Mirza a tragedie, really acted in Persia, in the last age : illustrated with historicall annotations / the author, R.B., Esq.

ANNOTATIONS UPON THE FOURTH ACT.

[(1) BIzantiums walls of fire] The ancient walls of Bizantium, or Constantinople, were said to be of a just even height, every stone so cemented together with brass Couplets, that the whole wall seemed to be but one entire stone. Some affirm the same of the outmost wall of Jerusalem. The Epithet Fiery, I ascribe to Bizantiums wall, it being built of brick and stone intermixed orderly. So was Thebes said to be walled with fire, being walled with flint-stone, in which that fierce element is most predominant.

[(2) Good Gelden] meaning Elchee. See the 8th Note upon the third Act.

[(3) Hircania] See the sixth Note upon the third Act.

[(4) The valiant Amazones] In Cappadocia, about the Ri∣ver Thermodon, which runs through Anatolia, into the Euxine Sea, the Amazones were said to inhabit, so called, either quasi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they used to fear, or cut off their right paps, that they might be no impediment to their shooting, or throw∣ing of their lavelins; or from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sine pane, because they used not bread: or from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they used to live together, or from a Queen of Ephesus, Priestesse to Diana, called Amazona.

They were, according to Pliny, Justin, &c. a people of Scy∣thia, that valiant Nation, which at several eruptions, dilated its self over the whole world, (therefore stiled by divers

Authors, the Mother of all inundations, Vagina Gentium, & Officina generis humani) famous it was in both Sexes, the men being founders of the Parthian and Bactrian, and the women of the Amazonian Empire, about the year of the world, 2100. the occasion this, in the time of Sesostris King of Egypt, the Scythians b••oke into Asia, b••inging with them their wives, and houshold Gods; but there happening a quarrell between the rest of the Nobility, and Plinos and Scolpythus the Ge∣nerals, those two separated themselves, and their faction f••om the ••est, and s••ated between the Rive••s ••anais, and Therm••don in Cappadocia, a long t••me they combated, and oft defeated the Themiscyrii, who were the inhabitants of that Region, but at last, by a st••atag••m of th••irs▪ lost their Army. Their wives now doubly vexed, (both with ••xile and wid∣dowhood, and the extr••mity of g••ief,) and fear, producing the usuall effect, despe••atenesse, they not only def••nded their bo••ders against but set upon the Con••ue••ors (weal••ed be∣fore by their Husbands) and not onely overcame them, but infinitely inlarged their ••ominions, under the conduct of Marpesia and Lampedo, their two Queens, late wives to the two forenamed Captaines; then finding the sweetnesse of Rule, they not only resolved to continue Widdows, but made so such as yet were not, by mu••dering all the men in the Coun∣try, pe••mitting none either to stay the••ein, or to enter in, but some ••ew for drudges. They proclaimed themselves Daughters of Mars, and defied the wo••ld, of which they conquered a g••od part, acco••ding to Justin, lib. 2. Their two Queens, Marpesia and L••mpedo, made war by turns, they sub∣dued the better parts of the continent of Europe, and many Cities in Asia, where they built Ephesus, (though it was per∣fected by Andronicus the Sonne of Codrus) and many other Cities.

Part of the Army they sent home with a noble booty, the rest that stayed to defend Asia, was overpowred by concourse of the barbarous Nations, and put to the sword, together with their Queen Marpesia, in whose place succeeded her Daughter Orithya in the Throne, famous no less for her martial a••chieve∣ments, then her inviolate chastity. At length having by War obtained peace, for successions sake, they used during two months in the spring to accompany with their Neighbours, especially with the Sarmates, saith Pliny, (lib. 6. cap. 7.) who were their subjects, with the Gelae and Leleges, saith Plutarch (in vit. Pomp.) The female issue they trained up

to war, searing the left breasts of the noble women, lest they might hinder their wearing of shields; and the right breast of the common women, that they might not impede the••r drawing of Bows. The Male issue (say some) they killed, others say they sent them to their Fathers when they were weaned, breaking the leggs and arms of those few whom they reserved for drudgery, that they might be uselesse for war, and fit only for procreation and husbandry. Grown thus fa∣mous, it was fit they should be honour'd with the contention of Hercules, which happened thus: The King for whom that stout Hero performed his twelve Labours commanded him, as a thing impossible to fetch him the Armour of the Amazonian Queen; He with Theseus, and the choice youth of Greece, shipt in nine Gallies, and assail'd their Country, at such time as their valiant Queen Orithya was making war abroad, so that he found the lesse trouble in over-coming the other Queen An∣tiope: Theseus took Hippolyta Antiopes sister prisoner, married her, and of her begat Hippolitus. Hercules took the other sister Manalippe, and for her Ransom, took the Queens Ar∣mour, and returned to the King that sent him. Orithya to re∣venge it upon the Greekes, demanded aid of Sagillus, King of the Scythians, who sent her a Noble Army of Horse, led by his Son Panaxagoras, but then the Athenians vanquished. To Orithya succeeded Penthesilea, who got fame before Troy: She being slain, her people continued their feminine Empire till Alexanders time, their Queen Minthia, alias Thalestris, after she had obtained 14 days company with him to have issue by him, dyed, and with her, the name of the Amazones: so Justin. Plutarch in vit. Thes. (agreeing with Seneca) calls the Amazon that Theseus took Antiopa, and alledgeth the authorities of Hellacanus, Menecrates, Pherecydes, and Herodotus for it, that he made that voyage alone, after Hercules's. Dion saith, he brought her away by stealth, not force, invited her to his Ship, then hoisted sayl. Clidemus the Historiographer, agrees with Justin; but which sister soever it was, either Antiope, or Hippolyta, (though Theseus his naming his Son by the Amazon Hippolitus, as most say (though Pindarus saith he called him Demophon) rather inclines me to believe it was Hippolyta) it's certain the Amazones invaded Greece to revenge it; to do which, that they passed over the arm of the sea called Bosphorus Cimmericus, being frozen, as Hellacanus reports, is scarce cre∣dible, more like it is that they came by Land; for in Thessaly, (through which they could not passe without fighting) there

are seen some of their Tombs, about the City of Scotusa, hard by the Rocks called the Dogs head: that they subdued the Country about Athens, and much of the City too, is evident in that they pitched their Camp in the very City, and fought Theseus in the place (called Pnyce) adjoyning to the Tem∣ple of the Muses: This also the Graves of the women that dyed there do testifie. Theseus having sacrificed unto the Goddess Feare (according to the advice of the Prophesie he had received) gave them battel in the month of August, on the same day on which the Athenians do solemnize the feast Boe∣dromia. Clidemus writes the circumstances of the fight, which was fierce and hot, in which the Athenians were repulsed se∣verall times, and at last it proved little more then a drawn Battel. After four months, peace was made, by the meanes of Hippolyta, (though some say she was slain fighting on Theseus's s••de with a Dart, by Molpadia) in memory whereof, the Pillar which is joyned to the Temple of the Olympian ground, was set up in her honour. However it's certain, the war was ended by agreement; for a place adjoyning to the Temple of Theseus bears record of it, being called Orcomosium, because the peace was there by solemn Oath concluded; and the sacrifice also doth truly verifie it, which they made to the Amazons before the feast of Theseus, time out of mind. That of the Poets, that the Amazones made war with Theseus, to re∣venge the injury he did to their Queen Antiopa in refusing her, to marry Phaedra, seems but fiction, though indeed after the death of his Amazonian Queen he married Phaedra, whose violent lust was the ruine of his noble Sonne by his Heroine Lady, to wonder expressed by Seneca in his excellent Tragedy, Entituled Hippolitus. What ever was the cause of the War; it was so well managed, as it seemed not the enterprise of a Woman; so Plutarch. Others Epitomizing the story of the Amazones, say, they were a Race of warlike women in Cappa∣docia, managing couragious Horses, expert themselves, and instructing their Daughters in military exercises, and became so famous and formidable, that in the end it drew on the courage of Hercules, together with the desire of Hippolita's rich Belt to assail them; and that Hippolita and Manalippe, sisters to the Queen Antiope, challenged Hercules and Theseus to single Combat, and were at last (to their eternall credits) hardly vanquished. Hercules (say they) slew Antiope, and took Hippolyta prisoner. whom he gave to Theseus his companion, as the reward of his merit in that service. In this War he so

