. To another part were dispatched Captaine Vigliandrando, and the Alferus of Lewis Barientos. And Andrew Lopes Sergeant Maior, Iulian de Carleuall, and certaine other Spa∣nish

Captaines, had the charge of another quarter. The diligence was great [ A] of euery one to haue knowledge of the towne, and report thereof being made to Castalde, he caused the very same night certaine peeces of Artillerie to be planted vpon the hill which was aboue the towne, neere to the place of Iustice, with which the day following he made many a shot, to hinder and annoy the enemie that he should not fortifie himselfe, and to force him to quit the streetes and passages about the walles, which from that hill might easily be discouered. The second night being come, Castalde commaunded to begin the batterie on that side which Vigliandrando had viewed, as it was generally thought to be the weakest and least defencible of any part thereof. That being done, after the vapouring away of the fogge (which towards the [ B] morning doth vsually rise vpon the riuer) they began vpon the 4. of No∣uember to batter the towne with foure double Cannons, & two small Cul∣uerines, with which it was battered al the day long, both in the night follow∣ing and the morrow after. Castalde seeing that the Artillerie had sufficient∣ly effected his purpose, was determined the same day to giue the assault, and not suffer the Turkes to haue so much leisure to fortifie themselues any bet∣ter, and not minding to impart it to all, he tolde it notwithstanding to some few, in whose friendship he greatly affied for all that which he purposed to doe. But vpon this determination they discouered the Fort which the Turks had erected within, insomuch as they were forced to alter their opinions, and commaunded the Canoniers to increase their batterie and ruinate it, [ C] saying, that he would not lose his people at the furie of an assault, but would preserue them for a battaile. The batterie being reenforced with two Can∣nons, they began to batter so terribly against these Rampiers, that in euery mans iudgement they thought it to be quite ouerthrowne.

Whilest they continued their batterie, and that Castalde was gone to Frier George, to giue order for that which should be fitting for an assault, fiftie Spa∣nyards (who then were out of their quarters, within the Trenches for the guard of them, and to see what was done by the batterie) began to discourse and conferre among themselues of it: the breach seeming good & commo∣dious to giue the assault: these men taking resolution, because they onely [ D] would haue the glorie to goe thither first, were of this minde, that first they must view it, and that finding it to bee so as they verely beleeued, they pre∣sently would haue marched to the breach, without any other companie to assist them, if it had so pleased Castalde that they should haue gone alone to the assault. As they discoursed of this enterprise among themselues, a pri∣uate souldiour greedie of glorie, offered himselfe to goe and view it: but he so badly viewed it, that he was afterwards the cause of great disorder (as wee shall presently declare) for he reported that it was very reasonable, not any thing perceiuing the Trench which the Turks had made within, halfe a pike in heigth, and a whole in breadth, raised vp with two rankes of baricadoes [ E] one vpon the other full of earth, and well furnished with necessarie defen∣ces: vpon the which they had planted two small peeces of Artillerie, hoping thereby to warrant themselues from the assault which they hourely expec∣ted. At the report of this souldiour, the fiftie Spanyards being greatly in∣couraged,

were attentiue to the signall which should bee giuen, for that they [ F] would be the first which should shew themselues vpon the breach.

While Castalde was with the Frier, accompanied with all the Colonels, Captaines, principall Lords, and many other souldiours of the armie, it was concluded to goe to the assault, and generally incouraging euery one, and promising to them liberall rewards, he spake vnto them after this manner.

If it bee true (as the trueth is so) that Gods goodnes neuer faileth those, * 1.38 who for the maintenance of infallible faith, for iustice, and for the good of many, imploy their vttermost endeuours: I make no doubt (my souldiours) but that this day, fighting for the defence of our Religion, the iust cause of the King our master and Lord, for the deliuerie of Lippa, and for the recouering and preseruation of this kingdome, that wee shall not onely re∣ceiue [ G] of God this present victorie, which voluntarily prepareth it selfe fortu∣nate to vs, but also after our death an euerlasting felicitie in the world to come. And this will be the day (although it seemeth somewhat perilous) if we fight couragiously, which will crowne vs with infinit honour, and infuse such a feare and terror into our quailing enemies, that increasing our reputa∣tion, it will cause the other to tremble, as well at our very names, as at our pre∣sent warlike exploytes. Therefore let euery one of you dispose and prepare himselfe couragiously for the assault, and conceiue neither feare or horrour thereof. For it is necessarie to all those who are desirous of glorie, to oppose and thrust themselues into difficill and daungerous attempts, and not to bee [ H] daunted by any base repulse. O souldiours, what a shame would it bee to you, hauing in time of peace accustomed your selues to martiall exercises, and in time of warre to subdue and conquer, to bee now vanquished and o∣uercome by the force and prowesse of the Turks, whom you now see alrea∣die full of feare, through the batterie and ruine of their walles? Therefore I promise to those who shall be the first that this day mount vpon the wall, or that shall performe a sufficient proofe of their valour, to prize and reward them, as their commendable acts doe proclaime them worthie. Thus you being confirmed in a resolute courage, feare not to goe to it, for that you see God is on our side, and opposite to our enemies, who alreadie begin to feele [ I] his anger, which is manifestly seene to come vpon them by their broken and defaced walles; by the fearefull siege which they painfully, and with great horrour endure, in respect of the famine which they piningly suffer; by our warlike squadrons which we cause to march against them; and by the death which they within few houres shall receiue, to their perpetuall damnation: whereas we dying with valour, shall liue eternally. And whilest wee see the occasion fauourable to vs, euery one should assay to ouercome, all of vs ani∣mating one another: it being alwaies a commendable thing, that good and valiant souldiours in haughtie enterprises and difficult attempts, should ex∣hort and encourage one another valiantly to performe his deuoire, to the [ K] end, that through negligence, missing of the victorie, it bee not imputed to their dishonour: and by this meanes, euery one should bee in daunger of blame, if at the least once, he made not triall of his vertue and prowesse a∣gainst the enemie. And you Hungarian souldiours, whom this siege doth

more import then any other, valiantly endeuour your selues this day to shew your vttermost vertue and courage; because that in this day you may in the [ A] blood of the Turkes (our common enemies) reuenge the death of your pa∣rents, slaine and most horribly murthered by them, and take reuenge for the rauishment of your daughters, the taking away of your sonnes, the ruina∣ting of your Temples, and the prophaning of your Monestaries. I doubt not but bearing your selues valiantly, you will carrie away the victorie, and that by the slaughter of your enemies, you will secure the liues of your countri∣men, and reconquer the lost honour of your townes. Now then, you being all vnited and linked together with one like friendly league of amitie, refuse not these honourable perils, which may make you thrice happie, and of sub∣iects make you free; since (I assure my selfe) you haue courages so much e∣stranged [ B] from feare: and know this, that only to haue a couragious and wil∣ling heart in great perils, giueth great hope vnto them to saue themselues; who despising death, count it all their glorie and renowne to die in an hono∣rable battaile.

Presently after he had ended these speeches (and hauing heard the report of this Spanyard who had viewed the breach (as wee haue aforesaid) who had also certified that with little labour they might easily mount to assaile it) and that euery one had offered himselfe, either to winne it, or else there ho∣nourably to end his life; hee appointed the Ensignes should march to the Trenches, which he commaunded to be made in euery place, that the Turks [ C] by no meanes should either saue themselues, or yet receiue any succours of any side. They being all come thither, he caused to be proclaimed, as well of his owne behalfe, as also of Frier Georges, that whosoeuer should first enter into Lippa, if hee were a gentleman, he should haue giuen him in recom∣pence * 1.39 200. Duckets of yeerely reuenew, and 200. slaues: and if hee were meanly dissended, that the King would make him noble, and giue him 100. Crownes of yeerely reuenew, with 100. captiues. Vpon this proclamation, those who were in the Trenches, seeing the Ensignes to march towards them for the assault, desirous to winne glorie, and to bee the first, began di∣rectly to march to the breach. The others who came after with the Colours, [ D] seeing those Spanyards to issue out of their Trenches, thinking that those by a certaine dexterie would carrie that honour away from them, did presently double their pace to ioyne with them: and thus both the one and the other confusedly in haste and without any order ran to the assault, the Captaines not being able to remedie it, nor stay those who were the first that went out of their Trenches, and who arriued there somewhat before the other. The Vauntgard being now come thither, Don Antonie de Enzinellia, and Cap∣taine Vigliandrando, without further respect of the qualitie of the place, ap∣proched to the batterie, and thrust themselues in, and hauing with them 30. [ E] approued souldiours, they perceiued how the Turks were retrenched with∣in, and how strong their new fortification was, which hindered them from further proceeding; and duly considering their Rampiers, they knew that the Turkes had forsaken their Artillerie, and shot many arrowes with vollies of Harquebuziers against those who first attempted to enter. And of all

