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SVch shares of the Worlds vastnesse hath it pleased the Almightie, to cast into the lap of this great Potentate, commonly called the Gran Seignior; that for wealth, Territories and com∣mand of souldiery, hee would have you to understand, that all other Princes come short of him; & are ter∣rified, when his Armies are united, to
particular destructions. Compound the ambiguitie by your owne discretions.
For Countries,* 1.1 he possesseth Asia minor, now Natolia, with all the Regions within the Propontis and the Hellespont. Which places in times past made the Crownes of Kings to shine with Gold and Pearle. As Phrygia, Galatia, ••ithy∣nia, Pontus, Lidia, Caria, Paphlago••ia, Lycia, Magnesi••, Cappadocia, and Comogena. Neerer the Caspian; Georgia, Mengrelia, Armenia; All Christians of the Greek Church. To which, if you adde the Empire of Trebisond, you shall then finde him great Controller of the Black-sea. For although Russia, Bogdonia, Moldavia, and some Polan∣ders, keepe the North and West shores; yet is it, as a man, who alwaies for feare the theeves approach, dare not slacken his guards, for doubt of surprisall.
Next doth the pride of his Greatnesse send you into As∣syria, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Iudea, the three Ara∣bies, the Red-sea, Aegypt, and the shores of Afrike, as farre as the confederation of the Kings of Barbarie, F••z, and Ma∣rocco. Neither resteth he there, but he can bring you to the Towers of Alexandria, and bid you looke Northward (as farre as is possible) at all the Ilands in the Archipelago, ex∣cept Ca••die, and some few other under the Venetian.
But is this sufficient? Stay, and answer your selves. The fields of Greece lye waste, and are ashamed to shew forth that disparitie of countenance, which in times past Thracia, Macedonia, Thessalia, Epyrus, and Peloponnesus smiled with in ancient times. Nay more, his Bashawes will bring you to Buda and Belgrade, and affright you with Hungaries con∣quest, telling you, that now it knoweth no other Proprietor but the Turke as Conquerour. And concerning the Princes of Transylvania, Slavonia, Poland, and others, with whom he hath contracted a Treatie of pacification, they notwith∣standing observe such correspondencie as Wolves and Dogges doe, watching advantages to prey upon the harme∣lesse.
His principall Cities are Trebisond,* 1.2 Amasia, Babylon, (or
rather the ruines of confusion,) Tauris, gotten (if not re∣gotten) from the Persians: Mecha, famous for the history and death of Mahomet: Cairo, once Memphis, of late new Babylon, now the mirrour of heat, dust, sluttishnesse, and the mortalitie of an hundred thousand in a yeare, when the Pestilence rageth amongst them. Aleppo, the chiefe Seat of Syria, and Constantinople, a Citie exceeding all the Cities in Europe, for populous numbers; For it is thought that seven hundred thousand soules reside therein, which if it be true, it is well-neere twice as much, as may be said of Paris.
Shall I come backe againe, and tell you of Ierusalem, Ty∣rus and Sidon? Alas, they are but names; and all the mise∣ries denounced by the Prophets, have broken their bones a∣sunder, and bruised them like a rod of iron. The few Cities of Europe, the poore harbours of Asia, the port Townes of the Ilands, and the two Castles of the Hellespont, stand upon no better termes. Only Algier lifteth up the head of a strong Castle, protesting a generall entertainment to Pirats, and bragging of the defeature of Charles and Emperour.
Now if you demand, how from so small a mole-hill such mountaines have beene raised? know, That in the yeare of grace 1300. did Ottoman, the sonne of Zichis, step before other Families, and (as if hee were adopted the darling of successe) in his fathers behalfe, obtaine jurisdiction over Bithynia, Cappadocia, and most part of Pontus. His successour Orchanes conquered the great Citie of Prusia, and made it the Seat of his Kingdome, but in the two and twentieth yeare of his Progresse he was slaine by the Tartars, and left his sonne Amurath to succeed both in his honour and fa∣mily; who perceiving the dissention of the Greekes, and di∣vision of the Empire, spent not his labours without a great satisfaction: for with the water that drave the Mill, hee drowned the same, and invited (as a guest) to this banquet of Combats, became Master of the feast. So he made a con∣quest of Gallipolis, Cherfonesus, Peloponnesus, Hadrianopole, Servia, Bulgaria, and Mysia, but after three and twentie yeares convulsion of the Grecian glory, hee was stabbed
with a dagger, and so gave way to his sonne Bajacet to fill the chaire of imperiousnesse. He began well, attaining Pho∣cis, Macedonia, and had indangered the most part of Thra∣cia, had not fortune kept him from insulting, and tript up his heeles even in the race of his Triumph. For with the losse of two hundred thousand Turkes against the valiant Tamber∣lane, he also lost his freedome; and how he died, our Stages have instructed Mechanicall men: yet in the meane while did Calephin his sonne take up the Colours of defiance, and (forbearing the revenges of Asia) he wrecked his anger on Sigismond, and determined to have over-run the other King∣domes of Europe. But prosperitie was not so attendant, for ere six yeares had inlarged the branches of his strange sprea∣ding tree the axe was put to the root; and, as in Daniels vi∣sion, Nebuchadnezzar-like, hee fell to the earth. But this stumpe sprung againe, and Mahomet his sonne in imitation of his fathers progresse, set forward his journey, and wan Valachia, Slavonia, and infested all the borders of the Ionian sea, making Hadrianople the store-house of his projects; wherein for foureteene yeares he raised up such ornaments of Mars and Bellona, that he terrified the Emperour of Ger∣manie, and all the Confederates of Hungarie. Presently fol∣lowed Amurath the second, who filled up his Inventorie with Epyre, Aetolia, Achaia, Beotia, Attica, and Thessa∣lonica, now Salenica, subject to the Venetians, with the gulph of Napoli adjacent to Nigropont. Next him Mahomet the second overthrew the Schoole of Athens, & on a fatall day, the nine and twentieth of May, 1452. forced Constantinople: whereof when Corinth, Lemnes, Mitylen, Caplea, (a Towne belonging to the Genois) and many other Ilands understood, they tooke the course of prostitution, and had some mercie extended. The like part played Trebisond, after that, God gave him leave to continue two and thirtie yeares in pompe and jollitie.
After him, Bajacet the second obtained Naupast, Me∣thon, and Dirachium from the Venetians. Then made hee a contract with Fortune for the most part of Dalmatia, and
thought to have bargained for Austria, but the conditions were somewhat too unreasonable, and an envious hand poysoned his bodie, as ambition had inthralled this minde; which was imputed to his sonne Selimus, in detestation of his long life, after whose departure this Selimus set forward for the conquest of Africa, uniting Aegypt and Damascus, to the Empire.