weakned their forces as they became a prey to their Neigh∣bours; who after a while extinguished in those parts both their name and Nation. Penthesilea with the remainder fly∣ing her Country, assisted Priamus in the warrs of Troy (for the innate hatred which her nation bore to the Greeks) of which Virgil.

Ducit Amazonidum lunatis agmina peltis Penthesilea furens: mediis{que} in millibus ardet, Aurea subnectens exertae cingula mammae Bellatrix; audet{que} viris concurrere Virgo. Aeneid. 1.

Penthesilea on the numerous Bands Rusht with her Crescent-shielded Amazons▪ A golden Bend swathing her seared Breast. Bold maid! that durst with armed men conte••t

She was there slain by Achilles or by Pyrrhus his son. Pliny reports that she was the first that invented the Battellax••. Plutarch saies part of the Amazones did inhabit on the side of the Mountain Caucasus that looketh towards the Hyrcanian Sea. And Plato affirms that there was a Nation of Amazons in his time in Sarmatia Asiatica, at the foot of Caucasus: from whence it should seem their Queen Thalestria came into Hirca∣nia unto Alexander, that she might have a Daughter by him, who participating of both their spirits might conquer and de∣serve the world. But Strabo doubts by the uncertainty of Au∣thors (though in the story of no Nation do Historians punctually ag••ee) and the unlikelinesse thereof, that there ever were any such women: And Palephates writes, that the Amazones were a People couragious and hardy, who wore linnen shashes on the••r heads, and gowns to their heeles (as now the Turkes do) suffering no hair to grow on their faces; and therefore in contumely were by their Enemies called women. This opinion may be made yet more prob••ble by that of Plutarch, in vit. Pomp. viz. that in the battell that Pompey fought with the Albanians by the River Abas. there were cer∣tain Amazones, on the barbarous Generall Cosis his side, who came from the Mountains that run along the River Thermo∣don; for after the Victory, the Rom••ns spoiling the dead, found

Targets and Buskins of the Amazons, but not one womans bo∣dy. Goropius a late Author conceives them to be the wives and sons of the Sarmatians, who invaded Asia, together with their Husbands, and after planted in Cimbria; which he endea∣vours to prove by ce••tain Dutch Etymologies: This conceit some will have arise from what others write, viz. that they were called Sauromatides, from their feeding much upon Lizards, in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Francis Lopez and Vlrichus Schimdel find them in the Riv••r Orellana in America: called thereof the River of Amazones: and Edward Lopez affirms, that there are of these in Monomotapa in Africa, ninteen degrees South∣ward of the line; the strongest guard of that Emperour as the East Indian Portugalls acknowledge. Some of the antients place Amazones in Lybia, among whom were the Gorgons under their Queen Medusa, subdued by Perseus. Cael. l. 6. cap. 12. Silius Ital. l. 2. The Moderns send us to the Islands of Japan; next to the Taupinamboaus to find women that burn their right breasts not to hinder their combating. Possidonius a∣grees with Strabo l. 4. Geogra. in making mention of a cer∣tain Iland of the Ocean near to the River Loir (which some think to be Noirmoustier near Poictou) where were women that permitted no men amongst them, but went by Troopes to acccompany with the Samnite Gauls, and after conception returned to their Ile. So D' Juigne.

[(5.) Phineus Harpyes] Phineus the son of Agenor, some make King of Phoenicia, some of Thrace, some of Paphlagonia, but most of Arcadia; he having pulled out the eyes of Cram∣bus and Orythus his Sons by Cleopatra (otherwise called Har∣palyce) his first wife, daughter to Boreas and Orythia, at the instigation of their Step-mother Idaea, the daughter of Darda∣nus King of Scythia, was himself st••uck blind by the divine Vengeance for his unnaturall cruelty, the ravenous Harpyes being sent to devour his food, and contaminate his Table: but the Argonautes in their Journey to Colchos being curte∣ously entertained by Phineus (a Prince of their blood and ••lliance, he having likewise informed them concerning their voyage, and given them a Pilot,) sent the Boredes, Calais ••nd Zetes the winged Issue of Boreas (now reconciled for the ••njury done to his innocent Nephewes) to chase them away; who pursuing them as far as the Strophades (two small Ilands ••n the Ionian Sea, now called Strivalii) were there com∣manded by Iris to doe no further violence to the Doggs of Jupiter, whereupon they desisted, and the Ilands of their re∣turn

were named Strophades (a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Conversio) being before called Plotes. So the Fable, of which Virgil.

—Strophades Graio stant nomine dictae Insulae Ionio in magno; quas dira Celaeno, Harpyae{que} colunt aliae: Phineïa postquam Clausa domus: mensas{que} metu liquere priores. Tristius haud illis monstrum, nec saevior uila Pestis, & ira Deûm stygiis sese extulit undis. Virginei volucrum vultus faedissima ventris Proluvies, uncae{que} manus, & pallida semper Ora fame.—Aeneid. l. 3.

—Isles I'th' Ionian Sea, in Greek Call'd Strophades, did dire Celaeno seek, And th' other Harpyes when they'd (frighted) flown Phineus barr'd gates, and Table once well known. No Monster's worse then they, a fiercer Plague The wrath of Gods ne'r rous'd from Stygian Lake. They're Foul with Virgin faces, purging ere Their Paunches, arm'd with tallons bent to tear, And still with famine pin'd.—