this they would willingly haue giuen notice to Castalde, to renue and streng∣then the batterie with more Artillerie, and make the breach more large and [ F] saultable, at what time Captaine Aldene arriued there with his Ensignes, with whom (not giuing respite to those to execute that, which they not without cause had aduised vpon) suddenly he began to renue the assault, and with certaine Hungarish gentlemen (who to be knowne from others in fighting, had fastned to their caskes certaine markes) resolutely entered with the Co∣lours into the breach, couragiously forcing themselues vpon their enemies, it being bruited that these were the first who mounted vpon the wall: but among the Spanyards and Germanes, the honour thereof was giuen to Iu∣lian de Carleuall to be the first that vaunted himselfe vpon the top of the ru∣ines, [ G] and euen vnto him Castalde gaue the due honour and promised re∣ward. But the Frier would haue attributed the praise thereof to the Hun∣gars. At this assault there began a horrible and bloodie fight, with great losse of our people, and aduantage to the Turkes, who were 3000. only to defend that little breach, and who also fought so couragiously, that they often durst sally out of their Fort or Baricadoes, to fight pell mell amongst our men, and that euen hand to hand. They first slew Captaine Aldene, and Don Antonie de Enzinellia, and many other valiant and expert souldiours. Captaine Vig∣liandrando was wounded in the foote with a shot, which forced him to fall downe among the dead, and he presently was striken with a greater bullet, which tooke away the creast of his murrion, and if a souldiour had not by [ H] force drawne him from thence, he had in like sort ended there his life a∣mong others. They also slew a Sergeant of Captaine Peter de Auila, named Ferrant Botto, who in the absence of the right Alferus, that day bare the Co∣lours, which alreadie he had fixed on the top of the Turks Fort, and a Turke causing him to fall with a harquebuze shot, and minding to pull it out of his hands, he neuer could doe it, vntill assisted by others, he cut off his head, lif∣ting vp by that meanes his Ensigne all tainted with his blood, sprinkled vp∣on the Colours which were azure and sables. They also within a while af∣ter slew the Alferus of Captaine Aldene, and wounded those of Captaine Diego Velez, and Mendoze, out of whose hands they violently pluckt away [ I] their Ensignes. The which those seeing who were had out of the throng, the wounded were forced to retire themselues, and after their retraict, the Turks sallied forth and cut off the heads of Aldene and Antonie, and of certaine o∣thers whom they thought to be of the principallest, either for that they saw them valiantly to fight, or else, in that they were better set forth in armes and abiliments then the other. And seeing they had wonne 4. of our Ensignes, they became by this victorie so peremptorie and proude, that they aduen∣tured to come forth of the breach to fight with our people, and so shameful∣ly to chase them from their walles and Ditches, with such a slaughter, that it [ K] was incredible, and still they carefully kept their rankes. Whilest Ferdinands people were thus miserably beaten, and the Turkes so couragiously resi∣sted their assaults, Castalde aduised and resolued that this night Lippa should be taken, how deare soeuer it cost him, in respect to auoyd the pe∣rill which might afterward ensue, vpon the comming of the Belerbey, who

was said to be on his way to relieue Oliman. Vpon which aduertisement, cal∣ling all the Captaines into his presence and the Friers, reprouing their co∣wardise, [ A] and incouraging them to renue the assault; with such words thus deliuered, he put courage againe into them.

If euer the memorie of high exploytes and glorious acts of any whosoe∣uer, hath had the force to moue the hearts and courages of men, and to prick * 1.40 them forward to a like commendable desire; it is euen this day, and that by a more vehementer reason (my souldiours) by the vile & infamous retraict, that against all expectation, you haue vntimely shewen, which ought now to haue power and commaund ouer your. For which I see you, with an vnloo∣ked for losse, so much discouraged, that hardly (containing my heart from breaking) can I with patience endure to behold you. And although that we [ B] cannot alwaies haue in our power our owne desires and fortune vnited to∣gether, yet ought wee not for all that to suffer, that that courage which in vs should be inuincible, should remaine suppressed by this fortune, for any ad∣uersitie whatsoeuer. Truly whosoeuer now should see these shamefull things in you (who alwaies heretofore haue been victorious, as if to van∣quish were to you peculiar) I know not what they should censure, but that, considering your former victories, they might imagine that you haue rather wonne them by ominous fortune, then by your owne proper vertue; since that by so great dishonour you haue suffered your selues to be shamefully o∣uercome, and in the middest and furie of the fight, like women and children [ C] to be beaten away by the Turks. You may well thereby thinke that the glo∣rie of your precedent feates of armes, which (vntill now) appeared to the world by your great triumphs, is now darkened and obscured by this igno∣minious repulse, with which incouraging these enemies, whom so often you haue ouerthrowne and subdued, you are the only cause that in time to come they will not any more feare you, seeing your courage, your force, and agili∣tie is decayed. It seemeth to me a wonder and a great infamie, that the vic∣torious dreadeth the vanquished. And beleeue me (souldiours) there is not in the world a greater ruine and confusion, then when an armie debasing it selfe, by giuing courage to his enemie, leaueth it selfe ouercome by pusalini∣mitie. [ D] For then, in what disaduantage soeuer, it must dissolue and disperse it selfe, for that it often happeneth in warres, the valour and resolution of the minde, profiteth more then that of the bodie. If this day, and during these assaults, you duly consider of the honor and end of this warre, you will ma∣nifestly see it a sufficient motiue to incite you to recouer your first lost pro∣wesse, and conceiue that subtiltie and wisedome nothing auaileth, where is an apparant defect of courage and valour. Therefore present necessitie doth vrge and constraine you this day, to shew your selues valiant and vertuous souldiours, for that you shall not now fight for a toy of nothing, but for life it selfe, for the countries good wherein you were nourished and brought vp, [ E] for your wiues and children, for your sisters and kindred, and finally for all diuine and humane things, and for your goods: which if you remaine vic∣torious, they remaine yours as they haue been before; and on the contrarie, they must bee a spoyle for the enemie if you will lose your selues. You al∣readie

know how the Belerbey of Greece, and Basha Achmeth are on the way with an huge number of horse and foote to relieue Lippa; If they shuld [ F] arriue, and wee not haue taken the towne, what might then become of vs? Therefore if you desire (as it is most requisite you should doe) to auoid these imminent dangers with an honourable victorie, to increase your reputation, and not to interre or obscure it; valiantly endeuour your selues to ouer∣come, and fight with an assured and manly courage, still bearding and facing the enemie: for those who are desirous of victorie, doe neuer turne their backes. And doe you thinke, that seeking the safetie of your liues, to finde it by flying? No, no, you haue alreadie seene by experience the contrarie, that more haue been slaine by flight, then fight. Assure your selues then, that if you doe not with your best abilities, endeuour your selues to ouercome, you [ G] will neither finde place, mountaine, nor forrest which can preserue you in sa∣fetie, but all things shall be contrarie and aduerse to you, and in the end you shall leaue as a pray to your enemies, those things which you most dearely esteeme of: which neuerthelesse by meanes of victorie, winning this towne, you may preserue; and there is no doubt but the enemies wil be faint-harted and begin to humble themselues, and in their retiring they will giue you spe∣ciall meanes to recouer that, which hath been lost and possessed by euill hap; and to purchase with a glorious name (frustrating them from al hope euer to bee masters of you againe) this libertie, this quiet repose, and this happie [ H] peace which you so much desire and long for, vnchaining your selues from the perpetuall seruitude, in which for present example, you may to your griefes beholde your neighbours. For there is not any thing that doth more astonish and terrifie an enemy, then a sudden onset and gallant charge; nor nothing which doth more animate a friend, then to recouer a despairing victorie, as this day may happen to you, if you will. Returne then (my soul∣diours) to the assault, with a prefixed desire to carie the victorie from thence, and not to flie at any hand, and rather aduenture to die honourably for it, then in losing, to suruiue with shame; considering that to die is common to all, but to die with reputation is bequeathed but to few. And I assure my selfe, that if you more respect that which I haue said vnto you, then the libe∣rall [ I] offers which I haue made you, you shall within few houres remaine vic∣torious to your great glorie, and to the excessiue losse of our enemies, and you shall in the end see that no corporall force can euer surmount the ver∣tue, which this day will make both you and me to be eternall.

This said, hauing first reenforced the batterie with more Artillerie, he pre∣sently caused an alarme in the whole Campe. At the bruite whereof, they all in good order went to the wall with ladders and other engines to mount vpon it, and to obtaine the breach, which now was somewhat inlarged, en∣uironing the towne with more then 40000. men. There was within it on∣ly [ K] for the defence of the breach 3000. Turkes, and 100. Ianisaries, and in all with the people of Oliman, there was some 5000. men appointed in places conuenient. Thus they began cruelly to fight as well within as without, and very fiercely with so great cryes of those barbarous nations, and such a thunder of our Artillerie, sounding of Drummes and Trumpets, that it see∣med

the world would presently haue ended. And the great disorder which [ A] was committed in many places of the assault, being reported to Castalde, he presently caused all the men of armes and Caualarie to march with him, ap∣pointing both the one and the other where they should attend with their squadrons, considering that there was lesse perill and daunger in such disor∣der, then to cause his men to retire, vpon whose retraict he iudged greater inconuenience would ensue. And approaching nigh the breach, he saw that Oliman had appointed 600. horse in a place by, and very neere to them, well foreseeing the end which would betide him, who had appointed them there not onely to succour the breach, but with a resolute purpose also to saue himselfe with them, seeing alreadie he could not any longer resist, nor with∣stand [ B] our men from entering by force into the towne, perceiuing that he was forsaken of the succours which hee expected from Buda: and with those horse, for the same respect, he had mixed certaine bands of Ianisaries. Castalde perceiuing this, and the more to expell Oliman from all hope of sa∣fetie & succours, he sent Iohn Turky with 4000. horse, and Charles Scheretin with his 400. men of armes to possesse the other side of the riuer Marosse, by which passage might come the ayde which he expected from the Basha of Buda and the Belerbey, and by which place also he might haue some hope to saue himselfe. And thus ioyntly with the Frier (who that day performed the acts of an expert and valiant Captaine) he prouided for all things which * 1.41 were necessarie, now riding on this side, then on the other, as one that perfe∣ctly [ C] vnderstood the proceedings of martiall affaires, who failed not to con∣sider of all accidents which might befall him in any respect whatsoeuer, thinking on fit meanes to remedie the same. On the other side Oliman lost no time, but animating his people, he effected that the besieged fighting couragiously, endured a very sore assault, which was for foure houres ve∣ry bloodie on both sides, in which the Turkes did not any thing yeeld to our people. Certaine Captaines of those who were the first that mounted vp the breach with Iulian de Carleual, seeing the Turkes so brauely defended themselues, and that it was now growing late, and not minding to see so ma∣ny as they had alreadie lost, to be cast away, aduertised Castalde that their [ D] aduice was to sound a retraict, seeing the fight had so long time endured, and that therein the Turkes had made a great slaughter of our people. Ca∣stalde returned them present answer, that they should firmely maintaine the fight, and that they should remember, that the assault which in former time they had giuen to Dure, had in like sort continued foure houres; and that by any meanes howsoeuer, they should not faile but that the towne might bee taken that night: and if they entered not that night, (besides the losse of their reputation, which is a thing of speciall importance in feates of warre) they should put themselues in daunger, to leaue there that glorie [ E] with losse of their liues; which (in resisting) would assuredly shroud them from such sinister accidents: and that further he plainly saw, how the retraict would be farre more dangerous, then the entering.