Now behold Fortunes wanton, Soliman the magnificent, who stepped backe againe into Europe, and over-reached Belgrad, Buda, and Strigonium, leaving Hungarie as a sor∣rowfull mother mourning for the losse of her dearest in∣fants. Yet herewith not satisfied, he besieged Rhodes, loa∣ding his Camels with the broken Colossus therein sometime erected, to which hee added the devastation of the five Churches, and Iula. At Zigoth he was arrested, with an im∣perious interdiction from his supreme Commander, and so died. His sonne, Selim the second, lived and reigned untill Cyprus fell from the Venetians, 1570. This losse resembled a stone pulled from a ruinous wall, which being loose before, did not much indanger the foundation, which the follow∣ing battell of Lepanto did somewhat repaire; by the reputa∣tion whereof, the enemie ever since hath beene more consi∣derate to try Masteries at Sea. After him, time wrought Amurath the third great Lord of Lords, over-looking the most part of Europe, and the West of Asia, more proud of Sinan Bassa and Cicala, (the one his Admirall at Sea, the other Visier of his Army) than of the conquest of a King∣dome; because by their industrie the honour of the Empire flourished, and he being a corpulent man, presumed to fol∣low his pleasures, fatting himselfe with all the delights that luxurie and incontinencie could invent: At last, this lumpe was extinguished, and Achmat, the first of that name, is left at this present to manage the Horses of this Phaëtonticall Chariot.
Let no man therefore wonder at this excesse of Domini∣on, considering how thirteene of their Princes successively have delighted in Armes, and prosecuted warres in person;
a president from the worlds creation, not to be matched by any the Commanders of the first foure and bravest Monar∣chies. Thus much for satisfaction of admiration:* 1.3 Now to the forme of Government, which is meerely tyrannicall, and different from all other, as guided by the heads, and streng∣thened by the hands of slaves, who thinke it as great an ho∣nour so to be stiled and so to live, as they doe with us, who serve in the highest places of Princes Courts. No man is master of himselfe, much lesse of his house wherein he dwel∣leth, or of the field which he tilleth, except certaine families in Constantinople, to whom for some good service immunitie was granted by Mahumet the second. No more surety hath he of his life (be he never so great) longer than Durante be∣neplacito of the grand Seignior, who disposeth thereof and of his fortunes, by no other Rule than that of his will. For although these great slaves attaine to immensive riches, yet are they but the Collectors thereof for his Treasurie, whi∣ther at their decease it returneth all, except what it pleaseth him to bestow upon posterity, who never are preferred to eminent place, except (and that of late) yeares and desert plead rising fortunes. Insomuch, that when a Sister or a Daughter of a Sultan is given to wife to a Beglerbeg, the children begotten on them doe seldome rise above the de∣gree of private Captaine, so carelesse are they of Nobi∣lity, knowne parentage, kindred, or hereditary posses∣sions.
These slaves are either the sonnes of Christians, tithed in their childhoods, Captives taken in the warres, or Rene∣gadoes, such as have willingly quitted their Religion and Countries, to fight against both, and are to the Christians the most spightfull and terrible adversaries.
These children they call Iemoglans,* 1.4 and are brought up under severe Tutors in divers Seraglioes, distinguished by Wards, like those in Hospitals, according to their seniorities, where all are brought up liberally, and taught to write, to reade, to handle their weapons, yea, many of them to con∣verse in secrets of State.
All of them, thrice every weeke within the courts of their houses, learne and exercise some military discipline, rise every morning before day, wash their bodies in cold water, and then repaire to Church. After they have performed these duties, they are allowed a small breakfast, and then are they againe to follow their Bookes, or severall dispositions. At mid-day, at foure of the clocke in the after-noone, and two houres within night, before they goe to bed, they must againe to pray, and he that is missing at any of the prefixions, is sure to have many bastinadoes on the soles of his feet. They never have liberty to walke abroad, no, not so much as to approach the gates of their College, no, nor suffered to speake with any Christian or stranger.
It should seeme that they remove from Chamber to Cham∣ber, according to their Antiquities and Proficiencies.* 1.5 For those of the first Chamber (or Ward) are first preferred, yet not according to Senioritie, but according to the worth of his calling, and the worthinesse of the person. The meanest place that at first these young Gentlemen (for such is their resemblance) attaine unto, is to attend the grand Seignior in his Seraglio, as a Page or Groome of his Chamber, and those are they that are of extraordinary capacities and dex∣terity of wit, and therefore called to great places of honour and dignitie.
The residue (being alike brought up in their youths) are either preferred to be Chauses, Ianizars, Spaheioglans, and Silistarspaheis, or taken into the Port, or Gardens, to ser∣vile drudgeries an inferiour offices, as to fetch Hey, Wood, and such like provision, for the Stables, the Court, and the Kitchins.
Out of the first ranks come the Beglerbegs.* 1.6 The word signifieth Lord of Lords. They were but two, the one of Greece, the other of Natolia, but now by reason of their many conquests, they are also accounted to be many. Next under the Bassa, their office is to command all the Horsemen in those Countries wherein they are appointed to serve. The Sanziaks are Governours of Cities,* 1.7 and Colonels of the
foot, and command all officers of warre and peace within their territories.
The Chauses goe on Embassies,* 1.8 and execute comman∣dements: They are as Pur••evants, or under-Sheriffes: At∣tend on the Emperour on Horse-backe, and on the Courts of Justice, carrying a weapon on their shoulders, resem∣bling a Mace, and can also solicite the causes of Clients.
These are, as it were, the heads of this imperious govern∣ment. The hands are the Spachi & Ianizars, the maine nerves and supporters of this admired bodie. The Spachi are Horse-men,* 1.9 weaponed for the most part at once with Bow, Mace, Launce, Harquebush and Cemiter, whereof they have the severall uses, agreeing with their fight, flights, or pursu∣ments. Of these there are reckoned to bee two and thirty thousand, the one halte of them are called Spachioglans, and ride on the right hand of the Sultan, when they are in the field; and the other are termed Silistarspachies, and march on the left hand.* 1.10 Of the Timariots in place convenient. But out the Ottoman Empire, both in the Field, the Court, and the City, insomuch that the Sultans themselves have beene afraid of their insolencies, yet terme they the Emperour Fa∣ther, (for no knowne friend besides have they to relie on) and hee againe in time of war committeth his person to their trust, valour, and fidelity. In the Citie sixteene thousand are said to be continually abiding, who are there imployed Constables, for keeping of the peace, and observation of good orders: for Clerks of the Market, to look to the prices, and wholesomnesse of victuals: for arresting of offenders, and warding of the gates. Some are appointed to guard the houses of Ambassadours, or of such particular Christians, who will bee at the charge, either about the Citie, or in their travels, towards whom they shew themselves both civill and faithfull. Notwithstanding amongst themselves (as I said before) they are very insolent and mutinous, in regard of their great multitudes, and many privileges, so dangerous is an armed Souldier in a rich and peaceable
City. For whereas their first privileges were given them for safety of the Provinces, as rewards of their abstinence and vertues, as also to re-answer their benefactors confidence. In these daies their insolencies are become so exorbitant, that they will seldome obey any Authority; but by combining themselves together in mutiny, will tyrannize the Countries committed to their charges, in such rude manner, that they seeme not onely to play the Princes over the people, but doe also terrifie their greatest Officers.
