The life of Tamerlane the Great with his wars against the great Duke of Moso, the King of China, Bajazet the Great Turk, the Sultan of Egypt, the King of Persia, and some others ... : wherein are rare examples of heathenish piety, prudence, magnanimity, mercy, liberality, humility, justice, temperance, and valour.

The Life of TAMERLANE THE GREAT, Who flourished Anno Christi 1400.

TAmerlane was born at Samercand, the chief City* 1.1 of the Zagatajan Tartars; his father was called Zain-Cham, or, as others will▪ Og, Prince of the Zagatajans, of the Country Sachithay (some∣times part of the famous Kingdome of Par∣thia) third in descent from Zingis the great, and successful Captain of the Tartars, which Og being a Prince of a peaceable nature (accounting it no less honour quietly to keep the Countries left him by his father, then* 1.2 with much trouble and no less hazard to seek how to enlarge the same) long lived in most happy peace with his Subjects, no less happy therein then himself; not so much seeking after the hoording up of gold and silver (things of that Nation not regarded nor va∣lued) as contenting himself with the encrease and profit of his sheep and herds of cattel, then, and yet also the principal re∣venues of the Tartar Kings and Princes; which happily gave oc∣casion to some ignorant, of the manner and customs of those Nor∣thern Nations and Countries, to account them all for shepherds

and herdsmen, and so also to have reported of this mighty Prince, as if he had been a shepherds son, or herdsman himself; vainly measuring his Nobility by the homely course of life of his people and Subjects, and not by the honour of his house, and heroical vertues, hardly to be parallelled by any Prince of that or the former ages.

His peaceable father now well stricken in yeers, and weary of* 1.3 the world, delivered up his Kingdome to this his son (not yet past fifteen yeers old) joyning unto him two of his most faithful Councellors, Odmar and Ally, to assist him in the government of his State, whom Tamerlane dearly loved whilest they lived, and much honoured the remembrance of them being dead.

The first proof of his Fortune and valour, was against the great* 1.4 Duke of Mosco, or Emperor of Russia, for spoiling of a City which had put it self under his protection, and for entring his country, and proclaiming war against him: whom he in a great battel overthrew, having slain twenty seven thousand of the* 1.5 Muscovites footmen, and between fifteen and sixteen thousand horsemen, with the loss of scarce eight thousand horsemen, and four thousand footmen of his own. After which battel Tamer∣lane beholding so many thousands of men lying dead upon the ground, was so far from rejoycing thereat, that turning himself* 1.6 to one of his familiar friends, he lamented the condition of such as command over great Armies, commending his Fathers quiet course of life, accounting him happy in seeking for rest, and such most unhappy, which by the destruction of their own kind, sought to procure their own glory, protesting himself even from his heart to be grieved to see such sad tokens of his victory. Al∣hacen in his Arabick History of Tamerlane makes this Narrative of the battel. The Muscovite (saith he) had a great Army, which* 1.7 he had gathered together out of sundry Nations: and Tamberlane intending not to put up such wrongs and indignities, assembled all his forces, and those of his allies. The Muscovites forces were such as had been well trained up in the wars; for having lately concluded a peace with the King of Poland, he had from thence ten thousand very good horsmen: There were also with him many Hungarian Gentlemen, under the conduct of one Uladislaus, who brought with him more then eight thousand horse; so that he had

in his Army above eighty thousand horse, and one hundred thou∣sand foot. Tamerlane had in his Army about one hundred and twenty thousand horse, and one hundred and fifty thousand foot, but not so good soldiers as the Muscovites; for his Subjects had been long trained up in peace under his peaceable Father; and though they had sometimes been exercised, yet they wanted the practical part of war. Tamerlanes order in his march was this, He caused all his Army to be divided into squadrons, each consist∣ing of six thousand horse save his own, which consisted of ten thousand; so that he made eighteen squadrons besides his own. The Avanguard was conducted by Odmar, who led eight squa∣drons which were flanked by fourty thousand footmen, divided on the right and left sides, who shot an infinite number of Arrows. The battel was conducted by Tamerlane, who with his own led ten squadrons, and fifty thousand footmen, the best and choicest soldiers of his whole Army. The Prince of Thanais, his kinsman, led the arereward with six squadrons of horse, and fourty thousand foot; his forlorne Hope consisted of some three thousand horse, adventurers. The Muscovites fought by double Ranks with Lances, and they seemed to be a greater number then Tamer∣lanes, making a great noise: but Tamerlanes skill and multitude* 1.8 at length overcame the force and valour of the Muscovites, the victory bending to the Parthians side which they pursued hotly. In this battel Tamerlane was hurt on the side of the left eye, and* 1.9 had two horses slain under him: and indeed that day Odmar was the safeguard of the Prince, but he lost Ally, who was slain with an arrow. The Battel being ended, Tamerlane returned thanks* 1.10 to God publikely for his victory, and the next day reviewing his Army, he found that he had lost between seven and eight thou∣sand horsemen, and between three and four thousand footmen. The Muscovites lost about twenty seven thousand foot, and fifteen or sixteen thousand horse. The Prince slacked no time after so great a victory, but marching on, came into the borders of the Muscovites, whom he enforced to this agreement. That they should* 1.11 become his Tributaries, paying yeerly one hundred thousand Duck∣ets: That he should defray al the charges of the wars, amounting to three hundred thousand Duckets: That he should withdraw his Army, and send back all the Prisoners; and that for the perform∣ance hereof, he should give pledges, which should be changed every

yeer: All which being agreed to, he returned with great content and glory to his Father.

Shortly after, the great Cham of Tartary (his fathers brother) be∣ing grown old, and out of hope of having any more children; moved with the fame of his Nephew after this victory, sent him diverse presents; and with all, offering him his only daughter in marriage, sent him word that he would proclaime him heir apparent to his Empire, as in right he was being his brothers son, and the daugh∣ters not using to succeed in those Empires: which so great an offer Tamerlane gladly accepted, and so the marriage was af∣terwards with great triumph at the old Emperors Court solemni∣zed,* 1.12 and consummated, and our Tamerlane according to pro∣mise, and his right was proclaimed heir apparent of that great Empire.

Thus was Tamerlane indeed made great being ever after this marriage by the old Emperor his Uncle, and now his father in Law, so long as he lived, notably supported, and after his death succeeded him in that so vast, and mighty an Empire. Before his marriage he would needs be crowned, to the intent that none should think that the Crown came to him by the right of his wife* 1.13 but by his own; and during his abode in the City of Quavicai, where the old Emperor was, he was entertained with all kinde of triumphs, wherein he alwayes carried away the Bell, whether in shooting in the bowe, in changing of horses in the middest of their* 1.14 courses, in Tiltings, and in all other exercises which required agi∣lity or strength; and so after two moneths returned with his wife to Samarcand, in which City he delighted exceedingly to remaine, because the situation thereof was fair, and being watered with a great River, was a place of great Traffick, whereby it was made richer then any in that Country: And whensoever he received in∣telligence from the Emperor his Uncle, he still imparted the same to Odmar, whom he used as his right hand in all his great affaires: There was also in his Court a Christian whom he loved much, and every on greatly respected, called Axalla a Genovois by birth, brought up from his youth about his person, for he countenanced all that worshiped one onely God that was the Creator of all* 1.15 things. And about this time the old Emperor sent to him to stir him up to war against the great King of China, who stiled him∣self, Lord of the world, and Son of the Sun, who had exceede his

bounds, and incroached upon the Tartarian Empire: This was no small enterprise, and before he would begin the same, he sent Ambassadors to the King of China to demand restitution of his lands, and the passages of a River called Tachii, which were* 1.16 within the Tartarian border, and on this side that stupendious wall builded on purpose by the Kings of China for the defence of their Country against the incursions of the Tartars: and whilst he attended for the return of his Ambassadors, expecting a Nega∣tive,* 1.17 he caused his forces to be assembled together from all parts, appointing their rendevouz to be in the Horda of Baschir: The old Emperor also assembled for his aid two hundred thousand fighting men, wherein were all the brave men of his Court who were accustomed to the wars: for this Emperor had greatly en∣creased his limits, and conquered a great Country, so as all these men were well trained up in the wars, and had been accustomed to travel and paines; These were to joyn with Tamerlanes Army in the Deserts of Ergimul at a certain day. In the mean time the Ambassadors which were sent, return and informe the Prince that this proud King of China wondred how any durst denounce war* 1.18 against him, making this lofty answer: That Tamerlane should content himself with that which he had left him, which also he might have taken from him, &c.

This answer being heard, our Prince marched directly to his Army, gave orders for conveiance of victuals from all parts, sent to hasten forwards his confederates, imparted the answer to the old Emperor, caused the insolence of the King of China to be published, that all the world might know the justness of his cause; yet before his departure he went to take leave of his own* 1.19 father, who endued with a singular and Fatherly affection, kissed him a thousand times, made solmne prayers for his prosperity, drew of his Imperial Ring, and gave it him, telling him that he should never see him againe, for that he was hasting to his last rest, and calling Odmar, bad him farewell, requiring his faithfulness to his son. The Prince having performed this duty, returned to Samercand, where the Empress his wife remained, whom he took along with him in this journy, as the maner of that Country is, and so presently departed, committing the charge and care of his Kingdome in his absence to one Samay, a man well practised in Affaires, who also had had the charge of our Prince in his

youth. These things being dispatched, he marched forwards in the midest of his Army, which consisted of fifty thou∣sand horse, and a hundred thousand footmen, relying principally on the Forces of the great Cham his Uncle: yet he left order that the rest of his Forces should be ready to advance upon the first command, as soon as he should be joyned with his Uncles Army. In* 1.20 his march he was stayed by the way in regard of some distemper of his body contracted by reason of his change of the aire yet the forces which Catiles, Captain of the Army of the great Cham conducted, went daily forwards. Now the newes of his distem∣prature was bruted abroad in all places, yet did he not neglect to* 1.21 send to the great Cham, and often to advertise him of the state of his health, to the end that the same should not cause any alte∣ration which might arise in that great Empire whereunto he was lately advanced: for he was very suspicious of a great Lord, named Calix who was disconted therewith, and had not yet acknow∣ledged him as all others his subjects had: and indeed it was not without cause that he suspected him, for Calix being informed* 1.22 that the forces of the great Cham were advanced beyond the mountaines, having passed the River of Meau, and were en∣camped at Bouprou, and that Tamerlane was sick, he thought it a fit time for his enterprize, and thereupon assembling the great∣est part of his most faithful followers, he told them that now was the time for them to shake off the yoke of the Parthians, who otherwise would enslave them; and seeing that now their Prince was so badly minded as to translate the Empire to Tamerlane of his own minde without calling them to Councel which had interest in the election, that this was the onely means to assure their liber∣ty, which otherwise was like to be lost: He caused also a rumor to be spread, that Tamerlane was very sick, the Emperor old and crazy, and that his forces were far separated from him; yet like cunning Traytors, they dispatched away a messenger to the great* 1.23 Cham, to assure him that they bended not their forces against him, but were his faithful and obedient Subjects; and they onely Armed them selves because they would not be governed by the Parthians, their ancient enemies.

As soon as our Prince was advertised of the pretences of Calix, he marched one daies journy forward, to the end that he might ap∣proach unto Calibes, who, what face soever he set on the matter,

yet hearkened what would become of Calix, that he might likewise make some commotion. This Calibes was by Tamerlane made Commander of his Avanguard, which consisted of Par∣thians▪* 1.24 yet had joyned with him the Prince of Thanais, without whom he could not do any thing. Tamerlane also gave special commandment, that the passages (which were not many) should be diligently guarded, to the end that the King of China should not be advertised of these tumults: and so giving to Odmar the lead∣ing* 1.25 of his Avanguard, he hasted forwards; And surely it was high time for him so to do, or else all had been revolted; for Calix having assembled a hundred thousand fighting men, present∣ed himself before the great City of Cambalu, chief of the Pro∣vince of Cathai, the inhabitants whereof came out to meet him, receiving him with all the joy that might be.

Tamerlane in his march went to Caindu, and from thence to Calatia, where he expected to meet with the forces of his native Country of Sachetai, yet did he not neglect to send forward his Army towards Cambalu, which caused the inhabitants, to their great terror, to think that all his forces were already on their* 1.26 neck. Calix perceiving that the Citizens begun already to repent his entertainment, thought it not safe to remaine amongst them, and therefore withdrawing himself, he sent for his forces from all parts, resolving to meet Tamerlane in the field, and to put all up∣on the event and hazard of a battel. He drew out of Cambalu fifty thousand men, whereof twenty thousand were Citizens, the other thirty thousand were the Garison-souldiers placed there by the old Emperor, Calix having corrupted their Leaders, and so* 1.27 procured them to joyn with him in this revolt. In short, having assembled all his forces, his Army consisted of fourscore thousand horse, and one hundred thousand footmen, which he gathered from all parts.

In the mean time Tamerlane's Army marching forward, his Scouts which were two thousand horse, had news of the Army of Calix, which came forward directly towards them, of which they speedily advertised the Emperor, who thereupon presently sent two thousand horse more, to the end that they should keep* 1.28 the passages of a certain River called Brore, by which River victuals were conveyed to his Army: as also to win time, the Prince well knowing that the motions of a civil war are furious

at the beginning, and that therefore its best to resist slowly, al∣wayes drawing them out at length, if it be possible, For when means, money and victuals fail, the people use to be sensible of their faults, and to return home.

The old Emperor sent to him to adventure all upon a battel, de∣livering up into his hands the safety of his life and estate, that thereby he might end his daies in peace: By this means forces came to Tamerlane on all hands, whose Army daily encreased, where∣as on the contrary the enemies Army was then in its chiefest force, and began to feel the want of victuals.

Calix was about fourty yeers old, a Captaine renouned with the great Cham, and one of the chiefest in dignity and place about him, so that many of the Tartars had alwayes respected him as a person most worthy of the Empire, if the glory of Tamerlane and his reputation had not so far exceeded.

The Armies began to be in view one of another about eight a clock in the morning, and many skirmishes began betwixt them* 1.29 before they came to the maine battel. The place wherein they met at that time, was a great Plain, with like advantage on either part. Odmar led the Avanguard, wherein were fourty thou∣sand horse, and eighty thousand foot, which he divided into three squadrons; the first whereof he sent before him to begin the battel. Tamerlane marched in the same order, but his squadrons were much stronger. The footmen of both made the right and left wings. Tamerlane had drawn out six thousand Parthian horsemen, and two thousand Tartarian for his Areareguard, which he committed to his faithful servant Axalla; a man of a great judgement, quick of conceit, and in great esteem amongst the souldiers, although he being a Christian, worshipped God in an other manner then they; and he had many other Christians with him, whom he had drawn from the Georgians, and the Euxine Sea, who fought with great agility.

Calix on the other side, who was a well spoken man, was exhorting, and encouraging his souldiers to fight for his Fortune, and the liberty of their Nation; he divided his Army into three maine Battels, himself remaining in the middest en∣compassed with his footmen, and so the Battels joyned, where, after* 1.30 a terrible fight, Calix fell into Axalla's hands, being taken fighting valiantly, which Axalla caused to be presently▪ proclaimed thorow

the Army, to the overthrow of the courage of all the adversaries▪ who hereupon immediately fled. Calix was kept till the next day, and then by a Councel of War was adjudged to death; whereupon Tamberlane caused his head to be stricken off, the which he sent* 1.31 as a present to the inhabitants of Cambalu: The like he caused to be done to all the chief Leaders, not out of a cruel dis∣position, but enforced thereto by necessity, knowing very well that the way to cut off the foot of Civil War, is to punish the heads of the same, which as Hydra's grow up too fast.

