An introduction to the history of the principal kingdoms and states of Europe by Samuel Puffendorf ... ; made English from the original.

CHAP. X.

Of POLAND.

§ 1. THE POLES,* 1.1 who anciently were cal∣led Samartians, and afterwards Slavonians, derived their Name from the Nature of the Country which they possess; which lies most upon a Plain, for Pole signifies in their language a Plain; tho some are of opinion that the Word Polacki, is as much as to say, the Posterity of Lechus. This Nation for∣merly did inhabit nearer to the Country of the Tartars; but after vast Numbers out of Germany entred the Ro∣man Provinces, their places were supplied by the nati∣ons living behind them. And it seems that Poland being in the same manner left by its Inhabitants, which were then Venedi or Wends, they made room for the next that took their Place. These then, as 'tis said, having taken possession of this Country about the year 550, did,* 1.2 under the Conduct of Lechus, lay there the Foun∣dation of a new State. Lechus resided at Gnicsen, be∣ing encouraged thereunto by an Eagles Nest which he found there, and taking it as a good Omen, put an Eagle into the Arms of the new Commonwealth, giving to that City the name of Gnicsen, which in the Polish Language signifies a Nest. This Nation first setled it self in that part of the Country, which now goes by the name of the great and lesser Poland; neither did their Limits extend any further, tho since that time they are mightily encreased.

§ 2.* 1.3 The first Governours of this Nation did not as∣sume to themselves the Title of Kings, but only that of Dukes; and the first form of Government was very inconstant: for after the Race of Lechus was extin∣guished (tho it is uncertain how many of them, and for

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how long a time they Ruled, or what were their At∣chievments) twelve Governours, which in their Lan∣guage are called Vayvods, did administer the Government, who having at first regulated and refined this barbarous People by good Laws and Constitutions, at last were divided among themselves.* 1.4 Wherefore the Poles elected for their Prince one Cracus,* 1.5 who having restored the Commonwealth to its former State, built the City of Cracovia, so called after his own Name, which he made his place of residence.* 1.6 Whose youngest Son Lechus II. to obtain the Principality, murthered his elder Brother; but as soon as the Fact was discovered, he was banished the Country. After him ruled a Virgin, whose Name was Venda,* 1.7 the only Daughter left of the Children of Cracus,* 1.8 who having vanquished one Ritiger a German Prince that pretended Mariage to her out of a blind Su∣perstition, drowned herself in the River of Weixel. After her death the administration of the Government returned again to the Governours or Vayvods, which con∣tinued for some time, till the Poles elected again for their Prince a Goldsmith called Premislus, who is also called Lescus I.* 1.9 because he had by a Stratagem defea∣ted the Moravians, who had made an Irruption into Poland. But he leaving no Issue behind him a Horse Race was instituted, with condition that the Victor should succeed in the Government. One of the Competitours had laid Iron Hooks in the Ground, by which means the others Horses having been ••amed he was the first that came to the Goal, but the Fraud being discovered he was killed upon the spot. In the mean while a certain poor Fellow on foot had run the Race and was the next to the Impostor, whom the Poles declared their Prince.* 1.10 His name was Lescus II. and as some say, was slain in the Wars against Charles the Great.* 1.11 Him succeeded his Son Lescus III.* 1.12 who having appeased Charles the Great,* 1.13 with Presents, made Peace with him, either as an unequal Allie, or else by acknowledging himself his Vassal.* 1.14 He left Poland to his Son Popiel, whom he had begot in Wedlock; but to his natural Sons he gave the neighbouring Countries of Pomerania, Mack, Ca••••ubia, with some others.* 1.15 Him succeeded his Son Popiel II. an ill man, who upon the perswasion of his Lady mur∣thered

his Father's Brothers, 'tis reported that out of their dead Bodies came forth Mice, which devoured Popiel with his Wife and Children.

§ 3.* 1.16 After his Death there was an Interregnum full of troubles, till the Poles declared Piastus,* 1.17 a Country∣fellow born at Crusswitz, their Prince, from whom ever since such of the Natives as obtained the Royal Dignity, were called Piasti. His Posterity has reigned for a long time in Poland, from whom also descended the race of the Dukes of Lignitz and Brieg in Silesia, which is but lately extinguished. 'Tis said that he was 120 Years old before he died.* 1.18 His Son Zicmovitus began his Reign in the Year 895. a Warlike and brave Prince; whom succeeded his Son Lescus IV.* 1.19 a good and peaceable Prince. Much of the same temper was his Son Zicmovistus,* 1.20 who began to Reign in the Year 921.* 1.21 This Prince had but one Son, who being blind was in the seventh Year of his Age (in which Year, according to the Custom of those times, his Head was to be shaved, and he to re∣ceive his Name) restored to his Sight, which was then taken for an Omen, that he should be enlightened with the Christian Faith.* 1.22 His Name was Micislaus I. and began his Reign in the Year 962. He having a great many Wives and no Children, occasioned in him a desire to turn Christian, for some Germans representing to him, that if he left the Heathenish Superstitions he would certainly beget Children; he was perswaded by them to remove his Heathenish Wives, which he did, and mar∣ried Dambrateca, the Daughter of Bogislaus Duke of Bohemia. Before he married her, he was baptized him∣self, and first introduced the Christian Religion into Po∣land,* 1.23 as also that custom which has obtained since there, that at the time when the Gospel is read in the Mass, the Men half draw their Cymetars to signify that they were ready to fight for the Christian Faith.