The Harpyes are feigned to be the daughters of Neptune and Tellus, of old esteemed the Parents of Monsters, some lay them to Neptune alone, the Sea (for the most part) being Father of Prodigies; and not without cause, for according to Thales Milesius, all things are ingendred of Humour, whence it commeth that the Ocean is called Father. Some will have them take their name of Harpalyce Phineus his wife, being sent to revenge the wrongs done to her Sonns; but it seems more probable that they were so called of of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rapio, be∣ing the Emblemes of Rapine and wrong. They are said to be Virgins, in that barren; because goods so gotten descend but seldom to posterity. To fly, in that they are swift in extorting; to be covered with plumes, for cloaking their prey; and to have talons of vultures, for griping and fast holding of their ill gotten riches. These qualities are also charactered in their names, Aello, Ocypetes and Celaeno, signifying a taking away that which is anothers, celeritie in the Act, and subtilty in concealing: those three Virgil mentions, Hesiod names but the two first; Homer calls the last Podarge, and saith that of her the wind Zephyrus engendred the Chariot Horses of A∣chilles,

named Balius and Ximphus. The Harpyes are said to have the faces of women, in that Avarice, of which they are the Hieroglyphicks, allures with a beauteous pretence, but ends in a Serpent; to this allusion some Mythologists, and a∣mong them our excellent Sandys, restrain the whole Fable, ma∣king Phineus said to have put out his sonnes eyes, in having abandoned wisdom and Liberality; to have lost his sight, and to suffer perpetuall Famine, in that so blinded with Ava∣rice, that he could not see into h••m••elf, nor afford himself the necessaries of life. The Harpyes (called elsewhere his Daugh∣ters) are his covetous desires, not suffering him to eat of the meat that was set before him, himselfe polluting it with his sordid disposition, being infected with Solomons evill, to have riches, and not a heart to use them; therefore tormented with furies, those being said (as Servius observes) to be afflicted with Furies, who covetously abstained from the use of their own, excellently expressed by Virgil in the punish∣ment of Tantalus Aen. l. 8. Calais and Zetes import a calling of himself to account, and a diligent inquiry into his own condition, by a speedy Reformation, expelling those ravenous Harpyes, though forbidden utterly to destroy them, in that they are the Dogs of Iupiter, the Ministers of his wrath upon the covetous, who are ever their own Tormentors. Neither is this Fable of the Harpyes unnaturally wrested to Flatte∣rers, Delators, prodigall Sycophants and greedy Officers, who devour the Treasure, and pollute the fame of Princes, abused in their trust, and blinded in their understandings: Calais and Zetes are no other then timely advice and swift execution (they are therefore winged) in freeing Courts of such Monsters. Natales Comes makes a somwhat different My∣thologie, understanding by the Harpyes, the winds, l. 7. My∣thol. Du Bartas (in his third day) called the petty fogging Lawyers Harpyes; it being a common Metaphor to expresse any by, that are rapacious, injurious, or blood-suckers of poor people. The misery Phineus sustain'd by them, and his happy deliverance from them, are wittily described by Ronsard in his Hymn of Calais and Zethes.

[(6) M••y all the Scorpions of Cushan sting thee.] Cashan (or for the better sound, Cushan) is a famous City in Parthia; some six miles distant from Spawhawn the Metropolis. The people are orderly, and more given to trade then in the ••eighbour Cities. Silkes, Sattens, and cloath of Gold are her

ordinary Commodities, plentifull, and at a reasonable 〈◊〉〈◊〉. She is well seated, well peopled, and well built. Here is a Carravansraw or common Inne, which exceeds all in Persia, and is fit to entertain the greatest Prince in Asia, yet built by King Abbas onely for Travellers to lodge in, upon f••ee cost. 'Tis two large stories high, the material Brick, varnished and coloured with knots and Arabian Letters, Po••es of Azure, red, and white. From the Basis 'tis built six foot high of good stone. The Fabrick is Quadrangular, and each proportiona∣ble Angle 200. paces. In the middle is a fair large Court, whereof in the midst is a foursquare Tanck, or Pond of pu••e Water, about it are spacious and fragrant Gardens. This civi∣lity of the King to strangers is second••d (as they say there) even by the stinging Scorpions and Serpents that infest this City and the neighbour Country in great abundance, whose Love and understanding the inhabitants report to be such to Travellers, as that they never hurt them. Th••se Scorpions so numerous here, as it is a frequent curse throughout all the Persian Empire, May a Scorpion of Cushan sting thee. Herbert.

[(7) My Vncle and my Grandsire] meaning Emir-hamze-Mirza and Mahomet Cadoband. See the fi••st and second not••s upon the first Act.

[(8.) Paradise] The Paradise which Mahomet p••omises to his sect exceeds the vanity of a Dream, and all old wives Fables; though it is to be more then conj••ctured that he took his Pattern from the P••ets Elyzium, but hath so far misto•••• his copy, as of an ingenious Fancy, to present an absurd ex∣travagancy. Thus Tibullus describes Elyzium.

Sed me, qui facilis tenero sum s••mper amori, Ipsa Venus c••mp••s ducet in Elysios. Hic choreae, cantus{que} vigent, passim{que} vagantes, Dulce s••nant tenui gutture carmen aves. Fert cassiam n••n culta seges, totos{que} per agros, Floret odoratis terra ••enigna rosis. Ac juvenum ser••es teneris immista puellis I ••••it, & assiduè praelia miscet amor. Il•••••• est quicun{que} rapax mors venit amanti, Et gerit insigni myrtea serta coma. Fleg l. 1. Eleg 3.

But me, whose heart to soft Love easily yields, Venus shall lead to the Elyzians fields. Here Song and dance abound: Their slender throats The tripping Birds still strain for pleasing notes. The wildest shrub doth odorous Casia yeeld, And Roses each where paint the beautious field. Youths mixt with tender Virgins there disport, And still encounter in an amorous sort. What Lover e're untimely dies is there, A Myrtle wreath crowning his glorious hair.

And thus Virgil, speaking of Aeneas his going thither to visit his Father Anchises:

Devenere locos laetos, & amaena vireta, Fortunatorum nemorum, sedes{que} beatas. Largior hic campos aether, & lumine vestit Purpureo: Solem{que} suum, sua sidera norunt. Pars in gramineis exercent membra palaestris; Contendunt ludo: & fulva luctantur arena. Pars pedibus plaudunt choreas, & carmina dicunt. Nec non Threicius longa cum veste sacerdos, Obloquitur numeris septem discrimina vocum. Jam{que} eadem digitis, jam pectine pulsat eburno. Hic genus antiquum Teucri, pulcherrima proles; Magnanimi heroës, nati melioribus annis. Ilusque, Assaracus{que}, & Troiae Dardanus author. Arma procul, currus{que} virum miratur inanes. Stant terrae defixae hastae: passim{que} soluti Per campos pascuntur equi, quae gratia currum, Armorum{que} fuit vivis, quae cura nitentes Pascere equos eadem sequitur tellure repostos: Conspicit ecce alios dextra, laeva{que} per herbam Vescentes, laetum{que} choro paeana canentes, Inter odoratum lauri nemus; unde supernè Plurimus Eridami per sylvam volvitur amnis; Hîc manus ob patriam pugnando vulnera passi: Qui{que} sacerdotes casti, dum vita manebat, Qui{que} pij vates, & Phaebo digna locuti: Inventas aut qui vitam excoluere per artes; Qui{que} sui memores alios fecerè merendo: Omnibus his nivea cinguntur tempora vitta: AEN. l. 6.

Fair Greens they reacht, places of joyfull rest, Sweet Groves, and happy Mansions of the blest, Here larger air with purple rayes the fields Of their own Sun and stars possessed, guilds. In flowry meads some strive with foot and hand, Some try their strength upon the golden Sand. Some dance, and chear their measure with a song. The Thracian ••oet, in ••obes grave and long, Renowns on seven sweet strings his sacred skill, Now stopps his hand, now strikes his Ivory quill. Teucers old stock, a noble race, here stood, Magnanimous Hero's, born when times were good. Ilus, Asaracus, and who Troy did found. Their empty Chariots he admires: ith' ground Their spears stuck fast, their bruised Arms laid by And charging Horses grazing carelessely. Look what delight steeds Arms o•• Chariots were To them alive, they still the same were here. Others he saw on either side advance Themselves, and sing glad Paeans in a dance, Shaded with odorous Lawrel Groves, whose sides Silver Eridanus wash with frequent tides. Here triumph those did for their Country die, And Priests that kept their vow of Chastitie. Poets that sung layes worthy of their God, Such as invented Arts for humane good, And those whose merits have their names renownd, All their blest heads with snowie Garlands bound.

