The antient and present state of Muscovy containing a geographical, historical, and political account of all those nations and territories under the jurisdiction of the present czar : with sculptures and a new map / by J.C., M.D., Fellow of the Royal Society, and a member of the College of Physicians, London.

CHAP. II.

Containing the History of the Reign of Ba∣sili Zuski, and the second Counterfeit Demetrius, till the Election of Uladi∣slaus, Son of Sigismund, King of Po∣land.

THE next following night, having put an end to the Massacre and Tumult, the Boyars and other Lords of the Empire met two days after, to concert measures about the Election of a new Em∣perour. The deference they all paid to Zuski, as the Contriver and Chief Leader of the whole En∣terprize, made them, after he had received the Thanks of the whole Assembly, first address them∣selves to him, and desire his Opinion in the pre∣sent Emergency of the State.

Basili-Zuski, who beforehand had sufficient Opportunity to sound their Inclinations, know∣ing that the major Part were at his Devotion, and not questioning but that▪ the rest, in acknowledg∣ment of his late Service, would also, without much difficulty, be brought over to his Party, took this Opportunity to tell them; That he was over-joy∣ed to see the same Satisfaction in their Faces, which they had testified by their Words, in reference to the late Enterprize, contrived and executed by his directions; That, as the Greatness of the Russian Empire was chiefly owing to the extraordinary Feats of that renowned Emperour, John Basilovits, so the present ill posture of their Affairs must be attributed to the Perfidiousness, Murders, and U∣surpation of Boris Goudenou: That, to deliver them from this Usurper, and to revenge upon him

the Death of the two Sons of John Basilovits, he had been prevail'd upon to acknowledge the last Great Duke for the true Demetrius, and rightful Heir of the Crown. But this Impostor, having trampled both upon their Laws and Religion, he had twice ventur'd his Life to rescue them from his unsupportable Tyranny; and since now God Almighty had bless'd their projected Design with Success, by the assistance of their Zeal and Courage for the common Cause, whereby the Royal Line being▪ extinguished, they were now in the qua∣ity of a Free People, unto whom was devolved the whole Right of Election, it was their Duty not to let slip so favourable an opportunity of re∣establishing their Affairs, according to the true an∣tient Constitution of that Great Monarchy, which they ought to look upon as the only solid Founda∣tion, whereupon to build so vast a Structure. That, as for his part, he was very ready to assist them with his Counsel, and such Observations as he had opportunity to make during the space of thirty or forty Years, in the most considerable Employments in the Kingdom; being sensible that their future Fe∣licity would depend from the Choice they were now going to make of a Person fit to fill the Throne of this vast Empire. That (if they would follow his Advice) a Person of mean Extraction would by no means be qualified to answer their Expectation, and to command so many Persons of an eminent Rank, who would not without Reluctancy sub∣mit to his Commands, or at least claim a Preroga∣tive to controul his Orders, and to have a share in the Administration of the Government. That a young Prince would be insufficient to undergo the Burthen, at the present juncture of Time, that it was to be fear'd he would be more mindful of his Pleasures, than the Troubles and Fatigues of so great a Charge, and by neglecting his Duty, and laying the Weight thereof upon other Men's Should∣ers, make their present Condition worser, instead of mending it. That therefore they had no other way

left them at this time, than to cast their Eyes upon a Person in the Commonwealth, fitly qualified for the Management of so great an Empire, at the worst of Times. That, to answer this End, they ough to chuse One advanced in Years, of an Illustrious Birth, and well vers'd, by many Years Experience in the Management of publick Affairs; one of approved Valour and Conduct, measuring his Interest by that of the State, and constantly adhering to their Reli∣gion and most ancient Customs; From such a one it is (concluded he) that we may with Reason ex∣pect a Redress of those Mischiefs which have in the late Reigns overwhelmed this Empire, and see it restored to its former flourishing Condition.

There were very few in the Assembly, who did not perceive that Basili-Zuski, in the Description he had given of his Prince to fill the Throne of Muscovy had pointed directly at himself; They knew him to be descended of one of the most illu∣strious Families in the whole Empire, and by his long and many Services, both in Peace and War, trained up in the Management of the State, so that meeting, in his Person, with all the necessary Quali∣fications for so great a Trust, after some days De∣bate, by the Suffrages of the Nobility, he was elected and proclaimed Emperour of Russia, in the Month of June,* 1.1 in the Year 1606, about a Month after the Massacre of Demetrius.

Basili-Zuski, being thus placed in the Throne, was soon after Crowned with the usual Solemnities: The first thing he did, was to send Marina, with all her Moveables she brought along with her out of Poland (except the Crown Jewels) to her Father's Palace, where he placed a strong Guard, under pretence of preserving them from the Outrages of the Common People, but in effect to observe their Motions, and to secure them as his Prisoners, till he saw how the Treatment the Poles had met with in Musco would be relish'd at the Court of Sigis∣mund. And the better to palliate the late Massacre, he published his Declaration, stiling Demetrius an

Impostor, Heretick, and Tyrant, and that the most imminent Danger, unto which both Church and State were reduced, under his short but unfortunate Reign, had forced him against his Inclinations to embark in a Design to deliver his Native Country from Death and Confusion, which, tho' somewhat cruel in the Execution, yet by its absolute Necessi∣ty, Justice of the Cause, and happy Event, was sufficiently justifiable to all the World.

This Sugar-plumb, tho' it was greedily swallow∣ed by the giddy-headed Multitude, who being al∣ways in Extreams, and fond of Novelties, shewed their Approbation by digging up the dead Carcass of Demetrius, which with most horrible Imprecations, (in which the Muscovites excell most other Nations) they burnt and threw the Ashes into the Air, yet did it not relish so well with the Poles, but that, not∣witstanding all his specious Pretences, they resol∣ved to call him to a severe Account for the Barba∣rities committed upon their Country-men.

Neither was it long before they met with an Opportunity to revenge themselves, and to give very sensible Proofs of their utmost Resentments against Zuski, the Contriver and chief Actor of that Tragedy. For, tho' the dead Body of the late Demetrius was exposed to publick View for several days, it was so mangl'd and hack'd by the Fury of the Mul∣titude, that it was impossible to be known even by the nearest of his Friends. Which Schacopski, the Lord Chancellor of Demetrius, and one of his most trusty Friends having got notice of, he made his Escape with two or three more whom he knew to be absolutely in his Interest, to the City of Putti∣woll, which had always stood vigorous for Deme∣trius, from the first time he entred Muscovy with an Army. As they were travelling upon the Road at some distance from the City of Musco, they made it their Business to spread it about the Coun∣try, that Demetrius was not dead, that the People during the Tumult had apprehended and massacred another in his place, he having at the very begin∣ning

of the Disorder saved himself by Flight. They shewed to several Inn-keepers, the Great Seal of Muscovy, telling them at their Departure, that in a little time they should know what a great Guest they had entertain'd that Night. They were also very profuse of their Gold, all which serving for a Confirmation of what they had heard them say be∣fore, they took it as an undoubted Truth; and the more they were enjoin'd Secre••ie, the more eager were they in Whispering it about among their Friends, so that in a little time it became currant News in the City of Musco, where it having been encouraged and improved by some secret Friends of Demetrius, there was scarce a Meeting where this surprizing News was not the chief Subject of their Discourse, every one judging of the Matter accor∣ding to his own Sentiment.

In the mean while, George Schacopski was, with his Friends, arriv'd at Puttiwoll, from whence ha∣ving immediately dispatch'd a Messenger into Po∣land, with Letters to the Weywode of Sendomiria's Lady, wherein he gave her a full Relation of the Conspiracy form'd by Zuski and his Party against her Son-in-Law, but that by a peculiar Providence he had saved himself in time by Flight, and was retir'd to a Place of Security, from whence he would sud∣denly return at the Head of a considerable Army to revenge the Death of his Friends upon these Traitors. That her Husband also had by his Va∣lour escaped the Fury of the enraged Multitude, and remained in good Health in the City of Mus∣co; and that in a little time he hoped to give her a more ample Account of the further Success of their Affairs.

Having sent away the Messenger with these Di∣spatches, he immediately demanded Audience, in the Great Duke, Demetrius, his Master's Name, which being soon granted, he appear'd in the As∣sembly the next day, where having highly extoll'd the Zeal of the Citizens of Puttiwoll, in having been the first that espoused the Interest of Deme∣trius,

in the very Infancy of his Affairs, and their Constancy in persevering ever since stedfast in their Loyalty to their Natural Prince; he told them how Zuski, the present Usurper, prompted by his immensurable Ambition of putting the Crown up∣on his own Head, had with his party form'd a Conspiracy against the Life of the Grand Duke Demetrius; that, to facilitate their Hellish Design, they had massacred a great number of innocent Persons in their Beds, against all the Laws of Hospitality, and afterwards intended to have done the same to the Great Duke himself, whom they intended to have surprized in his Palace; but ha∣ving been stopt for a little while by the Resistance made by his trusty Servants, he had by a peculiar Providence of God Almighty, got into his Stables, where being furnished with some of his swiftest Horses, he was with a few of his particular Friends escap'd the Fury of the People, and had directed his Course to Poland, from whence he soon hoped to return with so considerable a Force as to be able to reduce his rebellious Subjects to Obedience. He told them that he had recommended to his Care the Affairs of the whole Empire in his Absence; for the Confirmation of which, he produced the Great Seal of Muscovy; and that he had given him a most particular Charge to satisfie his faithful Citi∣zens of Puttiwoll, that he was alive and in a place of Security. He further added, that having had such constant and evident Proofs of their Loyalty, he had, in Obedience to his Master's Commands, taken the direct Road to this City, to discharge himself of his Commission, and to give them fresh Assurances of the Grand Duke's Favour which they had at this time the best Opportunity in the World to improve to their Advantage, if, as they had done heretofore, they would by their Stedfastness shew a good Example to the other neighbouring Cities, and acquire to themselves and their Poste∣rity the Glory of an unshaken Loyalty to their na∣tural Prince.

The Citizens of Puttiwoll, being by these speci•••••• Pretences soon inveigled into a Belief of his ••••••∣cere Intentions, and taking Compassion on the Mis∣fortune of a Prince, whose Interest they had al∣ways espoused from the time of his first comi•••• out of Poland into Muscovy, they, after having re∣turn'd their most hearty Thanks for the Honour he did them in putting so great a Value upon their Services, declared unanimously that they were rea∣dy to sacrifice their Lives and what else was dear to them in this World, for the Interest of their lawful Prince, and that as a Token of their Fide∣lity, they were ready to obey his (the Lord Chan∣cellour's) Orders, till the Great Duke himself should be pleased to honour them with his Pre∣sence.

The Chancellour's Project having thus far suc∣ceeded according to Wish,* 1.2 he dispatch'd some Mes∣sengers to the Tartars, unto whom he represented the Cruelty and Treachery of Zuski, and by what good Fortune the Great Duke had escaped his Hands, commanding them in his Name to repair at their Rendezvous, which he had appointed near Puttiwoll. The Cosacks being also inveigled by the same Artifices of Schacopski, as they had always adhered to the Interest of Demetrius, so they were now the most forward in appearing in Arms for the maintaining of his pretended Right; so that the Lord Chancellour, seeing himself thus strengthned by a considerable Party of Cosacks, Tartars, and some M••scovites, and by the Surrender of several other Places in the Neighbourhood of Puttiwoll, he obliged them to swear true Allegiance to Dem••∣trius, with a solemn Promise not to lay down 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arms, till they had been reveng'd of that bloody Usurper Basili-Zuski, and restored Demetrius to the Throne of Muscovy.

It is easie to be imagined that the new Empe∣rour was not a little Alarm'd at so unexpected and unwelcome a piece of News;* 1.3 but believing it most for his purpose to quench the Fire in the Ashes,

before it should break out into a Flame, he marched with what Troops he could get together in haste towards the Enemy. But these being in the mean while reinforced by a considerable Body, under the Command of a certain Muscovian Lord, whose name was Isthoma, they Charged Zuski, who was at the Head of his Troops, with so much Fury, that they put him entirely to the rout, and remain∣ing thus Masters of the Field, pursued him so close∣ly, that with much ado he escaped to the City of Musco, where he was block'd up by the Enemy, who fortified their Camp within a Mile of the City.

The Poles in the mean while had not been idle, but having received Intelligence, that a considera∣ble Party in Muscovy, had declared for Demetrius, they were over-joy'd to have found so ••avourable an Opportunity to revenge upon the Muscovites, the De••th of their Countrymen, Massacred in their Quarters, against the Laws of Nations; for which purpose, they maintain'd a Correspondency with Schacopski, whom they inform'd that they had found out a certain Gentleman in Poland, not unlike in his Person to Demetrius, who intended to appear at the Head of a considerable Army in Muscovy. In the mean while they had got together a Body of twelve thousand Cosacks, under the Command of one John Polutnich, who being sent by this new Demetrius to reinforce the Army, that lay Encam∣ped near the Gates of the City of Musco, was by his special Commission constituted General over all his Forces.