After this Tamerlane with his Army marched into the King∣dome* 1.32 of Cathay, a Country rich in grass, and all kind of pastures, abounding with great quantity of beasts, and people, which knew not what war meant; and the Prince gave command that they should not be used as enemies, but as his good Subjects, and where∣as diverse Cities had adheared to Calix, they came now and hum∣bled themselves before him, craving pardon, which he gave them, enjoyning them only to provide victuals for his Army, which also they willingly did. This example of lenity was of no small im∣portance for the appeasing of others, which had put all their hope in extremity, resolving to sell their lives deer, and especial∣ly the inhabitants of Cambulu had taken this resolution, but being informed of the Emperors clemency, they changed their pur∣pose: yet as the Army daily approached neerer, their fears en∣creased,* 1.33 but Tamerlane was daily informed by his friends in the City, that the inhabitants resolved to obey the Conqueror; and therefore leaving his Army at Gonsa, he only sent thirty thousand to the City, which was the ordinary Garison, and within two hours after entred the City himself, where he was received with great magnificence: yet would he not pronounce their pardon, but re∣ferred all to the old Emperor, and to the ordinary course of justice: For which end he sent one of his favourites to the old Emperor to certifie him of his victory, of the death of Calix, and that the chief of his faction remained prisoners with him; as also to know what justice he would appoint to be inflicted upon those Citizens which were the authors of the revolt of this City, and so after eight dayes he departed, and not many daies after he had* 1.34 intelligence that the great Cham, his Uncle, had caused justice to be done on the chief movers of Sedition in Cambalu, so that

the people complained of the old Emperors cruelty, but com∣mended the mercy of Tamerlane.

When he came back to his Army, he was received of all his souldiers with loud acclamations, calling him, Most great Em∣peror, and most victorious. Amongst his Captaines he discoursed of the beauty and greatness of the City of Cambalu, and afterwards asked Odmars advise whether it were not best for him to visite the old Emperor; and so with his Emperess to spend the winter* 1.35 with him at Quinsay? Odmar remembring the honour which he had received there, easily perceived his inclination to that journy, yet by all means disswaded him from it; to which Tamerlane an∣swered, that he had alwayes found his fidelity and love to him, which he was sorry that he could not recompence to the full; but (saith he) whereas I had thought to give my self some ease: I perceive that instead of the delicacies, and pleasures of Quinsay, I must make the deserts of Cipribit my resting place after my tra∣velles in this new victory: yet a rumor being spread that the Prince intended to visite the Emperor, every man began to desire to re∣turn into his own Country, hoping to enjoy the sweetness of his native soile: which Tamerlane being informed of, calling his Army* 1.36 to a Rendevouz, he thus spake unto them,

We have (my faith∣ful souldiers) begun an enterprise against the King of China, who hath of late repulsed even beyond the mountaines the Tartarian name, but were hindred to our great grief by the foolish rash∣ness of Calix, and were driven to turn the bridle to punish him, wherein you have all assisted me. It grieves me that I cannot as well boast of the fresh spoiles of a stranger, as I may (by the means of your weapons) of those of our unfaithful Subjects, and as in times past of the fierce Muscovites, against whom with your assistance I made trial of my first Armes: but for this last victory being against our own Subjects, I cannot speak of it without shedding tears, desiring to bury such victories in oblivion, toge∣ther with all the glory and honour gotten thereby. Neither do I recount these things to you, but to shew that I forget not your faithfulness, and the great travel you have endured for my sake: We must not therefore be weary, but must turn our wea∣pons against those which imagine us to be full of troubles, where∣as we are indeed victorious: Our companions, and all our amu∣nition is advanced neer to our enemy already; we must in that

place (my souldiers, and friendly followers) pass over the rest of Winter; Our Companions look for us; our enemies are se∣cure, and look not for us at this season of the yeer, and know that our Army that is already there, is not sufficient for offence, but only for defence. You shall receive double pay, the better to furnish you against the injury of cold; and as we shall be ap∣parelled with double garments, so I hope we shall be clothed with double glory.

Having thus spoken, his souldiers all cryed, One God in Heaven, and one Emperor on earth, shewing their willingness to obey his commands.

The Prince after this remained there eight dayes longer, sending back Zamai with twenty five thousand horse, and fifty thousand* 1.37 foot to Sachethay, for the safety of his estate in those parts: and so after solemne and publike prayers, the Army began to march forwards: He forgat not likewise to dispatch away a messenger to the great Cham to acquaint him with all his purposes, which he approved very well of: By the same messenger he also beseeched him in the spring to send him fifty thousand men to recruit his Army, and some moneys for the payment of his souldiers, which also he granted; sending also good store of warlike munition, and plenty of victuals, knowing how much the success of the war would advance the Tartarian greatnesse and profit.

The Army being upon their march, in thirty eight dayes came to Cipribit, yet met with many inconveniences by the way. There* 1.38 they had news of Calibes, who was glad to hear how businesses had passed, and came to visit the Prince, who entertained him very courteously, acquainting him with his purpose, and understood by him how all things passed in the Kingdome of China. The next day the Prince came to Pazanfou, where Calibes forces were, who had often fought with, and tried the valour of the Chinois, but found it much inferior to their own: There the Prince took a general Muster of all his Army, caused them to be paid, took notice of their countenance, whilest they all cryed out, God save the victorious and invincible Emperor, according to their custome.

The Prince of Thanais, who commanded the Army with Ca∣libes had diligently viewed the wall, and the wayes by which he might forcibly enter into China, and had sent many Spies by cer∣taine

wayes thorow the mountaines into that Country, by whom he was advertised of all their proceedings: He had also gained by his curtesie a Lord of those mountaines, called the Lord of Vauchefu, who commanded over a great Country, who being desirous of a new Master, and to submit to Tamerlane, had told the Prince of Thanais, that he was able to do the Emperor good service, and to help him much in his wars against the Chinois: This the Prince of Thanais discovered to Tamerlane, who was very desirous to speak with this Lord; whereupon a day was appointed,* 1.39 and Tamerlane without moving of his Army, went to the tents of the Prince of Thanais where this foresaid Lord meet him; and the Emperor having heaped upon him many gifts of fair horses, and rich furs, and other rare things; this Lord spake thus unto him,

Know, my Lord, that it is but lost labour for you to think that with your Armies you shall be able to force this wall made* 1.40 by the Chinois to hinder the incursions of your Subjects: the Defendants have too much advantage therein; I doubt not of your souldiers valour and courage, I know you have conquered many Nations with them, and that whatsoever you command them they will effect it or die in the enterprize: I know that you have great and wise Captaines with you, and that you of all persons in the world, are most worthy to command them: But all this will be but in vain against the wall of the Chinois, where I assare you are fifty thousand men to keep it; neither can you stay there so short a time, but there will come fifty thousand more to assist them, led by one Xianxi who hath already received such a commandment: The King of China will himself follow, who will give you battel with two hundred thousand horsemen, and as many foot; and though happily your Fortune, and valour may carry away the victory, yet I believe it will cost you dear: But to shew you how much the reputation and courtesies of your ser∣vants have prevailed with me, I will direct you in a way whereby fifty thousand of your men may go into China, whom I my self will conduct, and they shall come upon those which guard the wall in a manner before they be discovered. In the mean time you shall lead your Army to a place which I will di∣rect you to, where you may win easily a mountaine which will give you great advantage against the Chinois. For I assure my self, that when they shall perceive your men to be passed; they

will lose their courage, so that you may easily win the passage to assist your Army, which shall be led by me amongst them; and to assure you of my fidelity, I will deliver into your hands my wife, my only son, and two little daughters. I have also one brother who, I assure my self will follow me to do you service.

The Emperor having heard this, much rejoyced at it, hoping that his affaires would succeed happily, and kept this very secret, not revealing it to the Prince of Thanais himself, none being present at the discourse, but the Lord and his Interpreter, and so heaping new favours upon him, he was conducted back by the Prince of Thanais with all the honour that might be.

So the Emperor returned to his quarters, and the next day im∣parted the whole matter unto Odmar; and then calling Calibes, he asked what he had learnt concerning China during his abode there: To which Calibes made this answer,

Know, my* 1.41 Lord, that I am your slave to obey you; but seeing you com∣mand me to give an account of all that I know concerning the Kingdome of China, for that I have remained these six moneths upon the borders: I can assure you that the King of China who now reigneth, is of great reputation, and hath encreased the limits of his Kingdome, more then any of his predecessors: His strength consisteth in this wall opposed against us, which he hath made to prevent the inrodes of our Nation: I believe there are above fifty thousand to defend it, and that of his best train∣ed souldiers, and I know no good means to force this wall with∣out much hazard and great loss of your men.

To this Tamerlane answered, I hope that the great God, whose honour I will defend against those Idolaters, will find out meanes* 1.42 to effect it; and so dismising Calibes, he appointed his Army to remove to a certain place, where he meant to chuse out fifty thou∣sand men, whom he would deliver to the Prince of Thanais, and Axalla; which accordingly he did, and directed them to follow this Chinois Lord, who was now againe come to him, and to do as they should be directed by him: In the mean time himself with all the rest of his Army approached the wall directly over against Qauguifois.

The Army led by the Prince of Thanais having marched ten* 1.43 leagues by the conduct of the Chinois Lord, entered without re∣sistance,

and after a short repast, they marched directly towards those that guarded the wall, who suspected no such matter, but only had an eye to those which came to force the wall. But it fell out far otherwise, for just as Tamerlane with his Army came to the wall, they saw Axalla with twenty thousand▪ who was followed by the Prince of Thanais with thirty thousand choice* 1.44 souldiers, who without any words fell upon the Chinois; and Od∣mar, who gave the first assault upon the wall, easily in that distra∣ction brake thorow, and so the Chinois were cut off between the two Armies: and Axalla before the Prince of Thanais came up to him, had routed them; Great riches were gotten that day, and the King of China's cozen was taken prisoner, much gold was found as well on their Armes, as on their horses furniture, they shewed no great valour.

The news of this overthrow being carried to the King of Chi∣na, who was now at Quantifou, it brought great astonishment to* 1.45 him, for that he judged it impossible to have been effected, so that every one was filled with tears, fears, and lamentations for their friends. Yet the King gathers forces from all parts, calling* 1.46 also the Priests, and such as had the charge of his unholy holies to come unto him, commanding them to offer sacrifices to their gods, whereof the Sun is the principal, requiring the same to be obser∣ved thorow all the Cities▪ and then that every one that was able to bear Armes, should mount on horsback, and speedily repaire to the King at Paguinfou, whither he suspected that Tamerlane would march, for that it was one of the Cities neerest to the borders. In the mean time Tamerlane beat down the wall, the better to* 1.47 assure his return, as also the Fortresses upon all the passages, all which upon his victory were easily surrendred to him. He shew∣ed himself very courteous to the people upon the mountaines, and gave to the Lord that had conducted his Army, a Country which bordered upon his, wherein were seven or eight good Towns,* 1.48 who came and delivered up the Keyes to him: he gave him also the Government of the Frontier-Province of Xianxi, shewing himself to be a Prince of his word, and reserved the rewarding of* 1.49 his brother till he had farther opportunity.

Whilest he was thus imployed, news was brought him that the King of China had assembled his forces, and was marching for∣ward, himself being there in person; as also that he had strength∣ened

the Garisons in all his Cities which of themselves were well fortified. Upon this intelligence Tamerlane called a Councel of War, and having heard the opinions of all his Captaines, here∣solved to take in some famous City, that thereby his Army might* 1.50 be better provided for, and then to give the King of China battel in the field. For the effecting of the first, he resolved to assault Paguinfou, which was a great City strongly fortified, and well re∣plenished with people; and for this end he sent Odmar with fourty thousand horse to summon it, and to prevent the farther victualling of it, and the driving away of the cattel out of the champion-Country about it, which might nourish his Army▪ He* 1.51 also caused the Lord Axalla (whom now he had made Lieutenant General of all his foot) to follow Odmar with all his foot, which were neer a hundred and fifty thousand men well trained, and ex∣pert in war, himself marching immediately after with all his horse∣men, Artillery, Ensignes, and other munitions belonging to the war, directly to Paguinfou.

Odmar made such haste that he arrived unexpected by the Citi∣zens, who rather looked for their King, then for an enemy: and having taken much cattel, wherewith that Country abounded, he pitched his tents on the farther side of the City: there he conti∣nued two or three dayes, giving the City many Alarms, till the In∣fantry led by that brave Christian Genuois shewed themselves, in the plaine of Paguinfou: Then was the City summoned, but they returned answer, That they were resolved to live and die in the* 1.52 service of their Prince. By the way you must understand, that about fourty yeers before, the Father of this present King of Chi∣na had conquered this City and Country from the Tartars, and had so planted the same with new Colonies, that but few of the Tartarians remained: but onely in the flat Country, and some small walled Towns, who all came with their keyes, and willing∣ly submitted to Tamerlane, whereby he had great plenty of victuals in his Army, which made him hope for good success, there being nothing that doth sooner overthrow great Armies, then the want thereof.

Thus was Paguinfou besieged round, the footmen lying within a slight-shoot of the walls, the Citizens and souldiers using their best indeavours for their defence, and Tamerlane doing the like for their offence.

Axalla having viewed a great Suburb, which was in length al∣most half a league, supposed that the Citizens kept no watch there, & therfore acquainting the Emperor with his purpose, in the first watch of the night, his men being all ready with sealing lad∣ders,* 1.53 he assaulted the same in sundry places, and after a great fight entred and cut in pieces at least eight thousand men which were within the same: yet on one side where they expected to be assault∣ed, he lost many of his men. The tkaing of this Suburb did greatly astonish the Citizens, who observing the valour of the Tartarians began to suspect their own safety: by this Suburb there ran a river, which being now under the command of Axalla, he stopt all provision from going to the City.