§ 4.* 1.24 Him succeeded his Son Boleslaus Chrobry, who was by the Emperour Otto III.* 1.25 dignified with the Title of King, who also remitted unto him all the Pretensions which the former Emperours had upon Poland; and this in consideration for the kind entertainment which

he had received from Boleslaus in his Pilgrimage to the Grave of Albart Bishop of Gnicsen, which being then very famous for some Miracles, was visited by the Empe∣rour to fulfil his Vow which he had made during a pre∣cedent Sickness. This first King of Poland behaved him∣self very bravely in his Wars against the Red Russians, the Bohemians, Saxons and Prussians. He also instituted twelve Senators as his Assistants in the administration of the Government.* 1.26 But his Son Miccislaus lost for the most part his Father's Conquests, Moravia having among the rest been taken from him by the Bohemians. He be∣gan his Reign in the Year 1025. and died in the Year 1034. leaving but one Son behind him, whose Name was Casimir,* 1.27 who being an Infant, his Mother Rixa ad∣ministred the Government for a while. But the Poles being dissatisfied with her, she fled with her Son into Germany, who in his Journey in France, assumed the Or∣der and Habit of a Monk. During his absence, there were great Disturbances in Poland, Maslaus having about that time made himself Master of Masuria, which for a long time after, remained independent of the Kingdom of Poland. At last the Poles prevailed upon Casimir, to leave his Monastery and accept the Crown. And to perswade the Pope to absolve him from his Vow, they promised, that for each Head, except those of the No∣bility and Clergy, they would contribute yearly a Far∣thing towards the maintaining of a perpetual burning Lamp in the Church of St. Peter in Rome, and cause their Heads to be shaved above their Ears like Monks. After he came to the Crown he beat Maslaus and the Prussians, and restored the Kingdom to its former tranquility.

His Son Boleslaus Surnamed the Hardy,* 1.28 did at first wage War against his Neighbours the Prussians, Bohemi∣ans and Russians with great Success;* 1.29 but afterwards gi∣ving himself over to all manner of Debauchery, and ha∣ving been checked for that reason by Stanislaus the Bi∣shop of Cracau, who also at last excommunicated him, he cut him to pieces before the Altar. Then he was ex∣communicated by the Pope, and perceiving himself to be hated by every body, left the Kingdom, and at last mur∣thered himself.

§ 5.* 1.30 Him succeeded his Brother Ʋladislaus, who standing in fear of the Pope, would not at first take upon him the Title of King. He met with great Trou∣bles both at home and abroad, which however he over∣came at last.* 1.31 Him succeeded his Son Boleslaus III. a brave Souldier,* 1.32 who obtained a signal Victory over the Emperour Henry V. in a Battle fought in the Dogsfield near Breslau. There was never a Prince in Poland more Famous for Military Atchievements than himself; it be∣ing related of him, that he fought forty five Battles all with good Success, except the last of all, fought against the Red Russians, which was lost by the Cowardise of the Vayvod of Cracovia, unto whom the King for a re∣compence sent a Hare-skin and Spinning-Wheel, which so troubled him, that he hanged himself: But the King also was so troubled at this Defeat, that he died of grief,* 1.33 leaving four Sons behind him.* 1.34 Among whom Ʋladi∣slaus II. obtained a great part of the Kingdom with the Name of a Prince, yet the other Brothers also shared several great Provinces among themselves, according to their Father's last Will. This occasioned great Divisions and Civil Wars betwixt these Brothers; and Ʋladislaus, who pretended to dispossess the rest, was himself obliged to quit the Country.* 1.35 After him Boleslaus Crispus his Brother was made Prince of Poland,* 1.36 who was forced to wage War against the Emperour Conrade III. and Frederick I. who would have restored Ʋladislaus. At last a Peace was concluded betwixt them, by Vertue of which, Poland remained to Boleslaus, but he was obliged to sur∣render Silesia, which was then dependent on Poland, to Ʋladislaus, which being afterwards divided into a great many Dukedoms, at last fell to the Crown of Bohemia. This Boleslaus also received a great overthrow from the Prussians, his Army having by the treachery of a Guide been mis••ed into the Moors and Boggs. Him succeeded his Brother Miccislaus Senior,* 1.37 but he was deposed for Male-administration.* 1.38 Him succeeded his Brother Ca∣simir,* 1.39 who is only famous for that he chastised the Prussiant. He died in the year 1194.* 1.40 His Son Lescus Surnamed the White, was fain to contend with the ba∣nished Miccislaus for the Kingdom with various Success,

till Miccislaus died.* 1.41 Whose Son Ʋladislaus also raised some Disturbances against him for a while, till at last he was forced to leave him in the quiet possession of Poland.* 1.42 Under the Reign of this Lescus the Tartars made the first In-road into Russia, and have ever since proved very troublesome and mischievous to Poland. This Lescus was forced to wage War with Sventopolek, whom he had constituted Governour of Pomerania. He having made himself Duke of Pomerania did dismember it from the Kingdom of Poland. Conrade, also the Bro∣ther of Lescus had got the possession of Masovia and Cu∣savia, who being not strong enough to defend himself against the Prussians, who were fallen into his Country, he called in the Knights of the Cross, who were then by the Saracens driven out of Syria. Unto these he sur∣rendred the Country of Culm, under condition, that such places as by their help should be conquered in Prussia, should be divided betwixt them; which afterwards proved to be the occasion of great Wars betwixt them and Poland.