This Polutnich was a Muscovite by Birth, and now a Soldier of Fortune; he had been bred among the Tartars, and serv'd his Apprenticeship in Arms a∣mong the Cosacks, where he had made himself famous for his extraordinary Atchievments, till at last he was taken by the Turks, and made a Gally Slave; but by good Fortune rescued by the Venetians; from thence he took his way through Poland, where having met with this new Demetrius, he obtained of him the Command over his whole Army; Po∣lutnich,

therefore having, pursuant to his Commis∣sion, join'd the Forces before Musco, shew'd his Orders to Isthoma, who was forced to obey, but being extreamly disgusted at the Affront put upon him, to see himself thus neglected, and another to reap the fruits of his Victory; he, with ten thousand Men, whom he had debauch'd before, and brought over to his Party, went over to Zuski, who receiv'd him no less than his Tutelar Angel, to whom he was indebted for his present Deliver∣ance; especially when he assured both him and the People, that there was no such Man as Demetrius at Puttiwoll; and that the whole was only a Con∣trivance of Schacopski, who by these Intrigues in∣tended to make himself the more Considerable.

The whole City being not a little over-joy'd at these comfortable Tydings, the People as well as the Nobility, sent their Deputies into the Camp to Polutnich. The first desired, that they might be admitted into the Presence of Demetrius their Prince, and that they were ready to prostrate them∣selves at his Feet, and to beg pardon for their past Offences. Those of the Nobility represented to the General, how miserably he was imposed upon by the Artifices of Schacopski; that the true Deme∣trius, whose Interest he had espoused was in the presence of a great many Thousands slain in the City of Musco; and therefore, whoever since had assumed his Name, and counterfeited his Per∣son, must needs be an Impostor, from whom he could expect neither Honour nor Profit; That therefore, he would be much better advised to leave his Party, and to spare the Effusion of Christian Blood, by acknowledging Zuski for the lawful Sovereign of Muscovy, who would not fail to heap upon him such Honours and Dignities, as should be suitable to his Merits.

Polutnich answer'd like a Man of Honour, that he was sorry to understand that they took him to be like Isthoma, a Traytor both to his Master and Country; That they did him wrong in entertain∣ing

so mean an Opinion of him; That, tho' he was a Soldier of Fortune, he would never give Demetrius the least Occasion of repenting himself of the Trust he had put in him. That the Prince was certainly in Poland, where he had seen and spoke with him, and had from his own hands re∣ceived this Commission of being General of this Army. That if they were so nearly touch'd, as they pretended, in their Consciences, with the Ef∣fusion of Humane Blood, the best way to prevent it would be, to return to their true Allegiance, and pay to their lawful Prince due Obedience, and as a Pledge of their future Fidelity, and of their re∣morse for what was past, to deliver up into his Hands the Usurper of his Crown. That this was the only means left them to prevent these Evils, which they dreaded, and by which they might hope to deserve their Pardon, and to secure them∣selves, their Wives and Children, and the whole City from destruction.

The Inhabitants of Musco, being in no wise sa∣tisfied with Polutnich's Answer, which served them for a Confirmation of what they had received from Isthoma before, to wit; That there was no such Man as Demetrius, either in the Camp, or any where else; and encourag'd by the late Defection of Isthoma; they resolved unanimously to stand by Zuski, and not to hearken to any further Impositi∣ons, but to treat Polutnich as an Enemy of their Country. Pursuant to this Resolution, most of the young Men inhabiting the City of Musco, were put in Arms, and being join'd with such regulated Troops as were brought over by Isthoma, they made a furious sally with a hundred and twenty thou∣sand Men; and, attacking the Demetrian General on all sides in his Entrenchments, forced him to retreat to Catuga, Zuski, after a few days spent in modelling his Army, march'd thither in Person, and closely besieg'd Schacopski, who so bravely de∣fended himself against the Muscovites, that he for∣ced them to abandon the Enterprize, and march

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back to Musco, with the loss of some Thousands of their best Men.

Some time was bestow'd in raising the necessary Recruits, so that Polutnich, in the mean while, having recovered Breath, saw himself once more in a Condition to appear with a considerable Body in the Field, which having afresh Alarm'd the Great Duke, he marched once more against them, with a very formidable Army.

The Demetrians, tho' much inferior in Number, being as forward as they to come to Blows, both Armies were drawn up in order of Battle, in a great Plain, not many Miles from the City of Thu∣la, and were just upon the point of Engaging one another, when a Body of five thousand Muscovites, which were posted in the Front of the left Wing of the Demetrian Army, instead of attacking the Enemy, ran over to them, all in a Body, which having put Polutnich, and the whole Army into a great Consternation, it was thought most advisable to avoid fighting, and to retreat to Thula.

Zuski falling in their Rear, cut off a considera∣ble number of them, closely pursuing the rest to the Walls of the City, which was immediately after, surrounded by the whole Army, and attack∣ed with all the Fury imaginable; The besieged having in their Retreat, been forced to leave be∣hind them all their Artillery and Ammunition, were very ill provided with such Things as were necessary to sustain a Siege; nevertheless, trusting in their Courage, they defended themselves so va∣liantly, that the Muscovites seeing themselves re∣pulsed with great Slaughter in several Attacks, were obliged to enclose the City, by making strong Line of Circumvallation round about it, in hopes to reduce it by Famine, which succeeded accord∣ing to their Expectation.

For those within, by their sudden Retreat, have∣ing had neither Time or Opportunity to put Pro∣visions in the City, were in a little time, reduced to the greatest Extremity for want of them. Scha∣copski,

in the mean while, was not a little amaz'd, that he received not the least News out of Poland, whither he had dispatch'd his Messengers to adver∣tise them of the danger they were in; and the In∣habitants of Thula, who saw themselves reduced to that Extremity, as to be forced to feed upon Cats, Dogs, Horses, and such like Things, without hopes of Relief, began to be mutinous, and to accuse both Schacopski and Polutnich, of having betrayed them by their fictitious Insinuations, as if their Great Duke, Demetrius, were alive in Poland, which if he had been, he would not have fail'd to give them his Assistance in this Extremity. Schacopski put the best Countenance he could upon the Matter, telling them, that they could not expect him to come in Person, unless back'd with a Force suita∣ble to the Strength of his Enemies; and, that, if they would but have Patience, he did not question, but in a few days to hear of his approach, in order to come to their Relief. Polutnich assur'd them upon his Honour, that he himself had seen and spoke with a certain Person, of about thirty Years of Age, who was in Poland, acknowledg'd to be the true Demetrius, and from whose Hands he had received his Commission; that they should not rely upon his Word alone, but that he would advise them to send a trusty Messenger of their own (one, whom they knew to have seen the Prince Demetrius before) into Poland, to represent to him the true State of their Affairs, and to soli∣cite prompt Succors; that at his Return, he would be ready to join with them in any thing they should think most advisable for their common Safety.

The Citizens of Thula, having given their Con∣sent to this Proposal, and dispatch'd a certain Messenger, who by favour of the Night, and the Carelesness of the Besiegers got safely thro' their Camp without being discovered, they gave fresh Assurance of their Stedfastness to Polutnich, till the return of this Emissary. Schacopski, in the mean while, was not a little surprised, that he could not

hear the least Tidings out of Poland; but the true Cause was, that the Gentleman, whom the Poles had engag'd to personate the true Demetrius, have∣ing understood, in what ill a posture his Affairs were in Muscovy, after the two last Defeats, began to retract his Promise of making himself an Instru∣ment to satisfie the Revenge of the Poles upon the Muscovites; and setting before his Eyes the fatal End of the late Demetrius,* 1.4 after he was in Posses∣sion of the Empire, he look'd upon the Muscovian Throne, like the Fox upon the Lion's Den, and therefore wisely resolved rather to enjoy himself upon his plentiful Estate in Poland, than to expose himself to danger for the imaginary Lustre of a Crown.

But the Poles, being fully resolved not to acquit Zuski thus of the Barbarities committed against their Countrymen,* 1.5 were not long before they found out another to supply his Place; Muscovy, so fertile of Impostors, soon furnishing them with One, whom they look'd upon as a fit Tool to promote their ob∣stinate Revenge against Zuski; this was one Ivan, or John, a Native of Pocala, a City of Russia, where he had been a School-Master for some time; and being grown weary of his Employment, took hold of this Opportunity to meliorate his Condi∣tion, and if possible, to change his School Scepter for that of the Muscovian Empire.

The first who publickly espoused his Interest, was one Micharetski, a Man of very eminent Quality in Poland, who having gathered a considerable Body of Troops, they marched at the Head of them to Puttiwoll, where, having been received with the greatest demonstrations of Joy and Re∣spect due to their Sovereign, they directed their March to the City of Staradub, where, being rein∣forced by some Muscovites, that upon the Rumor spread abroad of the arrival of their Prince De∣metrius, flock'd in to them from all Parts; it was resolved to march with all possible speed to the Re∣lief of Thula.

[illustration]

The second counterfeit Demetrius

Whilst they were concerting Measures to put their intended Design in execution, the Messenger from the Citizens of Thula, who, for fear of be∣ing intercepted by the Enemies Parties, that were abroad in great Numbers, had been obliged to tra∣vel a great way about, before he arrived at Stara∣dub, was introduced into the presence of this new modell'd Demetrius, who, tho' having some resem∣blance to the other Demetrius, yet was so far dif∣ferent from him, whom this Messenger had seen frequently before, that he was not a little startled at the sight of it, being scarce able to deliver his Message without confusion. Demetrius, by the dis∣satisfaction he observed in his Countenance, so on guessing at the true Cause of it, judged it not ad∣visable to send back his Resolution of marching to the Relief of the Town by this Messenger, who, he fear'd, might by this Discovery, raise a great Prejudice in the Place against his Person and Inte∣rest; wherefore, having ordered him to be secur'd under a good Guard upon some Pretence or other, he resolved to detain him, till he in Person, could march to raise the Siege of the Place.

This precaution,* 1.6 tho' in it self founded upon very weighty Reasons, yet proved the occasion of the loss of Thula. For both the Garrison and In∣habitants of that City not receiving the least In∣telligence concerning their Messenger, whom they had dispatch'd into Poland, they concluded that he must have fallen into the Hands of the Ene∣mies, and being reduc'd to the utmost Extreami∣ty for want of Provisions, it was resolved, with Joint-consent, rather to accept of the advantage∣ous Conditions offer'd to them by Zuski, than to perish by Famine; pursuant to which Resolution, the Place surrendred it self upon very honourable Terms; which were however, but very ill observ∣ed by Zuski, who, contrary to his Oath, caused seve∣ral of the Chief Officers of the Garrison to be hang'd, and the Brave Polutnich, and the Cunning Schacop∣ski, to be cast into a loathsome Prison, where they both vvere miserably Famish'd to death.

The Cosacks that had hitherto stood firm to the Interest of Demetrius, having had no Intelligence of his Approach, consequently looking upon his Cause as desperate, embraced the Party of Zuski, who being overjoyed at the Conquest of Thula and the Accession of so considerable a Force, ordered his Army in Conjunction with these Cosacks, to form the Siege of Caluga, the strongest Place as yet in the Possession of the Demetrians. The Army was scarce sat down before the Place, when a Rumour being spread among the Cosacks that Demetrius at the Head of an Army was arrived at Staradub, they began to mutiny first, and having drawn some of the Muscovites into their Party, the whole Army, upon the News spread industriously by the Cosacks, that Demetrius was advancing to fight them, was possessed with so panick a Fear, that without the least Order,* 1.7 they at Midnight left their Tents, Cannon and Baggage, every one ma∣king the best of his Way to the City of Musco where they brought the first News to Zuski of their imaginary Defeat, and the Flight of his Army without being pursued by any body.

The Cosacks and their Party being thus left abso∣lute Masters of the whole Camp, at the first Break of Day did not fail to give notice of what had happened, to the Inhabitants of Caluga, and that Demetrius was arrived at Staradub; but these look∣ing upon it as a Stratagem, and a Contrivance of the Cosacks to catch them in a Trap, at first answer∣ed them with Fire and Ball, till upon their reitera∣ted Assurances that the Muscovites were fled, and their offering Hostages as Pledges of what they had related to them to be Truth, they sent out some of the Officers of the Garrison into the Camp, who at their Return having confirm'd what they had been assur'd of before by the Cosacks, they soon open'd their Gates, and having shar'd the Booty found in the Camp with them, they entred trium∣phantly into the City.

After they had bestow'd a few days in rejoicing and refreshing themselves, the Cosacks, with part of the Garrison••, to the Number of Ten thousand, marched from thence to the Camp of Demetrius, near Staradub, where having rejoiced him with the unexpected News of the Relief of Caluga, they were received with great Demonstrations of his Royal Favour, and vast Promises of ample Re∣wards after his Recovery of the Throne.