In them, two properties are to be noted; their birth-place,* 1.11 & training. As concerning their birth-place, they are not cho∣sen out of Asia, but out of Europe; for they ever accounted the Asians esseminate and cowardly, alwayes more ready to flie than willing to fight•• but the Europians, hardy, couragi∣ous, and good men of war. The Asians they terme after their owne name, Turks; but the Europians, Rumi, that is, Romans.
As concerning their Training,* 1.12 they are taught when they are young: and therefore no marvell, if as they grow in age, so they increase in strength, activity, and courage: for these three vertues make a perfect Souldier. The tithing of Springals is made every third yeare, unlesse occasion con∣straine a quicker election; as it hapned in the Persian war, wherein they were forced not only to make more haste than ordinary, but also compelled to take up Turkish Az••∣m••••••n••, which was never seene to be put in practice before. When these young lads are brought to Constantinople, they are surviewed by the Captaine of the Ianizars, who regi∣stieth their names, their Parents, and their Countrie, in ta∣bles. From thence, some are sent into Natolia, and other Provinces, to learne their Law and Language; where being nuzled in the superstitions customes of them, with whom they converse, they turne Mahumetans before they have discretion to discerne good from evill. Another sort is di∣stributed into the offices of the Seraglio: The third sort (of the fairest complexions, and comliest proportion) are ap∣pointed to services in the Port of the Grand Seignior. Du∣ring the time that they are counted Azamoglani, they have
no certaine Governour, nor trained up in prescript orders, but some are set to keepe Gardens, some to manure Fields, other to manual occupations, and to dispatch houshold businesse, as aforesaid. At riper and abler yeares, they are called into the Schooles of the Azamoglani, (for so they are still termed till they are inrolled in the seroule of Ianizars) and then delivered over to prescribed Schoole-masters, who traine them up in exercises of labour and travell, allowing them spare diet and thin clothing. When they are well pro∣fited in that profession, whereunto they have most addicted their minds, then are they inrolled either in the roll of the Ianizars, or of Spachie. For their maintenance, the one sort are allowed no lesse than five Aspers,* 1.13 nor more than eight a day, the other ten.
Being inrolled for Ianizars, immediatly they enter into action, to Garrisons, or to wait in the Port.
In their journeys and expeditions, they count it religious service to spoile the cottages and houses of Christians,* 1.14 who must not finde fault with any outrage: whatsoever they bar∣gaine for, they must carry it at their owne prices. They are subject to no Judge but their Aga; and he neither can give judgement of life and death upon any of them, but in cases of sedition and mutinies, and that seldome and very secretly. They enioy many immunities and privileges; by reason whereof they are crouched to, and feared of all men.
The election of the Emperour is in their power; for un∣lesse they approve and proclaime the Election, the instal∣ment and investiture is of doubtfull force. Every Emperour comming to the Crowne giveth them some donative, and augmenteth their pay, so that the more the Emperours, the greater will be their entertainment. In any dangerous war, part of them goe forth with their Aga, or his Lieutenant, but these are the last men that come to blowes. There is not amongst the Turkish Honours an Office more subject to envie and jealousie than this Captainship; for hee and the Beglerbeg of Greece may not choose their Lieutenants, but the grand Seignior only: The generall favour of the Iani∣zars is his assured destruction.
The number commonly is foure and twenty thousand,* 1.15 but in our times they carry not their wonted reputations, be∣cause both Turkes and Asians are inrolled for Ianizars; whereas in former ages none were admitted but the Euro∣pian Christians. Besides, contrary to their custome, they marry wives without limitation. By their long residence about Constantinople (than the which there is not a more effeminate City in the world) they are growne vile, base, and men of small service; yea lazie, insolent, and proud above measure. It is the received opinion, that in their prowesse and discipline, consisteth the flourishing estate of this Empire; but the degenerate carriage of these men at this present (as I have before related) may afford us good hopes, by the favour of the Almighty, shortly to see an end of their licentious tyranny, as heretofore it hath befallen to the preceding Monarchies.
Besides these Ianizars he hath the Azapi, a base Besonio,* 1.16 sitter for the spade than the sword, entertained rather with numbers to tire, than by prowesse to defeat Armies, oppo∣sing them to all dangerous services; yea, to fill trenches with their slaine carcasses, and then to make bridges with their slaughtered bodies, for the Ianizars to passe over to the breaches. And as the Romans had their Legions and Auxiliaries, the one the slowre of their Chivalrie, the other as an aid or augmentation; even so the Turke accoun∣teth his stipendarie horsemen or Timariots; the s••news of his armes; the Alcanza (such as he presseth out of Townes and Villages) Scar-crowes, and for ostentation; the Ianizars as the Pratorian Legions and the Azapi as •• rabble of Pe∣sants; being indeed meere hindes, and tied to serve on horse-backe for certaine privileges which they hold, in number about thirty or forty thousand, without allowance of any pay, save what they get by spoile and rapine.
Besides these, he hath at command the Tartars,* 1.17 as Auxi∣liaries, whereof there are likely threescore thousand, who live by spoile, and serve also without pay. In their Marches they scoure the Country two daies journey before: next
them follow the Achangi, then the Timariots, then those few Azamoglani that bee, and lastly the Ianizars. The Chauses ride on horse-backe (and carry Bowes and Ar∣rowes, besides their Maces and Cemiters) after whom fol∣loweth the Sultan with the Officers of the Court, and Ar∣chers of his guard; the Spahies, as aforesaid, incircling the slankes of this brave battell. The Pages, Eunuches, and carriages, followed by an other sort of Auxiliars, called Voluntaries, make the Reare; And these follow only upon hope to be entertained in their roomes of the slaine Spahies and Ianizars; their Commanders being nothing curious (in these times) to receive those that be not the sonnes of Chri∣stians into Orders. Thus have we lively described his forces at land.