At this time Frier George (couered then with a greene cassocke, by which he hid his habit, for feare of being knowne by the enemies) and Counte

Thomas Nadasdy came together to the assault, and to the quarter where the Germanes and Spaniards were mingled with other nations, who animating [ F] them, said, that they should couragiously force themselues to enter into the towne, to reuenge the blood of their friends, who yet fresh before their eyes had been cruelly slaine and wounded, and in many places pitifully ouer∣throwne by the Turkes. Whilest these two on the one side animated the souldiours, Castalde on the other side perceiued that the Caualarie, which O∣liman had ordered in a squadron by the breach, began to recoyle and retire backe, which was a likelihood they could not any longer resist, and that they should be either forced to flie, or presently to yeeld. He taking hold of this oportunitie, commaunded presently that the 200. men of armes of Ourestolf [ G] should dismount from their horses, and that one part of them taking the Tar∣get and Cutlace, and the other the Pike, should force the breach. He had al∣so before appointed, that all the straglers of the Campe, only armed with the Hatchet, a la Hungresque, should goe to that hill which commaunded the towne, in forme of a Caualier, and that there with some brauing shew, they should make a view and front of souldiours, whereby the Turkes seeing them, they would iudge them to be souldiours indeede, who came to assaile that part of the wall which was opposite to them: these people made a shew of an infinit number of men. Castalde then presently sent to the Captaine that commaunded them, that instantly when hee should see the assault re∣nued, that then he should descend from the hill with all his people, and with [ H] the cries and shrikings, vsuall to that nation, he should directly march to the wall of the towne, to giue (although not effectuall) yet at the least, in shew, a feare of a cruell assault. That done, he went where he had caused those men of armes to dismount themselues, who were readie to goe to the breach, and said to them, enter, enter my companions, the houre is now come which will make vs, together with this victorie, very glorious. These speeches so kindled the heart and courage of euery man, that the Turkes, when they ex∣pected our men would haue retired, seeing them come with greater courage to the breach then before, and also perceiuing the others, who at the same [ I] instant with great cries descended from the hill directly towards them, they began so faintly to abate their courage, that presently losing all heart and va∣lour, they suffered our people to enter into the towne, some at the breach, and others in other places, with a great throng and presse of our Vauntgard, which then was conducted by the Marquesse Sforce Palauicin, who at the * 1.42 same time also behaued himselfe valiantly in the fight, as in all other his for∣mer actions he had done, discharging the Artillerie so effectually against the towne, that it was an incredible thing. Captaine Iohn Viglioa was the first that mounted vpon the wall, and presently he was seconded by Francis de Salcede who bore his Colours, and who was onely remaining, all the rest be∣ing taken away at the first assault by the Turkes. Carleual was also one of the [ K] first vpon the breach, and in like sort entered many of the Hungars, and other * 1.43 souldiours who were the first that aduanced themselues at the breach, vpon which was seene more then 1200. dead Turkes. All the Ianisaries, who were the last that shronke or retired, and the other who remained aliue with Oli∣man,

began with such feare and so tumultuously to flie to the Castle, that it was a marueilous thing to see those men so vilely forsake and disperse them∣selues, [ A] that had before so gallantly defended their liues, by the space of more then fiue houres. Ferdinands people being entered into the towne, they found not any Turke who durst lift vp his sword against them, but suf∣fered themselues to be beaten downe like beasts: and the noyse was so great both within and without, that nothing else was heard but grieuous sighings and groanes of those who gaue vp the ghost, and such a confused medly of others, who not finding any to incounter withall, & crying victoria, victoria, kill, kill, did runne vp and downe through all Lippa like mad men, and af∣terwards sacked the towne. The Turkes who were on horsebacke thinking [ B] to saue themselues, forsooke the towne, and they fell into the ambuscado of those horses, which (as we haue aforesaid) were for that purpose sent by Ca∣stalde to guard the riuer, and there by these horsemen they were miserably disordered, and the greatest part of them slaine. The remainder willing to auoyde this bloodie perill, fell into another the like or more great, and for one death receiued two; because, that venturing into the riuer to saue them∣selues by swimming to the otherside, the Hungarians, Germanes, and Bohe∣mians setting themselues against them, pearced both them and their horses with their Launces on euery side, insomuch that he who died not by dint of the sword, was forced pitifully to end his life in the water and to drowne [ C] himselfe, a long time stayning the water with their blood. The other see∣ing their companions thus badly intreated, and returning vpon the spurre to the towne, with hope to saue themselues in the Castle, were by our men in all parts so cut off and slaine, that not a man could saue himselfe. Oliman (who also had forsaken the towne with a good troupe of horse, with intent to saue himselfe) seeing what was done to others, tooke for the last refuge, which fortune that day alotted to him to saue his life, (wherein most of his people lost their liues) a resolution to saue himselfe in the Castle. Flying thi∣ther a pace, he found there a great throng of his people, that as yet remained safe from this furious and bloodie tempest, who for the great prease to saue themselues from slaughter, endeuoured to enter in, many falling from the [ D] railes of the bridge into the Ditch sorely brused and crusht in peeces, and by this time there was more then fiftie horse and men ouerthrowne therein, who with their masters there perished. Oliman being also arriued at that time, mixt himselfe with this throng, although he often saw himselfe almost troden downe by this multitude, and entered into the Castle vpon the bridge, whereon there was also some of our people mingled among them: and if then they had bin well aduised to haue throughly charged thē on that side, they might easily that day (which was the 6. of Nouember) haue taken the Castle, and Oliman had neuer been saued. But the desire and couetous∣nes [ E] of gaine (which too vsually happeneth in such cases) so blinded euery one, as it was omitted, and not any thing thought of. Now all the towne be∣ing sacked, (wherein was gotten great spoyle) and the night come, Castalde caused all the Castle to bee enuironed, and placed about it good and strong * 1.44 guards, for feare least the enemie, by the obscuritie and fauour of the night,

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occasion to bee incensed against this countrie, onely contenting themselues with this that they had alreadie done against him, in taking this towne by [ F] force, and hauing killed therein so many valiant souldiours of his, and for∣cing the Belerbey to retire with shame: and on the contrarie, it was now more expedient to sweeten and temper his crueltie by milde courses; to ef∣fect which, he thought it good to let all those freely and in safetie passe, who were retired into that little Castle. Castalde replying, said vnto him, that by no meanes he would suffer such a stearne enemie as Oliman was to scape, see∣ing they now had him in their hands, and that none but God should free him thence: and that vsing such rigour and seueritie in his proceedings, he should begin to abate the pride and boldnes of the Turk, and by no meanes [ G] he would suffer such fauourable occasions to slip away, which of a long time they found not so happy and fortunate to them as now; and that they should not haue (it might bee) in time to come so prosperous successe, as this which was now offered by this good occasion. The Frier neuerthelesse still con∣tradicting him, and maintaining that it was needfull to saue Oliman, and the end at which he aymed being manifest to all the Campe, as that also which the Slauonian had confessed (who a little before was taken) he was in the end forced to discouer his wicked intent, and plainly to tell Castalde, that for no mans pleasure hee would not become enemie to the Turke, but that hee meant to set Oliman at libertie, and permit him freely to depart with his [ H] armes, horse, and all his people who were with him, and that if this could not be done, he must be forced to defend him against any who would with∣stand it. Castalde answered him, that since he had determined to doe so, this was his aduice, that before hee would conclude any other thing, hee would cause all the principall Lords and Captaines of Ferdinands armie, and them of Transiluania, to bee called together in a publike assemblie, to the end that euery one might speake his opinion thereof, and that by this meanes they should haue no occasion to complaine, that they were depriued of that honour and profit, which they had dearly purchased with their owne blood and with extreame paine, without giuing them to vnderstand some good [ I] matter therefore, and that they should not haue any occasion to complaine of them two. The Frier liked very well of this motion, assuring himselfe that none neither would nor durst contradict his will. And thus being in his Tent, accompanied with Castalde, Andrew Battor, Thomas Nadasdy (who not long before was made Palatine of Hungarie) Perein Peter, Iohn Turky, the Marquesse of Balasse, and other Lords and Captaines, as well Hungarians and Bohemians, as Spanyards and Germanes, and with them all the Depu∣ties of townes and prouinces of the kingdome, Frier George in the presence of them all began thus to speake in Latin:

My louing Lords and friends, I perswade my selfe you are not ignorant, * 1.45 how much the force and terrour of the Grand Seigniour is to be redoubted [ K] and Feared, in respect of his imperiall rule and command, which I know hath been by experience too soone proued by you, to your vnspeakeable detri∣ment, by the ruinating of your townes, and death of your deare friends and kindred: and in like manner you know of the enormious cruelties, which at

his pleasure and in his furie he knoweth iustly or iniustly to vse against men [ A] and women, sparing neither children nor virgins, vsing fire and sword not onely against you, but also against your Temples, houses, and lastly the very trees, plants, and beasts themselues, are not any thing warranted from the furie of his barbarous ire. For this cause I esteeme it to be more then neces∣sarie, that wee wilfully draw not more hatefull indignation vpon our selues, then that which alreadie his people naturally are possest withall against our Religion, and former iniuries: but on the contrarie, that wee endeuour our selues by all meanes and manners to appease him, and to make him mild and mercifull, that in time to come, he contenting himselfe with the accustomed tribute, he may suffer vs to liue in peace, & quietly possesse our goods, with∣out any [ B] dread of warre. To accomplish which, I am of this minde to im∣ploy therein this Oliman Bech, now straightned by you in this Castle of Lip∣pa, to whom and to his people giuing libertie safely to depart, shall recite to the Grand Seigniour our good and friendly intention, who, in respect of so friendly a deliuerance, will rake vp in obliuion the reuenge, which other∣wise he would violently vse against vs, for the wrongs which he hath recei∣ued by vs in this warre, and no doubt he will let vs possesse this tranquiltie and peace, which is so vehemently desired of euery one. Therefore I ear∣nestly desire you, that well considering of my words, you would follow my counsell, and imbrace this my good intention, which is sincerely spoken for [ C] the publike good, and that you would not through any ambition seeke to put Oliman and his people to death, or retaine them prisoners: because that when you haue put them all to the sword, yet can you not cleere your selues neither of hate nor further trauaile, considering that the Grand Seigniour hath no want of other men and forces, hauing fifteene miles from hence more then 40000. men, readie to reuenge their deaths; and as I am certain∣ly informed by a friend, (which euen at this time is come to me from their Campe) that the Belerbey and Basha of Buda, will within a short time come to assaile vs: which if it proueth to be so, what then shall become of vs? what hope of kindnes can we expect, hauing not vsed any curtesie towards their [ D] people? Therefore we iudge it better for vs not to bee found besieging of them, knowing this, that besides all kinde of horrible and cruell death, they will reuenge vpon our heads, and deare friends, their mens blood which we haue shed. We may auoyde and suppresse these cruelties, by our clemencie and milde proceedings, and may thereby make him of an enemie, to be∣come gentle, tractable, and gratious, there being not in this world any glorie more extolled and recommended then that, which is gotten in hauing com∣passion of an enemie, who feeleth himselfe reduced to the extreamitie of his honour and life; neither is there any magnanimitie more illustrious, then to pardon those, whose liues are in the victors power to dispose of. [ E]

At these speeches of the Frier, Gastalde (as the chiefe and principall man among them) made this effectuall replie:

It was not needfull that you (most * 1.46 reuerend Sir) should haue sent (not few moneths since) to the Emperour Charles the 5. to promise him vpon your faith, that you would alwaies be as well fauourable to the Christians, as on the other side a cruell and mortall

enemie to the Turkes: neither was it in like sort necessarie, that you should desire Ferdinand King of the Romanes to send you succours, and deliuer [ F] this kingdome of Transiluania, from the tyrannicall oppression of the com∣mon enemie, if you would haue vsed these courses, which now with a disho∣nourable reputation I see you practise. And although that Ferdinand did not any thing doubt of your inconstancie, hauing before too truly had ex∣perience thereof: yet neuerthelesse not taking regard to this your sudden alteration, he was willing to assemble this armie together, and against the opinion & counsell of many to send it to your ayd. And this force hath been such, that not onely it hath holpen this kingdome, and you your selues from the tyrannie of Infidels; but also it hath recouered a great part of the coun∣trie, [ G] which by force and treacherie was vsurped by them. Now what occa∣sion moueth you, being victorious, and hauing put your enemies to flight, wittingly to bring your selues into thraldome, and with shame procure that wee, and all you the rest, should bee subiect to those which wee now detaine prisoners, and are constrained to yeeld themselues to our discretion, and to intreate vs, that we should recommend our selues to him who is the capitall enemie, not onely of our libertie, but also of our holy and inuiolable faith: and to manifest so great cowardlines by fearefull words to those, who to our great glorie (manifesting our couragious hearts) we haue ouercome and ta∣med; and especially at this time, who as it were quite cast away, betake them∣selues [ H] to such infamous compositions, that they shew themselues vnworthie of life, as assuredly they would esteeme of you, if you had bin vanquished by them, manifesting thereby, that they are not worthie to be heard of so noble and honourable personages as these Lords here present, and all these nations which are about vs, who not long since for their countrie, honour, life, liber∣tie, and freedome from so horrible captiuitie, haue shed so much blood, that Marosse ranne coloured of another hew? What should auaile this famous reputation, which with so many trauailes, so many hazards, and with the death of so many valiant persons hath been atchieued, if now by a coward∣ly composition you would let it be lost? Doe you not see that in yeelding to [ I] those who are you prisoners, you will wholly lose your boldnes hereafter to dare the enemie to the fight, neither shall you bee able at any time to make warre vpon them, for that they will alwaies presume to hold you in so great subiection and little esteeme, that tenne of them will not feare to assaile an hundred of you, in which you will the rather assure them, in respect of your fearfulnes; and so the conclusion will be, that of vanquishers, you are like to become vanquished. I would gladly know what doth incite and incourage souldiours, if it be not glorie and reputation, and to gaine therewith by their trauaile and industrie, honour, renowne, and recompence? And now, that with great admiration you haue atchieued it, and brought to happie end [ K] this warre, would you with your great shame and losse, leaue to the enemie this triumphant victorie and reputed fame, which in euery place will raise you vp to the heape of all honour and praise? What will the Christians mut∣ter among themselues, if not, but that you haue been fearefull to see the Turkes in your power, and that you rather haue fled away, then had the

courage to detaine them prisoners? Doe you not thinke, you Hungarians, [ A] Saxons, and Sicilians, that the palme of victorie shall be giuen to the Spa∣nyards, Germanes, and Bohemians, and that in stead hereof you shall be no∣ted of infamie, suffering so shamefully the enemie to depart, and to haue ac∣cepted of so cowardly a composition which they demaund of you, cleerely thereby manifesting to euery one, the feare which you conceiue of him? Alas (my Lords) remember your fathers, children, brothers, and kindred, who haue been miserably slaine, or fastned in chaines by these Turkes, and thinke vpon your wiues, which not without your great dishonor, haue been violently carried away and rauished by those, whom you now hold in your seruitude: and if for the premised causes you will not vse to them the rigour [ B] of iustice, eitherin killing, or detaining them prisoners, as at this present they hold your children, brothers, and friends; yet at the least make them ac∣knowledge that their liues, liberties, their armes, horses, and Ensignes are at your mercie and dispose, which if you will needes graunt them these things, yet let them acknowledge by speciall grace and fauour to haue receiued them of you, and not by a forced constraint, or by some certaine feare. And neuer respect any false or fained aduertisements, nor threats which are bru∣ted of the Bashaes and Belerbeys comming, for that he flying, hath alreadie passed Danubius with all his armie: and though he should returne againe, you shall manifestly see that our souldiours, tasting of the happie former suc∣cesse, [ C] will be more disposed to fight with him, then we expect for; insomuch that both in the one and in the other, we may frankly promise our selues cer∣taine victorie; and that so much the rather, because that courage is wanting in him (in regard of the discomfortures which he hath receiued) and will be increased in vs, by reason of the victories which wee happely and valiantly haue performed and atchieued against them.

Vpon this declaration, all those of the Councell began to looke vpon Frier George, and to chaunge their opinions, seeing it was an infamous and foule fault, to let Oliman escape vnpunished for his wickednesses and cruel∣ties, as the Frier earnestly importuned. And the conclusion was, that by no [ D] meanes he should haue any libertie, but that they would so dispose of him, as he would doe of them, if they were in the like tearmes. Frier George see∣ing that neither in priuate nor publike hee could performe that which hee greatly desired, and that his reasons were not allowed of, presently said in great choler to Castalde; that although he would not graunt it, yet notwith∣standing, in consideration of the publike good and tranquilitie of Transil∣uania, he meant to saue Oliman. Castalde would make him no answer, but in∣creased in himselfe the hatred which he bare against him, and the great de∣sire he had to hasten on his death, he manifestly knowing how much he fa∣uoured the Turks affayres, and held those of Ferdinands in disgrace. Present∣ly when the Councell was risen, the Frier dispatched a messenger to Oliman, [ E] to informe him that he should presently send two of his principall Cap∣taines, to treate with him of the composition which he demaunded, he ha∣uing determined and concluded to saue him. They being come, the Frier obseruing the accord which alreadie he had secretly made with them, gaue

them safe conduct to come foorth and depart with their armes, horses, En∣signes, and baggage, accommodating them of waggons to carrie the woun∣ded. [ F] And that they might march with more safetie, he demaunded that Ca∣stalde would giue them some other safe conduct, wherby that Oliman should not in any sort bee disturbed by these nations which he commaunded. To which Castalde would by no meanes yeeld; and thereof excusing himselfe said vnto him, that hee would vpon no condition giue him words for pay∣ment, nor satisfie that his demaund, in respect of the cruell enmitie which he knew to bee naturally betweene the Turkes and his people, who thought it not good to let Oliman so securely depart, and that he distrusted it would be impossible to withstand them from following him. In the end the Frier pres∣sed him so farre, that he was forced to promise for all those who were in Fer∣dinands [ G] pay, after which he gaue a good conuoy to Oliman, to conduct him to the place of safetie. He at last came out of the Castle with 1000. Turkes, * 1.47 which remained of 1300. who were slaine by the Artillerie, and causing all the baggage and wounded to bee martialled in the Vauntgard, they began to march towards the Castle of Vercherez (where that night the Belerbey was) and being lodged twelue miles from Lippa, he priuately came from thence in the night to see the Frier, who had sent before him a 1000. horse to conduct him with more safetie, and being in conference foure long houres together in the Friers Tent, he in the end tooke leaue, and retired himselfe where his people attended him, and remaining there the rest of the night, at [ H] breake of day (in the best manner he could) he raunged his Turkes in bat∣taile, and so departed thence, proceeding on his iourney towards the Beler∣bey.