Thus, whilst Zuski was repenting himself of his fatal Error of having receiv'd into his Army so considera∣ble a Number of his Enemies Troops, Demetrius en∣creased in Strength every day; The Reputation of what had happen'd before Caluga, and his being join'd by the Cosacks, made such lively Impressions upon the Minds of the Muscovites, that many of them were ••or siding with the most fortunate; and the Poles and Lithuanians, bordering upon Muscovy, being enticed by the Hopes of Reward and Booty, flock'd in great Numbers to his Camp; so that seeing him∣self in a Capacity to encounter his Enemies, he march'd in quest of them, and having found Misi∣nowski the Muscovian General advantageously posted at a strong Pass, he nevertheless attack'd him so fu∣riously that he entirely routed them,* 1.8 killing near Ten thousand upon the Spot, besides a great num∣ber of Prisoners, among whom was their General Matthew Misinowski himself.

This Victory gained such a Reputation to Deme∣trius, that the whole Province of Severia, with some other adjacent Places, readily submitted to his Obe∣dience, acknowledging him for their true and un∣doubted Sovereign, and promising to furnish his Army with all manner of Necessaries. But the Poles being more especially encourag'd by this Suc∣cess to pursue their Revenge to the Destruction of Zuski, sent considerable Supplies to back the Pre∣tensions of Demetrius. Duke Roman Rosinski sent a good Body of chosen Horse under the Command of his Friend Walareski, Adam Wisnowiski, Char∣linski, Mielski, and several other Lords of the first

Quality in Poland, soon after joined him with such Troops as they had raised in their respective Coun∣tries; besides that, a new Body of 8000 Cosacks, upon the first News of his Victory, had declared for him, and taken service among his Troops.

Not long after Duke Rosinski, being also arrived in the Camp, was by the Consent of the Polish Lords and other Principal Officers, declared Ge∣neral of the whole Army.

Basili-Zuski had in the mean while applied all his Care in getting ready his Recruits and making new Levies throughout the whole Empire, with an Intention to bring so formidable an Army into the Field, as to be able to stop the further Progress of his Enemy. For this end having formed an Army of above a Hundred and fifty thousand Men, and declared his Brother Demetrius. Zuski General, he ordered him to march directly towards the Poles, and fight them wherever he met them. Pursuant to these Orders, the Zuskian Army march'd to∣wards the City of Bolchow, where having fix'd their Tents within sight of the Enemy, some Days were spent in Skirmishes, whilst the Generals of both Parties watch'd their Opportunity of Deci∣ding their Quarrel by a Battel to the best Advantage; It was not long before they found it, being equally eager of Engaging.

For, as I said before, scarce had they lain thus encamp'd a few days, but they saw the Zuskians early in the Morning drawing out to put themselves in Battle Array, having detach'd a Body of their best Horse to possess themselves of some advantageous Posts near to the Demetrian Camp; which these have soon been advertised of by their Parties that were abroad to observe the Motion of the Enemy, they with all speed sent also a Body of their best Horse to engage the Muscovites, and to maintain those advanced Posts, till they could be sustained by some of their Infantry. The Polish Horse engaged the Muscovites with so much Bravery, that after an Engagement of an Hour they forced them to quit

those Posts, whilst the whole Army was putting in Order of Battle, having taken the Advantage of the same Ground which the Muscovites intended to have made use of against them.

The Muscovites being bassled in their first En∣terprize, however did not lose Courage, as trusting to their Number, and Demetrius Zuski their Gene∣ral, at the Head of them, left nothing unat∣tempted which might encourage his Soldiers to fight bravely against the sworn Enemies of their Country; He told them, That a great part of the Demetrian Army was composed out of Vagabonds and Rebels, whom they had seen fly before them so often of late, and who now puffed up with their late Success near Caluga, more to be attributed to their Treachery and a Luck••y Chance than their bra∣very, had once more the Impudence to look them in the Face, hurried on by their ill Destiny, to receive the Reward of their Treacheries from their Hands; That the rest were Poles, the Hereditary Enemies of their Country and Religion, unto whom must be ascribed all the Evils and Mischiefs which had befaln their Empire for these several Years last past; That this insolent Nation, not being contented to have once before involved their Country in Blood and Confusion by setting up an Impostor instead of the true De∣metrius slain at Ugletz, were now upon the point of Imposing upon them a Second, in order to dispose of the Throne of Muscovy at their Pleasure, to en∣slave their Country, and to root out the true an∣cient Greek Religion. He represented to them, how inglorious, nay, ignominious it would be to the whole Russian Nation, who had extended their Conquests over most of the neighbouring Countries, to receive Laws from the Poles, who had conspired their Ruin and Destruction. That therefore they being to expect nothing but Misery from their mor∣tal Enemies, they must look for their Deliverance in their own Courage, with a Resolution not to out-live that Day, which, if lost, would put an End to all the Glory purchased by their Ancestors,

to their own Felicity, and that of all their Po∣sterity.

Rosinski on the other hand, the Demetrian Gene∣ral, was not wanting to enflame the Courage of his Soldiers, by representing to them: That the Muscovites which they saw before them, were the Remnants of those whom they had so often beaten with a much less number; witness their late En∣gagement with Misinowski, whom, to their eternal Glory, they had droven from his advantageous Post, notwithstanding the inequality of their num∣ber. That therefore they should not be startled at their Enemies, who, tho much more nu∣merous, were, for the most part, an undisci∣plin'd Rabble, terrible only in outward Ap∣pearance, the rest, who so lately had experi∣ence of their invincible Courage, scarce daring to look their Conquerours in the face. He desired them to remember the Slaughter of that Countrymen in cold Blood, against all the Laws of Hospitality, by that very same Rabble, whom they were now going to Engage; that their Blood cry∣ing for Vengeance, they had now the fairest Op∣portunity in the World, to take the most ample Satisfaction from those barbarous Wretches, and to punish them for their Cruelties. He concluded That they ought to consider, that the Conquest of whole Muscovy, depended upon the points of their Swords, and that one day's labour would put them into Possession of a vast Empire, and all the Riches and Treasure of their Enemies, be the Reward of the Victory.

Rosinski finding a great eagerness in his Soldiers to Engage, led them on straight to the Enemy, whom they attack'd with an unparallell'd Bra∣very, and forced them several times to shrink be∣fore the daring Poles; but being continually re••••∣forced with fresh Supplies, they maintain'd the•• Ground in spite of the Bravery of the Demetrians, so that the Success of the Battle remain'd doubt∣ful for a great part of the Day. But it is to be

observed, that the Cosacks (in the same manner as Zaporius did some years before, when he fought Hodwen the Borisian General) had placed all their Boys, and other Attendants belonging to the Bag∣gage▪ with some Soldiers, enough to make up a Front, at some distance behind the Line of Bat∣tle; these upon a Signal, agreed betwixt them, advanc'd during the heat of the Battle, with their Colours flying, Drums beating, and Trumpets sounding; which the Muscovites, who were alrea∣dy scarce able to sustain the Fury of the Poles, having perceived, and believing it to be a Body of Reserve, coming to attack them afresh, they be∣gan to give Ground; which the Polish Horse being sensible of, they renew'd the Charge with so much Bravery, that in less than an Hours time, they forced the Muscovian Cavalry to quit the Field in great disorder••.* 1.9 The Infantry being thus exposed, both in Front and Flank, were soon put to an en∣tire Rout, with a great Slaughter, being bereav'd of their Horse to cover their Retreat; so, that out of this vast Army, there were not five hundred left that quitted the Field in a Body; except five thousand, who saved themselves in the City of Belchow, but were in a few days after forced to sur∣render at discretion to Demetrius, who falling into the same Error as Zuski did before with the Co∣sacks, took them into Pay, and received the same Reward from their hands, as we shall see anon.

Demetrius being by so signal a Victory, become Master of the Field, and the whole Camp, Can∣non and Baggage of the Enemy, what wonder, if all the adjacent Places followed the Fortune of the Conquerour, unto whom they opened their Gates, without the least Opposition; unless it were Mo∣••••••sko, and two or three more, who had Courage enough to make some shew of Resistance, but at the approach of the Victorious Army, surrendred also at Discretion.

Having thus opened his way to the Capital City of Musco, he directed his March thither, not que∣stioning but that the Terror of his last Victory, would have so strong an influence over the dis∣heartned Citizens, as to make them open their Gates at his first arrival before the City. It is n•• difficult thing to imagine, that the Loss of so vast an Army, on which seem'd to depend the Fate of the whole Empire, must needs put that City; up∣on the approach of the Conquerour, into such a Consternation, as is not easie to be express'd. But besides the presence of their Great Duke Basili▪ Zuski, who in this extremity of his Affairs, was not wanting by all means possible to inspire Courage into his dejected Subjects; there were two thing•• which contributed not a little to the Resolution of•• the Citizens, to adhere to Zuski to the last Extre∣mity. The first was, That Demetrius, in lieu of Marching directly to the City of Musco, trifled a•• way his Time in the more Northern Province•• where the Poles rambling up and down the Coun∣try, were often intercepted by the Muscovites, who in the mean while▪ had leisure given them, to re∣cover themselves out of their first Fright, and to take such measures as were most suitable to the pre∣sent Condition of their Affairs. The second was the Perfidiousness of these five thousand Mus••••∣vites, who, after their Surrender at Bolchow, had•• taken Service under Demetrius, and, now having watch'd their Opportunity, left him again, and went over to Zuski, unto whom they gave an Ac∣count of the whole Condition of the Army, as∣suring him, that the Poles were not near so formi∣dable nor numerous, as represented to them by Fame; and that it would be no difficult matter fo•• the City to defend it self against them, till be•••••• reinforced with fresh Supplies out of the more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mote Provinces of the Kingdom, they might meet with a more favourable Opportunity to remove them from their Walls.

This relation, and the delays of Demetrius, have∣ing put new Courage into the frighted Citi••••ns, it was resolved, with what Forces they could assem∣ble in haste, to post themselves in a very advan∣tageous Place, on the borders of the Province of Severia, thereby to cut off all Communication be∣twixt the Poles and the Southern Provinces of Mus∣covy, bordering▪ on Lithuania, from whence they must be supplied with Men, and all other Neces∣saries for the carrying on of the War.

The Poles were not a little sta••tled at this vigo∣rous Refolution of the Muscovites, whom they be∣lieved to have been lost past all recovery; but having no other way left them to secure their Re∣treat, and to keep open the communication with their own Country, than their Swords, they re∣solved to make an Amends for their ill Conduct, by their Bravery. Having therefore drawn back their Army from the more Northern Parts, to the South side of the City of Musco, they march'd to the Frontiers of Severia, where having with a most gallant Resolution either to vanquish or to die,* 1.10 at∣tack'd those Forces in their advantageous Post, they put them to the rout, and thus having opened their Passage, they pitch'd their Tents near the City of Tusin, betwixt the two Rivers, Tusin and Moska, which in a manner surrounded and secur'd their Camp.

Being now become more and more sensible of their Error,* 1.11 in having neglected to make themselves Masters before of so advantageous a Post, which in all likelihood would have prov'd fatal to that City during the first Consternation, they by fre∣quent Excursions endeavoured to repair their first Fault; by which they so enclosed the Citizens with∣in their Walls, that scarce a Man durst appear at any distance from the Town. The Inhabitants seeing themselves thus reduced to great Scarcity, as being very near quite shut up by the frequent Excursions of the Poles, and seeing themselves in no Capacity at present to drive them from their ad∣vantageous

Post, it was resolved to try▪ whether by certain Proposals of Peace, they might not disunite the Poles in the Camp of Demetrius.

They had ever since the last Massacre of the Poles, detained the Polish Ambassadors, and the Weywod•• of Sendomiria, with his Daughter, the Great Dutchess Marina, Prisoners; and as they did not question that they were very desirous of their Li∣berty, so, they believ'd they might make use of them as fit Instruments to encompass their Design. It was not the Reconciliation with the Poles they aim'd at, but knowing the Nature of the Poles to be unstable, they hoped by this Artifice, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time, at least till the arrival of those Supplie••, which were raising for their Relief in the Northern Provinces, by Knez Basili Masalski, a near K••••∣man to the Great Duke Basili Zuski.

To obtain this end, a Treaty of Peace was pro∣posed to the Polish Ambassadors and the Wey wode of Sendomiria, and that in the mean while, to re∣move all Obstacles, a Cessation of Arms should be agrreed on for a certain Time. The Wey wode of Sendomiria being very willing to lay hold of this Opportunity, to free himself from his Captivity, sent one of his best Friends into the Camp of De∣metrius, to make these Proposals, and in case of Refusal, to endeavour to perswade the Poles to se∣parate themselves from Demetrius, and to cease from committing any Hostilities, which in all like∣lihood might prove an obstac••e to the Conclusion of the Peace, and consequently to his Liberty.

But the Poles in the Demetrian Camp, not mea∣suring their Interest by that of the Weywode, but by the Success of Demetrius, from whence they hoped to reap the fruits of their past Labours, were so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from hearkning to these Propositions, that they would not as much as enter upon the least Co••∣merce of a Treaty, unless it were granted as a Pre∣liminary Article; That Demetrius should be imme∣diately restored to the Throne, and the Ʋsurper Zuski, to be delivered up into their hands.