At Sea; there is no Prince furnished with better meanes for building of Ships,* 1.18 than he; for not only the woods of Epyre and Sicilia, but also of Nicomedia & Trapezond are so huge, so thicke, and full of tall Trees, fit for all sorts of buildings, that a man would take the Trunkes, falling sometimes by vi∣olence of storme from the bankes of their Woods into the Luxine Sea, to be Triremes already built and framed. They can want no workmen to fit and square this Timber; for vile Covetousnesse hath drawne whole flocks of Christian Ship∣wrights into their Arsenals. The yeare after his defeature at Lepanto, he shewed his Navie whole and entire, yea, itch∣ing to cope with the Christian Armada. Neither can hee want a competent number of Marriners: for out of the Gal∣lies which he maintaineth in Lesbo Rhodes, Cyprus, and A∣lexandria, and from the Havens of Tunis, Bugia, and Al∣gier, he is able to draw a sufficient proportion of Sea-men and Gally-slaves, as often as occasion requireth, to furnish his Royall Army. The experience hereof we have seene at Mal•••••• at Lepanto, and Goletta. Of warlike furniture his store is infinite, his Ordnance innumerable; out of Hungary he carried five thousand; in Cyprus he won five hundred; at Goletta few lesse. The siege of Malta, wherein they dis∣charged threescore thousand Bullets, may well declare their
abundance of powder and shot: at Famagusta they dischar∣ged an hundred and eighteene thousand: at Goletta in nine and thirty daies, they rased with their uncessant vollies a Fortification which was forty yeares in building: in the last Persian warre, Osman Bassa drew after him five hundred field peeces. Where ever they come, they never cease play∣ing with their Ordnance, till they have laid all levell with the ground; if that prevaile not, they goe to worke with Spade and Pickaxe: if that faile too, they will never give over till they have filled the Ditches with the bodies of their slaughtered souldiers.
They are Lords of three things, wherewith they terrifie the whole world: multitudes of men unconquerable; mi∣litarie Discipline (if so at this day) uncorrupted; of Corne and provisions, store infinite. Multitudes in times past have bred confusion, and commonly we have seene great armies overthrowne by small numbers; but the Turkish multi∣tudes are managed with so good order, that although it be farre more easie to range a small Armie than a great, yet even in order have their great Armies so excelled our small ones, that I must needs conclude, that they goe farre beyond us both in discipline and numbers; herein giving place, no not to the ancient Romans, much lesse to any moderne Nation, how warlike soever. And this their due commendation con∣sisteth not onely in Armes, but in thirst, patience, and hard diet; as for Wine, by their Law they are utterly forbidden it. In the field every ten souldiers have their Corporall, to whom without grudging they dutifully obey. You shall never see Women in their Armies; their silence is admirable, for with the becke of the hand, and signe of the countenance, they understand without words what they are to doe: ra∣ther than they will make any noise in the night, they will suffer their slaves and prisoners to escape. They punish theft and quarrelling extremely. They dare not (for their lives) step out of their rankes to spoile Vineyard or Orchard. They feare not death, beleeving their destinies to be written in their foreheads, inevitable: The valiant are assured of
preferment, the cowards of punishment. They are never bilited in Townes, nor suffered to lodge one night within them. To keepe them in breath and exercise, their Princes are alwaies in action with some neighbour or other, being very jealous of the corruption of their Discipline.
The which notwithstanding, either time, pride, or the covetousnesse of the great ones hath much impaired. For in comparison of what they have beene, they are now nothing equivalent to those of other Christian Princes. The Flo∣rentine (in despight of him) with six ships only hath so kept the bottome of the Streits for these six yeares past, that they have not dared to hazard the Revenue of Aegypt by Sea; but have sent it over land with a guard of Souldiers. And because the Gallies dare not looke upon such Instruments; and yet the Admirall, supposing it no policy to let them lie unaffronted, hath done what he may to imploy and encou∣rage the Pyrats of Algier and Tunis to undertake the ser∣vice. And in truth, they have many tall Ships (the spoile of Christian Merchants) warlike appointed, yea growne ex∣pert in Navigation and all kinde of Sea-fights, by the wicked instruction of our fugitive Sea-men, and other Renegadoes. But false men will alwaies deale falsly; having no mindes to attempt any enterprise, where the victory is like to prove bloudy, and the booty worthlesse.
The Royall Navie is set forth in the beginning of Mar, to annoy the enemy, to suppresse Pyrats, to collect tribute, and to reforme disorders in the maritime Townes. It con∣sists not of above threescore Gallies, which are all that can be spared from imployment in other places. In October the Admirall returneth from his circuit; and during Winter the Armada is dispersed, and the Gallies drawne into their dry Stations. Meane time the Pyrats, both Christian and Ma∣humetan flie out, and rob on the Aegean and Mediterran Seas uncontrolled, more than by the defensive strength of the assailed. Thus is he served, and thus enabled to maintaine his Servitors.
For the civill and politicke government of these Estates,* 1.19
he causeth a Councell to be holden foure daies in the weeke by the Bass••es, wheresoever the Prince sojourneth; if it bee in the time of peace, then at Constantinople, or in some other Towne, according to occasions, within his Dominions: if in warre, then it is kept within his Pavilion. In this Coun∣cell called Dyvan, where audience is open to every suter, first they consult of Embassies, and of answers to be made unto them; of matters of State and of Soveraignty, of the meanes to provide for decayed or ruinated Provinces, of Murders and Condemnations. And secondly, adde the Sup∣pliants, Complainants, or Suters, speak without Advocate or Atturney, and is forced to answer presently to the informa∣tion of their Adversarie, if they be present, or otherwise to prove their accusation by witnesses. Upon hearing of both parties, judgement definitive is given, and may not bee repealed.
Now as touching his Treasure, It is generally received,* 1.20 that he enjoyeth little lesse than fifteene millions of ordinary Revenue. And where some men thinke, that out of so large a Dominion a greater Revenue may be raised, therein they deceive themselves; in not calling to remembrance, that the Nation give their minds to nothing but warre, nor take care of any thing but provision of Armour and Weapons; cour∣ses sitter to destroy and to waste, than to preserve and inrich Provinces. Whereupon, to give courage to their Armies, and to continue them in the love of warfare, they suffer them to spoile the people, hardly leaving them wherewith to hold life and soule together. And therefore the poore men, not ••ire of so much as their houshold provisions, much lesse of their wealth, (which by time and industry they may ga∣ther) take no more paines about their Husbandry and Traf∣fick•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they needs must; yea, no more than their owne necessity, as neere as they can, shall enforce them, to make ••eere at the yeares end. For say they, Why should we sow, and another reape? Or why should we reape, and another devoure the reward of our labours? This is the cause; that in the Ottoman Dominions you shall see admirable ••uge
Woods, all things laid waste; few Cities well peopled, and especially the better part of the fields lying unmanured. An assertion easily and probably to be proved by Constantinople it selfe. No object in the world promiseth so much afarre off to the beholders; and entered, so deceiveth expectation; the best of their private buildings being inferiour to the more contemptible of ours, and is said to containe but se∣ven hundred thousand soules, halfe of them Turkes, and the other halfe Iewes and Christians, and those for the generall Grecians. An estimate neere which (as I have heard) our London may affoord. And no wonder: for in our Countries, by the abundance of people ariseth the dearenesse of victu∣als; but in Turkie, through the scarcity of Inhabitants, the greatest number of the Husbandmen perish with carrying provision, and other necessaries to the remote places, tho∣row which their Armies are to travell. In their Gallies like∣wise falleth most commonly so great a mortality, that of ten thousand Rowers haled from their houses, scant the fourth part returneth againe. This the rather hapneth, be∣cause the Turkes in Winter time (as aforesaid) mooring their Gallies, doe not inure their Sea-men and Gally-slaves to change of aire, and the discommodities of tempestuous Seas in all seasons.