In the mean time the King of China's Army approached, which was very great; whereupon the Emperor determined to go in person, and meet him with the greatest part of his horsemen, but to leave most of his foot to continue the siege, being very desi∣rous to take the City; for the accelerating whereof, he caused his Engines for battery to approach, as Rams, and such like; so that the City was assaulted on two sides very couragiously, and in the end, thorow the valour of Axalla, who gave an assault with twen∣ty* 1.54 thousand of his best souldiers, he won the wall, and at the com∣mand of the Emperor lodged there, who desired rather to have the City by Treaty then storme, the City being great and rich, and the enemy but thirty leagues from thence, and therefore he feared* 1.55 lest his Army should be found in disorder, and knowing also that rich souldiers never fight well. Besides, he intended to draw out of that wealthy City such things as he stood in need of, and to make it his magazine for the time to come. Yet though the wall was won, the enemies wanted not heart to defend themselves vali∣antly, hearing that their King was coming for their reliefe: but it so happened that an Engine shooting a bullet, slew the gover∣nour; whereupon the Citizens were so discouraged, that they re∣solved* 1.56 to yield, saving their lives, and the souldiers to march away with horse and armes. The conditions were admitted, and there came out of the City eighteen thousand souldiers, almost all the inhabitants remaining behind: This siege had lasted two moneths, and the City had in it at first thirty thousand souldiers. Axalla had the honour of winning this City, and therefore was made Gover∣nour* 1.57 of it, and all the Country belonging to it; but he beseeched

the Emperor to bestow it upon some other person, reserving for himself the hope of his Master, in whose fortune he would take part: This gave great content to Tamerlane, who much desired the service of Axalla; and upon this refusal the charge was con∣ferred upon the Prince of Thanais, with the title of Vice-Roy: Then did Tamerlane give notice of his affaires to the old Emperor, and having paid his souldiers, and settled all things in the best manner he could, he marched forward; and taking a general Muster of his whole Army, Horse and Foot, he found them to be diminished ten thousand men only. And so with his Army he spent one whole day in prayer, calling upon the immortal, invisible, and* 1.58 invincible, and incomprehensible God, and then went directly to meet the enemy, who was at Sintehu with all his own & the forces of his allies, and as soon as he received news that Tamerlane's Army was advanced over the River of Chulifu, the King of China march∣ed directly to them with great magnificence: there was nothing to be seen in his Army, but Gold and precious stones: He him∣self* 1.59 usually rode in a Chariot whereof every part shone with Gold, Pearles, Rubies, and Diamonds. He was of the age of about three and thirty, and had been brought up in pleasures, not under the bloody Ensigne of Mars: So that he was very insolent in threat∣enings, bravadoes, and defying to the battel: He often accused Tamerlane for surprizing him before he was ready, not giving him warning, &c.

The rumour of his riches sired the spirits of the Tartarians, that they longed to be at the battel: and so both sides hasted for∣wards, and in the way there was a City called Tunichevoy, surren∣dred to Tamerlane, which afforded him much refreshing for his Army: and thus the two Armies drawing neer together, Tamerlane made choice of a place in his judgement most advanta∣geous* 1.60 for the battel; and having set down to Odmar the order which he would have to be observed, he longed to see his enemy; then did he send before him five or six thousand horse as Scouts under Calibes, and himself went with them, and having viewed the great confused Army of his enemies, which came continually forward, he commanded Calibes to retire himself so soon as they drew neer to him, And bring (saith he) this great cloud to me, which I hope soon to disperse: and so retiring to his Army, he en∣couraged them, assuring them of the victory. He placed all his

footmen, which were about a hundred and twenty thousand, along a mountaine, planting great store of Artillery for their guard; many of his foot-souldiers were armed after the Christian man∣ner, who were all commanded by Axalla: His horsemen were in Battalia in a great plaine, who upon any disadvantage could re∣tire to the assistance of the Footmen: the horsemen were eighty thousand; Calibes with the Scythians were in the Avantguard, being thirty thousand horse, who were to receive Odmar when he should retreat from the enemy, as he was commanded; thirty thou∣sand more were appointed for Odmar, and Tamerlane himself re∣mained in the Areare at one of the wings of his footmen: His pur∣pose was to let that sixty five thousand horse under two such gal∣lant Captaines, to break the force of the enemy, hoping after them to have a good market, causing his foot to march forward, and reserving with himself twenty thousand of his best horse, who of themselves were able to make a new Battel if any mischance should befall the former: For he understood that it was the custome of the Kings of China to enclose themselves in the mid∣dest of their Chariots with their footmen, and not to hazard their persons, but upon extremity. The Chinois failed not to march directly unto Calibes the whole Army following and set∣ting* 1.61 upon him: Calibes with his six thousand Scythian horse, after their usual manner, in retreating gave many charges, giving and receiving hurt. The King of China marched with much gal∣lantry with his Army, which seemed to be twice so big as that of Tamerlane's: He had very many armed Chariots, wherein he put his principal trust; they had much Gold and Silver, as well in the trappings of their horses, as one their Armour, which glistered ex∣ceedingly against the Sun, to the admiration of the Tartars. Tamerlane, who with a troop of horse beheld the Chinois march∣ing after Calibes, commended greatly the drawing forth of their men to compell Calibes to fight, endeavouring to discover and note with his eye the place where-abouts the Kings person was, having by him the Chinois Lord to instruct him, who knew well the manner of their fight. They had no Avantguard, but were all in a gross commanded by the King inclosed with his Chariots, which being shewed to Tamerlane by this Lord, he turned to those Captaines that were neer him, and said, Yet must we disperse this guilded cloud, and the King of China and my self must make a par∣tition thereof.

Thus having sufficiently viewed the enemy, and observed their maner of marching, he thought it not convenient to suffer them to take breath, nor to rally, being something disordered in their march, whereupon he sent to Calibes, to will him to begin the fight; and when those that were with him should be weary, to retreat to him: But as soon as his Scythians heard this word Fight, they required the* 1.62 first charge with a young Lord that commanded over them called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, making it to appear to the Chinois, to what end their former flight was charging very furiously upon the formost of the enemies, which occasioned the first beginning of the Battel: And indeed there could not be seen a more gallant onset, wherein the Scythians desired to manifest the valour of their Nation, and to procure honour to their Prince. This sight endured a long hour before they had overthrown Calibes: Tamerlane beheld all pati∣ently, saying, that the great multitude (how disorderly soever* 1.63 they were) would at length carry it away from the order and va∣lour of his souldiers; yet could there not be discerned any alter∣ation of his countenance, adversity and prosperity being both alike so indifferent to him.

Calibes being wounded retired himself neer to the Emperor,* 1.64 having with him two thousand horse that were rallied again, ma∣ny more flocking to him: The Emperor viewed his wound, cau∣sing him to be conducted behind his footmen, and care to be taken for the dressing of his wound, and of such others as were wound∣ed with him. Calibes with his thirty thousand Scythians was not able to charge thorow the Chinois, but when they retreated, Odmar with his Parthian horsemen advanced forward, and used them more roughly, for he ran clean thorow them, and returned* 1.65 by the right wing of the Army, where he fought most valiantly and having beaten them even within the Kings chariots, he thought he should not do wisely to attempt the breaking of such forces.

The King of China coming forwards, and the horsemen that had been broken by Odmar, joyning themselves to him, Odmar sent to Tamerlane, desiring him that the Footmen and Artillery might advance forward sending him word that he might assure himself of the victory. Hereupon Tamerlane commanded Axalla to advance with fifty thousand foot, and part of the Artillery* 1.66 requiring him to set upon the Chariots, and to make an entrance. The Artillery marching in the first place did greatly astonish the

enemy; for the Governours of the horses belonging to the Kings Chariots could not rule them: it made also a great spoile. Axalla perceiving the disorder, hasted forwards till they came to hand∣blows. The King of China had yet about his person a hundred and fifty thousand men: Yet Axalla full of courage, fought so valiantly, that they never beheld any man to do more bravely.* 1.67 During this fight, Odmar againe charged the horsemen that were retired to the Kings aid, and put them to flight. Then did Tamerlane himself march forward with the rest of the Footmen* 1.68 for the aid of Axalla, and brake thorow, even to the person of the King of China, who as yet was enclosed within a second rank of Chariots with about thirty or fourty thousand men, and after he had fought two or three hours, the horse assisting the foot, and they principally whom the Prince had kept as a reserve, the King at length remained wounded in the power of Tamerlane, the battel* 1.69 being won, and the enemies Camp forced. The fight endured eight hours, and the night coming on, saved the lives of many of the Chinois. There were slaine two Kings, Allies to the King of China. Inestimable riches were gotten in golden vessels, preecious stones, and as fair, and rich Chariots as could possibly be seen.

The Emperor would not see the Captive King, till the next day: but being mounted on hoseback he rode about the field to stay the slaughter, and to rally his men, that the accustomed watch might be kept, whereof he gave the charge unto Axalla, commanding him also to keep the King of China in the middest of his souldiers, who was dressed of the wound which he had received in his right arme. It was a strange sight to see the diversity of the enemies weapons, and the variety of their Streamers and Ensignes, which seemed afar off as beautiful as the diversity of colours plentiful. The King of China's Army was very great, consisting of a hundred and fifty thousand horse, and two hundred thousand footmen: but the greatest part of them were rude and barbarous people, far inferiour to Tamerlane's in valour, who suffered themselves to be slaine one upon another, not marking their advantages, and ha∣ving little skill in warlike affaires.

Tamerlane continued on horseback, till about two a clock in the* 1.70 morning, when as they brought him a Tart, and his water, for he never dranke wine, and then lying down upon a Carpet, he passed the rest of the night untill morning. After this so great a

victory, there was never the least boasting, or vauntiug heard to proceed out of his mouth. The next day after the burial of* 1.71 the dead he publikly gave thanks to God for his victory. Then caused the wounded to be cured, and amongst others Calibes, who more through the distemperature of the aire, then from the danger of the wound, found himself very ill, yet would he not omit his duty in commanding the Van, which was very grateful to Tamerlane, for that he being a Scythian, was greatly beloved of his Nation.

These things being dispatched, he sent unto Axalla to bring forth his prisoner the King of China; and when he approached, the* 1.72 Emperor issued out of his Tent, and went to receive him. This King came with a very proud and haughty countenance, and ap∣proaching neer to the Emperor, he by his Interpreter, asked of Axalla which was he? and being shewed him, he spake in an haughty language after this manner: The gods whom I worship,* 1.73 being provoked against my Nation and people, have conspired against my good fortune, and made me this day thy prisoner: But for as much as it is reported over all the world, that Tamerlane maketh war for the honour of his Nation, thou shouldest be content with this glory, that the Lord of the world, and childe of the Sun is in thy power to receive such laws as thou pleasest to prescribe unto him. This he spake in a brave manner, without any other humbling of himself:* 1.74 The Emperor on the other side saluting him very courteously, led him into his Tent.

This King of China was a great Prince, having two hundred famous Cities within his Kingdome; which also is a fruitful and plentiful Country, wherein are Mines of Gold and Silver, much* 1.75 Musk and Rhubarb: It abounds in Fish and Fowl, and hath much Silk and Porclane, with Cotton and Linnen, &c.

Then did Tamerlane assemble his Captaines to consult about the disposal of the King; and how the victory should be best improved. At the same time he received news by Odmar, that the Kings brother, who escaped out of the battel, was at Quantou, which he had strongly sortified, and that great store of forces be∣gan to adjoyn themselves to him: Hereupon he commanded two thousand Parthian horse to convey the King to Paguinfou, and from thence to Burda, where he was to be kept carefully. Then did he resolve upon the besieging of Quantou, and if it were possi∣ble

to shut up the Kings brother therein, it being one of the prin∣cipal seats that belonged to the King of China. It was fourty leagues from the place where the battel was fought. Thither therefore he sent a good party of his Army under Odmar, who* 1.76 pitched his Tents about the City: But the Kings brother was gone. The Emperor in the mean time summoned, and took in many lesser Cities, which yielded wholly to his mercy, making great lamentation for their Captive King, yet the gentleness of the Conqueror made them to take all their losses with patience, and the rather because they heard that he used their King courte∣ously. The Kings brother also sent Ambassadors to Tamerlane, craving leave to see the King, and to know of his health, which the Emperor willingly assented to.

Now the Kings brother hearing of the estate of the besieged in Quantou, he resolved either to relieve it, or to fight a battel, for which end he advanced strait unto Porchio, making a bridge of* 1.77 boats to pass over the River: But Odmar being informed when about fifty thousand of his men were come over, suddenly set upon them, being out of order, and not informed of their ene∣mies approach; also to prevent the coming over of the rest to their assistance, he sent a fir-boat down the stream against their bridge of boats, which brake it in sunder, and where it was resisted, set all on fire; and so in a great battel overthrew them; the King of Cauchin-China, who was amongst them, fighting va∣liantly, was slaine. The Kings brother who was on the other side* 1.78 of the River (not yet come over) saw his men slaine and drown∣ed, and could not relieve them. This second overthrow was of no smal importance, though it was but the third part of the Kings brothers Army. For the Citizens of Quantou hearing of it, and despairing of relief, sent out some proposals for their sur∣render.

Axalla which received them, presently dispatched away a faith∣ful messenger to the Emperor to know his pleasure therein: This was more welcome news to him then the overthrow of his ene∣mies, wherefore he referred all to the sufficiency, and fidelity of Axalla: So that upon treaty the City was surrendred to Axalla,* 1.79 who caused the Garison to come out, and received the Inhabitants into the Emperors protection, and all that would might continue in it unarmed: afterwards he entered into it, and was received

with great signes of joy by the inhabitants, who resolved to en∣tertaine the Emperor with all the solemnity that might be. Axalla put thirty thousand men into it for a Garrison, injoyning the Citizens to pay the Emperors Army four hundred and fifty thou∣sand Crowns: Presently after he received a command from the Emperor to stay in the City himself, and to send all the rest of his foot men unto him, which he commanded the rather, because he* 1.80 understood that Ambassadors were coming to him from the Kings brother to treat of peace, and he presumed the sight of all his Army together ready to march, would strike such a terror into them, as would cause them the readilier to assent to good termes.

The Ambassadors sent by the Kings brother were of their chief∣est men, whom Tamerlane entertained with all humanity, causing his greatness to appear to them, as also the activity of his horse∣men whereby they might discerne that it would tend to the de∣struction of their Country if they agreed not with him: Then did the Ambassadors deliver their message, which consisted of two branches: One was for the delivery of their King, the other for* 1.81 the preservation of their Country: The Emperor answered, that they should deliver their message in writing, and he would give a speedy answer: Their Propositions were to leave Paguinfou, and all the Country beyond it, with all the Fortresses of the moun∣taines in Tamerlanes possession: That they would pay all the charges of his Army from that day forward: And that they would give two millions of gold for the ransome of their King: To this the Emperor answered, that he would keep that which he had* 1.82 conquered within the Country, being his own as taken by his Arms. That he would have the River by which his Army was now en∣camped, and so along to the Sea, to be his Frontiers: That the King of China should pay him yeerly two hundred thousand Crowns, which should be delivered at Paguinfou for acknowledgement of his submission to his Empire: That he should pay five hundred thousand Crowns in ready money for the charge of his Army: That the King of China should be delivered, and that all the other Chinois prisoners should pay ransomes to particular men that took them, except those which carried the names of Kings, who should pay ten thousand Crowns for their liberty and peace: And that no Chinois should be kept for a slave, nor sold for such hereafter,

being under the Emperors obedience: That Traffick, and enter∣course of Merchants should be free between both the Nations: That the King of China should deliver his brother, and two o∣ther called Kings, with twelve principal men of the Country for* 1.83 Hostages to secure the peace: These conditions, after they had consulted together, were accepted of, hoping that time would re∣store again their ancient liberty, and in the mean time they must bear the yoke of the Conqueror. Then did Tamerlane lend two thousand horse to fetch the King of China, that being at liberty* 1.84 he might solemnly swear to the peace; which accordingly he did, delivered the Hostages, and so went into his Kingdome to per∣forme the other Articles, where he was almost worshipped as a god, and received with all the joy that might be.

Thus Tamerlane having settled his affairs, and provided for the assurance of his new conquest, left Odmar to govern the same,* 1.85 leaving with him thirty thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot to furnish all the Fortresses and strong places, giving him in charge to make his chief residence at Quantifou, to fortifie well the passages and to build a new Fort at Dermio, the better to strength∣en his borders: He left him all necessaries, and commended the Lord of the mountaines, who had been so serviceable to him;* 1.86 his brother he took with him, giving him large preferment in Za∣chethay: He also carried along with him many of the new con∣quered people, to plant them in his own Country, sending other Colonies in their stead, which he did, because he found them a light* 1.87 people, and such as affected novelties.