The Muscovites finding themselves disappointed in their Expectation, had no other Means left to secure themselves, but to repel Force with Force; For which end, having dispatch'd frequent Messen∣gers to Basili Masalski, whom we mention'd before, to hasten to their Relief; he, pursuant to the re∣iterated Orders from Court, march'd with his Ar∣my which consisted of near fourscore thousand Men, towards the City of Musco, where, having entren∣ched himself upon the Banks of the River Chodiun∣ka about a League from the City, he hop'd to meet with a favourable Opportunity to dislodge the De∣metrians, or at least to annoy them, and hinder their frequent Excursions.

But Ro••inski, who was not insensible of the In∣conveniencies which must needs be occasion'd by the nearness of so great an Army to his Camp, resolved to beat up their Quarters with the first Op∣portunity. For which purpose he drew his Army out of the Lines, unperceiv'd of the Enemy by favour of the Night,* 1.12 and having approach'd the Enemies Camp, over-secure in their Number and nearness to the City, attack'd them in their En∣trenchments with such Fury, that in a few hours they kill'd near Twenty thousand upon the Place, the rest escaping to the City, leaving among the Prisoners their General in the Hands of the E∣nemy.

The Poles, who had purchased so signal a Victory with the loss of very few of their Men, had almost dearly paid for it at last. For, having dispersed them∣selves all over the Fields without the least Order or any Guard to secure them, and being thus enga∣ged in the Pillage of the dead Bodies and the E∣nemies Camp; the Muscovites at break of day, ha∣ving been advertised of the Disorder they were in, ••••lly'd their scattered Troops,* 1.13 and being reinforced with fresh Supplies out of the City, return'd to the Charges, and renewing the Combat, fell every where upon the victorious Poles before they had time to put themselves in a Posture of receiving

the Enemy, so that there was nothing but Disor∣der, Confusion and Slaughter to be seen all over the Field, and the Muscovites were upon the point of snatching the Victory out of the Hands of their Conquerours, who began to prepare to save them∣selves by Flight, had it not been for their Generals who coming in timely with a small Body of Horse to their Assistance, both by their Words and Exam∣ple encouraged them either to vanquish or to die. They appear'd in every place where they found their Presence most necessary, to animate the Sol∣diers opprest by the Number of their Enemies, they told them that being surrounded on all sides, they must put all their Hopes of Relief on the Points of their Swords; they represented to them, how ignominious it would be, to be routed by those they had so lately vanquish'd, and to suffer themselves to be robb'd of the Fruits of their Vi∣ctory; so, that partly out of Shame, partly out of Despair, they first began to make good their Ground, and then, being animated with Revenge, they fell with such fury upon the Muscovites,* 1.14 that at last they forced them to retreat, and thus in one day gained a double Victory over their Ene∣mies.

The Reputation of which, being improved by Fame, not only some of the most remote Provinces of the Muscovian Empire, sent their Deputies to make their Submission to Demetrius, but he was also daily supplied with fresh Recruits out of Po∣land, besides a Body of 4000 new-rais'd Horse, un∣der the Command of Zlarowski and Sapiha.

The Muscovites on the other Hand having scarce left a sufficient Number out of their vast Armies to defend the City of Musco, and seeing Demetri•••• encrease in Strength daily, were forced to have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 course to new Counsels; For which Reason they once more addrest themselves to the Polish Ambas∣sadors, and the Weywode of Sendomiria, who were as yet in their Custody: Unto these they promised Golden Mountains, if by their Interest at

the Polish Court they could prevail with Sigismund, King of Poland, to recall his Subjects out of the Service of this Pseudo-Demetrius.

The Ambassadors and the Weywode gladly ac∣cepted their offers, but being very desirous of their Liberty, told them that, they did not question if Matters were truly represented to the King, he might in time be induced to draw off his Supplies from Demetrius; But that, as his Interest at Court was back'd by some of the Chiefest Men of the King∣dom, and in great Esteem with the King himself, so it was not to be supposed, that they should be able to prevail against their Power, when absent, which perhaps, when present, they might do with∣out much Difficulty, by representing to the Court the true State of the Case, and the Imposture of Demetrius. They represented to them, how advan∣tageous it would be to their Affairs, in detecting the whole Intrigue of this supposititious Demetrius, if Marina in Person appear'd at Court, and by her own Confession confirmed the Death of her Lord, which would put the Imposture of this Pretender beyond all question, and, without doubt, contri∣bute more than all other Endeavours towards the recalling of the Poles out of the Service of the Im∣postor.

The Muscovites did not very well relish these Propositions, being unwilling to part with their Prisoners upon so easie Terms; But being at last over-ruled by the Speciousness of their alledged Reasons, and much more by the absolute Necessity of their Affairs, they were at last forced to comply with the Desires of these Polish Lords, unto whom, as well as to Marina,* 1.15 they granted their Liberty, under Condition, that they should undertake to oblige the King of Poland to draw back the Army of his Subjects, which lay encamped under the Walls of the City of Musco. They were not spa∣ring in their Promises, so that every thing being a∣greed on betwixt them, they were in a few days after, permitted to depart under a Guard of five

hundred Horse, to defend them against the Parties of Demetrius, that were continually abroad in great Numbers.

This Treaty had not been managed with so much Secrecy, but that Demetrius, who was not without his Spies within the City, had got Scent of it, by whose Means also having got Notice of the Day of their Departure, and judging, not without great Reason, how disadvantageous their Presence at the Polish Court might prove to his Affairs; and on the other hand considering, that nothing could contri∣bute more at this time towards the Strengthening of his Party, than if, by joining their Interest with his, he could bring them over to his Side, and en∣gage Marina to own him for her Husband; he sent out Zlarowski with fifteen hundred Horse to intercept their Passage. Zlarowski, having been before hand informed which way they were to pass, had not marched above two Hours before he met with them, and having ordered five or six hundred of his Horse to face the Muscovites who guarded the Polish Lords, he in Person, with a few of his Offi∣cers, were advancing to address themselves to Marina and the Weywode her Father; But the Zuskian Horse, at the first sight of the Poles, whom they saw much stronger than themselves, look'd for their Safety in the Swiftness of their Horses, making the best of their Way towards Musco, and leaving the Poles commit∣ted to their Charge, at the Disposal of their Country-men, Zlarowski making his Addresses to Ma∣rina,* 1.16 complemen••ed her in the Name of Demetrius, telling her, that he was sent to invite them to his Camp, being ambitious not to let slip so favourable an Opportunity of delivering them out of the Hands of their Enemies. Marina and the Wey∣wode were at some uncertainty what to answer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but seeing themselves in no Capacity of making any Resistance, they return'd Zlarowski Thanks for his Care and Vigilancy, and with a seeming Glad∣ness went forward to the Polish Camp, where they were presented, immediately after their Arrival, to

Demetrius Those of a more refined judgment look'd upon this proceeding of Demetrius as a gross Mistake in Point of Policy, to admit Mar•••••• and the Polish Lords, who were quite unprepared for an Interview of this nature, into his Presence▪ For Marina, as well as her Father and the Ambas∣sadors, being surprised at first sight, to see this De∣metrius differ very much from the Great Duke, slain in the City of Musco, betray'd their dissatis∣faction sufficiently, both in their Countenances, and the strangeness of their behaviour towards him; which having been observed as well by De∣metrius himself, as some others that were present at the Interview, he thought it most advisable to send them to another Quarter of the Camp, with Or∣ders not to take notice, that they had been seen by him; hoping thus to hush up the former Passage, till they could concert new Measures to carry on the Intrigue to their mutual Advantage.

But an Error of this Nature being not so soon corrected, the manner of this interview could not be hid from some of the more quick-sighted; and among others had not escaped the particular Obser∣vance of Kniasus Masalski, a Kinsman both to the routed General of that Name, and to Zuski him∣self, who was ever since the last Defeat detain'd a Prisoner in the Camp.

He having watch'd his opportunity a few days after, made his Escape, and got into the City; where he related to Zuski and the Muscovites, the Doubts which had at the first interview with Demetrius, appear'd in Marina's Countenance and Carriage; all which he represented, with so much Dexterity, and in terms so lively and natural, that the Muscovites being fully perswaded of the Imposture, unanimously resolved to adhere to Zuski to the last Extremity, and rather to en∣dure any thing, than to submit themselves under the Government of an Impostor, imposed upon them by the Contrivances of their mortal Enemies the Poles.

Zuskis seeing the People thus confirm'd in his In∣••erest; by the prejudice they had conceived against the Person of his Rival, bethought himself of a certain States-Trick, by which he hoped to render the Fallacy of his Adversary so evident to the Mus∣covites, as that there should be no room left for any further Doubt, to be made upon that score. He deputed some Persons of the first Quality and great esteem among the Muscovites to Ʋgletz, to disin∣terr the Body of the Prince Demetrius, which had lain there fifteen years, in order to have it convey∣ed to Musco, to be deposited in the Sepulchre of the Grand Dukes of Muscovy. Scarce was the Body taken out of the Ground, but it was very industri∣ously spread abroad and insinuated into the Musco∣vites (who without the least difficulty receive an Impression which savours of Superstition) that it had wrought most surprising Miracles, as had been found by the experience of some diseased Persons, who had touch'd it by chance. They had been very careful in having at hand some suborned Lame and Blind, who upon the first touch of it went away up∣right and clear-sighted; besides a great many other pretended Distempers, otherwise incurable, which were removed in an instant by the miraculous Ver∣tue of this Body. They had also taken particular care to bring a Body, which having not been long under Ground, was as yet uncorrupted; so, that the Venera∣tion of the Superstitious People being heightned, when they found it entire after fifteen Years Burial, it was look'd upon as a Crime deserving no less than Death, to question the Truth of this Fable; for which reason also the People made their Addresses to Zuski, desiring that it might remain disinterr'd, till a Temple could be built, where it should be reverenced as a Saint; which at their Importunity was granted them by the Great Duke for that time.

But not long after wisely considering with him∣self, that such gross Absurdities could not be long hidden from the Eyes of the most quick-sighted, and fearing, lest the Cheat should be discovered,

to his Confusion, and the no small detriment of his Affairs, he caused the Body of this Saint to be suddenly, but very solemnly interr'd among the Tombs of the Great Dukes; to appease the Mur∣murs of the common People, it was publish'd by Zuski's Order; that tho' he did not discommend their Zeal for their Prince, whose Memory ought ever to be sacred among them; nevertheless that, having observed his Subjects to pay the same Ve∣neration to a mortal Creature, which was only due to the immortal Creator, he had taken this Reso∣lution to deposite his Body amongst his Ancestors, rather than to be instrumental in drawing upon himself and his Subjects the Vengeance of God Almighty at this time of imminent Danger, when they stood most in need of his Mercy.

But it is time to return to the Camp, where we have left Marina and her Father to recover them∣selves of their first Surprize, occasioned by the In∣terview, we have mentioned before. These having in the mean while had sufficient leisure to consult with some of their intimate Friends, what was best to be done in the present Emergency of their Af∣fairs, whether to accept the Offers of this new modell'd Demetrius (who had not been wanting by his Emissaries to insinuate unto them his Pre∣tensions, as far as the Nature of so nice a Thing would admit of) or to reject them with Scorn, and by the Interest of their Friends in the Camp, to en∣deavour their Return to the Court of Sigismund, King of Poland. They were not a little divided in their Opinions. Some of them represented to Ma∣rina, how ignominious it would be for a Person of her Extraction and Dignity, to throw herself away upon an unknown Vagabond, whom she herself knew to be an Impostor, and set up by the Poles, for no other End, than to serve their own Turn of revenging themselves upon Zuski and the Muscovites, which when they had effected, and found themselves strong enough to maintain their Interest in Muscovy without him, they would be

sure to cast off, and throw him upon the Dunghill, with no less difficulty than they had taken him up. That the Zuskians would not fail to improve the whole to her disadvantage, and to alledge against her, that she had married a mean Wretch, and a suborued Property, in hopes to satisfie her own Ambition, and to gratify the Ends of a third Party. On the other hand, it was urged, that there being no great likelihood that the Poles should abandon his Interest, more than they had done that of the former, as being founded upon the same bottom, and link'd together by a mutual Interest, the most indissoluble Knot of all humane Affairs, no suffici∣ent Reason could be alledg'd, why she should not as well own this Demetrius as the former, being both, equally doubtful, as to their Descent, in re∣lation to the Great Duke, John Basilovits; and, that, since she had once had the Misfortune of throwing herself into the Arms of an Impostor, she might, with the same Reason, not refuse the Embraces of a Second, when no less than the Crown of so vast an Empire lay at stake. That, supposing his Birth to be inferior to that of the o∣ther Demetrius, he was just upon the point of ac∣complishing his Design; and that the Muscovites▪ reduced to the utmost Extremities, as soon as they were informed of her having owned him for her Husband, would not be long before they would receive him for their Emperour, and place him in the Throne of Muscovy. That the Crown would soon wipe off all the Stain of his ignoble Birth, were it never so base and sordid, and exalt him to the same degree with the most illustrious Monarchs of the World. Besides that, if she re∣fused him, she must run a great risque of her Re∣putation, it being beyond all question, that De∣metrius and his Friends, to put the better Colour upon their Pretensions, would not fail to publish to the World; That ind••ed she had formerly been his Wife, but that since, he had Repudiated her, by reason of her Incontinency.

