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.

Vol. II. (Book 2)

CHAP. I.

Containing a full Relation of the Revolutions in the Muscovian Empire, after the Death of that Great Tyrant, John Basilovits, to wit: Ʋnder the Reigns of Fedor Ivano∣vits, his Son, Boris Goudenou, his Son Fedor, and the Counterfeit Demetrius.

JOhn Basilovits had by Anastasia, his first La∣dy, two Sons, John and Fedor or Theodor; the first having been slain by his Father's own Hands, as we told before. Fedor Iva∣novits was after his eldest Brother's Death, the next Heir to the Empire, and accordingly Crown'd Grand Czar of Muscovy, when he was scarce two and twenty years of Age. He was Married some years before his Father's Death, to Irene, Sister of Boris Goudenou, a Lady of a very lofty Temper and Carriage, by whom having no Issue, he had been several times commanded by his Father, to send her into a Monastery (according to the Custom of Muscovy) but his Affection and Endearments of this Lady, being more prevailing with him than his Interest, he had by several De∣lays, put off the Execution of it. Being now

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

mounted on the Throne, and Boris advanced to the Dignity of Lord High-Steward of Muscovy (the highest Station, next to the Prince in the Em∣pire) he knew how to manage the Affection of a Prince, who always had preferr'd his private Plea∣sures and Retirement, before Publick Affairs, with so much Dexterity, that the Princess, in a great measure, ow'd the continuance of her Greatness to him, as he was absolutely beholding to her for his first Advancement.

Boris Goudenou was a Man naturally qualified for the Management of Affairs of State, and in a very few Years had attained to that degree of Perfection in Flattery and Dissimulation, that he seem'd to be the Darling both of his Prince and the People; both being equally well satisfied in his Conduct. Thus by the Advantages of his Quality and Dexterity, and the Weakness of the Czar Fe∣dor, having got the whole Management of Affairs into his own Hands, he began to bend all his Thoughts, how to secure the Crown of Muscovy to himself and his Family; the better to enable him∣self to obtain his Ends, after he had gain'd the Af∣fection of the common People, he resolved to smooth his way to the Throne, by the Favour of the Nobility, most of whom having a Dependance from him, as the only Person, through whose hands all Places of Honour, Trust or Profit passed, were soon brought over by the Hopes and Advantages of Preferments to his Party. Having thus laid the Foundation to his projected Greatness, the main Obstacle of his growing Ambition, was Demetrius, the youngest Son of John Basilovits, by a second Adventure, and Brother to the Czar Fedor Ivano∣vits, who was Educated under his Mothers care in the Castle of Ʋgletz.

His Death being therefore resolved on,* 1.1 four of the Prince's own Domesticks were by vast Promi∣ses engag'd to undertake the Fact. The better to cover their Design, they set at mid-night the City of Ʋgletz on Fire in several places, and having thus

fill'd all with horror and confusion, they ran du∣ring the general Consternation to the Castle, under pretence of saving the Prince; and being admitted into his Bed-chamber, took their Opportunity, while he was looking out of the Window, to see the approaching Flame, and stabb'd him in several places with poyson'd Daggers, and so leaving him wallowing in his own Blood, took Post for M••s∣co, flush'd with hopes of ample Rewards for so extraordinary piece of Service. But they were grievously mistaken in their Account; for Boris Gou∣denou, considering with himself how dangerous they might prove one time or another to his Af∣fairs, took a Resolution to take the first Opportunity of ridding himself of these Evidences of his Trea∣chery; to effect which, he hir'd others, who by the Temptations of great Rewards were made the Ex∣ecutioners of those four Murderers of their Prince.

To prevent the Murmurs of the People, who were all startled at the suddenness of so bloody a Tragedy, he made use of the same Method he had done at Ʋgletz; For, having caused the City of Musco to be set on fire in several Parts, he did not question but that this general Consternation would divert the Peoples Thoughts from enquiring into the true Circumstances of this Murther: And to remove as far as possibly could be from himself, all Suspicion of having had the least hand in so barba∣rous a Murder, he declared, that he would revenge the Death of the Prince Demetrius, upon the In∣habitants of Ʋgletz. For, no sooner was the first Consternation, occasioned by the Fire in that City, a little over, but a Rumor being spread, that the Prince had been Murder'd, the Inhabitants forced their Way into the Castle, and transported with a furious Zeal of revenging his Death, slew all his Servants, without any distinction. This, which in all probability seem'd to clear them from the Stain of the Fact, was by the Contrivance of Bo∣ris, interpreted to their Destruction; alledging,

that they having slain all those from whom any In∣quisition might have been made concerning this As∣sassination, it would but be a sufficient Argument of their Guilt; and that the Murder being to be laid at their door, they must be proceeded against like Criminals. In effect, a great many of the Citizens of Ʋgletz, were banish'd, some were tortur'd, hang'd and drown'd; And not contented thus, af∣ter he had caused the whole Court to go into Mourn∣ing, and recommended the Care of the Funebrial Pomp, to Knez Basili-zuski, he commanded the Castle of Ʋgletz to be raz'd and levelled with the Ground.

Having thus signaliz'd his pretended Passion for Demetrius,* 1.2 his next Care was to remove the only remaining Obstacle to his Greatness, to wit, the Grand-Czar Fedor, whose End was hastned with Poyson, after he had reign'd twelve Years. The Great Duke being sensible of his approaching Death, did beque••th the Administration of the Govern∣ment to his Lady, Irene, Sister to Boris, to be as∣s••sted by the Counsel of the Patriarch in Matters of Moment.

The Widow,* 1.3 after his Death, ascended the Throne without any Reluctancy; but, after she had for some time labour'd under the weight of so vast an Empire, whether she was grown weary of the Burthen, or that she thought it more conveni∣ent to entail the Crown upon her Family, by trans∣serring it to her Brother, she declared her self un∣capable of undergoing it any longer, and acquitting her self of so great a Charge; and, that she, pre∣ferring the Contents of a private Life, before the Toils of a Crown, was ready to resign all her Au∣thority into the Hands of the Nobility, which she did accordingly, in the Year▪ 1597.

Boris Goudenou, who was sufficiently acquainted with the mutinous Temper of the Muscovites, when freed from that Servile Yoak, which otherwise keeps them under Subjection, and that most among the Nobles being raised by, and dependent

from his Favour, would not dare to lay hold of the Government, was resolved to improve the general Consternation and Confusion of the Peo∣ple to his Advantage, being sensible that the No∣bles would be emulous, who should most shew his Zeal in placing him upon the Throne. Finding therefore the Nobility ready to make their Addresses to him, he cunningly caused a Rumor to be spread abroad by his Emissaries, that being tir'd with the Toils of his Charge of Lord High Steward of Mus∣covy, he was resolved to quit it, by retiring into a Monastery, to end the remainder of his Days in quiet. The People being thus more and more transported with the Apprehensions of their Ruin, when they perceived, that among all the Nobility, there was not one who durst as much as to under∣take the Management of the Government, they join'd with the Nobility, and the Clergy, whose chief Interest consisted in maintaining the Publick Peace, were of opinion, that all the States of the Empire ought to make their humble Submissions to Boris, to try whether by their joint Importunities, he might, perhaps, be prevail'd upon to take upon him the Burthen of the Empire. The Nuns quit∣ted their Cloisters, and the Women ran with their Children in their Arms, to back the Estates of the Empire, and to offer their most humble Prayers to Boris, like to the tutelar Saint of Muscovy; so, that being at last overcome by their Prayers and La∣mentations, he yielded to the absolute Necessity of his Country; and, after he had spoken much in praise of a retir'd Life, he protested to them, That it was not to the Honour and Greatness of his House,* 1.4 but meerly to their Importunities, and the Love of his Country, that he was going to sacrifice all the Satisfa∣ction he found in a retir'd Life, and that the only mo∣tive, which made him offer Violence to his own Inclina∣tions, was, that he could not see any longer so glorious an Empire, exposed to the imminent Danger of ap∣proaching Ruin; But knowing himself too weak for so great a Burthen, he hoped that they would not deny

to Aid him with their Counsels, when Occasion should require; and that relying upon their Honour and Judg∣ment, he would chearfully receive the Trust, which he would be ready to Maintain and Defend to the last Drop of his Blood, assuring them, that if he could not equal his Predecessors in Greatness and Glorious Actions abroad, he would endeavour to exceed them in Temperance and the Mildness of his Government.

It must be confess'd, that Boris did shew no less Conduct and Wisdom in preserving the Crown, than he had used dexterity in acquiring it. For he entirely engag'd the Army to his Service by great Rewards, he continued the Nobility in their for∣mer Dignities, and heap'd upon them new Favours and Preferments; The common People he ty'd to his Interest, by easing them of their Taxes, and the Mildness of his Government; and having thus secur'd the Affections of his Subjects at home, he was no less careful of Establishing a good Intelli∣gence abroad with the Neighbouring Princes, for which purposes, new Treaties were set on foot, and concluded betwixt him and the Poles, Swedes, and other Nations, bordering upon Muscovy. Thus the whole Interest of his Government seem'd, in all human Appearance, to be built upon so solid a Foundation, that no power upon Earth was like to overturn it, as being founded upon the general Affections of the People at home under the Ma∣nagement of a Prince, who, for his Wisdom, Ex∣perience and Courage, was look'd upon abroad, as one of the most promising Princes, that ever a∣scended the Throne of this vast Empire.

But mark the sudden Change of all humane Af∣fairs, how subject to continual Vicissitudes. What perhaps the most powerful Foreign Enemy durst scarce have attempted at that Juncture of Time, was effected by a poor inconsiderable Monk, who by his Devices put the whole Russian Empire into such a Confusion, that, in spite of all the Precautions of Boris, he broke all his Measures, and brought the Empire of Muscovy to the very brink of Ruin and Destruction.

[illustration]

The first counterfeit Deme••rius▪

The Name of this Monk was Frisko or Grisko O∣tropeja;* 1.5 he was descended from a very noble but decay'd Family, and by his Parents, for his Debau∣cheries, sent to the Monastery of Trinouka, to cor∣rect his Extravagancies by the Retiredness of a Mo∣nastick Life. But being not only of an excellent Wit, but also of a very handsom Aspect and Mien, and his outward Behaviour and whole Person suita∣ble to his great Genius; and this Confinement not agreeing with his aspiring Thoughts, put him into a deep Melancholy. A certain old cunning Monk of the same Monastery, who was a secret Enemy of the then Great Duke Boris Goudenou, having ta∣ken notice of it, and judging that the Cause of his Sadness proceeded from his present Confinement, the Narrowness of a Monastick Life not being any wise suitable to his capacious Soul, contracted an intimate Friendship with him, endeavouring to di∣vert his Pensivenss by the Instructions he gave him, first, concerning the Ancient State of the Russian Empire, and afterwards by giving him a full Re∣lation of the present Posture of Affairs under the Usurpation of Boris Goudenou. Being not unac∣quainted with the Treacheries by which Boris had compassed his Aim, he did not forget to tell him, how he had caused Demetrius the youngest Son of John Basilovits to be murthered at Ʋgletz, how the Grand Duke Fedor, the Elder Brother of Deme∣trius, was poison'd by his Contrivances; and that by the Murther of these two Princes, as by so ma∣ny steps he had ascended the Throne. He told him, that though his Interest was laid deep at present in the Nobility, yet that there were not wanting such among them, as, being sensible of the Treachery committed against the two Princes, and envying his Greatness, would not Refuse to embrace the first Opportunity that offer'd to expose his treache∣rous Designs to the View of the World, which be∣ing once done, would soon turn the Affection of the common People into a mortal Hatred against him. He cunningly insinuated to the young Monk,

That his Person and Aspect, being not much diffe∣rent from that of Prince Demetrius, and his Genius sitted for great Undertakings, it would be no diffi∣cult Task for him to personate the true Demetrius, (whom they would give out to have been saved from the Assassins by the Care of his Mother) and, at once, to punish the Treachery of Boris, and to supply the Place of Prince Demetrius in the Throne of Muscovy. Grisko, who was naturally of an As∣piring Temper, having received the Proposals of the Old Monk with a great deal of Satisfaction, they began to concert Measures, which way to put their projected Design in Execution; and wisely consi∣dering with themselves, that as soon as the thing should take the least Vent, there would be no safe∣ty for this New-model'd Demetrius in Muscovy, un∣less at the Head of a considerable Body, it was thought most advisable for him to retire into Poland, where he might find an Opportuni∣ty to make himself known to be the true Demetrius, and with the Assistance of his Friends who by the Prospect of great Advantages might be drawn into his Interest, publickly lay claim to the Crown of Muscovy. Pursuant to this Resolution, the Old Monk, with his Pupil, travelled towards the Palatinate of Kiovia bordering upon Muscovy, where having introduc'd him into the Service of a Person of very eminent Quality and Interest in those Parts, whose Name was Adam Wisnowiski, and given him such further Instructions, as he thought most conducing towards the Accomplish∣ment of their Design, he return'd into Russia, in or∣der to prepare the Muscovites for the Reception of this Demetrius as soon as he should be in a Capacity to appear at the Head of a considerable Party up∣on their Borders. To effect this, he got it whi∣spered about, That Prince Demetrius, the youngest Son of John Basilovits, was still living, that his Mo∣ther having got timely Notice of the Design of Boris against his Life, had caused him secretly to be con∣veyed a way from Ʋgletz to a place of Safety, and, in

his stead, had provided another Child much of the same Age, which had been murther'd instead of the Prince Demetrius, who, as he gave it out, was then in Poland, making great Preparations for the Reco∣very of his Right, against the Usurpation of Boris.

Whilst the Old Monk was thus preparing the Minds of the Muscovites, and especially of the Cosacks, Grisko Otropeja, who in the mean while, had by all possible means endeavour'd to insinuate himself into the Favour of Wisnowiski with very good Success, was only watching an Opportunity of ma∣king his intended Discovery, which soon after of∣fer'd it self, when he least expected it. For Wisnowiski being in a violent Passion one day, not only call'd him a Son of a Whore, but also seconded his Words with some Blows; which Occasion Grisko taking hold of, with a feigned Perplexity, and Tears in his Eyes; You would not, said he, my Lord, treat me thus, if you were as well acquainted with my Quality as my Person; and what grieves me most, is, that I should receive this Affront from the Man in whom I had centred all the Hopes of my future Re-establishment. Having spoken these Words, ab∣ruptly, and with a becoming Sadness and Modesty, he was turning away, from Wisnowiski, who being surprised at Grisko's Discourse, ask'd him▪ all on a sudden, And who art thou, then? what is thy Name? what Business is it has brought thee into this Country? Grisko Otropeja, being not unprepared with an An∣swer, told him, with a well-composed Countenance. The same Confidence which swayed me to put my self under your Protection, obliges me to reveal a Se∣cret to you, which otherwise ought to be kept concealed in my own Breast: Know then, that Muscovy is my Native Country, that the Great Duke John Basilovits was my Father, and that I am the same Demetrius, who, by the Assassins sent by Boris Go••denou, was to have been slain at Ugletz, had not my Mother (who had got private Intelligence of the intended Murther) preserved my Life by sending me away secretly, and putting a certain Priest's Son, of the same Age, in

my place, who was accordingly assassinated and buried in my stead. I have ever since lain conceal'd in a Monastery, till prompted by a just Ambition of Re∣covering my Right, I took a Resolution to seek for Aid abroad against the Ʋsurper of my Throne, the Murtherer of my Brother Fedor the late Great Duke, and my mortal Enemy. He shew'd him also a Cross richly beset with Diamonds, which he pull'd out of his Bosom: This, said he, is the only Remnant of my former Greatness, and the dear Pledge of my Mo∣thers Love; and, since I have freely trusted you with a Secret known but to very few in the World, and thereby made you Master both of my Life and For∣tune, I live in hopes that you will not refuse me your generous Assistance in the Recovery of my Father's Throne, which I shall always be ready to acknowledge to the utmost of my Power. Demetrius was a Person of a great Presence of Mind, and of an Under∣standing much above his Years; and being, besides this, of a very handsom Aspect; this, with the late Rumour industriously spread abroad by the Old Monk, first put Wisnowiski under a great A∣stonishment; but having soon recollected himself, he a thousand times asked his Pardon for the Faults committed against a Person of his eminent Rank, with a Promise that he would endeavour to ex∣piate the same by his future Services for his In∣terest.

Scarce a few Days were past before Wisnowiski got a most magnificent Equipage prepared, in some Measure suitable to the Greatness of such a Guest, which he offered to Demetrius, with reiterated Pro∣mises, that he would engage in his Interest, and of all his Friends to support his Pretensions against the Usurper Boris Goudenou.

This sudden Change in the Court of Wisnowiski, being soon spread abroad, as well in Poland as in Mus∣covy, as it served for a strong Confirmation of what had been whispered about by the Contrivances of the Old Monk, so it was not long before it reached the Ears of Boris Goudenou. He soon took the A∣larm

at so unexpected and surprizing a piece of News, and thinking it most advisable to stifle this Monster in the Birth, he immediately dispatch'd a∣way a Messenger to the Duke Wisnowiski, with Orders to inform him of the Imposture put upon him by this pretended Demetrius, and how unbecom∣ing his Quality it would be, to espouse the Cause of an Impostor, against a Legal Prince; neither was he sparing in his Promises, offering not only vast Sums of Money, but also considerable Possessions to that Duke, if he would surrender him dead or alive into his Hands. But this had a quite contrary Effect upon Wisnowiski, who, being in some doubt before, concerning this Demetrius, was now, by the great Offers made by Boris, entirely confirmed in his Opinion, that he must needs be the true Demetrius; and therefore renewed his former Resolution of Adhering to his Interest, maugre all the Temptations of Boris Goudenou. But having wisely considered with themselves, that he would leave nothing unattempted on his side, which might facilitate the Destruction of De∣metrius, it was judged most advisable not, to expose his Person any longer so near the borders of Mus∣covy, as was the Duke's House, but to retire to Wisnowiski, a certain place well fortified, and more remo••e from the Frontiers, belonging to the Duke Wisnowiski, who, in the mean while returned to his own House, to get the better Intelligence of what past in Muscovy. Here he was met by ano∣ther Messenger from the Great Duke, Boris Goude∣nou, who not only by his Master's Orders, renew'd his former Offers, but also promised more ample Rewards, if he would surrender the Counterfeit Demetrius, either dead or alive. But this Messen∣ger meeting with no better Success than the for∣mer, he received secret Instructions to endeavour the Destruction of this Impostor, at what rate so∣ever, not to be sparing of Dagger or Poyson, great Rewards or any thing else which might contribute to his Ruin.

This was not so secretly carried on, but that Wis∣nowiski had got some Scent of the Design laid a∣gainst the Life of his Friend; wherefore thinking him not sufficiently secured against the Attempts of the Muscovites, in that place; especially, since they had drawn together a considerable Force upon the Frontiers, it was resolved to send him to George Mniszeck, Waywode of Sendomiria, the Duke's particular Friend, which would both put him out of the reach of his Enemies, and probably, streng∣then his Pretensions with the Interest of one of the most considerable Men in all Poland. Pursuant to this Resolution, Demetrius being provided with Letters of Recommendation from Wisnowiski, went to the Weywode of Sendomiria's House, by whom he was received with all the Honour imaginable, due to his pretended Quality.

Demetrius being now at leisure to make seri∣ous Reflections upon the present posture of his Af∣fairs, had no reason to be dissatisfied with his Con∣dition, as being not without hopes of encompas∣sing his End, with the assistance of such powerful Friends; but wisely considering with himself, that their first Heat might, by degrees, grow weak, if not quite become cool, if not sustained by suffici∣ent Fuel to nourish it, he employed all his Thoughts to establish, by some means or other, his Fortune, upon a more solid Foundation, than that of bare Friendship. He was sensible, that the Persons, among whom he now lived, and from whom he chiefly rely'd in reference to his Grand Design, were all Zealous Roman Catholicks, he very well foresaw, that if he expected to be back'd by them in his Pretensions, he ought at least, to shew some Incli∣nation to the same Faith, without which▪ he judg∣ed that their Friendship would be very unstable. To obtain therefore this End, he thought it most convenient to make his Applications to the Jesuites, whom, by reason of their great Zeal for the Roman Catholick Cause, and the free Access and Influence they have over Persons of the greatest Quality, he

knew to be the most proper Instruments for the managing of his Design. Demetrius therefore, having given them some assurances of his Inclina∣tions towards that Religion they professed; these Fathers being over-joy'd at the prospect of so great a Proselyte; under whose Protection, they pro∣mised themselves one day to join one of the most Potent Kingdoms in the World to the Papal Chair, were not negligent in their Duty, but readily offer∣ed both their Counsels and real Assistance to Deme∣trius. After they had frequently discours'd him concerning the Chief Articles of Faith, in Dispute betwixt the Roman Catholicks and Muscovite Church, and given 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such further Instructions, as they judged most convenient for their present Purpose, they were also not wanting in their Advice towards the promoting of his main Design.

They proposed to him a Marriage with Marina, the Daughter of George Mniszeck, Weywode of Sendomiria, who entertain'd him at that time in his House; she was a Lady young and sprightly, and the Jesuits knowing her besides this, to be of a very haughty Temper▪ they did not question, but that the prospect of a Crown would be temptation too powerful for her ••••o resist; which would at once strengthen his Interest in Poland, and remove all further Doubts, among the Muscovites and Cosacks, of his being the true Demetrius, Son of the Great Duke, John Basilovits. They represented to him, that Boris Goudenon, being a great Politician, had so firmly established himself in the Throne of Muscovy, that without the assistance of such a Per∣son as the Weywode of Sendomiria, it would be impossible for him to shake his Interest; that they knew the Weywode to be one of the most ambiti∣ous Men in the World; and that therefore, if he could condescend to enter with him into a more strict Alliance, by Marrying his Daughter, it would be the most powerful Motive to engage him abso∣lutely into his Interest. They advised him there∣fore, to make his Addresses first to Marina, and

after he had sounded her Inclinations, to offer the same Proposition to her Father, when they would be sure to back his Pretensions with all the Inte∣rest they had.

Demetrius, who had already been touch'd by the sparkling Eyes of Marina, receiv'd this Proposi∣tion of the Jesuits, with the utmost Satisfaction; and being spurr'd on by a double Motive, to wit, that of his Love and Interest, he sought only for a fit Opportunity to declare his Passion to his admir'd Mistress, which he having soon met with one day, as he was walking with her in the Garden, he by the most passionate and tender Expressions in the World, endeavour'd to make her sensible of his Love; which she having received with a seeming Indifferency, he made his next Applications to the Weywode her Father, unto whom he represented his Desire of allying himself with his Family by Marrying his Daughter, Marina, the possession of whom he preferr'd before the Crown, even of Mus∣covy it self. The Weywode, who had been before∣hand prepared by the Jesuits, being not in the least surprised at this Proposition; after he had thank'd him for the Honour he intended to do his Family, told him, that he thought he was a little too hasty in applying his Thoughts to Mar∣riage, at a time when the Eyes of the whole World were upon him, looking for the Success of his En∣terprize. That a Mistress, at this Juncture of Time, might prove a great Obstacle to his Affairs; that, as he stood in need of the powerful Assistance of some Princes, so it was possible one or other of them might be for fortifying their Alliances with him by a Marriage, which, if refused, might prove very prejudicial to his Affairs. He conclud∣ed, that as his Honour and Welfare were more dear to him than his own Interest; so he advised him to gain his Mistresses Heart by the Point of his Sword, and by opening his Passage to the Throne of M••scovy, through the Heart of him that Usurp'd his Right. Demetrius, who by the Father's An∣swer,

and the Indifferency of the Daughter, was fully persuaded, that the Success of his Love, did absolutely depend from his Establishment in the Throne, apply'd himself with more than ordinary Vi∣gour to the accomplishing of his Design. For which Purpose, he was more conversant than ever with the Jesuits, and having at last declared to them his Resolution of becoming a Roman Catholick, and Establishing the same Religion in Muscovy, as soon as he should ascend that Throne; these Fathers be∣ing over-joy'd at this Declaration, promised him their utmost Endeavours in procuring the Assistance both of the Holy Father, Clement VIII. and Sigis∣mund, King of Poland. Being flush'd with these hopes, he reiterated his passionate Addresses to his Mistress and the Weywode, so, that, at last he having obtained their Consent, in case he should recover his Throne, these following Articles were agreed on betwixt them: That in Consideration of the Sup∣plies and Aids to be given to Demetrius, he should be obliged, after his, Accession to the Crown, to re-pay the Weywode his full Charges, Marry the Lady Mari∣na, his Daughter, and introduce the Roman Faith in Muscovy. These Articles being Sign'd and Rati∣fied, he was by the Weywode of Sendomiria and Wisnowiski, introduced to the King of Poland, who, at the Recital of his Circumstances, being mov'd with Compassion, did not only give him a very fa∣vourable Reception, but also granted him Permis∣sion, to levy what then he stood in need of, for his intended Expedition, in his Dominions. This Au∣dience turn'd to the no small Advantage of Deme∣trius. For, it having been very industriously spread abroad, in what a favourable Manner he had been received by King Sigismund, this did not only much strengthen his Party in Poland, where a great many Persons of Quality espoused his Interest, but also had such a powerful Influence upon the Muscovites, that they began to exclaim at the Treacheries of Boris; and most of them out of Fear, others out of hope of Rewards, only stay'd for a favourable

Opportunity to declare for him, whom they now began to look upon as their Natural Prince.

Demetrius having soon got notice, how the Mus∣covites stood affected, and brought over to his Par∣ty by great Presents, some of the leading Men a∣mong them, thought it now high Time to put his long projected Design in Execution. The Wey∣wode of Sendomiria had all this while been em∣ployed in raising considerable Forces in Poland, for this Expedition, and the Duke Wisnowiski, having also publickly declared for Demetrius, a considera∣ble Number of the Polish Nobility, on the Fron∣tiers of Muscovy, being encouraged by his Exam∣ple, espoused this Interest. Being strengthened by these and other Forces, which were in several parts of the Kingdom, raised for his Service, he march∣ed at the Head of them into Muscovy, in the heart of the Winter, where, being joyned by a Body of Cosacks of 10000 Men, under their General Corclos, who had been engaged with great Promises into his Service,* 1.6 by the Artifices of the old Monk, it struck such a Terror into the Inhabitants of the neigh∣bouring Provinces, that, as soon as his Army had passed the Boristhenes at Kiovia, they advanced without any Opposition, to the very Walls of E∣ringow, which upon the first Summons surrendred to Demetrius. The City of Puttiwoll, one of the largest and most populous in those Parts followed the Example of Eringow; the Garrison, which con∣sisted for the most part of Cosacks, refused to fight against their Brethren. The other Places of less Note, trod the Footsteps of the others, and put themselves under his Protection; so that, as he was advancing deeper into the Country, his Army was considerably augmented by such as flock'd in to him from all the adjacent Cities, of which none attempted to make the least Resistance, except the City of Novogorod Sevie••••ki, which he besieg'd and attack'd with all the Vigour imaginable. The Czar, Boris Goudenou, in the mean while had not been careless of his Affairs, but having ordered conside∣rable

Levies to be made before; as soon as he re∣ceived Advice of the most stupendious Progress of Demetrius, he published his Declaration, wherein he promised Indempnity to all such of his Subjects as would abandon the Party of this Impostour, and return to their Duty, with most severe Commina∣tions against all such as should persist in their trea∣sonable Designs against their Sovereign, in aiding and assisting the pretended Demetrius. He sent al∣so a solemn Ambassy to Sigismund, then King of Poland, who having immediately demanded and obtained Audience, made most heavy Complaints; That the Truce, which was so lately made betwixt the two Crowns for Twenty Years, was violated by the Poles, who without the least Reason given, had in∣vaded the Czar's Territories, taken his Towns, and ravaged the Country: That he hoped the King would take better Measures, and not pursue a War that was founded upon nothing but an unjust Pretence, but recall his Troops▪ which were at that time employed to main∣tain the Pretensions of a vile Impostor, against one of the most potent Princes in Europe, who, if pro∣voked, would not want means to give himself Satis∣faction for the Damages and Affronts received from the Crown of Poland. Neither was he sparing in his Promises, by which, and the great Presents he made to most of the Chief Ministers and other great Men of the Court, he hoped to obtain what all his Remonstrances had not been able to effect, but in vain; for whether it were, that they look'd upon Demetrius as the true Heir of the Crown, and upon the Affairs of Boris as in a declining Condi∣tion, or that the Authority of the Pope and Jesuits who had espoused the Interest of the first, had made them deaf to all these Applications, the Am∣bassador was sent back with this general Answer: That the King and Commonwealth of Poland were not concerned in what was transacted in Muscovy; and that, if Demetrius, who was a Muscovite born, had obtained the Assistance of some Polish Volunteers to maintain his Pretensions against the Czar Boris Gou∣denou,

this could not be interpreted a Violation of the Truce betwixt the two Crowns, which on their side they would observe inviolably. Boris having missed his Aim in Poland, dispatched a Messenger to the Camp of Demetrius, to try once more his Fortune, and to endeavour to undeceive the Wayvode of Sendomiria, and Wisnowiski, concerning the Fallacy put upon them by the Counterfeit Demetrius. For this End having found out one of his Uncles in Muscovy, whose Name was Smyrna Otropeja, and judging, not without Reason, that if he could be confronted with Grisko Otropeja, his Nephew, his Confession would be of the greatest Consequence towards the Detecting of this Imposture; he sent him along with the Messenger▪ But whether the Wayvode look'd upon that as a Contrivance of Boris Goudenou, invented on purpose to blast the Repu∣tation of Demetrius, and to ward the Blow which seemed to threaten his Ruin; or that he thought himself engaged past retreating; the Uncle, Smyr∣na Otropeja was forbid, under pain of Death, to ap∣proach the Camp, and the Messenger sent back with Scorn and Indignation.

Boris Goudenou, finding all other Means to fail, had Recourse to Arms, and ordered his Army, which consisted of above a Hundred thousand Men, most of them Vetera••e Soldiers, to march to the Relief of Novogorod Sevierski, which defended it self bravely against the Poles, under the Conduct of their Governour Bosman. Demetrius, tho' much inferiour in Number, (being not much above Twenty thousand, but all chosen Men) upon the Approach of the Muscovite Army, leaving the Siege of Novogorod, posted himself as advantageous∣ly as he could, in sight of the Muscovites, to facili∣tate the Passage of such Officers in the Army of Bo∣ris Goudenou, as being corrupted before, had pro∣mised to come over with their Soldiers to his Party. But these seeing the great Disproportion there was betwixt the Numbers of these two Armies, either quite changed their Resolutions, or at least thought

it most advisable to delay the Execution of it till a more favourable Juncture.

Demetrius therefore finding himself in a Post from whence he could not retreat without fighting, was forced to put the best Countenance he could upon the Matter, and having nothing to trust to but their own Courage, the Poles fought so bravely, that they not only repulsed the Muscovites, who being over confident in their Number attack'd them with more Fury than Skill, but also charged them at several times with so much bravery, that the Victory remain'd doubtful for several Hours; till at last the Muscovites being continually sustain∣ed by fresh Troops, and the Poles quite tired by the long Fatigues of the Day, were forced to give way, more to the Number than the Bravery of their Enemies,* 1.7 who at last entirely routed them, (though not without a great Slaughter on their side) killing 9000 of them upon the Spot, with the loss of all their Cannon and Baggage.

If the Muscovites had been as careful in the Pur∣suit of Demetrius, as they were fortunate in ob∣taining the Victory, and had sent their Horse (of which they had a considerable number) immedi∣ately after, to disperse such of the Polish Troops as were retreating in several Bodies towards Rib∣scum, they might without question have put an End to the War at this one Stroke, or at least have driven him quite out of Muscovy. But instead of pursuing their Advantage, they besieged Krom, which defending it self with an extraordinary Bravery; Demetrius, whilst these wasted themselves in the Siege of this Place, had full Leisure given him to rally his scattered Troops at Ribscum, and there to expect the Return of the Waywode and Wisnowiski, who were gone to their respective Countries to raise fresh Supplies for this Service.

Being at last made sensible of their Mistake, they resolved to send part of their Army to attack him under ••••scum, before he could be reinforced with such Auxiliaries as he expected to join his Forces,

and to leave the rest to carry on the Siege of Krom. Pursuant to this Resolution, they sent Fifty thou∣sand of their best Men to attack Demetrius, who with about six or seven Thousand, most Horse, the Remnants of his Army, had strongly intrenched himself under Ribscum. Having got timely No∣tice of the Approach of the Enemy, he detached a Thousand of his best Horse, to approach their Camp, and to get what Intelligence they could concern∣ing the Posture of the Enemy, but these having sent out a more numerous Body of Horse to en∣gage the Demetrians,* 1.8 there ensued a fierce Combat, both Parties being reinforced with fresh Supplies from their Camps: But the Polish Horse behaved themselves so gallantly, that after two Hours En∣gagement they totally routed the Muscovites, and closely pursuing them with a great slaughter to their Camp, where their Foot were just drawing up in order of Battle, to sustain their Horse, these pressed all in Confusion with such Violence upon their own Infantry, that they soon broke their Ranks, and brought the whole Army into such a Disor∣der, that Demetrius, who by this time was advanc'd with the Remainder of his Army, soon put them to the rout, and forced them to leave their Camp and Artillery, as a Reward of his Victory.

The Fame of so signal a Defeat having been soon spread all over the neighbouring Provinces, all the great Cities thereabouts declared for the Conquerour; the whole Province of Severia, one of the largest in all Muscovy, followed the Exam∣ple of the rest, and furnished his victorious Army with all Necessaries, which by this sudden Change of Fortune, grew every day more numerous; those who hitherto out of Fear had been backward in decla••ing themselves, now striving to out-do one another, in giving the most evident Demon∣strations of their Zeal for the Interest of the Victo∣rius Demetrius.

Boris, on the other Hand, tho' not a little start∣led at so sudden an Accident, yet did not lose

Courage, but having rally'd his scatter'd Troops, and ordered new Levies to be made, he sent his Spies and Emissaries into the Camp of Demetrius, to try whether, by the hopes of Pardon and great Re∣wards, they could bring over the Revolted Russians to their Allegiance to him, and especially to entice the Cosacks from Demetrius to his Party, or whether by some means or other, they could not dispatch and send him to the other World. But some of these Emissaries being discovered, and put to the Torture, made an Ingenuous Confession of the Truth, and were without any further Punishment, sent back to Boris, with this Errand, that it was little be∣coming his present high Station, to make use of Poyson and Daggers against his Enemy, and that he did not question, but that before long, he should be ready to call him to a severe Account for this, as well as his other treacherous Devises; But that, if he would give him real Demonstrations of his sincere Repentance, by surrendring the Crown to him whose unquestionable Right it was, he would grant him, and all his Adherents a general Amne∣sty, for all past Crimes and Misdemeanours.

But Boris having rejected these Offers with Scorn, and yet seeing his Adversary encrease in Strength every day, he resolved to try the utmost, and whether by one dextrous Blow, he could not over∣throw him and his Designs. He was not ignorant that the main strength of his Army consisted in the Auxiliaries and Supplies, he from time to time re∣ceived out of Poland, and that if he could by any means, deprive him of his foreign Aids, the rest would soon disperse, or at least easily be reduced to obedience. He wisely considered, that, if a considerable Diversion could be procured to the Poles at home, they would be obliged to recall their Subjects out of the Service of Demetrius, who deprived of their Assistance, like a Body of its best Nourishment, would soon be reduced to a languishing Condition. But the circumstances of his Affairs, being such as not to permit him to attempt

alone this intended Diversion, a Treaty was set on foot with the Swedish and Danish Ambassadours, then residing in the City of Musco, to Embroil Si∣gismund, King of Poland, at his own doors, by the assistance of these two Crowns. But whilst they were busied in concerting measures to put this in Execution, and Boris apply'd his whole Care in re∣settling his Affairs, he was on a sudden, seiz'd with a most violent Cho••ck, which immediately after, being followed by a great quantity of Blood, which issued out of his Mouth, Ears and Nostr••••s, he died in an Instant; some say for Grief, some of an Ap∣poplexy, others of Poyson by the Contrivances of Demetrius. However it was, he expir'd on the 13th of April, in the Year 1605, in the Seventh Year of his Reign. He shew'd so much Mildness and Moderation during the Time of his Govern∣ment, that he might well be placed among the best of Princes, if he had not opened his way to the Throne of Muscovy, by the Murder of his lawful and natural Prince.

The sudden Death of Boris Goudenou,* 1.9 hapning at so critical a Juncture, when all his Friends had con∣ceived great hopes of his intended Diversion against the Poles, put them under a great Consternation, and the greatest part of the Nobility and Army, looking upon this unexpected Change, as ominous to his Family, shew'd a great Inclination in Favour of Demetrius, whose Power began now to appear more formidable to them, than before; But the Populacy▪ who had as yet fresh in remembrance the Benefits received from Boris Goudenou, especial∣ly, during the great Famine, in the Years 1601, 1602, and 1603, declared for Fedor his Son, and having forced the Boyars and Chief Officers of the Army to do the same, he was placed in the Throne, and his Mother constituted Regent, during his Mi∣nority.

Fedor or Theodore,* 1.10 being thus mounted on the Throne, under the Tuition of his Mother, apply'd all his Care to stop the Progress of Demetrius, and

having received Intelligence, that he intended sud∣denly to march to the Relief of Krom, which was still besieg'd by the Muscovites, he declared Bosman, who had so valiantly defended Novogorod in his Fa∣ther's Time, General over his Army, which after∣wards proved fatal to the whole Borisian Family. For Hodwen, a near Kinsman of Boris Goudeno••, and General of his Forces during his Reign, have∣ing got timely notice of the Resolutions taken at Court, in favour of Bosman, by the powerful In∣fluence he had over the principal Officers of the Army, soon prevail'd with them, to refuse to sub∣mit to the Command of Bosman, as a Soldier of fortune, which Affront, he dissembled for a while, till he met with a favourable Opportunity to re∣venge it upon the whole Family of the Great Duke, as we shall see anon. In the mean while, Demetrius had commanded the greatest Part of his Army under the Conduct of Zaporius, to advance towards Krom, and endeavour its Relief, who have∣ing accordingly directed his March to the Musco∣vian Camp, he received Intelligence by the means of Bosman, of the Posture of the Enemy, and that he intended to come over to his Party, as soon as a favourable Opportunity should present. Za∣porius being resolved to improve so advantageous an Offer, was impatient to come to Blows with the Muscovites; but these being both superior in Number, and strongly Entrench'd, and consequent∣ly not to be attack'd, without exposing the whole Army, he drew them out of their advantageous Entrenchments by the following Stratagem: He contrived a Letter, directed to the Governour and Chief Officers of the Garrison of Krom, wherein, after having highly extolled their Valour and Zeal, and made them ample Promises of Rewards, he told them, that he was advanced with a considera∣ble Force near the Enemies Camp, to annoy them, and to intercept their Foragers, till the arrival of Prince Demetrius himself, who was on his March, at the Head of the Cosacks, and other Auxiliaries,

lately arrived from Poland, to oblige the Musco∣vites to raise the Siege. This Letter being given to one, who undertook to carry it into the Place, he was directed thus to the City, by the secret Orders of Zaporius, that he must of necessity fall into the Hands of the Enemi••s advanced Guards; which having suceeded accordingly, the poor Fellow was carried before the Muscovite General; where have∣ing been examined, he was forced to produce the Letter, which, as he believ'd, was to have been carried into the City.