Again, in the person of Musaeus,

Nulli certa domus: Lucis habitamus opacis, Riparum{que} toros, & prata recentia rivis Incolimus. —ibid.

No certain seats have we: curld shadie woods Cool Banks, and meads stil fresh with Chrystal floods We do enjoy.—

Mahomets Paradise, according to the Alchoran, lib. 1. cap. 2. is as big as Heaven and Earth, which is all the world: but where is it then? or else we must say, that God hath created another world besides this; but it were end lesse as bootlesse, to question Mahomet for absurdities. The Alchoran in another place, saith, that God created seven Paradises, or seven Man∣sions, each of which is called a Paradise: these are all wrought with Gold and Silver, Pearls and precious stones, and have divers Palaces Halls, Chambers, and Gardens, stored with fruit Trees, two of each sort; under which Palaces runne Fountains and Rivers of water, milk, hony, & most sweet wine. In the midst of Paradise (as the Alcoran affirms, and the Sunè describes) is a Tree called Tuba, as big as all Paradise, whereof some leaves are of Gold, others of Silver, and the branches thereof cover the walls of Paradise. The Sunè sayes, that in every l••af of it, the name of Mahomet is written, joyntly with the name of God, running thus, Le ilche ille allah Mahumed razolloa, (i. e.) There is no other God but the Lord, and Mahomet is his Messenger. The Al∣choran (l. 3. c. 19. in the Chapters of Sacrifices, of Mount Sinai, of the Glorious, of the Falls, and of Man, l. 4.) describes how these Paradises are furnished, and adorned with Ta∣pestries and B••ds, with Curtains and Vallens of Cloath of Gold, of Purple, of silk, not forgetting the Quilts, Chairs of Gold, and precious stones, &c. Together, after what manner the Moores shall sit and lie on these Beds and Couches, ever jocund and merry, not knowing Care or Grief. The said Chapters describe a Fountain in Paradise, called Celzebile; and another called Zengebila, the waters whereof are whiter then snow, and sweeter then honey; but more especially, there is the rare fountain called Alcauzar, (by a singular Chapter Al. l. 4.) reserved for Mahomet alone, though a strange ingrossement; for he saith it is 70000 days journeys in length and breadth (70000 is a frequent number with him) and the water hereof purer and sweeter then of the rest. In this Fount are many Bowls, Glasses, and drinking Vessels, as the••e a••e stars in the firmament. The said Chapters men∣tion and describe the Pages which are alwaies in Paradise, called in Arabick, Guildemin Mohalledun, (i. e.) eternal Pages, not of the race of men; they are as beautiful as precious stones set in Gold, and are cloathed in silk, green, purple, and Zun∣duz. (i. e.) Tissue upon Tissue. These wait continually with

full Cups, Flaggons and Beakers of Gold and Silver. The said Chapters treat of the chast Virgins which God hath created for Paradise, called Horhim, and in the singular num∣ber Hora; they are reclused, well watched, and guarded in their Palaces; their Garments are wonderfull, and their beauty is as the light: Nay, Mahomet in the Sunè saith, that if any one of these Virgins should appear at Midnight, she would enlighten all the world like noon-day: and if she should spit in the Sea, all the water in the Sea would become as sweet as hony.

Furthermore, the said Chapters mention their Carkanets, Rings, Jewels, Coronets, and Trinkets of all sorts, which are prepared in Paradise for them, and that these Virgins are not of humane race, but are continually created for the Musselmen, they dayly have their lost Vi••ginities restored, continue ever young, (there, as here at 15. and the men as at 30.) and are ever free from natural pollutions. The Sunè mentions a feast, which God will make to men and wom••n in Paradise, which it calls Hadrate Alcoduz, God makes this feast in the Paradise, called Genetu Alcoduz, (i. e. The Para∣dise of the Holy, and is the sixth in order among the seven hin∣••ed at before. Mahomet sayes also, that after a time, he will by virtue of his generall Redemption release the Moores who have deserved Hell fire; they shal come out of Hell black & burnt, and he will bring them to his fountain Alcauzar, wherein they shall wash and become white as snow; being so purified, he will lead them to the other Moores that never deserved Hell. After this he saith, that God shall command the Angel Gabriel to take the keyes of the Paradise of the Holy, for to make his feast there, which keyes are kept by another Angel, of whom when Gabriel demands them, the said Angel shall put his hand to his mouth, and shall draw forth thence 70000 keyes, each of which is 70000 leagues in length: and when the Angel Gabriel shall assay to take up the keyes, he shall not be able to lift them, because of their great weight, hereupon he shall return to God, and say, Lord, I cannot lift the keyes from the ground because of their great weight, and God shall say unto him, go again, and call upon my holy name, and the name of my friend Mahomet, and then take the keyes and bring them hither: then shall Gabriel call upon those names, and take up the keyes and bring them unto God, with which keyes he shall open the said Paradise of Alcoduz, where they

shall find a Table made ready, of a Diamond 7000000 dayes journeys in length and breadth, with seats of Gold and Silver about it, and on it spread Napkins and Table-cloaths richly wrought and woven. Then shall God command all the Moores to sit down at the Table, and the foresaid Pages shall attend them with their golden Bowls, and set before them most delicious Cates and Fruits of all sorts, and skenk unto them the Wine and Water of Paradise. They having eaten and drunk, the Pages shall come with rich apparel for every Moore, wherewith they shall deck themselves, and put their Jewels and Bracelets on their Arms, Legs, and Hands, and Rings into their ears; then the immortall Pages shall enter again, every one with a dish in his hand, and in the dish a Citron, and shall present to every Male of the Moores; as soon as they shall smell every one to his Cit••on, one of the aforesaid Virgins shall issue out of it most gallantly attired, and pe••fumed as the sp••ing, and beautifull as the morning; she shall imbrace her Moore, and he her, and so shall they continue in that sweet Act, embracing each other the space of fifty years together, without rising or separating from each others body, all the while ••ioting in the sweets of youth and beauty. After they shall have thus taken their pleasure (saith Mahomet) God shall say, O my servants, now ye have eaten and drank, and are cloathed, and adorned with ••ewels, and have taken your pleasure in my Paradise and glory, I will now shew you my glorious face; he sayes, that God shall remove the vails which he hath on his face, and shall shew his glorious visage to all the Moores, and they shall all fall to the ground, through the brightnesse which shall proceed from the face of God, and then God shall say, O my servants, arise, and rejoyce in my glory, without fear of ever dying, much lesse of being sad or discontented to eternity; Then (sayes he) they shall lift up their heads, and behold God face to face, in which vision they shall take unspeakable solace. Then shall they all go from this to the other Paradises, to wit, every one accompanied with his Virgin, shall go into his own Palace or Mansion, there eternally eating, drinking, and taking his pleasure, joyful, and void of fear, of death, or hurt.