At the same instant that Oliman departed forth of Lippa, the Marquesse of Balasse secretly went out of the Campe with his 200. horse, not acquainting any person therewith. With him also ioyned 2000. horse more, who stole forth of the armie, for the desire which they had to massacre these Turkes, because that they did not a little complaine for the agreement which the Frier had made, in suffering them so safely to depart, and warranting them [ I] from the furie of these nations, who had receiued by them cruell burnings, irrecouerable losses, and infinit inconueniences. For the same exploite also went out of Themesuar 200. other horse, with whom was Alphonse Perez de Saianedra, who ioyned himselfe with the Marquesse. They being all in this manner assembled, and swiftly riding on, ouertooke Oliman in a plaine field, where was neither tree nor bush which hindered them from being dis∣couered. When he perceiued our men, he began to march more closely to∣gether, the most part of his people being on foote, hauing in the middest of his squadron foure or fiue waggons, about which with the wounded he pla∣ced 35. Harquebuziers, that of the rest remained aliue vnto him. The Mar∣quesse [ K] (the better to set vpon him) presently ordered his people, and when he perceiued himselfe to draw neere Olimans squardron, he by good speech prouoked his owne people, placing himselfe in the fore ranke, thinking at this first shocke to force the Turkes, who not to spend their shot in vaine, made no great haste to discharge their Harquebuzes, but so effectually they

shot, that at the first vollie the Marquesse was wounded, and his horse slaine, [ A] so that he fell to the ground. His followers seeing him fall, fearing the hor∣ses would runne ouer him, opened and diuided themselues in that manner, that of one strong squadron, they made two weake ones, and running with more furie then discretion against Oliman, not being able to reunite them∣selues againe, the one bare in vpon the Vauntgard of the Turkes, and the o∣ther vpon the Rereward, leauing the battaile of Oliman secure, and not any thing broken. The Turkes taking courage of this their vnlooked for aduan∣tage, and seeing Oliman fought so gallantly, carefully endeuoured them∣selues still to march close together, and all the way they fought so brauely, that our men neuer durst returne to assaile them, but quietly suffered them to [ B] depart to the place where the Belerbey expected them.

After that Oliman was thus departed from Lippa, they began from the * 1.48 next day after to permit those who were sent from the kingdome, to returne againe, and Castalde also demaunded of the Frier, that those who were of Ferdinands pay should be lodged in Transiluania. But the Frier would not that any of these nations should enter into those countries, but that rather they should be lodged in the Countie of Varadin, excusing himselfe by the charges which alreadie that kingdome had been at, and that in biliting his souldiours within that countrie, (it being now peaceable and quiet) would bee a beginning to ruinate and spoyle it, he thinking it farre better that they should be in garrison in places of his Bishopricke, where (in his iudgement) [ C] they should liue more commodiously and profitably, it being a plentifull countrie, and neighbouring vpon the frontiers of the enemie, rather then to place them in Transiluania, where Ferdinand had not so much to doe, as in the foresaid places. Castalde seeing this speech did greatly discouer him, and being needfull for him to manage these affayres with more policie, then before he had done, said to the Frier, that he thought it good and conue∣nient that they should send backe the Artillerie into the kingdome, from whence it was brought, and that with so good a guard, as belonged to a mat∣ter of such moment. The Frier was well content therewith, but with this condition, that there should bee no more then one hundred Germanes to [ D] conduct it: which Castalde agreed vnto, and presently sent word to his Cap∣taines, that they should cause the Artillerie to march, before the Frier knew thereof, and that therewith should goe fiue Ensignes of Germanes, hauing charge to put one part within Albe-iula, and the other in neighbouring pla∣ces by. And in the meane time, he with his best skill declared to Frier George, that it was very necessarie to leade the souldiours into the kingdome, not so much for the assurance thereof, as to recreate them, in recompence of their trauailes which they had endured, and for their exceeding valour which they had manifested at the assaults of Lippa, as he himselfe had seene: and also to the end that they should shew them some signe that they had good [ E] regard of them, and were also mindfull of them. The Frier at these speeches was content to yeeld thereto, perswading himselfe, that they being so small a number, they should not bee able to disturbe that which he had secretly plotted in his minde.

Whilest the Artillerie was thus on the way, the Frier and Castalde began to giue directions for the affayres of Lippa, causing the dead bodies of the [ F] Turks to be conuaied away, which were thickly spread in the towne streetes, within the Ditches, and at the breaches, and specially at the Castle, comman∣ding that the walles should bee repayred the best they could. And because in this towne were many persons, who willingly, or by compulsion of the Turkes, had taken armes for their defence against Ferdinands Campe, the Frier depriued them all of their goods, and bestowed them in recompence vpon many his Captaines and souldiours. Among which was in like sort bestowed the goods of a certaine Marchant, who was slaine at the taking of Lippa, a man of good sufficient wealth, and one who had a wife, who besides [ G] her beautie and youth, was also vertuous and of good reputation, as any was * 1.49 in that countrie. This woman seeing she had lost, by the sacke and spoyle of the towne, her whole substance, and that nothing was left her, but her ap∣parell which she then did weare, and that also they had taken all her posses∣sions from her, and that the Frier had distributed them betweene two of his Hungarian Captaines, who vnkindly had expulsed her out of her owne house; seeing her selfe very poore and beggerly, and not knowing what course to take, was counselled to make her complaint to Castalde. Vpon this she went, and being come to his Tent, and pressing to goe in and speake with him, was stayed and enquired by the Guard what her busines was. She an∣swered, [ H] that she would no other thing, but speake with the Lieutenant gene∣rall. The Guard seeing her very faire and seemely both of face and bodie, thought that she came for no other thing but to make shew of her beautie, and sale of her honestie, and the rather, considering the season which was somewhat late, and approaching towards night: whereupon they suffered her not to waite any longer, but let her presently goe in: who approaching the presence of Castalde, she heauily explained the cause of her comming, humbly intreating that hee would not suffer that shee should seeke her reliefe among charitable people: sorrowfully telling him, that although her husband was found with an ill wil to be at the wall of Lippa against him, [ I] he had alreadie payd dearely for it, euen the price of his life: and that there∣fore she being a woman, and a Christian, she could not in any sort be found culpable thereof, neither beare the offences of another, being of her selfe cleerely innocent of that fault: and that therefore it would please his Ex∣cellencie to haue respect vnto her condition and honour, and that he would not permit, that for the inriching of two, who had no neede of her goods, she should bee vtterly spoyled, and bee forced to passe the remnant of her mournefull daies in perpetuall miserie, whereof he should receiue but small honour. She vttered these speeches with so good a grace and seemely be∣hauiour, well fitting the subiect of her discourse, that she manifested to be no [ K] lesse adorned with an inward vertue, then outwardly appeared in her coun∣tenance and bodie. Vpon which her pitifull complaint, Castalde caused pre∣sently these two Captaines to bee called for, to whom giuing as much and more of that which belonged to Ferdinands part, in recompence of this wo∣mans goods, he commaunded them that instantly they should restore al that

which they had of hers: which they willingly did, and one of the two, who [ A] had offered her the greatest wrong, within a while after tooke her to his wife, in respect of her singular beautie and vertue, which he saw that naturally she was inriched with.

In this time the Campe-master Aldene, required Castalde to bestow the gouernment of Lippa vpon him, with such conditions as he had in charge to * 1.50 bestow it vpō any other: which was presently granted him, & left there, with his companie to gouerne it, & he was commanded to fortifie it, and repayre the Castle, he recommending that place to him, as a thing of great impor∣tance to all the countrie, and especially because it was the only Bulwarke and Key of that kingdome, and therefore that for this cause he was to repayre it into such state, and as strong as it was before, and that he should giue order, [ B] that the inhabitants who were fled from thence, should returne thither a∣gaine, and that he should haue a speciall care to vse all his neighbours friend∣ly, vsing the like to those about the Castle of Solimos, within which he was to place his Ensigne, vntill the Castle of Lippa was well repayred and forti∣fied; and leauing him good prouision of victuals, yea such as by it he might maintaine himselfe for many moneths: Castalde on the other side to prouide for Themesuar, sent thither Don Iasper Castelluio, with his companie of Spa∣nyards, * 1.51 raised of those who at the assault of Lippa had lost their Captaines, (as aboue is said, whereof Ferdinand not long before had prouided him) and gaue him speciall charge to fortifie this towne, and to take such order [ C] that it might not want any thing, that might bee necessarie for any occa∣sion.

Hauing sufficiently prouided for these two townes, he lodged his whole armie within the precinct of Varadin: and hauing well accommodated them, he caused the Spanish and Germane companies to march on the one side of the riuer Marosse, and on the other side (not to giue the Frier any sus∣pition) he went himselfe alone with him, onely but with 25. Harquebuziers on horsebacke for his guard, causing to march on the other side 2000. horse, and 500. Harquebuziers, and in this manner they began to dislodge, they both (for the more assurance and lesse distrust) like good friends riding in [ D] one Coach.

Now the time approached wherein he thought to kill Frier George, and so * 1.52 much the rather, for that he was earnestly solicited thereto by Ferdinand: who also at that time had sent another messenger from Vienna, that he should vse expedition in this attempt, and bereaue him of life, and specially because he vnderstood by Castaldes letters what he had done to and with O∣liman. And to the end that the Frier should not distrust any thing vpon the comming of this new messenger, he told him that Ferdinand was very ioy∣full for the taking of Lippa, and that he gaue him infinite thankes for the ser∣uice [ E] he had there done him, whereof he would neuer bee vngratefull to re∣quite his loyaltie, hoping by effect to satisfie and recompence him so, that during his life he should thinke himselfe well satisfied.

