Chap. 19.
The Common-wealth of the Mammalukes descri∣bed, presenting us with many unexampled re∣markables.
NOw more largely of Tarqueminus, and his killing Melech∣sala, and of the common-wealth of the Mammalukes be∣gun by him. And because great is the merit of this story, as very memorable, we will fetch it from its first originall.
Saladine (as is touched* 1.1 before) was the first of the Tur∣kish Kings who began the gainfull trade of the Mammalukes. These were Christian captives, brought out of Taurica Cher••o∣nesus, and instructed as in Mahometanisme so in all military discipline; Saladine disposing them in martiall nurseries, and continuing a constant succession of them one under another. It is above belief how much and speedily they were improved in warlike exercises: Art doubled their strength by teaching them to use it. And though they came rough out of their own coun∣trey, they were quickly hewen and polished by education: yea, their apprehensions prevented the precepts, and their practise surpassed the presidents of those that instructed them. As it is observed in fruits and flowers, that they are much bettered by change to a fitter soil; so were these people by altering their climate: the cold countrey wherein they were bred, gave them big and robustious bodies; and the hot climate whereinto they were transplanted, ripened their wits, and bestowed upon them