Lastly, Mahomet promises, that he himself, at his own cost and charges, will make another feast to all Musselmen, at his sweet fountain Alcauzar, with his own hand, giving to every one of them to drink of the water thereof, whereof who so

drinks (he saith) shall never thirst; the greatest truth a∣mong so many Gulleries, wherein Andreas Maurus makes him∣self sport with these two defects. The first is, that whereas Mahomet holds forth so magnificent Palaces, and is so careful of contriving and furnishing of them with all sorts of conve∣niences, he makes no mention of Easements; especially ha∣ving spoken of so much eating and drinking, and of such laxative things too as Hony and sweet Wine. The second defect is, that he that loved Women so well▪ doth not make thei•• gl••ry & pleasure equal to the mens; he gives the men fine easie Wenches, and why should not the women in like man∣ner, have their eternal servants? They must needs take it discourteously; nay instead of Glory and Pleasure, he gives them anger and sorrow, which they must necessarily feel when they see their Husbands which they had in this world, embracing other women fifty years together, and they left comfortlesse like Widows. Such is the absurd glory of Ma∣homets delusive Paradise; yet with these fooleries is half the world bewitched, the impostor cunningly debelling and forbidding all learning, lest the light thereof should discover the grosseness of his absurditi••s, as it surely doth in those few that can attain it, under so strict a restraint: as Avicen that great Philosopher and Physitian, who flourished about 500 years since, when Mahometisme had not yet utterly ex∣tinguished all good literature, who was by linage an Arabian of a Royal house, in Religion a Mahometan, but by Country and Habitation a Spaniard, and Prince (as some write) of Corduba, he (fo••ced by the strength of his Reason) in his Books De Anima, & De Almahad, strives to vindicate the most intelligent of his Sect, from the literal belief of this Elyzium, and excuses his Prophet for proposing it so fraught with sen∣sual delights, as meerly allegorical, and necessarily fitted to ••ude and vulgar Capacities; for (saith he) if the points of Religion were taught in their true form to the ignorant dull Jews, or to the wild Arabians, employed together about their Camels, they would utterly fall off from all belief in God. But its like he here makes his Prophet (as some Com∣mentators do their Authors) speak more then he ever meant, being ashamed of him in grosse, as appears Tract. 9. cap. 7. & se••. where laying down for a while his outward person of a Mahometan, and putting the habit of a Philosopher; in his Metaphysicks seemeth to make a flat opposition between the truth of their faith received from their Prophet, and the

truth of understanding by demonstrative Argument. But how∣ever Avicen and the Learned may see into the folly of their Doctrine (to which they are yet held by Interest, and that strong charm, Reason of state) the vulgar and illiterate look no further then the Letter, swallowing all with an implicit faith, so strong in them, as that the poor Azapi or foot soldi∣ers being covetous of these delights in Paradise (promised (by an high policie) most eminently to such as die for their Country) make nothing to p••ecipitate themselves into the most horrid gulphes of eminent danger, nay, even to fill up ditches with their bodies for the Janizaries to march over, and mount the walls of assaulted fortresses. See the Alcoran, Johannes Andreas Maurus his confutation thereof. Sandys. Herbert. &c.

[(9) Cowes eyes] Mahomet promises that the Virgins in his imaginary Paradise shall have great Cow eyes (as big as eggs) which they have in principall repute; affected both by the Persians, Turks and Grecians, as it should seem from the beginning. Homer attributes it, as an especiall excellency unto Juno;

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Then Iuno with the Cowes fair eyes replied.

So Master Sandys, (the exactest of all Translators) and Mr. Chapman render it, and the Latin Heroic Translation ••eads, Juno oculis veneranda bovinis: though in the vulgar version it is but magnis oculis praedita Iuno. We meet with the same verse again in Homer, Il. 4. as if the best of Poets knew not a more honourable attribute then this to ascribe to the Queen of Gods; the Cow of all beasts having the fairest eye, fullest of spirits, and of their true colour too, black, which hue they ever preferr'd in womens eyes and hair. Anaceron bids the Pain••er draw his Mistresse so, Ode 38. & 39. with hair black and shining; dark arched, eye browes, circular and almost meeting; and Eyes black and sprightly. And Ovid Loves chief Priest, his judgement is

Est etiam in fusco grata colore Venus. Amor. l. 2. Eleg. 4.

The Nut-brown beauties ever taking were.

And again,

Leda fuit nigra conspicienda coma.ibid.

Leda was lovely shaddow'd with black hair.

The Turkish and Persian Ladies dresse themselves still as after these patterns: they put between the eye-lids and the Eye a certain black Powder with a fine long pensil, made of a minerall brought from the Kingdom of Fez, and called Alcohole; which by the not disgracefully staining of the lids, doth better set forth the whitenesse of the eye: and though it troubles for a time, yet it comforteth the sight, and repelleth ill humours: Into the same hue (but likely they naturally are so) do they die their eyebreis and eyebrowes: (the latter by Art made high, half circular, and to meet, if naturallly they do not) so do they the hair of their heads as a foyl that maketh the white seem whiter, and more becoming their other perfections. So Mr. Sandys, Tra. l. 1.

[(10) An Iron Cage &c.] Bajazet fourth King of the Turkes (having possessed himself of the greatest pa••t of Thrace, subdued much of Greece, with the Country of Phocis; and twice, though in vain, besieged Constantinople) An. Dom. 1397. (having an Army of 500000. men) encountred with Tamberlan•• (whose force consisted of 800000. Tartarians, or, as some write, more, viz. 400000. horse, and 600000. foot) near unto Mount Stella in Bythinia, a place destined for Conquest to strangers, Pompey having there vanquished Mi∣thridates: Bajazet (with the losse of 200000. of his People) was overthrown, and being brought before Tamberlane, was by him asked, what he would have done with him if it had been his fortune to have faln into his hands? He answered, he would have inclosed him in a Cage of Iron, and so in Triumph have carried him up and down his Kingdom: Tam∣berlane commanded the same to be done to him; professing that he used not that rigour against him as a Prince, but ra∣ther to punish him as a proud ambitious Tyrant, polluted with the blood of his own Brother Jacup. Bajazet (late one of the greatest of Princes, now the scorn of Fortune, and a by-word to the world, shackled in fetter and chains of gold,

and as some dangerous wild beast) coop'd up in an Iron Cage, made open like a grate, that he might be seen on eve∣ry side, and so carried up and down through Asia, to be of his own Subjects scorned and derided; and, to his further dis∣grace, being upon festivall daies used by his g••eatest ••n••my as a footstool to tread upon when he mounted his Horse; and at other times scornfully fed, like a dog, with c••u••s fallen from his Table;) having for two years, with g••eat impati∣ence, linge••d out this most miserable th••aldom, finding no better means to end his loathed life, he did violently beat out his b••ains against the barrs of the Grate wherein he was inclosed. An. 1399. Yet of his death are divers other reports; some say that he dyed of an ague, proceeding of sorrow and grief: others, that he poisoned h••mself: The Turks affirm, that he was set at Liberty by Tamberlane, being by him beforehand poysoned, whereof he dyed three daies after his inla••gement; but the fi••st is the most generally received opinion concer••∣ing his death. His dead body, at the request of his Son Ma∣homet, was by Tamberlane sent to Asprapolis, from whence it was afterwards conveyed to Prusa, and there lieth buried in a Chappell near unto the great Mahometan T••mple, without the City, Eastward, by his beloved wife Despina, and his el∣dest Son Erthogrul; and ha••d by in a little Chappell lieth his crime, his brother Jacup, whom he in the beginning of his reign murdered. Turc. Hist. &c.