To Lescus succeeded his Son Boleslaus,* 1.43 Surnamed the Chast,* 1.44 under whose Reign the Tartars committed prodi∣gious Barbarities in Poland, and from thence made an In-road into Silesia, where in a Battel fought near Lignitz, they slew so many of the Inhabitants, that they filled nine great Sacks with the Ears which they had cut off. His Reign was besides this full of intestine Troubles. Him succeeded his Cousin Lescus,* 1.45 Surnamed the Black, who was very Fortunate in his Wars with the Russians and Lithuanians: he also quite rooted out the Jazygi∣ans, which then inhabited Podolia, but the Civil Com∣motions and frequent Incursions of the Tartars, occa∣sioned great Disturbances in the Kingdom. He died in the year 1289.

§ 6. After the Death of Lescus, there were great Contests in Poland concerning the Regency;* 1.46 till at last Premissus, Lord of Great Poland got the upper hand;* 1.47 who also re∣assumed the Title of King, which the Regents of Poland had not used during the space of 200 years; ever since that the Pope, after the banishment of Boleslaus the Hardy, had forbid them to choose a King of Poland. And

the succeeding Princes were not very ambitious of that Title, because the Country was divided among several Persons. But Premislus did think himself powerful e∣nough to make use of it. He was murthered by some Brandenburgh Emissaries, after he had reigned but seven Months.* 1.48 After him was elected Ʋladislaus Locticus, or Cubitalis, who did not stile himself King, but only Heir of Poland. But he having been deposed for Male∣administration, Wenceslaus King of Bohemia was elected in his stead.* 1.49 But after his Death, which happened in the Year 1309. Locticus was restored, who waged great Wars against the Knights of the Cross, whom he at last vanquished in a great Battel. Under his Reign the Dukes of Silesia who were Vassals of Poland, submitted themselves to the Crown of Bohemia. He died in the Year 1333.* 1.50 Him succeeded his Son Casimir the Great, who having subdued all Russia, united it to the Kingdom of Poland, so that it should enjoy the same Laws and Liberties. He also first introduced the Magdeburgh Laws and Constitutions into Poland, and the Duke of Masuria did then first submit himself as a Vassal to the Crown of Poland. He died in the Year 1370. leaving no Issue be∣hind him; and by his Death the Male-Race of Piastus lost the Crown of Poland.

§ 7. After Casimir the Crown of Poland was devol∣ved to Lewis King of Hungary,* 1.51 the Sister's Son of Ca∣simir: The Poles were not well satisfied with him, be∣cause he favoured the Hungarians too much. He died in the Year 1382. Sigismund King of Hungary would fain have succeed him in Poland, but the Poles refused him. Some proposed Zicmovitus the Duke of Masuria, but Hedwig the Daughter of King Lewis, for whom the Poles would by all means reserve the Crown of Poland, would not accept of him for her Husband. At last the Poles Crowned the above-mentioned Hedwig, and mar∣ried her to Jagello Duke of Lithuania,* 1.52 under Condition that he and his Subjects should turn Christians, and Li∣thuania should be united to Poland in one body.* 1.53 The first Condition was performed immediately, for he was baptized, and called Ʋladislaus IV. But the performance of the second Article was delayed by the Kings of Poland

for a considerable time after, under pretence that the Li∣thunians were not well satisfied in this Point, but in effect, because they were unwilling to surrender their right of Succession to the Dukedom of Lithuania; till at last this Union was perfected under the Reign of King Sigismundus Augustus. This Jagello defeated the Knights of the Cross in a memorable Battel, where 50000 Men having been slain, he took from them a great many Cities in Prussia, but they afterwards recovered themselves. He died in the Year 1434.* 1.54 Him succeeded his Son Ʋladislaus V. who also afterwards was made King of Hungary, where he was engaged in a War against the Turks. In this War John Humades first defeated the Turks near the River Morava, and Ʋladislaus so beat them upon the Fron∣tiers of Macedonia, that they were forced to make a Truce for Ten Years. But upon the perswasions of the Pope, who sent the Cardinal Julian, to absolve the King from his Oath, this Truce was broken; and not long after that memorable Battel was fought near Varna, where the King himself was kill'd.* 1.55 This Defeat was very shameful and prejudicial to the Christians.

§ 8.* 1.56 In his stead Casimir was made King of Poland: A great part of Prussia, which was weary of the Go∣vernment of the Knights of the Cross, did surrender it self under his Protection: This occasioned a heavy War betwixt them and the Poles, which having been carried on a great while with dubious Success, a Peace was at last concluded by the mediation of the Pope; by Vertue of which, the Poles got Pomerellia, Culm, Marienburgh, Stum and Elbing, the rest remaining under the jurisdi∣ction of the Knights of the Cross, under Condition, that the Master of that Order should be a Vassal of Poland, and a Duke and Senator of that Kingdom. Much about the same time, the Duke of Vallachia, did submit him∣self as a Vassal to the Crown of Poland. Under the Reign of this King, the Deputies of the Provinces first appeared at the Dyets of the Kingdom. Ʋladislaus the Son of this Casimir was made King of Bohemia, and afterwards also of Hungary, tho' his own Brother John Albert did contend with him for the latter, but being soundly beaten, was obliged to desist from his Preten∣sions.

