A true historicall discourse of Muley Hamets rising to the three kingdomes of Moruecos, Fes, and Sus The dis-vnion of the three kingdomes, by ciuill warre, kindled amongst his three ambitious sonnes, Muley Sheck, Muley Boferes, and Muley Sidan. The religion and police of the More, or barbarian. The aduentures of Sir Anthony Sherley, and diuers other English gentlemen, in those countries. With other nouelties.

The true Historicall discourse of MVLEY HAMETS rising to the three Kingdomes of Moruecos, Fes, and Sus.

Cap. I.

How the Kingdome of Barbary came to Muley Hamet Xarif, the late deceased King.

THE Familie of the Mareines beeing Larbies, were long times Kings of Barbary: vn∣till a plaine Haly some hun∣dred * 1.1 yeres agoe, calling him∣selfe Muley Hamet Xarif, came out of the countrey of Dara, (lying beyond the mountains of Atlas) with a great number of Montaniers, called in their owne language Brebers: these with their strength got Moruecos from the Mareins. And going forwarde fol∣lowing the fertilnes of the soyle, draue the Mareins out of Fes: getting into his power all the flat countries comprised vnder the titles of Sus, Moruecos, and Fes, from the hilles of Atlas to the straits of Gybraltar. Be∣ing thus growne great, be would proue himselfe a Xarif, one of the kindred of the Prophet Mahome•…•…, desiring his birth might be held answerable to his new acquired for∣tunes:

But within a little time after this his sodaine inuasion, Sus rebelling, refused his gouernment, where∣fore he sent to the bordering Turkes for ayde, who ful∣filled therein his request. Aided with these turkish auxi∣liary forces, he set forward, and at his enterance into that kingdome, y^• turkish souldiers through treason kil∣led him, & cut of his head; sacked Taradant, and running ouer the whole countrey, spoyled it by the space of twoo moneths, which done, they would gladly haue returned to Trimasine: yet fearing their owne strength to return the same way Hamet had brought them; it was helde their better course and shorter iourney, to passe ouer the Mountaines: but the Montaniers knowing this their new done bloody fact, and séeing them haue good store of pillage, set vpon them, so that few or none escaped their handes, but were all slaine. After this Hamet Xarifs death, who raigned some eight yeares, succéeded his bro∣ther Muley Abdela, hauing all his life time great warre with the Mareins, to kéepe that his brother had conque∣red: hee hauing raigned some fiftéene yeares died, lea∣uing behind him thirtéene sonnes, the eldest Muley Ab∣dela (who at his entrance to the kingdome, commaun∣ded all his brethren to bee killed:) but the second bro∣ther Abdelmelech fearing hard measure, fled presently vppon the death of his Father into Turkie, and so saued his life. The third brother Muley Hamet of whome we are hereafter to entreate, béeing held a great Church man, simple and humble spirited, not any way addic∣ted vnto armes, was spared aliue as lesse feared. The other ten were all put to death in one day at Taradant in Sus, where they were kept in their Fathers life time. This Abdela raigned fortie yeares, and dying, left be∣hinde him thrée sonnes, Muley Mehamet, Muley Sheck, Muley Nassar. Muley Mehamet beeing King, his twoo yonger brethren ranne away into Spaine, the elder wher∣of named Muley Sheck is yet liuing, and there turned

Christian. The yonger brother called Muley Nassar re∣turned into Barbary, in the fourteenth yeare of Muley Hamets raign, who died last. At this Muley Nassars lan∣ding in the country of Fes, much people fauoured him and his title, & two thousand of Muley Shecks souldiers (who now liueth, and then gouerned Fes, for his Father reuolted from him to Nassar, insomuch as Muley Sheck was in mind to haue fled vnto his Father. But that Al∣keyd Hamet Ben lau, being a very wise Captaine, and there placed to helpe Muley Sheck by his councell, who was very yong,) kept him from running away: and Muley Nassar with a dilatory warre, with whome if the souldiers had staied, he might peraduenture haue gotten the country. But their Lent approaching, the souldiers tolde Nassar, they would go kéepe their Easter at their owne houses. Whervpon Nassar, thinking if they were once gone, they would neuer returne to him againe, would giue present battaile, & so was this Nassar slaine. Abdelmelech being second brother to Abdela, got such fauor in Turkie where he liued, as entering Barbary with foure thousand Turkish souldiers, he got the kingdome from his Nephew Mehamet the eldest sonne of Abdela, and their raigned two yeares. Muley Mehamet thus depriued of his kingdome, fledde for succour to Sebastian then King of Portugale, who came in person into Barba∣rie to helpe him with thirtie thousand men, giuing bat∣taile, the Mores fled, and the Christians retired, hoping the Mores would returne, that so the Christians might make the greater slaughter of them. According to this expectation Abdelmelech with his armie returned, and the Christians charged the formost of their horsemen ve∣ry hotly, who would haue fledde. But such was the a∣boundance of Abdelmelechs horsemen, following the foreward which were discō•…•…ted, as they could not haue field-roome to flie, but were forced to •…•…ght it out. This was a bloody battaile wherin thrée kings lost their liues,

Don Sebastian King of Portugale: Muley Mehamet vnto whose ayde Sebastian came ouer: And Abdelmelech who came out of Turkie being second brother to Abdela▪ This Abdelmelech left behind him a sonne yet liuing at this day in Turkie, whose name is Muley Smime. After the death of these twoo, Abdelas third brother, Muley Hamet Xarif, was made King, raigned about twenty seauen yeares in great peace and felicity, vntill he went to take his sonne Muley Sheck at Fes, where the Father dyed, whose death hath caused all these warres, as yea may reade hereafter.

Cap. II.

The course of Muley Hamet Xarifs gouernment, during his 27. yeares raigne.

OBtaining the Scepter, he first pro∣uided himselfe of the grauest men he could finde in his Kingdomes, to be Counsellors of estate; then of the most experienced, and valiant souldiers, for Commanders ouer his campe, and Garrison townes. And whereas hee was Monarch ouer two Nations, the Larbies, and Brebers, hee found it requisite to vse a two-folde gouernment. The Larbies dwelling in the best plaine champion Country of his three Kingdomes, Moruecos, Sus, and Fes, were easily gouerned, being of milde and peaceable nature, giuen to thrift and tillage of the ground, sought no alterations, but receiuing from him a due forme of iustice executed by his Ministers: protec∣ting them from the Montaneirs which are robbers, wil∣lingly obeyed his Regall authoritie, and yearly payed

their tenths towards their Kings maintenance. As for the Brebers, or Montaneirs, beeing of an vntamed and fierce disposition, speaking the Tamiset tongue, which is as much different from the Larbee, as Welch is from our English, dwelling in places by nature defencible, and al∣most inaccessible: He could not so well gouerne, neither had euer such absolute power ouer them, nor receiued the fift pennie of profite from them, as hee did from the Alarbeis. Therefore hee sought by all meanes to di∣minish their strength of people, drawing them al∣wayes into forraigne expeditions, especially into that warre, against the Negros, which continued a long time, thereby extending his Empire so farre that way, as by Camell it was sixe Moneths iourney from Morruecos, to the farthest parts of his Dominion. Likewise, he vsed this people to goe with the Carabans to Gago, to fetch * 1.2 home his yearely tribute and custome, whereby manie were consumed in trauailing ouer the Saharas: for anie offence or robberie committed by them, his sword should punish seuerely, that the rest might feare: diuiding their Countrey into seuerall diuisions or Cantons, in euerie which hee placed an Alkeyd, with souldiers to sup∣presse any suddaine vprores, must like our Lieutenant set ouer our seuerall Countyes, but that the Alkeyd is continually resident, and hath greater power in execu∣ting Marshall law. And lastly, as pledges of their loyal∣ties, hee would get their chiefest mens sonnes into his hands, bringing them vp in his Court to a more ciuill and delicate kinde of life. He was alwayes of minde to keepe peace with Christendome, with Spaine, who was his next potent neighbour, but aboue all loued the Eng∣lish Nation, and admired the late Queenes happie go∣uernement, willing to entertaine trading with vs, witnesse his manie letters, written to that worthie La∣die of happie memorie. And his Embassage sent vnto her, Anno. 1601. performed by Abdala Wahad

Anowne, and Hamet Alhadg, their great trauailer to Me∣cha, and other places.

Towards his subiects he was not too tyrannicall, but sweetned his absolute power and will, with much clemencie. By diuerse wayes he got excessiue store of gold. First, by seeing his tenths truly payed from the Larbees: Secondly, by trading with the Negroe, taking vp the salt at Tegazza, and selling it at Gago, hauing from thence returne in good golde. Thirdly, by hus∣banding his Maseraws, or I•…•…genewes, where his Su∣gar * 1.3 Canes did growe, (though nowe all spoyled with these warres,) for it is sufficiently knowne, all of them about Morruecos, Taradant, and Magador, were yearely worth vnto him, sixe hundred thousand ounces at the least. I omit his loue he tooke in entertaining for∣raigne Artisans, the reedifying of his house in Morrue∣cos, getting Italian Marbles, the richest that could bee bought for money, and workmen hired from thence at great wages. His sumptuous prouisions for the Sa∣raile, * 1.4 and maintenance of his women, not so much de∣lighting in the sinne, as his predecessors had done be∣fore, as to shew his glorie, because the fashion of the Countrey is such, to shewe their riches and greatnesse vpon that fraile sexe, and their attendances. For his chiefest pleasures were to see the gallantrie of his king∣dome, managing their good Barbarian Steedes, and the Falcons vpon their wing, making faire flights after the Heron: for these sports hee was prouided, no man better, from which hee was recalled by certaine discon∣tents, which as clowds forerunned his owne Sunset.

Cap. III.

The number of Muley Hamet Xarif sonnes, their behaui∣ours, the beheading of Mustepha.

MVley Hamet Xarif the late deceased king and father of these thrée brothers now liuing that striue for the kingdome, at the time of his death left fiue sonnes aliue. The eldest Muley Mahemet, commonly called Muley Sheck, a title giuen alwaies to the eldest of the kings sonnes: The second Muley Boferes, which two sons were both by one woman, a Negra, one of his con∣cubines: The third sonne Muley Sidan whome he had by one of his wiues: The fourth sonne Muley Nassar who was about the age of Ninetéen yeares: And the fift Muley Abdela about Fourtéene yeares old at the time of the old kings death, and these twoo last were not legiti∣mate, but the sonnes of two seuerall Concubins. This deceased King in his life time, had placed his thrée elder sons in seuerall parts of his kingdome, to gouerne for him in them, to Muley Sheck his eldest he had giuen the kingdome of Fes, which kingdome hath in former times continually béen allotted by the late kings of Barbary to their eldest sonnes: Muley Boferes he placed in his king∣dome of Sus: to Muley Sidan he gaue the prouince of Te∣dula, which lyeth in the mid-way betwéene Moruecos, and Fes: his two yonger sonnes Muley Nassar, and Ab∣dela remained with him in his house, whome by reason of their yong yeares, he had not as yet placed in any part of his kingdomes. The eldest sonne Muley Sheck in his yonger yeares gouerned Fes, & those partes of Barbarie, with great approbation of his father, through y^• counsell of Basha Mustepha a Spanish Renegado: which Basha in

continuance of time, grewe into such fauour with him, that the whole gouernment of the kingdome of Fes was wholly by Mu: Sheck put into his hand•…•…: Whervpon y^• Alkeyds of the countrie that were naturall borne Mores, & continuall attendants vpon the old King, enuying the greatnes of the said Basha, raised diuers accusations a∣gainst him: Complaining to the King that he learned Muley Sheck to drinke wine (a thing vnlawfull to the Mores, being forbidden them by their Prophet Maho∣met) and that now hauing the whole gouernment of the kingdome of Fes in his hands, vnder the kings sonne, he purposed after he had possessed himselfe of Muley Shceks treasure, to flie, and carry it with him to some partes of Christendome. Which accusations the old King vpon some probabilities and likelihoods conceiuing to be true, these Alkeyds procured at last with him, that he should send to his Sonne Muley Sheck, commaunding him to send the head of the said Basha, which commaund howso∣euer Muley Sheck (who greatly loued, and fauoured the said Basha) at the first delayed to performe, yet after di∣uers messages, the old King sending at the last a princi∣pall seruant of his to see the execution done, he was for∣ced much against his will, to sée fulfilled.