Tamerlane sent to acquaint the old Emperor with all these things, having two of the greatest and fairest Cities in all China in his possession, and an hundred leagues of Land, extending his* 1.88 borders to a River, by which he might go to the enemy, but they could not come to him without passing over the same: He desired also above all things, that all the Idols which were within his con∣quest should be beaten down, and commanded the worshipping of one God.

Then did his Army, wherein was much sickness, begin to march, and Tamerlane hearing of more forces that were coming towards* 1.89 him out of Tartary, he sent to stop them, commanding them to march to Cambalu, whither himself also was going, hearing that the old Emperor intended to meet him, and to entertain him with great magnificence in the City.

Odmar being thus severed from Tamerlane's side, all his favour was turned to Axalla, of whose prudence, valour, and fidelity he had such large experience in these wars, so as the report of his valour did flye thorow all the Empire▪ Calibes led the Avantguard, and Axalla was in the Battel neer to the Emperor, who bestow∣ed upon him two hundred thousand Crowns yeerly to maintaine his ordinary expences. And thus after certaine daies journey,* 1.90 news was brought of the old Emperors arrival at Cambalu: wherefore Tamerlane leaving his Army to winter in a faire and fertile Country, and dismissing many of his souldiers, he hasted thitherwards, and when he was arrived within four leagues of* 1.91 Cambalu, all the Princes of the Emperors Court came to receive him there, together with all the chiefest Citizens to congratu∣late his admirable success: The Prince having received every one ac∣cording to his wonted courtesie, yet retaining convenient Majesty, he was beheld by all with great contentment: He had with him the Emperess his wife, who had not left him in all this journey: And the next day the old Emperor honoured him so much as to come to meet him with all the magnificence that might be. Tamerlane* 1.92 presented him with all the richest Chariots, and fairest horses that he had won: and the old Emperor being very desirous to see his daughter, her Chariot was uncovered, and he caused her to enter into his own: But the Prince remained on horseback, whom the eyes of all the people could not be satisfied with admiring. Tamer∣lane also presented Calibes to the Emperor, making a recital of all his faithfulness; whereupon the Emperor gave him an hundred thousand Crowns for the encrease of his pension: He also pre∣sented Axalla to the Emperor, who being informed of his valour, gave unto him a hundred thousand Tartarirs of Gold in a Princi∣pality, that he might declare how much he esteemed his fide∣lity.

During Tamerlanes abode at Cambalu this winter, complaints* 1.93 came to him that Bajazet the great Turk had attempted to joyn the Empire of Greece to his own, resolving also upon the siege of Constantinople, whereupon the Emperor of Greece sent to him to crave his aid. Axalla who was of kin to this Emperor Paleologus, being desirous to maintaine the Christian Religion in Greece, stirred* 1.94 him up much unto this war: whereupon he sent Ambassadors to Bajazet, to warn him in his name not to molest the Greek Emperor,

who was his confederate: But Bajazet answered them very proudly, asking them what their Master had to do therewith, and* 1.95 that he should content himself with injoyning Laws to his own Subjects, and not to meddle with him who was none of them.

This answer being returned, by Axalla's meanes, was very ill taken, so that Tamerlane resolved to hinder this enterprise of the Ottomans: for which end he obtained of the Emperor his Uncle,* 1.96 an hundred thousand footmen, and eighty thousand horsemen, hoping to have as many from his own Country of Sachetay, be∣sides the Lords who would accompany him to win glory, from whom he made account of fifty thousand men more that they would bring along with them. Thus he departed from Cambalu, taking his leave of the old Emperor his father in Law, and of the Princess his wife (then left behind him for the comfort of her aged father) and departed towards Samercand, the place of his birth and seat of his Empire, leaving the forces granted him by the Em∣peror to come after him to Ozara, where he had appointed the general rendezous of his Army. This his departure was very grievous to the old Emperor, but more grievous of the Princes part towards his wife, who had never left him since they were first married: But nothing could withhold this brave Prince where honor was to be purchased, or where he might be profitable to his oppressed friends; For he would often say, That he was born to this end, and that all his other imployments were but by the By, God* 1.97 having appointed, and called him to punish the pride of Tyrants. He was accompanied with Calibes, and made the Prince of Thanais Colonel of all his footmen, which place Axalla had left, whom now he made Lieutenant General of all his Army, with command to lead his Avantguard, and Calibes the Arereward. Forces came to him from all parts: And the Chinois Lord being licensed by Odmar, marched towards him with twenty thousand men of his Subjects newly conquered, being desirous to shew his forwardness to the Emperor, as also to learn the manners, and fashions of strange Countries. When Tamerlane came neer Samercand, Zamay* 1.98 went to meet him, and neer a million of people blessing and and praising him with all manner of songs: There he remain∣ed about a moneth: In which space Axalla had rendevozed his Army at Ozara, from which also he advertised Tamerlane of the

proceedings of Bajazet. Then did Tamerlane send for him to Samarcand to confer with him about seting forward of his Army. For although he was still accompanied with renowned Princes and famous Captaines; yet were they no body in comparison of Axalla, whose sound judgement and counsel had won him such cre∣dit with his Lord and Master, as by his advise he did althings, and without him nothing, which his so great authority and favor* 1.99 with his Prince, wanted not the envy of the Court; but that his great vertues, and rare-found courtesie (in so great fortune) to∣gether with so many great services as he had done, supported him against the malice of the same. He upon this command from Tamerlane, leaving the charge of the Army at Ozara with the Prince of Thanais, came to Samercand, and there discoursed with him at large concerning the estate and order of his Army: and so shortly after they all departed to Ozara, where a new consultati∣on was held by which way he should conduct his Army: as whe∣ther it was better to lead them by the coast of the Muscovite di∣rectly towards Capha, or on the other side of the Caspian Sea, by the skirts of Persia; and after much discourse, and sundry opi∣nions with their reasons delivered, it was resolved (although the way were the longer) to pass by the Muscovite, so to come to the Georgians, and to Trepizond, and from thence to enter into the Ottomans Kingdom.

This being resolved on, they marched forward till at length they came to Maranis, where they stayed three dayes, looking* 1.100 for the China forces, whereof they received news: there also Tamerlane mustered, and paid his Army: He had also news of fifteen thousand horsemen sent him by the Muscovite, with a sum of money, with leave for him to pass thorow so much of his ter∣ritories* 1.101 as should be necessary, being glad that he set upon others, rather then on himself; and that such great preparations should fall upon them, whose greatness was as dreadful and dangerous to him as any other.

Tamerlane caused a great quantity of victuals, and most part of* 1.102 the furniture of his Army to be sent along the Caspian Sea, which was a great ease and commodity to his men, which marching by Land, was of necessity to pass some twenty leagues thorow places destitute both of victuals and water: Himself all the way coasting along the Sea shore, passed his time in Hunting and

Hawking, to make the journey less tedious, his Army not com∣ing neer him by ten leagues, which was so great that it extended it self full twenty leagues.

Coming to the River Edel he stayed at Zarazich, whilest his Army passed the River at Mechet, and two other bridges that he had caused to be made of boats for that purpose. Now that Cir∣cassians, and Georgians hearing of the approach of Tamerlane with his huge army, by their Ambassadors offered him all the help and as∣sistance* 1.103 they could in his journy, as he passed that way. These Geor∣gians were, and yet were Christians, a great and warlike people, of long time tributaries to the Greek Emperors; and afterwards sometime tributaries, and sometimes confederates to the Persians: but alwayes enemies to the Turk, and therefore glad they were of Tamerlanes coming against them: of these warlike people Axalla drew great numbers to the service of his Prince, who not a little esteemed of them, being all tall men, very beautiful, of great strength and courage, and withall, most expert souldiers, as ha∣ving many times resisted the power of the Ottoman Kings, by rea∣son of the advantage of their Country, which was rough, mount∣ainous, and hard to come to. These people every where kindly entertained Tamerlane, and plentifully relieved his Army with all necessaries. In passing thorow which, and other Countries, he* 1.104 took such order with his souldiers, that none of the people by whom they passed were any whit injured by them, insomuch that if a souldier had taken but an Apple or any other trifle, he died for it. And one of his souldiers having taken a little Milk from a Country-woman, and she thereof complaining, he caused him presently to be hanged, and his stomack to be ript, where the Milk that he had lately drunk being found, he payed the woman for it, who had otherwise without mercy dyed for her false accusation: Which his great severity was indeed the preservation of his Army, being so great as that it was thought impossible to provide it with victuals, whereof yet there was not want, nor of any other thing necessary for the relief of man: his Camp being still as a most po∣pulous and well-governed City, stored with all manner of things, whereunto both Artificers and Merchants resorted from far Coun∣tries with their commodities as to some famous Mart: and the Country-people from every place without fear brought in their Country-commodities, for which they received present money, and so departed in peace.

So marching on, he at length came to Bachichich, where he stood to refresh his Army eight dayes, and there againe took a general muster of them, finding, as some write, four hundred thousand horse and six hundred thousand foot; but others that* 1.105 were present with him say, three hundred thousand horse, and five hundred thousand footmen of all Nations: There also he gene∣rally payed them, and as his manner was, made an oration to them, informing them of such orders as he would have observed, with much other military discipline, whereof he was very curious with his Captaines.

In the mean time Bajazet would not believe that Tamerlane durst once look towards him, yea so exceeding barbarous was he,* 1.106 that he would not so much as suffer any man to speak of him, or his Army to him, by reason of his pride. He also strictly forbade all the bordering people to make any vows or prayers for Tamer∣lanes prosperity: But he was soon after awakened out of this Le∣thargy as we shall presently hear. Indeed Tamerlane could hardly be perswaded that Bajazet having subdued the greatest part of Grecia, and much distressed the Greek Emperor, and having so great means to recover whatsoever he should lose in Asia, would be so adventurous as to come over the streits out of Europe to try the Fortune of a battel with him: but rather warily to protract the time, to weary him with wants, that in a strange Country drew such a world of people after him: wherein yet he found himself much deceived, for when he had passed the Georgian Country, and was come to Buisabuich; Axalla (whom he had not seen in eight dayes before, because he commanded the Avantguard of the Army) came to him with such news as he knew would be most grateful to him: which was, that Bajazet had raised his besiegers at* 1.107 Constantinople to come and defend his new conquests in Asia, and that he was certainly resolved to come to a pitched Battel with him, not so much trusting to the multitude of his men, as to the experience and valour of his souldiers, being long trained up in the wars. At which unexpected news Tamerlane greatly rejoyced, yet without insolency and vaunting, but rather with the countenance of such an one as judged the event of Battels to be alwayes doubt∣full;* 1.108 saying some times, That a small number well conducted, did carry away the victory from the confused multitude. Three daies after he stayed at Buisabuick, causing his souldiers continually to

march forward, which at two places passed over the river Euphra∣tes, which, he did the rather to maintaine his Army upon the* 1.109 spoile of the enemies Country, chusing rather there to attend his coming then amongst his friends and allies. All the Cities that yielded to him in the way as he marched, he favourably received; the other that refused to submit themselves to his obedience, he used with all extremity, especially the great and strong City of Sebastia, where certaine of the forerunners of his Army, were by the Turks that kept Garrison in it, cut off and slaine, and to de∣spite* 1.110 him the more, the City gates were set open in contempt of him: whereupon being justly offended, he sent out certaine Tartarian horsemen, charging them upon paine of his displeasure so to behave themselves against their enemies that at his coming up to them he might finde either the City taken, or at least the gates shut up against him: and he had his men at so great command, that no danger was unto them more dreadful then his displeasure, neither did he punish any thing so severely as cowardize. Now the Turkes in Sebastia seeing these Tartarian horsemen marching towards the City, making little account of them, be∣cause their number was not great, issued out to meet them, where they were so furiously charged by these few horsemen, that they were glad to retire, and for hast to shut the gates against some of their own men, lest the enemie should have entered pell mell with* 1.111 them, which Turkes were there slaine at the gates of the City. Shortly after came Tamerlane with all the rest of his Army, and sat down before the City, where he lay still seven dayes not making any shew of violence at all. The defendants because the City was of great strength, thought that his purpose was by a long siege to distresse the same: But about the eight day, the Towers, and walls being undermined in sundry places, suddenly fell down, leaving large breaches for the enemy to enter; wherewith the Turks being dismayed surrendred the City to Tamerlane in hope so to have saved their lives, but he caused them all to be buried quick,* 1.112 and the City utterly to he razed: and then calling the Governour, whose life he had spared for that end, he bade him go and tell his Master what had happened to his strong City of Sebastia, and what himself had seen there; of which Tragical action, when the Governour had made report to Bajazet, he demanded of him whither of the two Armies he thought bigger or stronger; for he

had now assembled a mighty Army of three hundred thousand horse, and two hundred thousand footmen: whereunto the Governour having first craved pardon, answered: That it could not be in reason, but that Tamerlane had the greater Army, for that he commanded over far greater Countries: wherewith proud Bajazet being offended, replyed in great Choller. Out of doubt* 1.113 the sight of the Tartarian hath so affrighted this coward, that he thinks every enemy to be two. As Bajazet marched forward he heard a Country-Shepherd merrily pleasing himself with his homely pipe as he sat on the side of a mountaine feeding his small flock where∣upon he stood still, and listened to him to the admiration of ma∣ny, and at last brake forth into these words, O happy shepherd,* 1.114 which hadest no Sebastia to lose! bewraying therein his own dis∣contentment, and yet withall shewing that worldly bliss consist∣eth not so much in possessing of much, subject unto danger, as in enjoying content in a little devoid of fears.

The rest of the Cities as Tamerlane marched forwards, warned by the destruction of Sebastia, yielded to him, the Citizens where∣of he used courteously, especially the Christians, whom he set at* 1.115 liberty for the Greek Emperors sake, whom he sought therein to gratifie.

But Tamerlane had not gone far in the Turkes dominions be∣fore* 1.116 he was certainly informed that Bajazet was coming against him with a mighty Army, and was now within thirty leagues of him, which caused him from thence forward to march with his Army more close together. Axalla leading the Van, sent forth Chianson Prince of Ciarchan with four thousand Parthian horse∣men, to get knowledge of the Turkish Army, and where Bajazet lay, as also what manner of Country it was beyond Sennas, and if he could learn any thing thereof, to make relation of it to him. This Prince of Ciarchan was Tamerlanes neer kinsman, a man of great reputation, and next to Axalla, in whose absence he had the command of the Avantguard, who also sent before him an other Parthian Captaine with five hundred horsemen: who ha∣ving advanced about ten leagues, and surprized Sennas, was cer∣tainly* 1.117 informed there of the state of Bajazets Army, which was now at Tataia, and so marching forward; which Tamerlane be∣ing informed of, commanded him not to retire from that place till he saw the arrival of the enemy, and thereof to give him ad∣vertisement

every hour, resolving himself to pass on no farther, being encamped in a faire large plaine, which was very advanta∣gious for him, his Army being bigger then Bajazet's which made him make choise of those large plaines. His Army also being com∣pounded* 1.118 of sundry Nations, he considered that he was not to fight against the Chinois, a soft effeminate people, as of late; but against the Turkes, a most warlike Nation and well acquainted with all manner of sights and warlick stratagems, and therefore he judged it necessary to proceed warily against them. Upon this consideration he presently sent for Axalla, with him to view the said place, and to have his opinion whether it would be advanta∣gious for him to stay there or no? Axalla not misliking his choice of the place, yet withall advised him to keep Sennas as long as possibly he could: and accordingly he sent word to them at Sennas, that when they could keep the place no longer, they should set fire of it, and so retreat, and this he did that the enemy should have no desire to encamp there, but to march forwards to those places where Tamerlane desired to fight, the rather because he was stronger in horse then Bajazet.