Marina having well weigh'd all the Reasons al∣ledged on both sides, as Ambition was the most predominant. Passion in her Soul, and that she had once tasted of the Sweets of a Crown, she inclin'd to the Advice of those, who were of Opinion, that, since she had once sat upon the Throne of Russia, she ought not to let slip any Means, tho' never so difficult, to recover it. This Considera∣tion being the most prevailing with the Lady, who flatter'd herself, with the hopes of better Success in this, than the former Marriage, she resolved to set aside all Scruples, to accommode herself to the present ticklish. Juncture of time, and not to let slip this Opportunity to re-ascend the Throne of Muscovy, which she had lost before, almost as soon as she was in Possession of it. This Resolution having soon been communicated to Demetrius; as the whole Business was a Design of a popular Na∣ture, so it was thought most advisable to be trans∣acted in view of the whole Army; the better to blind the World, and to put some Colour upon the delay of this publick Interview, it was given out, That the Great Dutchess Marina, had been indis∣posed for these ten days last past, ever since her arrival in the Camp, and that being now recovered, Demetrius was going to conduct her to his Tent.

The whole Army therefore being drawn out in∣to the Field,* 1.17 with all the great Officers in their respective Stations, Demetrius accompanied by all the Nobility of both Nations there present, by all the Foreign Ambassadors and Deputies or the re∣volted Provinces, went on Horseback to meet her in the open Field, where being met, they both, at some Yards distance did alight, he from his Horse, she out of her Coach; Having received one another with open Arms, they intermingled their Kisses with Tears, and with Expressions so tender, so passionate, and so natural, that it was impossible even for the most quick-sighted so much as to sus∣pect an Interview so solemn and passionate, to be artificial; especially when they saw the Lady Ma∣rina,

after the first Caresses were past, pay to De∣metrius the highest Reverence and Marks of a most profound Esteem, as she had before given him the most passionate Testimonies of an unfeigned Love, and the most sincere Affection; whilst Demetrius could do nothing else than repay these Endear∣ments with his repeated Embraces.

After some time spent in those mutual Caresses, Demetrius made his particular Application to the Weywode of Sendomiria, the Father of Marina, unto whom he told, That next to the Recovery of his Dear Spouse out of the Hands of those bar∣barous Wretches, nothing could be more pleasing to him at this time, than to see himself in a Con∣dition to make him in Person the Acknowledg∣ments due to him for all the Honours he had re∣ceived at his Hands. He put him in mind, that, as he had been the first who had given real Encourage∣ment to his undertaking, by publickly espousing his Interest in Poland, so he had ever since been the constant Companion of all his Labours and the various Vicissitudes of Fortune, till that unhappy Separation on the sixteenth day of May, occasion'd by the Contrivances of their most barbarous Ene∣mies. He concluded, that the same propitious Fate, which had so miraculously preserv'd him from falling into their Hands, and now bad once more blest him with the sight of those Persons he lov'd and reverenc'd most in the World, in spite of all the malicious Endeavours of their implacable Enemies, seem'd already by its auspicious Influence to have directed his Path, by which to re-ascend his Throne, to enable him to pay his real Acknow∣ledgments to his Friends, and to put his Enemies to Shame and Confusion.

The Weywode, after having returned his most humble Thanks to Demetrius for putting so high a Value upon his Services, for which he own'd him∣self sufficiently rewarded by having honour'd his Family with his Alliance, in marrying his Daugh∣ter, and the publick Acknowledgement given just

now in the Presence of so many great and brave Men, failed not to insert some remarkable Passages common to them both since their first Attempt of entring Muscovy with an Army; and concluded, that he had all the Reason to believe, that the same Power which had been so instrumental in preserving them from so many Dangers, and surmounting all these Difficulties, would crown all their past La∣bours in a little time with a happy End.

To be short, the Lady play'd so naturally the In∣nocent, her Father so ingeniously the Politician, and Demetrius himself personated so artificially the real Grand Duke, that all three acting their Parts to the Life, drew Tears from the Eyes of the Spectators, the most subtle and quick-sighted being constrain∣ed, even against their Inclination, to rest satisfied in such apparent Testimonies of a well-grounded Love and Friendship, as all the rest▪ however wa∣vering before, were now confirm'd of the Reality of Demetrius to be past all Dispute. The whole Ceremony being ended in the Field with all the Dexterity imaginable, they marched in great Pomp, under the Acclamations of the whole Ar∣my to Demetrius his Tent.

The Rumour of this extraordinary Interview having been soon spread all over the neighbouring Provinces, and from thence throughout the whole Empire; the Muscovites ca••••e flocking to the Camp from all Parts; and the most remote Pro∣vinces sent their Deputies to make their Submission to Demetrius, scarce any standing out, except Smo∣lensko, with its Capital City of the same Name, and a few others▪ so that the Camp was abundantly supplied with all manner of Provisions out of the circumjacent Parts. Things being in this Posture, it was resolved to render the whole Camp more convenient, and accommodate it against the ap∣proaching Winter; For which purpose there was not only a very magnificent Structure (after the Muscovite Fashion) erected for the Great Duke and Grea•• Dutchess; but there was scarce a Person

of Qualty, or Officer of Note, who had not a House prepared for his Dwelling-place, with all the Conveniencies that could be had, in a well re∣gulated City, the whole Camp being divided into several goodly Streets, with a Market, and other publick Places; the common Soldiers being lodged in Huts, well provided against the approaching Winter-Season. The whole was encompassed with a very strong Line, fortified at certain distances with Redoubts, and good store of Cannon, so that it had the resemblance of a very large and strong∣ly fortified City.

The Inhabitants of Musco, tho' not a little dis∣heartned by the general Defection of the Country, and the Neighbourhood of the Enemy, who by the countenance of their Camp seem'd to be resolved not to quit the Enterprize at an easie rate, yet did not lose Courage, and finding themselves de∣priv'd of all Means to draw Supplies out of their own Country, they had recourse to the same Po∣licy, which Boris Goudenou intended to have made use of against the Poles, if he had not been pre∣vented by his sudden Death. They were suffici∣ently sensible, that Charles, then King of Sweden, who had found Means to exclude his Nephew Sigis∣mund, then King of Poland, and lawful Heir to the Crown of Sweden, from that Crown, would be glad of any Opportunity to stop the Progress of the Poles, to prevent their becoming Masters of the Empire of Muscovy, which would infallibly open them the way into the Swedish Territories. They apply'd themselves therefore to the beforementioned King Charles, who, upon their Request, sent them con∣siderable Supplies, and first check'd the course of the Victories of the Poles, which gave such Encourage∣ment to many other Provinces of Muscovy, that being tir'd with the Insolencies and Exactions of the Deme∣trians, they shook off the Polish Yoke, and these be∣ing thus entangled in new Difficulties, when they thought themselves upon the point of accomplish∣ing their Design, fell into Dissentions, by the mis∣management

of Sigismund King of Poland, which at last proved fatal, both to Demetrius, and the Polish Affairs in Muscovy, which was thus unex∣pectedly delivered from its Enemies; when in all Humane Appearance, they were ready to triumph over them; as it will sufficiently appear out of the Sequel of this History.

For, when the Poles saw the Muscovites reduced to the greatest straights that could be, by these in∣testine Dissensions, raised and fomented by their Contrivance, they judged now to have met with a favourable Opportunity to make themselves Ma∣sters of that vast Empire. For which reason, the Senate of the Kingdom of Poland, represented to their King Sigismund, how easie it would be for him, at this critical Juncture, to gives Laws to both Parties in that divided Empire, if he would shew himself at the Head of a considerable Army, which was ready at hand in Poland, to march upon his first Orders, into Russia, where they might live upon the Country, whereas they must now be maintain'd at the Charge of the Republick. Be∣sides the benefit he would reap from this Expediti∣on, in giving Laws to the Muscovites, and purging the Kingdom of Poland of a great number of Va∣gabonds and idle Persons, the remnants of their late civil Dissensions, it would be a glorious Work, to revenge the barbarous Murder of so many of his Subjects, and the detaining of his Ambassadors. The Chief thing objected was; that the Truce made some Years ago betwixt both Nations was not expir'd; But this Objection was soon answered, considering that the Muscovites had been the first, who violated it in Massacring the Poles against all Laws of Hospitality, and detaining their Ambassa∣dors, against the Law of Nations; but, supposing this to be insufficient, the specious Pretence Sigis∣mund might make use of in appearing for Demetri∣us, their lawful Great Duke in Possession of the greatest Part of the Empire, against the Usurper of his Crown and Right, would take off the Blame

of the Violation of the Truce in the eyes of the World.

King Sigismund, being swayed by these impor∣tant Considerations, alledged by his Council, at last determined to invade Muscovy with an Army, to be commanded by himself. In order to this De∣sign, every thing being got ready with all possible speed, he put himself at the Head of an A••my, consisting of thirty-thousand Men, and in the Year 1609,* 1.18 in August, passing the River Borysthenes, en∣tred the Territories of Muscovy. It is without all dispute, that▪ if, pursuant to the Advice of the Se∣nate and his Council, he had marched directly to the City of Musco, and in conjunction with the Demetrian Army, attack'd that City, or at least block'd it up more closely than before; the Inha∣bitants who were already reduced to great Straits for want of all manner of Necessaries, would soon have been forced to abandon Zuski, and to embrace his Party; which done▪ it would have been no diffi∣cult Matter to suppress Demetrius, by drawing from his side the Cosacks and Poles (the main, if not the on∣ly Strength of his Army) by great Rewards; and thus, either to render himself absolute Master of the whole Empire, or at least, by coming to a com∣position with Demetrius, to unite all the Muscovian Provinces, bordering on Lithuania and Poland with his Crown. But instead of following these whole∣some Counsels, he took quite contrary measures, which rendred his whole Design abortive, and lost his Son Ʋladislaus the Crown of Muscovy, as he himself, by his own mismanagement had lost that of Sweden. It had been insinuated to him, that if he would march to Smolensko, the Capital of the Province of the same name, it would be surren∣dred into his hands at his first appearing before it. This City, which is seated on the Banks of the Bo∣rysthenes, and surrounded with a very good Wall of Stone and Brick, was in those days much larger than it is now, it having been much altered from its former Beauty and Wealth by the various Chan∣ces

of War; and tho' it had no out-works or Ditch, yet this Defect was supply'd by a very numerous Garrison, consisting of thirty thousand Men, be∣sides the Inhabitants, whose number amounted to as many, if not more, that were able to bear Arms; The Weywode or Governour of the Place, was one Michael Sehin, an intimate Friend of Zus∣ki, who being sufficiently provided with Ammuni∣tion, Artillery, Provisions, and all other Necessaries for a long Siege, was resolved to defend it to the last drop of Blood, knowing it to be the only place of Importance in the whole Empire, which re∣main'd stedfast in the Interest of Zuski▪ Sigismund being misguided by some of his flattering Courtiers, as soon as he had passed the Borysthenes, resolved upon an hasty March, and being cajol'd into a Belief, that he was rather going to receive than force Smo∣lensko, leaving all his Cannon behind him, marched with all possible speed towards that City. He was no sooner come in sight of it, but ••he found him∣self miserably mistaken, both in his Intelligence and Purpose; the Garrison making a furious▪ Sally upon him, and being afterwards summon'd to sur∣render by Sapiha, the Chancellor of Lithuania, the Weywod•• Sehin rejected his Offers with Scorn. There were not a few at that time in the Army, who advised the King not to hazard his Army in the Siege of a Place, which being provided with a numerous Garrison, and resolute in its Defence, would prove a work of great difficulty to gain; but to take hold of this favourable Juncture, which invited him to Musco, the Capital City of the Em∣pire, before they were re-inforced with the Swe∣dish Auxiliaries; but the Opinion of the Lithuanian Chancellour and his Friends, was most prevailing, who remonstrated, that a few Months would re∣duce so great a Multitude, however well provided at present, to distress, when restrain'd from Forage∣ing and bringing in Provisions, or at the worst, that a vigorous Attack would in a little time, bring them to better terms; by which the King having

secured himself a safe Retreat, might with the less danger march to the Capital City of Musco. Pur∣suant to this Resolution, the King ordered all the Avenues and Passages leading to the City, to be taken up by his Cavalry, and afterwards by making a Line of Circumvallation, to cut off all Commu∣nication betwixt the Garrison and the Country. But having not long after received certain Intel∣ligence, that the Place being provided with great store of all Necessaries, this Attempt would in all likelihood prove abortive, they alter'd their▪ Reso∣lution, it being judged most advisable, to change the Blockado into a formal Siege.