[(11) My treachery to the English it alledges; That helpt me to take O••mus &c.]

Ormus is an Ile within the Gulfe of Persia, about twelve miles from the Continent, in old time; known by the name of Geru, before that Ogiris, some say from the famous Theban of that name. Its circuit is but small, about fifteen miles; nei∣ther doth it procreate any thing note-worthy, salt excepted, of which the Rocks are participant, and the silver shining sands promise sulphur; but however bar••en, its much famed for a safe ha••bour, and for that it standeth conveni∣ently for the traffick of India, Persia, and Arabia; so that the customes onely afford the King thereof (who is a Mahome∣t••n) no lesse then 140000 Xeraffes yearly (a Xeraffis is as much as a French Crown, or 6. s. sterling.) Some will have appertaining to the Crown of it, a part of Arabia foelix, and all that part of Persia that is environed with the Rivers of Tabo, Tissindo, and Druto, together with the Iland of Bolsaria, not far fom it, and divers other Iles in the Gulf. An. 1506.

it became tributary to the Portugals (still permitting the King, but as their Liege-man) who first fortified it, and built a City of the name of the Iland, about the bignesse of Exeter, with some Monasteries and a fair Market-place, though now little; but the Castle retains that former beauty which gave occasion to that universall saying of the Arabians.

Si terrarum orbis, quaqua patet annulus esset, Illius Ormusium gemma decus{que} foret.

If quaint Art could into a Ring compile The world, the Diamond should be Ormus Ile.

Abbas King of Persia finding himself bearded by the Portu∣gall commanded Emangoly Duke of Shiras to assault the Ile, who with 15000. men wan it, sackt and depopulated the City, but not without the help of some English Merchants ships, commanded by the Captains serving the East India company, Captain Weddal, Blyth, and Woodcock. Their Articles with the Persian Duke were, to have the lives of the Christans therein at their dispose, some Cannons, and half the spoil: and accordingly when the City was enter'd, after a brave and tedious resistance (forced to yield by Plague, Fluxes, and Famine) every house of quality, Magazen, and Monastery was sealed up with the signers of the Duke and Merchants; By which good o••der the Company might have been enrich••d with 2000000. l. sterling) though but their share) had it not been prevented by a base Saylers covetous∣nesse, who, regardlesse of the danger of his life, or the Christi∣ans credit, stole into a sealed Monastery, committed sacri∣ledge upon the Silver Lampes, Chalices, Church-stuffe, Cru∣cifixes, &c. and came forth laden with so big a pack as dis∣covered his theft, wh••ch, being led to the Duke, he confess'd, and was right handsomly corrected; but the greatest redoun∣ded hereby to the English; for hereby the Persians took ad∣vantage to repine before the Duke, that they sat idle whilst the English purloined away their hopes; The Duke (glad of the occasion) bad them be their own carvers, which they soon were so liberally, as they left nothing for the second commer, the confident. English all this while carrousing a∣board their ships, and bragging of their Victories and hopes; Onely Captain Woodcock had good luck and bad, lighting upon a Frigot laden with Treasure, which he made his owne

prize, worth 1000000. of Rials, but soon after, hard by the Swally Road without the Barr, he lost the Whale, his own ship (swallowed by the sands) and then his life by sorrow. The poor City is now disrobed of all her bravery, the Persi∣ans each moneth conveighing her ribbs of wood and stone to aggrandize Gombroon, not three leagues distant, out of whose ruines she begins to triumph. Ormus has no fresh water, but what the clouds weep over her in compassion of her desolation, that is preserved in urnes, or earthen Jarrs for drink, and to cool sleeping places. The priviledges which the English enjoy for their service at Ormus are, they have a Staple at the new Port Town Gombroon or Bander, (as the Natives call it) their houses, and the Dutch Merchants be∣ing apparent from the rest, by their Ensignes flying a top their Tarrasses. In Ianuary here yearly arrive English and Dutch ships from India, and here the English are not onely Custome free themselves, but their Agents receive Custom of all strangers, in recompence of their service at Ormus. D't Juigne, Heylen. Herbert.

[12) The Costermonger ALLY-BEG] The birth-place of this great Persian Favourite Mahomet Ally-beg, was Parthia, (called so from Parah, to fructifie) and near Spawhawn; his parentage so worshipfull, that he knew no farther then his Father, a man both mean and poor, Mahomet had no stomach for the warrs, and having a large bulk to maintain, and no Camelion, his education being simple, he became Coster∣monger, and by that made an hard shift for a poor living; till in a happy hour the King (then in the Hippodrom in Spaw∣hawn) in a good humour, took notice of him, viewed him, lik't him, and preferr'd him, so as in a short time he became sole Favourite, and was feared, and for that honoured every where among the Persians; for so shall it still be done to him whom King honours: Nor was their Prince, Duke, Sultan, or other, but in an awfull complement sent him yearly some wealthy present to cherish his favour, to the great increase of his possessions, though in their hearts they despised him, and undervalued the King for preferring him; as ever in such cases it happened unto Princes, but most eminently unto Lewis the 11. the French King, who advanced Cottier from a mender of stockings to be Lord Chancellor of France. Herbert. Peacham. &c.

[(13) The Caspian Sea] This Sea is so called from the Caspii a people of Scythia, whose Southern Coast it washes,

its also called the Hircanian Sea, of bounding Hircania, and Maridi Baccu, of the City Baccu; Therbestan and Mari di Sala, and many other names it takes of the places it washes. It hath on the North Media; on the West and South the Turks Empire, and the Mascovites; on the East Persia; the Moors and Arabians therefore call it Bohar Corsum, i. e. the inclosed Sea. It is absolutely the biggest of all them which have no commerce wi••h the Ocean, being near 3000. miles in com∣passe, from North to South 700. from East to West 600: the form ovall. Some say it hath a subterranean Commerce with the Euxine Sea, as the flood Zioberis was by Alexander found to have with Rhodago: At this Caspian Sea Plutarch makes Alexander astonished, deeming it not lesse then the Sea of Pontus, though much calmer (it alwaies keeping at one height without Ebbe or reflux) yet could he not imagine whence it had it sourse, but thought it some eruptive Torrent from the lake of Meotis. Over this Sea did Prince MIRZA oft make navall expeditions, into his Enemies Countries, ever returning with wealthy booties, and not seldom leaving Garrisons behind him: D' Juigne. Heylen. Herbert. &c.

[14) Driven the Mogul into his Candahor] Candahor and much of Arachosia, now Cabull (once Alexandria, (for distin∣ons sake, Arachosiae) belong••d to the Mogul, till MIRZA first distressed him in them, then drave him out, Herbert. &c.

[(15) Made Balsora, &c.] See the 19. Note upon the Third Act.

[(16) And bounded th' Tartar with the Hircanian Ocean] By regaining what ever he had gotten upon the continent of Persia, even to the Hircanian Sea, which is the same with the Caspian Sea, of which before.