In these yonger yeares of Muley Sheck whilest this Basha was aliue, none of the Kings Sonnes was more dutifull to their Father then he, neither any of their ac∣tions so contented the old King as his; insomuch, the whole kingdomes hope for a successor after the old kings decease, was onely in Muley Sheck. Wherevpon and by the Kings voluntary motion, all the principall Al∣keyds, and men of Commaund that were in his king∣domes, by solemne oath vowed allegeaunce to Muley Sheck, after the olde kings decease. And at that time Boferes the second Sonne, by reason of the great plague in Sus, and other discontents he receiued from that re∣bellious people, stayed not long there, but returned a∣gaine

to his Father in Moruecos, where he stayed with him vntill his Fathers departure to Fes in September 1602. Muley Sidan the third Sonne continued in Te∣dula, (a prouince fruitfull and scituate in the flat of Bar∣barie, the mid-way betwéene Fes, and Moruecos, as I haue told you,) who gouerned those parts in great peace and quietnes, euen in the cheife times of the tu•…•…lts that were in the bordering Dominions of his eldest brother Sheck (whereof you shall read hereafter) insomuch that he was generally commend ed and liked both of his Fa∣ther and of all the kingdome for his gouernment, being strict in séeing the execution of iustice to be done in those parts that he gouerned, not sparing his kindred or nea∣rest followers in those cases: From his infancy be na∣turally hated all manner of théeues whatsoeuer, especi∣ally th•…•…se which robbed by the high wayes, and with∣out any fauour or mercy seuerely punished them. How∣soeuer, he carryed himselfe very dutifull to his Father, whilest he was liuing, yet from his Childehoode he was alwayes of an aspiring and ambitious nature, which could neuer be brought to subiect it selfe to giue any awe∣full respect to his elder brethren, but to hazard his whole estate in obtaining the Kingdome, accounting himselfe his Fathers lawfull heire, in that hee was his Fathers eldest Sonne, which he had by any of his mar∣ryed wiues: In this point not regarding the custome and lawe of the Mores, who in title of inheritance or succession, respect not the mother, whether shée be mar∣ryed Wife, or Concubine bought with money, so that her sonne be the eldest in birth.

Cap. IIII.

The misgouernment of Muley Sheck, which caused his old Father to visite the Kingdome of Fes: the taking of Sheck prisoner: the death of the Father.

BUt to returne againe to Muley Sheck the Kings eldest Sonne, who after the death of his Basha Mustepha, (be∣headed by his Fathers commaund,) soone shewed vnto all men the want of Gouernment that was in him; for in his latter times, giuing him∣selfe ouer to drunkennes, and other detestable vices, which amongst the Mores commonly accompanieth that sinne, regarded not at all the gouernment of his king∣dome, but suffered his seruants, followers, and souldi∣ers to doe what they would in robbing and spoyling the the goods of his honest minded Subiects, without con∣trollment: And through want of Iustice duly execu∣ted, his whole country in a short time swarmed so with théeues and robbers by the high wayes, that there was no trauelling through his dominions, but in Caffilas or companies of 300 and 400 persons at a time, and they hardly sometimes escaped the hands of théeues. The A∣larbies, who continue to this day in tribes and kindreds, beeing the husbandmen of the countrey, liuing in the fields in tents, by •…•…illing of the ground, and bréeding vp of cattell, when as they could not quietly gather in, and peaceably enioy the corne and fruits of the ground▪ de∣nyed to paye the King their accustomed dutie: and in the fields followed the courses of Muley Shecks seruants in the citie, in robbing of all passengers that came with∣in their power. And such was his la•…•…ishing manner of spending and consuming of his Treasure, that in his

humors, hée neither regarded what hée gaue, nor to whome: in so much, that a Iew who was a Musitian, and vsed to play before him in his drunken fits, (what with the gifts giuen him by the Prince, and what else he gotte out of his house) had gotten together in money and iewels, (in the space of foure or fiue yeares) to the value of Foure Hundred Thousand Duckets, which is about fortie Thousand Pound sterling. This dissolute life and carelesse gouernment of Muley Sheck, gréeued the olde King not a little, especially to sée such a change or alteration in him, whose forwardnes in former times had béene the staye of his age, and had mooued him to cause the Alkeyds of the kingdome, by oath to confirme their allegeance after his owne death. Many wayes he sought to amend what was amisse in those parts, and to draw his Son to a more stricte course of life, and more carefull kind of gouernment, as well by his letters, as by sending diuers principall Alkeyds to be Counsellors vnto him. Yet such was the small accompt he made ei∣ther of the one or the other; That the old King in the end séeing no amendment, but the estate of that Kingdome to grow dayly worse and worse, determined to go to Fes in his owne person with an armie, aswell to displace his Sonne who had denyed to come vnto him, vpon his sen∣ding for: as also to put in order all matters in those parts, which through the ill gouernment of his Sonne, were all out of frame. And so about the beginning of October 1602. he set forwards from Moruecos with an armie of Eight Thousand shot, and some fiue Thousand Horse towards Fes, leauing his second Sonne Muley Boferes to gouerne Moruecos, and Sus in his absence, vntill his returne; making such spéedy iourneyes, that he was with his forces within one dayes iourney of Fes, before his Sonne Muley Sheck was certainly aduised of his setting forth from Moruecos. Who, when hee vn∣derstood of his fathers being so néere, and himselfe euery

way vnprouided to resist him. Would haue fled towards Tafilet, but being followed by Basha Mustefa, hee was▪ constrained to take sa•…•…uary, with fiue hundred of his best souldiers, being very good shotte and well prouided. The old King the Father, séeing his sonne take the pr•…•…∣ueledge of the place (which is much respected in that countrey) willed him to come forth, and submit himselfe to his mercy: But Muley Sheck refused either obstinate in not obeying, or fearefull he could not render a good ac∣compt of his Twenty Fiue yeares gouernment in Fes. Wherefore Muley Hamet commaunded Mustefa a Basha of Sidans, though then in the olde Muleys seruice, to take thrée thousand men▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 perforce to enter the place, which he performed, bringing Sheck prisoner, and the rest of his company which were left aliue after the conflicte. The old man would in no wise admit him into his pre∣sence, but committed him to the charge and custody of Basha Iudar, one of greatest place about the King, who ca∣ryed Sheck to Mickanes a strong Garrison towne, and there remained vntill the time of his Fathers death, which was some fiue moneths after.

The olde King in his iourney to Fes, against his el∣dest sonne, passed by the Prouince of Tedula, and from thence tooke alongst with him his third son Muley Sidan, whom he commaunded to remoue his houshold to Fes, from Sidania, (a Citie which he had begunne to build in Tedula, and called it after his owne name) intending to leaue him Uizeroy of those parts, in the roome of his el∣dest sonne, whom he purposed to carrie with him from Mickanes, where he was prisoner, to Morruecos. Which he had also performed, if hee had not beene preuented by suddaine death: For in August 1603 hee hauing set all matters in order in those parts of Fes, prouiding for his returne to Morruecos, put out his Tents without Fes gates, but being abroad hee suddainly fell sicke, and his sicknesse so sore increased, that on Thursday falling sick,

on Sunday morning beeing the fourteenth of August 1603. he died.

Cap. V.

Muley Sidan proclaimeth himselfe King in Fes. Muley Bo∣feres in Morruecos. Muley Nassar would haue done the likein Taradant, but is hindered. The death of Nassar.

MVley Sidan, by reason his Mother Lilla Isha gouerned the old Kings house, vnderstoode of his fathers death, before it was noysed abroad, whereupon he presently went forth into his fathers campe, and tents, from whence he carried away all such Iewels and treasure as he found there. And after his fathers death, he caused himselfe in Fes to bee proclaimed King of Barbarie, as lawfull heyre of his deceased father. Lilla Iohora, mo∣ther to Muley Sheck, and Muley Boferes; seeing her el∣dest sonne in prison, and voide of all meanes to helpe himselfe at that instant, was not vnmindfull of her se∣cond sonne Boferes, whom the old King had left to go∣uerne Morruecos during his absence. To whom shee dispéeded presently letters by one of the kings Eunuchs, who made such hast, that in foure dayes he came from Fes to his Tents, which were some two leagues from Morruecos, where he had lien all the Summer▪ before to auoyd the infection of the plague, which had béene that Summer in Morruecos, and with him was his younger brother Muley Nassar, and his eldest brothers sonne Mu∣ley Abdela. Muley Boferes vnderstanding of his fathers death, presently entred Moruecos, and ga•…•… possession of the Alcasaua, his fathers house. Before the newes of * 1.5 his fathers death was noysed abroad, and generally knowne, fearing how the Alkeyds, and people of Mor∣ruecos

might stand affected vnto him, and knowing that if he had once possession of the Alcasaua, & of his fathers treasure, he had the best part of the Kingdome. And the next day after his entrance, hee caused to bee published generally thorow the whole Citie, the newes of his fa∣thers death, and withall himselfe to be proclaimed king: Writing letters to the Uizeroy of Sus, to doe the like in Taradant, the chiefe Citie of that Kingdome, the which he accordingly performed.

Muley Nas•…•…ar the fourth sonne of the deceased King, hauing beene all the Summer abroad with his brother Boferes; when now hee vnderstood of his fathers death, followed his brother a farre off, as though hee meant to haue entred Morruecos with him. But comming to the gates of the Citie, in companie with Muley Abdela his Nephew, being sonne to Muley Sheck, with whom hee was familiar, conferred with him about their flying in∣to the Mountaines, perswading Muley Abdela that hee might no wayes put any trust in Boferes, since his father and he were the chiefest impediments, that hindered Bo∣feres from claiming the Kingdome by course of iustice, his father Muley Sheck being the old Kings eldest sonne, and he the eldest sonne of his father: Besides, his father being in prison so neere Fes, where Muley Sidan was, it was to be doubted that Muley Sidan had alreadie gotten him into his power, and it might be, had made some a∣gréement with him alreadie, to ioyne both against Muley Boferes: which if it should so fall out, would cause Bo∣feres to deale more cruelly with him. But these perswa∣sions moued not Abdela, who rather chose to enter the Citie, and follow his Uncle, on whose curtesie he would relie. Though Nassar fearing how Boferes would deale with him, with all speede fled into the Mountaines to the kindred of his mother, from whence after a few daies with some eight hundred, or a thousand of those people▪ whome he ioyned together, he passed into the plaines of

Sus, sending to the Alkeyd in Taradant to proclaime him King, or else to suffer him quietly to depart. But the Al∣keyd hauing alreadie proclaimed Muley Boferes, with∣stood him, and he hauing no meanes wherewith to pay his souldiers and people that he had gathered togither, was soone left of all, & so returned againe to his mothers kindred, and liued priuatly there about seuen Moneths, and then dyed of the plague, or as some reported, secret∣ly poysoned, was brought to Morruecos, and there buryed.