Accordingly the Prince of Ciarchan sent out a hundred horse toward the Turkes, then divided the rest of his forces into two parts, commanding the former that as soon as they perceived the enemy to pursue the hundred horse, whom he had commanded to fly disorderly before them, that they should receive them into their squadrons, and so retire altogether: He in the mean time with the* 1.119 other part stood close in a valley neer unto a wood-side, wholly un∣seen; where having suffered two thousand of the enemies horse (the vant-curriers of the Turks army) to pass by him, he following them in the taile, charged them home, the other also which before reti∣red,* 1.120 now turned again upon them; so that the Turkes seeing them∣selves thus beset, and hardly layed to both before and behind, as men discouraged, fled: but in their flight were most of them slaine, the rest of them taken prisoners. This was the first encounter between the Turkes and the Parthians. All the prisoners taken were by the Prince sent as a present to Tamerlane, and amongst the rest the Bassa of Natolia, who led those Troops; of whom* 1.121 Tamerlane earnestly demanded what caused his Master Bajazet so little to esteem him as to shew so great contempt of his Army: Which (saith he) he shall finde strong enough to abate his pride? To

this the Bassa answered: That his Lord was the Sun upon earth, which could not endure any corival: And that he rather was a∣stonished* 1.122 to see how he from so far a Country had undertaken so dangerous a journy to hinder the fortune of his Lord, in whose favour the heavens (as he said) did bend themselves to further his greatness, and unto whom all the world subjected it self; and that he committed great folly in going about to resist the same. Unto this proud speech Tamerlane replied, That he was sent from* 1.123 Heaven to punish his insolency, and to teach him that the proud are hated of God, whose promise is to pull down the mighty, and to advance the lowly. As for thy self (said he) thou hast already felt (though I pitty thy mishap) what the valour of my Parthian horse is against thy Turkish: and I have already caused thy Master to raise his siege before Constantinople, and to look to his affaires here in Asia. He also asked him whether his Master did come re∣solved to give him battel? Assure your self (said he) that there is nothing that he more desireth, and would to God that I might* 1.124 acknowledge your greatness in giving me leave to assist my Lord in that battel. Good leave have thou (said Tamerlane) go thy wayes, and tell thy Lord that thou hast seen me, and that in the battel he shall finde me on horseback, there where he shall see a green Ensigne displayed. The Bassa thanked him, and swore that next unto his Lord, he vowed unto him his service. And so re∣turning he related unto Bajazet how he had seen Tamerlane, and reported to him truly all that he had willed him to say, not forget∣ting* 1.125 above all to praise his courtesie and bounty: who besides that he had frankly set him at liberty, had also given him a very faire horse, well furnished, although he well knew that he was to serve against himself: To this Bajazet answered no more but that he would shortly make trial of him, and that he doubted not but before he had done with him, he should make him acknow∣ledge his folly.

The next day the two Armies drew neer together, and encamped within a league the one of the other, where all the night long you might have heard such noise of horses which filled the heavens* 1.126 with their neighings, and the aire with sounds; and every man thought the night long that they might come to the trial of their valours, and the gaining of their desires. The Scythians (a people no less greedy, then needy) talked of nothing but the

spoile; the proud Parthians of attaining honour; the poor Christians of their deliverance from an insulting adversary; all to be gained by the next dayes victory; Every man during the night-time speaking according to his humour. All which Tamer∣lane (walking privately up and down in the Camp) heard, and much rejoyced to see the hope which his souldiers had already conceived of the victory: and so after the second watch, returning into his Pavilion, and there casting himself upon a carpet, he pur∣posed to sleep a while: but his cares not suffering him so to do, he then (as his manner was) called for a book, wherein was con∣tained* 1.127 the Lives of his Fathers and Ancestors and of other vali∣ant worthies, which he used ordinarily to read in, as then also he did: not vainly to deceive the time, but to make use of it, by imitating that which by them was worthily done, and declining such dangers as they by their rashness, or over-sight fell into. After having slumbered a little, he commanded Axalla to be sent for to him, who presently came, accompanied with diverse other great Lords and Captaines of the Army, with whom after he had consulted a while about the order of the battel, himself presently mounted on horseback, and sent each of them to their charge to see their orders put in execution: At which very instant he re∣ceived intelligence that the enemy was marching forwards, and come to chuse his ground for the battel, whose order of marching Tamerlane was very desirous to see, that so he might marshal his own Army accordingly. For (said he) I do not so much trust to* 1.128 the Lions skin wherein I wrap mine arme, but that withall I will make use of the Foxes, therein to wrap mine head, which my grand∣father neglected to his overthrow in a battel against the Persians: for being in a place of advantage, he went out of it to seek his enemy that was lodged strongly, contrary to the advice of all his Captaines, which proved his ruine.

Then did he cause three thousand horsemen to advance forward with charge to begin the skirmish, himself following after to lodge every part of his forces in such places as he had foreseen to be fittest for his advantage: And seeing the Turkish Janizaries marching in a square battel in the middest of the Army, and up∣on the two Fronts two great squadrons of horsemen, which seem∣ed to be about thirty thousand, and another which advanced be∣fore, and covered the Battalion of the Janizaries, he thought▪

this their order to be very good and hard to be broken, and there∣fore turning himself to Axalla, he said, I had thought this day to have fought on foot, but I see that it behoves me now to fight on horse∣back to encourage my souldiers to open that great Battalion of the ene∣mies.* 1.129 And my will is that my men come forwards to me so soon as may be; for I will advance forward with a hundred thousand foot∣men, fifty thousand upon each of my two wings, and in the midest of them fourty thousand of my best horsemen: And my pleasure is that after I have tryed the force of these men that they come unto my Avantguard, of whom I will dispose, and fifty thousand horsemen more in three bodies, whom thou shalt command, which I will assist with eighty thousand horse, wherein shall be mine own person, having a hundred thousand footmen behind me, who shall march in two squa∣drons: and for my Arereward I appoint fourty thousand horse, and fifty thousand footmen, who shall not march but to my aid: And I will make choice of ten thousand of my best horse, whom I will send in∣to every place where I shall think needful within my Army, for to im∣part my commands.

Over the first fourty thousand horse the Prince of Ciarchan commanded, over the formost footmen was the Lord Synopes, a Genovois, kinsman to Axalla, and his Lieutenant over the footmen, a Captaine of great estimation: The Prince Axalla's charge con∣sisted of five squadrons of horsemen: Bajazet's Army also being faire and great, came bravely still on forwards towards their ene∣mies, who stirred not a whit from the place which they had chosen* 1.130 for the battel, except certaine lighthorsemen. Scythians, Parthians, and Muscovites, who sent out as loose men, hotly skirmished be∣tween the two Armies. Tamerlane was informed by a Spie that Ba∣jazet was on foot in the midest of thirty thousand Janizaries, his principal men of war, and greatest strength, wherein he meant that day to fight, and in whom he had reposed his greatest hope. His battel of horse was very faire, amounting to the number of one hundred and fourty thousand, all old souldiers: The Sultan of Egypt having also sent to his aide thirty thousand Mamelukes, all* 1.131 excellent good horsemen, with thirty thousand footmen; so that his Army marching all in a front, in the form of an half Moon, seemed almost as great as Tamerlane's: These Turkes with infi∣nite number of horrible cries still advanced forwards, Tamerlanes souldiers all the while standing still with very great silence. Never

was there a more furious charge then the Turkes gave upon the Prince of Ciarchan, who was commanded not to fight till the enemy came unto him: neither could there have been chosen a fairer plaine, and where the skilful choice of place gave less ad∣vantage either to the one or to other, only Tamerlane had a River of the left side of the Army, serving him to some small advantage. Now this young Prince of Ciarchan with his fourty thousand horse, was in the first encounter almost wholly overthrown; yet having fought right valiantly, and entred even into the middest of the Janizaries (where the person of Bajazet was) putting them into disorder, was himself there slaine. About which time Axalla set* 1.132 upon them with his squadrons, but not with the like danger: for having overthrown one of the enemies wings, and cut it all to pieces, and his footmen coming to joyn with him as was appoint∣ed, he faced the Battalion of the Janizaries, who right valiantly behaved themselves for the safety of their Prince. This furious* 1.133 fight continued an hour, and yet you could not have seen any scat∣tered, but the one still resolutely fighting against the other. You might there have seen the horsemen like mountaines rushing to∣gether, and infinite numbers of men dying, crying, lamenting, and threatening all at the same instant. Tamerlane had patience all this while to see the event of this so mortal a fight: but perceiving his men at last to begin to give ground, he sent ten thousand of his horse to joyn with the ten thousand appointed for the Rereward commanding them to assist him when they saw that he had need, and so himself gave a furious charge, and made them to* 1.134 give him room, causing the footmen also to charge, over whom the Prince of Thanais commanded, who gave a gallant charge up∣on the Battalion of Janizaries, wherein was yet the person of Ba∣jazet, who before had sustained a great burden. Now Bajazet had in his Army a great number of Mercinary Tartars called Destenses, with many thousands of other souldiers taken up in the Countries of the poor exiled Mahometan Princes, in whose just quarrel, and the Greek Emperors, Tamerlane had chiefly under∣taken that war. These Tartarians and other souldiers, seeing,* 1.135 some their friends, and other some their natural and loving Princes in Tamerlanes Army, stricken with the terror of disloyalty, and abhorring the cruelty of the proud Tyrant, in the heat of the battel; revolted from Bajazet to their own Princes, which much weak∣ened

Bajazet's forces: who never the less with his own men of war, especially the Janizaries, and the help of the Christian soul∣diers brought to his aide from Servia, and other places of Europe, with great courage maintained the fight: But the multitude rather then true valour prevailed; for as much as might be done by va∣liant and couragious men, was by the Janizaries, the Mameluks, and the rest performed, both for the preservation of their Prince,* 1.136 and for gaining the victory: But in the end the horsemen with whom Tamerlane himself was, giving a fresh charge, and his Avantguard being rallied, and joyning with him, he with much ado obtained the victory.

Bajazet himself being wounded, when he saw all desperate,* 1.137 mounted on horseback, thinking to have escaped: but falling into Axalla's hands, he yielded himself to him, supposing him to have been Tamerlane, neither did Axalla for a while know him, but took* 1.138 him for some great Commander in the Turkes Army. Musa sir∣named Zelabi, or the Noble, one of Bajazet's sons, with divers others of his great Captains, were there taken also; and amongst the rest Georg Despot of Servia, who notwithstanding his misfortune had that day by his valour gained the reputation of a great and va∣liant Captain; inso much as Tamerlane in the very heat of the battel marvelled to see him and his Servians, and the other Christians* 1.139 that he had brought to the aide of Bajazet, to fight so valiantly; whereupon turning to some of his Captaines that were neer him, he said, See how valiantly these Religious fight, supposing them by their strange attire to have been some of the Turkes superstitious vota∣ries. But the Despot being now taken, and afterwards brought to Tamerlane, he was by him courteously entertained; but with∣all reproved for that he had assisted Bajazet against him, who was come in favour to the Christian Emperor, and the other poor op∣pressed Princes such as the Despot himself was: who thereupon boldly answered, That indeed it was not according to his profession,* 1.140 but according to the prosterity of Bajazet, unto whom it seemed that all the world should bend, and that he did it for his own safety: Where∣upon Tamerlane excused him, and without any more ado gave him* 1.141 liberty at his own pleasure to depart.

Bajazet himself being afterwards brought to Tamerlane as a pri∣soner, was by him courteously entertained, who never shewed any token of submission at all, but according to his proud nature, with∣out

respect of his present state, answered him presumptuously to what ever he demanded of him: wherewith Tamerlane being* 1.142 somewhat moved, told him that it was in his power to take his life from him; whereto he answered no more, but Do it, for that loss will be my greatest happiness: Then Tamerlane demanded of him, what made him so proud as to enterprize to bring so noble a Prince as the Greek Emperor into his subjection? He answered, Even the same cause which moved thee to invade me, namely the de∣sire of glory and sovereignty. But wherefore then (said Tamer∣lane) doest thou use such cruelty towards them that thou overcom∣est without respect of age or sex? That did I (said he) to strike the greater terror into mine enemies.

Then did Tamerlane aske him if he had ever given thanks to God for making him so great an Emperor? No, (said he) I never so* 1.143 much as thought upon any such thing. Then said Tamerlane, Its no wonder that so ungrateful a man should be made a spectacle of* 1.144 misery. For you (saith he) being blind of an eye, and I lame of a leg, was there any worth in us, that God should set us over two such great Empires to command so many men far more worthy then our selves? But, said Tamerlane, what wouldest thou have done with me if it had been my lot to have faln into thy hands, as thou art now in mine? I would (said Bajazet) have enclosed thee in* 1.145 a Cage of Iron, and so have carried thee up and down in Triumph thorow my Kingdome. Even so (said Tamerlane) shalt thou be served: And so causing him to be taken out of his presence, turn∣ing to his followers, he said, Behold, a proud and cruel man, who deserves to be chastised accordingly, and to be made an example to all the proud and cruel of the world of the just wrath of God a∣gainst them. I acknowledge that God this day hath delivered into my hands a great enemy, to whom therefore we must re∣turn thanks, which he caused publikly to be performed the same* 1.146 day; for the battel was ended about four a clock, and there were diverse hours yet of day-light. The next day he caused the dead to be buried, where amongst the rest was found the body of the prince of Ciarchan dead in the middest of the Janizaries, where he lay enclosed with their dead bodies, shewing that he dyed not unre∣venged, whose untimely death Tamerlane much lamented, cau∣sing his dead body to be Enbalmed, and with two thousand horse, and diverse Turkish prisoners chained together, to be conveyed to

Samercand untill his coming thither. All other dead bodies were* 1.147 with all honour that might be, buried at Sennas.

This great bloody battel was fought in the yeer of our Lord, 1397. not far from mount Stella (where formerly the great king Mithridates was by Pompey the great in a great battel overthrown.) It continued from seven a clock in the morning till four in the afternoone; victory as it were all the while hovering with doubt∣ful wings over both Armies, as uncertain where to light, until at* 1.148 length the fortune of Tamerlane prevailed: whose wisdome, next unto God, gave him that days victory; for that the politick tiring of the strong forces of Bajazet, was the safeguard of his own: whereas if he had gone unto the battel in one front, assuredly the multitude finding such strong opposition, had put it self into confusion, whereas this successive manner of aiding his men made them all unto him profitable. The number of the slaine is vari∣ously reported. The Turkes themselves say, that Bajazet lost there his noble son Mustapha, with two hundred thousand of his men, and Tamerlane not many fewer: Others say, that the Turkes lost* 1.149 about sixty thousand, and Tamerlane not past twenty thousand. But likely it is that the carnage was very great in so long a fight between two such Armies as probably never before met a in field together.