[(17 I I that check't Cycala's insulting Progresse, &c.] Cy∣cala Bassa was a renegado Christian, son of a Christian Gentleman of Messina in Sicily, and his wife Lucrece, both per∣fect enemies to Mahumetism. In the Christian quarrell the Fa∣ther sacrificed his life, but the son through an unhappy am∣bition became Turk, and was circumcised by the perswasion of Ozman Baffa, Great Generall against the Persian for Amu∣rath the third; Cycala's aim was to succeed his Patron Ozman in that charge; however al Amuraths reign hee never was put up∣on any valuable employment. Mahomet the third put him in the head of a Regiment at Karesta in Bulgaria, after the famous siege of Buda in Hungary. After this he insinuates far

into the favour of Achmat son and successor to Mahomet, pre∣sumptuously promising to ruine, and utterly swallow up the Persian; being constituted Generall, he made many unfortu∣nate attempts against King ABBAS and his Son; but I over∣passe as many of his defeats by them given, to come to that most memorable in or about the year 1604. when he like a violent Torrent with 80000 men, resolved to overwhelm Persia, first powred himself upon the Georgians, (a Christian People, so called (say some) of their Patron and first Conver∣ter Saint George, Bishop of Cappadocia and Patron of England; others will have their Province (which is a part of the grea∣ter Armenia) named Georgia from the Georgi its antient in∣habitants; The people (say they) received the Gospell in the time of Constantine the great; consenting in most Doctrinall Points with the Grecians, but not acknowledging the Patri∣arch of Constantinople, having a Patriarch of their own, who is for the most part resident in his Monastery on Mount Sinai in Palestine, and hath under his jurisdiction 18. Bishops. Their Religion was since much reformed by Lodovic Gangier of the society of Jesus, and some othe••s, who in charity departed from Pera near Constantinople, crost the black Sea, and landed in Mengrellia, with intent to rectifie what was erroneous in their Religion; and were to that end curteously entertained by Th••ebis Prine of Georgia; for though the Province be under the Persian, it enjoyes its Prince of the antient race, and he his Nobility, but tributary to King Abbas.) Cycala found a stout opposition from the Georgians alone, to whose aid our MIRZA the admired Prince of Persia, by his Fathers com∣mand joyned himself with 12000 Horse, and prosecuted Cyca∣la as in the Text. First chased him to the utmost confines of Armenia, and there in a bloody battel slew 30000 of his Turks, with the losse of 9000 Persians and Georgians; and though Cyca∣la himself hardly escaped by flight, the Persian recompenced missing of him with the mas••acres of the Turkish Garrisons, regaining all that in the sad year 1537 King Tamas of Persia lost to Solyman the Magnificent 4th Emperour of the Turkes; Cycala to redeem his honour if possible (after his Apolo∣gie to the grand Signior) the very next year invades the Per∣sian again; but the Prince, hearing that the Bassa of Caramania had expresse Command to joyn with him, to prevent their conjunction, fell upon Cycala first, with 30000. men. His suddain charge and unexpected comming, routed the whole body of the Turks, of whom he slew 15000, and took

all their great Ordnance and Baggage. Cycala himself with but 300 Souldiers, with much ado escaped to Adena, to which City the brave Persian pursued him, and sat down before it. This news distressed Sultan Achmat beyond measure, who vowed to Cycala his reward, but first sent command to the Bassa of Trebezond, with all speed to succour him: The Bassa resol∣ved to try all wayes of recovery, with a vast but hastily ga∣thered Army, put himself upon his march towards the City. Cycala having got notice of his approach, the better to direct him, caused himself with 10 of his Souldiers, whom he best trusted, secretly by night to be let down over the wall of the City; having given order to the Governour, that as soon as he perceived the battel to be joyned, he should salley out upon the rear of the Persians, so by holding them in a doubtful bat∣tel to further the Victory; all which the valiant Persian doubting, he divided his Army, and leaving one body to maintain the siege, led the other against the Succours, where∣in he used so incredible expedition, as falling upon them be∣fore they could rank their battel; he made of the Turks (now confusedly and without all order, fighting more for the safe∣guard of their lives, then for any hope they had of victory) such an exceeding great slaughter, that few of them escaped his sword. Cycala himself, with only 2 or 3 more, made hard shift by getting into a little Boat, to change the danger of the Land, for that of the Water. The Persian returned to the Town, which (after many a sharp assault) he had cast in to augment his honour. Others write, that this was not a surprise, but a well fought Battel for 7 hours together, victory doubt∣fully hovering between either Champion, till (by an ambush of the Georgians) towards night she rested upon MIRZA's head. However, all agree, that the Turks that survived this day, bound themselves by oath, never to follow more so un∣fortunate a Leader as Cycala, and upon the rehearsal of his overthrow, the great Turk was so transported with rage, as he gave Cycalas Treasure to be rifled by the Janizaries & Spaheis, and to extirpate his memory, bad them pull down his Palaces; though, to have been just, he should have punished his For∣tune, for upon her lay the blame of his defeat, and not upon the mans ill conduct or cowardize. Turk. Hist. Herbert, &c.

[(18) I that gave Ormus Scepter to his hand, and brought her captive King, &c. The description of the Isle of Ormus, with the taking thereof by Emangoly, you have in the 11th Note upon this Act. It rests only to tell that he brought thence

captive, the King thereof (then Tributary to the Portugize) and the two Princes his Sons, to all whom King Abbas allowed only 5 Marks sterling by the day for their maintenance. Herb.

[(19) I that subdu'd Larrs Sandy Kingdom for him, mauger her wall of Rock, am now accus'd, &c.] As to the description of the Kingdom of Larr, enough hath been said in the 23. Note upon the 3^d Act. It remains only, to say that she was confined by a huge wall, cut by incredible labour out of the solid Rock, as a secure defence against the invading Persian, notwithstanding Abbas (to whose fortune all things were possible) commanded Emangoly to subdue it, which he did, after all the sufferings and toyls imaginable in so difficult an enterprize. He ruined one Castle, and built another, slew many of the Citizens; Ransackt the Town, and sent home to Shiras, as much Treasure as bur∣thened 700 Camels. As for the poor King thereof, though his life was granted him, when he was forging of others matters, an unexpected Scimiter (to end his stratagems) took off his head, and by the extirpation of his progeny, established the so∣veraignty unto the conquering Abbas. Herbet.

[(20) — I that won the Realm of Larry Joon, &c.] See the 6 Note upon the first Act.

[(21) What signified his wrong to the poor Christians?] About the ye••r 1609. Some envious person, in spight to the Armenian and Georgian Christians, feigned Letters as from their Patriarch to the Pope (knowing well the hatred that King Abbas bore to the Sea of Rome,) that they were willing to become obedient to the Church of Rome, and to acknowledge him head of the Ca∣tholick Church: entreating him to write to the King of Persia in their behalf, that they might freely enjoy their Conscienc••s under him: These Letters their Authors intercepted, and pre∣sented to King Abbas, who (saying, that if they would be obe∣dient to the Pope, he could expect no further service or obedi∣ence from them,) grew thereat so inraged, that no lesse then the lives of 1000 (some say 1200) of those innocent Christia••s could slack his fury, threatning to take further revenge if ••e could prove the Letters a••thentick, as some still affirm they were, but most believe them suppositions. Turk. Hist. Herb. &c.

[(22) His murdering of his Embassadour to the Turk. &c.— About the year 1612. after many conflicts between the Turke and Persian, they were both so prest by neighbour Countries, as they propounded Articles for peace; to w^ch end King Abbas sends his Embassadour to Constantinople, who returning but with mean conditions, his Master denyed the Turks Agent to confirm them, and in a rage struck off the head of his ill-advised Embassadou•• for consent in to them. Herb.