Hodwen, the General of the Muscovite Army, having perused the Letter, and over-joy'd at the Discovery of the approach of Demetrius, call'd im∣mediately a Council of War, wherein it having been judged most convenient, to attack the Ene∣my before they could be join'd by Demetrius, it was resolved, to leave only a small Body to keep the Avenues leading to the Town, and with the rest to give Battle to Zaporius.

He soon perceiving by the Countenance of the Enemy, that his Design had thus far succeeded ac∣cording to his wish, drew out his Forces in Bat∣tle-Array; but being much inferior in number, and fearing, not without Reason, lest Bosman with his Party, might be discouraged by the inequality of their Number, he resolved to back his Letter with a second Stratagem. He placed all the Servants, Su••∣lers, and other useless Persons belonging to the Baggage, at some distance behind the Army, with whom having join'd some Soldiers, enough to make up a Front, he order'd them, after they had seen him Engag'd for some time, to advance in good Order, with their Colours flying, Drums beating, and Trumpets sounding. Thus having prepared every thing according to his intended Purpose, he marched directly towards the Musco∣vites, whom he attack'd with the utmost Vigour; but these being without intermission re-inforced by fresh Troops, gave so much work to the Poles, that the Fight was very obstinate and bloody, and the

latter would have been in no small danger of lo∣sing the Day, had not Bosman, who Commanded the Body of Reserve in the Muscovian Army, as soon as he saw the Polish Mock Army advance, in the greatest heat of the Battle, with some of his Party, gone over to Zaporius, and declared for Prince Demetrius, crying out aloud to the Musco∣vites, that they should cease to fight against their Na∣tural Prince. Bosman being the Darling of the common Soldiers, his Words and Example had such a powerful Influence over them, that like one Man, they cry'd,* 1.11 they would live and die with him.

The Nobility and Chief Officers of the Army, finding themselves deserted by the Soldiers, resolv∣ed immediately to send their Deputies to Deme∣trius, who at that time resided at Puttiwoll, to ac∣knowledge their Fault in having so long stood out against their Prince; to implore his Pardon for what was past, and to give him all the imaginable Assurances of their Fidelity, for the future. De∣metrius transported with Joy at so welcome a piece of News, lost no time, but having immediately put himself at the Head of such Troops as he had with him at Puttiwoll, march'd directly first to Krom, where he caused Hodwen, the Muscovian General to be clapt in Irons, and from thence to Avol, where the revolted Army lay Encamped; Being arrived there, and having received fresh De∣monstrations of their entire Submission to his Com∣mands, he offer'd his Thanks to the Chief Men, but especially to Bosman and his Friends, and by his Caresses, so gain'd upon the Affections of the com∣mon Soldiers, that they all with one Voice, de∣sired him to Lead them against the Son of the U∣surper of his Crown.

Being thus become absolutely Master of the Field and the Army, and believing that now, he had but one step left to ascend the Throne, to wit, to make himself Master of the City of Musco, the Capital of the whole Empire, he ordered every thing to be got ready for the March. Whilst he was thus

advancing by slow Marches towards Musco, he sent his Letters to the Magistrates of that City, wherein he told them, he was near at hand with a most Potent Army, ready to attack them at his first Command; but that taking commiseration of their Condition, he exhorted them to make choice of the fruits of Peace before the inevitable Calamities of War. That if they preferred the last before the first, they must be answerable for all the Miseries, which are the necessary Consequences of an intestine War; but as he was persuaded they would consult their own Safety, he advised them to root out the whole Progeny of that accursed Traytor, Boris Gou∣denou, who had murder'd his Brother, the late Great Duke Fedor, and would have acted the same Tragedy with himself, if it had not been prevented by the Vigilancy and Care of his Royal Mother; and lastly, not to delay any longer to shew their Rea∣diness in Asserting the undoubted Right of their Natural Prince.

This Letter having been read in the Presence of the People and the Messenger of Demetrius in the Market-place, they began to assemble in great Num∣bers, and after a short Consultation what Measures were best to be taken, they sent some among them to the Palace of Knez Basilizuski, who having per∣emptorily demanded of him to declare before them, whether this were the true Demetrius, Youngest Son of Czar John Basilovits, that lay now encamped near their City, Zuski positively asserted, that he was; and that he had been saved from the Assassins sent by Boris Goudenou for his Destruction, by the Prudence of his Mother, who had put another in his stead. The People absolutely relying, upon what they had understood from a Person of so emi∣nent a Rank, and who himself in Person had been employed by Boris, to take care of the Funeral of Demetrius,* 1.12 and dreading, besides this, a potent Army so near their Gates, cry'd out with one Voice, Long live Demetrius, Great Duke, and Em∣perour of Russia! Come let us destroy that viperous Brood of the Goudenou's.

Their Words were soon seconded with Blows; for having soon forced some of Fedor's Guards, that were come to appease the Tumult, to retire, they went streightways to the Castle, and sacrifi∣cing all to their Fury, that opposed their Passage, they entred the Royal Palace, where they massacred most of the Friends and Relations of Boris; the rest they stript stark naked and shut them up in a Fort within the Castle, Men, Women and Children, without distinction of Age or Sex, where they perished in a most miserable manner, either by Cold or Famine, none of the Kindred of Boris escaping their Fury, except the Great Duke Fedor, the Empress Regent and her Daughter, who were preserved, not out of any Esteem for their Digni∣ty or Persons, but wherewith to purchase their Pardon from Demetrius.

The Empress Dowager was a Lady of a Mascu∣line Spirit and undaunted Courage, who, when she reflected upon the Barbarities committed a∣gainst the whole Family of her deceased Lord, was soon convinced, that she and her Children were only reserved for to adorn the Triumph of Dem••∣trius, and to serve as a Pledge of the Fidelity of these barbarous Wretches, who being void of all Humanity, had made such bloody Returns to th•• Family of him from whose Hands they had recei∣ved so many signal Benefits. She had therefore prepared a Cup filled with strong Poison, and proposing no less to herself and her two dear Chil∣dren, than the most ignominious Death that could be invented by the enraged Conquerour, with a most Heroick Constancy, Come, says she, Come, the dearest Pledges of your Father's Love, Come, once my greatest Joy, but now my highest Gri••f, let us not linger out for a few Days a miserable Life, by a more miserable Delay, till the Tyrant have fo••nd the Way to destroy us more ignominiously; Let us by our own Choice accelerate that fatal Separation which is prepared for us by the Hands of our merciless Ene∣mies. She had no sooner spoke these last Wo••ds

but she took the Cup, and, having taken a good draught of this poisonous Potion, she forced her Children to take the rest of the fatal Liquor,* 1.13 and then grasping them both in her Arms, they thus ex∣pired in their mutual Embraces; after the young Fedor had sat scarce two Months upon the Throne.

There are not a few who affirm, that the Prin∣cess only poisoned herself, but being preserved by Demetrius's Order, to satisfie his Lust, was after∣ward by his secret Order strangled with both her Children and that it was only given out they had poisoned themselves. But the first Relation seems the most probable, this beforementioned Tragedy having been acted on the tenth day of June, in the Year 1605, several Days before Demetrius came in∣to the City of Musco.

Whilst the Populacy exercised their Barbarities upon the Remnant of the Family of the Goude∣nou's, Demetrius having been advertised of what had passed in the City by their Deputies, who told him that they were ready to receive him, he order∣ed every thing to be prepared for his Reception a∣gainst the 20th of June, when he was met at two or three Miles Distance from the City, not on∣ly by the Magistrates, but also most of the Nobi∣lity on Horseback,* 1.14 and having thus made his So∣lemn Entrance thro' the Crowds and Acclama∣tions of the People, and been proclaimed Empe∣rour of all Russia; he took up his Residence the same Night in the Royal Palace.

This solemn Entrance into the City, was not long afte•• followed by his Coronation, which was performed, with the usual Solemnities, towards the la••ter end of the next following Month, with the loud and joyful Acclamations of the Peo∣ple, Long live Demetrius, God save our Great Duke, May all his Enemies perish!

But Demetrius, who had now assumed the Sir∣name of Ivanovits, from his pretended Father, the Great Duke Ivan or Jo••n Basilovits, judging,

not without Reason, that scarce any thing would contribute more at this time to strengthen his Title, and put his Birth beyond all question, than if he were acknowledged by the Mother of the true Demetrius, who had been murthered at Vgletz, he sent to her a Messenger with secret Dispatches to the Monastery where she had been shut up for se∣ven Years last past, inviting her to the City of Musco, and the Royal Palace. She, who saw her self thus at once freed from so long a Confinement, and at the same time put in a Condition to revenge her self of the Barbarities committed against her Fa∣mily by the Treachery of Boris Goudenou, accepted these Offers without the least Reluctancy.

As She was approaching the City of Musco with a most magnificent Train. Demetrius her pretend∣ed Son, met her at five or six Miles distance from the City, and as soon as he espied the Coach where∣in she was, dismounted, and came up to salute her on foot and bare-headed. At their Meeting, after the most tender Expressions, he shewed her all the Marks of Respect due from a Son to his Mother in a private Condition, and as he reveren∣ced her with a more than filial Duty, so she re∣ceived him with all possible Demonstrations of a most tender and sincere Affection, their mutual Caresses and Embraces being accompanied with Tears. She urg'd him several times to come into her Coach, which he as often refused, and would walk by, on foot and bare-headed, till the Empress telling him that she would do the same if he did not gratifie her in her Request, with much ado, perswaded him to remount his Horse. Thus having condu∣cted her to the Palace, they renewed their former Tenderness, by Embracing and all the most sincere Demonstrations of mutual Satisfaction in the Pre∣sence of the whole Court. All these things being transacted in the Face of the World, appear'd to the People the most evident Proofs that could be given of the reality of his Birth, as being founded upon the publick Confession of the same Pe••son

that bare him; so that the Russians seem'd so ge∣nerally satisfied concerning the Reality of his Extraction, that by the common Consent of the whole Nation, it was put beyond all que∣stion.

But Demetrius had not many Months enjoyed the Royal Dignity and the Affections of his Subjects, before the Chief of the Nobility (who had always entertained some Jealousies concerning the Legality of his Title and Extraction) began to perceive his manner of Life to be far different from that of the Great Dukes, his Predecessors; some of the most refined among them, discerning in his whole Beha∣viour a certain Lightness, not bearing the least pro∣portion to the Grandeur of his High Station; and tho' they knew him to be endowed with a ready Wit, and a sufficient Stock of Courage, yet had they observed in all his Transactions, but a very slender share of Judgment, especially in the Ma∣nagement of Publick Affairs relating to the Em∣pire. The Common People, whose Judgment seldom reaches further than the out-side of things, having observed his Habit, Manners and Gestures, to be wholly Foreign, concluded his Inclinations to be the same. For he frequently used to appear in Polish and other Foreign Habits, he seldom bathed, and scarce ever slept after Dinner, according to the general Custom of the Muscovites, he would carry his Dogs along with him into the Muscovite Churches, he would eat Calves Flesh, and not bow to St. Nicholas, all which being abominable to the Russians, a People superstitious to a degree of Madness, contributed not a little to the Hatred which the Populacy conceived against his Person. But what most enflamed both the Nobility and People was, that they saw their immense Treasures wasted in a few Months, among his Players, Para∣sites, and Mimicks, who made it their whole Busi∣ness to flatter and encourage him in his Debauche∣ries, to which he was naturally inclined; which made him neglect the Management of Publick

Affairs and commit the Administration of Justice to Foreigners. They saw the Jesuits erect most magnificent Churches and Dwelling-places, and the Great Duke himself, not only to follow the Romish Perswasion, but also publickly to despise the Greek Church, and to endeavour to introduce the Latin; by all which he drew upon himself the Scorn of the Nobility and the Hatred of the People.

But nothing contributed so much to his Destru∣ction, as his final Resolution of Marrying a Roman Catholick; Demetrius,* 1.15 as we have mentioned be∣fore, had made his Address, in Poland, to Marina the Daughter of George Mniszeck, Weywode of Sendomiria; and, among other Articles, it was a∣greed betwixt them, That after his Accession to the Crown of Muscovy, he should many the Wey∣wode of Sendomiria's Daughter, and introduce the Roman Catholick Religion into that Empire. No sooner had Demetrius ascended the Throne, but as he discharged his Promise, in reference to the Ro∣mish Clergy, unto whom he gave publickly all the Encouragement and Protection he could, much more than was consistent with his real Interest; so he resolv'd both to gratifie his Passion, and to acquit himself of his Word to the Weywode, in regard of the fair Marina.

There were not a few of his Muscovian Boyars (among whom Bosman was the Chief) who being entirely devoted to his Interest, took the Liberty to remonstrate to him how little suitable these Mea∣sures he took, especially in respect of his Marriage, and the Romish Religion, were to the present State of his Affairs; they represented to him, That the Muscovites being addicted to their own Reli∣gion to the highest degree of Superstition, had al∣ways ente••tained a mortal Hatred against those of the Romish Perswasion; That it had for many Years pa•••• been look••d upon as one of the funda∣mental Maxim•• of State, for the Great Dukes of Russia, not to enter into any Foreign Alliance by

Marriage, but to chuse their Spouses among their own Subjects; That, when the Muscovites should perceive him to act, in Matters of the greate••t Mo∣ment, against their most Ancient Customs, a••d contrary to the general Inclinations of the People, they would soon be prevailed upon to give ear to the Suggestions of his Enemies, who would not fail to make use of these specious Pretences to alie∣nate the Hearts of the People from him, to his Destruction. But Demetrius was so far from being convinced by these Reasons, tho' never so solid, that on the contrary he persisted in his former Re∣solution of marrying Marina the Daughter of the Weywode of Sendomiria.

If we curiously reflect upon the Course of Hu∣mane Affai••s in this World, we may without much difficulty be convinc'd, that Honour and Riches are not always the Reward of a sublime Genius and Industry, but f••equently the Consequences of •• lucky Hit. Nay, it is often observ'd, that a fortu∣nate Man, at a certain Nick of Time, is elevated by an unaccountable Concatenation of lucky Acci∣dents, which at a••••ther Juncture prove his Destru∣ction. Demetrius may well pass for one of the most ••ema••kable Insta••ces of this Assertion that ••∣ver was heard of; 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as he owed his Ad••••••••∣ment to the Throne of Muscovy to Fortune 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the giddy multitude, so was he by the same means, that hath raised him to the highest Pinacle of Glo∣ry, hurried on to his own Ruin, and precipitated into the lowest Abyss of Misery.

Knez Basili-zuski (whom we have mentioned be∣fore to have been consulted by the Citizens of Mus∣co,* 1.16 concerning the legality of the Birth of this De∣metrius) was the first that declared his Opinion to some other Muscovite Lords, as well Ecclesiastical as Secular, in whom he most confided; and, after having remonstrated to them the danger whereto the State and Religion were exposed, by the Alli∣ance which this pretended Demetrius, intended to make with a foreign Lady of the Roman Catholick

Perswasion; he told them, what he had so merly ••eclared to the People in reference to h••s B••••••h, had been done partly with a Design to make use of this Demetrius, as a fit Instrument, to revenge up∣on the Family of Boris Goudenou, the treacherous Cruelties committed by him against the two Sons of the Grand Duke John Basilovits; partly to avoid the Fury of the Multitude, who, he fear'd, would have involved him in the same Ruin with the Fa∣mily of the Goudenou's; but that he knew him to be an Impostor, he himself (as they all knew) having had the management of the Funeral Obse∣quies of the Body of the true Demetrius, who was certainly murder'd at Vgletz. That therefore, they should not be longer imposed upon by this Up∣start Counterfeit, but take such measures as might most effectually secure their Religion, and Govern∣ment, and the Lives of themselves and their Fa∣milies from that imminent Danger which threat∣ned the whole Empire, with an unavoidable Ruin, if not prevented by their Prudence and Courage.

This Declaration of Zuski had so powerful an Influence over all those that were present, that it was unanimously agreed, that this Impostor should be sent to the other World with the first Opportu∣nity.

But the main thing which rendred their Design very difficult, if not quite impracticable, was his Polish Guards, and other foreign Auxiliaries; To remove this Obstacle, it was cunningly insinuated to Demetrius, by some that were near his Person, that the Muscovites, could not but be extreamly sensible of the Mistrust he shew'd of them, in com∣mitting the Guard of his Person, rather to the Poles, and other foreign Auxiliaries, than to his own Natural Subjects, who had given so lately the most real Demonstrations of their Zeal and Affe∣ction for his Person and Government; that they must needs look with an ill Eye upon these Fo∣reigners, as being the Cause of their being thus neg∣lected by the Grand Czar, for whom they were rea∣dy

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

to Sacrifice their Lives, and all what was dear to them, whenever he would be pleased to make use of their Service. Demetrius thus unwarily, suffering himself to be Cajol'd into an Opinion of their Stedfastness to his Service, being deluded by this outward shew of their Affection to him, re∣solved wholly to rely upon the Fidelity of his Sub∣jects, and contrary to the Advice of all his Friends, dismissed both his foreign Guards and Auxiliaries.

The Conspirators having thus surmounted the main Obstacle, and being encouraged by this hap∣py Success, began by degrees to communicate their Design to others; and, after they had drawn a considerable Number of Accomplices into the Con∣spiracy, concerted measures, how to put the in∣tended Assassination in execution. But many be∣ing made privy to the Design, it was not carried on so secretly, but that Demetrius got scent of it, who having caused some of the Accomplices to be apprehended, and Tortured, they discovered the whole Plot to have been projected and managed by Basili-zuski.

He being soon apprehended,* 1.17 and having at the first sight of the Rack, confessed the whole Truth, was condemned to lose his Head.

Demetrius being now too late convinced of his Mistake of dismissing his foreign Guards, call'd a Cabinet Council of his most intimate Friends, to consult with them concerning the present Emer∣gency of his Affairs, who were unanimously of O∣pinion, that he should not spare any of the Heads of this Conspiracy, but by bringing them all to condign Punishment, would strike such a Terror into the rest, as not to dare for the future to em∣barque in such ill Designs. They represented to him, how that Zuski being by his Mothers side al∣ly'd to the Great Duke of Muscovy, and a Man of a very aspiring Temper, did without question aim at the Crown, and therefore it behoved him to se∣cure himself against so dangerous a Rival, now Fortune had put it into his Hands, and he had the

fairest in the World of putting an End to his Am∣bition, without the least blame of Injustice. But Demetrius, as if hurried on by some fatal Stupidi∣ty to his own Destiny, was for chusing the milder Way; and, when Zuski was upon the Scaffold, ready to receive the fatal Blow, not only sent him his Pardon, but soon after received him into his particular Favour, vainly imagining to engage him thereby to espouse his Interest for the future.

For, Basili-Zuski was so far from acknowledging the Benefit received at his Hands, that on the con∣trary, his Ambition being now back'd by Revenge, he fully resolved to encompass his Design, and to find out means to dispatch this Impostor, in spite of all the Obstacles that might fall in his way. For which Reason he invited the most Eminent Knez and Boy∣ars, whom he knew to be of his Party, to his House, and having again represented to them the present dangerous Condition of the Empire under the Counterfeit Demetrius,* 1.18 who had introduced Heresie, and trampled both upon the Laws and Re∣ligion of their Ancestors. That it would be un∣becoming their Courage to see themselves thus a∣bused by an Impostor imposed upon them by the Poles, who would, if not soon prevented, before long make Muscovy a Province of Poland; But that, as he was ready to sacrifice once more his Life, and what else was dearest to him for the preservation of his native Country, so he did not question their chearful Concurrence and Assistance in a matter, from whence depended the Welfare both of them∣selves and their Posterity. The whole Assembly, after having given their hearty Thanks to Zuski for his Zeal in the common Cause, solemnly promised to assist him to the utmost of their Power in his laudable Design, and to be ready at hand, when∣ever he should meet with a favourable Opportunity of putting it in Execution; There were not a few among them, who were of Opinion, that the Ty∣rant ought to be dispatch'd immediately, and that Delays of this nature, did often prove dangerous;

but the Arguments of the wiser Sort prevail'd, by whose Advice the Execution of it was delay'd, till the Celebrating of the Nuptials of Demetrius with Marina. There were several pregnant Reasons al∣ledged for this Delay: Considering that they had not all their Friends ready at hand, who in the mean while, under pretence of assisting at the Nuptial Solemnity might meet all together in the City of Musco, without the least Suspicion; be∣sides that, whilst they were at Court, taken up with their Jollities, they might with the less Diffi∣culty put their Design in execution. There was also another Reason no less prevailing than the rest, which was, that after the arrival of the Bride, they were in hopes to recover the Crown Jewels, which were sent to her as a Present into Poland.

For Demetrius, soon after his Coronation had sent a most splendid Embassy to the King and Com∣monwealth of Poland, to conclude a League de∣fensive and offensive with that Crown, and to de∣sire the King's Consent, to marry the Lady Mari∣na his Vassal, the Weywode of Sendomiria's Daugh∣ter. The King of Poland having deferr'd his Re∣solution as to the proposed Alliance, till the meet∣ing of the next Dyet, did without much difficulty consent to the Marriage of Demetrius with Marina. But to give her the most real demonstrations of his Passion, and to acquit himself in part of those Obligations he had received from her Father's hands, who had been the main Instrument in his Advance∣ment to the Imperial Dignity, he now was possess'd of, he sent to his Admir'd Marina•••• the greatest part of the Crown Jewels of Muscovy, as the first Pledge of his Constancy, and to make her the more sensible, what share he intended her both in his Heart and Crown.

It is no difficult matter to guess, that Marina, who was Naturally of a very haughty Temper, being Courted at so high a rate, was not long in Suspence, whether she should comply with her Fa∣ther's Inclinations, and the Desires of her Lover,

[illustration]

Marina

so that within few days after, the Nuptial Ceremo∣nies were performed by proxy in the City of Cra∣cow, with all the Pomp imaginable in the presence of the King, and a considerable number of other Persons of the first Rank. After some time spent in Feastings, Balls, and other such like Divertise∣ments, the Bride, after having taken her Leave of the King, and the whole Court of Poland, set out from Cracow towards the latter end of January, in the Year 1606, being accompany'd by the Ambassa∣dors of Muscovy and Poland, by Duke Constantine Wisnowiski, and her Father, besides a great many other Persons of eminent Quality in Poland, on her Journey to the City of Musco; where being met at some Miles distance by the whole Court, and in great Splendor, with the ringing of Bells, and the discharge of the great Cannons of the Castle, through an infinite number of People, and con∣ducted to the Palace Royal; she was there received by Demetrius, with all the highest demonstrations of Joy, that could be given by the most passionate Lover in the World.

A few days after,* 1.19 they were married by the Patriarch, and the Church Ceremonies being end∣ed, were reconducted with all the Pomp imagina∣ble to the Palace Royal, where the succeeding Night was spent in Feasting, Dancing, Masque∣rades, and other such like Diversions, with a Mag∣nificence suitable to the present Occasion, and the Grandeur of so Illustrious a Company. The same were continued for several following days and nights, with all the Excess, Profuseness and Pomp that could be invented, till the sixteenth day of May, the fatal Eve of the ensuing Tragedy, which put an end to the Life of Demetrius, and the Greatness and Enjoyment of Marina.

For as we have mentioned before, Knez Basili-Zuski, and his Accomplices, having delay'd the Execution of their Design till the Nuptials of De∣metrius, had in the mean while, by the assistance of his two Brothers, John and Bogdan, and some other

Muscovian Lords, engag'd in the Conspiracy, con∣veyed some thousands of Men, by degrees, and unobserved into the City of Musco, to be ready at hand, at certain places, appointed for that Pur∣pose, as occasion should require. Being thus prepar'd, they pitch'd upon the sixteenth of May, which be∣ing a Day appointed for an Extraordinary Feast in the Castle, was consequently spent in all sorts of Jollities and Divertisments; the Guards being even dismissed upon this extraordinary Occasion, from their Duty: So that, every thing conspiring to fa∣cilitate the Design of the Conspirators, it was re∣solved among them, that at the closing of the Feast, when the whole Court should be buried in strong Liquor, and Sleep, should be the beginning of the Tragedy they intended to act the next Morning. The very same Night there happned a certain Accident, which had been likely to have once more spoil'd their whole Design.

For a certain young Fellow who was privy to the Conspiracy, drinking with some of the Guards, and being elevated by the Force of the strong Li∣quor, had unwarily let fall some Words in his Dis∣course concerning this intended Conspiracy▪ where∣upon, being seized and brought before Demetrius, he order'd him immediately to be put to the Rack, to extort from him the whole truth of the Design. But some of the Muscovian Lords, who were con∣cern'd in the Plot, and in the most imminent Dan∣ger▪ that could be of being discovered, told the Grand Duke, that it was easily to be seen, that the young Fellow's Brains were intoxicated by the Strength of the Aqua vitae, and that therefore it would be a Madness to make the least Reflection upon what he said while he was drunk. Demetrius, hurried on by his malignant Fate to his approaching Destiny, being also hot-headed with the great quan∣tity of Wine he had drank that Day, followed the deceitful Advice of his mortal Enemies, and dis∣miss'd the young Fellow for time, with an Inten∣tion to have him further examined the next day,

without taking the least Precaution against the At∣tempts of his Enemies.

But the Conspirators had no sooner received In∣telligence of what had passed in the Castle, and how narrowly they had escaped being discovered, imme∣diately prepared themselves to execute their Design, without any further Delay. For this purpose they had before Break of Day possess'd themselves of the most considerable Parts and Avenues of the Ci∣ty,* 1.20 which done, they caused the great Bell (the common Signal of Alarms) to be ••oll'd, and most horrible Out-cries to be made in the Market-place and adjacent Streets, that the Poles, who were lately come along with the Grand Dutchess, were in Arms, with an Intention to Massacre all the Inha∣bitants of the City. The Citizens being soon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 waked by those dreadful Apprehensions, with the Assistance of the Conspirators, who had dispe••ed themselves into those parts of the Town where the Poles were lodged▪ fell instantly upon the Pole•• in their Quarters, who being all drunk and asleep in their Beds, they kill'd most of them before they could be sensible of their Danger.

The Beginning of their projected Design having thus succeeded according to Wish, Knez Basili-Zuski at the Head of this Party and a vast num∣ber of People, having by the Massacre of the Poles secured themselves against all Opposition, marched directly with their Scymeters in their Hands towards the Castle, where they found every thing in a profound Silence and Security, every Soul there being over∣whelmed with Sleep, Weariness and strong Liquor, to that Degree, that the Conspirators were advan∣ced to the Gates of the Royal Palace before they took the Alarm within. Demetrius, being one of the first that awaken'd by the Noise and Out-cries of those that were Massacring all they met within the Castle, got to one of the Windows, and having soon understood the true Meaning of this Tumult, he call'd to Bosman and some other Gentlemen of his Bed-Chamber, that were near at hand, who havi••••

taken what Weapons they could meet with, on a sudden, endeavoured to stop the Fury of those who press'd forward to enter the Great Duke's Apartment, Demetrius himself appearing among them, arm'd with a Halbard, wherewith he di∣spatched some of the most forward of the Conspi∣rators; but some of them being provided with Pistols and Muskets, they discharged so furiously upon the Great Duke and his Company, that most of them being slain, (among whom was Bosman, who was stabb'd with a Dagger,) Demetrius was forced to retire, and being pursued from Chamber to Chamber, at last threw himself out of the Window, down into one of the Courts, from whence, tho' sorely bruised, he at last got into the Fortress of the Castle guarded by Mus∣covites.

The Conspirators being enraged at their having miss'd their Prey, fell a ransacking the Great Dukes Apartment, and forcing their Way with their Scymeters thro' the Bodies of a few Attend∣ants that were left, entred the Grand Duke's Bed-Chamber, whither all the Polish Ladies of Quality were retired, and at the Approach of the Muscovites, appeared half dead and immovable, like Statues, for fear, not being able to utter one Word, unless it were a certain ancient Lady, who somewhat more confident than the rest, by reason of her great Age, answered the Muscovian Lords that were enquiring where the Great Dutchess was? That at the begin∣ning of the Tumult she had found means, to get away as she believed, to her Father's Palace. Having search'd all over the Room, and not being able to find her, they were resolved to try whether they could put Life into the Ladies, and restore to them that Natural Motion they had lost by this sudden Con∣sternation, and so to work they went, every one catching hold of her he liked best; and thus having satisfied their brutish Lust, they were going to leave the Room, in further Pursuit after Demetrius. It is to be observed that among all the Ladies that were

there, but two escaped their Violences; the first was the Lady Palatine of Lamoc, we mentiond be∣fore, secured more by her Wrinkles and Grey Hair than out of any Respect to her Person; and ano∣ther Lady that sate very sick in a large Elbow-Chair, One of the Muscovian Lords, as they were Just go∣ing out, hapning to cast his Eyes that way, observ∣ed some Motion behind that Chair, and being cu∣rious to know the Meaning of it, advanced that Way, where having pulled up the Hangings he dis∣covered the poor affrighted Marina, who as she was of an extraordinary Presence of Mind, look'd upon them with so Majestick an Air, that they all withdrew without offering any further Vio∣lence.

By this time▪ the Conspirators being advertised that Demetrius had saved himself among the Musco∣vites that guarded the Fortress of the Castle, they march'd thither and attack'd the Fort with the ut∣most Fury; but these within being encouraged by the Presence of Demetrius, who notwithstanding the Violent Bruises occasioned by his leaping out of the Widow, fought in this Extremity like a Lion, with a Resolution rather to die with his Scymeter in his Hand than to be exposed to the Scorn of his Enemies, they were repulsed with great Slaughter; but their Strength increasing with their Number, they renew'd the Assault several times, but were as often repulsed, till the Garrison by their Threats was at last prevailed upon to surrender the unfor∣tunate Demetrius into their Hands.

From thence they led him,* 1.21 after they had put a ragged Coat about him, thro' the Streets of the City in Triumph, under the Imprecations and Scorns of the Rabble, who pointed Fingers into his very Eyes, pluck'd him by the Nose and Chin, asking him whether he was now De∣metrius or Grisko? All which he bore with a most admirable Constancy, not so much as uttering one Word, and scarce changing his Countenance. But coming near the Market-place, and perceiving a

great number of the dead Bodies of the Poles slain by the Muscovites, wallowing in their own Blood, he could not refrain from shedding of Tears, ex∣pressing a greater Sense of their Sufferings than his own; telling them, that if they would but have spared his Friends, he should not have grumbled at his own Fate, tho' perhaps the most severe, and not to be parallel'd in History, as being their lawful Sovereign, and Youngest Son to their Grand Duke John Basilovits; for the Confirmation of which he would appeal to his Mother.

The People being not a little startled at his reso∣lute Behaviour, began to abate of their former Fierceness, and having sent Knez Basili-Zuski to the Empress Dowager, to learn from her own Mouth the whole Truth of the Matter, he return'd soon after with this Answer; That the Empress Dowager, his pretended Mother, had declared to him, upon the Cross, that he was no Son of hers, and what she had done before, in acknowledging him as such, had been done, partly to obtain her Freedom, and partly to revenge her self upon the Family of Boris Goudenou for the Murther of her Son De∣metrius.

This Answer having been soon spread among the People, a certain Muscovite thronging thro' the Croud that surrounded Demetrius, with his Pistol ready cock'd in his Hand, and coming up close to him, Thou infamous Traitor, said he, take the Re∣ward of thy Imposture,* 1.22 and so shot him thro' the Heart that he fell dead the same Instant at his Feet, those that stood nearest, wounding the dead Car∣cass with their Scymeters and Pikes, and after they had stript and mangled it so as scarce to be known, dragg'd it thro' the Streets of the City, and com∣mitted all manner of Barbarities upon the dead Body of the same Person, whom within a few Months before they both dreaded and adored.

Thus was the Splendor of the Nuptials darkned by the fatal End of Demetrius, who after he had scarce tasted the Sweets of a Diadem, and the Joys

of a fair Bride, was snatch'd away from both by the same Fate, that, not many Months before, had exalted him to this sublime Station, on pur∣pose as it seems, to make his fall the more conspi∣cuous.

It is a controverted Point to this day, not only among a great many of the Russians, but especially betwixt the Poles and Swedes, whether he was an Impostor or not. The Swedes, who were engag'd on Boris Goudenou's and Basili-Zuski's side, stre∣nuously maintain the first, and for the Confir∣mation of this their Opinion, alledge, that it was put beyond all question by the Evidence of the Empress Dowager, and Basili-Zuski himself, who managed the Funeral Solemnities of the true Deme∣trius, slain at Ʋgletz, and asserted that he was certainly murthered by the Assassins sent for that purpose by Boris Goudenou; and that the owning of this Im∣postor to be the true Demetrius by Zuski, proceeded from his fear of being Massacred by the People, as that of the Empress owes its Origin to the Obliga∣tion she had to him for her Liberty and the Satisfa∣ction she received of being revenged of the Bori∣sian Family. The Poles, on the other hand, who sided with this Demetrius, assert the contrary, affirming, that what the Swedes relate of him, is founded meerly upon Hear-say▪ suggested by his Enemies, on purpose to encompass their Designs of snatching the Crown from the true Family of the Great Duke Basilovits; That the Swedes, who were not concern'd so nearly in the Matter as the Poles, and that not till several years after the Fray was begun, ought not to be look'd upon as com∣petent Judges of this Controversie; That it would be ridiculous to suppose, that so many Persons of Quality in Poland, and the King himself could be thus imposed upon; that it was not very likely, that the Weywode of Sendomiria, would have thus engag'd in his Interest, and promised him his Daughter in Marriage, if, besides the great Resem∣blance he had with that Demetrius at Ʋgletz, he

had not had very evident Proofs of the reality of his Extraction. That the first Declaration of the Empress Dowager, was without question real, and that the pretended denial made afterwards to Ba∣sili-Zuski, concerning this Demetrius, was extorted from her by Fear; besides that, it was only found∣ed upon the Faith of Basili-Zuski, who, as it suffi∣ciently appear'd afterwards; was his Rival for the Crown of Muscovy, and succeeded him in the Em∣pire.

But we must pursue our Tragedy, which did not end with the Death of Demetrius; For, there be∣ing a considerable number of Poles quartered in the more remote Parts of the City, who being involv∣ed in Drink and Sleep, had not as yet heard the least Tidings of what had past in and about the Castle; and the Muscovites fearing, not without Reason, that if they should take the Alarm upon so surprising an Occasion, they would sell their Lives at a very dear rate, they resolved to draw them into the Trap, before they could have any notice of this Accident. For this purpose, certain Messen∣gers were dispatch'd with counterfeit Orders from Demetrius, to appear forthwith in the Castle with∣out their Arms, the Grand Duke being resolved, that at the Day of a general Rejoycing, nothing of Terror should appear at his Nuptials. The Poles, not suspecting the concealed Fraud of this deceit∣ful Message, came forth without their Arms, thus tamely exposing themselves to the Slaughter, which was executed upon them with a more than barbarous Cruelty, very few escaping the hands of the bloody Muscovites, except some Gentlemen of Quality, who having scatter'd some Money a∣mong the Rabble, had thereby an Opportunity given them to gather into a small Body, and so hew'd their Way thro' their Enemies, till they came to the Palace of George Mniszeck, Weywode of Sendomiria, Father-in-Law to the Great Dutchess, where was also the Duke Wisnowiski, and some o∣ther Polish Lords, who having opened their way

by their Scymiters to this Palace, which was pretty strong, were resolved to defend it to the utmost, and at least not to sell their Lives at a cheap rate. Neither was it long before they saw themselves sur∣rounded on all sides by an infinite number of their Enemies, who with great Fury attack'd them on all sides, but with little Success, for, the Poles having no other Sanctuary left them, fought like desperate Men, and as often as they were attack'd by the Enemies, drove them•• back with a great Slaughter, so that at last their Fury being quell'd by the difficulty of the Enterprize, and the Blood of their Comerades, they thought fit to leave the Poles, who thus saved themselves by their own Bravery, by giving such Testimonies of their Courage to the Muscovites, as made them sufficient∣ly, sensible that if the rest of the Poles had been alive, they would not have rid themselves at so cheap a rate of Demetrius, and that they were more be∣holding to the Conduct of Zuski, than their own Courage for the Success of this Conspiracy. To revenge themselves of the Affront received at the be∣forementioned Palace, they fell upon the Jewellers, and other foreign Merchants that were lodged up and down the City, of whom they kill'd the great∣est part, some few escaping into the Houses of the Ambassadors of the several Nations, to whom they belonged, where, by the Intercession of the Lead∣ing Men of the Conspiracy, they found a Sanctu∣ary against the most barbarous Fury of the enrag'd Multitude.

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,* 1.23 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,* 1.24 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;* 1.25 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

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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,* 1.26 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,* 1.27 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,* 1.28 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,* 1.29 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,* 1.30 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••.* 1.31 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,* 1.32 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,* 1.33 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,* 1.34 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,* 1.35 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,* 1.36 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,* 1.37 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,* 1.38 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,* 1.39 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,* 1.40 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,* 1.41 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,* 1.42 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,* 1.43 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;* 1.44 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,* 1.45 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,* 1.46 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,* 1.47 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,* 1.48 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,* 1.49 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,* 1.50 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,* 1.51 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,* 1.52 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,* 1.53 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,* 1.54 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.

CHAP. III.