Casimir died in the Year 1492. Him succeeded his Son John Albert,* 1.57 who received a signal overthrow in Vallachia from the Turks and rebellious Vallachians. The Turks also fell into Poland, but by a sudden great Frost a great many Thousands of them were starved to Death. Under the Reign of this King, the Dukedom of Plotzk•• in the Country of Masovia was united to Po∣land. He died in the Year 1501. Whom succeeded his Brother Alexander,* 1.58 but he did not Reign longer than till the Year 1506. Whom succeeded Sigismund one of the most Famous Princes of his time. This King was engaged in three several Wars against the Mu∣scovites, wherein the Poles always were Victorious in the Field, but the Muscovites who had got Smolensko by Treachery, kept the possession of that place. The War which he waged with the Knights of the Cross in Prussia, at last composed under these Conditions; that Albert Marquess of Brandenburgh, who was then Master of that Order, should receive the Eastern parts of Prussia as a hereditary Fief from the King, and should acknow∣ledge himself hereafter a Vassal of the Crown of Poland. Under his Reign also the whole Country of Masovia was re-united to the Crown of Poland. He also fought very successfully against the Vallachians, and died in the Year 1548.* 1.59 leaving for his Successour his Son Sigismundus Augustus. Under his Reign Livonia submitted it self to Poland, as being not able to defend it self against the Muscovites, who already had taken Dorpt, Felin, and seve∣ral other places. In this publick Consternation Estlad and Reval did surrender themselves to Erick King of Swede∣land▪ But the Archbishop of Riga, and the Master of the Teutonick Order, did seek for Protection of the King of Poland, which he would not grant them upon any other terms, than that they should submit themselves to the Crown of Poland. Whereupon the Master of the Order having abdicated himself, surrendred the Castle of Riga and some other places to the Poles. And he in recompence of his Loss was made Duke of Curland and Semigall. This occasioned a War betwixt the Poles and Muscovites, wherein these took from the former Plotzk••. This King died without Children,* 1.60 and by his Death the Male Race of the Jagellonick Family was quite extin∣guished.

§ 9. After his Death there were great Contentions in Poland concerning the Election of a new King, and at last by the majority of Votes,* 1.61 Henry Duke of Anjou, Brother of Charles IX. King of France, was declared King of Poland, who arriving there was crowned in the same Year. But he had scarce been four Monthsin Po∣land, when having Notice that his Brother the King of France was dead, he in the Night time, and in a thick Fog, for fear the Poles should detain him, relinquished Poland, and taking his way through Austria and Italy in∣to France, took Possession of that Kingdom. The Poles being extreamly vexed at this Affront, were for electing a new King. A great many were for Maximilian of Austria,* 1.62 but Stephen Batori Prince of Transylvania ha∣ving been declared King by the plurality of Votes, quick∣ly came into Poland, and excluded Maximilian by mar∣rying Anna the Sister of Sigismundus Augustus. This King reduced the City of Dantzick, which had sided with Maximilian to obedience. Afterwards he fell up∣on the Muscovites, taking from them Plotzko and the neighbouring Countries. At last he made Peace with the Muscovites, under this Condition, that they should resign to him the whole Country of Livonia, in lieu of which he would restore to them such places as, he had taken from them in Muscovy. This King adorned the Kingdom with wholesome Constitutions, and established the Militia of Horse, which Souldiers being paid out of the fourth part of the Royal Revenues, are commonly called the Quartians; these he disposed upon the Frontiers to defend the same against the Incursions of the Tartars. By this means that Tract of Land which from Bar, Brack∣lavia and Kiovia, extends it self betwixt the two Rivers of the Dniester and the Borysthenes, as far as to the Black Sea, was filled with populous Cities and Towns, which is now called the Ʋkraine, it having been formerly a de∣solate Country. He also put into a good Order and Di∣scipline the Cosacks,* 1.63 who served for Foot Souldiers, gi∣ving to them Techtimorovia, situated on the River Bory∣sthenes, which they made afterwards their Magazine, and the place of Residence of their Governours. Before this time the Cosacks were only a wild and barbarous

sort of Rabble, who were gathered out of the Polish Russia, and having settled themselves in the Island of the River Borysthenes beneath Kiovia, lived upon Rob∣bing and Plunder. These Cosacks, after they were brought into good Discipline by this King Stephen, have been for a considerable time serviceable to the Crown of Poland, not only against the Incursions of the Tartars, but also by their cruising into the Black Sea, have done great Mischief to the Turks. For they have had Courage enough to ransack the Cities of Trebisond and Sinope, nay, even the Suburbs of Constantinople with other places. This brave King, whilst he was making Preparations a∣gainst the Turks, died in the Year 1586.