The whole trade of Merchandize for the most part is in the hands of Iewes or Christians of Europe; Epidaurians, Venetians, Frenchmen, and Englishmen. In so large a Ter∣ritory as the Turke hath in Europe, there is never a famous Mart-towne, but Constantinople, Capha, and Thessalonica; In Asia, but Aleppo, Damasco, Tripoli, and Adena: In A∣fricke, Cair, Alexandria, and Algier.
Although the ordinary Revenues are no greater than aforesaid,* 1.21 yet the extraordinary arise to a richer reckoning, and that by confiscations and presents. For the Bassaes and great Officers (as Harpies) sucke the very bloud of the peo∣ple, and after they have heaped up inestimable riches, for the most part they escheat to the coffers of the Grand Seig∣nior. It is reported that Ibraim Bassa carried from Cair six
millions, and Mahumet Visier, a farre greater masse. Ochiali, besides other riches, had three thousand slaves. The Sulia∣na, Sister to Selim the second, received daily five and twenty hundred Chechini, and for the ease of pilgrims and travel∣lers, (journeying betweene Cair Meca) she began to trench a water-course along the way; an enterprize great, charge∣able, and majesticall.
Yea, to give you an estimate of his Revenues, I have seene a particular of his daily expences, amounting by the yeare to one million, nine hundred threescore and eight thousand, seven hundred thirty five pounds, nine∣teene shillings eight pence sterling, answered quarterly, without default; with the allowance of foure hundred ninety two thousand, an hundred threescore and foure pounds, foure shillings, and eleven pence; which is for every day, five thousand three hundred ninety and three pounds, fifteen shillings and ten pence; upon which account runneth for his owne diet, but one thousand and one Asper a day, according to the frugall custome of his Ancestors, a∣mounting in sterling money by the yeare, to two thousand one hundred ninety two pounds, three shillings eight pence. Amongst five and forty thousand Ianizars, dispersed thorow his whole Dominions, every one at six Aspers a day, is ex∣pended five hundred ninety one thousand, and three hundred pounds. The tribute-children farre surmount that number, and are allowed one with another three Aspers a day. The five Bassaes, besides their ordinary revenue, receive one thousand Aspers a day: and of ordinary revenue, the chiefest receiveth for his Timar or annuitie, threescore thousand Du∣cats; the second, fifty thousand Ducats; the third, forty thousand; the fourth, thirty thousand; and the fifth, twenty thousand. In Europe he maintaines three Beglerbegs, viz. in Greece one, another in Hungary, and a third in Sclavonie, at a thousand Aspers a day; the fourth in Natolia; the fifth in Carmania of Asia, at like allowance. The Admirall recei∣veth two thousand one hundred and ninety pounds: the Captaine of the Ianizars one thousand nine hundred and
fiftie pounds, besides his annuitie of twenty thousand Du∣cats by the yeare. The Imbrabur Bassa (Master of the Horse) receiveth three hundred and eight and twenty pounds, his annuitie is fifteene thousand Ducats. The Captaine of the Spahi, or Horse-men, receiveth one thousand nine hun∣dred threescore and one pounds; the Capigi Bassa (head Porter) one thousand foure hundred and fourteene pounds. The Sisingar Bassa Controller of the Houshold, two hun∣dred threescore and three pound. The Chaus Bassa (Cap∣taine of the Pensioners) two hundred threescore and two pounds sixteene shillings, besides his annuitie of ten thou∣sand Ducats. The residue of the foresaid account is expen∣ded upon inferiour officers and attendants upon the Court, Citie, and Armies, every man receiving according to his place and calling (viz.) the Masters of the Armory, Masters of the Artillery, Physitians, Porters of the Court and Citie, Archers of his Guard, Servitors of his Stable, Sadlers, Bit∣makers, Captaines of Gallies, Masters, Boat-swaines, Pur∣sers, Shipwrights, and such like.
Where, note by the way; That a Sultany is equall to the Chechini of Venice, and sixscore Aspers amount to a Sul∣tanie.
To raise his Donatives to a high reckoning, it is a custome, that no Ambassadour appeare before him empty-handed; no man may looke for any office or honourable preferment, if money be wanting: no Generall may returne from his province (or journey) without presents: and you must thinke, that so magnificent a Prince will swallow no trisles.
The Va••vods of Valachia and Moldavia, hold their estates by vertue of their bribery, and yet are often changed: For the Estates are given to the best Chapmen; who make good their dayes of payment, oppresse the people, and bring the Commons to extreme povertie. Notwithstanding all this, we have seene the Persian warre to have drawne dri•• his Coffers, and emptied his Treasures. Not long sithence, both at Constantinople, and thorow the whole Empire, the
value of Gold was raised above beleefe; insomuch that a Chechin of Gold went for double his value, and the alay of Gold and Silver was so much abased, that the Ianizars find∣ing themselves aggrieved thereat, brought great feare, not onely upon the Inhabitants, but also to the Grand Seignior, in threatning, That they would set fire on Constantinople. In Aleppo threescore thousand Ducats were taken up of the Merchants, in the name of the Grand Seignior.