Containing a full Relation of the Rev••∣lutions which hapned in Muscovy, from the time of the Election of Uladislaus, Son of Sigismund King of Poland, till the Beginning of the Reign of Michael Federowitz, the present Czar's Grand∣father.

ZOlkievitzki, the Polish General, having in the Name of the new Great Duke Ʋladislaus ta∣ken Possession of the Castle of Musco, and the Royal Palace, with a Guard of a Thousand Poles, it was unanimously resolved to send a splendid Ambassy to King Sigismund before Smolensko, to make a Tender of the Crown of Muscovy to his Son Ʋladislaus, and to desire his Confirmation of the Articles agreed on betwixt the Russians and the Po∣lish General.

The Ambassy being composed of some of the Chief Boyars of the Empire, attended with a most magnificent and numerous Train; they were re∣ceived with more than ordinary Honour by King Sigismund, who sent out the whole Body of Horse from before Smolensko, with all the great Officers of the Army, and his Courtiers, to receive them at some Distance from the Camp.

Being introduced into the King's Presence, they addressed themselves in a Speech full of Flattery and Dissimulation,* 1.55 under which they hid their se∣cret Aversion to the Poles. They told him how overjoy'd they were to see that Day which they ho∣ped would restore Tranquility to their harrassed Coun∣try, by the Choice they had lately made of his Son Ʋladislaus for their Great Duke, humbly beseech∣ing the King, that in regard of the near Interest he now had in their Preservation, he would vouchsafe to take them and their afflicted Country into his Royal Protection, as the only Means to revive the former flourishing State of the Russian Empire, which had been reduced to the very Brink of Ruin by their intestine Divisions. That their late Ele∣ction having been unanimous and founded upon Hopes of their future Felicity, they begg'd of his Majesty not to deny them their earnest Request, but to send as soon as possibly might be, their Prince into Russia, in order to let them enjoy the Comfort of his Presence and Protection, and to compleat their Election by Crowning him Great Duke and Emperour, with the usual Ceremonies, in the Royal City of Musco. They related to him the Conditions upon which he was to be received, as we have related them in the foregoing Chapter; They enlarged themselves much in praise of the Greek Religion, and how necessary it would be for the Prince to accommodate himself to the Rites of the Muscovian Church, which they said, ought to be looked upon as the Foundation-Stone of that Monarchy, from whence depen∣ded the common Safety, both of Prince and Peo∣ple;

all which they recommended to his Royal Wisdom.

King Sigismund, who was not ignorant that these subtle Insinuations proceeded more from the pre∣sent Necessity of their Affairs, than any good Will either to himself or the Polish Nation, was not wanting to give them an Answer suitable to the present Occasion. And having received their Mes∣sage with a very serene Countenance and seeming Gladness, he answered them in general Terms; That he could not but receive the Honour conferr'd upon his Son by the Offer of the Crown of so great an Empire with a great deal of Gladness, but that as the chiefest Satisfaction he took in their Election, was their unanimous Consent, so he assured them, that he should look upon it as an indispensible obli∣gation, to assist at all times hereafter their Country with his Aids and Counsels, by which means he ho∣ped a mutual good Correspondency might be esta∣blished betwixt th••se two potent neighbouring Crowns of Muscovy and Poland, to their mutual Advantage. And as to what related to the Parti∣culars of the Treaty, they being of such a Nature as to deserve a particular Consideration, he would, after having well weighed the Matter, send his full Instructions to his General Zolkievitzki, Resident in the City of Musco,, with whom the whole Mat∣ter might be compleated at their own Homes, to the Satisfaction, as he hoped, of both Parties.

The Ambassadors being in all outward Appear∣ance very well satisfied with this Answer, there passed abundance of Caresses betwixt them and the Polish Lords, by whom they were sumptuously feasted at sundry times, with such mutual Profes∣sions of Friendship, as if they had been but one People; The same Kindness was shewn betwixt the Muscovites▪ and Poles in the City of Musco, whereby the Inhabitants being inveigled into a pro∣found Security, the Poles found Means by degrees to creep into the Castle, to the Number of six or

seven thousand, which afterwards proved fatal to that City.

The Ambassadors having not long after de∣manded their Audience of Leave from Sigismund in order to their Departure; the King in return to their Demand, asked from them the Sur∣render of Smolensko in the Name of Prince Ʋla∣dislaus, elected and proclaimed Great Duke of Rus∣sia; unto which they having answered, That they had nothing of it in their Instructions, and that they were of Opinion the Russians would be unwil∣ling to surrender a Place of such Importance till the Great Duke were come in Person to the Ca∣pital City, and Crowned and sworn to the Perfor∣mance of the beforementioned Articles, they were not permitted to depart till further Orders. For, Ki••g Sigismund having fully weighed the whole State of the Matter, and especially their Refusal of the Surrender of Smolensko, began to be more and more convinced of their fraudulent Dealings; and knowing that it was not their free Choice, but the absolute Necessity of their Affairs that had rai∣sed his Son to the Throne, he had all the Reason to fear, that when he had withdrawn his Forces out of Muscovy, they would make their Advan∣tage by the Unexperience of his Son, and justle him out of the Throne. But if he should forbear to send him till he came to his riper Years, they would from thence, without question, take Occa∣sion to recall their Choice, and elect another in his stead. And, considering that he had reduced them to such Straights, as had made them take those Mea∣sures so little suitable to their Incinations, but meerly invented to disintangle themselves out of their present Distresses, he looked upon it not only as inglorious by accepting their Conditions to receive instead of imposing Laws upon them, but also quite inconsistent with his own Interest and the Safety of his Son.

All his Thoughts therefore, were bent upon the Siege of Smolensko, which when taken, he supposed he might appear among them as a Con∣querour, and prescribe such Laws to the dece••tful Muscovites, as should be most consistent both with his Honour and Safety. This was the Resolution of Sigismund.

But his ablest Counsellors were of a quite diffe∣rent Opinion; For, tho' they were no less satisfied in the deceitful Intentions of the Muscovites, than the King himself; yet did they not judge it advisa∣ble, to drive Matters to extremities, and to com∣mit that to the hazard of the Sword, which might be obtained without Opposition. They represent∣ed to the King, that the Conquest of so vast an Empire, could not be obtained without the effusion of much Blood, and the Expence of vast Trea∣sures; whereas, if what had been sworn to by Zol∣kievitzki, by the King's Orders, were confirmed, he might in one day, make himself Master of all Muscovy. They advised him therefore, not to give the opportunity to an unstable People to take new measures, who perhaps, when driven to Despair, might side with Demetrius; which would take a∣way all his Pretences of invading that Empire, since he had undertaken his Expedition under the pretext of assisting him in the Recovery of his Right; But to send Prince Ʋladislaus, assisted by a good Body of Troops, and some able Counsel∣lors, to the City of Musco, where he being receiv'd and Crown'd Great Duke Russia, might with their Assistance easily elude the Practices of the Musco∣vites. That by this means, Smolensko would fall on course into his Hands, and his Army, besides this, might be paid all their Arrears out of the Great Duke's Treasure, as belonging to Ʋladislaus their Prince, who else, as the Case now stood; would be an intolerable Burthen for the Commonwealth of Poland. And as to what related to the Articles, they might without much Difficulty, be either quite evaded, or at least delay'd, till the Prince,

strengthened with fresh Supplies out of Poland, should find himself in a Capacity to Rule this false and stubborn People by such Laws, as he should judge most convenient, and suitable to his own In∣terest. But these wholesome Counsels had no great Influence over the King, who being pre∣possess'd with a vain Punctilio of Honour, not to rise from before Smolensko before it was taken, and with the pernicious Insinuation of his Flatterers, who perswaded him, that the Place was reduced to that extremity, as not to be able to hold out long against him, he resolved to leave nothing un∣attempted which might contribute to the Rendi∣tion, or forcing of that important City.

For which Reason, he caused a new Battery to be raised, from whence, and some others the Poles, fired so furiously upon the Town, that after some time, they laid flat a great Part of the Wall, and ruined two Bastions.* 1.56 Upon which it was resolved to assault the Place, which was executed with a great deal of Bravery; But those within, by rea∣son of the Numerousness of the Garrison, having had sufficient time to raise strong Retrenchments, fortified with Pallisado's, and a good Ditch behind the Breach, the Poles were not able to lodge them∣selves in the Breach, notwithstanding their reite∣rated Attacks, made with the greatest Bravery ima∣ginable, were repulsed with great Slaughter.

After this ill Success of the Poles, the Muscovites, who hitherto had but murmured and whispered their Complaints, began to explain publickly against the Breach of the Articles, the detaining their Am∣bassadors against the Laws of Nations, and the Outrages and Insolencies of the Poles, who being got into the entire Possession of the Castle and Principal Ports of the City of Musco, committed Violences upon the Citizens, their Wives and Saints, at the last of which they shot with their Pistols; which being a thing intolerable to People infatu∣ated with Superstition and Zeal for their Images, would certainly have produced violent Commoti∣ons

among them, at that time, if they had not been over-aw'd by the great Number of Poles, within the bowels of their own City, and which was the most prevailing, that they saw Demetrius encrease again in strength at Caluga.

For Zarucki, the General of the Cosacks, and Kazinowski, Prince of the Tartars, who, as we said before, had left him, at his second Retreat from before the City of Musco, finding their Reception to bear no proportion with the Reward they pro∣posed to themselves from King Sigismund, and see∣ing themselves despised by the Nobility of Poland, were since return'd to the Service of Demetrius, who countenanced by their Return, began to look up again, and having drawn new Supplies out of the adjacent Places, began to appear formidable at Ca∣luga, and would in all likelihood have once more appeared in the Field, if he had not been preven••∣ed by his sudden and untimely Death, which hap∣pened thus:

Kazinowski, the Tartarian Prince, who was late∣ly return'd to his Service, had given him great Oc∣casion of suspecting his Fidelity; wherefore D••∣metrius, to prevent the Design, which he believ'd to be form'd against his Life by the said Tartarian Prince, caused him to be thrown into the River Occa, and drowned there. The Tartars, but espe∣cially his Guards, enraged at the Death of their Prince, resolved to revenge it upon Demetrius, with the first Opportunity, which was not long before they met with it, according to their intend∣ed Design. For it is to be observed, that D••∣trius, ever since his last Retreat from before Mus∣co, was grown excessive Melancholy, which he was used to divert frequently with Drinking, endeavour∣ing to drown his Cares in Liquor. Having been one day a Hunting, he retir'd towards night with some of his most intimate Friends to the Enjoy∣ment of his Customary Comfort, the Bottle, with∣out any Guards about him. The Tartars, who had formed the Design against his Life, having got no∣tice

of it, secretly got near to his Quarters, and finding him and his Friends involved in Liquor, and a most profound Security,* 1.57 broke in upon him, and slew him and some of his Friends, who endea∣voured to stop their Entrance, upon the place.

This was the End of this Second Demetrius, who, from a mean and sordid Fortune, was raised to so eminent a Station as to have bid fair for the Russian Empire, till he met with his deserved Death among his own Servants and Friends. He is agreed by all Hands to have been an Impostor, some affirming his first Origin to have been a Schoolmaster, others supposing him to have been a Jew, because in his Closet were found several Hebrew and Talmudical Books, which are Mate∣rials not belonging to the Profession of the Russian Schoolmasters, whose Learning rarely exceeds Rea∣ding and Writing.

But whoever he was, it is certain that he was an Impostor, and slain by the Tartars, who did not long escape Vengeance; For, Marina had no soo∣ner received this dismal News, which at one Stroke robb'd her of all her great Expectations, but, being seized with the most violent Apprehensions in the World, and transported with Grief and Rage, without any Respect to her Quality and Sex, to••e her Hair and Face, and thus running into the Streets, cryed out, like a distracted Creature, Either restore me my Husband Demetrius, or else take pity of me, and let the same Swords that so barbarously mur∣thered him send me also to the Grave. After the first Transports were a little over, she ran in great Fury, with a Dagger in her Hand, to the Quarters of the Cosacks, and calling to those she knew by their Names; Dear Friends, said she, either revenge the Murther of my dear Lord, or at least do not refuse to do an Act of Charity towards me; take here, cry'd she, this Dagger, and with it deliver me from that Life, which, since the fatal End of my Husband, cannot but be loathsom and burthensom to me. The Cosacks, not able to resist the Tears and Prayers of this charm∣ing

Lady, fell with great Fury upon the Tartars, whom they massacred wherever they met them in the Streets, and very few would have escaped their Fury, had they not at last been appeased by the Perswasions of their Leader Zarucki.

After the Cosacks had sacrificed several Hundreds of the Tartars to the Manes of Demetrius and the just Resentment of Marina,* 1.58 those of Caluga chose and proclaimed the Son of Demetrius and Marina, Emperour of Russia; and tho' it is most generally believed that Marina was barren, and this preten∣ded Son a supposititious Child, yet Zarucki the Ge∣neral of the Cosacks being willing to carry on the Imposture in Opposition to the Polish Interest, ad∣dress'd himself to the Russians, offering them his Aid with all his Forces, if they would engage to aknowledge, after the Example of Caluga, this Son of Demetrius, Great Duke and Emperour of Russia, so soon as they should have chased the Roles out of Muscovy.

Zolkievitski in the mean time perceiving himself slighted by King Sigismund, whom he found to have taken quite contrary Measures to what had been agreed on betwixt him and the Muscovites by the King's Order, he left the Army under Pretence of going to fetch Prince Vladislaus to Musco, and taking his Way by Smolensko, to shew his Discon∣tent, he only saluted the King, and, without any further stay, retired into Poland.

The Affairs of Russia having thus for a while hung in Suspence, whilst the People were kept un∣der by the apprehension of a double Danger, to wit, from the Poles within the Gates of their Ca∣pital City, and the Demetrian Forces at Caluga, they began now to change Face, and to appear with another Countenance.

For the Muscovites, after the departure of the Polish General, finding King Sigismund resolute in not sending his Son Vladislaus into the Empire, and in the Continuation of the Siege of Smolensko, and seeing that both the Captive Zuski's and their Am∣bassadors

were sent away Prisoners into Poland, and that the King took upon him the supream and ab∣solute Administration of Affairs, putting such Of∣ficers into all Places of Trust, as he thought most convenient for his Purpose, they began to conceive great Jealousies; and being now by the Death of Demetrius delivered from their Fear on that side, prepared for an open Revolt, in order to prevent their Empire from becoming a Province of Poland, which they look'd upon to be the main Design of King Sigismund.

Whilst he therefore wasted himself at the Siege of Smolensko, which he thought ignominious to a∣bandon before it was reduced, and thereby let slip the most favourable Opportunity in the World, of Establishing his Affairs in that Empire, the Musco∣vites had, by his Delays, sufficient Leisure given them to reunite themselves and make Provisions for their future Security.

The first that appeared in Arms, towards the be∣ginning of the Spring in the Year 1611, was one Lepanovits, a Man of a great and ancient Family in Muscovy; he having a great Interest in the Coun∣try, had made secret Levies, and appearing with a Body near Peresla, invited and gained most of the Boyars and Nobility of the neighbouring Provinces into his Party; He also sent his Messengers into the more remote Parts, to represent to his Countrymen the Breach of Faith of the Poles; how they had possessed themselves of their Capital City, broke the Articles agreed on betwixt both Nations, by continuing the Siege of Smolensko, and not sending their Prince Vladislaus into Muscovy; how that they, not only kept the Zuski's, but also their Am∣bassadors Prisoners against the Laws of Nations, and, in all other Respects, treated them not like a free People, but as Slaves depending from the Mercy of their Conquerours. He exhorted them to shake off this Foreign Yoak, and by giving timely Assistance to secure themselves and their Po∣sterity against the Insolencies of their mortal Ene∣mies the Poles.

This had the desired Effect; for the Country flocked in from all Parts, so that another great Ar∣my was raised near Nisi Novogorod, under the Com∣mand of Prosowecki a Lord of a very eminent Rank in Muscovy; and Zarucki joined his Forces with them, under Condition, that so soon as they should have cleared their Country from the Poles, they should proclaim the Young Demetrius, their Great Duke and Emperour, which they were very free to promise, tho' they had not the least Intention to perform it, as Zarucki found afterwards to his Cost.

The Poles were not unadvertised of the Designs of the Muscovites, but the King's Forces before Smolensko being scarce sufficient to carry on the Siege against a strong Garrison, he could not spare any to disperse these Levies, and the Poles within the City of Musco had enough to do to maintain their Posts, and keep that vast Multitude of Peo∣ple in subjection; so that these Levies, from a small Beginning being improved into a great Bulk, the Polish Forces which were quartered up and down in the Country, to keep it in Obedience, were so far from being able to attack them, that they were scarce sufficient to keep on the Defensive.

The Inhabitants of the City, being now encou∣raged by these Muscovian Lords appearing in Arms, thought it now time to throw off the Mask, and to give the Poles very sensible Proofs of their Aversion towards them. A Design therefore was laid among them, upon a Signal given to assemble and massacre all the Poles within the City.

The City of Musco was at that time much big∣ger than it ever was before or since, by Reason of the vast Confluence of Strangers, who during these intestine Commotions were retired thither out of all the neighbouring Provinces for Sanctuary, so that it was computed to comprehend in its Circuit above a Hundred and fifty Thousand Houses. All this vast Multitude of Inhabitants being enrag'd to the high∣est Pitch against the Poles, were ready to lend a

helping Hand to accomplish the Design of the Con∣spirators, they only wanting a Head to lead them on to put it in Execution.

A thing of this Nature could not be carried on so privately, but that Gaziowski, who then com∣manded the Poles in Chief, had timely Notice of their projected Design, but thinking it not advisable to be the first Aggressor, he dissembled his Notice, and contented himself with fortifying the two Quarters of the City called Catangorod or the Mid-City, and Czargorod or the City-Royal, which be∣ing surrounded with good Stone-Walls, and con∣taining the Castle, with the Royal Palace, all the Magazines, and great Houses of the Nobility and Merchants, he proposed to himself as a safe Retreat upon all Occasions.

The Polish General Gaziouski had scarce finished his Works, before the Russians finding by the Pre∣cautions used by the Poles, that their Design had taken vent, resolved to put it in Execution, trust∣ing more in their Number than their Conduct, and having on the third day after Palm-Sunday drawn together an incredible Number of People by the Ringing of the Bells, they attack'd the Poles, with a Fury past all Belief, as Men resolv'd either to accomplish their Design, or to die in the At∣tempt.

The Poles,* 1.59 on the other Hand, being surrounded and attack'd on all sides, animated by Despair, and having the Advantage of a well regulated Disci∣pline against a confused Multitude, repulsed their Enemies with great Vigour, who, tho▪ most obstinate and furious in their reiterated Assaults, were never∣theless at last forced to give way to the Bravery of the Poles, who made them retreat with the Loss of near Ten thousand Men on their side. No sooner had the Poles removed them from their Works, but they sallied out with some thousand Men, and ha∣ving prosecuted their Victo••y, and slain a great Number of them at a great distance from their Quarters, they see all the circumjacent Parts of the

City on fire, which destroyed not only a prodi∣gious Number of Houses, but also of Women, Children and other helpless Persons. The next day the Polish General, having received Intelligence that most of the Inhabitants of Musco were retired to the Suburbs called Strelitza Slavoda, which lies South of Cataygorod or the Mid-City, on the oppo∣site Shore of the River Moska, where they were dispu∣ting the Passage to Strusius, who, with a good Bo∣dy, was come from Malsaisko, upon the first News of the Tumult, to the Relief of his Countrymen, he made a strong Sally, and having caused the said Suburbs to be set on fire in several parts,* 1.60 he burnt it quite to the Ground, thereby facilitating the Pas∣sage of the Poles who came to his Assistance and se∣curing to himself a free Communication, which stood him in great stead afterwards upon several Occasions.

It is computed that a Hundred and twenty Thousand Houses were laid in Ashes by that ra∣ging Element, and that by the Fire and Sword there fell near Two hundred Thousand of the In∣habitants of all Sorts, besides an incredible Quantity of Stores and Merchandices.

The Remainders of the Inhabitants seeing their City thus laid in Ashes, and themselves sufficiently tamed by the Sword, implored the Mercy of the conquering Poles, rejecting (as it is usual in such Cases) the Fault upon a few of their Ringleaders, who had paid for it with their Lives. The Poles knowing themselves not in a Capacity to do any fur∣ther Mischief, and being glad to have reduced them to ask Quarter, granted it without Difficulty. But as it was owing to the utmost necessity of their Af∣fairs, so this Truce so earnestly sued for by the Mus∣••ovites, lasted not long. For the Inhabitants of Musco having invited Lepanovits, Prosowecki, Zarucki, and the rest of the Leaders of the Army, we men∣tioned before, to come to their Assistance, they ad∣vanced with a Hundred thousand Men towards the City, upon whose Approach having joined with

their Forces, they forced the Poles into their Works where they were so closely besieg'd, that they had but one Passage left open for their Communication with the Country, which was that part on the other side of the River Moska, where not long before had stood the Suburbs called Strelitza Slavoda, and which they kept open a long time for the Conve∣niency of their Provisions and other Supplies, and made frequent Sallies with great Success on their side, till at last by the ill Conduct of King Sigis∣mund, they were forced to abandon that Post, and soon after, the whole City, to the irreparable de∣triment of the said King.

For whilst the brave Poles were hardly pressed upon by their Enemies, he lay immovable at the Siege of Smolensko, where his Affairs began to look with a very ill Face. For the Soldiers, tired with the long Continuance of the Siege, grew very un∣easie for want of Pay, and their Clamours were now risen to that height, that the King began to dread every day a Mutiny, having not wherewithal to satisfie their just Demands, nor any other Means now left to raise Money, unless by calling together a Dyet, which at last was resolved on, and a Con∣vention of the Estates appointed against the Sep∣tember next following; This Remedy, tho' some∣what slow, to satisfie the greedy Appetite of the Soldiers, yet were they (in Hopes o•• a happy Suc∣cess of that Assembly) thereby appeased for that time.

The King, in the mean time, considering with himself, that the Measures he had taken in Muscovy, contrary to the Advice of the Senate and his Coun∣cil, having proved abortive, would not be very a∣greeable to the Convention, he resolved to make a∣nother Attempt for the Gaining of Smolensko, not questioning but, that, if he could appear at the next Dyet as a Conquerour, it would in a great measure take off the Blemish of his former Con∣duct in the Muscovian War. A general Assault being therefore resolved on to be made on the 13th.

day of June; the Soldiers encouraged by the Hopes of the Booty of so vast and rich a City, shewed a great Eagerness to attack the Place.

The Assault was made on the East side, by the Palatine of Braclow, and on the West, where then was the King's Quarters,* 1.61 by General Wyer, who commanded the Germans. The Soldiers had found means before break of day to raise Ladders in seve∣ral places upon the Walls, unperceived by the Ene∣my; so that, at the Signal given, the Germans first mounted and got up to the Top of the Walls, as did also, not long after, the Poles, under the Com∣mand of the Palatine, without much Opposition from the Enemy, who being thus attack'd upon a sudden, when they least expected it, those Forces that were left for the Guard of the Walls were not sufficient to stop the furious Assault of the Poles. But the Descent from the Wall into the City being very steep, and the whole Garrison having by this time taken the Alarm, came flocking in great Num∣bers to the defence of their Walls, the Combat grew very hot, the Poles pushing forward with great Bravery to maintain the Advantage they had got, and the Garrison armed with Despair fighting like Men either resolved to vanquish or die; so that the Dispute remained very doubtful, and perhaps would have ended to the Disadvantage of the Poles, if the same Novodorski, whom we mentioned before to have so bravely attacked the Gate of S. Michael, had not come to their Assistance.

For, he having, whilst they were engaged upon the Walls, found means to apply a Petard at a certain small Gate on the side of the Boristhenes, he open'd a sufficient Passage for him and the King's Guards which were under his Command: In the Head of whom he, being seconded by the Marshal of Lithuania, Doro∣stanski, with some Volunteers, assaulted and entred the Place, and having slain a few who opposed their Entrance, they marched without any further Opposition directly to the Market-place, where having fix'd their Banners, they soon made them∣selves

Masters of the whole City. For the Garrison who were engaged with those upon the Walls, see∣ing the Enemy in the Heart of their City, and in∣f••tuated with Fear occasioned by the Suddenness of the Adventure, threw down their Arms, quitted their Stations, and left a free Passage for the Besie∣gers to enter in on all sides upon them.* 1.62 In a Mo∣ment there was nothing but Horrour and Confusion to be seen throughout the City. For the Poles, en∣raged at the long Resistance of the Besieged, put all they met to the Sword, Men, Women and Chil∣dren, without distinction of Age or Sex, so that the Streets were every where fill'd with Blood and Slaughter.

A great Number of the Citizens run with their Wives and Children, who made most horrible out∣cries, to the great Church, where being assaulted by the Poles they defended themselves valiantly for some time, but being at last overcome, they set fire to some Barrels of Powder that had been laid up there, and thus blew themselves, with such of the Poles as were entred, into the Air, chusing rather to perish by this furious Element, than the Hands of their bloody and merciless Ene∣mies▪

Sehin the Weywode or Governour was retired with about twenty of the principal Officers into a little Tower upon the Wall, where being surroun∣ded and attacked on all sides by the Poles, they de∣fended themselves like Lyons, declaring that they would not surrender unless to one of the General Officers of the Army. The Governour had used some of the Polish Prisoners very cruelly, so that dreading the Vengeance of the Poles, if he should fall into their Hands, he was resolved rather to die, than surrender to their Mercy. It happned very luc∣kily, that Potocki a General Officer among the Poles, advanced near that Way, who having enquired in∣to the Cause of this Resistance made by a few Men, Word was brought him, that it was the Governo•••• of the Place, who refused to surrender 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to

one of the principal Officers; upon which he came to the Place where Sehin with his Comrades yielded themselves immediately Prisoners of War.

Thus was this great City, after having endured a Siege of near two Years, taken in a few Hours, in June, in the Year 1611. The Honour of which ought chiefly to be ascribed to the Bravery and Conduct of Bartholomew Novodorski, Knight of Maltha, and Captain of the King's Guards; who by his timely opening a Passage with his Petard was the main Instrument of the Gaining of the Place; without which that Attempt of Sealing the Walls would in all likelihood have prov'd unsuccess∣ful, or at least would not have been effected with∣out the Slaughter of a great many of the Besiegers; whereas it was now purchased with the Loss of a few among the Poles. The Place being thus secu∣red, strict Orders were sent throughout all the Quarters of the City, to give Quarter, and that the King had given the Pillage of the City to the Sol∣diers, as the Reward of their past Fatigues and Dangers. But the Soldiers, especially the Germans and Poles, not agreeing about the distribution of it, were upon the point of coming to Blows, when the King ordered all the Booty to be brought, into one place in order to make an equal Dividend a∣mong them. But whilst they were busie in exe∣cuting the King's Command, a Fire hapning, by what Accident is unknown, consuming in a little time all the vast Wealth of that rich City, and burnt a great part of it.

Notwithstanding a Siege sustained of near two Years, there was found in the Magazines Provisions and Ammunition for three Years longer; so that if they could have had fresh Supplies of Men, the Place might have been defended much longer, the Garrison and Inhabitants which at the beginning of the Siege consisted of near fourscore, thousand Men, able to bear Arms, being reduced to eight or nine thousand, who nevertheless might probably have made good the Place against the assailants up∣on

the Wall, if they had not been more conquered by their own Fears occasioned by the sudden En∣trance of Novodorski, than by the Power of their Enemies.

The Muscovites being under a great Consterna∣tion after the taking of Smolensko, who expecting no less than to see the whole Polish Army in a little time at the Gates of the City of Musco, redoubled their Fury, attacking the Polish Garrison in the Ca∣stle with their utmost Vigour, but these being en∣couraged by the Success of their King, disputed e∣very Inch of Ground with the Enemy, who, not∣withstanding their vast Number, were not able to drive them from that Post by which they kept a Communication with the Country.

Sigismund, on the other Hand, was advised by his most able Counsellours, not to lose the Fruits of his Victory, but to improve it to the utmost, by carrying the Terrour of his victorious Arms to the Gates of the Capital City, where having a considerable Par∣ty, even among the Russians themselves, the Repu∣tation of his late Success could not fail to produce strange Effects among the Muscovites to his Advan∣tage; That if he would but march to the Relief of his Subjects, who there disputed his Interest with all the Bravery imaginable, it was very p••obable he might keep in Possession of that great City, which if once in his Power, the rest of the P••ovinces of that Empire would be soon compelled to receive his Dictates, especially if they saw Vladislaus their Great Duke appear in Muscovy.

But King Sigismund, as if overswayed by some secret Fatality, was so far from hearkning to their Counsels founded upon most solid Reasons of State, that he took quite contrary Measures, and in lieu of p••osecuting his Victory, resolved to turn his Back to his new Acquisitions, and to exchange the fair Hopes of Gaining a vast Empi••e, with the vain Acclamations of his People in Poland, and the empty Noise of Triumph, which ••••st him no less than the Loss of the M••sc••••i••n C••••••n, as ••is

ill Conduct had lost him some Years before his He∣reditary Kingdom of Sweden.

Having therefore feasted the whole Army for three days (to make in some measure an At••onement for the Loss of their Booty) and left a Body of T••oops, under the Command of Charles Chodkievitski, for the Guard of Smolensko, he himself returned into Po∣land to receive the Flatteries of his Subjects.

At the next Meeting of the Diet of that King∣dom, he was received with all the Pomp and Cere∣monies due to a Conquerour: The Estates were not sparing in their Addresses and Congratulations, many Speeches were made in the Assembly in Praise of the King who had added so great a Province to the Commonwealth, made himself Master of the Imperial City of the Muscovian Empire, and got their Great Duke Zuski in his Custody.

Sigismund himself was so intoxicated with these imaginary Honours, that he caused Zolkievitzki, who first took Possession of the City of Musco, to make his solemn Entry in Triumph, being attended by a most numerous and magnificent Cavalcade, and followed by the Great Duke Basili Zuski,* 1.63 who with his two Brothers, was seated in an open Cha∣riot, and thus like Captives led to the Senate-House, where being admited, Zolkievitzki present∣ed these Captive Princes to the King and Assembly, and having in a very lofty Harangue extolled the Fortune of the Commonwealth of Poland, in ha∣ving got these Illustrious Persons into their Posses∣sion, by whose Misfortune they had opened them∣selves the Way into the Russian Empire, and to the Throne it self by the Election of Prince Vladislans Great Duke of Muscovy. He did not want Vanity to compare the Captivity of t••ese Princes to the greatest Exploits of the most renowned Heroes of A••tiquity; tho' it was sufficiently known that they were fain into his Hands, more by the Treachery of the Muscovites than the Bravery of the Poles, who, whilst they trif••ed away their time in Com∣plementing and Flattering th••m••e••ves, let slip the

best and most favourable Opportunity in the World, to make themselves real Masters of that Empire which they had swallowed up in their imaginary Panegyricks. Zuski and his two Brothers were by the King's Order sent Prisoners to Goston Castle, where they were treated according to their Quality.

But Basili Zuski did not long survive the Loss of his Empire and Liberty, the Weight of his Sor∣rows having, as it is believed, deprived him of his Life soon after; He was some time after followed by one of his Brothers, who also died for Grief; They were both privately buried betwixt Warsaw and Thorn, where their Ashes ••ested till the End of the War betwixt these two Crowns, when they were translated into Muscovy, and interred among their A••cestors.

This Basili Zuski,* 1.64 Great Duke of Muscovy, ended his Life in Captivity, in a Foreign Country, after a short and troublesome Reign. He was a Person of a more than ordinary Capacity and Merit, which had raised him to the highest Station in the Empire, before he mounted the Throne; which as he ob∣tained by Fraud and Blood, so he endeavoured to settle it by the same Arts, by which he had gained it. And knowing the, Muscovites to be a People the most unstable in the World, and soon hurried from one Extream to another, he had at last, (when he found his Affairs in a declining Con∣dition) Recourse to Witchcraft and other violent Means, which served him for no other End than to hasten his Ruin, and to remove him from the Throne to a Prison where he ended his Days. A remarkable Instance of the perpetual Vicissitudes of Human Greatness, and the Instability of Popu∣lar Favour.

But it is time to return to the City of Musco, and to see what different Effects this Retreat of Sigismund out of Muscovy produced among the Russians and the Polish Garrison.

The Muscovites being, by the Departure of the King, delivered from what they dreaded most, to wit, his Marching to the Relief of the Polish Gar∣rison in Musco, re-assumed new Vigour, and, by their repeated Attacks, press'd so hard upon the Poles, that they shut them up close within their Fortifications; and these, seeing themselves thus neglected by their Prince, and expos'd to Danger without any prospect of Relief, began to contrive Means for their own Safety, a great many among them, under pretence of want of Pay, openly de∣manding their Dismission.

Gaziowski their General did endeavour by all means possible to keep them in Obedience, flatter∣ing them with Hopes of a speedy Relief, and per∣ce••ving that his Words had not the desired Effect, he contriv'd Counterfeit Letters to be brought to him as coming from the King, out of Poland, fill'd with Promises of a most powerful Relief in a very short time. To take away all the Pretence from the Soldiers of demanding their Dismission for want of Pay, he caused a Statue of our Saviour's of massie Gold, valued at near fifty thousand Pounds, which stood with the Twelve Apostles in the Great Church of the Castle (the latter being melted down by the Order of Basili Zuski, as was mention'd before) to be divided among the Soldiery, who quickly sacri∣ficed, the same Statue to their Avarice, which they had adored but a few days before. The General having by this and some other Dividends taken out of the Treasury of the Great Dukes of Muscovy, (which was in his Possession) appeased and encou∣raged his disheartned Soldiers, he kept them in continual Exercise by frequent Sallies, from whence they seldom return'd without Advantage, they were much flush'd with this Success against the Muscovites.

There was a Magazine of Salt without the Forti∣fications of the Poles, which had been spared by the Flames, when the Poles set the City on fire. The Besiegers and the Besieged standing equally in

need of this Commodity, as having, no other to supply their present Occasions, this gave them con∣stant Employment on both sides.

This Magazine was at so near a distance from the Poles, that it would have been no difficult Matter for them to inclose it within their Lines, but their General knowing that their own and the Enemies Wants would engage them in continual Skirmishes, did not think convenient to take away this Opportunity of keeping his Men in A∣ction.

He made it also his Business to sow the Seeds of Discord among the Muscovites and Cosacks that served in the Russian Army, from whence he hoped to reap no small Benefit, if he could bring over the Cosacks to his Party, and at the same time contrive the Destruction of Lepanowitz the Russian General. For which purpose he caused several counterfeit Letters to be dispersed in the Provinces written in Lepanowitz's Name, wherein he commanded the Muscovites to fall upon the perfidious Cosacks in their Quarters, having received certain Intelligence, that they intended to side with the Young Deme∣trius at Caluga. The General's Name of the Du∣nensian Cosacks that served at that time in the Mus∣covite Army, was Sidorus, who formerly had been in the Interest of this Young Demetrius his Father. Gaziowski was very careful to cause one of these Letters to fall into his Hands, who not in the least suspecting any Fraud in the Matter, with∣out any further Consultation communicated it to the other principal Officers of the Cosacks, repre∣senting to them their common Danger, in Terms so lively and natural, as sufficiently testified his Ap∣prehension of their imaginary Peril; Being all ter∣rified with the imminent Danger of their approach∣ing Ruin and Destruction, they unanimously resol∣ved to anticipate their Fate and return it upon their Enemies; for which Reason having communicated their Design to the Soldiers, they ran all to their Arms, fa••••ing upon the Muscovites next to their Quarters.

Lepanowitz, surpriz'd at the Suddenness of the Matter, and being not in the least forewarned of the Trap laid against his Life, hastned thither with a few of his Friends to appease the Tumult by his Authority, or else to give the necessary Orders for stopping tho Violences of the Cosacks, who no soo∣ner saw him appear, but looking upon him as the chief Author of their imaginary Massacre, and be∣ing under-hand edged on to his Destruction by cer∣tain Emissaries sent among them for that purpose by the Polish General, they soon overpowered and slew him upon the place.

By this time the rest of the Muscovian Generals, having got what Forces they could together, mar∣ched at the Head of them to the Quarters of the Cosacks, who were also on their side pre∣paring for a resolute Defence, and, if all Means fail'd, to open their Passage to the Castle, in or∣der to join with the Poles; so that the projected De∣sign of Gaziowski, was upon the very point of ha∣ving had its desired Effect, if Trubecowitz. (who upon the News of the Fall of Lepanowitz, was de∣clared General over the Muscovites) seeing them so resolute in their Defence, had not desired a Par∣ly with some of their principal Officers, which ha∣ving been granted, and he being informed of the false Apprehensions of their imminent Danger, which had occasioned this Mutiny gave them such convincing Demonstrations of the Falsity of their imaginary Peril, and the most sincere Assurances of his Protection and Acknowledgment of their Ser∣vices, that the Tumult was appealed without any further Bloodshed.

Neither was it long before the Artifices of Ga∣ziowski were discovered and quite eluded by the Care of the new Muscovite General, who having caused some of the Polish Emissaries (who were sent into the Camp to debauch the Cosacks) to be seized and tortured, they confessed the whole Matter, and were put to death with the most exquisite Torments in View of their Countrymen

within the Castle, to deterr them f••om the attemp∣ting any thing like it for the Future.

There having by this means an entire Reconcilia∣tion and good Correspondence been re-establ••shed betwixt the Muscovites and Gosacks, they with their joint Forces vigorously p••osecuted the Siege, and pressed so hard upon the Poles on all sides, that they drove them out of all their Out-works, and at last possess'd themselves also of those Fortifications which they had on the other side of the River M••s∣ca, for the maintaining a Communication and Cor∣respondency with the Count••y, whereby being put out of all Hopes of Relief, and of receiving the Necessary Supplies of Provisions, ••••ey were re∣duced to great Wants. Having been forced to en∣dure great Hardships for want of all manner of Necessaries for the Space of several Weeks, and e∣very thing seeming to tend to a general Insurre∣ction among the Polish Soldiers, they were on the fifteenth day of August unexpectedly delivered by a lucky Accident, or rather a Miracle.