For which purpose,* 1.19 the King having ordered his Cannon for Battery, and other Instruments for a Siege to be carried thither out of Lithuania, the City was besieged in due form. The King's attack was carried on, on the West-side of the place, his quarters extending from the Banks of the River Borysthenes to the South. The attack of the Cosacks was on the East-side, their Quarters reaching from the South to the same River. The Sieur Potocki, Palatine of Braclow, had his Post assigned him on the North-side; on the opposite shoar of the Bory∣sthenes, to prevent any Succours from coming to the Relief of the Town that way. But the Besiegers advanced but slowly in their Works for want of Foot; for, tho' the King had late••y received a re∣inforcement of five thousand Cosacks, yet there being not above ten thousand Foot in his whole Army (which according to the Custom of the Po∣landers, was chiefly composed of Horse) these bear∣ing no proportion to so numerous a Garrison, they were continually harrassed by the frequent Sallies of the Besieged, who often drove them from their Trenches, before they could be seconded by their Horse. Their approaches being thus carried on, not without great difficulty, a considerable time was spent, before they could possess themselves of some advantageous Posts near the Walls of the City, which being very convenient for the Besieg∣ers

to fetch in their Supplies of fresh Water, put them to some Distress that way, yet not so, but that they had sufficient Opportunity to furnish themselves with it in the night-time, without be∣ing perceived by the Enemy, by reason of the nearness of the River. Thus the Siege continued with abundance of Toil, but small Success; the King, who now began to be sensible of his Error, being resolved upon a Punctilio of Honour, not to leave the Place till it were reduced, cost it what it would; so that many of the Poles, but especial∣ly of the Cosacks, paid with their Lives for their King's Obstinacy, who might have been employed with much more Probability of Success against the City of Musco.

For, whilst the King was thus wasting his Forces before Smolensko; the Zuskians having received Ad∣vice of the approach of the Swedish Troops, sent to their Assistance, began to concert measures how to remove at a further distance the Demetrian Forces, that had lain so long at their Doors. They were not ignorant of the Inconveniencies, which the Poles labour'd under in the Demetrian Camp. They had sufficient Intelligence of their Divisions and Animosities in their Councils, occasioned by the Multitude of their Chief Commanders, who being sway'd more by their particular Interest and Ambition, than the Good of the common Cause, lost many times an Opportunity of annoying the Enemy. This Instability in their Councils, caused much Carelesness in the whole Conduct of their Affairs, which frequently turn'd to their great Dis∣advantage, as it happned in May in the same Year, when a sharp Engagement hapning betwixt the Inhabitants of the City of Musco and the Demetri∣ans, these had at first the better of them; but making a disorderly Retreat, without the least ne∣cessity, and falling to plunder the Dead, gave the Enemy opportunity to Rally, and being reinforced with fresh Troops out of the City, they so furious∣ly charged the Poles, that they entirely ••outed

them, most of their Foot being either kill'd or taken Prisoners.

The Disgrace they received not long after at Twere must chiefly be ascribed to their divided Counsels; For the Poles, having got Intelligence that the Swedish Auxiliaries were marching towards Musco, sent Zlarowski with three thousand ••orse to observe their Motion, and to annoy them, if pos∣sible, in their March. Zlarowski having had the good Fortune to surprize one of their Regiments, which was advanced at some distance before the rest▪ he cut them all to pieces; This so alarm'd the Musco∣vites, who had put all the Hopes of their Sa••ety in these Auxiliary Troops, that they march'd out with their whole Strength, and join'd them near the City of Twere. The Poles, having got Notice of their March, sent also a considerable Reinforce∣ment to Zlarowski, who meeting them some▪ few Miles beyond Twere,* 1.20 a fierce Engagement ensued, both Parties disputing the Victory with great Ob∣stinacy; The Polish Horse attack'd the two Wings of the Enemies with an irresistible Courage, and the Russians fighting for the last Stake, behaved themselves like Men resolv'd either to overcome or die; notwithstanding which, they were forced to give Ground, both Wings being after a bloody and obstinate Fight routed by the Poles, who killed 8000 (among whom were 1000 German Horse▪) upon the Spot. But the Foot stood all this while unmovable, and had several times made Zla∣rowski, who commanded the main Body of the Polish Army, give Ground, and tho' now left by their Horse, had possest themselves of an advan∣tageous Post, where they could not be attack'd without great Disadvantage. The Polish Horse being extreamly tired by the Fatigues of the Day, and the whole Army much inferiour in Number to that of the Enemy, it was not thought advisa∣ble to pursue them; but on the contrary, all the ablest and most experienced Officers were of O∣pinion to rest contented with what Advantage

they had gotten, and to withdraw to some more advantageous Post. But Zlarowski, emulo••s of the Honour the rest had goten, would by no means consent to their Advice, and being resolved to try his Fortune, whether he could in some Measure recover the Disgrace he had received in that day's Action, would not stir from his Post tho' ex∣pos'd to the Enemies Cannon. So that the rest see∣ing him resolute, and obstinate against their Coun∣sels they quartered themselves in some of the ad∣jacent Villages. The Enemy having by some De∣serters, got notice what Effects their divided Counsels had produced, soon rally'd their Horse▪ and having rejoined their Foot, by break of Day▪ fell with such Fury upon the Poles, that seeing themseves thus surprized, and in no Capacity to second one another, they fought their Way thro' the Enemy, the Foot retiring to Twere, the Horse making the best of their Way to their Camp near Musco, with the loss of a great many of their Companions, and all their Artillery and Bag∣gage.

The Muscovites▪ flush'd with this happy Success, march'd directly to Twere, where they stormed the Castle at three several times with more Courage than Conduct; for the Polish Foot which got be∣fore them within the Place, repulsed them every time with great Slaughter; so that, despairing of carrying the Place, by reason of its numerous Garrison, they raised the Siege, and directed their march towards the River Wolga.

At some Miles distance from Kolasinum,* 1.21 they were encounter'd by a great Body of the Demetrian Horse, who falling in their Rear, brought the whole Arrier-guard in Confusion, till seconded by some fresh Regiments they forced the Poles to re∣tire. Besides this, the Licentiousness of their Disci∣pline in the Demetrian Camp, had occasioned several Seditions for want of Pay; so that Demetrius, to satisfie their Demands, was forced to lay such hea∣vy Taxations upon the Provinces which had sub∣mitted

to his Obedience, that at last becoming in∣tolerable, most of the great Cities revolted, and the Country refused to pay any further Contribu∣tions, looking upon them as the Fuel that nourish∣ed the Flame which had almost consumed them. In some Places they grew so outrageous as to seize, imprison and kill the Tax-gatherers. Demetrius therefore to maintain his Authority and to pro∣tect his Officers, being obliged to send strong Parties into several Parts of the Country, his For∣ces in the Camp were consequently reduced to so small▪ a Number, as not to suffice to check the strong Sallies made by those of the City, much less to hinder them from being supplied with all man∣ner of Necessaries out of the Country; which having been several times attempted by the Poles, they were as often baffled by the Musco∣vites, always much superiour to them in Num∣ber, and becoming every day more courageous, both by the Assistance of their Foreign Auxiliaries, and their Success against the Poles, whose General Rosinski, in one of the Sallies, the Dispute be∣ing very hot, was shot in his side with an Arrow, of which he never perfectly recovered. There is no question, but that if King Sigismund could as yet have been prevailed upon to transfer his Arms from Smolensko to Musco, that by his Authority these Divisions in the Demetrian Camp might have been soon composed, and the Muscovites frighted by the Accession of so considerable a Force to their Enemies, to have been brought to better Terms; but instead of that, he absolutely resolved not to quit the Place till he had taken it, and his Army being extreamly weakned by the long Continuance of the Siege and the frequent Sallies of a numerous Garrison, and not receiving sufficient Recruits out of Poland, or at least not so opportunely as the ur∣gent State of his Affairs required, he took a Re∣solution to draw his Subjects out of the Service of Demetrius, to come to his Aid at the Siege of Smo∣lensko, which entirely ruin'd all his affairs in Muscovy.

It was in vain, that his ablest Counsellours, re∣presented to him, that this unseasonable distracting and weakening the Demetrian Party must needs turn to the great Advantage of Zuski, who, when the City of Musco should be delivered of the Ene∣my that lay at their Gates, would thereby be con∣firm'd in his Throne; that the circumjacent Pro∣vinces which were kept in awe by the Demetrian Army, would soon revolt from him, and Zuski thus strengthened by the united Forces of the Em∣pire, would not fail to come to the Relief of Smo∣lensko. That therefore he ought rather to furnish Demetrius with new Supplies, or at least keep fair with him, and by no means to distract his Forces till he had made himself Master of Smolensko, which when taken, he might march without the Opposition to Musco; there being no question but that all the Polish Forces, and the Places in their Possession, by Promises of great Rewards would without Reluctancy side with him; which would infallibly oblige the Muscovites to fall off from Zus∣ki, and embrace his Party. It was also call'd in question, whether the Poles would be prevailed upon to quit Demetrius, from whom they expe∣cted the Rewards of all their Toils and Labours, especially since the exhausted Treasury of the Commonwealth of Poland was not at present in a Condition to pay their Arrears.

But the King persisting in his Resolution, sent some of his Emissaries into the Demetrian Camp, to endeavour by all means possible to perswade the Poles to abandon the Interest of Demetrius, and to join with the King's Forces before Smolensko. At first the King's Agents met with little Encourage∣ment from the Poles, who told them that they would not by such an untimely Desertion defraud themselves of the fruit of their Labours, but per∣severe in their Faith which they had sworn to De∣metrius, and sent some Deputies to excuse their not joining with the King's Forces before Smolensko. But Sigismund having promised them their Arrears

to be paid, and brought over Rosinski their General, Zlarowski, and some others of the Chief Commanders, to his side, a great many of the Soldiery promis'd to to be obedient to the Orders of their King and Cheif Commanders, and the rest seeing their▪ Affairs to be in a declining Condition began to waver.

Demetrius, not a little terrified at these▪ Pro∣ceedings of King Sigismund, and fearing, not without Reason, that these few Troops which remained faithful to him might scarce be suffi∣cient to rescue him out of the Hands of the Poles, whom he believed to have an Intention to sacri∣fice him to their Avarice and Interest, he re∣solved to withdraw secretly out of the Camp, and retire to a Place of more Security. But be∣fore he came to this Extremity, he thought conve∣nient to try once more, whether by fair Means he could not prevail upon Rosinski to stand stedfast to his Interest; but this having proved fruitless not∣withstanding all the most insinuating Rhetorick he could invent, there pass'd very hot Words be∣twixt them; Demetrius upbraiding him with Trea∣chery and Breach of his Word; and Rosinski calling Demetrius an Impostor, and Son of a Whore.

Demetrius, who would not have brook'd these Words at another time, was fain to put up this Affront with Patience, seeing himself not in a Condition to revenge them;* 1.22 and not thinking himself any longer secure in a Place where he was treated with so much Rudeness, he took Horse im∣mediately after, and with a few of his intimate Friends retired secretly to Caluga. No sooner was the Flight of Demetrius known in the Camp, but all the Muscovite Boyars and Nobles that had e∣spoused his Interest followed him; and Marina, declared, that having not only wedded the good Fortune of her Husband but also his Adversities, she would follow him wherever he went.

The Polish Ambassadors employed all their Rhe∣torick, to perswade her to return into Poland, vainly perswading themselves that her Separation

from Demetrius, would be no small Advancement to King Sigismund's Affairs; but she remain'd unshaken in her Resolution, neither could she be prevail'd up∣on to submit herself to the King's Clemency; The re••••erated Perswasions and Prayers of her Fa∣ther▪ and some other of her most intimate Friends having no further Influence over her Constancy and haughty Spirit, than to comply thus far with their Desires, as to write a Letter to King Sigis∣mund, wherein she told him, That tho' she was a∣bandon'd at this time by most of her Friends, yet that, as she had long ago been used to the sad Vi∣••••••situde•• of Fortune, so she lived still in ••opes that the same God who had so often shewed his Mercy in delivering her from most imminent Dan∣gers, and to whom she entirely recommended her∣self and her Cause, would know his time when to put a happy End to her Sorrows and Miserie••. She added, That for the present, being deprived of all her just Right and Title to the Muscovian Throne, she relinquish'd all to his Majesty's Dis∣posal, and being well satisfied in his Equity and Generosity, she congratulated his arrival in Musco∣vy, wishing him all the Success imaginable. Atl last she recommended herself and her Family to his Royal Protection, promising herself no less from his Generosity than, under what Circumstances so∣ever, to be treated by him according to her Dig∣nity.

In the mean while, Demetrius his Letters arrived in the Camp,* 1.23 which being read publickly, all was in an Alarm and Tumult, no body knowing what Resolution to take; some being for going to Si∣gismund, others for following Demetrius, and a third Party siding with neither, being uncer∣tain what side to chuse. The general Complaint was against Rosinski, by whose Perfidiousness they said Demetrius had been forced to quit the Camp, whereby the Soldiers should be deprived of the Reward of their Blood and Labours.

Marina taking advantage from their Animosities and Irresolution, appear'd among them like an∣other Amazon, and with the Charms of her Words and Looks, transported them beyond all bounds. She spoke to all she met, and calling such of the Commanders, as she knew, by their Names: Is it possible, said she, that you can be so over-seen as to flatter your self into a Belief, that Sigismund will trou∣ble himself to reward the Services done to another; It is from the Great Duke Demetrius, you ought to ex∣pect your Stipend, and the full Reward of all your past Labours; It is out of the Immense Treasure of the Russian Empire, and the prodigious Riches, gathered by the present Ʋsurper, and the Plunder of the rebelli∣ous Muscovites, you ought to be recompensed for your undaunted Courage; All these, if you persist in your faithfulness to Demetrius, will be at your Disposal in a little Time; for you may rest assured, that he will think no Recompence too great for those, to whose Fi∣delity and Courage he shall be Indebted for his Crown.