Cap. VI.

The reuolt of Alkeyd Hamet Monsore. Muley Sheck priso∣ner, deliuered to Boferes. Muley Sidan rayseth forces against his bother Boferes. And the like doth Muley Boferes against Sidan.

BUt to returne to Fes and those parts: after the death of the old King (Sidan being now pro∣claimed king in Fes, Boferes in Morruecos, & Sus; & Muley Sheck prisoner in Mickanes, in the keeping of Basha Iudar) the souldiers being abroad in their tents, without Fes gates, began to be in a mutenie, as well for sixtéene Moneths pay, which the old King owed them, as also about their returne to Morruecos, where the most of them had left their wiues and children. To appease this mutenie, Muley Sidan sent out of Fes vnto them Alkeyd Hamet Monsore, their chiefe Commaunder in the olde Kings time, to promise them as well content in payment, as also a speedie re∣turne to Morruecos with Muley Sidan himselfe. But Monsore in stead of pacifying, laboured to encrease their mutenous humours, and at last agreed with them, sud∣dainly in the night to take vp their tents, and to march with him to Morruecos, alleadging vnto them both the

vncertaintie of Muley Sidans pay, and the small likely∣hoode of any speedie iourney he meant to take to Mo∣ruecos. And being to passe within a little of Mickanes, where the Basha kept Muley Sheck prisoner, hee wrote vnto the said Basha to know his intent, whether hee would goe to Moruecos or no, with him. To whom the Basha came, and brought Muley Sheck with him, whom they brought along as prisoner to Moruecos, and deliue∣red him vp to his brother Boferes, who kept him close prisoner in his house some 4. or 5. moneths, vntill the comming of Muley Sidan against him in battaile, by this meanes thinking to haue established the whole king∣dome to Muley Boferes: who now, besides the possessi∣on of the city of Moruecos and his Fathers treasure, had brought vnto him y^• greatest part of his Fathers forces, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his elder brother put prisoner into his hands. Muley Sidan being thus deceiued by Monsore, and likewise by diuers other principall Alkeids (who had secretly depar∣ted from Fes, and left him) forthwith dispeeded one Mus∣tefa a Reneg•…•…do of his owne whome hee made a Basha, with two thousand shot, and some companyes of horses to Tedula, aswell to receiue from the Alarbies those du∣ties which they alwayes pay vnto their King: as also to stoppe and returne to Fes, whomsoeuer he should finde flying from thence to Moruecos, kéeping possession of that prouince for his vse. He made likewise great pre∣parations both of horse and foote in Fes, to bee alwaies ready, to accompany himselfe in person if néede should so require, hauing with him in Fes of principall Alkeids, Azus chéefe counsellor to the late deceased King, and Lord ouer his Bitlemel: Bocrasia, Absadiks, and diuers others. * 1.6

Muley Boferes likewise in Moruecos, foreslacked no time in making preparation to send forth against him, sending first Alcaide Gowi•…•… with some six hundred men to make prouision of corne and other victuals amongst

the Alarbies, and after he had certaine ne•…•…s of Muley Sidans forces to be in Tedula, he sent out his Basha •…•…dar with fiue thousand shot choyst men, foure Péeces of Ar∣tillary, and certaine companies of horse to enter T•…•…dula, and to giue battaile to Mustefa the Generall of Sidans forces, or perforce to driue him out of that country. At whose comming thither, Mustefa séeing himselfe no waies strong enough to encounter with Iudar, retyred backe againe with his armie out of Tedula: and Iudar destroy∣ed the foundation of Sidania, (which Muley Sidan at his being in Tedula, had begunne to build vpon the riuer of Morbaie and called it Sidania, after his owne name) like∣wise wasted and destroyed the country thereabout, at least so many of the kindreds of the Alarbies as he knew to be friends to Muley Sidan, or those that would not ac∣knowledge Boferes for King. Sidan vnderstanding what Iudar had done in Tedula, and likewise of the great preparations that his brother in Moruecos daily made to send out against him, forthwith put forth his tents, and ioyned together his whole forces, which were some eight or nyne Thousand shot, and some twelue Thou∣sand horse, with two and twentie Péeces of Artillery, himselfe in person going along with them. And because he was altogether vnprouided of skilfull Gunners for his Ordinances, he procured from Salie out of certaine english men of warre, who at that instant were there, twoo english Gunners, to whome hee committed the charge of his Artillery, but by reason of much raine that had fallen, it being in the moneth of Ianuary 1604. the ground in many places was so soft, that they could not march with their Artillery so fast as néede required. So that his Artillery neuer came at the battaile, which was thought to be a chiefe cause of his ouerthrow.

Cap. VII.

Fokers sent to entreat of peace from Muley Boferes to Sidan. Muley Sheck set at libertie. The battaile betwixt Muley Boferes and Muley Sidan.

WHilest these preparations were in hand on either side, Muley Boferes sent cer∣taine Fokers held of great estimation a∣mongst * 1.7 the Mores, to his brother Mu∣ley Sidan, to treate conditions of peace; howbeit, after their dispeeding from Moruecos, he omitted no time and diligence in sending foorth newe armies and fresh sup∣plies, both of souldiers and prouision to Iudar Basha that was in Tedula, and vnderstanding for certaine that his brother Sidan was in the field in person (because hee himselfe had neuer béene in•…•…red to trauell, and know∣ing it would be no small discouragement to his side, and encouragement to the other, that Sidan should be in per∣in the field, and no other his equall in bloud in his armie to withstand him) he concluded a colourable peace be∣twéene himselfe and his eldest brother Muley Sheck, whome vntill that time hee kept close prisoner in his house, agréeing with him that he should go forth into his armie, and ioyne with Iudar to fight against Muley Si∣dan, whome if he ouerthrow in battaile, he should enioy the kingdome of Fes, and so much of those Casterne parts of Barbarie, as he enioyed in their Fathers time: On condition that at his enterance into Fes, hee should proclaime Muley Boferes King, and himselfe onely Uize∣roy, & so should stil acknowledge his Gouernment there, as deriued from Boferes: And to the intent Muley Sheck should the better obserue these conditions according to their agréement, hee was to leaue his eldest sonne in

pawne with Muley Boferes in Moruecos. On these plausible conditions, Muley Sheck was set at libertie, a happy turne for himselfe as he thought, who neuer loo∣ked for any better but perpetuall imprisonment with much misery. But the truth is Basha Iudar had secret aduertisement from his Master Boferes (yet not so secret, but it was knowne to Muley Sheck, and closely carryed of him by interception of letters betwixpt Moruecos and the campe in Tedula:) That he should abridge Mu∣ley Sheck of any commaund in the campe, or matter of counsell in ordering of the fight, onely shew him to the souldiers vnder his canopy, that the Fezes who were the strength of Sidans armie, might know Sheck was in the campe of Boferes, whome they loued in regard partly of his long ab•…•…de amongst them, but especially of his great liberality, or rather prodigality, formerly shewed vnto them, which wrought much in their minds at the ensu∣ing battaile: And withall the Basha had a speciall charge sent, and his Guard so to watch him, that (if he got the battaile) he should bring Muley Sheck in yrons as safe a prisonner from the campe to Moruecos, as once hee had done from Mickanes. But this being discouered, Mu∣ley Sheck so shufled his game, that though Iudar wonne the field, Muley Sheck escaped vnto Fes, and was louing∣ly entertainted of the citizens, proclaiming himselfe King of Barbarie. But returne we to the Fokers, trea∣ting about conditions of peace in Fes with Muley Sidan, who by intelligence vnderstoode from Moruecos of the fresh supplies of souldiers, daily sent out by his brother to the Basha, whereby hee greatly suspected those offers of peace, to be but a deuise to prolonge the time whilest his whole forces were in a readines, and then sudenly to haue come vpon him vnawares before he should be pro∣uided for him. And therefore hee returned the Fokers with denials of the •…•…ffered conditions of peace, and him∣selfe thinking to take the oportunity and aduantage of y^•

time before either his brothers new forces should come to the Basha, or Muley Sheck his eldest brother be set at liberty. He caused with all diligence to be gotten toge∣ther some two thousand Mules and horses, and vpon e∣uery Mule to be set two souldiers with their furniture, and so (without any stay for the rehalling of tents, or car∣rying along of his Artillery with him) to bee with all hast possible sent and ioyned to the Almohalla of Alkeid * 1.8 Mustefa which lay hard by the riuer of Morbaie, in the sight of the Almohalla of Basha sudar, the riuer onely be∣tweene them: He himselfe likewise in person went a∣long with some seauen or eight Thousand of his horse∣men, thinking by this meanes to come with his best forces vpon Basha Iudar, before the Basha should expect him, or before y^• cōming of Muley Sheck, who for his libe∣rality and bounty in former times, was greatly beloued of all the souldiers both of Fes, and also of Moruecos. But this pollicy of his herein tooke no place, for Muley Sheck after he was set at liberty, made such spéedy iour∣neyes that he came to y^• Almohalla of the Basha, before y^• Muley Sidan had certain intelligence of his liberty, and yet he entered the Almohalla but on the Tuesday, the battaile being fought vpon the Fryday following. Mu∣ley Sidan vnderstanding for certaine that his eldest bro∣ther was come into the Basha his Almohalla, thought it no time for him to deferre giuing of battile, least it shold be knowne amongst his souldiers, (many of whome in former times had serued the sayd Muley Sheck.) And therefore on Fryday the sixt of Ianuary 1604. the for∣ces of each side met and ioyned together, betwéen whom there was no long fight, for vppon the discharging of foure Péeces of Artillery, (which Iudar Basha had with him) some 3 or 4 times, a great part of the souldiers of Muley Sidan beganne to flye: except some choyce men which were in that part of the battaile where the Mu∣ley himselfe was: by reason of y^• resolution of their Com∣maunder,

continued somewhat longer, but in the end fled when as y^• canopy ouer Muley Sidans head was shot down with a Piece of Ordinance. At which m•…•…chance, & not before, the Muley himselfe began to leaue the field, who in the managing of this battaile was some thing to be blamed, for as he had vsed the celerity of a wise Ge∣nerall, comming with all spéed to Mustefa after he heard Muley Sheck should be set at liberty, setting two souldi∣ers vpon euery Mule, and euery horseman for the spée∣dier march, to take a souldier with his Piece vp behinde him, being come to his Campe an houre before day, •…•…ee should not haue delayed two howers and more the pre∣sent onset, gazing in his enemies face, and giuing them time to ready themselues to fight, whome otherwise he might haue taken at the disper•…•…iew, and his Fezzes whome he halfe mistrusted, no premeditation to reuolte or runne away▪ On Muley Shecks side few were slaine, and of Muley Sidans side the greatest number was some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred men or thereabout, neither was it euer thought that the battaile would be sore or endure long, but that the one side would presently flye.

First, for that they were all Mores of one country, and one religion▪ and howsoeuer the Kings might be af∣fected one to the other, yet betwéen the cominal•…•…y of each side was no hatred onely for their paye, came into the field to fight one against an other.

Secondly, by reason of the olde Kings death in Fes, there was almost no Alkeide of Muley Shecks side, but had either his brother, Sonne, or chiefest friend on the other side, as Alkeid Mumen Bocrasia was a chéefe Commaunder on Muley Sidans side: and his brother Alkeid Gowie of the like Commaund on the other side. Alkeid Absadok was chiefe counsellor with Muley Sidan; his brother was the like with Muley Bofe∣res, to whome also was sworne Alkeid Absadocks Son: Alkeid Hame•…•… Monsore was on Muley Boferes si•…•…e, and

his brother Alkeid Ally Monsore on the other side▪ and so of diuers others.