It is to be observed that the Poles before they were so closely pent up by the Muscovites, a••d when they were as yet Ma••ters of the Pass oppo∣site to the Mid-City on the other side of the River Mosca, had sent several strong Parties abroad, part∣ly, the better to husband that small Store of Pro∣visions which were remaining in the Castle, partly to get what Booty they could in the Country, to supply their Wa••ts within. Being especially redu∣ced to great Straights for want of Forage, they had sent all their Boys and Ser••••nts out a foraging, which the Muscovites having got notice of, they took this Opportunity to attack in the mean while this Post with the utmost Vigour, which, after a brave Resistance, they made themselves Masters of, and having caused a Line to be made, with the necessa∣ry Redoubts on all the Avenues, guarded by a considerable Body of their best Troops, they thought to have now cut off all Hopes of Relief or receiving Supplies from the Besieged; as in

effect they had, if their own Fears had not once more opened that Passage to the Enemy.

For scarce were these Lines perfected, when the several Parties sent abroad by the Poles, which all together amounted to some Thousands, being at a certain place, according to Agreement joined in one Body and met by the Forage••s who were march∣ing to the City of Musco, in order to their return into the Castle; but approaching the River Mosca, found all the Avenues leading to it, secured by the Enemy's Lines. They were at first at a stand▪ not knowing what to resolve upon in this present Exi∣gency of their Affairs, most of the Soldiers that were among them tired before with the Fatigues and Hardships they had endured, being for retiring and shifting for themselves; But the Boys and o∣ther Servants that had been foraging, declaring th••t they would not abandon ••heir Masters without attempting their Relief; the rest being at last over∣come with Shame, resolved also to open their Pas∣sage with their Swords, and force their Way into the Castle. Pursuant to this Resolution they put their little Army in Battle-Array, and extending their Front (where they had placed all the Soldiers) as much as possibly they could, they advanced with Colours flying, Drums beating, and Trumpets sounding, in good Order, towards the Enemy's Lines. Scarce were they come within sight of the Muscovites, but these imagining no less than that the whole Polish Army was advancing to the Re∣lief of their Countrymen, and being seiz'd by a Panick Fear, without any further delay quitted their Lines, and retired on the other side of the River Mosca, leaving a free Passage to the Poles, who entred Cataygorod, or the Mid-City (which comprehends the Castle within its Walls) without the least Opposition, where they were received with all the Demonstra••ions of Joy and Praises due to their Courage.

Gaziowski the Polish Gene••al having, out of what had hapned, and the Confusion he observed among the Muscovites in the City, soon guess'd at the true Reason of their sudden Retreat, and willing to improve so favourable an Opportunity, caused a strong Sally to be made upon the Muscovites, who being scared with the. Apprehensions of the Ap∣proach of the whole Force of Poland, durst not look the Enemy in the Face; so that the Poles re∣covered in a few Hours from the Muscovites, what had cost them many Months before they could gain it; and during this Consternation it would have been no difficult Matter to have chased them quite out of the City, if he that comman••••d the Sally would have pushed on his Advantage with the same Vigour to the last, as he did in the Beginning. But this Commander being at Variance with Ga∣ziowski the Polish General, but intimate Friend of Chodkienitski Lieutenant-General of the Lith••••nian Army, who was design'd for the Relief of the Ca∣stle of Musco, he was afraid, that if he should prosecute the Victory to the utmost, he should rob his Friend, to whom he was obliged for his Ad∣vancement, of the Honour of having delivered the City of Musco into the Hands of King Sigismund; so that being contented with having enlarged the Po∣lish Quarters, and chased the Muscovites out of their Posts, he returned without pursui•••• the Enemy, having let slip a fair Opportunity of securing this Imperial City, and consequently the whole Empire for King Sigismund, both which were not long af••er lost by the King's ill Conduct, and the Jealousies which reigned among his Generals, as we shall have Occasion to relate anon. For, tho' the Poles flush'd with this Success, reassumed new Courage for a little time, yet finding the Enemy, after his first Consternation was▪ over, to attack them afresh with more Vigour than ever, and by degrees to drive them out of their most advanced Posts, and that they had but little Hopes of any solid Supply out of Poland, which might be sufficient to divert the

whole Force of Muscovy, they in a mutinous Man∣ner demanded their Pay, declaring that they would no longer expose themselves to such Hazards, with∣out the least ••opes of Relief or Reward. Gaziowski endeavouring by all means possible to appease the Tumult, (which was fomented by the Divisions a∣mong the Chief Officers) it was agreed that Letters should be once more dispatched into Poland by a trusty Messenger, after whose Return they should be at Liberty ••o dispose of themselves as they found it most convenient to the present Circumstances of their Affairs.

Accordingly a Letter was sent to King Sigismund, written in the Name of the Polish Garrison of the Castle of Musco; wherein having represented to the King, how faithfully they had served him in their Station, how they had held out for a conside∣rable time against the whole Force of Muscovy, struggled with Famine and all other Inconvenien∣cies, which must be the necessary Consequences of so long a Siege, they found themselves and their Services neglected, by not receiving any Supplies of Men or Money, that their Condition was such as not to be able to defend themselves much longer a∣gainst so numerous an Army; if not powerfully as∣sisted by the King; That therefore they were obliged to consult their own Safety; and to declare, that if by the sixth of January next ensuing, their Prince Vladislaus were not sent to their Assistance with a considerable Body of Troops, and all other things requisite to enable him to maintain his just Claim (by Virtue of the last Election) to the Muscovian Crown, they were unanimously resolv'd to quit the Castle, to march back into Poland, and to require their Arrears.

King Sigismund being not a little startled at the peremptory Demands of the Soldiery in Musco, was uncertain what Measures to take, to maintain his Interest in the Russian Empire; but remaining stedfast in his Resolution not to send his Son Vla∣dislaus, he order'd Charles Chodkievitski, Lieutenant-General

of the Lithuanian Army, to march with some Thousands of his best Troops towards the City of Musco, and to maintain the Castle against the Muscovites, till he having settled his Aff••••••s at Home, should be at leisure to march the next Spring to their Assistance with a Royal Army.

Potocki, Palatine of Braclovia, was at that time Commander in Chief over those Forces that were left for the Guard of ••he Province and City of Smolen∣sko, who had signaliz'd himself upon several Occa∣sions at the Siege of that Place, and being an inti∣mate Friend of Gaziowski the Polish General within the Castle of Musco, look'd with a very ill Eye up∣on this Advancement of Chodkievitski, which he thought to have been due to himself, or at least to his Friend Gaziowski; and therefore resolved to thwart all his Designs. For which purpose it was insinuated into the Chief Officers, That Chodkie∣vitski was sent with an Army out of Poland to pro∣secute the Muscovian War, and to take Possession of the Imperial City, to the gaining of which he had contributed little or nothing, to defraud them of the Honour and Rewards of their past Labours; The common Souldiers being also terrified with his Severity in Martial Discipline, by the Artifices of Potocki's Emissaries, were prepossess'd with such an Aversion against his Person, that at his Arrival they refused to obey his Commands, neither ••ould they be prevailed upon to make any more Sallies, which the Muscovites improving to their Advantage, straight∣ned them more and more without any considerable Opposition.

The time was thus trifled away in Contests with∣in the Castle till the sixth of January, the Day pre∣fix'd for the Departure of the Garrison, in their Letter to King Sigismund, if Prince Vladislaus did not come to their Relief; when they unanimously declar'd, That they would march directly into Po∣land to get Satisfaction for their Arrears.

Chodkievitski, with all the Head Officers of his Party, did omit nothing which they believ'd might keep them in Obedience; they endeav••ured by Entreaties, Promises and Threats, to induce them to alter, or at least to deferr their Resolution, but in vain; For having chosen one Joseph Cieclinski their General, they march'd, to the Number of be∣twixt seven and eight thousand Men, most Horse, out of the Castle, and having opened their Passage with their Swords thorow their Enemies, directed their March to the Lesser Poland, where having di∣stributed their Troops into several Palatinates, they made Leopolis their Head Quarters, and seiz'd not only upon the King's Domains, but also upon the Ecclesiastical Revenues for the Satisfaction of their Arrears. There was however a Body of four thousand Men, to wit, that commanded by Sapiha, left for the Guard of the Castle of Musco, who were at last prevail'd upon to stay for some time longer, by the p••ospect of great Advantages, having all the Crown-Jewels of Muscovy, consist∣ing of two Crowns of Gold beset with Gems, two Sceptres with Diamonds, two Ducal Bonnets, the Golden Apple, and other precious Stones of great Value, put into their Hands as a Pledge for their Pay.

Potocki having thus far succeeded in his Design, and finding things reduc'd to Extremity by his Contrivances, he thought it now fit time to step in for the Prese••vation of the Place; for which pur∣pose he sent a considerable Force from Smolensko, under the Command of Konickpotski a Creature of his own, and not long after, his near Kinsman Nicholas Strusius, with part of the Garrison of Smo∣lensko, to the Assistance of those within the Castle of Musco. They entred without the least Oppo∣sition, thro' that Pass which the Poles had as yet maintain'd on the other side of the River Mosca; and those within being reinforc'd and encourag'd by so considerable a Number of f••esh T••oops, might without all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not only have maintain'd

but also have enlarg'd their Quarters, if the Jea∣lousie and Envy that reign'd among the Officers had not rendred all the Designs of Chodkicvitski fruitless; so that, notwithstanding the considerable Accession of these Troops, the Muscovites found Means ••o pen them up closer every day, and at last to cut of their Communication with the Country, by perfect∣ing their Lines on the other side of the River M••sca.

The Sapihan Horse, consisting of four thousand Men, seeing themselves in danger of being en∣closed without any Hopes of Relief, and unwilling to lose the Treasure they had got so lately in their possession, declared unanimously, that they were resolved not to endure any longer the Dangers and Fatigues of a close Siege, without the least Prospect of Success on their side; and that they would follow the Example of ••he rest, who were some months before marched into Poland. Accordingly having chosen one John Zalinski their Commander in Chief, they march'd out with all the Crown-Jewels in their Possession, and having with great Bravery fo••ced the Enemy's Lines, march'd directly into Lithuania, setting up their Head Quarters at Bresla, and trea∣ding the Footsteps of their Brethren in the Lesser Poland, took up their Quarters in the neighbouring Palatinates, where they liv'd at discretion upon the King's Domains and the Ecclesiastical Revenues, till their Arrears were paid.

King Sigismund was by this time become sensible of his fatal Error in not sending his Son Vladislaus into Muscovy; especially when the Polish Nobility exasperated by the Insolencies of the confederate Forces in the Lesser Poland and Lithuania, began to break out into open Complaints, charging the King with the Causes of all these Disorde••s, which might have been prevented if he had not preferr'd the Insinuations of his flattering Courtiers before the wholesom Advice of his Senate and his most ex∣perienced Officers. To repa••r therefore, if possible, his former Mi••••ake, he resolved to bring Vladislaus thither in Person at the ••••ad of a good Army, and

having assembled what Forces he had in Readiness, march'd directly to Vilna the Capital City of Li∣thuania,* 1.65 expecting to be join'd there by the Confe∣derate Forces, by reason of their great Zeal for the Interest of their Prince Vladislaus. But these ha∣ving once tasted the Sweets of their p••entiful Quarters, and having yet in fresh Remembrance their late Fatigues sustain'd in the Castle of Musco, were not for changing their present plentiful Con∣dition for the To•••• and Chances of War; so that, when the King o••der'd them to prepare for the March, they unanimously declar'd that they would not stir unless they receiv'd full Satisfaction for their Arrears.

The King, tho' disappointed in the Assistance of those Troops, in which he confided most, having receiv'd a Reinforcement of two thousand German Foot, directed his March towards Smolensko, where by the Accession of those Forces that Quarter'd thereabouts, he hop'd to be in a Condition to at∣tempt the Relief of his Subjects within the Castle of the City of Musco. But the same Evil Genius which had alienated the Confederate Forces from his Service did follow him to Smolensko. For the Horse in those Parts, after the Example of their Brethren in Lithuania and Poland, declar'd that they would not stir out of their Quarters till their Arrears were paid them. King Sigismund wanting Money to satisfie their Demands, and Strength to reduce them to Obedience, was fain to have Re∣course to Entreaties and Promises not only of their Arrears, but also of vast Rewards; but these verbal Temptations not making the least Impression upon the Souldiers, the King declar'd that if they all refus'd to follow him, he would in Person at the Head of his Guards only march to the Relief of his Subjects in Muscovy.

Some of the Horse, overcome with Shame and the Perswasions of their Officers, who upbraided them with Cowardice and want of Loyalty, being at last prevail'd upon, not to leave the King

at this critical Juncture, Sigismund resolv'd to pro∣secute his March to Viasna, mid-way betwixt Smo∣lensko and the City of Musco.

I had almost forgot to have mention'd here an Accident that hapned to the King at the time of his marching out of one of the Gates of Smolensko, which is call'd the Kings Gate, the same was in∣terpreted as an inauspicious Omen to Sigismund. For it hapned, that just at the same Instant as he was to go thro' the abovemention'd Gate, the Portcullice fell down and stopp'd his Passage; so that he was forced to ••urn back and take another Way to Viasna, where he halted, expecting to be join'd by some other Forces, that were quarter'd in the neighbouring Provinces.

Whilst the King, who was always dilatory in his Affairs, was advancing with slow Marches towards the City of Musco, the Russians had pressed on the Siege of the Castle with more Vigour than before, and having perfected their Lines on all sides, and fortified them with Redoubts at convenient distan∣ces, and reduc'd the Poles within to great Straights, who, for want of a sufficient Number of Foot, were no longer able to maintain their Works, much lest to hinder the App••oaches of the Enemy. How∣ever, they supplied the Defect of their Foot by the Service of their Horse, who during the whole Summer, notwithstanding all the Passages were fortified and guarded by the Muscovites, at several times broke thro' their Lines and brought in Pro∣visions for the Garrison. But these Supplies being brought in so small Quantities as not to bear any proportion with the Necessities of the Soldiers, who were at last reduced to extream Want, Chodkievitski resolv'd to make his last Effort, and to try whether he could not by the same Way of the River, which he had made use of before, bring in a Sup∣ply of five hundred Waggons, laden with all man∣ner of Provisions into the Castle.

For which purpose having order'd a Sally to be made with the greatest part of the Horse, and all the Foot within the Castle, they by break of day for∣ced the Guards of the Muscovites on the other side of the River Mosca, to facilitate the Passage of their Convoy, which they met at some di••tance from the Town. But they advancing very ••lowly by reason of the great Number of Waggons, the Muscovite•• had sufficient Leisure given them to draw the greatest part of their Forces out on that side, so that at their Return they were warmly re∣ceived by the whole Power of the Muscovites, who knowing the Fate of the Siege to depend from the Success of this days Action, fought with great Ob∣stinancy. The Polish Horse, induced by the same Motives fought like Men resolved to conquer or to dy, and, notwithstanding the great Inequality of their Number, had brought the Muscovian Horse into Confusion, and would in all likelihood have carried the Day, if they had been duly seconded by their Foot commanded by Strusius. But he being a near Kinsman and Creature of Potocki,* 1.66 who, as we mentioned before, look'd with an ill Eye upon the Advancement of Chodkievitski, under pretence of guarding the Convoy of Provisions, advanced so slowly to the Rescue of the Horse, that being sur∣rounded on all sides, they had enough to do to fight their Way thro' into the Castle, without being able to execute their Design, and were soon after followed by the Foot, who were forced to leave all the Provisions intended for their Relief to the disposal of the Enemy.

Thus the Hopes which King Sigismund had con∣ceived of the conquering of the Russian Empire vanished with his Overthrow, which at once lost him all the Fruits of his former Victories, acquir'd with the Effusion of so much Blood, and the Ex∣pence of a vast Treasure.

For the Muscovites having received certain Intel∣lig••nce that King Sigismund was preparing to ad∣vance to their Rescue, doubled their Guard in all

their Avenues leading to the Castle, and so straightly enclos'd the Garrison within the Limits of their Walls, that they took from them all Hopes of receiving any further Supplies of Provisions. The Poles on the other Hand knowing the Importance of the Place which was committed to their Custody, from whence depended in a great Measure the Fate of the Muscovian Empire; and living in dayly Expe∣ctation of the Approach of their King, endured all the Extremities of Famine with an unparallell'd Resolution. For after having consumed every thing that was eatable, not only Horses, Cats, Dogs, Rats, Mice, and other living Creatures, but also the Leather and Coverts of their Trunks and Sad∣dles; they proceeded to Human Flesh, feeding upon the Carcasses of their Comrades. But this having in a little time caused a most violent Conta∣gion among them, and receiving no certain Intelli∣gence of the further Approach of the Polish Army,* 1.67 their Obstinacy was forced to yield to the Extre∣mity to which they were reduced by the Watchful∣ness of the Muscovites, and the slow Advances of their Countrymen, so that they surrender'd them∣selves at Discretion, after having given a thousand evident Proofs of their Courage and Loyalty du∣ring this long and remarkable Siege.

King Sigismund had been all this while trifling a∣way his time at Viasna, where having received this fatal News of the Surrender of the Castle of Musco, he and the whole Army were put into such a Con∣sternation as is not easie to be express'd. Being at the greatest Incertitude that possibly could be, what to resolve upon at this critical Juncture, he called together all his ablest Counsellours and most expe∣rienced Officers, to consult what was best to be done. There were not a few who advised him to lay aside all further Thoughts of the Muscovian Crown, and, in a far advanced Season, not to ex∣pose his Person and the whole Army to eminent Danger among a Treacherous People. But the major Part were of Opinion, that the Pretences to

the Russian Empire ought not to be quited at so ea∣sie a Rate; that if he, without any further Delay, advanced into the Heart of the Country, it was not improbable that the Muscovites over-awed by his Presence at the Head of a good Army, whilst their Affairs were yet in an unsettled Condition, might be induced rather to adhere to their former Election of Prince Vladislaus, than to expose them∣selves afresh to the Hazards of a ruinous War. And that in case they should be disappointed in their Expecta∣tion, it would be more glorious for them to pro∣cure an honourable Peace with their Swords in Hand, than shamefully to turn their Backs to their Ene∣mies, whereby they would be encouraged to carry the War into the Polish T••rritories.

The King having given his Approbation to the latter, it was resolved to march immediately to∣wards Federoviscum, where having set up their Head Quarters, the King detached a considerable Body of Horse, to advance to the very Walls of the City of Musco. They were no sooner come within sight of that City, but they were received with good store of Shot from the Walls, which being seconded by a furious Sally, the Polish Horse were forced to retire with the Loss of some of their Companions. The King judging by the Entertain∣ment given to his Troops before the Imperial City that the Muscovites had laid aside all Thoughts of receiving his Son Vladislaus for their Great Duke, and finding himself not in a Capacity at present to force them to a Compliance, was uncertain what Measures to take. The worst of all was, that the Muscovites in the circumjacent Provinces, upon the first News of the Surrender of the Castle of Musco, and the Approach of the Polish Army, had carried all their Provisions into their strong Holds; so that King Sigismund's Army which consisted most of Ca∣valry, was in great Distress for want of Forage in a Country where the Winter-Season affords no∣thing in the Field for the Sustenance of Horses, and makes encamping almost intolerable to the Soldiers.

The evil Posture of their Affairs gave occasion to frequent Consultations in the Polish Camp, where it was at last resolved to attempt to make themselves Masters of some Place of Strength, whereby they might at once supply thei•• present Necessity, and se∣cure themselves a secure Retreat in the ••ear•• of the Country, till they might find an Opportunity to take new Measures against next Spring. Volock was the Place pitch'd upon as the fittest for their present Purpose, which the Poles, enraged at their ill Success, attacked with incredible Fury, but their ill Fortune seem'd to follow them wherever they came; for the Muscovites having in fresh Remem∣brance the Ravages committed by the Poles, and especially the Burning of the City of Musco, look∣ed upon them no otherwise than the mortal Ene∣mies of their Country, and therefore defended themselves with such a Resolution as sufficiently shewed that they would rather bury themselves in the Ruins of the Place than suffer them again to get footing in the Heart of the Empire; so that after having been repulsed several times with con∣siderable Loss,* 1.68 they had no other Way left them for their Safety, than to hasten their March towards Smolensko, and from thence into Poland, with the Loss of many of their Souldiers and most of their Horses.

And thus, after so much Blood-shed, so many Sie∣ges and Battles, and the Expence of vast Treasures, ended the Expedition of Sigismund King of Poland, who by his ill Conduct lost the Crown of Musco∣vy designed for his Son Vladislaus, rendred the En∣deavours of the two unfortunate Demetrius's un∣successful, and involved the Russian Empire in un∣speakable Miseries, which now by his Retreat be∣gan to conceive new Hopes of its future Establish∣ment.

For, no sooner had they rid their Hands of the Poles, but they applied all their care towards the rooting out the Remnants of the Imposture of the Demetrius's for which purpose they sent a considerable Body to∣wards

Caluga, to attack those Forces that stood still out for the Interest of Marina and the Young De∣metrius, her pretended Son, under the Command of Zarucki the General of the Cosacks; but these defended themselves with so much Bravery; that the Muscovites finding them so resolute in their Defence, and fearing lest they should be prevail'd upon to side with the Poles against them, tampered under-hand with some of their Chief Officers, who being blinded by the Muscovite Gold, brought over the greatest part of the Cosacks to the Musco∣vite Party, and as a Pledge of their future Fideli∣ty, delivered their Leader, the brave Zarucki, and Marina and her supposititious Son into their Hands.

The Unfortunate Zarucki, after an Imprisonment of some Months, was impaled; but as to Marina and the Young pretended Demetrius, the Muscovites were divided in their Opinions; there being not a few who in regard of the eminent Station she had born in the Muscovian Empire, and her high Extra∣ction, endeavoured to save her from the Cruelties of those who laid all the Outrages committed since the Beginning of the War by the Poles at her Door, as being in a great Measure the chief Cause of their Invading the Russian Empire, and consequently of all the Miseries they had endured for these ten or twelve Years last past. They judged it therefore most conducible to the Settlement of their State, by her Death to strike at the Root of the Preten∣sions of the Demetrius's, and to take away all Co∣lour of future Claim upon that Score: Pursuant to which Resolution, she and her pretended Son De∣metrius were condemned to be thrust under the Ice.

Marina received the fatal News with a Constancy above the ordinary Courage of her Sex, and having desired only a few Hours to prepare herself for her last Exit out of this World,* 1.69 she appeared with a very grave and composed Countenance, and a Pre∣sence so Majestick, and out-braving her present ill Destiny, that she drew Tears even from the Eyes of her mortal Enemies. She declared, that,

as for her own part, she had of late been so much accustomed to the perpetual Vicissitudes of For∣tune, as not to be terrified at her approaching Death, by which she hoped to exchange her Mise∣ries for everlasting Joys; That her only Concern was for the young Babe, whose tender Age, as it was incapable of committing any Crimes, so her greatest Grief was to see its Innocence thus invol∣ved in her Ruin by the Insatiable Revenge of her Enemies. Being not allowed to say any more, af∣ter a few Minutes bestowed in pious Ejaculations, she was with her Babe in her Arms thrust into the Watery Element, where she and all her Hopes were smothered under the Ice.

She was a Lady of an immense Ambition, and of a Greatness of Mind uncommon to her Sex; as her aspiring Thoughts gave place to all other Considera∣tions, so the Desire of Empire was the predomi∣nant Passion of her Soul, which had made her em∣bark in these Designs which at last proved her Destruction. The Greatness of her Courage and Constancy was such, as that she refused even to the last to be treated at a less Rate than an Empress; And in the very lowest Ebb of Fortune, such was her Ambition as to refuse the Letters of certain Friends, because they had not stiled her Empress of Muscovy in their Superscriptions.

The Muscovites having thus disintangled them∣selves out of these Troubles which had over-whelmed their Empire, began now to take breath, and in order to establish their present Quiet upon a lasting Foundation, began to consult the Settlement of the Government, by such an Ele∣ction as might restore them to their former flou∣rishing Condition. There were some among the ancient Nobility, who sufficiently declared their Inclinations, that by their late Services in having been instrumental in chasing the Poles out of Muscovy, they thought themselves entitled to the Royal Dignity, which was like to have proved the Source of new Calamities, if the popular Faction

headed by Prosowecki and Boris Sicin had not de∣clared peremptorily, that the only Means to re∣settle their turbulent State, was to revert the Go∣vernment into its ancient Channel, by chusing one of the Royal Family of John Basilovits.

But whilst the Muscovites were concerting Mea∣sures for the Establishment of their State, thinking to have secured themselves against any further Im∣postures, by the Death of Marina and the preten∣ded Young Demetrius, they were surprized with the unwelcom News, that the Old Demetrius was revived again, and had appear'd in the North-western Provinces of the Empire.

This Impostor was of a mean Extraction,* 1.70 a Scrivener by his Profession, but of a bo••d and daring Spirit, and a ready Tongue and subtle Wit; He assum'd the Name of Demetrius the Son of John Basilovits, giving it out that besides his miraculous Preservation at Vgletz and in the City of Musco, he had escaped the Hands of the Tar∣tars at Caluga, who in the Fray had murthered a∣nother in his stead.

The Rumour spread abroad concerning this new Demetrius, soon drew to his Party such of the Muscovites as had lately adhered to Marina, and for fear of Punishment were glad to embrace any Opportunity to fish in troubled Waters. To these there flocked abundance of Vagabonds and idle Persons, the Remnants of the late intestine Broils, and such as having been by the War indispo∣sed to any thing of Labour, hoped to live upon Rapine and the Plunder of the Country.

Finding himself thus on a sudden at the Head of a considerable Party, he publish'd his Manife∣sto, wherein he exho••ted all his faithful Subjects to acknowledge him for their lawful Sovereign, as being the only surviving Issue of John Basilovits, their Great Duke, who having three several times escaped the Hands of his bloody Enemies did once more appear to assert his Legal Title to the Musco∣vian Throne.

Perceiving the giddy Multitude ready to swallow the Bait, he directed his March to Novogorod Veliki, where being received under the Acclamations of the People,* 1.71 he after some short Stay, march'd from thence to Jama, and so further to Ivanogorod, where the In∣habitants, after the Example of those of Novogorod, readily opened their Gates, and received him as Great Duke of Muscovy. Being encouraged by this Success, to put the better Countenance upon his Imposture, he resolved to strengthen his Interest, if possible by some Foreign Alliances. He judged, not without reason, that the Poles, who had been so lately baffled in their Design against Muscovy at the Expence of a vast Treasure, and the Loss of so many of their Countrymen, would not easily be prevailed upon to try so soon again their Fortune in a Country where they had drawn upon them∣selves the general hatred of the People; where∣fore he thought it more conducing to the present Circumstances of his Affairs, to implore the Assi∣stance of the Swedes, who by Reason of the near∣ness of their Frontiers to those Provinces where he had established his Interest, were the most likely to prove most advantageous to his Pretensions.

In order to which,* 1.72 he sent an Ambassador to Charles King of Sweden, unto whom having repre∣sented the Treachery of his unfaithful Subjects a∣gainst their Lawful Sovereign, he craved his Aid for the Recovery of his Throne. King Charles shewed sufficient Inclination to hearken to his Propositions, but considering with himself how it could be pos∣sible that the same Demetrius, after having been slain three several times, should appear again and ask his Assistance unless he were immortal, he di∣spatched the Ambassador of this New Demetrius with this Answer, That he would send an Ambassa∣dor of his own to Ivanogorod, in order to settle e∣very thing, relating to the proposed Alliance, with him in Person. King Charles had at that time in his Co••••t, a certain Gentleman whose Name was Pe∣trejus, who had formerly seen the first Demetrius;

both in Poland and in the City of Musco. Know∣ing him to be a Person of undoubted Integrity, and being resolved not to be imposed upon by the cun∣ning Muscovite, he sent him as his Ambassador to this Demetrius, then resident at Ivanogorod, with Orders, if he found him to be the same Person that was acknowledged and crowned as the true Demetrius in the City of Musco, to conclude an Alliance with him, and to promise him all possible Assistance for the Recovery of his Crown and the reducing his Subjects to their due Obedience. Pe∣treius, being arrived at Ivanogorod, demanded, ac∣cording to his Instructions, immediately Audience from the supposed Great Duke, which he could not obtain at that time by reason of a Pretended Indis∣position of this new modell'd Emperour of Russia, who having got Notice that Petreius had personally known the first Demetrius, did not judge it ad∣visable to admit him into his Presence. Petreius having again demanded Audience, was answered, That the Great Duke's Indisposition would not give him leave to receive him in Person, according to his Quality, but that if he would be pleased to treat with his Council in the mean while, concer∣ning such Matters as were within the Compass of his Instructions, he did not question but that in a few Days he might be so far re-establish'd in his Health, as to ratifie the Treaty in Person, and to shew him all the Honours due to his Character. Petreius, who began to mistrust the Matter, answe∣red, That the King of Sweden, his Master, being desirous to enter into a strict Alliance with his Czarish Majesty, had given him some particular In∣structions, which he was commanded to communi∣cate to no body but to him in Person; And having made reiterated Instances for his Admittance into the Great Duke's Presence, which was as of∣ten denied him, under some pretence or other, he had all the Reason to gather from thence and some other Observations he made, that this Denial pro∣ceeded from the Conscience of his own Guilt, and

that all his Pretences were fictitious; Where∣fore having once more demanded Audience, which was again denied, ••he declared, That since it was his Misfortune to come at a time when it was not consistent with his Czarish Majesty's Health to be admitted in his Presence, and that being limited as to the time of his Return, and not permitted to disclose his Master's Secrets to any of his Ministers, he was obliged to return into Sweden; But that, if the Great Duke would send once more his Ambas∣sadors to the King his Master, he did not question but that Matters might be adjusted betwixt them to their mutual Satisfaction. Thus Petreius cunning∣ly dissembling his real Thoughts conce••ning ••hese frequent Delays and Denials put upon him by the Russians, left Ivanogorod, and at his Return gave King Charles a full Account of the Success of his Negotiation.

The new modell'd Demetrius finding himself thus disappointed in his Hopes of the Swedish Aids, yet did not lose Courage; but having by this time brought over a consid••rable Body of the Cosacks to his Party, resolved to appear now in the Field at the Head of his Army directing his March to the City of Plesko, situate upon a Lake of the same Name, and one of the most considerable in those Parts.

The Muscovites, who look'd at first upon this Imposture, as so gross and so ill contrived as scarce worth their taking Notice of, when they saw se∣veral Places of Note thereabouts to take the Bait, and the Impostor ready to take the Field with a considerable Number of Troops, thought it now high time to run to the quenching of the Fire be∣fore the Flame should spread it self over the neigh∣bouring Provinces. Having receiv'd Intelligence that the Impostor was marching towards Plesko, they ordered their Army to march also to the Re∣lief of that Place; which being by the Counter∣feit Demetrius summoned to a Surrender, was just upon the point of complying with his Demands,

when the Muscovite Army advancing, he took the Alarm, and finding himself not in a Capacity to fight an Army much superiour to him both in Number and Goodness of the Soldiers, he resolved upon a hasty Retreat, which was done with so much Precipitation,* 1.73 that he was forced to leave all his Cannon and Baggage behind him, which fell in∣to the Hands of the Enemies, who also pursued and dispersed his Troops, himself scarce escaping to Ivanogorod.

The Muscovites, believing there was nothing more to be done for them in those Parts, marched back with their Army to the Capital City; but it was not long after they had withdrawn themselves out of the Neighbourhood of Plesko,* 1.74 when the In∣habitants of that City sent their Deputies to Ivano∣gorod offering themselves and their Town to the Service and Protection of this Impostor.

He, who but a few days before had looked upon his Affairs as desperate and past redress, being over-joyed at so unexpected a Success, re-assumed new Courage, and being resolved to improve so favou∣rable an Opportunity to his Advantage, went im∣mediately with what Troops he had left after his late Retreat to Plesko, where he was received with all the Demonstrations of Joy, and Honour due to their Lawful Sovereign.

If he had been as careful to maintain the good O∣pinion of the Citizens of Plesko, as he had been vigilant in procuring it, the Accession of so consi∣derable a Place might have proved of great Conse∣quence to his Affairs; but, instead of improving it to his Advantage, he gave himself over to all manner of Debauchery and Licentiousness, and his Officers, following the Footsteps of their Leader, committed all manner of Insolencies upon the People, by debauching and violating their Wives and Daughters; so that at last the Citizens of Ples∣ko, being convinced of their Mistake, and not any longer able to endure their Villanies, took a Reso∣lu••ion to rid their Hands of these new Guests.

For which purpose being met at a certain Day appointed for that purpose early in the Morning well armed, they attacked and beat his Guards, and forced him to fly the City. The Cosacks seeing him thus forsaken by the Muscovites, resolved not to stay long behind, but to leave him with the first Opportunity. But some of the Officers conside∣ring with themselves, that if they could seize upon his Person, they might, by so acceptable a Present the sooner make their own Peace, and obtain Par∣don for their Rebellion, resolved to seize him and to deliver him up to the Muscovites. They were just upon the point of putting their Design in Exe∣cution, when he mistrusting the Matter, clapp'd Spurs to his Horse, and would without Question have saved himself by the Swiftness of his Horse, if he had not been overtaken by an Arrow out of a Cosacks Bow,* 1.75 which having wounded him in the Shoulder, he was taken, and being bound Hand and Foot, sent to the City of Musco, where he was hang'd in a Chain before one of the Gates of that City.

The Muscovites in the mean while having consul∣ted their own Safety after some Contests among the Nobles, at last, by the universal Suffrage of the People, chose Michael Federovits, the fatal Youth so much feared by Zuski, their Great Duke, who happily maintained himself in the Throne, and re∣stored Tranquility to the shatter'd Empire of Muscovy, as will appear out of the following Chapter.

CHAP. IV.

Containing the History of the Reigns of Michael Federovits, of Alexi Mi∣chaelovits, his Son, and Fedor A∣lexiovits the Eldest Brother of the present Grand Czar of Muscovy.

MIchael Federovite was the Son of Fedor Nikitis, who being descended from the Race of the Great Duke John Basilovits, by one of his Daught∣ters, had during the last Troubles in Muscovy lived a very retired life; And at last having forsa∣ken his Wife for God's sak••, as they call it in Mus∣covy, embraced a Religious Life, and soon after was made Patriarch, when he changed the Name of Fedor into Philaretes. His Son was scarce seven∣teen years of Age when he was crown'd Great Duke of Russia, in the Year 1613, with one of the Diadems which they found among the Rapines of the Poles, notwithstanding which he governed the Russian Empire with a great deal of Prudence, ta∣king the Advice of his ablest Counsellors, but especially of his Father in all Matters of any Moment.

The first thing he did, after his Coronation, was to recompence the Services of Prosowecki, Boris Sicin, and the General of the Dunensian Cosacks, who had not only signaliz'd themselves by their Zeal in driving the Poles out of Muscovy,* 1.76 but also had been very instru∣mental in his Election. Those he constituted Gene∣rals of his Armies, and by their Valour obliged the Poles to emancipate them from the Oath which the Muscovites had sworn to Vladislaus their Prince, who was forced to make a Truce with this new

Great Duke for fourteen Years, yet under these Con∣ditions, That the Poles should keep in the mean time in their Possession the Dukedoms of Severia, Ze••ikow, and Smolensko, which they had taken during the late Troubles in Muscovy. He also re∣newed the Antient Alliances with the other neigh∣bouring Princes; and as he was of a very good Na∣ture, so by the Mildness of his Government he abo∣lished the Memory of his Predecessors Cruelties, that, it is granted, the Muscovites never enjoyed a more peaceable and happy Government for many Ages before. His Father, for whom he had always expressed so much Respect, as not only to admit him to all Publick Audiences and Ceremonies, where he gave him Precedence, died in the Year 1633. Which had almost proved fatal to his Af∣fairs, by the unfortunate Siege of Smolensko, if by a seasonable Peace he had not prevented the ill Con∣sequences of so signal a Disgrace.

For the Truce with the Poles being expired some Years before, and Michael Eederovits, being resol∣ved to remove these troublesome Neighbours at some further Distance from his Frontiers, and to draw out the Thorn which stuck so close in his Flesh, meditated the Siege of Smolensko. For which purpose he had brought together an Army of above an•• Hundred thousand Men, among whom were several Thousand Germans, and several Mus∣covian Regiments exercised according to the Ger∣man Discipline, and commanded by foreign Offi∣cers;* 1.77 and a great Train of Artillery consisting of three hundred Pieces of Cannon, and all other things requisite to carry on the Siege with the ut∣most Vigour, under the Command of one Herman Shein a Polander, who by his changing Religion had gained him the Affection and Favour of the New Patriarch. The Reduction of the Place seemed to be so much the easier, in that the City is encom∣passed with Hills and only one single Wall built af∣ter the old Fashion without any Out-works or Ditch, and that the Polish Garrison was not very

numerous.* 1.78 For which Reason the Great Duke ha∣ving ordered to attack it with all imaginable Vi∣gour, the Place was closely besieged in the Year 1633.

The Germans soon made a large Breach in the Wall on their side, and were resolved to give the Assault, which was opposed by the General, say∣ing, That it would be a Reproach to the whole Muscovite Army, that a Handful of Germans should carry away the Honour of the Siege; but these being encouraged by the rest of the Foreign Officers of several Nations, mounted the Breach, and were in a manner Masters of it, when they re∣ceived positive Orders from the General to retreat, and that in case of Refusal he would turn his Can∣non upon them: So that not daring to make any further Attempt, the whole Army continued the Siege without doing any thing worth taking No∣tice of.

Vladistaus, the New King of Poland, had in the mean while Leisure given him to get together a Body of Troops, and being encouraged by the Di∣visions among the Officers in the Muscovite Camp, or invited on purpose (as some will have it) by the Muscovian General Herman Shein, marched to the Relief of the Place. The City of Smolensko is surrounded with Hills and vast Woods, which gave sufficient Opportunity to the Poles to possess them∣selves of those few Avenues that led to the Musco∣vian Camp,* 1.79 and by which they received their Pro∣visions, so as that in a little time the Muscovites were reduced to such Straights for want of all manner of Necessaries, that the General to pre∣vent their being starved, was forced to capitulate with the Poles, to surrender the whole Army and Artillery at Discretion, which was to be ransomed by the Great Duke.