But although his Revenues are not so great, as the spaci∣ous apprehension of so mightie an Empire, may seeme to produce; yet hath he an assistance of greater value than his surest revenues, and that is, his Timariots, or stipendaries.* 1.22 For it is the custome of the Ottoman Princes, to seize on all the land which they take from their enemies; and assigning a small parcell (peradventure none at all) to the ancient Lords, they divide the residue into Timars, to every Ser∣vitor a portion, viz. to every one about foure and twenty or thirtie Acres of our measure, with seed to sow it; Upon con∣dition to pay halfe the fruits the seventh yeare, and halfe of the twelfth. Herein consisteth the chiefest preservation of the Ottoman Empire; for unlesse, upon this consideration, the care of manuring the Land were committed to these Ma∣sters; and they againe set it over unto others for their profit and lucre, all would lye waste thorow the whole Empire: themselves affirming, That whatsoever the Grand Seignior once treadeth with his horse-hoofe, (were it not for this course) there never after would grow grasse againe. With these Timars, he also maintaineth an hundred and fifty thou∣sand horse-men, excellent well armed, and alwayes readie at their owne charges to march whither their Leaders will command them. So great a Cavalry can no other Prince maintaine, with the yearely expence of fourteene Millions of Gold. Which maketh me to wonder, that some Writers comparing the Turkish receits with the Entrado of the Chri∣stians,* 1.23 never spake word of so huge a member of the Turkish Puissance. It is reported, that in the warre of Persia, the Turke conquered so much land, that thereof he erected forty
thousand Timars, and a new Exchequer at Tauris, from whence he receiveth yearely a Million of gold.
By these troopes, the Grand Seignior so aweth his sub∣jects, that they no sooner can stirre, but (as so many Falcons) these Timariots are presently on their necks; And this is the drift of this dispersing them thorow the Provinces. So that one part of them is alwayes readie at the sound of the Trum∣pet upon all occasions to march, while the other stay at home to keepe the Inhabitants in their due obedience.
With his Treasure his Bassaes intermeddle not. But two generall Treasures (or over-feers) are chiefe dealers therein; the one residing in Romania, the other in Natolia. The Ca∣dalisquers have the administration of Justice, who assist the Bassaes in the Divan; Neither doe any sit there but the twelve Beglarbegs, the Princes children (being Presidents in their fathers absence) and some certaine of the Cadies, to assist in matters of Law and difficultie, as is used with us in the Court of Star-chamber.
This Court is holden foure dayes in the weeke by the Bassaes,* 1.24 wheresoever the Prince sojourneth: if it be in the time of peace, then at Constantinople, or in some other Town, according to occasions within his Dominions: if in Warre, then it is kept within his Pavillion. In this Councell called Divan, (where audience is open to every futer) they consult of Embassies, and of answers to be made unto them, of matters of State and of Soveraigntie, of the meanes to pro∣vide for decayed or ruinated Provinces, of murders and con∣demnation. The Suppliant, Complainant, or Suter, speaketh without Advocate or Atturney, and is forced to answer pre∣sently to the information of his Adversary, if he be present, or to prove or disprove his accusation by witnesses. Upon hearing of both parties, judgement definitive is given, and may not be repealed. When the Councell hath sitten seven or eight houres, the Bassa visier maketh true relation to the Prince of all that hath beene handled; if he lye, it is present death: For the Prince often listeneth at a window, termed Dangerous, right against the Divan, being made in such sort
that he may heare and see, and not be perceived: Though he be seldome there, yet are they alwayes suspitious: After he hath heard the discourse and advice of his Councell, he sel∣dome gain-sayeth, but confirmeth or moderateth the same. These things thus ordered, they are written and registred by Officers appointed.
To the management also of the Civil Government, they, as the Christians, have many severall degrees of Civilians: or rather Church-men; which is a kinde of Ecclesiasticall Law, the professours whereof are all of the Clergie, if I may so terme them. And to the training up of these profes∣sors, there are certaine Houses (or Colleges) called Medres∣sae in Constantinople, Andrianople, Burssia, and other places, in which they live, and studie their Sciences: wherein they have nine severall degrees.
The first, are called Saffi, and are the puisne Students, or Novices.
The second, are Calsi, Readers (or Tutors) unto the first.
The third, are Hogi, Writers of Bookes; for they have no Printing.
The fourth, are Naipi, or young Doctors, who are not yet so well studied in their Lawes, as to be profound, or ab∣solute Judges, but yet are of sufficiencie to supply a Judges place, in case of absence.
The fifth, are Cadi, who are both Judges and Justices, to punish offences. Of this sort, there is one atleast in every Citie thorowout all the Grand Seigniors Dominions, they are distinguished from other men by their high Turbants, being at least two yards in compasse.
The sixth, are called Mudressi, who are as Suffragans un∣to their Flamins, or Bishops. Their authoritie stretcheth to over-looke Cadies, and to see that they doe their duties in their severall charges.
The seventh, are Mulli (Bishops) and are the principall Church-governours next unto the Mustee. Their office is to place and displace Church-men at discretion.
The eight are Cadeliscari: they are two great and prin∣cipall Judges (or Cardinals) the one of Grecia, the other of Natolia. Selimiu the third added another over the Provinces of Aegypt, Syria, Arabia, and part of Armaria, equall in au∣thoritie to the former. These sit every Session in the fore∣said Divano amongst the Bassaes to determine temporall suits, being (as it were) chiefe Justices in dignitie and au∣thoritie.
The ninth and principallest is the Muftee: Hee com∣mandeth and governeth all Church-men (or Judges) what∣soever; and his sentence in matters of Law and Religion is uncontrollable: yea, the greatest Bashaws in matters of Law or difficultie referre all to his decision without appeale. Such is his greatnesse, that he may not abase himselfe to sit in the Divano; neither when he commeth into the presence of the great Seignior will he vouchsafe to kisse his hand, or to use greater reverence towards his Highnesse, than his Highnesse will afford unto him. And therefore when hee entereth the Grand Seigniors Chamber hee will presently rise, and then both sit downe face to face, and so conferre. And these be the degree; and no other, by which the poo∣rest scholler may ascend unto the highest place of Honour in this Turkish government.
Toward the East,* 1.25 from Ta••ris to Balsara lye the Persians; Toward the South, and the Persian Gulfe, the Portugals. To∣ward the Red-sea, ••hesterh••••••. Upon the West, the Xeriffe and the Kingdome of Naples; On the North, border the Polonians and the Germans.
* 1.26 Without all question the Turke farre excelleth the Persi∣an in military discipline: for Mahumet the second tooke 〈…〉〈…〉 the first, (and after him his sonne Soli∣man) defeated Ismael and Ta••ias. Amurath the third, by his Lieutenants tooke from them all Media, the greater Arme∣nia, and their chiefe City Tauris. Their battalions of foot∣men, and the use of great ordnance, which the Persians wan∣ted, (and knew not how to manage,) were the chieft decasi∣ons of these their good fortunes. And although the Persians
have sometime prevailed in horse-fights, yet hath it beene alwayes with losse of ground, not to themselves onely, but to their Confederates also. For Selim the first tooke from the Momeluks, Syria, and Aegypt: and Amurath the third almost extinguished the Nation of the Georgians, their surest allies.