By this dayes event is plainly seen the uncertainty of worldly* 1.150 things, and what small assurance even the greatest have in them. Behold, Bajazet the terror of the world, and (as he thought) supe∣rior to fortune, in an instant by the event of one battel thrown in∣to the bottom of misery and despaire, and that at such time as he thought least of it, even in the middest of his greatest strength. It was three dayes before he could be pacified, but as a desperate man still seeking after death, and calling for it. Neither did Tamerlane after he had once spoken with him, at all afterwards use him courteously, but as of a proud and insolent man, made small account of him. And to manifest that he knew how to curb the haughty, made him to be shackled in fetters and chaines of Gold, and so to be shut up in an Iron Cage, made like a grate,* 1.151 that he might be seen on every side, and so carried him up and down as he passed thorow Asia, to be made a scorn and derision to his own people, over whom he had before Tyrannized. And to his further disgrace, upon festival dayes he used him for a footstool

to tread upon when he mounted on horseback, and at other times scornfully fed him like a dog with fragments that fell from his table. A rare example of the uncertainty of worldly honours and greatness, that he unto whose ambitious minde Asia and Europe, two great parts of the world, were too little, should now be carried up and down, cooped up in a little Iron Cage, like a dan∣gerous wild beast: How might he have taken up that speech of Hecuba in Seneca? Quicunque Regno fidit, & magna potens do∣minatur in aula, me videat.—Non unquam tulit Documenta Fors majora quàm fragili loco starent superbi.

Tamerlane used this severity, not so much out of hatred to the* 1.152 man, as to manifest the just judgement of God against the arro∣gant folly of the proud. And when on a time he was requested by one of his Nobles to remit some part of this rigour to so great a man, he answered, I do not use this rigor against him as a King,* 1.153 but rather to punish him as a proud ambitious Tyrant, polluted with the blood of his own brother and many other innocents.

This so great an overthrow brought such a fear upon all the Countries possessed by Bajazet in Asia, that Axalla being sent before Tamerlane with fourty thousand horse, and a hundred thousand foot, without carriages to prosecute the victory, came without resistance to Prusa, whither all the remainder of Bajazet's Army was retired with Bassa Mustapha: all places as he marched along still yielding to him: Yea the great Bassa with the rest* 1.154 hearing of his coming, and not thinking themselves in safety in Asia, fled over the streit of Hellespont to Callipolis, and so to Hadrianople.

Axalla coming to Prusa, had the City without resistance yielded to him, which by his Army was plundred and there with other of* 1.155 Bajazet's wives and concubines, he took prisoner the faire Des∣pina, Bajazet's best beloved wife, to the doubling of his grief.

Emmanuel Paleologus now hearing of Tamerlanes coming to Prusa▪ sent honourable Ambassadors thither before to Axalla, by* 1.156 whō they were entertained till the coming of Tamerlane, who re∣ceived them with all the honor that might be, shewing them all his magnificence, and the order of his Camp to their great admirati∣on: For it resembled a most populous and well governed City by reason of the order that was therein, which brought it plenty of victuals, and of all manner of Merchandise as well for delight as

necessity. By these Ambassadors the Greek Emperor yielded his Empire, together with his person unto Tamerlane as his most* 1.157 faithful subject and vassal: which (as he said) he was bound to do, for that he was by him delivered from the most cruel Tyrant of the world; as also for the long journy he had undertaken for his sake, and the discommodities he had endured with the hazard of his person and loss of his subjects, which could not be otherwise com∣pensated, but with the offer of his own and his subjects lives to him, which for ever he therefore dedicated to his service, with all the fi∣delity & loyalty that so great a benefit might deserve: besides, that his so many virtues, and rare endowments which made him famous thorow the world, did oblige him the more hereunto, and that therefore he would attend him in his chief City, to deliver it into his hands as his own, together with all the Empire of Greece.

Now these Ambassadors expected no less then to fall into the bondage of Tamerlane, judging that which they offered to be so great and delicate a morsel, as that it would not be refused, espe∣cially of such a victorious Prince as was Tamerlane; and that the acceptance thereof in knindness and friendship was the best bar∣gaine they could make therein. But they received an answer from this worthy Prince far beyond their expectation: For he with a mild countenance beholding them, answered thus, That he was not come from so far a Country, nor undertook such paines* 1.158 for the enlargement of his dominions, big enough already (too base a thing for him to put himself into so great danger, and hazard for) but rather to win honour, and to make his name famous to future posterities: And that he would make it appear to the world that he came to assist their Master as his friend & ally at his request: and that his upright intentions therein were the greatest cause that God from above had favoured him, and made him in∣strumental to bruile the head of the greatest and fiercest enemy of mankind that was under heaven; and therefore to get him an im∣mortal name, his purpose was to make free so great and flourishing a City as was Constantinople, governed by so noble and ancient an house as the Emperors. That he had alwayes joyned faith to his courage, which should never suffer him to make so great a breach* 1.159 into his reputation, as that it should be reported of him, that in the colour of a friend he should come to invade the dominions of his ally. That he desired no more, but that the service he

had done for the Greek Emperor might remaine for ever engra∣ven in the memory of his posterity, to the end they might for ever wish well to him and his successors by the remembring the good he had done for them: That he wished that long might the noble Emperor live, happily to govern his estate, and that before his return, he would so well consider for the establishing of the same, as that he should not lightly fall into the same jeopardy.

Easie it is to judge what joy the Ambassadors did conceive upon hearing this so gracious an answer from the mouth of Tamerlane who rather then he would break his Faith, refused an Empire of∣fered him, together with one of the stateliest, and magnificentest Cities in the world. After the testification of their joy and thank∣fulness these Ambassadors were by the command of Tamerlane royally feasted by Axalla, having all the honour done to them that might be. And one of them being sent back to carry this* 1.160 unexpected news to the Emperor, filled both him and all the City of Constantinople with exceeding joy and gladness, which both he, & all his subjects testified by making of Bonefires, and other signes of joy and pleasure. And the Emperor the more to shew his grati∣tude by the advise of his Councellors, passed over the streit into* 1.161 Asia, to see Tamerlane in Prusa, and in person himself to give him thanks; who hearing of his coming, & being glad thereof, presently sent Prince Axalla to meet him, and to certifie him of the joy he conceived to have the good hap to see him, as also to conduct him to Prusa, where those two great Princes with the greatest magnifi∣cence that might be, met, and so spent one whole day in conver∣sing together: and the Greek Emperor the next day taking his leave, was by Tamerlane with mach honour conducted out of the City.

Now had Tamerlane himself conceived a great desire to see the famous City of Constantinople, from which he was not now far, yet would he not go thither as a Conqueror, but as a private person:* 1.162 which by the meanes of Axalla was accomplished, and he there∣into by the Greek Emperor privately received, and with all famili∣arity possible entertained: the Emperor shewing unto him all the rare and excellent things that were contained therein; and the other Greek Princes devising all the meanes they could to do him pleasure, and them that were with him, who were all in a manner clothed after the Greek fashion. The Greek

Emperor was curious to shew him all the beautiful Gardens along the Sea-cost, and so privately conducting him about, spent five or six dayes with all the mirth that mighty be: Tamerlane by the way, often saying, that he had never seen a fairer City;* 1.163 and that of all others, considering the scituation of it, it was right worthy to command all the world. He wondred at the costly buildings of the Temples, the faire engraven pillars, the high Pyramides, and the excellent gardens; afterwards saying often that it nothing repented him to have undertaken so long and dangerous a journy, if it had been only to preserve so notable a City from fire and sword. In the Greek Emperor he greatly commended his mild nature & courtesie, who knowing that above all things he took pleasure in fair serviceable horses▪ gave unto him thirty of the fairest, strongest, and reddiest that were possibly to be gotten, all most richly furnished: He sent likewise great pre∣sents to all the Princes, and great Commanders of the Army, and bountifully caused to be delivered to them all things which he thought necessary for the army: So after these great kindnesses, and a strict bond of friendship made, and by solemne Oath confirmed by these two great Princes, Tamerlane with great contentment took leave of the Emperor, and returned to his Army at Prusa, where∣with now at pleasure he spoiled and wasted all the dominions of Bajazet in Asia, no man daring to make head against him.

The winter now drawing on, Tamerlane dispersed his Army in∣to* 1.164 diverse Provinces of the lesser Asia, expecting daily when some of Bajazet's sons, or great friends should make suite to him for his deliverance; but none came, most fearing the fierce na∣ture of Bajazet, who if he had been delivered, was like enough to have taken severe revenge upon all that forsook him in the battel, and therefore they never interceded for him. Whereupon Tamerlane one day passing by him, said, I marvel that none of thy sons, nor friends either come to see thee, or to intreat for thee; it must needs be that thou hast evil deserved of them, as thou hast of o∣thers. But what thinkest thou, if I should set thee at liberty, would they receive thee againe as their Lord and Sovereigne, or not? To whom Bajazet stoutly answered, Were I at liberty thou should∣est* 1.165 quickly see that I neither want courage nor means to revenge all my wrongs, and to make the disobedient to know their duties

better. This proud answer made Tamerlane keep a stricter hand over him.

In this great war the Sultan of Egypt (as we said before) had aided Bajazet, which Tamerlane took in so evil part that he re∣solved* 1.166 revenge: for as to his friends he was most kinde and cour∣teous, so to his enemies most terrible and dreadful. Yet before his departure he restored to the poor Mahometan Princes that had fled to him for refuge, all their ancient inheritance, with something more out of his bounty; as also▪ he did diverse Cities and Countryes of Natolia to the Greek Emperor for the yeerly tribute of four hundred thousand Ducats of gold, and eight hundred thousand Franks of silver. And so having enriched* 1.167 his Army with the spoiles of the Ottoman Empire, he turn∣ed his forces against the Egyptian Sultan, and so passing thorow Caramania, he entred into Syria, then part of the Sultans King∣dom; where neer unto Aleppo (before yielded to him) there was fought betwixt them a great and mortal battel, the Sultan having in his Army a hundred thousand foot, and seventy four thousand horse; whereof there were thirty thousand Mameluks, accounted the best horsemen in the world. In which battel Axalla with the Avantguard of Tamerlane's Army was hardly distressed, and Axalla himself taken, but presently rescued by Tamerlane, who had he not by his coming on with fresh forces speedily restored* 1.168 the battel, that day was like enough to have put a period to his fortunes: But victory after a long and cruel fight (wherein were eighty thousand of both sides slaine) inclining to Tamerlane, the Sultan sled, Tamerlane pursuing him for the space of three leagues. After this victory Tamerlane dividing his Army, sent Axalla with* 1.169 fourty thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot to pursue the Sul∣tan along the Sea-coast of Arabia; who making divers Alts with four thousand horse to have stopped Axalla, who having the smallest forces, followed him the neerest, whilest Tam∣erlane with sixty thousand horse, and two hundred thousand foot marched along the Sea-coast, having all the Cities as he went surren dred to him: only the strong City of Damasco refused to receive him, whereinto the Sultan had put the Prince Zamudzen with a strong Garrison, who did what might be to de∣fend the same, but all in vaine: For Tamerlane having by bat∣tery

overthrown a great part of the wall, took the City by storme, onely the Castle yet remained which was accounted impregnable:* 1.170 but yet at the taking of the City such a multitude pressed into it, as was not possible for them long to subsist; therefore in a short time being pinched with hunger, and many already dead, the rest up∣on promise of their lives offered to yield; But Tamerlane would not receive them to mercy to make them sensible what it was to hold out against him: So that most of them dying of famine, the rest yielded at pleasure, & were most of them put to the sword for their obstinancy; which severity of his caused all the Cities with∣in the space of thirty leagues to bring their keyes to him in token of their submission, whom he no way molested, otherwise then in* 1.171 contributing to the charge of his Army. From thence he turned directly towards Ierusalem, at which time they of the City had turned out the Sultans Garison, as had almost all they of Iudea, submiting themselves unto Tamerlane: At Chorazin was a Gari∣son of six thousand, who at first pretended to defend the place: but when they perceived that Tamerlane was resolved to have it, they submitted, and found mercy. There Tamerlane left a Garison of his own to repress the Mameluks, who with frequent incursions* 1.172 troubled his Army. Himself with some of his horsemen rode to Ierusalem to visit the Sepulchre so much reverenced of all Nati∣ons: by the inhabitants he was joyfully received, and having sought out all the antiquities of that ancient City, he would be conducted to all the places where Christ had preached, and com∣ing to the Sepulchre, he gave there many rich gifts, to the great content of all, only the Jews much blamed him for so doing, but he reguarded them not, calling them the accursed of God: There had he news that the Sultan having gathered together all his forces, was fortifying his Cities in Egypt, especially Alexandria, and the Grand Caier; whereupon Tamerlane commanded his Army to march towards Egypt to Damietta, which strong City he thought not good to leave behinde him, though by some he was perswaded so to do, for that it was thought impregnable both by reason of the strong Castle, and great Garison placed therein* 1.173 by the Sultan: But he whose fortune nothing could hinder, would needs go thither: And having commanded Axalla to at∣tempt it, followed himself after with the rest of his Army.

Now Axalla having summoned the City, declared to the in∣habitants (who were most of them Christians) the mildness, and courtesie of Tamerlane, as also who himself, and of what Reli∣gione he was; causing many of his Greek Captains to speak to them, and to tell them what misery they endured under the Moors and Mameluks, which so far prevailed with them that they resolved to adventure their lives to put the Mameluks out of the City; And the night after taking Armes, made themselves* 1.174 Masters of one quarter of the City, opening one of the gates to Axalla, whereby he entering, put all the Mameluks to the sword, or took them prisoners, and so became Master of that strong City: Whereof Tamerlane hearing, hoped by so prosperous a beginning to finde an happy end of his wars in Egypt. For he knew that the haven of Damietta might furnish him with victuals out of all parts of Greece, as the Emperor Emmanuel had promised him, and where∣in he nothing failed him. Then did Tamerlane enter the City, leaving therein a Garison of two thousand of the Emperor of Greece his souldiers, with a Governor, of whom he took an oath for their obedience. And having staid a while at Damietta, he* 1.175 caused his Avantguard to march towards Alexandria, and having passed over the River, he suddenly turned directly towards Grand Caire, to the great astonishment of the Sultan, who provided for the defence of Alexandria as neerest to the enemy: But un∣derstanding this news, used such diligence that he entred into Caire with fourty thousand horse, and sixty thousand foot, even as Tamerlanes Army approached to it. By this unexpected com∣ing of that Sultan, the great City that before was ready to have revolted, was again confirmed in his obedience to the great pre∣judice of Tamerlanes affaires: For to remaine long before it was impossible thorow want of victuals for so great an Army in an e∣nemies Country. Yet this discouraged not Tamerlane from ap∣proaching to it, and with all his Army to encamp neer unto the same, having caused a great trench to be made for the security of* 1.176 his horsemen, and therein to lodge his Army more safely: during which time he caused diverse attempts to be made, as well to try the enemies confidence, as to see how the people of the City, espe∣cially the slaves (which in that populous City are in great numbers) were affected towards him, who indeed were glad to see the state of his Army, and the proud Mameluks still put to the worst, but

farther stirred not. During this siege, he thought good one day to draw forth his Armie before the Citie, to try whether the ene∣mie had any minde to come to a battel; as also to view his own forces, and so indeed to seek occasion to fight, hoping that if the Sultan should come forth with his Army, some revolt might happen at the same time in the Citie, as well by the slaves, unto whom by secret Spies, he had promised liberty, as by the Citizens* 1.177 themselves, who were much discontented with the insolency of the Mamelukes, and to whom Tamerlane by the same Spies had made it known that he came not to hurt them, but to deliver them from the tyranny of his, and their enemies: But standing thus in battel array, none stirred out of the Citie, neither was there any tumult raised within, according as he expected: For the Sultan being plentifully provided with all things in that rich Citie, resolved to weary out Tamerlane by lying still, and not to put all to the hazard of a Battel. Tamerlane perceiving his de∣sign, yet resolved not to depart till he was victorious; where∣upon he thought fit also to attempt him in his greatest strength, and in the heart of his greatest Citie, though it could not be done without great hazard, such confidence had he in the valour, and multitude of his Army. Now his purpose was first to take one of the Cities (for Caire is divided into three) and therein encamping himself by little and little to advance for∣wards as he could finde opportunity. Upon this resolution he* 1.178 commanded a strong assault to be given, and having conducted his footmen to the place chosen by him for the onset (for the Citie was not walled, but onely fortified with ditches and trenches) he commanded the Prince of Thanais with fiftie thou∣sand men to begin the assault even in the face of the enemy, which he most valiantly performed, which occasioned a great and terri∣ble fight Axalla in the mean time deeming (as the truth was) that the Sultan had drawn the greatest part of his forces to that place, fetched a compasse about, and in another part of the City, with small resistance passed the trenches, where he presently left thirty thousand men to fill up the ditches, thereby to make way for the Horsemens entrance, himself with the rest, advancing* 1.179 forwards against twenty thousand sent by the Sultan to oppose his farther passage, the Prince of Thanais being at the same time almost beaten back by the Mamelukes: But the ditches being

presently levelled, ten thousand horsemen entred, who charged upon the backs of the Mameluks, where the Sultan himself was; they were likewise seconded by ten thousand more sent in in by Tamerlane, himself following after with all his power:* 1.180 Hereupon the Sultan retreated into a second strength which he had made in the next Citie.