The Loss of so great an Army, put the whole Empire under a great Consternation, and things began to look with a very ill Face, especially when the People began to murmur openly, and

some of the great ones were suspected to have a Finger in the Treason. King Vladislaus sent an Ambassador to the Great Duke immediately after this Defeat of the Muscovites, who by his Insolent Behaviour sufficiently exprest the Sense the Poles had of the present turbulent State of the Russian Empire. He caused the Muscovite Pristafs to a∣light and to uncover themselves first, (which they refuse to all other Nations) declaring publickly, that he was not come there to do the Muscovites any Honour, but to receive it from them. He re∣fused the Great Duke's Horses at his Entrance and made use of his own. At his Audience he would needs make his Proposition Sitting, and perceiving that when he pronounced the Name and Titles of his King,* 1.80 the Boyars did not uncover themselves, he stopp'd till such time as he saw the Great Duke command them so to do. King Vladislaus had not so much as sent the usual presents to the Great Duke (without which otherwise Ambassadors are never admitted to publick Audience) the Ambas∣sador only presented him, as from himself, with a very rich Coach, which the Great Duke having ac∣cepted of, he sent him before his Departure a rich Present of Sables, which the Ambassador re∣fused with Scorn. The Great Duke thereupon sent back his Coach, which he was so angry at, that he kick'd the Pristaff, (who brought the Message) from the Top of a very high pair of Stairs to the Bottom.

The Great Duke being highly incensed thereat, yet was fain to dissemble his Resentment, in the present ill Posture of his Affairs, he only sent word to the Ambassador, that he knew not whether this Behaviour of his was according to his Master's Order, or whether it proceeded from his own violent Inclinations; That if he had acted according to the King's Commands, he must have Patience till a more favourable Juncture should present to give himself Satisfaction for the Affronts put upon him; That tho' by his late Disgrace before Smo∣lensko

he was at present not in a Capacity to shew his Resentment as he ought to do, the Event of the War was nevertheless in the Hands of God Al∣mighty, who might crown his Arms with better Success another time; But that if what he had done was without the King's Order, (as he be∣liev'd) and upon his own Account, Complaint should be made of it to the King his Master, from whose Justice he promised himself ample Satisfa∣ction for the Rudeness and Insolencies committed by his Minister. Michael Federovits, seeing his Af∣fairs in so ill a Posture,* 1.81 thought it most advisable to comply with the present Exigency of the State, and to clap up a Peace with the Poles in the next following Year, by Vertue of which the Musco∣vites renounced all their Pretensions to the two large Dukedoms of Smolensko and Zernikow. In the same Year he caused Herman Shein, his General at the Siege of Smolensko, to be executed, with his Son, and all his Kindred to be banished into Sibe∣ria, by whose Death the Clamours of the People having been appeased, he reigned afterwards in great Tranquility, and to the great Satisfaction of his Subjects, till the Year 1645, when Count Wol∣mer, natural Son to the late King of Denmark, came to this Court, to sollicite his Daughter in Marriage, which being opposed by the Russian Cler∣gy, who objected, that he was an Heretick; the Count proffered that his Chaplains should main∣tain the Truth of the Lutheran Faith against them, which the Muscovite Priests refusing, the Grand Czar broke out into a Passion, saying to them, Why do you impose upon us a Faith you dare not bring to Tryal? A few days after, going very well to Bed, he was seized at Midnight with a most vio∣lent Vomiting,* 1.82 which put an End to his Life the next Morning being the 12th. day of July, in the 49th. Year of his Age, and the 33d. of his Reign, the Great Dutchess his Wife dying within eight days af••er him, being generally regretted by the Muscovites, who under his Reign enjoyed

the Fruits of a peaceable and mild Govern∣ment.

Some years before his Death,* 1.83 there started up a∣nother Impostor, who had Impudence enough to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Name and Qua••ity of Basili Ivanovits 〈…〉〈…〉 the Great Duke Basili Zuski, tho' it 〈…〉〈…〉 known that the whole Race of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was extinct some Years before. For of the three Brothers that were carried Prisoners into 〈…〉〈…〉 died the••e without leaving any Male 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the third, who was releas••d and return'd into Muscovy, died a few Years before the Disco∣very of this Impostor, without Children. There was another Lord of the same Family, who had one Son, named Michael Basilovits Zuski Scapin, who died Young, in the Year 1616, without Issue.

The Name of this Impostor was Timoska (the Di••inutive of Timothy) Ankudina, born in the Sub∣urbs of Vologda in the Province of the same Name. He was the Son of a Linen Draper who dealt in coa••se Cloaths, whose Name was Demki Ankudina, and his Mother was called Salmaniska.

The Father having observed something more than Ordinary in him, had been very careful of giving him the highest degree of Muscovite Education, which consists in Reading, Writing, and Singing, so that he was look'd upon in those Parts as a Per∣son of an uncommon Capacity. The Excellency of his Voice and his Skill in Singing, had particu∣larly recommended him to the Archbishop of the Place, who took him into his Service, wherein he behaved himself so well, that he bestowed one of his Grand-daughters upon him in Marriage.

After the Archbishop's Death, having squandred away his Wifes Fortune, he settled himself in the City of Musco, where by the recommendation of a Friend he had at Court, he was made one of the Receivers in the Office, that is kept there for the Licensing of Taverns and Tippling-Houses. But giving himself over to all manner of Extravagancies

and Debaucheries he could not make up his Accounts, which fell short the first year by a considerable Sum. To repair this Breach, he had recourse to an intimate Friend of his, one of his fellow-Receivers in the same Office, called, Basili Gregorovits Spilki, him he told, that one of the chiefest Merchants of Volog∣da, a near Relation of his Wifes, was come to Town, and had invited him to Dinner; that he being willing to shew his Friend the highest Act of Muscovian Civility, intended to let him see his Wife; and that he might be able to present her in a Condi∣tion suitable to his present Statio••, he intreated him to lend him his Wifes Pearls and other Jewels, which were of a considerable Value. His Friend ha∣ving without the least difficulty granted his Request, lent him the Jewels, without the least Precaution, or taking any thing under his Hand for the Receipt of them; so that, when he demanded his Jewels, Timoska averr'd that he had not lent him any. Spil∣ki clapt him up in Prison, but having no Evidence against him, he was acquitted.

But instead of making up his Accompts with the Money he received for the Jewels, which he sold, he squandred it away upon his Extravagancies; where∣upon great differences arising betwixt him and his Wife, who had a very lewd Tongue, and would frequently upbraid him with his treacherous Deal∣ings, both to his Prince and Friend, and fearing that he might be called to an Account for his Perfidious∣ness, and that his Wife might be the main Instru∣ment of his Discovery, he took a Resolution to dispatch her with the first Opportunity.

For which purpose, having sent his Son Tereska to a Friend of his in the Country, he shut his Wife up in a Stove,* 1.84 and set the House on fire, which consumed her and some of the neighbouring Houses.

Having done this he went into Poland,* 1.85 but so secretly, that it was the general Opinion in the Ci∣ty of Musco, that he had been consumed with his Family. He continued two Years under a borrow'd

Name in the City of Warsaw, at the Court of Vla∣dislaus King of Poland, when hearing that a Musco∣vite Ambassador was on his Way to that Court, and not thinking himself secure, he retired to Chmiel∣niski the General of the Cosacks, unto whom ha∣ving represented, that he was a near Kinsman of the Great Duke Basili Zuski, and was prosecuted upon that Score by the present Czar, Michael Fede∣rovits, he begg'd his Protection, and was received with all the Respect due to his pretended Quality. As he had a ready Wit, so he carried on the Impo∣sture under such specious Pretences, that he began to be very considerable among the Cosacks, who flattered themselves with his future Protection, at a time when they were very uneasie under the Polish Go∣vernment.

The Muscovites had by this time got some Scent of the Matter, wherefore the Great Duke sent one of his Gentlemen Ushers, named Jacob Koston, to the Cosack General, with an offer of his Pro∣tection against the Poles, and to demand the Im∣postor.

Timoska having got Notice of the Arrival of the Muscovian Poslanick, and guessing at his Errand, thought himself no longer safe among the Cosacks, who he feared would secure him for their own Ad∣vantage, and so went to Constantinople,* 1.86 where ha∣ving abjur'd the Christian Religion he embraced Mahometanism and was circumcised. He proposed to the Turks the Introducing of Mahometanism in Russia, if by their Assistance he might be placed in the Throne of his Father the Great Duke Basili Zuski; but these giving no great heed to his Pro∣positions, he did not stay long there, but took the first Opportunity to be transported by a Venetian Vessel into Italy.* 1.87 From Venice he went to Rome, where he professed the Roman Catholick Religion, and by the same Artifices that he had made use of at Constantinople, to wit, by promising to establish that Re••gion in Muscovy, endeavoured to bring o∣ver the Holy Father into his Interest. The Court

of Rome being by this time better acquainted with the State of Muscovy than they were some Years before, when they were so miserably imposed up∣on by Demetrius, and knowing that Empire so sett••le of Impostors, would not act with so much precipi∣tation in an Affair of such Moment, but resolved to amuse him with fair Promises, till they might be fully satisfied as to the Legality of his Pretensions.

But Timoska, either judging these Resolutions too slow,* 1.88 or at least not suitable to his Purpose, went thence to Vienna, and from thence to Prince Ragotzi in Transilvania. This Prince furnished him with Letters of Recommendation to Christina Que••n of Sweden.

This Princess finding him a Person of great Dex∣terity, and a considerable Share of Knowledge (for he had in his Travels attained the Latin, German, Italian, and Turkish Languages) and gi∣ving credit to what he had related concerning his Quality,* 1.89 refused to appear in Arms for his Inte∣rest, but allow'd him a very honourable Subsi∣stance; so that he was look'd upon by every Bo∣dy and treated as the true Son of Basili Zuski Great Duke of Muscovy.

But the Czar Regent having soon been acquain∣ted by the Muscovian Merchants residing at Stock∣holm, how this Impostor was received by the Queen sent the same Poslanick, who had seen him before with Chmielniski the General of the Cosacks, to de∣tect the Fraud, and at the same time to desire her to deliver this Villain into his Hands.

But Timoska had no sooner got Notice of the Arrival of this Gentleman, but knowing his coming to presage no good to his Affairs, got a∣way, without taking his Leave, from his Man Kostka (Constantine) the constant Companion of his Adventures, who was carried in Chains into Muscovy. Timoska was by Order from the Queen of Sweden secured at Reval in Livonia, who in∣tended to have also sent him to the great Duke; but having found Means to get out of the Prison

(by the Connivance of the Governour of the Place as it was believ'd) he made his Escape into Holland, from whence he went to Brussels where he tarried for some time in that Court.

From thence he went to the University of Wit∣tenberg,* 1.90 and soon after to Leipzick, where he made Profession of the Lutheran Religion, and writ himself his Confession of Faith in the Latin Tongue.

After some Stay there he went to Newstadt in the Country of Holstein, where having been discove∣red by a Messenger of the Great Duke's, called Peter Micklaf,* 1.91 he was taken by Order from the Duke of Holstein, who caused him to be conveyed from thence to Gottorp, his usual place of Residence, and to be secured under a strong Guard, till the Great Duke should send express Orders for the bringing his Person into Muscovy. Czar Alexis Mi∣chaelovits, Son and Successor to Michael Federovits, ha∣ving received Notice of the Seisure of this Impostor, not only sent his Letters to the Duke of Holstein Gottorp, where he desired to have him delivered into the Hands of such as he had appointed for that purpose, but also (to bring to light the Villanies of Timoska, beyond all Contradiction) sent a∣mong his Deputies the same Spilki, whom for∣merly he had cheated of his Wife's Jewels, and who had been his Fellow-Officer in the same Em∣ployment.

Spilki was no sooner arrived at the Court of the Duke of Holstein, but he desired to be confronted with him in the Presence of some Officers of the Court, not questioning but that his Presence would soon bring him to an ingenuous Confession of the whole Truth.

But they were not a little surprised when they saw Timoska without the least Alteration in his Countenance or Behaviour, treat Spilki as if he had never known him before, and speak to him in the Polish Language, which Spilki did not very well understand, and being asked several Questions by

him in relation to his past Life, especially as to his Name, whether it were not Timoska Ankudina, whether he had not defrauded the Great Duke's Treasury, whether he had not cheated him of his Wife's Jewels, burnt his House, and committed other enormous Crimes? Timoska answered care∣lesly, That it was possible that one Timoska Ankudina might have converted the Great Duke's Money to his own use, and committed many other Villanies, but that this was no Concern of his; That his Name was Johannes Sinensis, (which in the Polish Language signifying as much as Zuski, he cunningly evaded thereby what he had form••rly declared of his being the Son of the Great Duke Basili Zuski) and that as to what he spoke of his Wife's Jewels could not have the least Relation to him, his Ex∣traction having put him above the Rank of a poor Mechanick or Seller of Pins, alluding to the Word Spilki, which in the Russian Tongue signifies as much as Pinmaker.

He had some time before upon the Perswasion of a certain Russian Gentleman writ a Letter with his own Hand to the Patriarch of Muscovy, in which he had writ, That he was a Muscovite born, and received the Name of Timoska at his Baptism. That he had once (when he was at the Ottoman Court) been tempted to enter the Russian Empire with an Army of two hundred thousand Tartars, but that he had been diverted from this pernicious Design by the Guardian-Angel of Muscovy. That thereupon being resolved to lay aside all Designs a∣gainst his Native Country, he had quitted Turk•• with an Intention to return into Muscovy; That it would else have been no difficult Matter for him to have made his Escape out of Prison if he had not stayed for the Great Duke's Command.

This Letter being look'd upon as a material Point to overcome his Obstinacy, was produced and read in his Presence, but this had no more Influence over him than the Presence of Spilki, whom he called a Cheat who had conterfeited the Letter to

his Destruction. To confirm which, he writ ano∣ther Letter so different both in the Stile and Chara∣cter from the former, that the most quick-sighted could not find the least Resemblance betwixt them.

His Highness the Duke of Holstein seeing all their Endeavours of making a true Discovery of the Imposture to prove unsucessful, ordered some of his Privy Council to examine him, and to try whether, out of his former Depositions they might not be able to convince him concerning the true State of his Affairs. They asked him, For what Reason he was prosecuted by the Great Duke; what could be the Reason of his having con∣ceived so particular a Prejudice against his Person? What House and Family he was descended of? And whether he were of any Kin to the Great Duke? He answered, That he was no Kinsman of the Great Duke, forasmuch as his Father was a Prince born; whereas the Great Duke's Father was but a Gentleman; That he was a Muscovite by Extraction, but born and brought up in Poland; That he was Hereditary Lord of Hukagina Severska▪ in the Province of Novogarka Severskio, upon the Frontiers of Muscovy. That his Name was Johan∣nes Sinensis, which in the Polish Language signifies as much as Zuski; That his Fathers Name was Ba∣sili Domitian Suiski, who had received his Name from the City of Su••a in Muscovy. That he was persecuted by the Great Duke upon no other Ac∣count, that he knew of, than that of his high Ex∣traction.

But these Depositions varying much from what he had publickly professed before, that he was Son to the Great Duke Bassli Zuski, and that he was born in Poland, with a gr•••••• many other inconsi∣stencies, which sufficiently testified the distractions of his Conscience; he was by the Duke of Holstein's Order delivered into the Hands of the Deputies of the Great Duke.

Timoska, finding that these Evasions would stand him no longer in ••tead, fell into Despair, and took a Resolution to kill himself▪ For which purpose, being upon his Way from, Newstadt to Travemund, in order to be put on Board the Vessel that was to carry him to Archang••l in Muscovy, he threw him∣self down headlong from the Waggon, striving to shuffle himself under the Wheels, in Hopes they would pass over his Body; But the Ground hap∣pening to be sandy and soft, his Fall did him no harm; and the Waggon being stopp'd immedia••ely before the Wheels touch'd any part of his Body, they put him again into his Place, where they fa••t∣ned and watch'd him so narrowly, that he could not find the least Opportunity of putting his Design in execution. Notwithstanding which he appeared very chearful during the whole Voyage, thinking thereby (as it was supposed) to make his Keepers the more careless, till he might find Means to be his own Executioner, and so avoid the Torments which he knew were prepared for him in Muscovy.

For no sooner was he arrived at Archangel, but he fell in so deep a Melancholy, that he appear'd quite disconsolate, and would scarce utter one Word.

From thence he was carried to Novogorod Veliki, and so to the City of Musco,* 1.92 where he was imme∣diately condemned to the most exquisite Tortures. This was put in Execution in the Presence of seve∣ral Boyars and other Persons of the first Rank;* 1.93 but they could not prevail over his Obstinacy, he refusing to give the least Answer to the Questions proposed to him. He only told them, That if they would send for Knez Nikita Ivanovits Romanow, he was the only Man whom he thought worthy to receive his Confession, as know∣ing him to be a Person of great Honour and Cou∣••age. While two of the Boyars there present were gone to find out Nikita, he desired somewhat to drink; whereupon some Q••tas or small Mead was presented to him, which he refusing, they gave him some Hydromel in a Silver Cup, according to his

Request, which in a scothful manner he only put to his Lips without tasting the Liquor.

By this time Knez Nikita and the other two Boyars being come in, he gave them a very civil Salute, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 persisted in his former Depositions, that he was the real Son of Basili Zuski, Great Duke of M••scovy, tho' it were sufficiently proved against him, that he was the Son of Demki Ankudina a Lin∣nen Draper in the Suburbs of Vologda; and that the Great Duke Basili Zuski had no Children, but only two Brothers who both died without any Male-Issue, one in Poland, the other in Muscovy some Years before.

Whilst he endured the Tortures with an uncom∣mon Resolution, his Mother and Son were sent for, in hopes that their Presence might 〈…〉〈…〉 prevail∣ing over his Obstinacy, than the Violence of his Tortures; They both th••ew themselves at his Feet, and with Tears and all the tender Expressions they were capable of, conjured him to undeceive him∣self and the World, and to acknowledge his Crime. The Change of his Countenance sufficiently testified the various Agitations of his Conscience, notwith∣standing which, he persisted in affirming, that they were unknown to him, and took him for another than really he was; expressing in the midst of his most violent Tortures a most admirable Con∣stancy, or rather the most resolute Obstinacy in the World; whether it was that he took a parti∣cular Pride to confirm in Strangers the high Opi∣nion they had once conceived of his pretended Ex∣traction; or that he was assured, that by his Confes∣sion he could not prevent his Death or obviate his Miseries, is uncertain.

Last of all, that nothing might be omitted which could in any wise contribute to overcome his Obstinacy, and induce him to an ingenuous Con∣fession, one John Plessou, who had been his intimate Friend, and with whom he had left his Son before he retired into Poland, with several others of his Fellow-Officers at the Tavern-Office, were brought

before him; who each in their turn, endeavouring to convince him of his Error, and representing to him the Danger wherein he put his Soul, in the Condition he was in, exhorting him to pull off the Mask which he had made use of for some Years past to cheat the World, and to create new Distur∣bances and infinite Miseries to his Native Country; That the whole Mistery of his Impostures being re∣vealed to the World by so many undeniable Wit∣nesses there present, he should not rely any longer upon these vain Elusions, but consult the eternal Welfare of his Soul, and not draw any further the weight of God's Vengeance upon himself. He seemed to be moved at their Discourse, but conti∣nued so obstinate in his former Resolution that he would not speak one Word afterwards.

The next day he was again put to the Torture, which he endured with the same Resolution, not vouchsafing to speak one Word. Being searched and found circumcised, he was immediately carried to the Great Market-place before the Castle, where Sentence was pronounced against him and put in Execution. First they cut off, with an Ax, his Right Arm below the Elbow,* 1.94 then his left Leg below the Knee; next, the Left Arm and Right Leg in the same manner; all which he endured with an unparalell'd Constancy, and without as much as a Groan. Last of all, the Head being se∣vered from his Body, and the Members being set up∣on Stakes in the Market-place, and the Trunck left upon the Ground, the last was in the Night devou∣red by the Dogs, and the next morning the Exe∣cutioner's Servants dragg'd the Members to the place where all the City-Dirt is thrown.

It is to be observed, that some time before a Po∣lish Ambassador was arrived in the City of Musco•• And the Muscovites, who still bore a Grudge to the Poles▪ on the Account of the Miseries they had en∣dured in their last Civil Dissentions, occasioned by the Contrivances of the several Impostors encoura∣ged by the Poles, had so well timed it as to give Au∣dience

to the Ambassador the same day, that Ti∣moska was put to death, and to lead him in State through the Market-place, just at the very Hour of his Execution, where (under some pretence or o∣ther contrived for that purpose) they make a Halt, that he might be an Eye-Witness, and be able to give an Account in Poland of the tragical Exit of that Imposter, whom they had looked upon there as Son to the Great Duke Basili Zuski. Kostka•• the Servant of Timoska, whom we mentioned before to have been carried loaden with Irons out of Sweden into Muscovy, having made an ingenuous Confessi∣on of the whole Matter, was pardoned as to his Life, and his Punishment changed into that of lo∣sing three Fingers of his Right Hand. But the Re∣ligion of the Muscovites obliging them to make the Sign of the Cross, with their Right Hand, th••s Punishment was again, by the Intercession of the Patriarch, moderated, so that the same was exe∣cuted upon his Left Hand, after which he was ba∣nished into Siberia.

We said before, that the Great Duke Michael F••∣derovits died in the Year 1645. The next day being the 13th of July, the Knez and Boyars the•• present,* 1.95 resolved unanimously to hasten the Coro∣nation of Alexis Michaelovits; his Son, who was then not full sixteen Years of Age▪ He was born in the Year 1630, on the 17th of March, and had been by his Father committed to the Car•• of Knez Boris Ivanov••s Morosou, a Person of very high Ex∣traction and extraordinary Ability▪ It is beyond our Scope, to relate here the Rise of the Family of the Romanow's from whence the Family of the present Czar derives its Origin, one of the most Antient in Muscovy, (who first assumed the Name of Czar) from whence descended Basil the Father of that Famous Tyrant John Basilovits▪ who reduced most of the neighbouring Princes under the Obe∣dience of the Russian Empire. But the Muscovites relate a Story of the Father of this Boris Ivancvits Morosou, which may not be beyond our purpose to

be inserted here. It seems he was a Favorite of the Tyrant John Basilovits, and being a Widower presumed so much upon his Interest with the Great Duke, that he begged a certain handsom Lady, which had been the Tyrant's Mistress, for a Wife; The Great Duke granted his Request without the least Difficulty; but whether it was that he repen∣ted himself of what was done, or meerly to grati∣fie his cruel Temper, he having got notice that the said Morosou and his new married Lady were at their amorous Sports one Afternoon in a withdraw∣ing Room behind the Bath-stove, he got secretly two wild Bears, conveyed into the Room, who immediately fell upon them and devoured them both. This Morosou left two Sons, Boris and C••leab, who being very young, were educated by the said Tyrant; the eldest of which having improved the Advantages of his high Birth and Education above the ordinary Degree, during the intestine Commo∣tions in the Russian Empire, was, as I said before, constituted by Czar Michael Federovits Governour over his Son Alexis Michaelovits, whom he used fre∣quently to charge to follow his Advice in all Af∣fairs of Moment. Knez Boris Ivanovits Morosou, fearing that his Enemies might take Advantage of the Princes tender Years, had the Coronation Cere∣mony performed a few days after his Father's Death (who was according to the Russian Fashion deposited in the Church of S. Michael, wherein are the Sepulchers of the Great Dukes, the next Night after his Decease) which was not performed with all the usual Pomp, they wanting time to send for all those who are obliged to be present at this Solemnity. After the Coronation was over, Morosou changed the Quality of Governour into that of Protector, exercising, during the Princes Minority, the same Power in the disposing of his Affairs, as he had done over his Person during his Father's Life.

Knowing the young Great Duke to entertain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most profound Reverence for the Dutchess Dowa∣ger his Mother, he bestowed great Employments upon all her Kindred, whom he preferred to the best Governments in the Empire, but: at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stance from Court, as made them incapable of op∣posing his Interest. The same Method he made use of in regard of the Antient Nobility, and such as had had the chief Administration of Affairs in the late Great Duke▪s Reign, whom he sent away, from the Princes Pe••s•••• to far distant Countries •• Thus he did with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rippine and Corakin, the first of whom he constituted Governour of Nisi No∣vogorod, the last of Ca••an.

Having thus removed from the Princes Person all such as he thought might any way oppose his Great∣ness, and filled all Places of Profit, and Trust at Court with his own Kindred or Creatures, such as he knew wholly to depend on his Fortune; He used frequently to get the Young Prince out of the Capital City, under pre••ence of Hunting or some other Divertisements, so to beget in him an Aver∣sion to Business, whereby the whole Management of Affairs might fall to this share. But in order to an entire Establishment of his Fortune, he thought nothing more conducing to make, sure of the young Princes Favour; than if he could, get him to chuse a Wife out of such a Family, as be∣ing absolutely in his Interest, and where he himself might engage in an Alliance by Marriage, would enage both the Prince and Great Dutchess, in his future Preservation.

The Person he pitch'd upon▪ as most suitable to his Purpose, was one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Danilovits Mioslauski, of obscure Gen••••••ty, raised by the Death of Gramma∣tine the Chan••••llor of the Ambassadors Office, his Uncle by the Mothers side, whose Servant he had been formerly. This Man was looked upon with a very favourable Eye by Morosou, by reason of his constant Attendance on him; and his two

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

beautiful Daughters, one of which he designed for the Great Duke, the other for himself.

Whilst this Favourite was thus employing all his Cunning to establish his Fortune in the near. Alli∣ance with his Sovereign, he was upon the Point of having been frustrated in his Hopes, if by his Dex∣terity, he had not ext••icated himself out of that Difficulty, which was likely to have rendred his Design abortive. For a certain young Lady, who was exceedingly beautiful, having been brought before the young Great Duke without•• his Know∣ledge, the Czar was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an instant with so vio∣lent a Passion for her, that he presented her with a Handkerchief and Ring, the usual Present the Czars of Muscovy make to such Ladies as they chuse for their Spouses. She was to appear again in Royal Dress in a few days after, when accor∣ding to Custom, the young Great Duke was to tye the Crown upon her Head. But Morosou having been by this time sufficiently informed of what had passed, (tho' managed with great Secrecy) •• had laid the Plot with the Attire-Women, that they should tye up her Hair so hard as to put▪ her in a Swoon, which succeed••d according to Expecta∣tion; For, whilst she was in the Great Duke's Presence, and they were busied in tying the Orown about her Head, she fell into a Swoon, which was presently by those that were present and most of them Creatures of Boris Morosou, construed an Apople∣ctick Fit; So that the poor old Gentleman, her Fa∣ther, who believed himself just upon the Point of being exalted to one of the most eminent Stations in the Empire, by the Alliance with his Sovereign, saw himself not only unexpectedly deceived in his Hopes, but being besides accused of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Treason, in pretending to put his Daughter, labouring under such a Distemper, into the Arms of the Great Duke, was forced to undergo the Strapado, and was ba∣nished into Siberia, where he no sooner arrived, but he died with Grief, leaving his Family in Disgrace. The Maid remained a Virgin ever after till her

Death, and was never known to have had any fit since; and the Emperour, being conscious of the Wrong done to her and her Father, allowed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a large yearly Pension, which made her to be courted by many of the Nobility▪ whom she all refused, and kept the Handkerchief and Ring, as Pledges of the Injury done to her Family.

But to return to Morosou, who having weather∣ed this Point, and relying upon the Fidelity of Ilia Danilovits Miloslauski, he took the first favou∣rable Opportunity to speak to the Great Duke con∣cerning him, and thence to extoll the Beauty and Deserts of the two Gentlewomen his Daughters. These Commendations having raised in the Great Duke a desire to see them, he sent to them under pretence of a Visit to be made to the Princesses his Sisters▪ where, having taken a full View of ••••em both, he became instantly so enamoured with the Beauty of the Eldest, whose Name was Mary, that he dispatched one immediately to her Father to bring him the welcom News that the Czar in∣tended to honour him with his Alliance, and to marry his eldest Daughter.

It is easily imagined, that as M••iloslauski was not altogether unprepared for it, so he received the Message▪ with the most profound Respect, and without being in the least discomposed, returning his most humble Thanks to his Czarish Majesty for the Honour he intended to do his Family▪ Some days after the Great Duke sen•• Presents of a very great Value to his Bride, and having been informed concerning the Circumstances of Miloslauski, which being such, as that he and his Family could not ap∣pear at the Wedding without a present Supply, he or∣der'd them a considerable Sum of Money to put them in an Equipage suitable to their Present Condition. The Marriage Ceremony was performed in the be∣ginning of the Year 1647,* 1.96 but very privately for fear of Witchcraft, a thing much ••••eaded among Persons of Quality in Muscovy, especially at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Weddings. The Czarissa was a very beautiful

Lady, besides which, her Modest and Religious Be∣haviour, and many Charitable Actions, made her afterwards the Darling of the People.

The next thing Boris Morosou had to do, was to petition, for Ann the youngest Daughter of Milo∣slan••ki, and Sister to the Empress, which having been soon granted, he married her in eight days after; so, that his former Interest being now strengthned by this new Alliance, his Fortnue was established beyond the reach of his Enemies. But, his Content at home was not altogether answerable to his great Fortune at Court; For, he being a Person pretty well ad∣vanced in Years, and she a brown Buxsome Lass, found herself deceived in a great measure in her Expectation; so that instead of Children, Jea∣lousies were got, which produced the ordinary Ef∣fects, to wit, first Contentions, and afterwards (af∣ter the Muscovian way) the House-Discipline; and some Persons, among whom was also an English∣man, being suspected to have too free an Access to Boris Morosou's House, were by his Instigation ba∣nished into Siberia.

But whatever his Fortune might be at home, he was not careless in his Affairs at Court, where in Conjunction with Ilia Damilovits-Miloslauski; the Great Duke's Father-in-Law, they managed▪ every thing to their own Advantage: For, they not only removed most of the Nobility from Court, but, by degrees▪ cast off all such old Officers of the Hous∣hold as were yet remaining, in whose stead, they brought in their own Kindred and Creatures, who let s••ip no Opportunity to enrich themselves at the Expence of the Publick.

Among others, they had made one Leponti-Step∣panovits-Plessou, Chief Justice of the Semskoy Duor or Semskoy Pricas, a Court instituted for the Judg∣ment of all Civil Causes between the Citizens of Musco, where are also paid the Duties arising from Places and▪ Houses that are sold; as also the Taxes levied for the Reparation of Bridges, Gates▪ For∣tresses, and other publick Buildings. This Man be∣ing

entrusted with a Commission of so large an Ex∣tent, did abuse his Trust, to the great oppression of the People. For there was no Extortion so great, which he was not ready to undertake. He would receive Presents from both Parties, and afterwards leave them in the lurch. But not content with this▪ his common Practice was, to suborn false Wit∣nesses, whose employment was to bring in Charges against such of the Citizens of Musco, as he knew to be rich enough to redeem themselves out of his Persecutions; For, whenever they fell into his hands, he did not fail by imprisoning, and other vi∣olent and oppressive Methods, to oblige them to purchase their Liberty and his Favour with the ruine of their Fortunes.

He had a Brother-in-Law, whose name was Pe∣ter▪ Tichonovits Trochanistou, one of those, whom in Muscovy they call Ocolnits, who are one degree un∣der the Boyars, who are chosen out of their Number. Him they had made President of the Puskarskoy Pricas, and consequently had the oversight over all the Great Duke's Founders, Furbishers, Cannoneers, Armourers, Smiths and Carpenters, who wrought to the Arsenal. These Mechanicks were usually paid once a Month, according to the Custom of M••••covy, where Payments are made with greater Exactness, than in any other Part of Europe; in∣stead of which he used to keep them in Arrears for many Months together, and in the mean while, to make use of their Money, to his own Advantage; and when he had thus droven them to extremity, to foice them to compound for half, or what they could get, and to give Acquittance for the whole Sum.

Miloslauski and Morosou, play'd the same Game in their several Stations, not only by selling at an excessive Rate all the Employments in the King∣dom, but also by procuring Monopolies, which ruined the Trade of the whole Empire. A∣mong others they had got a Patent for one of their own Gang, prohibiting the further use of the com∣mon

Ells, hitherto used in Muscovy, but instead of that to make use of certain Iron ones with the Great Duke's Mark upon them; on purpose to oblige the People to buy the latter at the Price of a Crown per Piece; whereas they used to buy the others at 8 or 10 d. a Piece, whereby a necessity being laid up∣on the whole Kingdom of having them from the Patentees at their own Price, they gathered a vast Sum of Money without giving any Account of it to the Great Duke's Treasury.

They had also found out another Invention to raise the Price of Salt from twenty to thirty Pence per Measure, containing about forty Pound Weight. This proved a heavy Burthen to the People, and of no Advantage to the Great Duke; For the dearness of the Salt had hindred the Sale of it, so that ••bun∣dance of Fish being lost for want of Salting, the Great Duke's Revenue suffered by it upon a double Account.

The Inhabitants of Musco had enjoyed the Fruits of a very quiet and mild Government, under the Reign of his late Czarish Majesty, who being a Prince of incomparable Clemency, endeavoured thro' the whole course of his Reign, to make the Government easie to his Subjects, who had so long groan'd under the Calamities of their civil Di••ten∣sions; so that finding themselves thus oppressed beyond all measure, they could not brook this sud∣den Change, without shewing publickly their Re∣sentments. The Muscovites seldom or never make their Cab••s over the Bottle, they do not look up∣on strong▪ Liquor to be a suitable Companion for those who intend to treat of States Affairs; they make use of their Hydromel and Aqua vitae according to it's primitive and genuine Institution, to exhile∣rate the Mind and drive away Cares. As they are the greatest Zealots in the World▪ so they begin commonly their States Reformations a Jove, after they have been at Divine Service. Here it was the Chief Citizens used to meet, and to utter their Complaints against the Oppressions, which they

groaned under by the Mismanagement of the Mi∣nisters of State, and resolved at last to Petition the Great Duke for a Redress of their Grievances.

But the main difficulty was, who among them all durst be so venturesome as to deliver the Petiti••••; so that no body being willing to undertake that Task, a certain day was appointed to give it to the Great Duke himself with joint Consent▪ as he should come out of the Castle to go to his Devo∣tion. They were as yet not so bold as to dare to attempt any thing against Morosou, by reason of his near Alliance to the Great Dutchess, tho' they knew him to be the main Istrument of these Cala∣mities they suffered, but their Petition was, for the present, chiefly levell'd against Lepont Stepanovits Plessou, who by his most barbarous Exactions being become insupportable to them, they desired, that he might be removed from his Office, and his Place be supplied by some Person of known Inte∣grity, of whom the People might expect more Ju∣stice. They had watched several Opportunities to deliver it to the Prince himself as he was going to his Devotions or Divertisements, but in vain; for the Boyars, who attended his Person had always took it from them, telling them that they would make a Report of it to the Great Duke; but this being done according to the Instructions received from Morosou, the Petition was not as much as an∣swered, much less their Grievances redressed.

This hapning so often, that they found themselves absolutely mistaken in their whole Expectation, it was resolved, that they should meet together, and inspite of all the Opposition from the Boyars make their Complaints to the Great Duke by way of Mouth. The sixth of July, in the Year 1648▪ was pitch'd upon as a day fit for the execution of their Design, when they knew the Great Duke was to be present at a Procession to be made to a Monaste∣ry in the City, called Stertenski.

The People were got early together in the Morn∣ing, in the great Market-place before the Castle, to

see him and his Cavalcade pass by as they were wont to do upon such like Occasions; But, whether it was that they did not think themselves strong enough, other that their Leaders were not present, they did not make the least Signs of dissa∣tisfaction at his going to the Monastery▪ But, at his return, they broke through those that attended the Great Duke, came up to him, stay'd him, and taking hold of his Horses Bridle, intreated him to take their present Case into his Consideration, to hearken to the just Complaints of his Subjects, con∣cerning the Injustices and Violences committed by Plessou, desiring that a Person of known Integrity might be put in his Place, who should better dis∣charge so great a Trust.

The Great Duke was not a little startled at this unexpected procedure of the populace, but dissem∣bling both his Surprize and Resentment, he spoke to them with a very chearful Countenance, telling them, that he was much troubled to understand the Grievances of his good Subjects, occasioned by the Mismanagement of Plessou, that he would forth∣with examine the whole Matter, and take care that they should receive due Satisfaction in relation to all their just Complaints.

The Generality of the people appeared to be well satisfied with the Great Dukes Promise, which they testified by their joyful Acclamations; but some thronging still about the Great Duke's Horse, the Boyars who attended at this Solemnity, being for the most part Friends of Plessou, gave abusive Lan∣guage to those who were near to the Czar, thrust∣ing some away, and striking others with their Whips, which so incensed the Populace, that the Stones began to fly about the Courtiers Ears as thick as Hail, who were forced together with the Great Duke,* 1.97 to retire with all speed to the Castle, whither they were so closely and vigorously pursued by the People, that maugr•• all the resistance of the Guards, they had enough to do to reach the Great Dukes Lodgings before they were at the Heels of them.

The Strelits (or the Czar's Guards of Musqueteers) used all their endeavours to stop the Current of the Populace that were thronging into the Castle Gates, but their resistance proving fruitless, by reason of the infinite number of the People, it rather enflamed than abated their Fury, who cried out with one Voice▪ that if Plessow were not immediately deli∣vered into their Hands, they would force the Prin∣ces Lodgings, and lay it level with the ground.

The Clamours and Threats of the People had put those within into a great Consternation, and not knowing what course best to take, Morossou was or∣dered to appear in the great Balcony, and to endea∣vour by his Authority, to appease the Tumult, desiring them in the Great Dukes Name, to repair to their respective Homes. He had scarce leisure given him to speak a few words, when some of the most for∣ward among them tells him, That they were glad to see him there, knowing him to be of the same Stamp with Plessou, and that he should expect no better treatment than the other, which he should soon experience to his cost. They had no sooner said these words, but they led the Populace to his Palace, which being within the Precinct of the Ca∣stle, they forced, ransack'd, and pull'd down in an instant, after they had thrown some of his Servants out of the Windows, because they had made some Opposition.

The Muscovites generally shew a great deal of Veneration to the Images of their Saints, whom they will save from among the midst of the Flames at the perils of their Lives; but such wa•• their Ani∣mosity against Morosou, that they spared not the least thing they found within the compass of his Palace, destroying all his Furniture of a great va∣lue, and not sparing the Images of the Saints; they broke to pieces his Coach of State, the richest that was ever seen in Muscovy, beat out the bottoms of the Strong Water Barrels, threw his Ladies Jewels and Pearls into the Street, trod on them with their Feet, and told her, that it was in respect to the

Great Dutchess her Sister, and the Great Duke, for whom they had still a great Veneration, that they did not make her pay with her Life for the Villanies of her Husband.