§ 10.* 1.64 After his Death, Sigismund Son to John King of Swedeland was made King of Poland, who had this Ad∣vantage, that his Mother Catherine had been Sister of Sigismundus Augustus, and so consequently was descen∣ded from the Jagellonick Race. Some of the Poles pro∣claimed Maximilian their King, but he coming with some Forces to take Possession of the Kingdom, was beaten and taken Prisoner, and before he obtained his Liberty, was obliged to renounce his Title to that Crown. After the Death of John King of Sweden,* 1.65 Sigismund went in the Year next following into Swedeland, where he was Crowned King of Sweden. But having after∣wards lost that Crown, it occasioned a War betwixt Po∣land and Sweden. In the beginning of this War, Charles IX. King of Sweden took a great many places from the Poles in Livonia, which were however most of them after∣wards retaken by the Polish General and Chancellour Zamoiski: Besides this,* 1.66 the King of Sweden was van∣quished in a great Battel fought near Kirckholm and Riga, where he narrowly escaped himself. But some intestine Divisions being arisen betwixt the King and the Nobility of Poland, King Charles got an opportunity to recover himself.

In the mean time there was a War kindled betwixt the Muscovites and Poles by the following occasion:* 1.67 There was a certain Person in Poland who pretended that he was Demetrius the Son of John Basilowitz, Grand Duke of Muscovy, and that he was to have been mur∣thered

by the Order of Boris Gudenow, who hoped thereby to obtain the Succession in the Empire after the Death of Theodore the eldest Son of the said John Basilowitz, but that another had been killed in his stead. This Man having found great Encouragement from George Mniszeck the Vayvod of Sendemir, promised to marry his Daughter. Wherefore this Vayvod with the Assistance of some other Polish Lords having gathered an Army that marched with Demetrius into Muscovy: And the Grand Duke Boris Gudenow happening to die suddenly soon after,* 1.68 Demetrius was well received by the Russians; and having vanquished such as pretended to oppose him, he came up to the City of Muscovy, where he was pro∣claimed Grand Duke: But he quickly made himself o∣dious to the Muscovites, they suspecting him to be an Impostor, but did however hide their resentments till the arrival of the Polish Bride. In the mean while the Muscovites (under the Conduct of those of Suski, who were by their Mother's side descended from the Family of the Grand Dukes) had under-hand got together about 20000 Men.* 1.69 These at the time when the Nuptials were celebrating with great Pomp, raised a Tumult, attacked the Castle, and cut to pieces Demetrius and a great many Poles who were come along with the Bride, tho' some of the chiefest defended themselves bravely and escaped their Fury.

Then Basilius Suski was proclaimed Great Duke in the publick Market place,* 1.70 who caused there the Body of De∣metrius to be exposed to publick view, but he being ex∣treamly defaced by his Wounds, his Face could not be discerned by the multitude. Immediatly after, a rumor was spread abroad, that Demetrius was escaped, and a∣nother appeared soon after, who pretended to be the same Demetrius. Whether it was the same or not, is not yet determined; this is certain that the Poles did ac∣knowledge him as such, they being very desirous to re∣venge the former Affront and the Death of their Friends. This Old or New Demetrius did march with a great Army composed of Poles and Cosacks into Muscovy,* 1.71 where he several times beat Suski, whom he obliged to set at Liberty the captive Bride, and to beg the King of Poland to recal his Subjects. But the Bride having acknow∣ledged

this Demetrius for her Husband, he got a great part both in Muscovy and Poland that sided with him, and would quickly have ruined Suski, if he had not been succoured by the King of Sweden who sent Pontus de la Gardie with some Forces to his Assistance.

Sigismund also took hold of this Opportunity,* 1.72 to try whether he could at least recover Smolensko and Severia from the Muscovites. Wherefore he besieged Smolensko in the Year 1609. which however he could not make himself Master of till the Year 1611. when he took it by Storm. In the mean time, the Poles which had hi∣therto sided with Demetrius, were recalled by Sigismund, who did think it not convenient that so considerable a part of his Forces should be under the Command of ano∣ther. By the removal of these Forces, Suski had lei∣sure given him to recollect himself, and with the Auxi∣laries sent him out of Swedeland, he marched against the Poles who had besieged Smolensko,* 1.73 but was defeated by the Poles near Clusin. By this overthrow the Affairs of the Muscovites were again put into a very dangerous Condition. Wherefore they took this Resolution to a∣void the Danger which threatened them from the Polish side. They deposed Suski, who by his Misfortunes was become odious to them, and offered the Crown of Mu∣scovy to Ʋladislaus the Prince of Poland.* 1.74 By this means they hoped at one stroak to ruin Demetrius, and to be reconciled to the Poles, in hopes, that they might easily meet with an Opportunity hereafter, when they had once rid themselves of the present Danger, to rid themselves also of the Prince of Poland. And this Project succee∣ed very well, for the Polish Troops immediatly left the Party of Demetrius; Suski was surrendred to the Poles, who promised to the Muscovites, what had sworn before Allegiance to Ʋladislaus, that he should appear in Person in Muscovy in the Year 1610. But King Sigismund by the perswasions of some of his Friends refused this offer, thinking it more for his purpose to Conquer Muscovy by Force of Arms; which Opportunity, however, he missed of, since he did not immediatly march towards the City of Muscovy,* 1.75 which he might have taken at the first As∣sault. But the Muscovites having discovered the Design of the Poles, did unanimously revolt from Ʋladislaus,