This fight endured full seven houres, wherein were slain of the Sultans men, above sixteen thousand, and of Tamerlane's between seven and eight thousand. Tamerlane being well contented that he had dislodged his enemy, and gained one of the Cities, caused a retreat to be sounded, hoping the next day to win all the rest, as indeed he did. For the next morning the Prince of Thanais storming the trenches in one part, as Axalla did in an other; the Sultan after a great fight finding himself hardly pres∣sed* 1.181 by the obstinate enemy, and unable longer to hold out, retreat∣ed, abandoning the Citie, and encamping himself along the River Nilus, resolving to retire to the Citie of Alexandria his second strength, and onely refuge, which Tamerlane suspecting, follow∣ed after him with his Horsemen, (who onely were in order) and* 1.182 some few foot hardly drawn from the Citie, which their fellows were in plundering, Tamerlane promising them both to regard, and reward their good service. Against these the Sultan upon a narrow cawse way, had opposed twelve or fifteen thousand men to favour his passage, who being of his best Souldiers, maintain∣ed their ground stoutly, the place being much for their ad∣vantage; yet at length their enemies still encreasing, and pressing hard upon them, they were forced to cast themselves in∣to* 1.183 the great River, and made a most honourable retreat▪ every man having his weapon in one hand, and swimming with the other hand to the farther banke. The Sultan flying with about eighteen thousand Horse (the rest being either drowned, or dispersed) is said to have comforted his flying men, by telling them, they were not men, but gods that had vanquished them.

Divers of the Mameluks that were taken prisoners, being* 1.184 brought before Tamerlane were by him courteously used, and asked if they would be content to serve him, seeing their Master was sled and gone? This they all utterly refused, whom notwith∣standing for their fidelity, Tamerlane set at liberty to go again to their Master, being no lesse desirous to be admired by

his enemies for his goodnesse and bounty, then to be feared for his force and valour.

The wonderful wealth of this so great, and famous a Citie,* 1.185 became a prey to his Souldiers, who for the space of twentie four houres had the spoil thereof: At the end whereof every man was straitly charged by open Proclamation to retire to his quarters. Tamerlane would not suffer any of the Citizens to be taken Prisoners, and such as were, he released, and so leaving ten thousand good Souldiers, with many others that followed his Camp, for the guard of the Citie, and taking with him all such persons, as he thought might hurt him, he caused his Ar∣mie* 1.186 to passe over the River, and to follow the Sultan to A∣lexandria, that so his victory might be compleated.

Axalla hasting before with the Avantguard to hinder the Sul∣tan from gathering up his forces together: The rest of the Ar∣my was conducted by the Prince of Thanais. Tamerlane him∣self with an infinite number of Boats, and many Souldiers to at∣tend him, went by water, greatly delighting to behold that fair River of Nilus, sometimes running with a swift course; other sometimes very calme, and scarce moved. The Citizens of A∣lexandria hearing of his coming, and fearing the issue, besought the Sultan to compassionate their condition, and to withdraw himself into Lybia; whither Tamerlane could not follow him by reason of the barrenesse of the Countrie: Resolving for their parts to submit to fortune, and to do as the time required; yet promising in heart to remain his, and to make the same to appear to him, so soon as occasion should be offered. Hereupon the* 1.187 Sultan, seeing all things desperate, determined to retire, yet ho∣ping that time might bring a change, for that Tamerlane's numerous Armie could not long remain there: And so depart∣ing out of Alexandria with tears standing in his eyes, he often said, that God was angry with him and his people, so that he must of necessity suffer the fatall overthrow of his estate: yet for his own part he had done as much as in him lay, accord∣ing to the dutie of his place, and to satisfie the expectation that the world had of him, for the upholding of the same, yet he hoped to return again, and to deliver his people from that bondage, which for the present they were necessitated to sub∣mit to.

Tamerlane coming to Alexandria (before yielded to Axalla) staid there a great while, sending Axalla to pursue the Sultan;* 1.188 being much grieved that he could not get him into his hands, and therefore he still feared that some Innovation would be raised by him after his departure, which made him to deal the more hardly with them he suspected to favour him. Now the bruit of these victories having with Axalla passed into Lybia, brought such a fear, not onely upon the Countries adjoyning to these Conquests, but also upon all Affrica, supposing (that Tamerlane followed with his Armie) that twentie two of the Moorish* 1.189 Kings sent their Ambassadors to offer their subjection and obe∣dience: Of the neerest of which Kings Tamerlane took Hosta∣ges, but for such as were more remote, he contented himself with their faith given, and with other Testimonies of their good wills. Axalla having long followed the Sultan, who like a man forsaken of fortune, still fled before him, seeing all his labour* 1.190 lost, returned to Alexandria. And Tamerlane after his long travell and pains taken, was now more desirous then ever to re∣turn into his own Country; The rather being moved thereun∣to by the earnest request of his Wife, much longing for his re∣turn: He had news also of the sicknesse of the old Emperour of Tartarie, his father in law; and besides age it self began to bring unto him a desire of rest. With his did the desires of the Souldiers also well agree, who were now weary of running so many and divers adventures. His onely stay was, that he expected the coming of Calibes, an old and faithful servant of his,* 1.191 whom for his good desert he made choice of to govern all these his new conquests in Egypt and Syria: A great honour indeed it was, but not too great for him that had so well deserved. And indeed Tamerlane was alwaies so mindfull of the good deserts of his faithfull servants, that he needed not by others to be put in remembrance of them, were they never so farre off, as now was Calibes, who at this time was with a third part of the Armie making way for him along the River Euphrates, for the conquest of Mesopotamia and Persia, whose coming was longed for with great devotion by the whole Armie, which was now very desi∣rous to return; but this expectation of theirs was not long de∣layed, for Calibes being sent for, came speedily to Alexandria, where the whole Armie was by Tamerlane's command now ren∣devouzed.

Upon the coming of Calibes, Tamerlane made the Prince of Zamalzan (a man of great reputation) Governour of that* 1.192 place, as Lieutenant General under Calibes, whom Tamerlane (as was said before) had made his Vice-roy over all Egypt and Syria, together with the Countries newly conquered in Lybia and Barbary: He gave him also six thousand Horse, and ten thou∣sand foot to assist him therein: And so leaving Alexandria, he took Calibes along with him to the great City of Caire, there taking the best order he could for the securing of his new conquests: He left with him fourty thousand Horse, and fiftie thousand foot: And having sufficiently instructed him, how he would have those Kingdomes governed, dismissed him, not like a servant, but a companion, being very sorry to leave him destitute of his presence: So setting forwards with his Army, conducted by the Prince* 1.193 of Thanais, Tamerlane with a few of his train, turned again aside to Ierusalem, where he daily visited the Sepulchre of Christ (whom he called the God of the Christians) viewing the ruines of Solo∣mon's Temple, which he much admired, and at Ierusalem the seat of David's Kingdome, and of that great Salomon, grieving that he could not see them in their former beauty: and to shew his devotion and favour to this Citie, he commanded it to be free from all Garrisons and Subsidies, and so giving great gifts to the Monasteries, he departed from thence to Damasco; which great Citie, for that it was infected with the opinions of Iezides (ac∣counted an Arch-Heretick amongst the Mussulmen▪) as also evill-affected to his proceedings, he caused it to be rased, and the bones of Iezides the false Prophet to be digged up and burnt, and his Sepulcher which before by his Disciples was much honoured) to be filled with dung; and so marching on, and blast∣ing the world before him, being victorious which way so ever he turned, he at last passed over the River Eupbrates, where he con∣quered Mesopotamia, with the great Citie of Babylon, and all the Kingdome of Persia, and so at last laden with the spoils of the world, and eternized for ever in his fame, he returned to Samer∣cand, the famous place of his birth, and glorious seat of his Empire.

Now had Bajazet (a little before one of the greatest Princes on earth, and now the scorn of Fortune, and by-word to the world)▪ with great impatiency lien two yeers in most miserable

thraldome, for the most part shut up in an iron Cage, like a dan∣gerous wild beast: and having no better means to end his loathed life, violently dashed out his braines against the bars of the iron grate wherein he was enclosed, and so dyed about the yeer of our Lord 1399. His dead body at the request of his son Ma∣homet, was by Tamerlane sent to Asprapolis, from which it was conveyed to Prusa, and there lieth buried in a Chappel, built for the purpose without the City Eastward: where also are in∣terred the bodies of his best beloved wife Despina, and of his eldest son Erthogrul, and in another little Chappel hard by, lieth* 1.194 buried his brother Iacup, whom he had murthered in the begin∣ning of his reigne. This Bajazet had some vertues, which were much obscured by his cholerick and waiward nature, which made him to exceed in cruelty and pride: He was also very covetous; which qualities made him indeed much feared, but little beloved of his souldiers and men of war, by whom therefore in his great∣est need he was forsaken. He used commonly to say, That his trea∣sures were his childrens meat, and not his souldiers pay; which by way of reproach was by a common souldier cast in his teeth, when he raged to see himself by them forsaken in that great battel against Tamerlane, telling him as he fled, That he ran not away, but went to seek his pay, wherewith to provide his children bread.

Tamerlane, as we said before, having conquered Persia, used his victory so mildly, that as long as he lived the people of that Country were alwayes much affected to him; which served him greatly, as well for the keeping of Syria, as the Sultan of Egypts Empire: In his own Country he was received with all Triumphs, and expressions of joy that might be; the chiefest prisoners march∣ing before him, and wheresoever he passed, the people assembled themselves by thousands, praising and singing his victories. The Emperor having spent a moneth or two in Feasts and Triumphs* 1.195 according to his accustomed devotion, he vowed a Church and Hospital unto God, the most magnificent that might be de∣vised: and to beautifie his City of Samercand, he searched out all sorts of Handicrafts-men, intending to make it as large again as it was, and one of the stateliest Cities in the world: he peo∣pled* 1.196 it also with so many several Nations as he had brought a∣long with him, unto whom he gave liberty to build houses, di∣stributing money unto them to do the same, giving them also all

kind of priviledges, and immunities for their encouragement therein: He caused also the streets to be plotted out, and in one corner of it he built his Church and Hospital. His next care was to preserve the good will and love of his famous souldiers, whose names he caused to be Registred in a general Muster-Role, which he kept by him, and daily conferred honours and re∣wards* 1.197 upon them (they not thinking of it) in recompence of their former good services: thinking that day lost wherein he did not some good. Then did he declare the death of the old Emperor to his Councel (of which he had received private intelligence) and forgat no Ceremony due unto his honor, publikely expressing the* 1.198 grief he had conceived for his death, Then did he with his ordi∣nary Court consisting of fourty thousand horse, and sixty thousand foot, set forwards towards Quinsay, where his Emperess was. And when he came to Cambalu, he had intelligence of a battel fought by Odmar against the King of China's Captaine General, and how he had pursued his victory, having taken three or four great and* 1.199 rich Cities, and that the Chinois did again desire peace Hereupon he sent them these Articles; That the King of China should pay all the areares of his Tribute; That he should come in person to do his homage, acknowledging himself a Vassal of his Empire; That he should deliever up to him all his Cities saving three such as the Emperor should nominate: That he should pay all the charges of the war, because he had broken the peace; which* 1.200 performed, things should be restored to the same state they were in before the war. And to gratifie Odmar, he sent to him with all magnificence one of his sisters to be his wife.

When he first entred into Cambalu, he was received with all the expressions of joy that might be, whereupon he restored to them their priviledges which he had taken from them for their Rebelli∣on with Calix. The Emperess being informed of his being there (leaving Prince Axalla to govern at Quinsay) came to him: So that he remained there neer two moneths, giving order for all his affaires, the rather because it was neer to mount Althay, where the Scythian Emperors use to be buried: and so causing* 1.201 the body of the old Emperor to be brought thither, himself con∣ducted it with all pomp, honouring not only the body, but all that he had loved in the world; and though it was not the custome for women to assist at Funerals, yet he took his Em∣peress

along with him, who went neer unto the Corpse, till they came to the place where it was interred amongst his prede∣cessor. After these Ceremonies finished, he returned to Cam∣balu, where he spent the winter in Tilts, Turnaments, Hunting, and such like recreations: The rather because this place was neer to China, whereby he had the fitter opportunity to hear how affaires passed there, purposing to go thither in person the next winter, if Odmar that summer did not make an end of the wars: and if the King of China did not submit himself to his obedience. The mark he shot at now being only to keep that which by his valour he had won, desiring to spend the rest of his life in reaping the fruites of his hard travels, and former labours.

Now Prince Axalla governed at Quinsay, as well to the great contentment of the souldiery, as of the inhabitants, who out of their abundant love to the Emperor, requested Prince Axalla to write importunately to him, that his son might be brought up amongst them, which at Axalla's request he consented to, making him in the absence of his son, the Governor of Quinsay, from* 1.202 Cambalu even to the Sea, which Country contained in it about three hundred Cities, besides an infinite number of villages: all which was formerly under the government of the old Emperor: He delivered also into his charge the Government of his son.

Shortly after the King of China came to his Court, according* 1.203 to the Covenants offered to him, where he once again swore o∣bedience to the Emperor, who shewed him his greatness, the more to make him stand in awe: for he knew that this Barbarian would keep no promise longer then it should stand with his own interest. This King of China was astonished to behold so many souldiers, and the Country so well replenished with people: and above all, that they used so little curiosity and riches in their ap∣parel, especially wondring that the Emperor himself was apparel∣ed in mean cloth of one colour, without curiosity.