But this was only the Prologue to the ensuing Tragedy. For from thence they went straightway to the House of Plessou, which they ransack'd and demolish'd in a moment: The same Game they play'd with the Palace of Nazri Ivanovits Tziston, Lord Chancellour of Muscovy, whom they Sacri∣ficed to their fury, because he had Farm'd the new Imposition upon Salt. It was his misfortune to be just then sick in Bed, by reason of an accident that had hapned within some days before, when meet∣ing in the streets with a mad Ox, he was thrown by his Horse with so much violence, that it had put him in danger of his Life; but hearing how the Populace was in Arms, and in what manner they had ransack'd the Palace of Morosou and Plessou, and judging, not without reason, that they would also give him a Visit in his turn, he hid himself under a great heap of Birch, which at a certain time, the Muscovites make Provision of against the Winter, to serve their Stores; and to take away all suspicion, he had caused a good number of Flitches of Bacon to be laid across of them. He had scarce had leisure enough to prepare this retiring place, before the Clamours of the approaching Rabble gave him suffi∣cient warning what he had to expect from them: To be short, they forc'd open the Doors, took a∣way all his rich Movables, and knowing him to be in no condition of stirring abroad, search'd for him in all the most abstruse corners of the House, even to the Cella••s and Stables; but not being able to find him out, he had certainly escaped their Hands for that time, if he had not been betray'd by one of his Servants, who being inticed by a good Summ of Money which was immediately given him, shew'd them the place where his Master lay concealed. The enraged Multitude, without any further delay, draggs him out by the Heels into the streets, where

they immediately cudgelled him to death. This done, they threw his Body upon the Dunghil, Pil∣lag'd his House, and laid it level with the ground.

The same they did to the House of Peter Tichtono∣vits Trochanistou, whom we have mentioned before to have been constituted Overseer over the Great Duke's Arsenal, and to all others whom they knew to have any Relation or Dependance on Morosou; which afforded them such a Booty, that they mea∣sured the Pearls in their Caps; and as for rich Furs and all Sorts of the best Silk Stuffs, they had such a Quantity of them as to throw them about in the Streets for any body to take them up at their plea∣sure.

Whilst the Populace spent the whole day in ran∣sacking and pulling down of the Houses, those in the Castle had leisure given them to barricado and prepare themselves against their Return, which they expected the next Morning, they continuing in such a Posture all the Night as sufficiently shew∣ed they only expected Daylight to renew the old Game.

The Great Duke in the mean while, having found his Muscovite Guards insufficient the day before to make head against the Insolencies of the People, had sent for the German Officers with their Regi∣ments that were quartered near the City, to meet at their several Rendezvouses, and to march with∣out delay to the Relief of the Castle. Pursuant to these Orders they marched the next Morning with Drums beating, and Colours flying, and Arms ready, thro' the Heart of the City to the Castle; whereat the Muscovites, being not a little terrified, durst not attempt to stop their Passage, but instead of Opposing them, gave them Way, telling them as they passed by, that they knew them to be Men of Honour and Courage, who had no dependance on those Villains who by their Mismanagement abu∣sed the People, and that they had no Quarrel a∣gainst them. Having therefore without the least Opposition taken up their several Posts assigned

them for their Guards, the Great Duke laid hold of this Opportunity, to endeavour the Appeasing of the Tumult by the Authority of Knez Nikita Ivanovits Romanow, whom he knew to be much re∣spected by the People.

He appear'd before them with Cap in Hand, and told them in the Name of the Great Duke his Ma∣ster, that he hoped they would be satisfied with the Promise and Assurance given by his Czarish Maje∣sty's own Mouth, that he himself would take Cog∣nisance of the Matter, and remedy the Grievances of which they complained. That his Majesty had sent him on purpose to give them fresh Assurances, that he was not unmindful of his Word, but would give them all the Satisfaction in this Point they could reasonably desire, and to advise them to break up the Assembly and for every one to repair to his own Home, that he might the better per∣form what he had promised them the day be∣fore.

This Message being received with the joyful Accla∣mations of the People, sufficiently testifying their Approbation, answer was made that they had no reason to be dissatisfied with the Great Duke, but with those who made use of his Name and Autho∣rity to execute their execrable Villanies upon the People; And that therefore they could not rest satisfied, nor would they stir from the Place, till Boris Ivanovits Morosou, Leponti Stephanovits Ples∣sou, and Peter Tichtonovits Trochanistou were deli∣vered up to them▪ that they might revenge upon their Heads all those Mischiefs they had done the Kingdom.

Romanow shewed them his Acknowledgment for the favourable Audience they had afforded him, telling them, that he would immediately go and acquaint the Great Duke with the Zeal and Af∣fection they had expressed for his Person, and that he did not question but that the Great Duke would grant their Request, and order the Execution of those three Lords, who had drawn upon themselves the

Hatred of his good Subjects, by their Mismanage∣ment; but that he was ready to swear to them by the Cross, that Morosou and Trochanistou had made their Escape at the first beginning of the Tumult, and for the third, he dares engage his Word, he should be brought to Execution immedi∣ately.

Romanow being returned to the Great Duke, it was, after a short Debate, resolved to sacrifice Plessou and Trochanistou to the Fury of the People, who with a great deal of Impatience waited at the Castle Gatefor the Great Duke's Answer, but to endeavour by all means possible the Preservation of Morosou; but that, to appease the Rage of the People, Word should be sent them immediately, that Plessou was coming out forthwith to be sa∣crificed, and that the other two should receive the same Punishment, so soon as they were found, which was done accordingly; and the People being desired to send for the Executioner to do his Of∣fice, they had him ready at Hand with all his Ser∣vants attending at the Castle Gate; whence, in less than a quarter of an Hours time they saw him leading the miserable Plessou into the Market-place before the Castle,* 1.98 in order to cut off his Head. But the People were so exasperated against him, that they fell upon him immediately with Cudgels so outrageously that they dispatched him in a Moment. His Body was dragged by the Feet thro' the Streets, accompanied with Millions of Curses of the Po∣pulace; till at last a Monk who had a particular Spleen against the deceased, cut off his Head, and carried it away in Triumph.

The Execution of Plessou and the reiterated Pro∣mises of the Great Duke, that the rest, when found, should come to the same end, begot some calm in the Peoples Minds, who had sent their Messengers upon all the Roads leading to the City, in search after Morosou and Trochanistou; the first finding his Escape almost impossible, by reason of the Peoples searching so closely after him, had found means to

lay concealed at a particular Friend's House,* 1.99 at a little distance from the City, from whence he returned by secret ways, the next night into the Castle.

But Trochanistou had not the same good Fortune to escape the Hands of his Enemies, but being over∣taken upon the Road by some of the Great Duke's Messengers (who for fear of being thought to have consented to his Escape, had been forced to employ all his Care in finding him out) he was brought the next day, being the 8th of July, to the same place where he used to sit as Judge over the Cannoniers, Armourers, and others belonging to the Great Duke's Arsenal; where, by order from the Great Duke, he had his Head cut off.

By this time the People being informed how Mo∣rosou had been seen in the Country, and ignorant of his return into the Castle, they seem'd to be satis∣fied with the Execution of Trochanistou for this time, forbearing to press any further upon the Great Duke to give them what was not in his power to do; so that towards Noon they began to disperse, and prepare to go to their respective Homes.

The same afternoon several Houses (whether by accident or by the malice of the Rabble,* 1.100 who had not quite cleared the streets and committed great Insolences, is uncertain) were set on fire, which made such a Havock in a few hours, that it consu∣med the whole Quarter of Czargorod, or City Roy∣al, reducing to Ashes all the Houses within the compass of the White Wall (which surrounds that Quarter) down to the River Neglina: Towards Night it got over that River into the Great Duke's Taverns, into his Store-Houses for Strong Waters and other Provisions, where it consumed above six∣ty thousand Flitches of Bacon, and an incredible quantity of Aqua-Vitae; which being the most pro∣per Fuel in the World to nourish the Flame, it grew so violent, that the Castle was in most immi∣nent danger to have been reduced to Ashes by this raging Element; no body endeavouring to stop its fury, because those who had the Charge of quench∣ing

the Fire being got Drunk, and inebriated with the Exhalations of the Strong Waters, were inca∣pable of performing that Service; many of them lying in the streets choak'd with the Smoak and Vapours, which so terified the Muscovites, that none among them durst approach the Flames.

About Mid-night some Foreigners looking with no small astonishment on the Fire, which just then had seised upon one of the Store-Houses, where were kept a great quantity of Bacon for the Great Duke's Provision, they perceived, at some distance, a Monk with a Sack upon his back coming towards them, as if he carried a very great Burthen, and com∣ing near to them, they asked him what made him thus blow and be all in a sweat? He to told them, that he had made all the haste he could, to come to quench the Flames' that if they would but lend him a helping Hand, to throw the Body (which he shew'd them) of the cursed Plessou into the Fire, they should soon see the Flame lose its force. The Strangers having refused to comply with his desire, which they looked upon as ridiculous, he heap'd upon them a thousand Curses, till some Muscovites upon his perswasions, were prevailed upon to do him the good Office, and to help him to cast the the dead Carcass into the Fire, which in an instant began to abate, and in two hours after, was quite extinguish'd; more by the assistance of those who being encourag'd by the M••nk, and came from all Parts to the quenching of the Flames, than by the Charms of the Superstitious Fryar.

Those in the Castle-having thus weathered the Storm that threatned them, the following days were taken up in Consultations how to continue this Calm among the People, and by which means to preserve Morosou from falling into their Hands: For which reason, the Patriarch having sent for those among the Priests and Monks, whom he knew to be of most Authority among the Populace of the City of Musco; they were enjoin'd to do their utmost in endeavouring the Settlement of the unquiet Spi∣rits,

by their Spiritual Exhortations, and to repre∣sent to them in the most passionate manner that could be, the Respect and Obedience due to their Sovereign. The Great Duke having also taken off the New Imposition upon Salt, and Promised to suppress all Monopolies lately set up by his Ministers, supply'd the Places of the Executed Trochanistou and Plessou, the first by the Boyar Knez Jurgi Alexio∣vits Dolgaruskoi, the second with the Ocolnits Za Bogdan Matth••ovits Chitrou, both Persons of great Ability, and approved Probity. He Treated the Strelits with Strong Waters and Hydromel, and caused Ilia Danilovits, his Father-in-law, to invite the Chief Citizens of the several Professions in the City of Musco, who were very splendidly and kindly Entertained at his Palace for several days together.

Having thus prepared his way, he took the op∣portunity of a Procession, when being accompani∣ed with the same Nikita Ivanovits Romanow, who had been so successful before in appeasing the Tu∣mult, and now rid by his left side, he spoke to the People, and told them, That he had been extreamly troubled to understand the Violences and Injuries committed by Trochanistou and Plessou, upon his good Subjects, whose welfare was very dear to him; that those Extortions executed under his Name and Authority, had been quite contrary to his Inclina∣tions and Commands: And that therefore having let them suffer condign Punishment for their Vil∣lanies, he had put in their Places Persons of known Integrity and Ability, whom he believed would be acceptable to the People, as knowing them to be Persons, that would execute Justice without Cor∣ruption or Partiality. That he had already abolished the New Imposition upon Salt, and would take care, that all Monopolies newly introduced by his Ministers, should be suppress'd; That he for the future, would himself keep a watchful Eye over their Actions, and not suffer their Priviledges to be diminished, but rather, it occasion were, would see them augm••nted.

The Populace being overjoy'd at this inveigling Speech of the Great Duke, shew'd the most p••o∣found respect they were capable of, by smiting their Foreheads on the ground, and giving him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the imaginable Thanks and Promises of their future Fidelity; so that the Czar thinking this a fit oppor∣tunity to declare his Sentiments concerning Moro∣sou, he reassumed the Discourse, telling them, That he was not forgetful of what he had promised them sometime before concerning Boris Ivanovits Morosou, and that he was obliged to confess, that he had transacted many things, which he would not in any wise justifie; but that on the other Hand, he had so much confidence in his good People, as to hope they would excuse him,. if at this time he could not immediately resolve to condemn him to Death. That this being his first Request, he lived in hopes they would not deny it him, which was, that for once they would pardon the past Miscar∣riages of Morosou, on whom he desired them to look as one who had been the Guardian of their Prince, and had Married the Great Dutchess's Sister, who upon this double account must needs be very dear to him, and consequently that it would be the hardest thing in the World, for him to consent to his Death. That he himself would be answerable for his future Good Behaviour, not questioning but that he would behave himself so as that they should not have the least reason to complain of him; and, that if they would declare him incapable by their unanimous Vote, of being admitted into his Coun∣cel for the future, he should be dismiss'd.

The Great Duke being then not twenty Years of Age, and of a very tender Constitution, could not forbear to accompany his last words with some Tears, which so moved the People, that they cried out with one Voice, Long live our Great Duke, God grant him a long and happy Reign, God••s and the Great Duke's Will be done. The Czar having given them his Thanks, and extolled their Zeal and Affection for his Person, returned to the Castle well satisfied

in having been so successful, to reconcile his Bro∣ther-in-law to the Citizens of his Imperial City of Musco.

Some days after, the Great Duke according to Custom, went a Pilgrimage to the Monastry of Troitza, about Threescore Miles from Musco, when Morosou took this opportunity of appearing again the first time in Publick. As he went through the City he was uncovered, Saluting the People on both sides of the way with great Submission. He countenan∣ced the Old Nobility for some time, and ever after laid hold on all occasions to gratifie the People, and assist those who Address'd themselves to him in any Business they had at Court; so that in a little time there appear'd a great change in the Affairs of the Government of Muscovy; and Morosou became the Favourite of the People, and the Patron to all Strangers, maintaining his Greatness till his Old Age, when he died much lamented by the People, but not the Nobility; and as much beloved by his Prince as he had been always successful in his Counsels.

But to return where we left off, notwithstanding this Remarkable Alteration in the Government, there hapned not long after another Revolt, which, if it had not been timely prevented by the vigilan∣cy of those at the Helm, might have proved of dangerous Consequence to the Empire, which was occasioned thus:

Some differences were arisen betwixt the two Crowns of Muscovy and Sweden, by reason that the Subjects of both Kingdom, leaving their Habita∣tions in their Respective Native Countries, used to seek for shelter in the others Dominions, to avoid the Payment of their Debts. These differences im∣proved by some Reasons of State were risen to that height, that both States seem'd to be threatned with an inevitable War, unless prevented by a speedy Composition: In order to which the Great Duke Alexis Michaelovits sent in the Year 1649. (the next following after the Insurrection in the City of Mus∣co) a Solemn Ambassy to Christina Queen of Sweden,

the Chief whereof was a certain Ocolnitza called Bonis Ivanovits Puskia. And in regard that it was 32 Years since the Accounts had been cleared be∣twixt the two Nations, it was Agreed by certain Articles made at that time, That for the first Thirty Years there should be a Liquidation of all Accounts; but that in regard there were more Swedes now in Muscovy than there were Muscovites in Sweden, by which the first remain'd considerably Indebted to the last; the Great Duke should pay to the Crown of Sweden 190000 Rubles, which amounts to Nine∣ty odd Thousand Pounds Sterling of English Mo∣ney; whereof 300000 Crowns were to be paid in ready Cash, and the rest in Rye; and the whole Payment to be at the beginning of the next follow∣ing Year, which was but a few Months after the Conclusion of the Treatise.

Pursuant to this Agreement, the Queen of Sweden had sent one John Rhodes in Quality of her Commis∣sioner into Muscovy, who received the above-named 300000 Crowns in Ducats, and as to what related to the Rye, he was ordered to receive it from one Fedor Amilianou, a Muscovian Merchant in the City of Pleskou.

This Merchant having been Impowered by the Great Duke to buy up thereabouts so much Rye for his Use as would answer the remaining part of the Debt, which amounted to 90000 Crowns, made use of this opportunity to enrich himself at the cost of his poor fellow Subjects. For having, under the Cover of the Great Duke's Authority, caus'd all the Rye thereabouts to be seis'd, and not permitting any body either to buy or to sell any without his leave, he Engrossed the whole Commodity for his own use, selling it at his own Rate, which was so excessive, that a great many poor people were droven to the greatest extremity for want of it. The Inhabitants of Pleskoa, as they w••••e most ••ea••••y concerned in this Abuse, so they were the first that openly murmured against this Oppression, cha••ging not ••••••y the S••edes with A••••••••••••, but 〈…〉〈…〉

exclaiming against Puskin the Muscovian Ambas∣sador in Sweden, whom they charged with Prevari∣cation in his Employment, and Perfideousness to his Prince. They did not spare Morosou, who they said, preferred the Interest of Strangers before the Welfare of the Natives.

They were not wanting to draw the City of No∣vogorod Veliki, and other adjacent Parts into their Par∣ty, and being perswaded that this Negotiation had been carried on without the Knowledge, and con∣trary to the Intention of the Great Duke, every thing seem'd to tend to a general Insurrection in those parts, if the Weywode or Governour of No∣vogorod by his prudent Conduct, had not kept those under his Jurisdiction in Obedience; yet could not hinder their taking a Resolution to stop the Money as it should come their way, in order to be carried into Sweden.

Those of Pleskou absolutely refus'd, that such a quantity of Rye, the transportation of which, in all likelihood must starve them, should be exported into Sweden. And the better to be satisfied whether the said Treaty was set on foot and executed by the Great Duke's Order, they sent three Deputies of their own to Court, to wit, a Merchant of that City, a Cosack and a Strelits, to inform themselves concerning the truth of the matter, and to desire Redress of their Grievances: But they were no sooner arrived at Novogorod, but the Weywode of that City caused them to be clapt in Irons, and thus Fetter'd, sent them to Court, where at the same time arrived the Weywode of Pleskou, and the Merchant Amilianou, who had been forced to quit the City for fear of the Populace.

For, the first having endeavoured to prevent those Disorders which were daily committed by the Mob, they forced him with his Guards out of the Town, and Amilianou, not thinking himself safe without the Governour's assistance, accompanied him to the City of M••sco to make his Complaints to the Great Duke.

Nor was he mistaken in his Judgment; for no sooner had he left the City,* 1.101 but the Citizens of Pleskou, without expecting the Return of their De∣puties, or before they had the least Notice of the Treatment, they had receiv'd at Novogorod, ransack'd Amilianus's House, and tortured his Wife in a most cruel and barbarous manner, to make her confess where her Husband had hid his Money. The same Game they plaid with several Swedish Merchants living among them, whom they robb'd, plunder'd, and abus'd in their Persons. This done, they pub∣lished their Manifesto against Monopolies and Pa∣tentees, inviting the Neighbouring Cities to join with them in the Defence of their Privileges▪

The Court having soon received Intelligence of these Insolencies, they were not a little surprized especially when they got notice that this mutinous Spirit began to spread it self in some of the other Cities in the Northern Provinces bordering upon Sweden, and thinking it therefore most advisable to try whether by gentle Means they could suppress and prevent any further Tumults, it was resolved to send back the Weywode of Pleskou, and with him a Boyar, who in the Great Duke's Name should endeavour to quiet those restless Spirits.

Those of Plesko were for a considerable time de∣bating whether they should open their Gates to them or not, but the first being at last resolved up∣on, they gave them Admittance, but it was to put the Weywode in Prison, and to affront the Boyar, who having spoken to them in the Great Duke's Name, with more Authority than they thought becoming him in his present Station, they fell upon him with Cudgels and beat him so severely, that he was fain to seek for Refuge in a Monastery, where he laid for some time half dead, every one despai∣ring of his Recovery.

The Great Duke having received Info••mation in what manner his Ministers had been treated by the Pleskovites, who had shut their Gat••s and put them∣selve in a po••••ure of defence; and fearing, ••ot

without reason, that some of the neighbouring Cities, encouraged by their Example, might tread their Footsteps, if by a severe Chastisement they were not deterr'd from such like Undertakings a∣gainst his Authority for the future, it was resolved to prosecute the rebellious Pleskovites with the ut∣most Rigour. In order to which, the Great Duke commanded Ivan Nikitovits Gavenski to assemble the Nobility and standing Militia of the neighbou∣ring Provinces, and to join with them several Re∣giments of the foreign Forces commanded by the Collonels Kormichel, Hamilton and others, to be∣siege the City of Pleskou, and not to stir from thence till they had reduced it to Obedience.* 1.102 The Inha∣bitants at first seemed not at all startled at this Re∣solution, and were so far from making their Sub∣mission to their Prince, that they resolved unani∣mously to stand it out to the last, and accordingly put themselves and their City in a posture of De∣fence. They shewed at the first approach of the Czar's Army, no less Bravery than they had shew∣ed Resolution in their Counsels; For they made several furious Sallies upon the Besiegers with such Success that they found themselves obliged to make use of their heavy Cannon, which having made a large Breach in their Works, their Hearts and Strength began to fail them,* 1.103 so that they were forced to surrender at Discretion.

The Czar being resolved by an exemplary Pu∣nishment to deter the rest of his Subjects from committing such Outrages, caused the Ring∣leaders of this Sedition to be tortured and put to death, some at Pleskou, some in the adjacent Cities, some in their City of Musco, and a great many of the Pleskovites were banished into Siberia, where these State-Reformators were employed in Sable-Hunting. All things being thus qu••eted by the Vigilancy of the Great Duke, he pursued the Execution of the Treaty made with the Crown of Sweden; And the Rye in those Northern Parts having been by the Fury of the Populace for the most part either de∣stroyed

or consumed, so that it was impossible to bring together a sufficient Quantity within the time limited by the Treaty, he paid the Swedish Com∣missioner Money instead of Rye, and caused him under a sufficient Guard of Strelits (to protect him against the Insolencies of the Rabble) to be conducted to the Frontiers of the Kingdom of Sweden.

These Disorders having been▪ thus appeased by the Prudence of his Czarish Majesty, yet caused no small Change in the Government of Muscovy. For the Great Duke, having been made sensible of the Miscarriages of those who being the Creatures of Morosou and Miloslauski, had abused their Authori∣ty to the detriment of the People, removed them out of all Places of Trust. And as to Miloslauski and Morosou, tho' by reason of their near Alliance to the Great Duke, they retained much Credit at Court; and Morosou especially, discharg'd his Trust ever after with a great d••al of Prudence and Fi∣delity; yet the Czar did distribute his Favours with a more equal Hand among the other Knez and Boyars, who had a great share in all publick Affairs, and executed their Charges every one ac∣cording to his Birth and Employment.

For which Reason he caused Knez Boris Alexan∣drovits Rappenin, and Knez Fedor Simonovits Cura∣kin, (whom we mentioned before to have been sent by Morosou to the Governments of Nisi-Novo∣gorod and Casan) to be called to Court where in Conjunction with Knez Juan Andreovits Galitzin, Boris Nikita Ivanovits Romanow, the Czar's Great Uncle, they were consulted with in all Affairs of Moment, and remained in great Authority with this Prince, who had always a watchful Eye over his Ministers, lest they should under the Cloak of his Authority impose upon his Subjects.

For which Reason he would frequently in the Night Season go about and Visit his Chancellours and other Judges Desks to see what Decrrees were pass'd, and what Petitions were laid by unanswer'd.

He employed his Spies in every Corner, so that there was scarce any Feast, great Meeting, Burial, or Wedding of Note, but he knew all what was transacted there. He entertained a good Number of Gentlemen of small Fortunes, who absolutely depending on his Favour, were sent as Spies with the Ambassadors, and into the Armies, to attend and watch their Motions▪ and to give a true Acount of all their Transactions.

If he found any of his Officers deficient in their Trust, he was sure not to escape Punishment; as it happened to Peter Solticove a Muscovian Lord, and Governour of Russia minor. This Solticove u∣sed to keep the Arrears of the Soldiery in his Hands to improve it to his Advantage by Merchandising and otherwise. A certain Russian Captain, a Native of that Province, having been kept without Pay three whole Years, and in vain addressed himself to the Governour, took the Opportunity of the Czar's going into the Country to take his Pleasure (at what time no body is permitted to interrupt▪ his Divertisements) and thronging too near the Czar's Coach with a Petition in his Hands he suspe∣cting him to be an Assassin, with his Staff (which was piked at the End not unlike a Dart) intending to make him withdraw at a farther Distance, struck the Fellow to the Heart, so that he died imme∣diately.

Those that attended the Czar's Person being sur∣prized at the Accident, and judging no otherwise than that he intended to have made an Attempt o∣gainst the Great Duke's Life, rid up to the Coach and searching what Arms he had about him, found nothing but a wooden Spoon, and the Peti∣tion for his Arrears. The Czar shewed a great Concern for this Mishap, and sending immediately to Solticove the Governour of that Province, he checked him severely, telling him that he was guity of the Blood of this innocent Person, and that he deserved to receive the same Treatment; That however he would spare his Life for this time,

but that he discharged him from his Commission, ordering him not to appear for the future at Court, and appointing Nashockin then his premier Minister to succeed him in that Office, and to search into the past Misdemeanours thereof, in order to redress the Grievances of his Subjects.

For, it is to be observ'd, that after the Death of Moro∣rosou Ilia Danielovits Miloslauski, the Great Duke's Fa∣ther in Law Nashockin succeeded him in the Place of Chief Minister of State and all his other Employments. Miloslauski was a Man of a very strong Body and goodly Aspect, bold, and of great Judgment, ra∣ther feared than beloved by the Czar; but his In∣terest was upheld by his Daughter. It is related of him, that he had so prodigeous a Memory, as to have perfectly well known all the the Commission Officers of an Army of a Hundred Thousand Men, (of which he was Generalissimo) where they Quar∣tered, and what their Qualifications were. He was also Lord High Treasurer of Muscovy, and had se∣veral other Offices bestowed upon him, all which he managed with great dexterity. Tho' he was pretty well advanced in Years, he was a great Ad∣mirer of the fair Sex, and for his Satisfaction enter∣tained a good Number of very handsom Polish and Tartarian Female-Slaves. His eager pursuit after amorous Pleasures had almost lost him the Czar's Favour; as an Apoplexy disabled him at last in Body and Mind, so as to know no Body without being told.

He was succeded in his high Employments, by the just now mentioned Nashockin, who was also made Chancellor of the Ambassadors Office, and Governour of Russia Minor. He was a Person of more than ordinary Integrity, not to be corrupted by Presents or other Illegal means; very sober and indefatigable in Business. The first proofs of his great Capacity he gave at the Conclusion of the Peace betwixt the Muscovites and Poles, to the no small advantage of the first, which was absolutely transacted by his Vigilancy and Conduct; as was also

the League betwixt the Great Duke and Swedeland. It was he that settled the Silk Trade upon a good Foundation through Russia, and shew'd them the way, how the Indian Trade might be drawn that way. He Reform'd and new Modell'd the Russia•• Laws all over the Empire, so that Suits should be less dilatory, and Criminals to be Examined and Judged by the Governours of the Provinces with their Assistants; whereas most of the Criminals were before that time brought to Musco, with no less Trouble to the Prisoners than Charge to the Czar. He was a great Admirer of Monarchy, and a Patron of the English; as on the other hand, Bog∣dan Matfeilt always was a secret Enemy both to Nashockin and the English, but a great Friend of the Dutch, who used to purchase his Favour by great Presents.

This Bogdan was bred up with the Czar from a Child, and was much of the same Age. He was Lord High Sreward of the Houshold, having in his dis∣posal all Domestick Affairs. He used to be called the Whispering Favourite, because the Czar asked his Advice oftner in his Closet than at the Councel-Board. It was by his Connivance that the Jews got secretly footing in that Court and the City of Mus∣co; whereas before that time they were abominable to the Muscovites, because they supplied him with handsom young Slaves out of Poland, which he entertaine•• for his Pleasure, some in the Country, and some in his Palace in Musco. His Lady being Jea∣lous of these Slaves, shew'd her Re••entment at se∣veral times in so outragious a manner, that her Death being resolved on, she was one Night Poysoned in a Plate of Sweet-meats; or as others will have it, in a Glass of Wine.

As for the Czar Alexis Michaelovits himself, he was a Person of a Majestick Deportment;* 1.104 Tall, in∣cling to Fat, of a Sanguine Complexion, and Light Brown Hair, Beautiful and Charitable, but severe in his Anger; of a very strong Memory, strict in his Devotion, and a great Favourer of his Religion,

in the Observance of which, he was the strictest Man in the World. For he never missed Divin•• Service; and if indisposed, used to have it per∣formed in his Bed-Chamber. On Fast-days he would frequent Mid-night Prayers, standing four or five hours together prostrating himself to the Ground. During the great Fasts, he would eat but three Meals a Week, being contented for the rest, with a piece of Brown Bread and Salt, a pickled Mushroon or Cucumber, and a Cup of Quas, or small Mead. In short, it has been observed of him, that no Monk was ever more observant of the Ca∣nonical hours, than he of Fasts; it having been computed, that he fasted above Eight Months in the Year. He would also frequently appear at the Processions bare-headed and on foot, and was al∣ways a declared Patron of the Muscovite Church; notwithstanding which, he would sometimes make bold with the Church Revenue upon Loan, in time of War, which he was not very careful to re∣pay, knowing that the Church Treasury, which is supplied out of the best part of the Empire, may now and then dispense with a Loss for the benefit of the Publick. He also made an Ordinance to restrain the profuse Bounty of dying Men to the Clergy; neither would he ever suffer a Monastery to be Founded without his License.

Every Good-Friday he used to visit in the Night all the Prisons in the City of Musco, to take Perso∣nal Cognisance of all the Prisoners; among whom he would buy out some that were in Debt, and release others that were Criminals; and bestow sometimes great Summs for the use of such as he knew to be really necessitated. He would cause the Empress to do the same, and to redeem yearly a certain number of Women out of Prison. He ordered also at about seven or eight Miles distance from the Imperial City, Work-Houses to be built for Hemp and Flax, in that good Order, Beauty and Capacity, that they were sufficient to Employ all the poor in the Kingdom with Work; having

settled for that use a good many Miles of waste Lands, by which he improved the Manufactury of the Country, and fed his Labourers at a very cheap rate. He Assign'd that part of the Building where the Women were Employ'd, for the Use and Profit of the Empress. He was of so mild a Tem∣per, that he seldom condemned any to Death, but most commonly to the Strapado and Banishment into Siberia. Being one time urg'd by some of his Foreign Officers, to make it Death for any Man to Desert his Colours; he answered them, That he thought that would be too hard upon the poor Soldiers, since it was certain that God had not given every Man an equal share of Courage.

Notwithstanding these his Mild and Charitable Inclinations, he was of a Warlike Spirit, having been Engag'd in Wars against the Poles, Swedes, Crim-Tartars, and Turks. For being sufficiently sensible of the Advantage the Poles had got during the late Intestine Commotions in Muscovy, by ma∣king themselves Masters of the Provinces of Severia and S••ol••••sko, in the Possession of which, they were confirmed by Virtue of the Truce made by his Father M••chael Federovi••s▪ after his Disgrace received at the Seige of Smolensko: And the Term of the said Truce being now expired when the Poles were Engaged in a Mortal Quarrel with the Cosacks, he look'd up∣on this Juncture, as the most fabourable that could be, by the Recovery of these Provinces, to secure his Frontiers against so Potent a Neighbour.

For which purpose having settled a Correspon∣dence with Chmielniski, the then General of the Co∣sacks, and offered them his Protection; these were a•• first very successful against the Poles, of whom they killed Ten Thousand upon the spot, and took from them the City of Kiovia. And the Poles ha∣ving drawn out a second time their whole Force against them, were again miserably beaten by the Cosacks; till at last, having committed great De∣predations in Poland, King John Casimir was obli∣ged to March in Person against them, who having

totally routed them, they Embraced the Protection of the Great Duke.* 1.105 He finding himself thus strengthened by the accession of so considerable a Force, did apply all his Care for the recovery of Smo∣lensko; for which purpose having brought together a great Army,* 1.106 and a vast Train of Artislery, he be∣sieged the City of Smolensko in the Year 1653. and notwithstanding the Resolute Defence of the Polish Garrison, made himself Master of it in the Year next following.

The taking of which Place was chiefly attributed to the Cosacks, who upon all occasions gave the ut∣most proofs of their Bravery, and Hatred against the Poles during this Memorable Seige.

Having thus opened his way into Poland, he car∣ried the Terrour of his Victorious Arms into the Great Dutchy of Lithuania, he Ravaged the whole Country, took many Cities; and in the Year 1655. also the Capital City,* 1.107 called Vilna; where, as well as in other places, the Muscovites committed most horrid Barbarities, in Retaliation, as they said, of those Calamities they had suffered by the Polish In∣vasion, during their Intestine Commotions.

In the same Year Charles Gustavus King of Swe∣den, entered Poland with an Army of Chosen Men, and having soon Conquered the Great and Lesser Po∣land, and Mosovia, with the City of Cracovia, Marched from thence into Prussia, where he was re∣ceived by most of the Cities, except Dantzick, who stood firm to the Interest of King Casimir. See∣ing his Affairs reduc'd to that Extremity, he fled himself into Silesia for Refuge and Aid from the Emperour; so that not only the whole standing Militia of Poland, but also that part of Lithuania, which was not as yet Conquered by the Muscovites, submitted themselves to the Swedish Protection.

Czar Alexis Michaelovits, not thinking it Advi∣sable to Encounter the Swedes, flush'd with their late Success, and strengthened by the whole Force of Poland, judged it more for his Interest, to make use of this Opportunity, whilst the Swedes were

Engaged with the Poles,* 1.108 to transfer his Arms into Livonia, where he hoped to make a considerable Progress in the absence of their King, Charles Gu∣stavus, before he should be able to come to their Relief.

Pursuant to this Resolution,* 1.109 he entred Livonia with a very Puissant Army, and Besieged Torpat, which after some Resistance, he took by Compo∣sition.

Having soon after made himself Master of Ko∣kenhousen,* 1.110 and some other places of Note, he laid Siege to the City of Riga, the Capital of the Pro∣vince of Lettie in Livonia, Situate upon the River Dune, which exonerates it self into the Baltick Sea; but the Swedish Garrison defended the Place with so much Galantry, that the Muscovites, notwithstan∣ding their reiterated Attacks, were forced to Raise the Siege with very great Loss.

In the mean time the Poles having recollected themselves, after their first Consternation, had De∣feated and Dispersed the Swedes that were Quarter∣ed up and down the Country; had Retaken Warso∣via, and the Revolted Lithuanians, had Surprised and Killed all the Swedes that were in Winter Quar∣ters with them.

And tho' Charles Gustavus the Swedish King (hav∣ing been joined before by the Elector of Branden∣burgh's Forces) did Vanquish the Poles in a Memo∣rable Battle, which lasted Three Days near Warso∣via; yet being soon after obliged to March out of Poland against the Danes, the Poles Retook Cracovia and Thorn from the Swedes, and Recovered Cour∣land out of their Hands.

At last both Crowns being Tired with the War, a Treaty of Peace was set on foot in the Year 1666. in the Monastry of Oliva near the City of Dantzick, in the Royal Prussia; so that Czar Alexis Michaelo∣vits fearing not without Reason, that after the Peace was Concluded betwixt both those Potent Kingdoms, they might turn their United Forces a∣gainst him, proposed to be included in the said Trea∣ty;

by Virtue of which,* 1.111 both the Muscovites and Poles Resigned their Pretensions upon Livonia to the Swedes; but the first were Confirm'd in the Posses∣sion of Smolensko, Severia and Kiovia, which was given them by the Poles as an Equivalent of what they lost in Livonia. In lieu of which, the Swedes restored to the Poles all the places they were posses∣sed of in the Royal Prussia, and the later Resign'd the whole Sovereignty over the Ducal Prussia to the Elector of Brandenburgh. This Peace proved very Advantagious to the Muscovites, who by the Recovery of these Frontier Provinces, secured themselves against the further Attempts of a most Potent Neighbour.

The War he was engaged in against the Turks and Crim Tartars,* 1.112 was occasioned because some of the Zaporogian Cosacks had submited themselves under his Protection (as we mentioned before) whereas some of them had sought for Protection under the Grand Seignior, which occasioned a War betwixt these two potent Neighbours, in which the Muscovites got but little Advantage; For the Crim Tartars made an Irruption into Musco∣vy, and carried away above 400000 Souls into per∣petual Captivity.

There had some years before also been swept a∣way by the Plague betwixt seven and eight Hun∣dred thousand People, and a great Number of Men had been lost in the War with the Poles and Swedes; So that betwixt the Sword and Plague, it was computed that Muscovy had in Ten years time lost near a Million and a half of People, which so im∣poverished and depopulated the Country, that a∣bundance of the best Land lay untilled for want of Hands, and that in some of the Southern Parts, where the Crim Tartars had made their Inroads, there was scarce any thing to be seen but Women and Children; Since which time however the Rus∣sian Empire has in a great measure recovered its pristine Prosperity.

In the Year 1669,* 1.113 Muscovy was involved in ano∣ther Rebellion raised by one Stephen Ratzin.

He was a Dunensian Cosack by Birth, and having observed a certain Disposition in the Nagaian Tar∣tars, inhabiting the Kingdom of Casan and Astra∣chan, by Reason of the heavy Oppressions they groaned under, by the Mismanagement and Ava∣rice of the Muscovite Governours in those Parts, to shake off the Russian Yoak, he gathered a consi∣derable Party, and being assisted by a good Num∣ber of his Fellow Cosacks inhabiting betwixt the Dun and the Wolga, he marched at the Head of them to besiege the City of Astrachan, which, after some small Resistance, was surrendred into his Hands. From thence he marched towards Casan, threatning not only that City, but also the Southern Muscovy with a most dreadful Invasion, his Army increasing prodigiously by the vast Number of Tar∣tars that f••ock'd in to his Assistance.

But instead of improving this Opportunity to his Advantage, he gave himself to Idleness and all manner of Debauchery, whereby the Muscovites having got Leisure to draw together their Forces to stop the Current of his Victories, They were so expeditious as to arrive near Casan, before Ratzin could lay Siege to the Place, and having thus cut off all Communication with the Country there∣abouts, from whence Astrachan and the adjacent Parts are supplied with Corn, the rebellious Army was soon reduced to great Straights for want of P••ovisions; so that the Tartars, being apprehensive of their approaching Danger, left their Leader for the most part.