Whilest by such disguised maskes he couered these his stratagems, Castal∣de * 1.53 in the end arriued with the Frier at Binse, a Castle which was built by him

in respect of the pleasant situation of the place. There Castalde obserued, that the occasion he waited for and so greatly desired, was now come, in a man∣ner [ F] assuring himselfe that it was alreadie performed. And although that many times he had an intent openly to massacre him in the plaine field as he trauailed through the kingdome, yet neuerthelesse he thought it not conue∣nient, and that he might not put himselfe nor his people inconsiderately vn∣der Fortunes pleasure, he did defer this execution vntill the Frier was come to this Castle, which hee esteemed the most fit and commodious place of any other to practise his death with the least danger. After then that they were both lodged in this said Castle, Castalde seeing the Spanish Infantrie ar∣riued not so soone as he desired, (without which he could effect nothing to [ G] the purpose) and specially seeing the short time the Frier would there abide, who thought to depart from thence within two daies: writ with great expe∣dition, by a trustie messenger, to the Marquesse Sforce Palauicin, and to all the other Spanish Captaines, that in what place soeuer they were, they should presently dislodge with their souldiours, and without staying in any place, repayre to Binse. If the diligence of the messenger was great, that of the Captains was nothing inferiour, marching as farre in one day, as they could hardly haue done in two. This day Castalde behaued himselfe very pleasant∣ly, finely entertaining the Frier with soothing and familiar discourses, who dreamed not of any thing but of his departure to go to a Diet, which he cau∣sed [ H] to bee assembled at Wasrael, in which he was determined to treate and conferre with those of the countrie, concerning the meanes which should bee vsed to expulse Castalde and all his armie (which were in Ferdinands pay) out of the kingdome, and euen to the end (as might bee vehemently suspec∣ted) to defeate and cut them in peeces, imagining that thereby he should bee able to make himselfe absolute Lord of all those countries. The Frier was lodged in his Castle, as he was vsually accustomed, as often as he came thi∣ther, and in like sort Castalde. And in the towne by the Castle was lodged the Friers guard. And as they were there accomodated, the Spanyards arri∣ued the same night, whom the Frier commaunded should be lodged in the [ I] other towne, situated on the other side of the riuer, which runneth betweene these two townes, being not very broad nor deepe, but yet as cleere as Chri∣stall, it is called Sebesse, and a little beneath it casteth his streames into Ma∣rosse. * 1.54 This riuer hath a bridge of wood, for the commoditie of the Castle, passing from one of the townes to the other. These souldiours being thus lodged, Castalde required the Frier that he would appoint the place where the Germanes should winter, which by no meanes he would resolue vpon, not willing that any great companie of them should lodge in one place, but diuided into houses and villages, to wit, twentie in one place, fortie in ano∣ther, and so consequently according to the proportion and receit of the [ K] place: to the end, that (as Castaldes Courtiers said, and as afterward was vn∣derstood by them) euery towne taking his armes, might easily at the prefixed time kill all the souldiours they found therein; which was not concealed from Castalde by some who were about the Frier. But with great discretion he bore all patiently, dissembling in his countenance that which he had in∣wardly

purposed, he employed al his care (as being greatly desirous thereof) [ A] to effect that execution, which many a moneth before he had resolued vp∣on, for the generall good of them all, might come to good end; knowing that if this exploite did well succeede, all his people might be well and com∣modiously lodged secure from any secret treasons. Hauing then vpon this point resolutely determined in his heart, he caused to come to him the Mar∣quesse Sforce Palauicin, with whom he had expresse commaund from Ferdi∣nand, to conferre about this deed, which he vntill then concealed from him, and reciting to him that which he was to doe, and shewing him the meanes that must be obserued therein, he told him in his Maiesties name, that it was necessarie that he himself should be an actor in a fact of so great importance, [ B] and specially the time being now come, in which they were not to goe back, neither was it to bee omitted; and fortune also had offered the occasion, which of a long time he expected, the Frier being in the Castle (forth where∣of he would by no meanes that he should come a liue) and he told him, that although he saw this enterprise exceeding difficult, (the end whereof could not well be iudged of) yet neuerthelesse ought he not for the seruice of Fer∣dinand to refuse it, it being more then necessary, that y^e night following with∣out delay it should bee effected. The Marquesse readily offered his owne person, and all his power, yea and with such a desire as could be expected in such a person, not contradicting any thing which was said to him; and an∣swered Castalde, that he would appoint what he should doe, and as for that [ C] which concerned his owne action, he would not in any thing faile of per∣forming his vttermost: whereupon taking speciall care of this, he presently departed, and went to prouide for that which was necessarie therefore. And then Castalde, vnder colour of aduising touching y^e placing of his souldiours in some garrisons, went to see the Frier, whō he found readie to heare Masse, and suffering him to go quietly to his deuotions, stayed himselfe in another roome by, to conferre with certaine there. There some of them that were present came & told him, that the Priest being at the consecratiō of the bles∣sed Sacrament, forgetting to take the Host, he tooke the Chalice and eleua∣ted it, * 1.55 which was a presage of the Friers death, and of the blood which hee [ D] should shed on the ground. This ouersight was well perceiued by euery one, but not by the Frier himselfe, and none did diuine any thing thereby, but did rather attribute it to the negligence of the Priest, then as to a signe sent from God. The Masse being ended, they withdrew themselues to con∣ferre together, and in the end not agreeing of places for garrisons, euery one withdrew himselfe to his owne lodging: whereupon Castalde presently sent for Captaine Andrew Lopez, to whom he imparted, that this night of neces∣sitie the Frier must be slaine, and that it was the Kings pleasure it should bee instantly performed; and that for the good regard that he had of his person, [ E] he made speciall choise of him, with Captaine Monin, Cheualier Campegge, * 1.56 and the Marquesse Sforce, that with all expedition this exploite, sans faute, should be put in practise, for that in omitting it, besides that the King should wholly lose both that kingdome and his reputation; all they themselues also should bee in daunger to bee slaine: and on the contrarie in executing it,

there could not possible betide of it, but singular good: and although that there might bee daunger by meanes thereof, to see some alteration a∣mong [ F] the Transiluanians, yet he hoped to prouide therefore a prompt and fit remedie: assuring him further, that Ferdinand would gratefully accept thereof; and instructing him how he should carrie himselfe therein, he com∣maunded him that out of all the Spanish companies, he should onely make choise of 24. Harquebuziers, the most resolute amongst them, and lesse knowne of the Friers men, and that at the opening of the Castle gate, he should finde the meanes, as wisely as he could, to bring them in, and that be∣ing once entered, they should seize on foure towers, diuiding sixe to euery one, and that there they should keepe themselues quiet, vntill they were [ G] commaunded to performe that which they should doe. On the other side, he called for Captaine Peter d' Auila, and commanded him that foure houres before the baggage was readie to march, he should goe to the Port of Sasse∣besse, to gather without sound of Drumme or any noyse, the souldiours who were within, and that afterwards vpon day breake, they should present themselues before the Castle gate of Binse, with their Colours displayed and ranged in battaile, and that there they should attend the charge which should be giuen them: which was presently done.

Now the night being come, which was very clowdie and darke, during which the element would demonstrate some signe of the Friers death. For [ H] in that night the windes were so horrible, and the tempest and raine so strange, that in mans memorie the like was neuer seene. Nothing was heard but vnaccustomed sounds in the ayre, clapping of doores and windowes through all the Castle, and that so terrifying, as though the world would presently haue ended. In summe, as well in the ayre, as in y^e vallies, this super∣naturall tempest made such rude hauock, as though all the Furies in hell had been there vnchained. The tempest being ceased, and day light appearing, which in respect of the distempered night past, seemed not very cleere, and that the Frier was then vpon his departure; that day the Aiduchs, who were of the guard of the Castle, opened the gate somewhat before the accusto∣med [ I] time, to let his waggons go forth. At the very instant Captaine Andrew Lopez performed to the full of all that which was commanded him, causing very slily those 24. Harquebuziers to enter in, so that as well for the com∣ming forth of the waggons, as also for the desire to dislodge, not any tooke regard to them who entered in, they being all apparelled in Turkish habits in long and large gownes, which they had gotten at the taking of Lippa, and with these robes they couered their armes and harquebuzes. They be∣ing thus entered, Lopez disposed of them in places conuenient where they should keepe; and presently after, he went from thence to the place where Castalde expected him, with the Marquesse Sforce, who was the chiefe actor in the enterprise, and certainly knew the determined order which he should [ K] obserue therein, hauing with him foure Italian gentlemen: one of them was named Captaine Monin, the second Cheualier Campeggio, the third Scara∣muccia, and the fourth was called Piacentino, men of an approued resolution, and of as great confidence: & to be short, such were these men, as in a whole

world could not be found their like to effect such an attempt. Besides these, [ A] there were yet foure other Spanish souldiours, which Lopez amongst many had culled out to bee the most valiant. With these, the Marquesse Sforce about day breake went towards the Friers chamber vpon the 18. of Decem∣ber, and the Friers Secretarie who perceiuing the drift of this rumour, went to giue him notice thereof, but he was turned againe by these conspi∣rators. Before them all went Castaldes Secretarie, named Marc Antonie Ferraro of Alexandria, with certaine letters and fained patents in his hand, with intent to shew them to the Frier, and to request him to peruse the one, and seale the other, telling him that it was for the Marquesse Sforce, who that day shuld depart to go to Vienna, and who would not go without knowing [ B] his pleasure, whither hee would commaund him any thing to Ferdinands Court. This Secretarie was accustomed early and late to haue free accesse to the Frier vpon any affayres, yea, and euen at vntimely houres, and the Frier bore him good affection, and alwaies vsed him familiarly, affoording him great fauour and many rich gifts, and reposed a speciall trust in him. For these respects he was sent with them, that the more colourably and with lesse suspition, the groomes of the Friers chamber might open his doore, they knowing the good affection that their master bore him, and that the said Secretarie not foure daies before, about the same houre was come to him to negotiate some important busines. Castalde had expressely sent him at such [ C] an houre before, to the end, that when time should come to execute this en∣terprise, no suspition should grow by his comming, and that he might be the man who should kill him.