Shortly after Tamerlane went to Quinsay, and by the way* 1.204 was met by Prince Axalla, and all the chief Lords and Citizens, who entertained him with all the magnificence that might be. This City of Quinsay was the fairest, and one of the richest in the world, and of the most wonderful scituation, being divided by* 1.205 many channels of water, upon which are framed wonderful and stately buildings, having also an infinite number of Bridges: It

abounds with all kinde of Spices, and Merchandizes in great quantity. The Citizens presented the Emperor with many rare things, judged to be worth two millions in gold, with great variety of strange and excellent things. Then did the Emperor call for his son that was there educated, who was now seven yeers old. He forbade that thence forward they should suffer him to* 1.206 wear any thing on his head, and hung a bough about his neck, say∣ing,

That they which from their birth were called to Sove∣reignty, should be used both to cold, and heat, and should be exercised to armes betimes, and not be brought up idly, and delicatly: reprehending those which brought him up for using him so tenderly, asking them if they meant to make a woman of of his son? They replying that he was tender. If he be not born (said he) to be strong and valiant, he will not be worthy to succeed me, for he must not be an effeminate Prince that must preserve the Parthian Empire.

About this time his Em∣peress* 1.207 was brought to bed of another son at Samarcand, for joy whereof he made Feasts, with Tiltings and pastimes fifteen dayes* 1.208 together. Then did he visit all the Sea-Townsineer to Quinsay, hunting all manner of Games: yet saying often, That the re∣creations which he used, were only helps to ease him in the paines of his publick affaires which God had called him to. And when Prince Axalla told him that that City was a fit place for his abode.* 1.209

O my friend (said he) it is not so: For its a Maxime, that the Lord of this great City must not come to it above once in ten yeers, and when he is here, he must temper his actions, as if he were upon a stage, with gravity and a good grace before the people, who are apt to receive good or evil impressions accord∣ing as their Prince deporteth himself.

Having setled his affaires in that part of his Empire, he returned* 1.210 to Samercand, where three times a week he administred Justice publickly unto the meanest of his subjects as well as to the great∣est, which made him much beloved of all over whom he did command. On other dayes he gave secret audience, and disposed of the affaires of his estate which were concluded daily in his presence. In his counsel he used such severity that none durst deal untruly, or passionately in his presence. Yet shewed he such courteousness in his conversation that he was both beloved and feared of his people. He never changed his servants except they

committed some great faults against him. All the servants of the* 1.211 late Emperor his Uncle, he never changed one of them, but in∣creased their pensions, making them sencible of his liberality in that change: The like bounty he used to strangers, thereby to ob∣lige* 1.212 them to him. He drew great store of money yeerly from the Muscovite by way of tribute, which yet he distributed in the same Country to maintaine his authority there, winning those to him, who otherwise might have hurt him. He had great care of his revenues, wherein he was so expedite that in one hours space he could see his estate from three moneths to three moneths, toge∣ther with his ordinary and extraordinary expences, they were pre∣sented* 1.213 to him so well digested.

But after all his publick affaires so well mannaged, and his pri∣vate businesses so well ordered, sickness arrested, and death con∣quered this great Conqueror, leaving his Empire to Sautochio* 1.214 his eldest son now ninteen yeers old, who was proclaimed Em∣peror within two hours after his fathers death.

Tamerlane from his childhood was well instructed in the Ara∣bian* 1.215 learning, wherein he was very studious, insomuch as when they thought him to be in the Bathes, wherein they are very curious in that Country, being their chiefest delight, he was retired to the contemplation and study of heavenly things. He had within his eyes such a Divine beauty, and radiancy full of majesty, that one could hardly endure the sight of them without closing of his eys, so that some that talked with him, and beheld him were stricken dumb for the present, which caused him with a comely modesty to abstain from looking upon them that talked with him. All the rest of his visage was courteous, and well proportioned: He had but little haire on his chin: He wore his haire long and curled, contrary to the custome of his Country men, who used to shave their heads: He went almost alwayes bareheaded, saying, that his mother came of the race of Sampson, who therefore advised him to ho∣nour long haire. His haire was of a dusky colour inclining some∣what to a Violet, the most beautiful that any eye could behold. His stature was of a middle sort, somewhat narrow in his shoulders: He had a faire and strong leg: his bodily strength and agility was such as none did surpass, and often on Festival dayes, he made trial of them with the strongest; yet did he it

with such a grace, mixt with humanity, that he whom he over∣came held himself therein most happy, though it was a great disgrace amongst the Tartarians to be thrown to the ground in wrestling.

In the time of his Warrs against the Turks, a Souldier of his* 1.216 found buried in the ground a great pot of Gold, which he brought to Tamerlane, who asked him if it had his Fathers stamp upon it; But when he saw that it had the stamp of the Romans, he would not own, nor meddle with it.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  His Parentage.
• * 1.2

  His fathers peaceable dis∣position.
• * 1.3

  He resignes his Kingdome to his son.
• * 1.4

  Tamerlanes war against the Muscovites.
• * 1.5

  His victory.
• * 1.6

  His merciful disposition.
• * 1.7

  His battel with the Muscovites
• * 1.8

  His victory.
• * 1.9

  He is wound∣ed in the Bat∣tel.
• * 1.10

  Ally slaine. Tamerlanes Piety.
• * 1.11

  The Articles▪ of Peace.
• * 1.12

  His marriage to the great Chams daugh∣ter.
• * 1.13

  His Prudence.
• * 1.14

  His agility and strength.
• * 1.15

  His Piety.
• * 1.16

  His Justice.
• * 1.17

  His preparati∣ons against the King of China
• * 1.18

  The King of China's pride.
• * 1.19

  His Piety to∣wards his Fa∣ther.
• * 1.20

  His sickness.
• * 1.21

  His Policy.
• * 1.22

  The Rebellion of Calix.
• * 1.23

  The Rebels subtilty.
• * 1.24

  Tamerlanes Prudence.
• * 1.25

  His march a∣gainst Calix.
• * 1.26

  Calix leaves Cambalu.
• * 1.27

  The number of Calix Army
• * 1.28

  Tamerlanes Prudence.
• * 1.29

  The Battel be∣tween Tamer∣lane and Calix.
• * 1.30

  Calix beaten and taken pris∣oner.
• * 1.31

  Calix con∣demned and executed.
• * 1.32

  Tamerlanes march into Cathai.
• * 1.33

  Cambalu yiel∣ded to him.
• * 1.34

  His departure from Cambalu. His policy.
• * 1.35

  Odmars good councel.
• * 1.36

  Tamerlanes speech to his Army.
• * 1.37

  His Piety.
• * 1.38

  His march to∣wards China.
• * 1.39

  A Chinois Lord comes to Tamerlane.
• * 1.40

  His speech to Tamerlane.
• * 1.41

  Calibes speech to Tamerlane.
• * 1.42

  Tamerlanes confidence of success.
• * 1.43

  Forces sent in∣to China.
• * 1.44

  The wall for∣ced. His first victo∣ry in China.
• * 1.45

  The King of China's fear.
• * 1.46

  The King of China's super∣stition.
• * 1.47

  The wall beat∣en down.
• * 1.48

  Tame lanes courtesie.
• * 1.49

  Hisgratitude.
• * 1.50

  His Po••••••.
• * 1.51

  He besieges Paguinfou.
• * 1.52

  Formerly ta∣ken from the Tartars.
• * 1.53

  A Suburb ta∣ken by storme.
• * 1.54

  The wall won.
• * 1.55

  Tamerlanes Prudence.
• * 1.56

  The City sur∣rendred.
• * 1.57

  Axalla's mo∣desty.
• * 1.58

  Tamerlane's Piety.
• * 1.59

  The riches of the Chinois.
• * 1.60

  Tamerlane prepares for the Battel.
• * 1.61

  The Battel be∣gins.
• * 1.62

  The Scythians charge the Chinois.
• * 1.63

  Tamerlanes constancy.
• * 1.64

  Calibes woun∣ded 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.65

  The Parthians charge thorow
• * 1.66

  The foot charge.
• * 1.67

  Axalla's valor
• * 1.68

  Tamerlane chargeth.
• * 1.69

  The King of China beaten.
• * 1.70

  Tamerlane's temperance.
• * 1.71

  His humility and modesty. His Piety.
• * 1.72

  The King of China brought before him.
• * 1.73

  The King of China's proud speech.
• * 1.74

  Tamerlane's courtesie.
• * 1.75

  The riches of China.
• * 1.76

  Quantou besieged.
• * 1.77

  Odmars 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.78

  The King of China's bro∣ther over∣thrown.
• * 1.79

  Quantou sur∣rendred.
• * 1.80

  Tamerlanes Policy.
• * 1.81

  The Ambassa∣dors proposals.
• * 1.82

  Tamerlane's proposals.
• * 1.83

  Peace conclud ed.
• * 1.84

  The King of China deliver∣ed.
• * 1.85

  Odmar made Governor.
• * 1.86

  Tamerlanes gratitude.
• * 1.87

  His Prudence.
• * 1.88

  His possessions in China.
• * 1.89

  His return into Tartary.
• * 1.90

  His liberality.
• * 1.91

  His entertain∣ment at Cam∣balu.
• * 1.92

  His presents to the old Em∣peror.
• * 1.93

  He is stirred up against Ba∣jazet.
• * 1.94

  He sends Am∣bassadors to him.
• * 1.95

  Bajazets proud answer.
• * 1.96

  Tamerlane's preparations a∣gainst him.
• * 1.97

  Tamerlane's speech.
• * 1.98

  His entertain∣ment at Samer∣cand.
• * 1.99

  Envy attends vertue.
• * 1.100

  His march to∣wards Bajazet.
• * 1.101

  His Auxilia∣ries.
• * 1.102

  His Prudence.
• * 1.103

  The Georgians assist him.
• * 1.104

  His strict discipline.
• * 1.105

  His huge Ar∣my.
• * 1.106

  Bajazets Pride.
• * 1.107

  Bajazet advan∣ced towards him.
• * 1.108

  Tamerlanes moderation.
• * 1.109

  He passeth the River Euphra∣tes.
• * 1.110

  Turkish pride.
• * 1.111

  Turks beaten.
• * 1.112

  Sebastia taker.
• * 1.113

  Bajazet's arro∣gance.
• * 1.114

  Note.
• * 1.115

  Tamerlanes fa∣vour to the Christians.
• * 1.116

  Bajazet's ap∣proach.
• * 1.117

  Sennas surpri∣zed by Tamer∣lane.
• * 1.118

  His Policy.
• * 1.119

  An Ambush.
• * 1.120

  Two thousand Turks over∣thrown.
• * 1.121

  The Bassa Natolia taken.
• * 1.122

  His speech to Tamerlane.
• * 1.123

  Tamerlanes re∣ply.
• * 1.124

  His release.
• * 1.125

  He commends Tamerlane.
• * 1.126

  Preparations for the battel.
• * 1.127

  Tamerlanes prudent pra∣ctice.
• * 1.128

  His prudent speech.
• * 1.129

  His directions for the battel.
• * 1.130

  The Battel be∣gins.
• * 1.131

  Bajazet's great Army.
• * 1.132

  The Prince of Ciarchan slain.
• * 1.133

  A furious bat∣tel.
• * 1.134

  Tamerlane himself charg∣eth.
• * 1.135

  Many revelt to Tamerlane.
• * 1.136

  The Turkes o∣verthrown.
• * 1.137

  Bajazet woun∣ded.
• * 1.138

  Bajazet taken.
• * 1.139

  The valour of the Christians.
• * 1.140

  The Despot of Servia's speech
• * 1.141

  Tamerlane re∣leaseth him.
• * 1.142

  Bajazets proud behaviour.
• * 1.143

  Leoncla. in edit Anual. Turk.
• * 1.144

  Note.
• * 1.145

  Lex Talionis.
• * 1.146

  Tamerlanes Piety.
• * 1.147

  The dead buri∣ed.
• * 1.148

  Tamerlanes Policy.
• * 1.149

  The number of the slain.
• * 1.150

  The uncertain∣ty of worldly greatness.
• * 1.151

  Bajazet kept in a Cage.
• * 1.152

  Pride goeth before destru∣ction.
• * 1.153

  Tamerlane prosecutes his victory.
• * 1.154

  The Turkes flye.
• * 1.155

  Prusa taken.
• * 1.156

  The Greek Emperor sends Ambassadors.
• * 1.157

  The Greek Empire yielded to Tamerlane.
• * 1.158

  Its refused by him.
• * 1.159

  Tamerlanes fi∣delity▪
• * 1.160

  The Ambassa∣dors dismissed.
• * 1.161

  The Greek Em∣peror comes to him.
• * 1.162

  Tamerlane goes to Con∣stantinople.
• * 1.163

  He highly commended it.
• * 1.164

  He sends his Army to their winter-quarters.
• * 1.165

  Bajazet's Pride.
• * 1.166

  Tamerlanes Justice.
• * 1.167

  He marches towards Egypt.
• * 1.168

  His battel with the Sultan.
• * 1.169

  The Sultan beaten, flyeth.
• * 1.170

  Damasco taken by storme.
• * 1.171

  Tamerlane goes to Jerusa∣lem.
• * 1.172

  His Piety.
• * 1.173

  He marcheth into Egypt.
• * 1.174

  Damiettata∣ken.
• * 1.175

  Tamerlane marcheth to Caire.
• * 1.176

  Caire besieged.
• * 1.177

  Tamerlanes Policie.
• * 1.178

  Cair stormed.
• * 1.179

  Axalla enters.
• * 1.180

  Caire taken.
• * 1.181

  The Sultan flyeth.
• * 1.182

  Tamerlane pursueth.
• * 1.183

  A brave re∣treat of the Mameluks.
• * 1.184

  Fidelity re∣warded.
• * 1.185

  Caire plunder∣ed.
• * 1.186

  Tamerlane goes to Alex∣andria.
• * 1.187

  The Sultan flyes.
• * 1.188

  Axalla pursues him.
• * 1.189

  Many Kings submit to Ta∣merlane.
• * 1.190

  Tamerlane de∣sires to return home.
• * 1.191

  He secures his new conquests.
• * 1.192

  Calibes made Governour.
• * 1.193

  Tamerlane goes to Jeru∣lem.
• * 1.194

  Bajazet's Cha∣racter.
• * 1.195

  Tamerlane's devotion.
• * 1.196

  He enlargeth Samercand.
• * 1.197

  His love to his souldiers.
• * 1.198

  He goeth to∣wards Quinsay.
• * 1.199

  Odmars victo∣ry in China.
• * 1.200

  Tamerlane gives him his sister in mar∣riage.
• * 1.201

  The old Em∣peror buried.
• * 1.202

  His son brought up at Quinsay.
• * 1.203

  The King of China comes to him.
• * 1.204

  Tameilane's plaine apparel.
• * 1.205

  Quinsai descri∣bed. It was one hundred miles in compasse.
• * 1.206

  His directions about the breeding of his son.
• * 1.207

  His second son born.
• * 1.208

  Recreations rightly used▪
• * 1.209

  His prudence,
• * 1.210

  His return to Samarcand. His Justice.
• * 1.211

  His love to his servants.
• * 1.212

  His bounty.
• * 1.213

  His frugality.
• * 1.214

  His death.
• * 1.215

  His Character.
• * 1.216

  Note.