Notwithstanding which, the Cosacks stood it out bravely, resolving to maintain their Ground against the Muscovites. For which purpose they having entrenched themselves under the Walls of Astra∣chan, The Muscovites seeing the desperate Resolu∣tion of the Cosacks, thought it most advisable to reduce them, if possible, to Obedience, rather by fair Means, (and a promise of Pardon for what was

past than by force of Arms. This had the desi∣red Effect: For Ratzin, finding his Cosacks waver∣ing, upon the Perswasions of some of his Friends in the Czar's Court (who gave him great Hopes of his Pardon) surrendred himself to the Mercy of Czar Alexis Michaelovits in the next following Year.

His Party being thus deprived of their Head, readily embraced the Czar's Offers; but Ratzin himself, not long after, found himself extreamly mistaken in his Hopes; for he was carried to the great Market-place before the Castle,* 1.114 where he had first his Arms and Legs, and afterwards his Head cut off in the Presence of an infinite Number of People, who flocked thither to be Spectators of the tragical Exit of him, whom not many Month be∣fore they had looked upon as their most dreadful Enemy.

About the same time Maria the Empress Regent departed this Life, and Czar Alexis Michaelovits was married soon after to another young Lady, the Niece of Oatomon Sergoivits, who having by this near Alliance with the Emperor ob∣tained the whole Ministry of the Government, acquired himself with great Applause and to the General Satisfaction of the People in this emi∣nent Station, till the year 1675. When Czar A∣lexis Mi••haelovits died,* 1.115 to the great Regret of his Subjects, who by Reason of his great Clemency, singular Devotion, and incomparable Conduct du∣ring the last Years of his Reign, lamented his Loss, by all the Expressions of Grief due to the Memory of so great a Prince.

He left behind him, by the first Adventure, two Sons and a Daughter, to wit, Fedor, John, or Ivan, and Sophia; by the second, one Son, called Peter, the same who now sways the Scepter of the Miscovian Empire.

He was succeeded by Fedor Alexiovits his Eldest Son, being not quite Seventeen years of Age, and of a very Sickly Constitut on, who ••eigned seven

Years under the Protectorate of Sophia his Sister, till the year 1682,* 1.116 when by his Death the Muscovite Empire was divided into two potent Factions, which might have proved of very dangerous Con∣sequence, if the extraordinary Conduct of his pre∣sent Czarish Majesty had not in a great Measure diverted the fatal Blow which seemed to threaten its Ruin.

CHAP. V.

Containing an historical Account of the most remarkable Transactions, from the Begi••∣ning of the Reign of the present Czar Peter, till this time; with some political Reflections on the present State of Mus∣covy, in Relation to its Traffick, and Strength, in reference to its Neigh∣bours.

AFTER the Death of Fedor Alexiovits, John the second Son of Alexis Michaelovits being, by Reason of his natural Infirmities, incapable of undertaking the Administration of the Government, was soon prevailed upon to resign all his Claim to the Russian Crown,* 1.117 to his younger Brother Peter, who, tho' very young, being looked upon by most of the Boyars as the only Person who gave them all the imaginable Hopes of his future Ability to sup∣ply the Place of his Father Alexis Michaelovits,* 1.118 was crowned Czar of Muscovy, instead of the deceased Fedor, his Brother.

But the Princess Sophia, seeing her self thus ex∣cluded from the Management of the Government▪ of which she had enjoyed the full Advantage du∣ring the Minority of her Brother Fedor, she with

Knez Gailizin and some others of her Creatures took a Resolution not to part with so fine a Morsel at so easie a Rate, but to endeavour, by putting John in the Throne, to maintain their own Great∣ness, in Opposition to the New Czar Peter Alexio∣vits.

It is to be observed, that the deceased Empress Maria, Mother to John, who had by his own Con∣sent debarred himself from the Royal Dignity, was infinitely beloved by the Common People, by reason of her extraordinary Modesty, Charity, and o∣ther most eminent Vertues; The Princess being not ignorant of this Advantage on her side, sent abroad her Emissaries, who insinuated into the People the Injustice done to John the eldest surviving Son of the Empress Maria, the Darling of the People, by an adverse Party, who con∣trary to the antient established Custom of Mus∣covy, had excluded that Prince from his Right in favour of his younger Brother.

These cunning Informations had such powerful Influence over the Common people, but especially over the Guards that constantly attend the Czar••s Person, that one Morning being headed by some of the Princesses Creatures, they rose in open Rebel∣lion, declaring, they would not lay down their Arms, till they saw John the Elder Brother of Peter, placed on the Muscovian Throne.

The Boyars in the Interest of the present Czar Peter,* 1.119 endeavouring by their Perswasions to appease the Mutiny, did feel the dreadful Effects of their Fury; for some had their Palaces ransack'd and pull'd down to the ground, others were cut to pleces immediately, others thrown out of the Win∣dows; so that nothing less than a total Destruction seem'd to threaten the City of Musco, unless pre∣vented by some Expedient, which might stay the Fury of the enraged Populace. For which reason, the Heads of both Factions (who by this time be∣gan equally to dread the Insolency of the Rabble) after various Debates, came to this following Re∣solution:

That, to ballance▪ the▪ Interest of both contending Parties, Czar Peter should be confirm∣ed in the Throne of Muscovy, but that his elder Brother John should be his Associate, both in the Royal Dignity and Administration of the Govern∣ment.

The Princess Sophia, having thus once more by the powerful Influence she had over the weakness of her Brother John, and by reason of the tender Age of the present Czar Peter che being not above twelve years of Age, when he was Crown'd Czar of Muscovy) got the Reins of the Govern∣ment into her own hands, managed all Matters under the Conduct of the Premier Minister, Knez Gallizin (her Creature) with a great deal of dexte∣rity for some time, till at last by the removal of this her faithful Councellor, being deprived of his Assistance, and the Death of her own Brother, Czar John (who died about four years ago without Issue) she was totally excluded from the fur∣ther Management of publick Affairs, and thrust into a Monastery, where she is detained to this day.

The present Czar Peter was born on the 29th of May, in the Year 1670, by a second Adventure, and after the Death of Czar Fedor his eldest Bro∣ther, Crown'd Czar of Muscovy, when he was not full twelve Years of Age. After the removal of Knez Gallizin from the Ministry,* 1.120 and the death of his Brother, the whole Administration of the Go∣vernment being devolved to him, he managed it with so much Conduct and Success, as has rendred his Actions famous throughout all Europe; which those of the contrary Faction looking upon with an envious Eye, a Design was laid some few years ago, against his Life, which in all likelihood would have proved fatal to this great Prince, if by the Imprudence of him, who was to have been the Chief Actor in this Tragedy, the whole Design had not been discovered before the Conspirators could

meet with an opportunity to put it in execu∣tion.

This was a German by Birth, whose name was Sickler, who having a considerable Command in the Czar's Army, and being extreamly beloved by him, had a free Access to his Person. This Man being inticed by the hopes of extraordinary Re∣wards (even of the Crown of Muscovy) under∣took to dispatch the Czar the first favourable Op∣portunity that should present, and had certainly executed his Design, if the Contests that arose a∣mong the Conspirators concerning the Succession in the Throne, had not delay'd the Execution of it.

Sickler in the mean while, who was a good Bot∣tle-Companion, having utter'd some Words to a Friend of his at several times, relating to their in∣tended Project, he conceived so much a horror at it, that he was resolved to discover, what he had heard Sickler say concerning the Conspiracy; But know∣ing him to be in great favour with the Czar, he was not without reason afraid, that his Depositions might be interpreted by the adverse Faction, as proceeding from Envy or Malice, and consequent∣ly, instead of serving his Prince, turn to his own destruction, he resolved to proceed with as much caution as possibly he could in a Matter of so much Moment.

For which purpose having one day met a cer∣tain Gentleman, an intimate Friend of his and of Sickler; and not questioning, but that he had made use of the same Expressions to him, in relation to the Conspiracy, as he had heard him say at several times in his presence; he began to enter upon a Discourse of their common Friend Sickler, and in a careless Manner to repeat several Passages, which he had received from Sickler's own Mouth. His Friend being not a little surprised at the Imprudence of his Friend, told him, that indeed he had heard him say several times many things of that Na••••••e;

but looking upon them as the Effects of strong Liquor, he never made any further account of them. But the other replying, that the Conceal∣ment of Matters of such a nature might one time or another prove their Destruction; and that there∣fore, he was fully resolved not to hide it any long∣er, they went by joint-consent to make their Dis∣covery to the Czar in Person.

He was just then at a Wedding in the Suburbs,* 1.121 where the Germans, and other Christian Foreigners have their Habitations, when being informed of the most imminent danger that threatned his Life, he went immediately, accompany'd by his Guards, and some of his most trusty Boyars to the House of Sickler, and looking upon him wi••h a stern Countenance, after having asked him some general Questions, and among others; What Punishment ought to be inflicted upon a Person who should not only betray, but murder his Friend in cold Blood; and the sudden Change of his Countenance and his con∣fused Answer, sufficiently betraying the Guilt of his Conscience, he caused him to be seised, and being confronted with his two Friends, who had made the Discovery, he confessed the whole Design, and received the due reward of his Treachery, being broken alive upon the Wheel.

As to the present Czar's Person, he is of a No∣ble Aspect, his Face being of an Oval Figure, with very large Eyes, and well Featured; his Hair of a light brown Colour,* 1.122 his Complexion in∣clining to brown but very clear; he is slender but very strong and well-set, being above six Foot high, and tho' in his whole demeanour there appears a great deal of Majesty; yet is his Conversation full of an engaging Familiarity, without the least appearance of Pride even to the meanest of his Subjects; but his chief delight is in the Conver∣sation of Strangers, with whom he will at cer∣tain Times converse no otherwise than if they

were his Equals, and be very frolicksome in their Company.

Thus he did some Years ago in the River of Arch-Angel with some English Merchants, and a Captain of a Ship belonging to the Russian Company. This Ship, called the Perry and Lane, carrying 30 Guns, arrived in the Year 1694, in the beginning of Ju∣ly in the River of Arch-Angel, at the same time, that the present Czar was come thither to take a view of a new Man of War, which he had caused to be bought for his Service in Holland.

The Emperour having some days after, invited himself on Board the said Captain, he came ac∣cordingly at 3 a Clock in the Afternoon, with 40 or 50 of his Attendance, where he passed away his Time so pleasantly, that he did not depart till next Morning after Sun rise.

The next day he invited the Captain, all the En∣glish Merchants, and Masters of Ships, to dine with him at a House in an adjacent Island, where being seated at the same Table with the Emperour, he, after Dinner was over, caused them all to be wet∣ed with an Engine brought lately from Holland; Which done, he made them all, without the least distinction of Age or Quality, to plunge themselves over Head and Ears into the River, he in his Per∣son leading the Way, and shewing by his own Ex∣ample, what they had to do.

Having dismissed them for that time, they were invited again a few days after to the same Island, where they all play'd at Nine-Pins and Bowls till Night, when expecting the Czar's Orders to depart, he told them that they must stay with him till the Wind turn'd fair; so that they were forced to stay two days and nights, during which time they spent the days in Merriment, and a few hours in the Nights upon the hard Boards; when the Wind veering about, they got leave to depart, and set Sail for England.

As he takes great delight in the Company of Strangers, so he makes use most commonly of fo∣reign Habits, even in his own Country; which the present Patriarch of Muscovy looking upon as not agreeable to their own Customs, took the opportuni∣ty, when he met the present Czar one day at his Mo∣thers Palace, then lying upon her Death-bed, to tell him in her Presence, That the Czars his Predecessors used always to endeavour to maintain the good Will of their Subjects, by accommodating them∣selves to their most antient Customs, and to appear in the same Habit with their Subjects; To which the Czar made answer: Father, are you not the Head of the Muscovian Church; to which he having reply'd, yes Sir, by your Favour? the Czar said, and why then turn you the Head and Advocate of the Taylors? I intend to give my Subjects more substantial Proofs of the care I take for their Welfare, than what de∣pends from the imaginary Differences of Dresses or Cloaths.

But a Priest of his Attendance did not come at so cheap a Rate in the Hague; For the Czar, having been informed, that all the Day of the proclaiming of the Peace he got excessively drunk, laid this Penance upon him, to wit, to be em∣ployed in twisting of Ropes for many days to∣gether, which having cut the poor Fellows Hand to the Bones, gave the Priest an experimental Proof of the Cruelties they sometimes with so much freedom exercise upon the Laity.

The present Czar's Journey into those Parts at a time when he is engaged in a heavy War against the Crim Tartars,* 1.123 and his Presence seems to be absolutely necessary to suppress the Designs of a potent adverse Faction, has been the Wonder of all Europe; But it is to be observed, that by the seasonable Discovery of the last Conspi∣racy by the thrusting the Princess Sophia into a Monastery, and the removal of the Knez Gal∣lizin from the Ministry into Siberia, the Faction,

that hitherto opposed his Interest, has been suf∣ficiently discouraged from making further At∣tempts against a Prince, who by his singular Clemency and the great Success of his Arms against the Tartars, is now become the Darling of the common People.

Besides which, he took all the Precaution imaginable before his Departure, to disappoint the Designs of his Enemies, if perhaps in his Absence they should have a mind to try their Fortune.

For which Reason he not only committed the whole Management of the Government to such as he knew absolutely devoted to his In∣terest, but also sent a great Number of Per∣sons of the first Quality (the Sons of the most Antient Nobilty) to travel into far di∣stant Countries, to instruct themselves in the Mathematicks, the Art of Navigation and o∣ther useful Sciences, for a certain Term of Years; where they might both improve their own Knowledge to the Advantage of their Na∣tive Country, and at the same time serve him as Pledges of their Parents▪ Fidelity during his Stay in foreign Countries.

The Motive which could induce so great a Prince to leave for some time his Native Country, cannot be attributed to any other Cause than his most ardent Desire of impro∣ving his own Knowledge and of his Subjects, quite contrary to what has been practised by his Predecessors, who looked upon the Ig∣norance of their Subjects as the main Foun∣dation-Stone of their Absolute Power; from whence the most clear-sighted▪ promise them∣selves great Advantages after his Return into Muscovy.

Thus much is unquestionable, that his De∣sire of improving himself in the Art of Navigation and all Sea-Affairs, is such as to surpass the industry of most private Men, who apply themselves to it out of a bare Prospect of Lucre.

I have heard it related by very credible Per∣sons, that he would not only go frequently to Sordam (a large Village on the opposite Shore of the City of Amsterdam, on the same Ri∣ver) most inhabited by Shipwrights employed there in the building of Ships, in Disguise, on purpose to instruct himself in every thing belonging to that Trade; But he used often to go disguised in a Sea-man's Habit into the Yard of the East-India House, where he would be employed in fetching and carrying such Materials as are requisite for the building of Ships, which he would see put in their pro∣per Places, and oftentimes would employ himself in working in concert with the Ship∣wrights.

It is by this incredible Desire of accomplish∣ing himself in this, as well as all other useful Arts and Sciences, that he has so improved his Judgment, as to be able to examine and in∣form himself concerning all Matters relating to Military Affairs, whether by Sea or Land; both which he endeavours to improve, far beyond whatever was attempted by any of his Prede∣cessors, which is sufficiently apparent by the in∣tended communication betwixt the two Rivers, Wolga and Tanais, and the discovery of Nova Zembla not to be an Island, as it has ben hi∣therto believed; and the Mare Glaciale of the Frozen Sea, to be nothing else but a Sinus or Bay, which was performed by His Czarish Ma∣jesty's express Orders, within these few Years.

And as the prosperous success of his Arms against the Crim-Tartars seems to be a convincing instance, that his generous endeavours have not proved fruitless, so the design of extending his Conquest to the Black Sea, gives the Muscovites all the hopes imaginable; of seeeing their Empire in a few Years, a more flourishing condition than ever it has been in under the Reigns of their former Monarchs; of which the great Atchievements of this brave Prince, which are the Subject of the following relations, seems to be the happy presages.

But before we go any further, it will not be be∣yond our purpose to insert here the true character of Kn••z GalliZin, together with two remarkable Accidents, which seem'd to be the forerunners of his ensuing downfal: which caused no small change in the Affairs of the Muscovite Government.

Knez GalliZin descended from the Race of the Jagellons,* 1.124 was at that time one of the most consi∣derable Princes of the Muscovian Empire, whe∣ther in regard of his illustrious Extraction, or the high Station he was settled in, of being Chief Minister of State, by the favours of the eldest Czar John, and his Sister Sophia, who's Creature he was. He was undoubtedly one of the best Head pieces in the Kingdom, and the most Knowing, and most Accomplish'd of all the Muscovian Boyars, always addicted to the French Interest, and such an ad∣mirer of the present French King Lewis XIV. that he caused his Son to wear his Picture constantly upon his Breast. It was chiefly owing to his ad∣vice and dexterity, that the Princess Sophia had seized upon the Administration of the Government during the Minority of the two Czars, her Bro∣thers, in which she continued for several Years; by the extraordinary Conduct of this her faithful Mi∣nister, till the Boyars and Chief of the Nobility, who were altogether in the Interest of the Youngest Czar Peter the present Emperour, being resolved not to suffer themselves any longer to be Imposed upon by this Favourite, found means to remove

him from his Ministry, of which the two follow∣ing relations appeared to be the Fatal Presages.

The first was undertaken by a private person, who having watched his opportunity one morning as GalliZin was going in his Sledge to the Czar's Palace, threw himself upon him, and seized him by the Beard to stab him. But whilst he was draw∣ing his dagger which (according to the Muscovian fashion) stuck in his Girdle, the Princes Servants running up to the Sledge, had the good fortune to stop his hand, just as he was about sticking the Dagger in their Master's Heart.

The Assassin was so far from being dejected, that on the contrary his rage seemed to be encreased, which sufficinetly appeared by his furious looks, and his utmost, tho' vain efforts, of putting his design in Execution; But finding himself overpowered, and all his endeavours in vain, he spoke to GallaZin with unparrallell'd resolution, in the following man∣ner: Infamous Tyrant, It is not the fear of death, but the regret I feel of being disappointed in my design, that you see me thus changed in my Countenance; But know, that tho' I have been so unfortunate as to fail in this attempt, to deliver my Native Country from the most horrid Monster that ever was bred upon the face of the Earth; tho' this hand has been unsuccessful in making thee a Sacrifice to the just resentments of thy fellow Subjects; Know, I say, that this feat is reserved for some happier hand than mine, and that among three hundred Citizens, who, out of pity to the people, that daily groan under the burthen of thy most intole∣rable oppressions, have conspired thy final destruction; there will be some, that will take surer measures than I have done.

He was going on in his discourse, if he had not been dragged away immediately to Prison, where after having been put to the Rack, he was executed privately, for fear of incensing the people.

This Outrage was soon after followed by ano∣ther; less dangerous in its Contrivance, but suffi∣ciently

convincing to GalliZin of the Sentiments the people had of his Ministry.

He was then just upon his departure for the Army, which he was to Command, as General, a∣gainst the Crim Tartars, when one night a covered Coffin was found at his Pallace Gate, with a Note in it, containing these Words: GalliZin, Ʋnless the Campaign which thou art now going to open, prove more successful than the former, we are resolved to make sure work with thee.

The worst of all was, that these menaces pro∣ved true in the Event; for, after his return from the Army, he was so closely press'd upon by the rest of the Boyars, that not being able to justifie himself against the manifold miscarriages laid to his charge, he was dismissed from all his Imploy∣ments at Court,* 1.125 his Estate Confiscated, and he banished into Siberia, where he was forced to lead a miserable, or rather shameful life.

Much about the same time Prince Archilla, King of Iveria and Mengrelia, who had for some Years last past lived with his Princess in the Court of the two Czars, was preparing for his return into his Kingdoms. This Prince being originally a Geor∣gian by Birth, had been prevailed upon to embrace Mahometism, for the peaceable enjoyment of the two Kingdoms of Iveria and Mengrelia, which bor∣der upon Persia.

The Chan of Persia,* 1.126 who's Vassal he was, and to purchase whose favour he had changed his Re∣ligion, was very favorable to him at first; and tho' he not long after return'd to the Christian Religion, which he profess'd before, did not use him with the same severity as he did the rest of the Petty Prin∣ces, that were his Vassals. But this seeming kind∣ness of his, proceeded, (as it appear'd afterwards) not so much from any inclinations he had for his person, as the Beauty of his Princess. For having received great recommendations of the excellency of her Person, as he was insatiable in his Lust to Women, so, tho' he never had seen her, he was

resolved to purchase the enjoyment of so much Beauty at any rate; so that he made this unfor∣tunate Prince sufficiently sensible that he had no longer any regard for his person; being now be∣come no less troublesome to him, than he had ap∣pear'd kind before.

His first endeavours were carried on by fair means, by vast promises, and hopes of great Re∣wards, but these proving insufficient to obtain his desire, he proceeded from mildness to Threats, but finding these also not to have the desired ef∣fect, he had recourse to open Violence; order∣ing his forces to advance into the Territories of Archilla, to seize him and his Princess, and carry them prisoners to his Court.

Archilla, dreading the indignation of the Chan, who's Forces he was not strong enough to oppose, was obliged to seek for safety in his flight, and reti∣red with the Princess to the utmost confines of this Kingdom of Iveria, which being the most distant from Persia, border upon the Turkish Territories, on that side towards the Black Sea; in, hopes to shel∣ter themselves there against the forces of their ene∣mies. But the Chan of Persia resolved not to quit his pretension at that rate, found means to engage the Turkish Grand Seignior in his Quarrel, who having sent some forces to seize the Prince, they surpri∣sed and carried him to a Castle under the juris∣diction of the Turks, on the borders of Iveria, where he was detained Prisoner till further orders.

They had shewn so much favour to the Prin∣cess, whom they were unwilling to use with violence that they had not detained her person; But she being exasperated to the highest degree, by the out∣rages committed upon her husband, retired secret∣ly into Iveria, where without any further delay, having assembled some Gentlemen, the bravest and most trusty among her Subjects, she, like another Amazon, marched at the head of them to the Re∣lief of her husband.

The Garrison had got some intelligence of her approach some hours before her arrival near the place, wherefore having prepared themselves for a resolute defence, the Iverians met with a stout resistance. But being encouraged by the presence and example of their Princess, who was resolved either to deliver her Husband, or to fall in the attempt; they at last forced the Castle where their Prince was kept Prisoner, in spite of all the re∣sistance the Soldiers could make, carried him off, and set him at Liberty.

So soon as they had time to reflect upon their present condition, they were sufficiently sensible that an act so extraordinary, and so bold, must needs draw upon them the indignation of both these Great Princes, their Neighbours, and that consequently they could not tarry long with safety in their Kingdoms, encompassed as it was, on all sides, by their ene∣mies▪ Therefore they were forced to abandon their Subjects to the mercy of these two Potent Neighbours, and with some of their most trusty friends to seek for shelter in Muscovy.

They were received with all the demonstrations of friendship by the two Czars,* 1.127 who assign'd them a Palace in the City of Musco, and during the space of three. Years allowed them a Pension suitable to their Quality, till their Subjects having composed matters with the Grand Seignior, and become weary of the Persian yoak, sollicited their return into the Kingdoms of Iveria and Mangrelia, pro∣mising to Sacrifice all what was dear to them for their Interest, against the Persians their common enemies.

The same Year the Youngest of the two Czars,* 1.128 (the same who lately honoured this Kingdom with his presence) married the Daughter of an Of∣ficer of the Army. He was then but Eighteen Years of Age, and a few days after the marriage was published by the sound of the great Bell in Musco (perhaps the finest in the World) he was seized with the falling Sickness.

Those who did not know this distemper to be Hereditary to his Family, but were sufficiently ac∣••uainted with those frequent misfortunes that hap∣pen in Muscovy, to persons of a high Rank at the time of their marriages; occasioned by the Envy of the contending Rivals of the Female Sex, look∣ed upon it as an effect of the Jealousie of such fa∣milies as being by this marriage excluded from the hopes of that Alliance they had aspired to, had let their vengeance fall upon their young Prince. But this accident not being attended with any further ill Consequences, these Rumors were soon dispersed, and the rejoycings continued to the Great Satisfaction of the Muscovites, who had pla∣ced the chief hopes of their future prosperity in the Activity and Courage of a Prince, who soon after gave them such evident proofs of his great abili∣ty in the art of Government, that they were sa∣tisfied their hopes would not fall short of their ex∣pectation, especially when the CzaritZa within a twelve Month after, brought forth as Young Prince, who being now about Eight Years of Age, gives all the imaginable hopes, of being one day the in∣heritor of his Father's Vertues and Dominions.

For after the Removal of GalliZin, having ta∣ken the Reins of the Government into his own hands, and consequently suppres'd that Faction which hitherto had in a measure opposed his Greatness, he began to lay the foundation towards the accomplishment of these designs, which within these few Years last past have been the Admira∣tion of all Europe, and caused Terror to his Enemies.

The unfortunate War in which the Turks were en∣gaged against the Emperour, Poles and Venetians ha∣ving sufficiently disenabled them to send any conside∣rable Succours to the Crim Tartars,* 1.129 the hereditary E∣nemies of Muscovy, which has so often felt the direful effects of their barbarous Cruelties, the present jun∣cture of time was look'd upon as the most favou∣rable to reduce these troublesome Neighbours un∣der

the Obedience of the Russian Empire. For which purpose a considerable Army having been brought into the field, the Siege of Asaph was re∣solved on, which, City being seated at the mouth of the River Don or Tanais, where it discharges itself into the Palus Meotides, or the Sea of Zabac∣çhe, is the Inlet into the lesser Tartary, and con∣quently facilitates the Conquest of the Crim Tar∣tars, inhabiting the Taurica Chersonesus. The Mus∣covites attack'd the City very vigourously, but being destitute of Shipping, and not sufficiently provided with good Canoneers, they could not hin∣der the Turks from bringing in at several times fresh supplies of Men, Ammunition and other necessa∣ries, whereby they were obliged at the approach of the Winter Season to raise the Siege for that time.

But the Czar was so far from being discouraged by this retreat, that he resolved to repair this dis∣grace, and to make himself master of the place, let it cost what it will. For which purpose having order'd a considerable number of Ships to be built, and mann'd, to prevent their Communication with the Sea, and obtained a good number of Engineers, Bombardeers, and Canoneers from the Emperour, Venetians, Elector of Brandenburgh, and some other Christian Princes; he resolved to take the field in person in the ensuing year, so soon as the Rivers should become Navigable, and to open the Cam∣paign with the Siege of Asoph.

Pursuant to this resolution having ordered a vast Train of Artillery,* 1.130 consisting of 400 Pieces of Can∣non, and 150 Mortars, to be got ready, he March∣ed with a very numerous Army, commanded un∣der him by his Favourite, the General and Ad∣miral Le Fort, (the Chief of the Ambassy, now in Holland) by Mr. Gourdon, a Scotchman, and Afranou Nichelouits, a Muscovite, and laid close Seige to the said City, whilst his Fleet guarded the Port, and prevented any Supplies from coming to their Re∣lief that way; and the Cosack Generals MaZepa,

and Paley, advanced in two distinct Bodies towards the Boristhenes, to give a powerful diversion to the Crim Tartars on that side.

The Tartars within defended themselves for some time with bravery enough, notwithstanding the great havock made by the Muscovite Bombs, un∣der the direction of the Foreign Bombardiers, but finding themselves disappointed in their hopes of Relief by Sea (the Muscovites having defeated those that came to their Assistance) they beat a parley,* 1.131 and Surrendered themselves, upon certain Articles, to the Czar.

After the taking of Asoph, he advanced to Karikeumen, which, by the force of his Bombs, he soon obliged to Surrender at discretion. All the Castles and Places thereabouts, underwent the same fate, most of which he caused to be demolish'd, unless it was Taran, where he left a very good Garrison.

The same Summer the Cosacks had made them∣selves Masters of several Strong Forts on the Bo∣risthenes, which may in time much facilite the ta∣king of Precop, Scituate at the very entrance of the Taurica Chersonesus. The Czar after the Conquest of a place so considerable for its Situation, was re∣ceived at his return by his Subjects inhabiting the City of Musco,* 1.132 with all the demostrations of joy, and other Honours due to a Conquerour: For at his Entrance there were Triumphal Arches ere∣cted, representing the Conquests of Asoph, and o∣ther places taken by him the Summer before: And as he went through the City to the Castle, he was preceeded by the General Le Fort in a Litter, and by General Gourdon on Horse back.

But what was most pleasing to the People, was, the Leading it. Triumph of a certain noted De∣serter, who's name was Jacob. He being taken at the Surrender of Asoph, was brought into Mus∣covy, and to compleat the Show, was placed up∣on a high Waggon, Seated under a Gibbet; upon which he was hanged the next day after this Solemn Entry.

His next care was to send an Envoy to the-Court of Vienna, not only to give an exact account of the Success of his Arms against the Infidels, but more particularly to enter into a more strict Al∣liance, with the rest of the Confederates, against the Turks: And having received certain intelligence, that the French Ambassador in Poland, was labour∣ing for the advancing of the Prince of Conti to the Polish Crown, he gave the Polish Nobility to understand by his Minister Resident in Poland, that in case they should advance the Prince of Con∣ti, or any other Frenchman to the Throne, they must expect to be treated as Enemies, he looking upon the French Nation, joyned in Alliance with the Turks, to stand in opposition to the General In∣terest of Christendom.

In the mean while the Negotiation at Vienna,* 1.133 concerning the Alliance against the Infidels went on with good Success the main Scruple to be removed, being about the time of the Continuance of this Alliance, and which the Muscovites desired to be for Seven Years, whereas the Emperor and the Venetians insisted to have it continued for no lon∣ger than three Years. But the Czar having sent new Instructions to his Envoy, with full power to conclude the said Negotiation according to the Proposals made by the rest of the Confederates, all things were at last agreed on to the Satisfaction of all the parties concerned in the Alliance, and the Treaty was Sign'd and Ratifi'd at Vienna, in the Presence of the Venetian Resident, containing besides several others, these three following Articles.

That the Alliance shall last three Years, at least, reserving to the Parties concerned, the power to re∣new it, after that time is expired, if they think fit.

That none of the Parties shall make Peace, with∣out the Knowledge and Consent of the other.

And Lastly; that in Case the Enemy shall make any Proposals of Peace to any one of the Confederates, the same shall be imparted to all the rest.

After the Conclusion of this Alliance the Empe∣rour appointed a Minister to Reside with the Czar, and to attend him in the Field, to be an eye wit∣ness of what passed in the Muscovite Army, and to give the Emperour from time to time an ac∣count of their Progress against the Tartars.

The noise of this Alliance, and the great pre∣parations made by the Czar against the next en∣suing Campaign, struck such a terror to the Tar∣tar Chan, that he dispatch'd frequent Messengers to Constantinople, to Sollicite Prompt and Power∣ful Succours against the Muscovites, who were pre∣paring to invade the Crim Tartary, and by the Con∣quest of the City of Precop, to make themselves Masters of the Taurica Chersenesus.

These Remonstrances had such an influence o∣ver the Ottoman Port, that they promised them considerable Assistance, and it was given out, that the Grand Seignior intended to go in person a∣gainst the Muscovites; and tho' the last proved to be only a Contrivance to amuse the Ene∣my, yet the Turks being in the next Campaign de∣prived of the Succours they generally used to re∣ceive from these Tartars, did in a great Measure attribute their last defeat to the want of these Aux∣iliaries, who, by their number, used to stand them in no small stead against the Impeiral Ca∣valry.

But whilst all Europe waited in expectation to hear of the advance of his Czarish Majesty at the head of a very formidable Army, towards the Crim Tartars, they were agreeably Surprised with the news of a great and Splendid Muscovian Ambassady arrived in Prussia, where the Czar was in person, but in∣cognito. This news, which at first carried along with it but little probability, was put beyond que∣stion after they had been received with so much Solemnity by his Electoral Highness of Brandenburgh at Konigsbergh, the Capital of the Ducal Prussia.

The Chief of the Ambassy was Francis Jacolo∣vits Le Fort, whom we have mentioned before, with

whom were joyned as Colleagues Mexievits Ho∣lowin, Damnos Diat Precophei,* 1.134 and Bodanovits Wor∣nits Zien. Being arrived early in the morning at Laut, about a mile distant from Konigsbergh, with a Train of betwixt three and four Hundred Persons, the Sieur Danckelman. Prime Minister of State, and Mr. Besser, Master of the Ceremonies, with a great number of Courtiers, and the Nobility of the Country, were sent by his Electoral Highness, to Complement them in his Name, and Conduct them into the City, where in the afternoon they made their Publick Entrance in the following man∣ner. Forty of his Electoral Highnesses best led Horses, with very rich Sadles, and other Accou∣trements, led the way. These were followed by a Single Officer richly clad, attended by the Kettle Drums of the Guard of the Body, three Troops of whom followed immeditely after, all clad in Red.

Next to these came Thirty Coaches, drawn with Six Horses each, in which were the Principal No∣bility of the Ducal Prussia. Then two of his E∣lectoral Highnesses Coaches, and one belonging to the Margrave Albert. After these were to be seen the Court Pages, clad all in Red▪ lac'd all over very richly with Gold Lace, riding two and two with a Page of the Ambassadors betwixt them.

These were followed by Fourty more Coaches, with Six Horses each, wherein were the Chief Ministers and Officers of the Electors Household; after whom came the first Kettle Drum and Trum∣pet belonging to his Electoral Highness, followed by the Ambassadors Foot Guards, clad in Green, with Silver Battle Axes upon their shoulders; and after these the Ambassadors Horse Guards, in the same Livery, but without Battle Axes.

Then came the Coach wherein were the Four Ambassadors; and lastly, the whole Train was closed with Twelve Coaches fill'd with Mus∣covite and Brandenburgh Gentlemen.

The Streets thro' which their Excellencies passed to the Kniphoff, (where most Magnificent Lodg∣ings were prepared for them) were lined with the Burghers, who were drawn up in a double file: They were received at their Lodgings by the Gar∣rison of the City, and saluted with a treble dis∣charge of all the Cannon round the Fortifications, and being thus conducted to their Apartments, the Sieurs Danckelman and Besser took their leave of them, being waited on by the Ambassadors to the Stairs of the House.

Some days after,* 1.135 being the 25. of May, they had their Publick Audience of his Electoral Highness, being again conducted by the abovementioned Sieur Danckelman, and Besser the Master of the Ce∣remonies, being followed by a Train of Thirty odd Coaches. Before the Ambassadors Coach went Thirty Persons, carrying the Czars Presents to the Elector, consisting in Tables, Ermins, and o∣ther Rich furs, beside a good quantity of Indian, and Persian Silks, Stuffs, and Tissues of Gold, and Silver; valued in all at 20000 l. Sterling. The Ambassadors themselves were most richly dress'd, their Habits being of Cloth of Gold and Silver, covered with rich Embroidery, and abundance of Pearls and precious Stones. They passed thro' the Electors Guards, which was placed on both sides up to the Great Hall of the Castle, where the E∣lector, attended by the Nobility, and all the Offi∣cers of his Household, was Seated under a Cano∣py of State.

The Ambassadors having made the usual reve∣rences, every one in his turn, complemented his Electoral Highness, and after having delivered the Presents, they presented a Letter containing in Sub∣stance; That his Czarish Majesty had sent these (abovenamed) Persons as his Ambassadors, to his Electoral Highness to give him all the possible assurance of his desire to improve the Affection and good Correspondence, which always had been between them, and their Illustrious Ancestors That

this Ambassy, being intended, to proceed from hence to several other Courts in Christendom, in order to concert Measures, and promote the com∣mon Interest of the Confederacy, against the Infi∣dels; his Czarish Majesty did not in the least que∣stion, but that the Elector would assist them in so glorious a Work, and forward them in their Jour∣ney. The Letter concluded with the thanks from the Great Duke to his Electoral Highness, for the Engineers and Bombardiers, which he had sent sometime before, and which by their extraordi∣nary Skill had been very instrumental in the Siege of Asoph, and other places, taken by the Musco∣vites in the Crim Tartary.

The Elector answered; That he acknowledged him∣self much obliged to the Czar, for his assurances of the continuance of his Friendship, and especially for the Splendid Ambassy he had sent to him.

But the Sieur Danckelman returned them an an∣swer more at large, and in the Electors Name an∣swered their Complements, in terms so obliging, that the Ambassadors were extreamly satisfied with his Generous and Genteel behaviour.

Being afterwards reconducted to their Lodgings in the same manner, they were Treated with a most Splendid Dinner by his Electoral Highness, and were the same Evening, Entertained with variety of extraordinary Fireworks, which lasted, to their no small Satisfaction, till midnight.

Whilst the Czar of Moscovy,* 1.136 with his Ambassa∣dors, was on his Journey towards Holland, his Ar∣my obtain'd a Signal Victory against the Crim-Tar∣tars, on the 30th of July.

For the Muscovites having drawn together their Forces to the number of 70000 Men, most Horse; the Turks and Tartars, who had received advice of their March thinking themselves Superior in num∣ber and strength to the Muscovites, resolved to At∣tack them before they were joyned by the Cosacks.

In order to which, they advanced under the Com∣mand of Sultan Galga, and attacked them with their

utmost Vigor, but were received by the Muscovian Ca∣valry with so much Resolution, that they were repulsed and droven back in great disorder; but trusting in their number they rallied again, and charged the Musco∣vites with great Fury, till being, after some Hours engagement quite broken, they were forced to quit the Field, being pursued by the Enemy to the Ri∣ver Kalganski, where a great slaughter ensued: For being constrained, by the close pursuit of the Musco∣vites, to cross that River with great Precipitation, a great part of their Army not being able to fol∣low the rest, with so much haste as their present dan∣ger required, were either cut to pieces, or drowned in the River, or taken Prisoners.

This Victory was the more advantageous to the Muscovites, because most of the Tartars having been slain in the flight, the loss was not considerable on the Muscovite side, for which reason great Rejoycings were made in the City of Musco, and all over the Empire.

In the mean while the Embassy was arrived in Holland, where they received the first News of this Victory, and made their publick Entry at the Hague on the 17th of September, in great Splendor.

Before their Excellencies Coaches went a Train of 50 others with 6 Horses each,* 1.137 wherein were the Gentlemen of the Ambassador's Retinue, and other Persons of Quality.

Then came the two Coaches of State, in which rode the Ambassadors, who were followed by three Coaches of their own, which closed the Cavalcade.