especially since they had in the mean while been rid of Demetrius, who had been murthered by the Tartars that were his Gaurds. They therefore attacked the Polish Garrison in the City of Muscovy, which consisted of Seven Thousand Men, but these defended themselves bravely; and besides this, set Fire to the whole City, which before had 180000 Houses, where abundance of People were burned. Nevertheless the Muscovites recovered them∣selves and besieged the Polish Garrison in the Castle of Muscovy. If King Sigismund immediatly after the taking of Smolensko, had sent them Relief, as he easily might have done, he questionless might have established his Af∣fairs in Muscovy. But he marching back with his Army into Poland, and sending to their Relief neither Men nor Money, the Garrison who had before plundered the Treasury of the Great Duke, to the number of 7000. leaving some to Guard the Castle, fought their way through the Muscovites, and came to King Sigismund to demand their Pay. And tho' Sigismund began to apply himself in good earnest to re-establish his Affairs in Mu∣scovy, yet all his Designs were by the jealousie which reigned betwixt the Generals so long delayed, till the Poles who had the Gaurd of the Castle of the City of Muscovy, were forced by Famine to surrender it. Thus all was lost in Muscovy; for Sigismund, who was the more troubled at it, because he had made an account by the Conquest of Muscovy, to open his way into Swedeland.

Besides this,* 1.76 the Poles sustained in the same Year a con∣siderable Loss in Moldavia. Prince Ʋladislaus did un∣dertake an Expedition into Muscovy, but to no great pur∣pose, wherefore he made a Truce with them for fourteen Years,* 1.77 wherein it was agreed, that the Poles in the mean time should keep in their Possession the Dukedom of Severia, Zernigo and Novogrod, which they had taken during these Troubles in Muscovy. In the mean time George Farenbach did surrender several places in Livonia to the King of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus, but it was su∣spected that he intended to betray the King; for soon after, the same Farenbach was reconciled to King Sigismund, unto whom he restored all the places, except Pernau.

In the Year 1620.* 1.78 the Poles were engaged in a War against the Turks, that were as 'tis supposed, stirred up by Betlem Gabor Prince of Transylvania; for Sigismund having assisted the Emperour against him, Betlem Gabor was for making them a Diversion by the help of the Turks. The Turks therefore entred Moldavia with an Intention to banish that Duke, who sided with the Poles. the Polish General Zolkieuski coming to the Assistance of the Duke of Moldavia advanced too far into the Coun∣try, and as he was marching back, was totally routed and himself slain upon the Place. In the Year next fol∣lowing the Turks marched with their whole Froces a∣gainst Poland, who were met by the Poles near Chocim under the Command of Prince Ʋladislaus. The Polish Army was about 65000 strong, but the Turks 392000 Men, commanded by the Turkish Emperour Osman in Person. The Turks did attempt three times to take the Polish Camp by Storm, but were as often repulsed with great Loss. But the Poles in the mean while suffered ex∣treamly for want of Ammunition and Provisions, and were mightily weakened by Sicknesses and the Mortah∣ty among their Horses. Nevertheless the Turkish Em∣perour made a very honourable Peace with them, after he had lost 60000 Men, in these several Storms made upon their Camp, and a greater Number in his march back to Constantinople.

In the mean time King Gustavus Adolphus falling into Livonia,* 1.79 took the City of Riga without any great Resi∣stance.* 1.80 And the rest of Livonia, except Dunneburgh was Conquered by the Swedes in the Year 1625.* 1.81 King Gu∣stavous entred Prussia with an Army in the Year 1626. where he took the Cities of Marienburgh and Elbing, besides some other Places. This War was thus carried on without any General Engagement till the Year 1629. when Hans Wrangel the Swedish General defeated the Poles near Gorzno. Then the Emperour sent some Forces to the Assistance of the Poles, who in a Battel fought near Stum, were very near having made King Gusta∣vus their Prisoner. But the Polish Affairs being after this Battel fallen into great Confusion, a Truce was con∣cluded by the mediation of France and England till the Year 1634. the Swedes being in the mean while to keep

in their Possession Elbing, Memel, Braunsberg, Pill••u, and what else they had taken in Livonia. Sigismund died in the Year 1632.

§ 11.* 1.82 After his Death his Son Ʋladislaus IV. was declared King, who in the Year next following, obtain∣ed a signal Victory over the Muscovites that had besieged Smolensko; for he not only forced them to raise the Siege, but also brought the Muscovite Army into such streights, that they were forced to surrender themselves. And the Turks who would have made a Diversion to him,* 1.83 were also bravely repulsed. At last Ʋladislaus made a very advantageous Peace on his side with the Muscovites, by vertue of which these renounced all their Pretensions upon the two large Dukedoms of Smolensko and Ozernichow. This begot such a Terrour among the Turks, that they freely made him Restitution for the Damages sustained in their last In-road, having also caused the Bashaw who commanded these Forces,* 1.84 to be strangled. The Truce with Sweden was prolonged at Stumdorf in Prussia, for 26 Years, where the places pos∣sessed before by the Swedes in Prussia were restored to the Poles, because the Swedish Affairs in Germany were then after the Battel of Norlingen in a very ill Condition, and besides this, the English and Dutch were extreamly dissatisfied with the Tolls that were paid in Prussia.