Cap. VIII.

¶ Sidans Iustice done vppon the Larbees forrobbing. His flight after the battaile lost, to Trimasine.

THe thrée brethren thus striuing for the golden Ball of Soueraignty, iustice was trodden downe. The Larbees rob∣bed one an other, the strongest carrying away all. •…•…uarrels betwixt Families and Tribes, which durst not be talked of in old Muley Hamts time, came to be decided with the Swoord. After this battaile, alwayes were stopped with robbers, no trading from the Port•…•… Townes▪ to Moruecos, without great strength of men. Muley Bo∣feres (who had the imperiall seate) was neither so fit for action, or to do iustice, as Muley Sidan who had lost the day. And that the kindred called Weled Entid well knew, which presuming vpon the soft nature of Boferes, and their owne strength which consisted of Fiftéene Thousand horse, •…•…oraged vp to Moruecos gates, fore-clo∣sed all passages for trauellers, making Marchants goods▪ their prises: Whereas an exemplary punishment exe∣cuted vppon them for their robbing in Fes by Muley Si∣dan, whilest hee raigned there, made them thinke the countrey too hot: For Sidan commaunded Alkeid Ger∣man with Twoo Thousand souldiers in hostile manner to fall vpon the next Dwarre of tents belonging to that * 1.9 Tribe, to burne Man, Woman, Childe, Kyne, Shéepe, and whatsoeuer belonged to them, not to spare it vppon his owne life from Fire and Sword, which fully execu∣téd and so bloodily, that Muley Sidan •…•…ghed hearing the

true report, yet it made Fes the peaceablest part in Bar∣barie. But returne we to Sidans fortunes after he lost the field, hauing the ouerthrowe, retyred backe to Fes, and forthwith was Alkeid Azus (the onely man in the latter daies of the old King, fauoured by the whole coun∣trey) dispéeded towards Moruecos to treate of a peace, and himselfe beganne to make head againe to resist such forces as should follow him, but before hee could bring his forces together againe, newes was brought vnto him that his brother Muley Sheck was neare at hand with certaine companies of Horsemen, and that the whole Almohalla of the Basha was not farre behinde. So that then hee was rather to consider of, and to pro∣uide for his escaping by flight, then any wayes to resist: and hauing before put some Nyne Hundred Thousand Duckets in Allarocha, for the which money he had sent one of his Alkeids after his returne from the batta•…•…; he thought it is his best course to passe that waye, and to take that money along with him, but he was followed so hardly by Alkeid Abdela Wahad, and Alkeid Vm∣soud Vmbilie, Boferes seruants, that hee was forced to flye directly towards Trimasine, and to leaue that trea∣sure behinde him which was taken by his brother Mu∣ley Sheck.

In these his frowning fortunes, the most of his Al∣keids left him, and amongst others Mumine Bocrasia flying to Moruecos, in whome hee put no small trust: and more then the seruants of his house, he had no man of accompt but forsooke him, onely Alkeid Absadik, Had•…•… Tabid, and Mustepha; the twoo latter of them being his houshould seruants, and belonging to him in his Fathers time, left him not in his aduerstie: So that any Alkeid of the Cassas or Castes in Barbarie, hee had no more then Absadicke, who rather then he would leaue him (although allured by the perswasions of his brother Alkeide Abdela Wahad, and entreated by •…•…he

teares of his Sonne to returne, both of them then b•…•…∣ing in the pursuite of Muley Sidan, and in a playne o∣•…•…ertooke the sayde Absadocke, yet hee left his house an•…•… chil•…•…ren at the mercie of Mul•…•…y Bo•…•…eres his Maister an•…•… enemie. The Alkeids who followed in pursuite of Muley Sidan, •…•…ollowed him so hard, that besides the treasure of Allarocha, they likewise tooke much of the Muleys treasure that hee carryed along with him, al∣though with that small companye of Horses, which were no more then Twentye Horsemen or thereabout, hee •…•…eturned many times, and fought with those who pursued him, in person béeing still one of the foremost in th•…•…se s•…•…shes, vn•…•… A•…•…keide Vmbil•…•… who per∣sued him, admiring his res•…•…lution, and pittying his miserable estate, req•…•…ested •…•…is Maiestie to k•…•…pe on his w•…•…y and saue himsel•…•…e •…•…y •…•…ight, he not purposing to per∣sue him an•…•… further. And so the M•…•…ley in this miserabl•…•… e•…•…te forsaken almost of all) kept on his way to Trima∣•…•…e a towne boro•…•…ring vpon the Turkes, in the frontiers of the king•…•…ome of A•…•…rs: and the Alkeids who pur∣sued him, returned againe to Fes.

Cap. IX.

Muley Sheck proclaimeth himselfe King in Fes. Sidan goeth to Tafilet, from thence into Sus. A skirmish wher∣in Mumine Bocrasia is slaine. Peace concluded between Muley Boferes, and Muley Sidan.

AFTER Muley Sidans flight, in this manner Muley Sheck entred Fes, where he was ioyfully receaued of them, pro∣clay•…•…ed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King, and not gouer∣nour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his brother Boreres. And it being in the time of •…•…ummadan, all * 1.10 the Almohallas of Moruecos returne•…•… home against

the Pascua▪ fro•…•… whence after the celebration of the feast, they were sent forth to all parts of the countr•…•… aga•…•…st the Larb•…•…es: among whome were as great ciuile wars as among y^• br•…•…thren, for in this time of so many kings, they would acknowledge none, or pay duty to any of the three brethren. Wherevp•…•…on Hame•…•… Monsore with thrée Thousand souldier•…•…, was sent into Sus in the mo∣neth of Aprill 1604. but his men dying of the plague (which was very hot at that time) and thereby the Lar∣bies little regarding his power, would bring him no vic∣•…•…uals, so that with remainder of his men, hee was con∣strayned to returne towardes M•…•…ruecos. Diuerse o∣ther A•…•…mohallas were sent abroad into seuerall parts of the countrey, but in the beginning of Iune, newes com∣ming of Muley S•…•…dāns returne from Trimasine to Tafile•…•…, they were all sent for by Boferes to returne to Moruecos, and bée ioyned together the second time against Muley Sidan: who hauing some fewe moneths liued about Trimasine with some fiftie souldiers, went towards Ta∣filet, about which part liued the Cassa or caste of Alkaid Absadok (who was master of the hawkes to Muley Ha∣met) and brought to Sidan of his caste some twelue hun∣dred Horses, with which force he entered Tafilet: The Alkeid of Muley Bofe•…•…es fl•…•…ing to Dara or D•…•…aw with his souldiers. In Tafilet Muley Sidan stayed some fortye daies, where he vnderstood perfectly of the estate of Sus, and had letters from diuers of his welwillers there: vn∣derstanding of Alke•…•…d Hamet Mo•…•…sores departure from thence: And that the Sheba•…•…es▪ which is the greate•…•…t Cast in all Barbarie and the Casse or Cast of the Muleys mother, would not •…•…knowl•…•…dge Bo•…•…eres for King, and likewise, how most of all the Casts in S•…•… desired his comming thither: Wherev•…•…on •…•…e prepared what for∣ces hee could there get▪ to go i•…•…to S•…•…s. Muley Bo•…•…eres vpon the first newes of his brothers comming to Tafile•…•…, called in •…•…ll his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and ioyning some foure

Thousand shotte of them besid•…•…s horse, sent them from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Dara vnder the Comm•…•…und of his Sonne Muley Abdelmelech, with whome went diuers princi∣pall Alkeids▪ as Alke•…•…d Gowi•…•…, Vmbilie, & Mumine Bo∣crasia, who in the first bat•…•…aile of Muley Sidan was a principall man of commaund on his side, and after his ouerthrow fl•…•… from him to Moruecos, with diuers o∣thers. The chiefe intent of these forces was to stop the passages from thence to Sus, which Muley Sidan percei∣uing before the comming of their whole forces, he passed by Alcatouy, where y^• horsemen on each side skirmished, the •…•…ootmen not being able to come vp, and some slaine of either side, but no man of account saue onely Alkeid Mu∣mine Bocrasia, who as some reported dyed with thirst, being ouerheated (the battaile being •…•…ought in the mid∣dest of Iuly) or as others reported being wounded, and returning to his tent, calling for water, after hee had drunke it presently dyed, whose death was little lamen∣ted or pittyed of the Mores, they saying he was iustly re∣warded for being a traitour to Muley Sidan his Ma∣ster, who was not onely contented to lea•…•…e him in his misfortunes, and to flye to his brother, but also to goe forth into the •…•…eld against him.

Muley Sidans forces were so small, that he was not able to match in strength the forces of his enemies, and therefore was constrayned to passe into Sus by the waye of the Sahara, and durst not passe by Draw: In which Sands for want of water, both he & his whole compa∣ny * 1.11 had almost perished, and after much miserey indured in that iourney, he arr•…•…ued at Aca, where Sidie Abdela Imbark the great Foker dwelleth, the friendshippe of whome obtained, he knewe that all his brothers forces could not dispossesse him of the Kingdome of Sus, in such great reuerence is that church man held in those partes, that the people will obey none, but whome hee commaundeth them.

He being come thither, the Foker by letters to Muley Boferes then at Moruecos, procured that there might be a treatie o•…•… peace between the two brethren: Wherevp∣pon in August following An. 1604. Alkeid Azus was sent to Muley Sidan to Aca, where by the endeuours of the said Alkaid and the Foker, a peace was concluded, be∣twéene Muley Boferes and his brother Muley Sidan, this to enioy the Kingdome of Sus, and the other the residue of the Empire, wherevpon Sidan peaceably entered Ta∣radant the chiefe Citie in that kingdome: vppon whose entrance thither, Sus which in all former times had béen the most vnquiet and rebellious part of all Barbarie, through his execution of iustice, became the onely peace∣able and well gouerned countrie of that kingdome, all other parts of Barbarie, that were vnder the gouernment and belonging to the other two brethren, as then remai∣ning very vnquiet, and full of all tumults: Neither was his gouernment any way to bee misliked, but that scarce setled, he charged the country with greater impo∣sitions then his Father euer demaunded, insomuch as Sedie Abdela Imbark, who was the onely man that first brought him thither, reprooued his courses: And the Monta•…•…ers of Atlas being good sou•…•…iers, excellent shot, and their dwelling by nature d•…•…fencible, finding his yoke too heauie▪ th•…•… 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 him or his power, which humor of theirs was nourished by secret practises of Boferes, lothe that S•…•…dan should either grow great in friends, or treasure. But the inhabitants of the plain•…•… and lower regions felt the smart of his rodde, knowing their throats lay at his mercey, when as the Montaniers defended themselues with open armes, and oftentimes gaue the new king his hands full.

Cap. X.

Abdela Muley Shecks Sonne, escapeth from Boferes. Si∣dan is sent for, to go in batta•…•…le against Muley Sheck▪ he refuseth. Abdelmelech Boferes sonne goeth▪ His bad successe.