To the Portugals hee is farre inferiour; for in Sea-fights and Sea-forces there is as great inequality betweene them,* 1.27 as betweene the Ocean, and the Persian Gulfe. The Portu∣gals have in India Havens and Castles, Territories and Do∣minions, plentifull in timber, provision, and all sorts of war∣like furniture for the Sea, nor without many great Princes, their Allies & Confederates: whereas the Turke hath no one place of strength in the Persian Gulfe, except Balsara. That tract of the Sea-coast of Arabia, which standeth him in stead, hath but foure Townes, and those weake, and of small esteeme, which is sufficient to indure: So that in this Gulfe, as likewise in the Red-Sea, he hath small meanes to rigge out any strong, Armada. Besides the soile is utterly barren of timber fit for building of Gallies: for which scar∣city whensoever he had occasion to set forth a Navie, hee was constrained to send downe his stuffe from the Havens of Bithynia and Cilicia, by Nilus to Cair, and from thence to convey it over land upon Camels backes, to his Arsenall at Suez. What successe his fleets have had in those parts, may bee read in the discourse of Portugal: for the Por∣tugals take great care to prevent him of setting foot in those Seas, yea, when they but heare that hee provideth Sea-forces, they presently make out, and spoile whatsoever they light upon.
For Captains, Souldiers, Armes, and Munition,* 1.28 he is better provided than Prester Iohn; for this Prince hath a large ter∣ritory without munition, & infinite Souldiers without wea∣pons; Baruangasso his Lieutenant lost all the aforesaid Sea-coast of the Red-Sea, and brought the Abessine into such extremity, that to obtaine peace he promised payment of a yearely tribute.
In Africke he hath a greater jurisdiction than the Xeriffe:* 1.29 For he is Lord of all those Provinces which lie betweene the Red-sea, and Velez de Gomera: but the Xeriffe hath the richer, the stronger, and the better united. Neither of them for the neighbourhood of the King of Spaine, dare molest one another.
The residue of his neighbours are the Christians,* 1.30 and first the King of Poland: what either of these Princes can effect the one against the other, hath beene manifest by their fore∣passed actions. In some sort it seemeth that the Turke fea∣reth the Polaques: For, upon sundry occasions being pro∣voked (as in the reigne of Henry the third, in that war which Ivonia Vaivod of Walachia made with the said Turks, wherin great numbers of Polaques served) and (in the reigne of Si∣gismund the third,) notwithstanding the incursions of the Kosacks, and the inrodes of Iohn Zamoschus, Generall of Polonia; he stirred not, neither with wont-like disdaine; once offered to revenge so great an indignity. Againe, They, since the unfortunate journey of Ladislaus, never enterprized journey against the Turks. no, nor at any time aided the Walachians their neighbours, their friends and Confede∣rates, but suffered whatsoever they held upon the Euxine Sea to bee taken from them. But the smothering of this, wrong I rather attribute to the base minde of their King, than to want of good will or courage, either in the Gentry or Nobility. Sigismund the first, being by Leo the tenth mo∣ved to warre upon the Turke, answered; Few words shall serve; first make firme peace betweene the Christian Prin∣ces, then will I be nothing behinde the forwardest. Sigis∣mund the second bare a minde so farre abhorring from war, that he also never made attempt against this enemie, but be∣ing injured by the Moscovite, he let him likewise doe that what he would, unrevenged. King Stephen, a great politi∣cian, thought the warre of Turki full of danger, notwith∣standing discoursing with his familiars, he would often say, that if he had but thirty thousand good footmen joyned to his Polonian Horsemen, hee could willingly have found in
his heart to have tried his fortune with this enemie.
The Princes of Austrich are borderers by a farre larger circuit of land than any other Potentate,* 1.31 and being con∣strained to spend the greatest part of their revenues in the continuall maintenance of twenty thousand footmen and horsemen in garrisons; they seeme rather to stand content to defend their owne, than any way minded to recover their losses, or to inlarge their bounds. Ferdinands journey to Buda and Possovia, was rather to be counted couragious, than prosperous: the reason was; not because his souldiers wanted strength and courage, but skill and discipline. For numbers he was equall to the enemie, and reasonably well furnished with necessaries, but his troopes consisted of Ger∣mans and Bohemians, Nations by influence heavie, slow, and nothing fit to match the Turkes, skilfull and ready in all warlike exercises.
The Venetians likewise are borderers for many hundred miles space by Sea and land:* 1.32 but they maintaine their estate by treaties of peace, by traffike and presents, rather than by open hostilitie; providing very strongly for their places ex∣posed to danger, and avoiding all charges and hazard of warre, yea, refusing no conditions; (if not dishonourable) rather than willing to trie their fortune in battell. And the reason is, not because they want money and sufficiencie of warlike furniture, but souldiers and proportionable provi∣sions for one sole State to provide against so extraordinarie an enemie.
For, if time hath proved, that neither the Emperours of Trapizond and Constantinople, nor the Sultans of Aegypt, nor the puissant Kings of Persia and Hungarie, have beene able to maintaine themselves against this enemie; who can but commend this honourable State, for their warinesse, and moderate carriage?
For howsoever of custome, for affectation, or admira∣tion we carry to Antiquity, we use to extenuate things pre∣sent, and (like old men) we fashion our selves to extoll the ages past, and complaine of times: yet if we will speake
without partiality, we must needs confesse, that never since the worlds first creation in any age was there found a body of warre so politickly devised, so strongly cemented, and so severely disciplined as is this, for greatnesse and power∣fulnesse.
Which the effects thereof may well witnesse, with the for∣tunate successe of continuall victory. I may not stand hereto recount the extreme diligence and circumspection of Otto∣man, the first raiser and founder of this Empire; nor the wi∣ly wit and cunning of his sonne and successor Orchanes, who first passed his Turkish forces into Europe, after he had taken Prusia from the Greeks, and subdued Carmania: nor yet the wisdome and dexterity of Amurath, in espying of advanta∣ges, and prosecuting of them: Nor will I make any long dis∣course to intreat of Bajacet, who conquered Bulgaria, and destroyed Bosnia: neither of Amurath the second, who in person fought six and thirty battels, and in all departed Conquerour: And yet his sonne Mahumet the second ex∣ceeded him, and all before him. Equall to him was Selim the first, who in eight yeares razed and extirpated the whole Empire of the Mamelukes, defeated two Sultans, and ad∣joyned to the purchases of his predecessors Aegypt, Cere∣naica, and Syria, a good part of Arabia, and all that which lieth betweene the Syrtes of Aegypt and Euphrates. And more than this, did in a pitched field overthrow the Sophy of Persia. The memory of Soliman is yet fresh, who for Armes was no whit inferiour to his ancestors, but for gra∣vity, constancie, civill carriage, and fidelity of his word, went beyond them all. He wan the Island of the Rhodes from the Knights of S. Iohn of Ierusalem, tooke Belgrade from the Hungarians, with a great part of that Kingdome; and from the Persians Babylon, and Dyerbecha, the two maine fortresses of the Turkish Empire in those quarters. All which notwithstanding this honourable State, having both before them, and on both their skirts this so-powerfull an enemy, covering both Sea and Land with his forces, have to this day by their provident wisdome, so governed
their affaires, that in despight of him they have hitherto maintained themselves not onely in liberty, but also in pro∣sperity and reputation of greatnesse.