These Words were like Fuel, added to a raging Flame; for a great many of the Soldiers, but e∣specially the Cosacks, declared they would follow the Fortunes of Demetrius, and began to pack up their Baggage, in order to their departure. Rosin∣ski having in vain, endeavoured to disswade them from their Resolution, caused the Trumpets to be sounded, being resolved, with a strong Body of Polish Horse, to stop their Passage. But these per∣sisting, both Parties had recourse to Arms, the Co∣sacks endeavouring to break through the Polish Horse, so that a bloody Conflict ensued, the Co∣sacks fighting like Lions, and the Poles having the Advantage of their Horses, the greatest part of the Cosacks, opened their way with their Swords, and marched without any further Opposition, direct∣ly to Demetrius, at Caluga; some few ran over to the Muscovites in the City; the rest, with their Commander in Chief, Zarucki, were forced to Re∣treat into the Camp, till a more favourable Oppor∣tunity

should present. There were near two thou∣sand kill'd in this Engagement on both sides.

Marina, during this Confusion, seeing she had effected what she proposed to herself, being dis∣guised in Man's Apparel, and fearing lest Rosinski should be outragious to her, if she stay'd till the Engagement was over, she, attended only by a few trusty Cosacks, and one Maid, made her Escape, and got safe to her Husband at Caluga.

Before her departure, she writ a Letter, which she left in trusty Hands, to be communicated, af∣ter her departure, to the Soldiery; wherein she in∣veighed, in most bitter Terms, against Rosinski, telling them, that neither her Husband, nor she being able any longer to resist the Insolence of the perfidious Rosinski, had been forced to seek for shelter at Caluga, that, for her part, nothing should have induced her to leave the Camp in that Distra∣ction, if it had not been to save her Honour, her Fame, and her Life. That she did not question, but that the Great God the avenger of all Wrongs, would in due time punish the flagitious Perfidy of Rosinski and his Adherents; and reward the fideli∣ty of those who remain'd constant to their Vows and Promises to Demetrius; from whom they might assure themselves of all they could reasonably de∣sire, after the recovery of his Throne by their Assistance.

The Words of this Epistle being read to the Soldiery, sounded in their Ears no otherwise than an Alarm Bell; every one ran to his Arms, and the General Rosinski saw his Tent surrounded, in an instant, with whole Troops of threatning Soldiers. Is it thee, cry'd they, Rosinski, that hast by thy Villa∣nies and Insolence, forced the injured Marina to follow her Husband? ••Is it thee, that by thy Perfideousness, hast betray'd us, to rob us of the due Rewards of our La∣bours? Either restore us our Prince, or be sure thou shalt not escape the hands of Justice; They had no sooner spoke these Words, but they made several shots with their Pistols at him, so that, seeing him∣self

in the utmost danger, he made his escape into another Quarter. The revolted Party ••hose imme∣diately o••e Tiskevitz for their General, dec••••••ing publickly, that they would follow their old Lo••d, Demetrius; and cut all in pieces that should op∣pose them. But, by the Authority and Vigilance of their new General, and the rest of their Chief Officers, they were appeased for that time. But not many days were past, when it having been spread about the Camp (as it is believed by some of Demetrius's Messengers) that it was not safe to tarry longer there, in the ••ight of an Enemy, who questionless, would improve these Divisions and Animosities, to his Advantage; and, if not pre∣vented by their sudden Retreat, make himself a bloody Arbitrator of their Intestine Dissensions. The consideration of so imminent a Danger, raised the Fury of the Soldiers to the highest pitch, who cry'd out aloud, that Rosinski intended to sacrifice them to his Ambition, and that they would be∣gone immediately, and so they fell to packing up their Baggage.

But it having been wisely considered, that if they should march out in separate Bodies, the E∣nemy might easily intercept their Passage, or at least, be very troublesome to them in their March; wherefore, it was resolved, by mutual Consent, to keep together till they came to Volock, where eve∣ry body should be at his disposal, to take what way he found most convenient for his Purpose.

According to this Resolution,* 1.24 they set Fire to their Camp, which for the regularity of its Streets, variety of Structures, and all other Conveniencies, resembled rather a great City, than a Camp; all which being s••on consumed by the Flames, they marched in good Order, with their Cannon, Bag and Baggage, to the abovementioned Place: where Rosinski and Zlarowski, with some thousand Horse, and the remnants of the Cosacks, having declared for King Sigismund; Sapiha, with all his Men, and such others as were resolved to follow the Fortune

of Demetrius, directed their March to Caluga, where they were received with all the demonstrati∣ons of Joy, their Fidelity deserved.

The Muscovites in the City had sufficient Information of the Dissentions that reign'd in the Camp, which they fomented under hand, keeping themselves close within their Walls all this while; for fear, if they should attack them, they might become sen∣sible of their Error, and by the common danger that threatned them, be re-united for their mutual Security; which succeeded so well, that they saw the same puissant Army, which had given Laws to the whole Empire, for the space of two Years, and reduced the Capital City it self, to the last Ex∣tremity, to moulder away to nothing, by the in∣testine Dissensions of their Generals, and the care∣lesness of their Martial Discipline; but more especi∣ally by the mismanagement of Sigismund King of Poland; who by the unseasonable Distractions, oc∣casioned by his recalling the Poles out of the De∣metrian Camp, was the chief Instrument of the Deliverance of the Muscovites, to his great Detri∣ment; for, the Enemy, who before was scarce able to maintain himself within the Walls of Mus∣co, being now freed from that Thorn that stuck so deep in his Flesh, soon gathered new Strength; for that the King, who might, if he had given due En∣couragement to have Demetrius, prosecuted the War at the Expence and Danger of others, or at least, have shared both with them, by his obstinate Perseverance in the Siege of Smolensko, drew the whole Burthen of the War upon his own Shoulders, and thus robb'd himself of the Glory and Advantage of making himself the Arbitrator betwixt both the contending Parties. This memorable Siege was rais'd in the beginning of March, in the Year 1610.

The Citizens of Musco seeing themselves thus de∣liver'd from their troublesome Neighbours, began now to assume new Courage and Vigour, and ha∣ving driven the Poles out of Peresla and Alexandria▪ most of the Provinces which were revolted to De∣metrius,

now again declared for Zuski, offering considerable Supplies, and promising their utmost Assistance in chasing the Poles out of Muscovy.

Zuski, having conceived new Hopes of S••ccess from the Zeal of his Subjects, march'd to the Ri••er Wolga, where he recover'd all the Places as yet in the Possession of the Demetrians, and forced Sapiha (who, as we mention'd before, remain'd stedfast in the Interest of Demetrius) to raise the Siege of the strong Convent of Troitza.

Rosinski, after his Separation from Sapiha and the rest of the Demetrian Forces, had possess'd himself of Volock and the strong Convent of Ossipow, both which he had provided with a good Garrison, ha∣ving sent the rest of his Troops under the Com∣mand of Zlarowski to the King of Poland before Smolensko. He himself, was by reason of an Indi∣sposition occasioned by a hurt he received before Musco, detained at Volock; His Distemper increa∣sing every day, by reason of the Distraction of his Mind, created by his late ill Successes, he was at last overcome, more by the Violence of his Grief, than of his Malady, which deprived him of his Life in a strange Country,* 1.25 at that very time when the Zuskians were approaching the Place in order to besiege it.

Volviowitz, the Zuskian General, having soon re∣ceived Intelligence of the Death of Rosinski, hast∣ned his March, and having immediately caused the Town to be attacked with Vigour, the Garrison all in a Distraction by the Death of their General, sur∣render'd it in a few Days, without making any con∣siderable Resistance.

From thence he turn'd his Arms to Ossipo••, which he also took, but not without great Diffi∣culty, and the Loss of a great many of his Men. For, this Place being garrison'd by a thousand French and Germans, they beat off the Muscovites in several bloody Assaults, and obliged them to turn the Siege into a Blockade, which having redu∣ced the Garrison to the last Extremity for want of

all manner of Necessaries, they took a Resolution ra∣ther to force their way with their Swords in their Hands thro' the Enemies than tamely to surrender up∣on dishonourable Conditions. They chose Midnight as the fittest time for the Exploit, when, having refresh∣ed themselves with what Provisions there was left, and having taken their farewel of one another by Embraces, and drinking each a Cup of Aqua vitae, they made a Sally out of the Gate which leads to Smolensko, and like Men resolved to die, attacked the Muscovites in their Posts, with an unparallel'd Bravery, of whom a great many were kill'd before they could be relieved by fresh Troops; when their Number increasing continually, they kill'd most of the Garrison (but not without great Slaughter on their side) two hundred only escaping to King Si∣gismund's Camp; And the rest sold their lives so dearly, that some thousands of the Muscovites were slain upon the Place.

In the mean while the King of Poland had made several fruitless Attacks upon the City of Smolensko, the Garrison of which Place defended it self with a most gallant Resolution. The Attempt which was made at the Gate of S. Michael by one No∣wodorski a Polander and Captain of the King's Guards, deserves among the rest a particular Re∣membrance here. For he, having fastned a Petard to the abovementioned Gate, laid open a Passage into the Town, and with a few young Polish No∣blemen entred the City with their Scymetars drawn, cutting down all before them; There is no question but that if they had been vigorously secon∣ded by the rest, the Place must have infallibly fallen into the Hands of King Sigismund; But most of them not daring to follow, he and his small Company were over-powered by the great Number of the Muscovites, who flock'd to the Defence of the Gate; yet they made good their Retreat, with the Loss of two only of their Com∣panions, leaving behind them most evident Proofs of their Valour among the Muscovites; They being

now forewarn'd, took care to block up their Gates with Earth, and making deep Trenches before them to prevent their being surprized upon the same Ac∣count for the future.

Zuski, being flush'd with the variety of these Suc∣cesses, and having got together an Army of above fifty thousand Men, all chosen Troops, a great ma∣ny of them being Germans, Swedes, and French, was resolved to push on his Fortune, and, if pos∣sible, to clear Muscovy, both of its foreign and domestick Enemies. If he had bent his whole Force against Demetrius who at that••time lay with the Remnants of his Army near Caluga, there is no question but that he might have destroyed him and his Party past all Recovery; but despising his small Number, he committed the Care of them to his Tartarian Troops, whilst he with the main Ar∣my march'd to the Relief of Smolensko.

King Sigismund having received timely Intelli∣gence of their Design was not unprepared for their Reception, and having sent Stanislaus Zolkievitski with ten thousand Men, to take Possession of some advantageous Posts near Clusin, he resolved there to expect the Enemy. Not many days were past before the Muscovites were advanced within sight of the Poles, when pursuant to a Resolution taken in a Council of War, the whole Army was drawn out in order of Battle to attack in their Advan∣tage.

The left Wing of the Zuskian Army was com∣posed of Muscovites; the Right, of Swedes, French, and a good Number of Tartarian Horse, the main Body consisting most of Germans, and some other mercenary Soldiers. The Poles were much inferiour in Number to the Muscovites, but trusting upon their Courage and the Advantage of the Ground they received the Enemy with great Bravery, who confiding in their Number attack'd them with incre∣dible Fury. The Fight was very bloody, and re∣mained doubtful for some Part of the day; for tho' the Poles soon routed the Left Wing com∣manded

by the Brother of Zuski, yet the Swedes and the Tartars in the Right fought it out very gal∣lantly and the Germans in the main Body being plac'd upon a Ground full of Shrubs and other Rubbage, where the Polish Horse could not advance without great Difficulty, repulsed them several times with great Slaughter; till at last the Right Wing of the Muscovite Army being brought first into Confusion, and afterwards totally routed; the German Foot seeing themselves deprived of the Assistance of their Horse,* 1.26 and on all sides surrounded by the Poles, gave the Signal for Parley, which being readily granted by King Sigismund, and the Hostages inter∣changed, it was agreed▪ that such as should be wil∣ling to enter into Pay in the Polish Army should be entertained by the King according to their respe∣ctive Stations, the rest to remain Prisoners of War.

Scarce had the Treaty been signed, and was just upon the Point of being executed, when De la Garde, who commanded the Swedish Auxiliaries in Hopes that the German Foot had maintained their Ground, having rallied the Wings that were broken before, returned to the place of Battle, but being informed of what had pass'd, he intreated the Germans to return in Conjunction with the Horse to the Charge. But these were deaf to all his Admonitions and Perswasions, declaring that they would not be guilty of the Breach of the Treaty so lately made with the Poles, who there∣upon afresh attack'd the Muscovite Horse, entirely routed them a second time and after a Pursuit of some Hours, made themselves Masters of their Camp, Artillery and Baggage.