THE peace concluded betwixt Boferes and Si•…•…an, by the meanes of Abdela Imbark, an•…•… Azus, the wisest Counsellor that Barbarie hath: w•…•…e will leaue Sidan at Sus, seeking hi•…•… owne ende once more to be∣come Maister of Morr•…•…ecos▪ and returne to Boferes, who was troubled which waye 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contriue the regaining of Mul•…•…y Sheck: who like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 b•…•… de had broken cage and was flowne to Fes, making a f•…•… pretence to goue•…•…ne but as Ui•…•…eroy, yet secretlie pra•…•…ised w^t forrain states, either to make thē his friends wherevnto he might •…•…e, i•…•… Muley Boferes by fo•…•…ce should driue him out of Fes▪ or rather then he would loosē •…•…ooting in Affrike, determined to bring in •…•…orraine power, for •…•…is ayde. Wherefore Boferes fearing a christian storme w•…•…ich might ha•…•…le Bullets, was carefull to k•…•…pe Ab∣dela▪ M•…•…ley Sheckes eldest Sonne the safer to k•…•…pe the Father s•…•…rer from doing mischiefe. But it happe•…•…ed the plague was sharpe in Moruecos, therefore Boferes sent his sonne Muley Abdel•…•…elch some fiue miles fort•…•… of Moruecos with his tents, an•…•… Muley Sheck▪ Sonne with him▪ but either his keepers were negligent and cor∣rupted, or else young Abdela too wilie, for one night he made esca•…•…e out of the campe, and •…•…auing horses ready l•…•…yd, poasted to his Father at Fes. This Gallant being

at liberty, sought all meanes to defend his title, being the eldest brothers sonne: his stirring spirit and youth∣full hope drue all the min•…•…s of the Fezzes vnto him: in∣much as Muley Boferes sore afflicted with his escape, but more with the newes of his preparations, dispéeded Azus vnto Muley Sidan then in Sus, with request hee would go personally to battaile against Sheck and Ab∣dela his sonne: Muley Sidan well entertained this mes∣sage, and with all conuenient spéede drawing his owne forces together, came within halfe a daies iourney of Morruecos, there pitching his tents, but not determi∣ning to hazard his fortune, or trust the price of his owne head vnder his brothers hands, yet daily hee sent letters by his seruants of great credit, wherein •…•…ee was willing to vndertake the charge of warre against Abde∣la, so that he might make choyce of Captains and Com∣manders▪ and such proportion of souldiers as he thought fit, to vndergo an action of such import. This proposition was neither liked of Boferes or his counsell, yet making faire weather to Mus Sidan, letters passed from him dai∣of great loue farced with many complements, much mi•…•…iking his brothers mistrust, not daring to ieopard his person within Moruecos.

Muley Sidan meaning to prooue what corresponden∣cy his Brother Bof•…•…res heart caryed with his hand, fra∣•…•…ed a letter which was sent as from the chie•…•…est man in those Mountaine countries of Atlas, to Muley Boferes, full of dutie and seruices, offering withall to send him Sidans head, who was encamped within his countrey at the foote of the hilles. Answere to this letter was re∣•…•…urned with great thankes, and a large rewarde of gold promised, if a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of that high and important ser∣•…•…ice would bee performed. When Sidan by this had construed his brothers meaning, he raysed campe▪ went to Tafilet, and remained in the country of Dara, gathe∣ring in of money and men, after twoo monethes spent

with his brother to no effect at all▪ Boferes seeing Sidan departe•…•…, and de•…•…tute of his helpe for Fes, committed his campe to Abdelm•…•…lech his owne Sonne, who was to be aduised by the counsels of Basha Iudar, Alkeyd Ha∣•…•…et Monsore, S•…•…dy Gowy, and Alkeyd Bokerse (thorow whose hands passed all busines of Christian Marchants, so well •…•…ispatched and so good regard thereof taken, that hee was well liked of euerie man for his good dealing.) This campe being come within a dayes iourney of Fes, which is twentie dayes march from Morruecos, ther•…•… the Souldiers •…•…ell to a mutenie, and three thousand of them reuolted vnto Sheck, •…•…rying openly, Long line Muley Sheck. Herevpon Abdelmelech called a counsell of warre, wherein it was concluded, though their num∣ber were twise as many, to returne without blow giu•…•…n backe to Morruecos, perceyuing indeed their soul•…•…iers hearts quite alienate•…•… from them.

Cap. XI.

Sir Anthoni•…•… Sherleys Ambassage from the Emperour of Germanie to Muley Boferes, performed. Anno D•…•…. 1605.

ABout this time being the beginning of October, arriued at Saphia sir Antho∣nie Sherley, as Ambassador from th•…•… Emperour of Germanie▪ to the King of Morruecos: his attendace was bet∣ter then a priuate man, though some∣what wanting of the person frō whom he was sent few of note were in his companie, being in all about thirtéene persons, of euerie Christian language one, because hee would bee •…•…ted for interpretation of tongues. Amongst th•…•…se was sir Edwin Rich, whose be∣haui•…•…ur was good and well spoken of in e•…•…rie place

were he came, not strayning his credite to borrow m•…•…∣ney, but well prouided to serue his own turne, answering to his birth, state, and bis•…•…ursments for the time. Sir A•…•…thonie then taking the title of Ambassadour, during foure Moneths aboad in Saphia, kept open house, inui∣ted all Christian Marchants dayly, both to dinner and supper: to supplie his owne turne for money, he got cre∣dite of Iewes to take vp money, and pay them in Mor∣ruecos, but at excessiue rate, almost •…•…ftie for a •…•…undred. he bought likewise of an English Marchants factor be∣ing at dinner with him, at two or three words, a ship of a hundred •…•…xtie T•…•…nne, with all her lading beeing Wheat, paying him in hand two thousand oun•…•…es, and if he were not payed the rest of his money, within tenne dayes after his arriuall in Morruecos▪ then the buier to l•…•…se his earnest. But before hee went vp, Abdelmelech returning from Fes▪ by reason of his soldiers treason, the •…•…ing o•…•… •…•…es marched towardes Morruecos some foure dayes iourney, and there gaue s•…•…ege vnto a port towne called Sally, and tooke it, but the Castle he could not wi•…•…. So the Alkeyd of the Castle wrote to Muley Boferes, that though the towne were lost, the Castle hee woulde keepe for him, if he sent three hundred quarters of corne to vitta•…•…le his men, and a fresh supplie of fiftie souldiers. Boferes loath to loose the place, and hearing sir Anthonie had bought a Ship of corne, writ to Saphie, and willed him to send his Shippe to Sallie, and there to vnla•…•…e her corne for the reliefe of the Castellan, and his soldiers. Sir Anthonie, willing to doe the King a fauo•…•…r, sent for the Captaine and Marchant of the Shippe, willed them to goe for Sally, and paying them for three hundred quarters, delt so that thither they went, but the Castell being yeelded before they came, the Captaine and Marchant landed neither men, nor corne, but retur∣ned t•…•… Saphie.

By this time were sent for the conduct of the Em∣bassador

fiue hundred men, vnder the commaund of two Alkeyds: vnto euery souldier sir Anthonie gaue a Tur∣bith as a Liuery of his loue, which made them respect & honour him exceedingly, insomuch as one of the two Alkeyds, not hastning to conduct the Embassador vp to Morruecos, but to prouide himselfe of corne, it being ex∣ceeding deare at Morruecos, Sir Anthonie destrous to set forward, and the Souldiers willing to pleasure him, fell to mutenie, in regard of the Alkeyds slacknesse, kil∣ling twoo of his men to hasten their maister forwarde. After his foure Moneths abode in Saphie, wherein his bountie was extraordinarie, not to his Country men onely, but to Flemish, French and Spanish, admired of his souldiers, hee was receiued into Morruecos with great state, hauing by the way, as also during his abode in Sa∣phie, diuerse letters from the King, extolling his honou∣rable endeuours, and approued valiantnesse in his farr•…•… aduentures both by sea and land, not omitting any Courtship to winne his loue, or make him doubt his welcome.

After two dayes stay in the Citie, the King mad•…•… preparation for his entertainment at Court, whither h•…•… went, suting his follower•…•… as well as the shortnesse of time could suffer, and his credite with the Christian Marchants could affoord, which was good, for two Spa∣niards were so rapt with admiration of his worth, and by his speeches allured with so strange hope, that they fell in emulation, whether should doe him more ser∣uices, or helpe him to more money: reasonably attended, he r•…•…de to Court, not lighting from his horse, where the Kings Sonnes vsually doe, but rode thorow the Mush∣ward, (which is the Kings great Hall, wherein most of his Lords, Gentlemen, and chiefe sort of people doe at∣tend, when they come to Court) which none but the King himselfe doth. Being come into the Kings presence, his Letters of credite were receyued, with great shewe of

kindnesse, and himselfe entertained with all gracious respect, not onely at the Kings hands, but of the princi∣pallest men in office or fauour about the Court, and so for that time was dismissed, the chiefest men attending him backe to the place where he tooke horse. Some fiue dayes after, sir Anthonie Sherley comming to audience, and thinking to haue ridden in as he did before a chaine was hung crosse the entrance of the Mushward, which he perceyuing onely done to hinder his passage, would not alight from his horse, but returned backe verie discon∣tented. This being certified to Boferes, presently three of his chiefest Alkeyds were sent to qualifie the matter. But sir Anthonie tooke the disgrace not as his owne, but his whose person he represented, telling the Alkeyds, his maister the Emperour, was able & would requite the in∣iury, neither did he feare, though now within the power of Boferes, knowing the greatnesse of him in whose ser∣uice hee was imployed, so farre surpassing the King of Morruecos, as maugre the proudest he would be fetched from thence, and bee fully renenged of the least iniurie done vnto him. The three Alkeyds layde the blame vp∣on the Kings Porter, offering sir Anthonie the Porters head if he would haue it, so spending an houre to pacifie his choller, and bring him backe, the Porter before his face was sore beaten and imprisoned, neither euer after was he hindered of riding thorow the Mushward.

During his abode in Morruecos, which was fiue mo∣neths, Boferes and he had diuerse priuate conferences, as it was generally thought, which way to keepe him in the Kingdome against his two brethren, Sheck and Si∣dan; as also to giue the great L•…•…ke a blow to driue him out of Argiers and Tunes. From Moruecos Sir Anthonie departed with great content to himselfe, and good liking of Boferes, of whom he bought two Portingall Gentle∣men for a hundred and fiftie thousand ounces, which a∣mounteth to some ten thousand pound sterling. These

two had beene captines in Morruecos almost 16. yeares, the one, Sonne to the Uiceroy of the East Indies, the o∣ther of a noble house in Portingal. The first had his res∣gat thrise sent for to ransom him out of the East Indies, but twise it was taken by the English, once by Fle∣mings during our late watres with them: the other, his brethren driue him of for his res•…•…at, either to saue so much money, or not able to pay so great a fine. To ac∣companie him from the Court to Saphie was sent one of the Kings Gentlemen Ushers, to whom at his parting he threw him his Hat which hee wore, from his head, with a Iewell of great value, rewarding largely all the Ushers followers. For his guard (the wayes being then very daungerous) was sent downe with him, foure hun∣dred shot, vnder the commaund of Alkeyd Abdela Sinko, a Portingall re negado, (which is a Christian turned Moore.) This man, whether by perswasion, or volun∣tarily, desiring to see his nati•…•…e Countrey, in the night gat aboard of the Ship sir Edwin Rich was in, not sir Anthonies, the Ship presently weying anchor made saile for Spaine, but the other remaining with sir Anthonie in the harbour.