In the Year 1637.* 1.85 the Foundation was laid of the War with the Cosacks, which has brought unspeakable Mischiefs upon the Poles. The business happened thus: As the number of the Cosacks was greatly encreased by the great number of Boors, which frequently ran into them, so the great Men in Poland had purchased great Estates in the Ʋkraine, who were of Opinion, that their Revenues would be considerably encreased, if the Liber∣ty of the Cosacks were reduced into more narrow bounds. Wherefore they having advised the King, that they ought to be more restrained for the future; the Polish General Konicepoliski, did cause the Fortress of Hudack to be built, just at a point where the River of Zwamer falls into the Dnieper or Borysthenes. The Cosacks endea∣voured to prevent the perfecting of this Work by force, but being routed by the Poles, were obliged to surrender

their General Pauluck and some of their Chief Men a∣mong them, who were all, notwithstanding a Pardon was promised them before hand, beheaded. Besides this, it was decreed in the Dyet, that all their former Priviledges and the Fortress of Techtimorovia should be taken from them, and that in their stead, a new body of Militia should be settled there. To put this Decree in execution, the Polish Army marched into the Ʋkraine, against which, the Cosacks fought with great bravery, promising nevertheless, that they would be faithful to the Crown of Polana, if their ancient Priviledges were confirmed to them, which the Poles did promise them, bur did not perform; nay, did even treat some of them very ill. For among other oppressive Methods, they took also from them some of their Greek Churches. Their General Chmielinski was also grosly Affronted, for which he could obtain no Satisfaction. For the King having granted him a Priviledge to build some Mills, a certain Gentleman whose Name was Jarinski, burnt the same, having also ravished his Wife, and afterwards killed both her and her Son.

§ 12.* 1.86 In the mean time Ʋladislaus died, whom suc∣ceeded his Brother John Casimir.* 1.87 Then Chmielinski to revenge himself, stirred up the Cosacks against the Poles, who with Burning, Plundering and Ravishing, did what Mischief they could to the Polish Nobility. And the Se∣nators having desired the King to march out into the Field against them, they were answered by him, That they ought not to have burnt down their Mills. Where∣at the Poles being extreamly dissatisfied brought together an Army of 50000 Men, which being defeated by the Cosacks,* 1.88 there were killed 10000 upon the Spot, and be∣sides this, they took the City of Kiovia. To revenge this Affront, the Poles summoned the seventh Man throughout the whole Kingdom, and marched against the Cosacks without the Consent of the King, but were again miserably beaten by them. But Chmielinski celebrating the Nuptials of his Son with the Daughter of the Prince of Vallachia, the Poles surprised the Cosacks thereabouts, plundered the City, and took the Grecian Patriarch pri∣soner. The Cosacks then sent to the King to know whe∣ther

this had been done by his Authority; and the King having answered▪ No, but that it had been done by the Nobility to take revenge of the Cosacks; these joined with the Tartars and fell into Poland; against these the King went in Person into the Field at the Head of the Nobility, and defeated them in a Battel▪ but the King having afterwards made an Agreement with them, the Nobility was greatly discontented with the King's pro∣ceedings, alledging, that the King had granted too much to the Cosacks.

Whilst the Jealousies reigned in Poland,* 1.89 the Muscovites fell into Poland, and having brought the Cosacks over to their Party, besieged Smolensko, which they took in the Year next following; and having ravaged every where in Lithuania,* 1.90 they took Wilea and some other Cities, where they committed great Barbarities.

In the Year 1655.* 1.91 another Storm threatened the Poles. For Charles Gustavus King of Swedeland having with an Army of chosen Men entred that Kingdom, first Con∣quered great Poland and Masovia, and afterwards the lesser Poland, with the capital City Cracovia, from whence he marched into Prussia, where almost all the Cities sur∣rendred themselves, except Dantzick, where were at first a great many Citizens that favoured the Swedes, but by the perswasions of some Ministers, were kept in Obe∣dience to Poland. The Resistance which was made by this one City, was the main Reason why all the Ad∣vantages got by the Swedes proved fruitless at last, and that they could not maintain themselves in Prussia, not∣withstanding that not only the whole Militia of Poland, and that part of Lithuania which was not under the sub∣jection of the Muscovites, had submitted themselves to the Swedish Protection, but also, that King John Casimir him∣self fled into Silesia. For the Poles having recollected them∣selves after the first Constemation was over, and being joined by the Tartars, fell upon such of the Swedish For∣ces as were dispersed up and down the Country. The Lithuanians also revolted, and killed all the Swedes that were in Winter Quarters with them. King Charles Gustavus also had greatly weakened his Army, not only by the great March towards Jeroslavia, but also Czarneski, the Polish General did often with his Light-Horse fall up∣on