They being all thus arriued neere the Friers chamber, they presently loc∣ked in the guard of the Aiduchs into a hall thereby, who little suspected any such matter, for that they were all clustering about the chimney to warme them, and to refresh themselues, by reason of that troublesome night which they had endured. And after the Secretarie knocked at the doore, and be∣ing reported to the Frier who it was, he caused him presently to come in; the Marquesse Sforce following him, whom the groome would not let enter in, [ D] but told him that he should attend him at the doore. The other thrusting his foote and knee betweene both, hindered that the groome could not shut it. The Marquesse keeping himselfe firmely there, the Secretarie in the meane time approached Frier George, who was in his shirt and night-gowne, he vsing no other circumstances to apparell him, but onely came presently out of his bed, and leaning then on the table, vpon which he had a little Clocke, a Breuiarie, and a booke of his notes, with an Inkehorne by. The Se∣cretarie told him, that the Marquesse Sforce was to goe to the Court of Ferdi∣nand, and before his departure he was come to kisse his hands, and would know his pleasure if he would commaund him any seruice: that being said, [ E] he put into his hands the letters and patents (aforesaid) to seale them. After that the Frier had perused them, and taking penne and inke to subscribe his name, the Secretarie not omitting any time, with a poynard (which secretly he had) he gaue him a stab betweene the throate and the breast, but not so deepe that it was mortall. The Frier being greatly amazed herewith, and

comming to himselfe againe, and saying Virgo Maria, he pulled the dagger out of his breast, and for that he was a man of great strength, and of a bolde [ F] resolution, he made the Secretarie retire to the end of the table. The Mar∣quesse being very attentiue, hearing this bruite, entered presently into the chamber, and laying hand vpon his sword, gaue him so great a blow vpon the head, that he cleaued it. Whereupon all the rest entering with Captaine Lopez, discharged their Harquebuzes vpon him, which the Frier seeing, said no other thing but these words in Latin: What meaneth this my friends? * 1.57 and saying, Iesus Maria, he fell dead to the ground.

Behold now the end of the proudest and insolentest man in the world, and the greatest and closest Tyrant that euer liued, God permitting that he should in that very place end his daies, which he had caused to be built vpon [ G] the foundations of an ancient Church and Monestarie of religious persons, which for that occasion he caused to be defaced and pulled down, & for the * 1.58 ruine whereof, his death was foretold vnto him by the Abbot of that place. And neither could his authoritie, wisedome, nor great wealth protect him from the action of so miserable an end, whereinto (his daies being almost come to a period) he suddenly fell. The bruite ranne, that this death inflic∣ted on him, was rather by the enuie and malice of those who hated him, then by any act which he was culpable in: for that the defence which he vn∣dertooke for Olimans protection and safetie, tended to no other end (as was afterward perceiued, and as wee shall hereafter more at large treate of) but [ H] that by such curtesie vsed to Oliman and his people, he might pacifie the Turkes furie, and cause them to abstaine from further oppression of Transil∣uania, and suffer euery one to liue peaceably. This wee are sure on, that all those which were actors of his death, in time fell into great misfortunes. The Marquesse Sforce within a while after was ouerthrowne and taken prisoner by the Turkes, who inflicted great torments vpon him. Captaine Monin was * 1.59 beheaded at S. Germanes in Piemont. Marc Anthonie Ferraro in anno 1557. was also beheaded in Alexandria, by the Cardinall of Trent his commaund. Another was quartered by the Frenchmen in Prouence. Cheualier Campeg∣gio in anno 1562. was in the presence of the Emperour Ferdinand mortally [ I] wounded with a Bore in Bohemia. And the conclusion was, that in the end Transiluania remained not long vnder the obeysance of his Maiestie, but re∣turned vnder the gouernment of yong King Iohn: so that the death of Frier George was more offensiue and preiudicial to the Christians, then profitable, as we will hereafter in his due place mention.

Returning then to the pursuite of our historie: whilest these were busied about their execution, Castalde was walking vpon the Castle wall to giue co∣lour to their proceedings, and there to expect the issue of this bloodie enter∣prise. Being now assured that the Frier was dead, he presently came downe [ K] and went to the Castle gate, where suddenly with his souldiours which were entered into it, and other gentlemen which he had with him, he caused all the Aiduchs (who then were appointed for the guard of it) to goe foorth, who hearing the bruite which was within, and seeing the Spanyards in bat∣taile without, and that the Frier their Lord was dead, they so suddenly were

amazed, that without betaking themselues to armes, they most willingly [ A] fled; and departing in this manner, aduertised the Friers guards, who were at the bridge on the other side of the Castle, of what had happened. This ex∣ploite being now finished, Castalde doubting that many of the Friers friends would depart: whereupon he presently went forth to finde Francis Chendy * 1.60 Ference, who was alreadie in his Coach to bee gone, and taking him by the hand, he desired him to stay. And surely if hee had not then at that instant staied him, he would haue fallen into a great daunger, for that he was one of the greatest friends Frier George had, and hee was of that might within the Realme, as he could stirre them vp against the souldiours of Ferdinand, to be reuenged of the Friers death. Hee hauing thus staied him, brought him to the place where the Spanyards and Germanes were, among whom [ B] he placed him to see what would become of this tumult, that the gentlemen and seruants of the Friers would make, and specially his guard, who moun∣ted all on horsebacke, and gathered together in the field, hauing for their Captaine Paul Bancchy, who at the siege of Lippa was the Friers Lieutenant. * 1.61 They being thus all ranged in battaile in a plaine, began among themselues to deliberate what was best to bee done, and being acertained of the Friers death, made no other semblance against Castalde, doubting they could not make their partie good, in respect he had an infinit companie of men with him, and that this murther was not done without great intelligence: for [ C] which cause, esteeming they could not greatly preuaile, but rather receiue more losse and damage, they resolued for the present to obscure this reuenge in silence, and reserue the chastisement thereof, vntill a more conuenienter time. And so this assemblie was discomfited, euery man taking his neerest and safest way, leauing their masters dead bodie to bee a pray and spoyle, and vnburied. It remained there many daies aboue ground all naked and * 1.62 without light, there being not any who respected to couer or burie him, be∣ing so stiffe with cold, that he seemed as a man made out of Marble, hauing in the head, breast, and armes many wounds, vpon which was yet remai∣ning the blood all frozen: which to say truly, was an obiect worthie of com∣passion; and on the other side, it was very execrable and enormious, to see so [ D] great a personage so vily left without buriall, by those who (God knoweth for what cause) had practised his death. In the end, by some of his friends he was conuaied to the Church of Albe-iula, where Castalde, at the charges of Ferdinand, caused him to bee buried in a Tombe of stone, in the middest of the new great Church, by King Iohn Huniades Coruin. These Aiduchs and other of the Friers people being thus retired, Castalde seeing that in these al∣terations of fortune, there would not befall vnto him any great disturbance nor tumult for the death of the Frier, came on foote before the Spanish squa∣drons, hauing Francis Chendy by the hand, and began with him to set for∣ward [ E] to Sassebesse. He was not yet farre on his way, but a messenger came and told him that the Castle of Binse was rifled by those who were left in custodie thereof, and that the Friers Secretarie was taken by Iohn Alphonse * 1.63 Castalde, and warranted from death, and how that in the Friers chamber there was found a little Cabenet, within which was 12000. Hungarish Duc∣kets,

which Captaine Andrew Lopez, with foure other souldiours, had taken and broken vp, and parted shares according to their qualities, reseruing the [ F] greatest quantitie for himselfe. He vnderstanding this newes, presently sent Captaine Diego Velez to pacifie this disorder, and take the money againe from them who had thus stollen it, and to cause them to restoreal the moue∣ables of the Frier, and establish them in the former estate, waiting till he should send a Comissarie, who should receiue all the Friers treasure to the vse of Ferdinand. By this meanes he caused the pillage to cease, and recoue∣red againe much money, and other things to the value of 80000. Duckets, which was all committed to the charge of his Maiesties Treasurers. And marching thus along, very discontented with those who had rifled the Friers [ G] chamber, within short time after hee arriued at Sassebesse, from whence he presently sent to the Captaines and Gouernours of such Castles and Forts, as were at the Friers deuotion, that they should yeeld to Ferdinand, threat∣ning them, that if they would not obey his commaund, he would present∣ly send his armie and Artillerie to subdue them. Among which places there was one called Wyuar, where the Frier had his treasure, and there hee also * 1.64 priuately kept an Ambassadour of the Turkes, which Castalde, presently after the Frier had yeelded vp the ghost, sent Captaine Diego Velez to apprehend and bring the said Ambassadour to him wheresoeuer he should be, to see if any matter of moment could bee learned out of him touching the Friers [ H] proceedings, and whether there had been any intelligence and practise be∣tweene them against Ferdinand, as was vehemently suspected, and specially in respect of the Diet of Wasrael, where they looked for the Sicilians, and in which (as the common bruite and speech amongst our people was) they should haue discoursed of the meanes which should be vsed to expulse Castalde out of Transiluania, with all the Spanyards, Germanes, Bohemians, and Hungars, who should be at that time found in it, and were payd by Fer∣dinand. This Ambassadour being vnder Castaldes commaund, and diligent∣ly examined, they could neither know nor finde in him any matter as they desired, but onely certaine letters of credit written in the Turkish language, [ I] directed to Solyman, Rostan Basha, the Belerbey, and to certaine other of spe∣ciall credit in the Turkes Court, and sealed with the seale, which the Frier was wont to vse in all the affayres concerning the kingdome, which letters he had dispatched, without imparting any thing thereof to Castalde. He re∣mained at Sassebesse one whole day, that by the meanes of Iulian de Carleual, he might aduertise Ferdinand of all that which happened, and writ to all the townes to acquaint them with the enterprises and death of the Frier, and to pray them to remaine in a loyall deuotion to the King. The day following, fearing the Sicilians (being speciall friends to the Frier) would rise against him, and that it was not in his power to auoyde the tumult, which he alrea∣die [ K] saw stirred vp, determined to goe to Sibinio, for that it was a towne of * 1.65 good strength and most faithfull to Ferdinand, and lesse affected to the Frier, among all those which were in that quarter, in which he thought to tempo∣rise, while he might, together with his securitie, see what end these matters would haue: whereupon he left good garrisons of Germanes in Albe-iula,