This dealing was taken in ill part, insomuch that •…•…ue of his men being sent to shore for certaine prouision which they lacked, were cla•…•…yed vp in prison, and sent in chaines to Morruecos, but afterward released. Sir An∣thonie writing to the King, both to cleare himselfe of the fact, and desiring remedie for these his new sustained grieuances, set a good shew vpon the matter, stayd foure dayes after the other Ship which had carried away the Alkeyd, and would haue carried vntill hee had his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men againe, but that he was written vnto to bee gon•…•… from an especiall friend a shore, aduising him he did not well to ride so long in the port, diuers Flemish-men of warre being abroad, and if any should chaunce to come in there, as seldome it is without, they finding these two

Gentlemen as prize would sease vppon them, and then was there lost Thirtie Fiue Thousand ounces, which a Marchants Factor had lent Sir Anthonie Sherley to cleare him out of the country, for which the Factor had the two Portugales bound to pay this debt at their arri∣uall in Lisbon. Upon this aduertisement hee departed, and the next day Boferes sent him a letter, to cleare his men. And so I returne to the •…•…le of my continued history.

Cap. XII.

Muley Abdela goeth in person against Muley Boferes; dri∣ueth him out of Moruecos; Putteth to death Basha Iu∣dar, and other Noble men.

MVley Sheck, putting his Sonne Abde∣la forward to the whole commaund of the armie, himselfe meaning to sa•…•… one, kept in Allarocha thrée Italian Ships, purposing if matters prospered not well, with treasure sufficient to go to Florence: but the battaile not fought, his determination altered, •…•…or he e presently seized all stranger•…•… ships which came either to Laratch, Salie, or other parts, as also some Marchants ships of •…•…es, rob∣bing them of their goods, making the Marriners land their Pieces, and all the men either to serue him, or else to haue the yron giuen them. Hereb•…•… •…•…e •…•…tted himself•…•… of Captaine•…•… and souldiers being En•…•…sh, French, and Dutch, with 27. P•…•…eces of Ordinan•…•…e and shot there∣vnto sufficient. And so •…•…red the minde of his Sonne Abdela, with hope of winning Moruecos (being of him∣selfe drunken with the ambitions desire of a Kingdome) that Abdela about the latter •…•…nde of Nouember 1606.

marched to Moruecos with his troupes being some ten Thousand horse and foote, besides his christian Marri∣ners, whose helpe wonne him the field, fought some sixe myles southeast from Moruecos, on the eight of Decem∣ber 1606. Sheck bore his Sonne company no farther then Salie, from whence three houres riding is a riuer called Mamora, into which bay the Italian Shippes put in: Sheck went thither, and hard by the Shippes vppon the shoare pitched his Tent wherein he lay, part of his treasure béeing shipped, himselfe determining there to stay, and expect the euent of his Sonne, if it passed well with him, then Affricke should hold him, otherwise to visite the great Duke of Thuscane, on whose courtesie he much rested. But the christian Gunners so well ob∣serued their times of shooting and placing their Ordi∣nance, as they gotte Abdela the field, hoping thereby to haue obtained both libertie, and pillage, of which most of them poore men fayled▪ as afterward you shall read.

When Sheck heard Abdela had gotte Moruecos, hee grew careles to send prouision or supplie the wants of his thrée Italian Shippes, wherefore they set saile from Mamora homewards, taking such treasure for their pay as were in their custodies. Boferes lost in this battaile about Sir Hundred men, fled into the Citie to saue his treasure and his women, but for feare of being surprised, durst not tarry to take his treasure away with him, but in all hast poasted toward the Mountaines, willing the Alkeids and chiefest men of his court to bring it after him, with the rich Swo•…•…rd, the like whereof is not in the world: committing also to their conduct his daugh∣ter, and the ch•…•…isest of his women, amongst whome was the wise of Ben Wash the Kings Marchant. At the en∣trie of the hilles a kindred of the Larbies being fiue hun∣dred horsemen, seized vppon these people, pillaged their cariages, rifled and dishonoured the women, not spa∣ring Boferes Daughter, (whome Abdela determined to

haue married, but hearing diuers Mores to haue lyen with her, & also y^• shée was suspected to haue liued in in∣cest with her father; after his enterance into Moruecos, he neuer enquired farther after her. The Alkeids be∣ing well mounted by the swiftnesse of their Horses, re∣turned backe to Moruecos, and there tooke sanctuarye. Abdela vppon their submission promised them pardon, on whose Princelie word (they relying) came foorth, the Foker of the place presenting them: But Muley Abdela, whether incited by enuious counsell, or on his owne bloody minde, putteth them so secretly to death, that sending all their heads in one sacke to Fes, for a pre∣sent to his Father, Their deaths was not fullie known in the Citie of Mo•…•…uccos, before their heads were set vp∣pon Fcs gates. Here was the end of Basha Iudar a great souldier in olde Hamets time, a faithfull Commaunder during his life to Boferes, accompanyed with Sedy Go∣wie, Alkeid A•…•… his Sonne, Alkeid Moden the Cassemie, and some foure great men more.

Cap. XIII.

Muley Sidan commeth against Muley Abdela; getteth Moruecos from him; killeth Eight Thousand of his men; and vpon colde blood causeth 3000. Thousand F•…•…zees to bee slaine, yeelding vppon good composi∣tion.

THis tyranny of Abdela shewed vppon these valiant and woorthy men; and the spoyle which the Fezees had made as∣well in robbing the Alkeids houses, as in ry•…•…ing the Citizens goods, and com∣mitting aloutrages which follow war,

caused many flie to Muley Sidan, and the rest which re∣mained in Moruecos grew•…•… discontented, so that the Sunne-•…•…hine of Abdelas happines scarse lasted two mo∣neths: for Sidan resting in the halfe way between Mo∣ruecos and Fes, taking oportunity of this vproare of the Townsemen, marched toward Moruecos on the North side of the Towne, determining to giue present battaile, hearing by the scow•…•…s, that Muley Abdela his campe was looged in the great Garden or Orchard called the Almowetto, being some two English myles about. The first night of Sidans approach, the prisoners were relea∣sed and prisons broken open, so that these men getting liberty, ran halfe mad vp and downe the Cittie, crying long liue Sidan, which troubled the citizens not a little: And in this vproare, Sidans faction let into the Citi•…•… (at a secret gate) many of his souldiers, which made a sal∣ly vpon the regiment of Zal•…•…, meaning to haue surpri∣sed Abdelas campe, but himselfe comming to the rescue with two Thousand men, continued a hotte skirmish a∣gainst the Sidanians, in which the christians fought va∣liantly to recouer their Péeces of Artillery which were lost, vntill the Sidanians were forced to retyre. The next day being the 25 of Aprill Stilo nouo, Abdela remoo∣ued towards Muley Sidan who was encamped on the North side of the Citie, not daring to come on the south∣side, for feare of the shot which galled his men from the battlements of the Kings house. Therefore he hearing of Abdelas remoue and intending to venture his fortune vpon a present battaile, set forward to méete him with a regiment of his best horse: Abdela perceauing this caused his Canoni•…•… to march formost▪ which could but place fiue Pieces of their Artillery in a •…•…rest▪ because the Orchards and Gardens made the passages •…•…ery na∣rowe and straight where as the armies should m•…•…te▪ Sidan•…•… horsemen gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very gallant charge, but the Canonier•…•… made them retyre: Which Abde•…•… hors•…•…▪

men perceiuing, being encouraged, and too eager of the chase, some Thousand Horse galloped before their own Ordinance, and followed their enemie close to Sidans campe, their Péeces of Artillary being drawne after them. Muley Sidan well knowing the aduantage of the place, séeing his enemies depriued of the benefit of their great Ordinance, which he most feared, encoura∣ged his men to kéepe their ground, and bringing with his owne person fresh supplies to second them, gaue his aduersaries the Abdelians so hotte a charge, that they were faine to retire in great disorder, vpon the mouths of their owne Artillary. This dis array perceiued by the Christian Gunners, it put them in minde to discharge vppon their owne men the Abdelians, holding it better to kill Fiue or Sixe Hundred of their owne side, then to loose the battaile. But the More, who was Captaine ouer the Canoniers and other Commaunders, would not suffer it: Wherefore the Sidanians following in good order, and very close, fell to the execution with their swords, surprised the Artillery, and flew the men. The slaughter continued some foure houres, betwixt seauen or eight Thousand killed, and fewe to speake on left a∣liue, for what the souldiers spared, the Citizens in re∣uenge of their disorders, pillages, and villanies done to their women, bereaued them of their liues, who being dead were not suffered to bée buried, but lay aboue the ground as a prey to the dagges and sowles of the ayre. Heauie likewise was the Conquerors hand vppon the Christians which tooke Abdelas part, most of them for their fiue moneths seruice to Abdela, were either slaine in the fury of battaile, or after had his throat cut. And this was the ende of them, who had liued in the streights of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea, not as Marchants by honest trading, but hauing committed spoyle vpon diuers Seafaring men, felt the bloody hande of a barbarous Nation, (as a deserued punishment sent

from God) to execute iustice for their manifold commit∣ted wrongs and outrages.

This battaile▪ being lost with the greatest bloodshed that any hath béen since these warres beganne, Muley Abdela fledde to Fes, a Hundred persons of his whole armie not left aliue to beare him company: And Sidan Maister of the field, entered the Citie of Mor•…•…uecos, hauing another taske to take in hand ere hée could set∣tle himselfe quietly in his owne nest. For the Kings house being Castle wise builded, and seuered from the Citty with a defencible and a stronge wall, lac∣king no kind of munition for the defence thereof, had within it, besides souldeirs of Morruecos, three Thou∣sand Fezees who were not at the last battaile, but left there to guard the place for Abdela.

These presuming on their owne valour and strength of the place, denyed to render it vppon any tearmes to Sidan, though they were sollicited, during the space of twoo dayes, by all faire meanes therevnto: Sidan brin∣ging his Artillary to the walles, yet delayed as loath to deface a building so strong, costly, and beautifull; So that in the meane time a Captaine whose house ioy∣ned to the wall, by stealth with Fiue Hundred men, scaled and wonne the top of the wall, crying, victory 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Muley Sidan, which so amazed the souldiers within, thinking the forces which were entered farre greater then they were, without more adoe or offering to resist, they tooke Sanctnary in the great Church belonging to the Kings house, euery man with his Piece and furni∣ture about him.

Muley Sidan vpon this, sent Basha Seleman, willing them to deliuer vp their Armes, with promise they shuld be pardoned, which presently they did, yéelding and deli∣uering both swords and peeces. Thus disarmed, they séely soules came forth, when presently after, message came from the King to butcher and cut the throates of

them'all, which was executed. A pittifull matter in my iudgement, so many men yeelding vpon good composi∣tion, after furie of battaile, vpon cold blood to be made so pittifull a spectacle: it was bootlosse for them to alledge either law or reason in defence of their liues, such is the miserie & slauerie of that people, whose goods and liues lieth alwayes in the will of the King, either to saue, or destroy at his pleasure. Some colour Sidan had for his tyrannie, thinking these Fezees would neuer be woonne wholy to be his, but vpon fit time, and euerie little occa∣sion reuolt from him: Secondly, he ment to requite Ab∣dela lege Talionis, for putting so many commaunders to death, prizing euerie one of their liues, worth thrée hun∣dred common souldiers.

Cap. XIIII.

Sidan sendeth great preparationsagainst Abdela: who af∣after composition, murdereth vorie neare three thou∣sand Sidanians. Sidans bloodie decree against the Shraceis for their offence.

NOw is Sidan setled in Morruecos but scarce secure, for the chiefest men in the Citie wi∣shed an alteration, because their King to get their money and wealth to maintaine his owne estate, began to picke quarrels with them, making some who began to speake and re∣pine at his doings, lose their heads, Quoniam Ganis mor∣tuus non latrat. The common people whose naturall con∣dition is alwayes to desire nouelties, wished for a newe King, feeling his oppression, and the famine whereof many dyed, grewe carelesse of peace, thinking euerie change would bring a remedie, when indeed it was like the incision of an vnskilful Surgion, not ouring the ma∣ladie, but making the wound wider, gangrend, and in∣curable.