[(23) His treachery to the Magicians, &c.] Betwixt Chilmanor and Mogown in Persia, is a high inaccessible Mountain, on whose top stood a Castle, so fortified by nature and industry, as it was held impregnable; a Rebellious Sultan weary of slavery, man'd it against his Prince, the victorious Abbas, who in person came to reduce him, but after six months fruitlesly spent, could per∣ceive no sign of Victory, whereat inraged, he proposed a con∣siderable Reward to him that could by any means enter it; an old covetous Magician undertakes it, and wrought so by his Spels, that the Sultan came down, forced by the Devil, who as∣sured his pardon; but for all that, the block rewarded him for his Rebellion; and the old wizard (ignorant of his end) demanded his Reward, which the King grudgingly gave him; but then (with a forfeit of his estate) put him to death for conjuring; a quality he allowed of to compass his ends by, but condemned to recover his beloved Gold again. Herbert.

[(24) His murder of the sleeping Traveller, &c.] A peasant having travelled from India into Hircania, affecting the coolness of the grasse, fell there asleep, but by ill fortune near the path by which King Abbas rod a hunting; the King saw him not, but his Horse startled at him, whereat in his anger, he imme∣diately sent a broad arrow into the poor mans heart, and ere all his train was past, the wretch was killed a hundred times over, if he could forfeit a life to every shaft, all striving to imitate the King, as if the deed were good and laudable, in shooting nearest his heart, which many hit; so dexterous at archery are the Per∣sians, well deserving of Virgil the Epithet of Quiver'd. Her∣bert.

—Pharetratae vicinia Persidis.— Virg. Geor. l. 4.

—Near quiver'd Persia.—

[(25) His coupling of a Souldiers lustful wife to an As••nego.] A Souldiers wife making complaint to King Abbas, of her Hus∣bands insufficiency, he made her be coupled to an Asinego. whose brutish lust soon took away her life. Herbert.

[(26)—His cutting his Clarks hand off, but for not writing fair.] A Souldier presented a Petition to King Abbas, whereof, only because the writing did not please him, he sent for the Clark, ••ut off his hand, and made the Petitioner be almost drubb'd to leath, for daring to present foul writnig to his eye. Herbert:

[(27) — His wrath to th'two Pilfering Souldiers, more for ••heir rags then theft.] See that presented, as it happened in the ••irst Act, and (among these other cruelties) asserted by M. Her∣••••rt. p. 98.

[(28)—His ore ambitious murder of his brave Father, and far braver Brother.] See the 1 & 2 Notes upon the first Act, &c.

[(29) Men eating Dogs,] As the old Romans made it their pastime to behold condemned persons combat with wild beasts in their Amphitheaters, and then be devoured by them: so did King Abbas keep fierce Mastiffe Dogs, which he bought of the English Seamen for that purpose; for the same end also ha•• he men from their infancy educated to Canibalism. Herbert.

[(30) What better promises his irreligion, in taking needlesse jour∣neyes still in Lent, to avoid fasting, under pretence of Travel.] The fift among Mahomets 8 Commandements is, See that thou observest yearly a moneth Lent, and a Byram: in obedience whereunto the Mahometans fast one month in the year, which they call Ramazan, wherein they say, the Alcoran was delivered unto Mahomet by the Angel Gabriel: But very wisely they observe their Lent, for though during the day time they abstain from all kind of suste∣nance, yet as soon as the Sun sets, they add a double proportion of Lamps about their Prophets Tombs, and stick all their stee∣ples round with lights, which burn till the Sun rises (affording an object of great solemnity) the Kettles beat, and Trumpets sound, Eunuchs sing, and they bouz it lustily, and feast all night, with all variety of meats and pleasure. Such as in stead of ab∣staining from meats in the day time, during this holy month, do abstain from their Mosques, they carry about in scorn, and se∣verely chastise; but such as drink wine then, they punish with death. This day fast is observed by all but the infirm, & Travellers, who are obliged to fast so long, when they recover health, or come to the end of their journey; but King Abbas during this month, did use to ttavel upon purpose to be priviledged from fasting, being nothing careful to compensate for it at other times. Two more religious feasts they have, the Byram and Now∣rowz: the Byram begins on the 7 of Decemb. and lasts 3 dayes, observed by them as Easter is with us: then kill they their sheep or Passover, in memory of the Ram which Abraham sacrificed, in stead of his Son Isaac; but nothing else dyes, during those dayes, no not so much as a Louse or Flea, bite they never so shrewdly. This Feast of Byram, was instituted by Caydar son of Ishmael, Grandfather of the Arabians. The Nowrowz is their New-years-day, beginning (with the spring) March 10. such time as the Sun is in the Equinoctial, at which feast the Nobility have the custom of gratifying one another with gifts & presents, by them called Pishcashes. Johannes Maurus. Sandys, Herbert, &c.

[(31) —He'l forbid and tolerate, &c.] It was usual with King Abbas, to forbid and tolerate the same thing oft in one

year, as his humour, or the gain of any Minion Courtier promp∣ted him to it: among other examples, M. Herbert tells us, that at his being there, Mahomet-ally-beg (having got the monopoly thereof) hearing of 40 Camels loaden with Tobacco (with them called Tewton) comming from India to Carbeen, he cut off the Noses and Ears of the Camel-men, and put the Tobacco (now prohibited, but from his Warehouse) into a la••ge earthen pipe in the ground, and there burnt it in gross.

[(32) When thy dread hand struck off CARAEMITS head.] The Sultan of Caraemit General for Amurah the 3^d Emperour of the Turks, fought a battel neer Van, with Emirhamze-Mirz a, Prince of Persia, and elder Brother to King Abbas; wherein the Prince carried away so compleat a Victory, as with little losse on his side: there then dyed the Bassaes of Trepizond, and five Sanzacks, with 20000 Turkes; the Prince in person incountred the General Caraemit, worsted him, and with his own hand struck off his head, and mounting it upon the top of a Lance, gave it to one of his followers to be carried as a royal ensigne of Triumph to him, and terror to the Enemy. By this, and many other victories, did that excellent Prince renown himself, espe∣cially by his defeats given to the Tartars, and that most memo∣rable one given to Ozman the Turkes General, Anno 1586. at Sancazan near Cazbeen, wherein fell 23000 Turkes by his sword, and the General by grief, giving way to the brave Prince to go on in pursuit of his victory, in which he did wonders, that for the qualitie of the Countries, Towns and Enemies, the length of the Marches, and shortnesse of time, hold parallel with the Acts of no modern, so much as with them of Gustavus Adolphus, the late victorious King of Sweden. But as no violent course lasteth long, the irresistible torrents of both their Trophees were stopp'd by the dire hand of destiny; both dyed Conquerors, both in the strength of their years, both in the midst of their own strengths, and both (its fear'd) by Treason. The valiant Persian even then, when he was fair (for ever) to have free'd his Fathers Territories of the Turk and when he least feared any Treason, in the night, as he was sleeping upon a pallet, he was suddainly struck through the body with a dagger, by an Eunuch that waited upon him in his Chamber, incited to this Treason (as is generally believed) by his next Brother Abbas, who had formerly (but in vain) conspired to have betraid him to the Turkish General. Turk. Hist. Herbert, &c.