After they had passed through the Guards that were placed on both sides of the Court,* 1.138 they were received by two Deputies of the States, in the Out-Room of Audience. Being conducted into the Room of Audience, they were saluted by the whole Body of the States▪ unto whom they delivered the Czars Letters, directed to their High and Mightinesses, containing assurances of his Affection, and his de∣sire of Cultivating a good Correspondence with the State, desiring their High and Mightinesses to Treat

with the (above-named) Ambassadors, concerning such matters, as they should propose to them in his Czarish Majesty's Name, to promote the Interest of Christendom against the Infidels.

Then each of the Ambassadors having, in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, made a Complemental Speech to the States, and delivered the Czar's Present, which consisted in a great quantity of Sable-skins, of a considerable Va∣lue, the Deputies answered them in a very Elo∣quent Speech, in the Name of the States.

The Ambassadors were entreated to sit down, in Elbow-Chairs set for that purpose, which they having refused, and the whole Assembly judging, not with∣out reason, that this refusal proceeded from the re∣spect they bore to their Sovereign, there present, did also continue in the same posture till the Audi∣ence was over, when the Ambassadors were re-con∣ducted, in the same Order as they came, to their Lodgings.

For the better understanding the present conditi∣on of the Russian Empire, it will be absolutely re∣quisite, before we conclude this Treatise, to add something concerning its Traffick, and present Strength, in relation to its Neighbours; in both which, it must be confessed, the Muscovites have im∣proved themselves since the settlement of their Go∣vernment, after their Intestine Commotions, to the admiration of all those, who have taken the Pains to make a due comparison betwixt their former con∣dition, and the present State of their Empire.

Not to enlarge my self hereupon,* 1.139 the Trade of Muscovy depending on the product of the Country, such as Pot-ashes, Wax, Honey, Tar, Pitch, Hemp, Flax, Cavier, and Sturgeon, besides a great many other Commodities which are exported from thence into Foreign Countries. It is almost incredible, what advantages the Muscovites reap from the Persian, In∣dian, and Chinese Trade, lately established through∣out the whole Empire. The staple of the Persian, and Indian Trade is chiefly at Astrachan, which lying within the Mouth of the River Volga, must be con∣sidered

as the Frontierplace of the two most conside∣rable parts of the World, to wit, of Europe, and Asia.

The Armenians possess one of the Suburbs of this City by themselves, and drive a vast Trade from thence into Persia; but they who without question contribute most to the flourishing condition of this City, and carry on the Indian Trade through Muscovy, are the Banjans, a certain sort of Indians, much addicted to Trading, and dispersed all over the great Mogul's Territories, but especially inhabi∣ting the Province of Guzuratte (by the Portuguesés called Cambaya) who holding a Correspondence all over the Caspian Sea, there are few sorts of Mer∣chandizes which do not pass thro' their Hands.

For it is to be observed, that the Province of Guzu∣ratte is Inhabited besides English, Dutch, and Persians, by three several sorts of People by the Ind••stans, the ancient Natives of the Country, an idle and sluggish Generation; by the Moguls, who came out of Grand Tartary, and are all Mahometans, much addicted to Arms, and the Banjans, who altogether apply them∣selves to Manufactury and Traffick. It is true, there is no Province in India, where there are not some of these Banjans, but in the Province of Guzuratte they are more numerous than in other places, and are distinguish'd, especially from those that profess Mahometism, by their Habit.

For tho' they do not ware their Hair very long, yet do they not shave their Heads.* 1.140 Their Women don't cover their Faces, as those of the Mahometans do; they ware Pendants, and Pearls in their Ears, and Necklaces about their Necks. Black Teeth are amongst them as well as in Muscovy in great re∣quest, from whence it comes that they nick Name the Europeans, who have white Teeth, Bondra, that is, Apes. They ware no Breeches as the other In∣dians, but only a piece of thin Silk stuff, which is wrapt about them, reaching down to their Hams, over which they ware their Smocks, and on them their upper Garment, which they tie with a Girdle

at the Waste: Some of them wear under these a kind of narrow Wastcoats, the Sleeves whereof reach no further than the Elbow, being naked from the Breasts down to the Navel. They wear Shooes either of Wood, Velvet, Brocade, or gilt Leather, fastned with Straps to their Feet, which they put off when they go into any Room, where the Floor commonly is covered with Tapestry.

They are incomparably more Ingenious, Subtle, and more Civil, than any of the other Indians. No People in the World are more given to Writing and casting Accounts than they, and their Conversation is very delightful. There is no Trade in the Great Turk's Country, which is not chiefly managed by them, nor any Commodity throughout all the In∣dies, which they do not sell, unless it be Flesh and Fish, or any other Thing that had Life, which they are bound to preserve by the Rules of their Religion, as we shall relate anon.

They Marry their Children at 7, 8, 9, or 10 Years of Age, and it seldom appears that they stay till 12, especially if they be Daughters; for if they should exceed that time, it would be looked upon as Scandalous.

The Banyan Widows are not permitted to Marry a second time, even though the Bridegroom should Die before the Consummation of the Marriage; but all the Ornaments are to be taken from her, and her Hair to be cut of immediately after the Husband's Death. Nevertheless they are not obliged to burn themselves with the Dead Bodies of their Husbands, neither are they hindred to do it if they have an inclination thereto. Those Widows in India, who cannot dispense with a single Life, get in among the Dancers of that Sex, where they have sufficient opportunity to exercise the Flesh, and to allay the heat which must needs be occasioned in Vigorous Bodies lying in so hot a Climate.

This Barbarous Custom for the Widows to burn themselves with their deceased Husbands, was first introduced into those parts upon a Political account

For Polygamy causing abundance of Heart burning and Jealousie among the Women that were Rivals in their Husbands Affections, it often happen'd, that such as thought themselves neglected, used fre∣quently to procure their Husbands Deaths. Where∣fore to make them to be more careful of their Hus∣bands Lives, it was ordered, that such as were de∣sirous to be accounted honest Women, should be engaged to keep their Husbands company in their Journey to the other World, and be burnt together with their Bodies. So that tho' this obligation of dying with their Husbands was only imposed upon such Women as stood upon the reputation of their Honesty, without any punishment to be inflicted on such as refused to conform themselves to so dreadful a Custom, unless they were not admitted into the Company of Persons of Quality, as being looked upon as Infamous; yet has this principle of Honour been so prevailing upon a vast number of the Indian Women, that there are innumerable ex∣amples, of such as have sacrificed their Lives upon the Pile which burnt the dead Carcasses of their Husbands.

But as among all the Sects of the Indians, there have been Women, who, with the same chearfulness have thrown away their Lives to the memory of their Husbands, as those of the Sect of Samarath, whose Perswasion is, that if a Woman hath so great an Affection for her Husband; as to burn her self with him after his Death, she shall live with him in the other World seven times as long, and shall en∣joy him with seven times as much satisfaction as she has done in this; it is most probable, that they are induced to this resolution, not altogether by the mo∣tive of a Punctillo of Honour, but look on this kind of Death as a Passage, thro' which they are to enter into a beatitude of these Pleasures, where∣of they had but a small share in this World.

But to return to our Banyans, who having a con∣siderable share in the Indian Trade in Muscovy, very well deserve our particular description here.

The Banyans,* 1.141 therefore, are Pagans, using neither Baptism nor Circumcision; yet they believe that there is but one God, Creator and Preserver of the Universe. Neither does this perswasion hinder it, that they acknowledge one Braman, who they say, is God's Vicegerent, (as they call the great God of all the other Gods Etvara) and out of who's Brains, they say, their Bramans, or Priests derive their first Being. They are highly respected among the Ban∣yans,* 1.142 as well as the other Pagans in India, not only upon the account of their austerity of Life, and their extraordinary Abstinence, they fasting some∣times several Days together, scarce eating any thing at all, but also in regard the Education of the Youth is committed to their care, and that they expound the mysteries of their Religion to the ignorant People; so that making what impression they think most convenient for their purpose, on the minds of the superstitious Indians, their Words are considered as Oracles; from whence it comes, that the Banyans seldom engage in any business of con∣sequence, unless with the Advice and Approbation of the Braman.

They are distinguished from the other Banyans, only by what they wear upon their Heads, which is a certain Head-dress made of Linnen Cloth, wrapt several times round the Head, to cover their Sacred Hair, which is never cut. Besides which, they wear three pieces of small Packthread next their Skin, which comes cross over the Breast from the Shoulder to the Wast, which Packthreads they never pull of, tho' it were to save their Lives.

Among the Malataps, they are looked upon as so Holy, that no Marriage is contracted there, but the first Fruits of the Bride must be Consecrated to the Braman, to whom she is brought to be deflour'd, and being thus purified in her lower parts, the Bridegroom may enter without danger. For the cunning Priests have cajoled the poor simple People into a belief, that the Marriage could never be suf∣ficiently Blessed, unless the Braman has initiated the

Bride with a Sanctifying touch. From whence it comes, that many times he must be very earnestly intreated, before he will undertake the Task; and if the Persons be of any Quality or good Substance, he will scarce be engaged to take of the drudgery from the Bridegroom's Hands, unless he be hire•• to the Work, and have a good reward for his Pains.

Thus the crafty Priest, by imposing upon the simplicity of his Flock, improves his natural Tal∣lent to his utmost Advantage, satisfies at one stroak both his Appetite and Purse, and fells his Benevo∣lence at an excessive price, which a Layman would be glad to bestow generously, for nothing. But this is not all, for if the Priest once gets sure foot∣ing in a good place, he is sure not to part with it at an easie rate, but remains a standing Friend to the Family; for the Married Men retain so much kind∣ness ever after for their Copartners, that, if they go any Journey, or upon any occasion are de∣tained from Home, they recommend their whole Fa∣mily (but especially their Wives) to the care of the Braman, while they are absent, to supply their places with them, till they return, which you may be sure the Priest will perform to the utmost of his Power, unless the good Woman happen to be very old or ugly, or he be disabled to do his Office by his long fasting, in which case it is the Womans business to cherish the Father's languish∣ing Spirits, with powerful Restoratives, at which the Indian Women are the most expert in the whole World, as they are very skilful to send their Husbands upon certain occasions, to the enjoy∣ments of the other World.

But to return to the more serious part of their Re∣ligion; they hold the immortallity of the Soul, but believe, withal, that at its departure out of the first Body, it transmigrates into that of some other Crea∣ture. Thus they affirm, that by example, the Soul of a good natur'd and meek Person, is translated in∣to the Body of a Pidgeon or Chicken; that of a Cruel and Rapacious Fellow into a Crocodile, a

Lyon, or a Tyger; that of a Cunning and Crafty Man, into that of a Fox, That of a Glutton into the body of Swine; that of a Treacherous and Ma∣licious Person into a Serpent, before they are admit∣ted to the enjoyment of Spiritual Beatitude. For which reason it is the Banyans abstain as we men∣tioned before, from killing any living Creatures, e∣ven to the Insects, be they never so troublesome or dangerous. Nay they Act with so much Circum∣spection in regard of all Living Creatures, of what kind soever, that they forbear keeping any fire, and lighting of Candles, in the Night time, out of fear, that the Flies or Moths should chance to burn them∣selves therein; they scarce can be induced to make any Pits in the ground, for fear of drowning the Slegs and other Insects.

If the Mahometans among them do sell any Birds, they will be sure to redeem them, if possibly they can, and feed them well, because, say they, we don't know, how soon our selves may stand in need of the same kindness; and they will Erect Hospi∣tals for Beasts that are Hurt or Wounded.

They have a more then ordinary respect for Cows, so that if they know of any one that is to be killed for the Market, they will not only pur∣chase and redeem it at a high rate from the slaugh∣ter; but there is scarce a family, but what breeds up one, almost as tenderly as their own Children; For they will comb and feed it, and lodge it as cleanly, and as carefully as if it were one of their best Friends or Relations.

They never eat but in private, and before they touch the Victuals, they throw some small quantity of it separately into the Fire, the Water, the Air, and upon the Earth. They have abundance of o∣ther pretended niceties, too many to be inserted here; but it ought not to be passed by in silence, that tho' they acknowledge one Supream God, they nevertheless worship the Devil, alledging for a reason, that God having created him to govern

the World,* 1.143 and to do hurt to Mankind, he ought to be appeased by Prayers and Sacrifices.

From whence it is, that his Statues of Gold, Silver, Ivory, Ebony, Marble, Wood or Stone are every where to be seen in their Mosques, the fi∣gure of which appears most dreadful to the eyes of the Beholders. For his Head, out of which come forth four Horns is adorn'd with a triple Crown in the shape of a Taira. His Face resem∣bles that of a large Boar, with two great Teeth coming out of his Mouth; and a great ugly. Beard on his Chin. He bends his Breast to his Bel∣ly, where the Hands hang down negligently. Be∣twixt his Thighs there appears another Head with two Horns upon it, as ugly as the first, thrusting out of the Mouth, a Tongue of extraordinary bigness. Instead of Teeth it hath Saws, and a Cows Tail behind. This Figure stands always upon a Stone Table, this being the Altar where the offerings are to to be made. They have no other light in their Mosque, than what they are furnish'd withall by the Lamps which are kept burning perpetually near the Idol: And after the Priest has finished his Devotious, he purifies his Head, by putting it into these Flames, as the other Banyans pu∣rifie themselves before the Sacrifice, by washing in a Trough, which always stands on the right side of the Altar.

But it being beyond our present Scope, to di∣gress further into the cloudy and Superstitious Rites of these Banyans, let us return to their traffick, which seems to be more suitable to our present in∣tention. These Banyans therefore being the most in number throughout the Cities of Surat, Blevitshia, Gandeer, Goga, Cambaya, Dium, Pateppatene, Manga∣lor, Gondore, Massary, Gandivi, Balsara, and in the Metropolis of the Province Hamed Ewad, or Ama∣dabath; they manage the whole Trade of India, not only in Silks, Cottons, but also all sorts of Proveado's of Gold and Silver, Sattins, Velvets, Taffata's, Sattins for Linings and Carpets, quilted

Coverlets of Silk or Cotton, Tents, which are u∣sed instead of Coaches, Cabinets of Lacque, Chest boards of Tortoise Shell, Seals, Beads, Chains, But∣tons and Rings of Ivory, Amber, Rock Christal or Agat.

The other Commodities which by the Banyans are transported into Mnscovy and Persia are, Sugar candy'd or in powder, Cummin, Opium, Ginger, dry and preserv'd Myrobolans or Indian Plums, Sal Armonias Musk, Amber Greece, Lacque, Saltpe∣ter, Indico, Borax, Assafaetida, and Diamonds, besides several sorts of other precious Stones.

The Lacque is a Gumm taken out of a certain Tree,* 1.144 not much unlike a Plum Tree, there is a∣bundance of it all over the Province of Guzurette; its native colour is Red, Brown; But the Indianst beat i•• to powder, and after they have given it what colour they please, make it into Sticks, for to Seal Letters, or beatfiie their Cabinets, and other House∣hold Stuff.

Saltpeter is made in those parts,* 1.145 out of the black∣est and Saltest ground in the following manner; ha∣ving made certain Trenches, they fill them with this Nitrous Earth, and let into them out of the Adja∣cent small Rivulets, so much water as they think suf∣ficient, for its soaking, which that it may be the more effectually done, they tread it with their feet, till it be well mix'd. When they believe the Wa∣ter to have drawn out all the Nitrous Substance, which was in the Earth, they take, after it be well setled, the clearest part of it, which they dispose in▪ another Trench, where after some time it grows thick, and then they boil it like Salt continually scumming it. Lastly they put it into a great Earth∣en pots, where the grossest dregs falling to the bot∣tom, they take of the Saline Substance, which is set a drying in the Sun, till it grows hard, and is reduced into that form, as we see it in Europe.

The best Indigo in the World comes from about Amadabath,* 1.146 the Capital of the Province of Guzu∣rat••e, from a Village called Chirphees. The Herb

out of which that is made, is not unlike that of Yellow Parsnip, but shorter and of a more bitter taste; It sprouts forth to branches like a Reed, growing some Years, when the season proves kind, Six or Seven foot high, with a flower like that that of a Thistle, and the seed altogether like Fenu∣greek. It is seldom sown till in June, and is ready to be cut towards towards the latter end of Novem∣ber, or the beginning of December. They Sow it but once in three Years, but the first year produces the best, when the leaves are cut off within a foot of the ground. The Stalks are thrown away as useless, and the leaves laid a drying in the Sun▪ which done they are put a put a soaking for four or five days in a Stone Trough, the Water with the leaves is often stirred, till such time that the Water has sufficiently extracted the whole tincture of the Herb. Then the Water is smoothly drawn off into another Stone Trough, in order to let it settle for one night. The next day, all the Wa∣ter is again drawn off to the settlement, and what, is thus left in the bottom of the Troughs, is strain∣ed through a course Cloth, and so set a drying in the Sun.

And this is true Indigo, which however the Ban∣yans frequently adulterate; by mixing with it a cer∣tain Earth of the same Colour. And because the excellency of this Commodity is judged by its light∣ness, they have cunning enough to add to it some oyl, to make it swim upon the Water. The second year, the Stalk which was left in the ground the year before, shoots forth other leaves, but they are not comparable to those of the first, tho' they much exceed the Wild Indigo. Wherefore they reserve the greatest part of the second Years product for Seed. That of the third Year, is as much infe∣rsour in goodness to that of the second, as that is in comparison of that of the first, and being there∣fore in no esteem among forreign Merchants, is on∣made use of in the Country, in dying of their Cloaths. After it hath been in the ground three

Years, they let the Land lye fallow for one Year, before they set it again

The Banyans in General, are the most crafty Traders in the World, which makes the Muscovites (as do also the English and Dutch in India) employ those residing at Astrachan and in other parts of the Empire, employ them for their Factors and Haw∣kers, as being the most likely to discover the cheats of their brethren in India. Both the Banyans and Armenians residing at Astrachan are very industrious in keeping a constant correspondence with the In∣dians and Persians in their respective Countries, but especially in all the Seaports of the Caspian Sea, which by reason of the vast number of Rivers that exonerate themselves into it, rendereth the Commerce with Persia, and consequently with the Infidels very commodious to the Muscovites.

Among others the great City Gangea, one of the fairest and best in Persia, by reason of its advan∣tageous Situation for trade upon the confluence of several Rivers, and the great Croud of strangers that resort thither on the account of Traffick is frequently visited by the Muscovian Factors, the Banyans and Armenians.

But Shamachie is the place,* 1.147 which chiefly fur∣nishes the Muscovites, by reason of its nearness to the Caspian Sea, with such Indian and Persian Com∣modities, as they stand in need of. This City was indeed formerly much bigger than it was now, the greatest part of it having been about twenty Years ago ruin'd by an Eathquake, yet notwith∣standing this misfortune it is still very considerable, there being not in all the Persian Empire a City, where there is so general a resort of strangers of all Nations, to wit, of Armenians, Banyans, Geor∣gians, Greeks, Turks, Circasians and Muscovites; the latter of which have their particular Caravansera or publick Storehouse, where they truck their Tin, Russia Leather, Copper, Furrs, and other Mer∣chandises, for the precious Commodities of India and Persia, and which afterwards are conveyed in∣to

to Russia either by Land by the Way of Derbent, through the Dagesthan and Circasian Tartars, over the great Desarts of Astrachan to the river Wolga; or else are Ship't in the Road of Nizora (the most safe and most convenient for Shipping in all the Caspian Sea) and from thence are carried up the Wolga, to the River Oc••a, and so by the Inopea to the Capital City of the Empire.

The project which by the Command of the pre∣sent Czar of Muscovy has been set on foot, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Communication betwixt the great Rivers the Wolga and the Don, would when perfected, be of incredible advantage to the Muscovites, in trans••••••∣ing, not only their own, but all the Sarick Indian, Persian, and Chinese Commodities into the other parts of Europe; especially if his present Czarish Majesty, should be so Successful against the Crim Tartars, as to make himself Master of the Taurica Chersonesus, and consequently of the City and Port of Caffa, (for∣merly so famous, when in the hands of the Gene∣••ses,) and the Port of Erzotra, Situate on the black Sea.

I have hitherto withal the enquiry I could make▪ not been able to be fully instructed in what place it is, that this Communication betwixt these two Rivers is to be perfected; But thus much is most probale, that it must either be effected by cutting a Canal on this side of the first Branch of the River Wolga,* 1.148 near the City of Zariza, where the Don advances within Seven Leagues of the Wolga, for else by rendring the small River of Kamous Navi∣gable, which rising out of the Don, falls below the said City of Zaria, behind the Islle of Zerpinsk into the River Wolga.

As to what relates to the Chinese Trade in Muscovy,* 1.149 how the way thither was first disco∣vered and improved by the Sable Hunters of Sibe∣ria, and how by the Rivers of Obi, Genessay, Lena and Yomour; and by the conveniency of their sleds drawn by Rain-Deer, during the Winter Season, they carry on that Trade, has been circumstantially re∣lated

in the first part, in that Chapter where we treated of Siberia,

We have therefore only thus much to add here; that as by the help of the Banyans and Armenians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Muscovites maintain a constant correspondence with the Indians and Persians, so, with the assistance of those they call, Kitachi, they keep up their Com∣munication with China. These Kitachi go com∣monly under the Name of Chineses in Muscovy, by reason, that the Muscovites call all the Inhabitants betwixt the River Oby, the Wolga and China (which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 properly the Great Tartary) by the Name of Ka∣••••••. But in regard the Muscovites, (as we men∣tioned in the first Volumns, have made such con∣siderable discoveries on that side of late Years, as to have built several Cities, for the security of their Colonies on that Side, they have also by degrees drawn abundance of these wandering People to these 〈◊〉〈◊〉, where after once they became fix'd, and be∣gan to have a true Sense of the Benefits, and Ad∣vantage of a Settled Life, they have settled them∣selves in the other parts of Muscovy, and prove ve∣ry beneficial to the Russians, to carry on the Chi∣nese Trade, by their Correspondence with the se∣veral Tartarian Nations, Inhabiting that spacious Country betwixt Siberia and Chinese Wall.

As the accession of these forreign Nations, has been of great advantage to the encrease of Trade, and the Wealth of the Russian Empire, so it has contributed not a little to the peopling of the Coun∣try, which by reason of their intestine Commotions in our age, and frequent Inroads made by the Crim Tartars, was laid, in a great many parts, in a man∣ner desolate. This is most conspicuous in the fertile Plains on both sides of the River Steca, down to the Wolga, almost as far as Cesau, which not many Years ago were in a manner dispeopled, but now are stock'd with an infinite number of Towns and Villages, and the City of Musco it self hath in a few Years so well recovered its pass'd disasters, that it is incomparable more Beautiful than ever it was

before, and is reckoned to contain at present no less than betwixt Six and Seven Hundred Thousand Inhabitants of several Nations.

As the prodigious encrease of the Capital City, must chiefly be attributed to the great conco•••••••• of the various Trading Nations we have mentio∣nen, so the peopling of the Country is to be ascri∣bed to the prudence of the Czar Alexis Michae∣louits the present Czar's Father, who finding his Ter∣ritories exhausted of men, in his War with the Poles, carried away a number of Captives out of ••••••••∣thuania, and the other Polish Provinces bordering on Muscovy, as were sufficient to plant several Co∣lonies all along the Rivers Gecca and Wolga, who ha∣ving been encouraged by several priviledges grant∣ed to them, have repeopled that Country in such manner as it appears at present,

But,* 1.150 since we have sufficiently spoke concerning the Strength of the Muscovites, by the encrease 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Wealth and Trade, we must also, before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 conclude, say something of their present Condition in reference to their Neighbours: The Persians, Poles, Swedes, the Crim Tartars and Turks.

As to what relates to the Muscovites in respect of the Persians,* 1.151 there is no great probability that these two Neighbours should have any occasion to try their mutual strength, since they are so separated from one another, by the Caspian Sea, the Dagesthan and Carcassian Tartars, and the vast desarts betwixt these, and Astrachan; and that the common bene∣fit they receive by their Trade in the Caspian Sea, en∣gages them equally to keep a good understanding be∣twixt them, especially since, upon occasion they may be very serviceable to one another against the Turks.

The Tartars, bordering the North East upon Si∣beria,* 1.152 and some other Provinces under the Czar of Muscovy's jurisdiction, tho' they formerly (especi∣ally the Calmuc Tartars) used to be verry trouble∣some to some of the Tartarian Provinces, depend∣ing upon the Russian Empire; nevertheless since the Muscovites have guarded the Frontiers on that side,

with good Fortifications and Garrisons, and have made these Vagabonds sensible of the advantage of their Fire Arms, they are not so forward in ma∣••ing, their irruptions. Their only way they make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of now is, to appear sometimes in great Num∣bers, on the Frontiers, and to send their Deputies into Muscovy; by which means they get considera∣ble Presents, from the Czar, who thinks it more Prudence to purchase the Friendship of a Vagabond ••••ople, who have nothing to loose, than to put himself to the expence of sending an Army against 〈…〉〈…〉 lieu of which they assist the Czar in his Wars, with a considerable Number of Horse, and are very serviceable to the Muscovite in furthering their Passage and Traffick into China.

But the Turks and Crim Tartars,* 1.153 used to be the most Mischievous Neighbours to Muscovy. Tis true the Turks do not immediately border upon Muscovy, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Country Inhabited by the Budziack and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tartars, who tho' at a great distance to the South from the City of Musco, as they are the Grand Seigniors Vassals, so he makes use of them like his hunting Dogs, to overcome the Southern part of Muscovy, to the very Gates of its Capital City.

Czar Michael Frederovits endeavoured to prevent their Incursions, by causing the Woods to be cut down in some places, and by reason of a Line strengthened with a Moat, of about Five Hundred Miles in Length; but they did not rest, till they had pull'd down the first, and fill'd up the last, and by their frequent Incursions had almost ren∣dred that part of Muscovy quite desolate. For which reason the Muscovites were always obliged to keep a considerable Body of Horse on the Frontiers, and sometimes to give them a diversion by the help of the Donepsian Cosacks, and the Nogajan Tartars.

But the case is much alter'd as to this particular of late Years; For since the Muscovites, by vertue of a Peace concluded with the Poles at Oliva, are be∣come Masters of Kiovia; this serves them in a great measure, at once to Bridle the insolency of these

Robbers, and for a Bulwark against the Turks; ••••∣pecially if they prevent the last from getting first footing in Ʋkraina. But the taking of Asoph, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the further progress of the present Czar 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Crim Tartars, gives a fair prospect to the Mus∣covites, not only of securing themselves for the ••••∣ture against their attempts, but also of reduc•••••• them under their obedience, and by taking the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Precop to enter the limits of their Empire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Borders of the Black Sea.

The Poles are certainly the most redoubtable ••∣nemies the Muscovites have,* 1.154 their Scituation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such, as to encourage them to Act against the Mus∣covites, when ever they meet with a favourable op∣portunity; Of which they have given Sufficie•••• Proofs, during their intestine Commotions 〈…〉〈…〉, when they were just upon the point of ha∣ving made it a Province of the Crown of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if by their own divisions they had not given 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Muscovites leisure to recover themselves. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they seem to have sufficiently secured their ••••••••∣tiers against the Insult of the Poles, by then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Masters of Surleasko, Severia and Ki••••i••; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Poles are reckoned much the better Sold•••••••• the Field, by reason of their great number of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yet the accession of the Zaparogian Cosacks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a little Strengthned the Muscovian Forces, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in some measure be look'd as a sufficient Ballance to the Advantage of the Polish Horse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 since the Muscovites, now are capable to out•••• the Poles; if not in goodness, at least in the number o•• their Horse.

The Muscovites had formerly great Contests 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Swedes,* 1.155 about Livonia, which occasion'd seve∣ral Bloody Wars, but since the causes of these dif∣ferences are removed by the Peace of Oliva, when the first resign'd all their pretensions to this Coun∣try, the Muscovites need not fear any thing from that Side, where it Border'd on Sweden; since more Conquests in far distant Country, would prove more hurtful than profitable to Sweden. And the

Muscovites▪ have no great encouragement to At∣••••ck the Swedes on that Side, where they have for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most part succeeded so ill in their Attempts; ••••sides that it is to be feared, that if the Poles, ••••ho's interest it is, not to let Livonia fall into ••••eirs hands) should joyn with the Swedes against 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they would put them very hard to it; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Muscovite Army's appear now very nume∣••••us in the Field, yet would they scarce be able ••••••graple with two such Potent Enemies, who's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Conjunction and Advantage of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Horse, with the well Dissiplin'd Infantry of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Swedes, would perhaps prove invincible to them. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 But to come to a Conclusion; Whether we con∣••••der the vast extent, fertility, and variety of pro∣••••cts of the Russian Empire▪ whether its strength 〈◊〉〈◊〉 regard of its vast Revenues, its Advantageous ••••••tuation in respect of of its Neighbours (being ••••••ounded on the North and East, with a vast Sea, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a great Wilderness) or in regard of its great ••••mber of Forces it is able to maintain; or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in respect of the vast encrease of its Trafick, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Persian, Indian, Chinese Trade (especially if ••proved by the Advantages his present Czarish ••••jesty has had over the Crim Tartars) it will suf∣ficiently appear out of what has been said in this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that as the Present Flourishing Condition 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Russian Empire renders it one of the most ••••••siderable in Europe, so, were it not, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their Government seems to be a ••onstant check to their growing greatness, in refe∣rence to their Traffick, it is more than probable, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 under the Auspicious Reign of so hopeful a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as now Sway's the Sceptre; it might con∣•••••• for the Superiority with the Greatest and ••owerful Kingdoms of the Universe.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Prince De∣metrius ••••ur ••ered.
• * 1.2

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.3

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.4

  Bori Gou∣denou ac∣cepts of the Crown of Muscovy.
• * 1.5

  Grisco 〈…〉〈…〉 De••••∣trius.
• * 1.6

  Demetri∣us enters Muscovy.
• * 1.7

  Deme∣trius rout∣ed.
• * 1.8

  The Army of B••ris routed.
• * 1.9

  The sud∣den Death of Boris Goudeno••••
• * 1.10

  His Son Fedor suc∣ceeds him.
• * 1.11

  The Mus∣covites re∣volt.
• * 1.12

  Musco de∣clares for 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.13

  The Death of Fedor and the Empress.
• * 1.14

  Deme∣trius pro∣••••••im••d Emperou••.
• * 1.15

  Mism••∣n••••••m••n•• of D••me∣triu••.
• * 1.16

  A Conspi∣racy against Dem••tri∣us.
• * 1.17

  The Con∣spi••acy dis∣covered.
• * 1.18

  A second Conspiracy against Demetri∣us.
• * 1.19

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.20

  Insurrecti∣on against Deme∣trius.
• * 1.21

  Deme∣trius led in Triumph.
• * 1.22

  Deme∣trius kill'd.
• * 1.23

  Basili Zus∣ki made Emperour.
• * 1.24

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.25

  Zuski rou∣ted by the ••••••∣trians.
• * 1.26

  Quia me vestigia terrent.
• * 1.27

  Another Demetri∣us set up by the Poles,
• * 1.28

  Thula sur∣rendred to Zuski.
• * 1.29

  Zuski's Army dis¦persed.
• * 1.30

  The Zus∣kians rou∣ted.
• * 1.31

  Zuski's Army en∣tirely rout∣ed.
• * 1.32

  The Mus∣covites de∣feated.
• * 1.33

  Musco block'd up by Deme∣trius.
• * 1.34

  The Zu••∣ki••n Army ro••ted.
• * 1.35

  Kally again.
• * 1.36

  The Zus∣kians bea∣ten a se∣cond time.
• * 1.37

  Marina and her Father set at liberty.
• * 1.38

  Are inter∣cepted and conducted to Deme∣trius.
• * 1.39

  Marina re∣ceiv••d by Deme∣trius.
• * 1.40

  King Si∣gismund 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Muscovy.
• * 1.41

  Sigismund besieges Smolen∣sko.
• * 1.42

  Engage∣ment be∣twixt the Poles and Musco∣vites near Twere.
• * 1.43

  A••••ther Engage∣ment•• near Kolasi∣num.
• * 1.44

  Deme∣trius with∣draws him∣self.
• * 1.45

  Mutiny in the Deme∣trian Camp.
• * 1.46

  The De∣metrian Campbroke up.
• * 1.47

  Rosinski dyes.
• * 1.48

  Zuski rou∣ted.
• * 1.49

  The Zus∣kians rou∣ted a se∣cond time.
• * 1.50

  Zuski de∣posed.
• * 1.51

  The Poles admitted in to the City of Musco.
• * 1.52

  Demetri∣us retreats from be∣fore Mus∣co.
• * 1.53

  Uladislaus proclaimed Great Duke.
• * 1.54

  Zuski sur∣render'd to the Poles.
• * 1.55

  The Musco∣vites ten∣der the Crown to Uladislaus.
• * 1.56

  Smolen∣sko. stor∣med.
• * 1.57

  D••m••∣tri•••• slain.
• * 1.58

  A third Deme∣trius.
• * 1.59

  The Poles attacked in the City of Musco.
• * 1.60

  The City of Musco burnt by the Poles▪
• * 1.61

  Smolen∣sko stor∣med▪
• * 1.62

  Smolen∣sko ••aken by Storm.
• * 1.63

  Basili Zus∣ki l••d in Triumph.
• * 1.64

  H•• dies in Poland.
• * 1.65

  Si••••••mund m••rches to the Relief of Musco.
• * 1.66

  Poles bea∣ten by the Musco∣vites.
• * 1.67

  The Poles surrender he Castle of M••sco.
• * 1.68

  The Poles retire out of Musco∣vy.
• * 1.69

  Marina and the Young De∣metrius drownd.
• * 1.70

  A fourth counter∣feit De∣metrius.
• * 1.71

  Several Places de∣clared for him.
• * 1.72

  Sends an Ambassa∣dor into Sweden.
• * 1.73

  Is routed.
• * 1.74

  Is invited to Plesko.
• * 1.75

  Is taken and exe∣cuted.
• * 1.76

  Truce be∣gun▪ be∣••wixt the new Great Duke and the Poles.
• * 1.77

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.78

  The new Great Duke besieges Smo••en∣sko.
• * 1.79

  Disgrace received before Smolen∣sko.
• * 1.80

  Insolence of a Polish Ambassa∣dor.
• * 1.81

  Peace be∣twixt the Musco∣vites and Poles,
• * 1.82

  Michael Federo∣vits dies.
• * 1.83

  A new 〈◊〉〈◊〉 starts up.
• * 1.84

  Burnt his Wife.
• * 1.85

  Re••ires in∣to Poland.
• * 1.86

  Goes to Turky, and tur••s Mahome∣tan.
• * 1.87

  Comes to Rome and turns Ro∣man Ca∣tholick.
• * 1.88

  Goes to Vi∣enna, and from thenc' into Transyl∣vania.
• * 1.89

  Is well re∣ceived by Christian Queen of Sweden.
• * 1.90

  Turns Lu∣theran.
• * 1.91

  Seized in Holstein.
• * 1.92

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 brought ••o Musco.
• * 1.93

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 tortur'd.
• * 1.94

  Is execu••ed.
• * 1.95

  Alex is Mi∣cha••lovits crowned.
• * 1.96

  The Young Great Duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.97

  Mutiny in Mus••••.
• * 1.98

  Plessou massacred.
• * 1.99

  Trochani∣stou Ex••∣cuted.
• * 1.100

  A Confl∣••ration in Houses.
• * 1.101

  Another 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Pl••sko••.
• * 1.102

  Plesko b••∣sieged.
• * 1.103

  Is reduced.
• * 1.104

  The Cha∣racter of Alexis Mi∣chaelovits▪
• * 1.105

  H••s W••r with the Poles.
• * 1.106

  The Tak∣ing of Smo∣lensko.
• * 1.107

  Takes Vil∣na.
• * 1.108

  His War with Swe∣den.
• * 1.109

  Enters Li∣v••nia.
• * 1.110

  Is forced to Raise the Siege of Riga.
• * 1.111

  Peacemale at Oliva.
• * 1.112

  His War 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he Turk.
• * 1.113

  A new Re∣bellion.
• * 1.114

  Ratzin be∣headed.
• * 1.115

  Czar A∣lexis Mi∣chaelovits dies.
• * 1.116

  Fedor A∣lex••ovits dies.
• * 1.117

  Two Fac∣tions after his Death.
• * 1.118

  Czar Pe∣ter crown∣ed.
• * 1.119

  Ins••rrec∣tion i•• the City of M••s••o.
• * 1.120

  A Conspi∣racy against the present Czar.
• * 1.121

  Plot disco∣v••red a∣gainst the Czar.
• * 1.122

  D••scrip••i∣on of the present Czar.
• * 1.123

  The Czars Journey.
• * 1.124

  Character of Knez GalliZin
• * 1.125

  GalliZin banished.
• * 1.126

  Prince Archilla.
• * 1.127

  Prince Ar∣chilla ar∣rives in Muscovy.
• * 1.128

  The present Czar mar∣ries.
• * 1.129

  The War a∣gainst the Crim Tar∣tars.
• * 1.130

  Besiege. Asoph.
• * 1.131

  Takes A∣soph by compo∣sition.
• * 1.132

  Enters Mosco in Triumph.
• * 1.133

  Concludes an Alli∣ance with the Confe∣derates a∣gainst the Turks.
• * 1.134

  The Mus∣covite Ambassa∣dors En∣trance in Konigs∣burgh.
• * 1.135

  Have their Audience.
• * 1.136

  The Czar obtains a great victory a∣gainst the Tartars.
• * 1.137

  The Mosco∣vite Am∣bassadors make their Entrance at the Hague.
• * 1.138

  Their Au∣dience.
• * 1.139

  Trade of Muscovy.
• * 1.140

  The Ban∣jans descri∣bèd.
• * 1.141

  Religion of the Ban∣yans.
• * 1.142

  Their Bra∣mens.
• * 1.143

  They wor∣ship the Devil.
• * 1.144

  Lacque, how made.
• * 1.145

  Saltpeter, how made.
• * 1.146

  Indigo, how prepared.
• * 1.147

  The City of Shamachi
• * 1.148

  Communi∣cation be∣twixt the Rivers, Don and Wolga.
• * 1.149

  The Chi∣nese Trade.
• * 1.150

  Strength of the Mus∣covites in respect of their Neigh∣bours.
• * 1.151

  The Per∣sians.
• * 1.152

  The Tar∣tars.
• * 1.153

  The Turks and Crim Tartars.
• * 1.154

  The Poles.
• * 1.155

  The Swedes.