Sidan purposing to purge this malecontented humour of the Comminaltie, rat•…•…ed an armie of twelue thousand foote, and sixe thousand horse, determining to take Fes. The chiefe men of commaund ouer thi•…•… armie, were these, Basha Mus•…•…efa, Alkeyd Hamet Benbreham, Alkeyd Ally Tahila, Alkeyd Gago, and Alkeyd Hadoe Tobib, with diuers others: Muley▪ Sidan not going in person with this armie, least in his absence Morruecos the seate of the Empire should reuolt. Muley Sheck hea∣ring these newes, went to Allarocha, there tooke a great Flemish Ship from the Marchant, with all the goods in her, therein shipping his tre asure, determining to run away, ichis Sonns Abdela should lose Fes. Abdela omit∣ted no time to gather new forces, so that in small time hee thought himselfe sufficient to méete the Sidanians in open field, and so hee did neare to Mickanes, where the people on Sidans part, missing their King in the field, or any one of the bloo•…•… royall refused to fight, and in stead of striking, fell to parl•…•…y; That if Abdola would pardon them, they would yeeld, and so they did, yet most of them ranne away, except three thousand Morruekyns, who presuming vpon Abdelas gentle nature, stayd with him, hoping kind entertainment into his pay, in stead wher∣of, Muley Abdela commaunded all their throats to bee cut, graunting them onely this fauour: first to bee strip∣ped for fowling their cloathes.

Thus we may see, mercilesse Sidan butcher poore soules at Morruecos▪ pittilesse Abdela murder these vn∣fortunate slaues at Mickanes, both verefying the old pro∣uerbe, Quicquid delirant Rog•…•…s, plectu•…•…tur Achiui. In this battaile were taken betwixt thirtie and fortie English men, who serued Muley Sidan as Canoniers, yet not a∣ny of that companie which serued Abdela at Morruecos when he lost the Citie and field, but other voluntaries, part of these fledde with the bodie of the armie backe is Morruecos, part were taken, whome Abdela spared, as

well in regarde of former seruices the Nation had done him, as also for the presen•…•… vse her was to employ them in This expedition of Sidans comming to so vnlooked a disaster, made him send forth his Commanders with diuers companies, to the Alarbies, for fresh supplie of men and treasure: amongst which as chiefe was dispée∣ded Basha Seleman maister of the old Kings horse for Ta∣stlet, there to gouerne the countrey, carrying with him some fifteene hundred shot, of which sixe hundred were Shracies, people of the King of Chaus, or Coucoes country, who hath alwayes warrs with Algers or Argiers. These Shraceis were borne in the mountaines of Atlas, being of a fierce and bloodie nature, not respecting the Turkes might or gouernment, no more then the Montaniers of Mo•…•…ecos, will acknowledge the soueraintie of the Barbarian. Some twelue hundred of these had Sidan in his pay, halfe part whereof he kept at Monuecos, the o∣ther was sent with S•…•…leman. These amongst themselues sell into a mutenie, neither for want of pay or ill vsage, but in desire to doe a mischiefe, by force cut off the Bashas head, carrying it with them as a Trophie of their victo∣rie, and a fit present to winne Abd•…•…las sauour, who was then at Fes, whither they went for intertainment. S dan here with moued made proclamation, that for three Mo∣neths what Shracee soeuer, souldier, or any other, were to bee found in Mor•…•…uecos, or else where in his D•…•…mi∣nions, should be put to the sworde, and to haue it better and more fully executed it was proclaimed that the man∣•…•…eller should haue the goodes of the Shrac•…•… so killed. Many rich men of this Nation or kindred res•…•…ant in Mor•…•…uecos, felt the furie of the sworde, for the follie and foule fault of their tribe: such as coul•…•… get packing, ran away, others of the better sort, their friends hid them in their houses, vntill Sidan scared with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Abdelas comming towards him proclaimed generall pardon for the remainder left aliue, and free passage of trading or

commerce for any Shracee which would venture to Mo∣ruecos, yet few durst come vpon these goodly termes; or those who lay hid in Morruecos, if they were worth any thing▪ shew themselues in publique, for feare this were a pretence to bring the residue vnto the halter. Those Shracees who were sole causers of this massacre, beeing with Abdela at Fes, dayly moued him to goe towardes Morruecos, vowing euery man to die in his cause, and for reuenge of their wiues children and friends, who had smarted for their sakes. Abdela something anima∣ted with their offers, yet delayed, knowing his forces farre inferior vnto Sidans, vntill still vrged by the Shra∣cies which had brought from the mountaines some store of their kindred, verie able and resolute men to his ayde, he set forwards about the latter end of August towards Morruecos, determining to giue battaile once more to Muley Sidan. Of what strength Abdelas armie consisted, the certaintie is not knowne, but ghessed to be very near fifteene thousand horse and foote.

Cap. XV.

Sidan flieth: the death of the valiant Captaine Iohn Giffard, and diuers English men. Abdela regaineth Morruecos.

MMuley Sidan was verie strong, for be∣side his owne souldiers, the Morrue∣cans ayded him with eight thousand men, and diuers tribes sent supplies to augment his forces. Hee had twoo hundred English, the most of them vo∣luntaries, sixtie field peeces, with suffi∣cient shot and powder. Ouer the English and all the Christians was generall Captaine Iohn Giffard a Gen∣tleman of a worthy spirit, and discended from the aun∣cient and honourable stemme of the Giffards in Buc∣kinghamshire.

Upon his first entertainment and wel∣come into the countrey; Sidan bestowed vpon him a rich sword, valued at a thousand marks, and a scarlet cloake, richly imbrodered with Pearle, sent as a present to Mu∣ley Hamet, the Kings father, from our late soueraigne of famous memorie Quéene Elizabeth, besides manie other extraordinarie fauours of good value, and often conuer∣sing familiarly, yea, sometimes visiting Captaine Giffard at his owne Tent. His entertainment was twentie fiue shillings per diom, besides many sup∣plies proceeding from the Kings bountie. With him as secondarie men in charge, was one maister Philip Gif∣fard, his neare and verie deare kinsman, Captaine Ia∣ques a verie valiant souldier, captaine Smith one of the most exquisite enginers in Europe, captaine Baker an ancient Brytaine souldier, captaine Tailer, captaine Faukes, captaine Chambers, captaine Isack, men euerie way able to vndergoe their seuerall commaunds. These were dayly stipendaries at twelue shillings a man, ex∣cept the two sea captaines, Isack, and Chambers, who had foure shillings a day, and euerie common souldier twelue pence truly payed them. These preparations considered, Muley Sidan had small reason to leaue the field, or feare Abdelas forces, being nothing in respect of his. •…•…ut certaine it is, the Muley sending for his Wi∣sards, Soothsayers, willing them to foretell that hee might foreknow the successe of his embattailed armie: their answere was, he should loose the battaile, be driuen into Sus: within fiue Moneths: should regaine Morrue∣cos, and there during life enioy the kingdom. Upon this answere, the Muley giuing great credit thervnto, as the nature of a Barbarian is verie suspicious, commanded Basha Mus•…•…a with 3000. souldiers to conuey away his mother, wiues, and children. To Alkeyd Hamet Ben∣breham and Hado 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he commended the charge of his treasure, who laded sixtie M•…•…les with gold, garding

them and the Muleters, with two thousand of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shot.

These 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ded, it may appeare Sidan but honered, and would follow, yet the battailes met the 26. of No∣•…•…. 1607. some sisteene miles from the City of Mo∣ruecos, the Canoniers of Muley Sidan, part hauing in the forefront discharged, there enemies being somewhat farre off, but before they could charge again, the enemie was with them. The Shrac•…•…es did not once discharge a peece, great nor small, but ioyning themselues close to the Abdelians, charged the Sidanians verie fiercely with their Sables, reuenge of Sidans tyrannie shewed vppon their kindred, enraging their minds and courages, or their faithfull promise (which they sought to make good) to Abdela, made them put the Sidanians to flight: or els it was Sidans feare that hee shoulde not make good his Southsayers prophecie, which made his men to runne away. For at the first encounter, his Moores fell into a di•…•…-arraay, & presently into a dishonorable flight, wher∣vpon Muley Sidan fled, sent th the English Captaines to be gone, and to captaine Giffard a good horse to saue him selfe. The English returned word, that they came not thither to r•…•…, but rather die an honourable death. Cap∣taine Giffard encouraged his men, telling them there was no hope of victorie, but to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and die like men, like English men, and then asking for his Iaq ues whom he loued dearely, and taking a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his hand, thought to haue rode vnto him, being told he was not sixscore frō him, and to haue died together, but in the way captaine Giffard being charged by eight Abdelians, one behinde him shot him thorow, and so was he there •…•…aine. Few of al the English Nation were left aliue, the number not exceeding thirtie, and none of the Commaunders esca∣ped except captaine Isack & captaine Faukes, of the Mores were not slaine in all fortie persons.

Sidan being gone, as loath to tarry, spend bloud, and

winne a field, Abdela got the ground his enemyes mar∣ched vppon, but no great victory, entered Morruecos without applause or reioyce of the Citizens, some yet feeling his late done iniuryes, sory for the losse of Sidan, who had prooued a Tyrant, nor welcomming Abdela vpon hope of amendment, but with policy and patience fitted themselues to the misery of the time: Abdela once againe Maister of Moruecos, got the Kings house, but found no treasure to reléeue his wants, great were his promises to rewarde the Shraceis with bounty, and en∣rich his followers. When the Citty was recouered, now hée hauing it, there fayled of his expectation, and his souldiers lacking both meat and money: yet to kéepe them still in hope, and so in gouernment, it was brui∣ted the yong King had found a well full of treasure with∣in the house which Muley Hamet Xarif had layed vp for a deare yeare, but this good newes quicklye vanished, the Well not yéelding water to refresh their fainting stomacks. Therefore the Shraceis hauing released their kindred, recouered their wiues and children, which had escaped the fury and bloody decrée of Sidan the last King, they tooke good words and kind vsages of Abdela in lieu of payment, séeing Moruecos neither afforded them meat nor Abdelas fortune further maintenance, and so Thrée Thousand of them departed at one time. Muley Abdela with the restdue of his forces kept Moruecos, labouring by all possible meanes to giue his souldiers content, and kéepe them together, so with much a•…•… he liued in Moru∣ecos some two moneths, during which time Muley Si∣dan was gathering a fresh army in Sus.

Cap. XVI.

Muley Hamet Bosonne commeth against Abdela, and causeth him flie to his Father. Boferes like to bee taken, flyeth to Salie. Muley Sidan commeth against Mu∣ley Hamet Bosonne: who flieth, and is poysonned by old Azus.

BUT whilest Abdela and Sidan were contriuing their owne ends, there arised a storme in the Mountaines which fell in the plainēs of Morue∣cos, the tempest driuer was one Mu∣ley Hamet Bosonne, cosine to the thrée brethren which haue striuen for the kingdome. This man gathering treasure, and tempo∣rising with them all thrée, so played their game, that fin∣ding their weaknes which these quarrels had brought them vnto, vppon a suddaine séeing his time went into the Mountaines to his mothers kindred, mustered very neare 20. thousand able men, the Muley being well pro∣uided of treasure, gaue them due pay and large, winning them to his respect & seruice, so that in lesse then two mo∣neths space, hée gotte all thinges in readines, descended from the Tessevon Mountaines towards Moruecos.