and at Sassebesse, and he left also at Binse Captaine Diego Velez with his Spa∣nish [ A] companie, and went himselfe to Sibinio, where being arriued, he lod∣ged the rest of his armie without the towne: but so neere at hand, that vpon any necessitie and first signe giuen, within foure houres he could bring them into the towne, onely retaining with him 50. Harquebuziers for his guard. There he was very friendly receiued of the citizens, who greatly reioyced with him, for that he had deliuered them from the subiection and feare of this stearne and proud Frier, promising not to faile him in all prosperous and aduerse accidents whatsoeuer, and offering him all that which should be any way necessary for him. Castalde gaue them many kind thanks, and was excee∣dingly pleased, for that hee found the Sibinians in so good an humour, and [ B] such assured friends: and minding afterwards to depart from thence and go to Seghesuar, that so he might be more neere to Wasrael (where the Sicilians * 1.66 were assembled, expecting the Friers arriuall) and also the better to vnder∣stand and know of them what their purpose might be: and whether after they vnderstood of the Friers death, they would continue in the friendship and deuotion of Ferdinand. The inhabitants of Sibinio would by no meanes permit him that he should goe out of their towne without a good guard, telling him, that to goe to such a Diet, it was very necessarie he should leade with him more men then he had, and that by no meanes he should re∣pose any trust in the Sicilians, vntill he saw how they would take the Friers death, vrgently perswading him not to go to that Diet with lesse then 15000. [ C] men. Vpon these considerations, Castalde sent to seeke the men of armes of Charles Scerettin, and certaine Spanyards and Germanes to the number of 1800. and went from thence with this troupe to Seghesuar, still hauing in * 1.67 his companie Francis Chendy, whom he now had wonne, and by offers and kind vsage (although it might bee thought it was more by compulsion then loue) had drawne to the seruice of Ferdinand. They being arriued in this towne, they reposed themselues there the first day: and the day following Castalde sent Chendy to Wasrael, where alreadie were met the principall men * 1.68 of Seculia, deuising together of the meanes which should be vsed to reuenge the death of the Frier. Chendy being now present, before them all, in Castal∣des [ D] name, said vnto them, that they should louingly and faithfully embrace Ferdinand, of whom they should receiue more pay, rewards, and curtesies in one houre, then they had receiued of the Frier in 20. yeeres, whose death fell vpon him in regard of his bad demeanour, hauing absolutely determi∣ned to bring the Turkes into these countries, and to make himselfe sole Lord of Transiluania: which would haue been not onely their particular ruine, but also an irreparable damage to all Christendome. With these friendlie speeches, and other plausible reasons which he alleadged to them, he wonne that abilitie ouer them, that he conuerted them from their former malice, to sweare all obeysance to his Maiestie, and to offer him to be faithfull and rea∣die [ E] hereafter in all his affayres, performing whatsoeuer Castalde should com∣maund them. The principals among them within a while after came toge∣ther to visit Castalde at Seghesuar, to manifest vnto him in his presence the as∣surance of that true fidelitie, which in words they had by Chendy promised

vnto him. Castalde receiued them with infinit ioyes and demonstrations of kindnes, promising large pensions to those who were at the Friers pay, and [ F] giuing honourable titles and liuings to others: and besides, at Ferdinands charges, he bestowed as well vpon the poore as rich many presents; to some, horses, robes of silke, apparell of cloath; to others, money, entertaining eue∣ry man with good loue and curteous words: and assuring them with great and ample hopes of a future and present acknowledgement of their subie∣ction, hee made them in a manner so fauourable vnto him, that hee verely thought he might well trust them, and assist himselfe with them, in any en∣terprise whatsoeuer. Obseruing herein the custome of the ancient Romanes, who by meanes of curtesie and liberalitie, made all sorts of men, how proud [ G] or insolent soeuer they were, to be tractable and louing friends, and by force of armes and feare, to become subiect and obedient.

The Sicilians being exceeding well satisfied by these speeches, shewed themselues so well contented with this new friendship, that it was an incre∣dible thing & hardly to be beleeued, considering how within so short a time this barbarous and rude nation was wonne, and who (in all iudgement) was to bee greatly mistrusted. By such managings men may easily see how for∣cibly the industrie and gouernment of men are; and how greatly the pru∣dence of Francis Chendy serued to reduce those, who for our destruction were purposely vnited together, and who also had sworne to destroy all Fer∣dinands [ H] people, and to driue Castalde out of those regions: and also how great and excellent his foresight was, in so wisely tempering that people, that from that time forward they alwaies shewed themselues to be Ferdinands speciall friends. After then that these nations were thus appeased, Castalde began to diuide all the companies into commodious places of the kingdome, to the end that his souldiours, by the benefit of their safegards, might in part begin to restore themselues from their trauailes, which they had endured: and that after they were refreshed, they might prepare and finde themselues better disposed to the future warre, which alreadie was discerned to come from the Turkes. And although that all tumults seemed then to be pacified [ I] and extinct, yet neuerthelesse there wanted not some, who secretly kindled the fire in many places, and practising with inward hatred many things, (according as time fitteth we shall write of) brought great detri∣ment to Ferdinands affayres, and great paines and hatred as well to his people, as to the particular quar∣ters of that kingdome.

The end of the fourth Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Solyman pre∣pareth an ar∣mie to muade Hungarie.
• * 1.2

  George nego∣tiateth with the Bashnes.
• * 1.3

  The Turks ar∣mie in Hun∣garie.
• * 1.4

  Lozonse Lieu∣tenant for Ferdinand at Themesuar.
• * 1.5

  Battor at Lip∣pa.
• * 1.6

  George, Vay∣uoyde of Transiluania, raneth his ar∣mie against the Turks.
• * 1.7

  The custome of Transilua∣nia to leauie the souldiours of the coun∣trie.
• * 1.8

  George sus∣pected by Ca∣stalde.
• * 1.9

  States con∣firmed to George.
• * 1.10

  The incon∣stancie of George.
• * 1.11

  Maximilian espoused Ma∣rie daughter of Charles the Emperour.
• * 1.12

  Succours sent by Ferdinand to Castalde.
• * 1.13

  Themesuar summoned.
• * 1.14

  Saone, or Sa∣gona, a riuer in France.
• * 1.15

  Becche taken by the Turks.
• * 1.16

  Becherech taken.
• * 1.17

  The Rhatians reuolt from Ferdinand, and incline to the Turkes.
• * 1.18

  Senath yeel∣ded to the Turkes.
• * 1.19

  Battor confu∣sedly quitteth Lippa.
• * 1.20

  The Burgo∣master of Lip∣pa yeeldeth the towne to the Turkes.
• * 1.21

  Solimos de∣fended against the Turks.
• * 1.22

  Themesuar.
• * 1.23

  Themesuar besieged.
• * 1.24

  A tumult at Bresouia.
• * 1.25

  The armie of Castalde.
• * 1.26

  The Transil∣uanians for the most part are souldiours of small actiō.
• * 1.27

  Castalde his oration.
• * 1.28

  A consulta∣tion held a∣mong the Commanders of Ferdinands armie.
• * 1.29

  The Turke retireth from Themesuar.
• * 1.30

  George made Cardinall.
• * 1.31

  The cause of the hate that Castalde had against George.
• * 1.32

  Aduertise∣ment from Ferdinand to Castalde, to kill George.
• * 1.33

  George and Castalde disa∣greeth for the conduct of the armie.
• * 1.34

  Lippa.
• * 1.35

  Lippa besie∣ged by Ca∣stalde.
• * 1.36

  Patocche a Hungarian Captaine.
• * 1.37

  Gala a Castle taken by the Hungars, dis∣guised in Tur∣kish apparell.
• * 1.38

  Castalde his oration to encou∣rage them to the as∣sault of Lip∣pa.
• * 1.39

  The meanes to incourage souldiours to an assault.
• * 1.40

  Castalde his oration to encou∣rage the souldiours to the as∣sault at Lip∣pa.
• * 1.41

  George a va∣liant Captain.
• * 1.42

  Sforce Pala∣uicin.
• * 1.43

  Lippa taken by assault of Castalde.
• * 1.44

  The Castle of Lippa besie∣ged.
• * 1.45

  Frier George his oration.
• * 1.46

  Castalde his reply,
• * 1.47

  Oliman de∣parteth in sa∣fetie from Lippa, by the meanes of George. Vercherez.
• * 1.48

  The meanes that Castalde vsed to intrap George.
• * 1.49

  A vertuous wife.
• * 1.50

  Lippa com∣mitted to the custodie of Aldene a Spa∣nish Captain.
• * 1.51

  Iasper Ca∣stelluio Go∣uernour of Themesuar.
• * 1.52

  Ferdinand im∣portuneth the death of Frier George.
• * 1.53

  Binse where George was slaine.
• * 1.54

  The riuer Se∣besse.
• * 1.55

  Presages of George his death.
• * 1.56

  The actors of George his death.
• * 1.57

  The last words of George.
• * 1.58

  The death of George was foretold him.
• * 1.59

  Reuenge from God against the murthe∣res of George.
• * 1.60

  Francis Chen∣dy.
• * 1.61

  Paul Bancchy.
• * 1.62

  The buriall of George.
• * 1.63

  The moue∣ables of George sca∣zed.
• * 1.64

  Wyuar.
• * 1.65

  Sibinio.
• * 1.66

  The Diet at Wasrael.
• * 1.67

  Seghesuar.
• * 1.68

  The Sicilians mutinie for the death of George, and are appeased by Chendy.