His last neighbour is the King of Spaine,* 1.33 betweene whom there is no great difference, you shall heare the Spaniard say, that the Kings revenues (they meane those of Europe only) exceed the Turkish: for he receiveth more than foure millions out of his Provinces of Italy and Sicilie, two and upward out of Portugal, and three from the Indies, one yeare with another. In these onely he equallizeth the Turke, yea, and in the ordinary revenues of Castile, Arragon, and Belgia he farre exceeds him. But what can you finde (say some men) to compare to his Timars? First I answer, that as the Kings revenues are farre greater than the Turks; so also his Subsidies which he levieth extraordinarily (of late times for the most part turned into ordinary, as his Croisa∣dos) doe amount to as much as the entire profits of some whole Kingdome. His tenths of the spirituall livings, are able to maintaine one hundred strong Gallies: his eicheats in Spaine and Naples, bring more into his Coffers than a man would thinke. His benevolences and presents sent him from Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Millan, and the New-world, are infinite and magnificent. Not long since Castile granted a contribution of eight millions of gold to be paid in foure yeares, which summe amounteth to the Turks whole Reve∣nue of one yeare. What should I speake of his Commen∣dams of the orders of Montegia, Calatravia, Alcantara, and S. Iames, which were enough, if he had nought else to suffice him: he is great Master of the said orders, and thereby hath meanes to advance and enrich his servants, whomsoever he pleaseth, as freely as if he were King of France and Poland. Also in Spaine he keepeth three thousand good horsemen, and as many in Flanders; in Millan foure hundred men at Armes, and a thousand light-horse: in Naples fifteene hun∣dred men at Armes, and a great company of light-armed Italians. The number of his souldierie in Sicily is one thou∣sand five hundred. Neither are his feodaries lightly to bee
esteemed, who upon necessity are bound by their tenures, at their owne charges to serve personally in the field, especially if you consider their numbers, wherein are reckoned three and twenty Dukes, two and thirty Marquesses, nine and forty Viscounts, seven Archbishops, (for they likewise in this case are bound to contribute, as the great Lay-Lords) three and thirty Bishops. And in Naples fourteene Princes, five and twenty Dukes, seven and thirty Marquesses, foure and fifty Earles, foure hundred forty eight Barons, to speake nothing of Portugal, Sicily, Sardinia, and Millan. Lastly, you must note, that these troopes to whom the Turke gran∣teth these Timars, are not so renowned for their valour, as for their number: For the Timars and profits of their Villages and possessions, together with the greedy desire of enriching themselves with the demaines of their Farmes, hath bred such love of ease and peace in their mindes, that they are growne cowardly and base minded; by their good wills hating the travels of warre and journeyes, and marching with a greater desire of returning home to enjoy the plea∣sures of their Gardens, and the plenty of their Granges, than with stomacks to cope with their adversaries, or to en∣rich themselves by hazard. For if by a little pillage, fierce and valiant Souldiers have become cowards, and men of small service; what will faire possessions, a pleasant seat, a rich dairy, and wife and children left behind, bring to passe? I may well say, and say truly, that these Timariots are fitter to bridle and keepe under the subdued Provinces, than to fight in field against armed Nations: and to this use it is good policy to maintaine them. For who knoweth not that the Turkish subjects doe hate his Government, his Religi∣on and Tyranny? For Religion onely, the Moores and A∣rabians, who differ in opinion: and for Religion and Ty∣ranny, the Christians, who make more than two third parts of his Subjects. For jealousie hereof, hee is forced to keepe the greater part of these troops at home, unlesse hee should lay naked his estates to infinite casualties. To speake in a word, his Cavalrie is so farre and wide dispersed thorowout
the Provinces, that they cannot easily be drawne to any fa∣mous journey in great numbers, without losse of long time; neither are they able to stay long from their houses, but they will fall into diseases and extremities: so that if the Grand Seignior had no other aids neerer hand but these Tima∣riots, hee might happen to make very many unfortunate journeyes.
The experience offore-passed exploits, doth well shew the difference of their severall forces. The losse of the Spa∣nish Fleet at Zerby, may bee put in the balance against the Turkish flight from Malta. The losse of Goletta, against the taking of the Rocke of Velez. Tunis is alwaies to be taken at his pleasure, who hath a liking thereto. The Spanish King never enterprized any sole journey against the Turke; but he hath valiantly defended his owne at Malta and Oran. I will speake nothing of the defeature at Lepanto, for other Princes had their shares therein.
A treaty of truce was mentioned betweene both Princes not many yeares since, and equally accepted of both par∣ties. For the one was invested in the Warre of Persia, the other in the commotions of the Low Countries. These Warres, by reason of their remote distances, were extreme chargeable to both Princes, but worser to the King than to the Turke: for although Persia be farre from Constantino∣ple (from whence the principall smewes of the warre were to bee drawne) yet it bordereth upon Mesopotamia and other subdued Provinces, from whence his Armies were supplied with provisions and treasures, but Belgia is farre distant from any part of the Spanish Dominions. The Turke hath to doe with the Persian (a State without any mighty confederate worth speaking of) but the King was ingaged in a warre (of greatest difficulty) favoured by the English, the French, and the Germans, Nations severally equall in all points to the Persian.
His Countries.
Cities.
Their Govern∣ment.
The Iemoglans, or tribute-chil∣dren.
Their prefer∣ments.
A Beglerbeg.
A Sanziake.
A Chause.
The Spachi, and then di∣stinctions.
The Ianizars, and their di∣stinguish∣ments.
Their birth-place.
Their training
Their allow∣ance.
Their licenti∣ous liberty.
Some say forty thousand.
The Azapi, pro∣perly belong∣ing to the Gal∣lies.
The Tartars.
Forces at Sea.
Administrati∣on of Iustice.
Revenues ordinary, be∣sides Timariots.
Extraordinary.
The Tima∣riots.
Report saith, that this is a∣gaine recon∣quered by the Persian.
Administrati∣on of Justice.
Borderers.
The Persian.
The Portugals.
Prester John.
The Xeriffe.
The Polander.
The Austrian.
The Venetians.
The Spaniard.