Most of the German Foot having taken Service under King Sigismund,* 1.27 he to terrifie the Garrison of Smolensko, ordered a most solemn Triumph to be made in the Camp, where a great Number of Cap∣tives, Colours and other Warlike Ensigns of his late obtained Victory, were exposed to the View of the Muscovites within the City unto whom ha∣ving at the same time caused to represent the irre∣coverable

Loss of Zuski and his Party, after so sig∣nal an overthrow, he assured them, that if they did not make use of this last Offer the King intended to make them of deserving his Mercy; they must infallibly expect to be involved in his Ruin. Most of the Inhabitants shewed a great Inclination to a sur∣render upon such honourable terms as were offered by King Sigismund; But Sehin their Weywode being a Man of an undaunted Courage, would not hear∣ken to any Propositions tho' never so advanta∣geous; and having represented to them that their Condition was such as to be able to stop the Car∣reer of the Victorious Poles, and to their eternal Glory, to deserve the Honour of having upheld the declining Fate of their Country against its mortal Enemies, they unanimously resolved to defend them∣selves to the last Extremity.

In the mean time, the Muscovites began to feel the direful Effects of the loss of this Battle; For, Sapiha (now the Demetrian General) had routed the Mus∣covian Tartars, near Twitza, and cut to pieces ano∣ther considerable Body of their Troops at Borowsko; King Sigismund, having got notice, that Volviowitz the Zuskian General was, after the last Defeat▪ retir'd with a Body of ten thousand Men under Czarow, sent thither part of his Army, the very sight of which, so terrified the Muscovites, that without striking one Blow, they surrendred to the Conque∣rour's discretion; the Demetrian Army began to ap∣proach a second time their Capital City, and the Poles had detatch'd a considerable Body from the Siege of Smolensko, whom they expected to see every day at their Gates. The worst of all was, that in the last Battle, they had lost the Flower of their Army, and most of their Foreign Auxiliaries, in whom they most confided, the Germans having taken Service among the Poles; so that, having not the least prospect of repairing their ruined Troops, nor any other Means left to defend themselves against the Power of two Armies, that were on their march to besiege them more closly than ever, they were at the greatest

Plunge, how to extricate themselves out of these impending Miseries.

After various Debates among the Nobles, who most took to Heart the present miserable State of their Country, they had recourse to the same States Policy, which had prov'd successful to their Affairs before, to wit, to try whether by raising new Di∣visions among the Poles and Demetrians, they might not find once more an Opportunity to save themselves from this imminent Danger, which, if not soon prevented, threatned their infallible De∣struction. To encompass this Design, it was pro∣posed to seize upon the Great Duke Basili Zuski and to give it out that they were resolved to put Ʋla∣dislaus, the Son of Sigismund King of Poland, upon the Throne of Muscovy; that thereby they should infallibly ruin the Interest of Demetrius, and con∣sequently rid themselves of a vile Impostor, whose very Name was become odious to them, and at the same time, restore immediately Peace to their harras∣sed Country. It was represented, that, tho' they ought to look upon the Poles, as their most dreadful and mortal Enemies, that nevertheless, their only Busi∣ness being now to get time, and to breath a little; the Poles, inveigled by their fair Promises, would soon become secure, and furnish them with an op∣portunity, either quite to elude the Election of Ʋ∣ladislaus, or, if that was not thought advisable, they might find sufficient Means, at one time or other, to rid their hands of him, under pretence of his Childhood, which, if well tim'd, they might make use of so favourable a Juncture, to endeavour to return their Government into its antient Channel, from whence it had been diverted by the Artifices of their Enemies, and had been the occasion of all the Miseries they had endured of late. This De∣sign, laid upon deep Reasons of State, succeeded at last according to their Expectation, by the mis∣management of the Poles▪ who were, by the good Conduct of the Muscovites, not long after, obliged to leave that Empire, and restore to it that Repose,

which with vast Expences, and the effusion of a great deal of Blood, they had robb'd it of, for near twenty years before. The Muscovian Boyars, and Nobles, having thus concerted measures among themselves, according to which, the Ruin of Zus∣ki was resolved on, as the only means to encom∣pass the intended Deliverance of their native Coun∣try, it was by their Instigation whisper'd about among the Populace, how that Basili Zuski, the present Great Duke, ought to be considered, as the Chief Author of all their Misfortunes, who by his Sorceries and Tyranny, had drawn down upon the People of Muscovy, the vengeance of God Al∣mighty; and that by his Miscarriages, they were again plung'd into these Miseries, wherewith they saw themselves environed past all Redemption, unless they took new measures for their common Safety.

Zuski had, since his accession to the Crown, ren∣dered his Government very obnoxious to the Cen∣sures of the Nobles; For, having mounted the Throne, by Blood and fraudulent Means, he be∣gan to be jealous of his most trusty Friends, and, to gratifie his Fears, exercised his Cruelties upon se∣veral Persons of an eminent Rank, whom he caused to be put to Death upon no other Pretence, than his having secret Intelligence of their Unfaithful∣ness. As his Reign was one continued Series of Troubles, so when he was at a Plunge, he used to have recourse to Sorcerers and Witchcraft, and be∣ing infatuated by their Perswasions, he committed such Barbarities as are scarce to be named without horror. It was upon this account, he caused the Wombs of big-bellied Women, to be ript open, to make use of the immature Fruit, to accomplish his Enchantments, which, he was vainly perswa∣ded, would be more efficacious against the Poles, than his Sword. Some of his Wizzards having foretold him, that one, whose name was Michael, should succeed him in the Throne, he caused three of his most faithful Friends and Servants to be made

away, for no other reason, but because they bore that name, which for all his barbarous Precautions, was verified in the Person of Mich. Federowitz, the present Czar's Grandfather. There were in the great Church within the Castle, amongst other Things of great Value, thirteen Statues, representing our Sa∣viour and the twelve Apostles, all of massie Gold, each of them of the bigness of a Man, valued at near three hundred thousand Pounds Sterling. Zuski being at last reduced to great Straights for want of Money, and having, in vain, try'd all the Skill of his Sorcerers, who were not able to supply his present Occasions, he had recourse to the twelve Apostles, whom he displaced from their Station in the Church, and having caused them to be melted down, made use of the Metal for the Payment of his Soldiers. He had so much Grace as to spare the Statue of our Saviour, which the Poles, not long after, converted to the same use.

All these Enormities, being now by the Nobles, who had conspir'd his Ruin, improved to his dis∣advantage, the Populace (whose Darling he was before) prompted more by their Zeal for their golden Statues, than the Love and Welfare of their Country,* 1.28 soon shook hands with the Nobility; and seeing Demetrius to meditate a second time the Siege of their Capital City, they, with the same unani∣mous Consent, wherewith they had raised him be∣fore to the Throne, pull'd him down again, and thrust him, with his two Brothers, into a Cloy∣ster.

This done, they sent their Deputies to Zolkievitz∣ski, the Polish General, who commanded that Body, which was approaching to the City of Musco, unto whom they promised to chuse Ʋladislaus, the Prince of Poland, for their Great Duke, provided he would defend them against Demetrius.

Zolkievitzki,* 1.29 gladly accepting of their Propositi∣ons, detatch'd immediately a good Body of his best Troops, who being readily admitted into the City, he followed in few days after with the whole Army,

pitching his Tents on the East side of the City; as Demetrius was encamped on the Western part. Some time being spent in Consultations, betwixt the Muscovites and Poles, the first opened their Gates to the last, so that Zolkievitzki, marching with his whole Army through the City, fix'd his Camp near to that of Demetrius, who, tho' not a lit∣tle surprised at this sudden and near approach of the Poles, yet was forced to put the best Countenance he could upon the Matter, and to smother his pre∣sent Resentment.

There being thus a communication, and seeming friendly Correspondence maintain'd betwixt both Camps, Zulkievitzki found it no very difficult Task to debauch that Body of Polish Horse, Commanded by Spiaha, which hitherto had remain'd stedfast in the Interest of Demetrius; These having received the publick Faith of the Commonwealth of Poland for the Payment of all their Arrears, unanimously revolted, and declared for King Sigismund.

Zarucki, the General of the Cosacks, and Kasi∣nowski, Prince of the Tartars, that served in the Demetrian Camp, both intimate Friends of De∣metrius, seeing themselves thus deprived of the assistance of the Polish Horse, the main strength of their Army, and that the City of Musco was de∣fended by a great Body of Poles, both within and without its Walls, began now to despair of the Fortune of Demetrius; and thinking it not advisa∣ble to involve themselves in his Ruine, they re∣solved to embrace the Party of the Conquering Pole, expecting to reap from the Success of Sigis∣mund, the Fruits of their past Labours.

Whilst these were preparing to wait upon the King before Smolensko,* 1.30 Demetrius forsaken not only by the Poles, but also by them he most confided in, and seeing himself and his Affairs exposed to Di∣spair, sought once more for Refuge at Cal••ga, which, having served him as a Shelter before, now received him again with open Arms.

The Muscovites, being thus freed from Demetrius, would fain have recalled their former Promise of Electing Ʋladislaus their Great Duke, alledging that they could not proceed to his Election till he were present in Person, to confirm to them by Oath, the maintenance of their Religion and Ancient Cu∣stoms. But Zolkievitzki, having declared in the Name of King Sigismund, that he would not quit the City with his Army till he saw Prince Ʋladislaus seated upon the Throne, and that therefore he ex∣horted them to fulfil their solemn Promise without any further Tergeversations, unless they would ex∣pose their Capital City to inevitable Destruction; and that he was ready to swear to such Articles in the Great Duke's Name, as should be agreed betwixt them; they judged it most adviseable not to exaspe∣rate the Poles, who at present had two potent Ar∣mies one in the very Bowels of the City of Musco, the other in the Empire before Smolensko.

These Considerations at last prevailing over the Aversion they had against the Poles, and being per∣swaded that the Childhood of Ʋladislaus could not but furnish them, in a little time, with an Oppor∣tunity of ridding their Hands of him, as they had done of both the Demetrius's, they proceeded with all the usual Solemnities to the Election.

The chief Conditions were; That a general Am∣nesty and Act of Oblivion should be passed; and all their Ancient Customs and Privileges confirmed and established.

That the new Great Duke Ʋladislaus should, with all convenient Speed, come in Person into Russia.

That he should conserve their Religion inviola∣ble, and for the better Settlement of the same and the whole Kingdom, abjure the Roman Catholick Faith, and embrace the Greek Religion.

Zolkievitzki and some of the great Officers of the Polish Army having confirmed these Articles by Oath in the Name of the new Great Duke, he was, tho' absent, proclaimed with the usual Ceremonies

and Fealty sworn to him by all the Boyars,* 1.31 Nobles, and Chief Officers there present, as Great Duke and Emperour of Russia, with great Demonstrations of Joy, and the Acclamations of the People.

As a further Pledge of their Fidelity, and to re∣move all the Shadow of Dissimulation from them∣selves, they sacrificed Zuski and his two Brothers to the present Exigency of the State, who were surrendred into the Hands of Zolkievitzki, and by his direction sent to Sigismund King of Poland▪ where the unfortunate Zuski,* 1.32 with one of his Bro∣thers, after having been forced to adorn the Tri∣umph of King Sigismund and Zolkievitzki, ended his Days in Prison, as will appear out of the follow∣ing Chapter.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Basili Zus∣ki made Emperour.
• * 1.2

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.3

  Zuski rou∣ted by the ••••••∣trians.
• * 1.4

  Quia me vestigia terrent.
• * 1.5

  Another Demetri∣us set up by the Poles,
• * 1.6

  Thula sur∣rendred to Zuski.
• * 1.7

  Zuski's Army dis¦persed.
• * 1.8

  The Zus∣kians rou∣ted.
• * 1.9

  Zuski's Army en∣tirely rout∣ed.
• * 1.10

  The Mus∣covites de∣feated.
• * 1.11

  Musco block'd up by Deme∣trius.
• * 1.12

  The Zu••∣ki••n Army ro••ted.
• * 1.13

  Kally again.
• * 1.14

  The Zus∣kians bea∣ten a se∣cond time.
• * 1.15

  Marina and her Father set at liberty.
• * 1.16

  Are inter∣cepted and conducted to Deme∣trius.
• * 1.17

  Marina re∣ceiv••d by Deme∣trius.
• * 1.18

  King Si∣gismund 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Muscovy.
• * 1.19

  Sigismund besieges Smolen∣sko.
• * 1.20

  Engage∣ment be∣twixt the Poles and Musco∣vites near Twere.
• * 1.21

  A••••ther Engage∣ment•• near Kolasi∣num.
• * 1.22

  Deme∣trius with∣draws him∣self.
• * 1.23

  Mutiny in the Deme∣trian Camp.
• * 1.24

  The De∣metrian Campbroke up.
• * 1.25

  Rosinski dyes.
• * 1.26

  Zuski rou∣ted.
• * 1.27

  The Zus∣kians rou∣ted a se∣cond time.
• * 1.28

  Zuski de∣posed.
• * 1.29

  The Poles admitted in to the City of Musco.
• * 1.30

  Demetri∣us retreats from be∣fore Mus∣co.
• * 1.31

  Uladislaus proclaimed Great Duke.
• * 1.32

  Zuski sur∣render'd to the Poles.