This news brought to Abdela was very vnwelcome, yet (calling his wittes and councell together) it was concluded considering the Shraceis were gone, his rem∣nant of souldiers féeble and out of heart, and the Moru∣ecans daily fled to Hamet Bosonne, whose vprising like a blazing starre drew their eyes vppon him, that Abdela should trauell to Fes, which he might well doe without a guide, hauing heretofore vppon like necessities, often measured the myles: And though he was determined so to doe, yet a small occasion hastened his iourney, for

some myle from Abdelas campe, vpon a hill on the back∣side of Morruecos, a man being séen with a speare in his hand, and a white linnen vppon it as a flagge. Abdela thought Hamet Bosonne to be with his whole forces be∣hinde the hill, when hee was a full daies march from Moruecos: Therfore in all hast he tooke vp some of his tens, but the greater part left standing in a manner, being feared, ranne away. And afterward when this matter was discouered, which Abdela held a token of his surprise, it was nothing else but a poore More wa∣shing his napery, and for the spéedier drying vsed this meanes which terrifyed Abdela from the seate of his Empire, to Fes the safest place for his abode.

Lylla Isha Sidans Mother hearing of Hamet Bosonnes approach, was perswaded his mouements were onely to defend her Sonnes right, knowing Bosonne of late fauoured Sidans title, comming into his pay, and in per∣son seruing the Muley at the last battaile when Sidan fled into Sus. Herevppon shée sent diuers captaines, part of her owne Guard, others of her freinds and kin∣dred to his ayde, thinking he would haue taken Moru∣ecos for Sidan. But Bosonne hauing entered the Citie peaceably, proclaymed himselfe King, dismissed all Si∣dans fauourers, which were not willing to bee his ser∣uants, who returned to their Lady Mistresse, certifying her error and their successe: his treasure he imparted largely to his followers, by strong hand desired no mans seruice, but those who were willing▪ Some thirtie eng∣lish men remayning, wearie of their sustained misery, and the state of the country, he gaue them licence to im∣barke, and writte to the Gouernour of Saphia to giue them their passe, notice whereof being giuen to the Fac∣tor Marine, for the English he disparted them into di∣uers Shippes with all conueniency, though to his cost and charges charity to helpe the distressed soules, and loue to his natiue country, moouing him there vnto. This

Muley Hamet Bosonne during the time of his gouern∣ment was a very good and iust man, offered no discour∣teste, or tooke away any mans goods, but payed the mar∣chants trulie for the same, who liked well his currant and true dealing.

Bosonnes Mother hearing her Sonne was setled in Morruecos, brought what strength shée could from the Mountaines, and in her way knowing Boferes lodged in a fortresse, whervnto he was fled, not to be well guar∣ded, shée beset the house, meaning to take the Muley pri∣soner, who being doyde of meanes to resist in the night, made a hole through the wall and so escaped priuately to Salie, a Porte Towne within the iurisdiction of his Brother Sheck, where at this day he remaineth.

On the morrow betimes, Bosonnes mother with her men entered the fort, mi•…•…ing Boferes, cut off the head of Vmsed Benbela one of his chiefest seruants, and Com∣manders: then went shée forward to congratulate her Sonnes comming to the kingdome, béeing then in Mo∣ruecos. But an Empyre ill got, is seldome séene of long continuance, for within lesse than two moneths, Mu∣ley Sidan came out of Sus with a great army, for whose ayde Lylla Isha sould her Iewels, and Plate, to furnish her Sonne with Swords, Pykes, Horsemen, Staues, and other war-like munition.

On the other side Hamet Bosonne prepared to wel∣come his cousine the Muley Sidan; so about the begin∣ning of Aprill 1608. both their forces met hard by Mor∣ruecos where a chiefe of a kindred one Grufe which came out of Sus, a great wyne drinker, alwaies a fauourer of Muley Sidan (though little valuing any of the thrée kings) presuming vppon his owne strength and valour, desired the honour that hée might giue charge vppon the enemy with fiue Hundred Horse which was his owne regiment, and of his owne kindred: Sidan refused to graunt him his request, therefore the Casima tooke his

owne leaue and gaue the enemy a full charge vppon the body of his army, which receauing him very brauely, the Casima and his company were in great danger to bée ouerthrowen: but Sidan to reléeue him, sent fiue Hun∣dred Horsemen of his owne: so with these Thousand, the Casima broke the ran•…•… of Bosonnes battalions, then with their sables fell to execution, vntil the whole campe séeing the field lost, fled towards the Mountaines: thus Sidan without further resistance entering Morruecos, resting there in quiet thrée moneths, vntill Hamet Boson recouering now forces in Iuly following, presented himselfe before the Citie, trusting as well vppon his owne strength, as the loue of the Citizens: hoping his good and gentle vsage when hee was amongst them, would haue bred a liking in them, of his milde and gen∣tle gouernment: but either the seruile minde of the mul∣titude little respected his fore-passed kindnesse, or the feare of Sidan made them loath to shewe any signe of good will, for at his approach no man in the Citie was knowen to drawe a Swoord in his defence. So on the eight of Iuly Bosonne was discomfited with the losse of some Thousand men, fledde to the mountaines, where within foure dayes after Alkeid Azus got him poyso∣ned, hoping thereby to winne the fauour of Muley Si∣dan.

This Azus is aged and subtill, by his long experi∣ence best knoweth the secrets of that state, was brought vp vnder Abdela, Muley Hamet Xarifs Brother, and for his counsell to Abdela, willing him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or to put out the eyes of Hamet Xarif, or cut his throate, was in daunger to haue lost his life when Hamet Xarif came to be King, but the wisedome of the man wonne such respect with Hamet, that of a prisoner, he made him his chiefest coun∣cellor, and master of his treasury, during whose life time his behauiour was such, as he wonne great loue among the Commons, Nobility, and many of the blood Royall.

When old Hamet dyed, he was in his campe neare Fes, and after his death rested all his loue vpon Muley Sidan (holding him the prime man and fittest of the thrée bre∣thren, to rule the Kingdome,) vntill both he and Sidy Imbark could not counsell and rule Muley Sidan, for his owne good and benefit of the common weale, being head∣stronge, and would take no mans counsell but to his owne liking and hurt, therefore Sedy Abdela Imbark went to his contemplation at Aca: And Azus to a ca∣stle in the Mountaines, which hée had stored with trea∣sure against a storme, or to refresh the winter of his age, from whence he will not come downe, vntill he sée some hope of peace, hauing at this instant more treasure in his Coffers, then all the three Brethren besides, and hopeth to kéepe it beeing in the middest of his friends and kindered, and in a place as well fortified as any in Barbarie.

Cap. XVII.

Muley Sheck sendeth Iohn Elyna into Spaine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Mores are against their landing.

MVley Sheck séeing his Sonne Abdela returned to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, his souldiers part lost, the residue wearied with trauels and out of heart, his treasure all spent, no∣thing left: Sidan chasing Bosonne to the Mountaines, who was there dis∣patched of his life, recouering the Ci∣tie, and likely to keepe it against them all: Fearefull lest Sidans ne•…•…t enterprise would bée to rowze him out of Fes, fell in conference with an Italian Marchant na∣med Iohn Etina making him his agent, to go into Spaine▪

there to conclude, that if the Catholique King would ayde him with men and money to recouer his right, there should be deliuered vp into his hand•…•…s, Allaroche, Saly, Alcasar, and other townes lying fit for his mouth: This negotiation was well entertained. And Iohn E∣tina was promised for his labour in this businesse, and bringing it to effect, vppon the deliuery of the Porte Townes, to haue yearely paied him Twoo Thousand Duckets during his life. In Iune last past, this mat∣ter was first mooued, since which time in the latter end of August, as my author telleth mée, seauen Gallions, and the Gallies of Naples, in all a hundred sayle, well manned with store of pyoners to raise forts, went to Al∣laroche, thinking to bee receaued, but Thirtie Thou∣sand Alarbees came downe to the shore, not allowing a∣ny such neighborhoode, though they holde the Andelusi∣an halfe their bloud. It is reported the Gouernour of∣fered them the keyes of Allaroche, if they would land: but tolde them they came somewhat to soone before mat∣ters were ripe, or could bee effected as Sheck did desire for the King of Spaines benefite.

Thus are they returned missing of their designes, and for this yeare likely to fayle of making their Mai∣ster the onely Commander of both sides the streights of Gybraltar. Whether Sir Anthonie Sherley was ym∣ployed in this seruice, it is not certainely knowen▪ some are of opinion that he was induced therevnto, because they haue formerly hearde the King of Spaine hath roy∣ally rewarded him for his trauailes with Boferes, by giuing him the places and pay of two Captaines in the Indies, made him Admirall of the Leuant Seas, and next in place to the Uizeroy of Naples, hauing for his entertaynment Fiue Hundred Duckets a moneth: without question hee knoweth well the state of that vn∣ciuill and barbarous Nation, hauing an apprehen∣ding and admirable witte to conceaue the disposition of

any people with whom he shall conuerse, whilest he was amongst them, he behaued himselfe very well toward y^e better sort, winning credit with them, & gayning y^• loue of the poorer sort excéedingly, by his larges (for if a More or slaue gaue him but a dish of Dates, hée should receiue a reward as from an Emperour) & howsoeuer some may holde this a vice, counting him a lauisher: yet by this meanes he came to the knowledge of that which other∣wise hee neuer should haue attained vnto. The more credible fame is, sir Anthonie was not with this Fléete, therefore they sped neuer the better, for had hee béene in company, and had commaund, hee would either haue taken footing, or ventured all, scorning to returne with doing nothing, and so bee laughed at. This may bee a caueat for great men, not to vndertake great matters & exployts, but vppon certaine ground and weighty rea∣son, for else the enuious eye of the world looking vppon them, and marking their actions, will deride, if they sée them faile in their enterprizes.

Now gentle Reader, must I with these Galleys re∣turne to the safe and calme harbour of your fauour and gentlenes: séeing the Sunne declyneth towardes the winter Tropike, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will beginne to runne high and rough; if they should •…•…anshe further into the maine, perchance they might bee weather beaten. Euen so for me to write without aduise, is to saile at randome, which would quickely be found in your wisedome, how I ven∣tured without my Sea-card, and might without more directions, easily make shippe-wracke of my smale bur∣den, not valuable I confesse, yet will be better prised, if it passe your friendly censure. Therefore here will I strike sayle, leauing Sheck with his Sonne Abdela in Fes: Boferes either at Salie, or vppon the Sea coaste, redier to flye, then to fight. Sidan holding the sterne at Morruecos, hoping to guide his tossed barke during the

prophecy. Spaine a great Monarch, desiring to take better hold in Affrique then Tituan, hauing at this in∣stant Muley Sheck (commonly called Prince de Mor∣ruecos, the right heyre in discent from the stemme of Hamet Sheck Xarif) in his safe kéeping, who was the first man which gotte the Empire from the Marines, and translated it into his owne Family.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Any one vvhich is not of the tribe of Mahemet is so tearmed. Or Dravve.
• * 1.2

  A company of Marchants going toge∣ther for tra∣ding, with a great number of Horses, Camels, and Mules, laden with Com∣modities.
• * 1.3

  Sugar gar∣dens.
• * 1.4

  The place where his women are kept.
• * 1.5

  The King•…•… house.
• * 1.6

  Treasurie.
• * 1.7

  Fokers, are men of good life, which are onely gi∣uen to peace.
• * 1.8

  Almohalla, is a Campe.
• * 1.9

  Dwar, is a towne of tents.
• * 1.10

  Rumm•…•…dan, is Lens.
• * 1.11

  Sahara, the countrey or desert of Sands.