on the Rear of the Army, and did considerable Mis∣chief. In the mean while the Poles also had retaken Warsovia, where they had made the Swedish Gover∣nour Wittenbergh and some other great Officers Pri∣soners, contrary to the Articles made at the surrendry of the Place. And tho' King Charles Gustavus having been joined before by the Elector of Brandenburgh's Forces did vanquish the Poles and Tartars in a memora∣ble Battel which lasted three Days, and was fought near Warsovia,* 1.92 yet all the Princes of Europe began to look about them, and to consult about a Diversion to be made Sweden. The Muscovites fell into Livonia, where they besieged Riga, but to no purpose. The Hollanders did give plainly to understand, that they were not willing that Prussia should come under the subjection of Swede∣land. And the Danes also began to be in motion. On the other hand,* 1.93 Ragozi Prince of Transylvania entred Po∣land with an Army, to try whether perhaps he could obtain that Crown for himself. But the King of Swe∣den being obliged to march out of Poland against the Danes, Ragozi made a bad Market of it; for before he could reach his own Country, he was totally routed, and oliged to make a shameful accord with the Poles. Which misfortune however he might have avoided, if he, according to the advice of the King of Sweden, who promised to keep the Poles so long in play, till he was out of danger, would have taken his march directly over Brescie, Pinsk, and so further towards his own Frontiers. But Ragozi would by all means take his way near Cracaw. Then the Poles retook Cracaw and Thorn, and chased the Swedes out of Curland, who had before taken the Duke of that name Prisoner. The Poles also besieged Riga, but were beaten from thence by the Swedish General Helmfeld.* 1.94 And tho the Poles by the Peace made at Oliva recovered all Prussia again, yet were they obliged to renounce all their pretensions upon Livonia, and to leave the Muscovites in the possession of Smolensko, Severia and Kiovia. Neither could they appease the Cosacks, some of them having put them∣selves under the protection of the Muscovites, some un∣der the Turks, whereby they shewed the way to the Turks into Poland. Neither could the King put an end

to the intestine divisions and jealousies, wherefore at last tired with these troubles John Casimir resigned the Crown, and living a retired life in France in the Abby of St. Germain, he there dyed a few years after.

§. 13. There being now left none of the Royal Fa∣mily in Poland, several Foreigners pretended to the Crown. But at last a Piastus, whose name was Michael Witsnowizki,* 1.95 was declared King, chiefly by the Votes of the lesser Nobility. His short Reign was full of intestine commotions,* 1.96 and the Turks in the mean while did not cease to do considerable mischief in Poland; having in the year 1672. taken Caminieck in Podolia, which Fortress having been formerly thought impregnable, serves them now for a door, through which they may enter Poland at pleasure. A Peace was then concluded with the Turks, by vertue of which the said Fortress remained in the possession of the Turks, the Poles also having promised to pay to the Turks a yearly Tribute. This King dyed in the year 1673. In whose stead in the year next following the Polish Ge∣neral John Sobieski was made King of Poland,* 1.97 he having in the year before attack'd the Turks in their Camp with such success, that of 32000 Men scarce 1500 escaped alive. He renewed the War with the Turks, but concluded a Peace with them in the year 1676. by vertue of which the Turks kept the Fortress of Cami∣nieck, but remitted the yearly Tribute to the Poles. He being a Man of great capacity, it is hoped that he may prove a good King of Poland.

§. 14. It is to be considered concerning the Polish Na∣tion,* 1.98 that whosoever is not a Nobleman in Poland, is esteemed a Boor. For the Inhabitants of the Cities are very little regarded, and the Tradesmen are most Foreigners. But the Boors are esteemed nor used no better than Slaves, being also very raw and barbarous, both in their Life and Conversation, wherefore when we talk of the Poles, thereby ought only to be understood the Nobility. They are therefore commonly downright and honest, very seldom given to the art of dissembling; they are of a very generous spirit, and expect a great deal of re∣spect.

And if you give them as much respect as they pretend to, they are no less courteous, and will willingly pay a respect again to you; and their words and be∣haviour are full of Pomp and Ceremony. They are very liberal, or rather profuse; and not given to be par∣simonious, tho they should want the next day. This Nation also is very fierce and extravagant, much in∣clined to an uncountroled liberty, or rather licentious∣ness and petulancy. Wherefore Plots and Conspira∣cies against their Kings are frequent among them, whose Actions they canvase with a great deal of freedom, be∣ing always jealous of the least point of their Liberty. They do not want courage, but they are more fit to act with a sudden heat, than to endure long the fatigues of War. And because the Nobles only apply them∣selves to the War, who never serve but on Horseback, and the rest of the Inhabitants are of no great spirit, their infantry gathered out of the Natives is not worth much, wherefore they are obliged in their stead to make use of Foreigners listed into their Service, or of the Cosacks, who are courageous and active.

§. 15. This Country is of a vast extent,* 1.99 and very Fertile in general, fit both for Tillage and Pasture, or breeding of Cattel. For Holland draws most of its Corn out of Poland, and the Polish Oxen are sent in great numbers into Germany. The Polish Wool also is in good esteem abroad. Poland abounds with good Horses. Lituania produces abundance of Hony, which is most consumed by the Inhabitants, who make Mead of it; the rest is exported, as likewise abundance of Wax, Hemp, Flax, Leather, Pot-aslies, Salt, Wood, and the like. But on the contrary the Commodities which are imported here are Silk, woollen Stuffs and Cloaths, Tapestries, Sables, Hungarian and Spanish Wines, abundance of Spice, which they use in great quantity in their Dyet. If the Poles were addicted in the least to good Husbandry, and would apply them∣selves a little to Manufactures, the Commodities fit for exportation here, would much surpass those which need be imported.

Poland is very populous and full of Towns and Vil∣lages. Some have computed that the King and the No∣bility have in their possession 90000 Cities and Villages, the Bishops and Canons 100550, the rest of the Cler∣gy, Monks and Nuns, 60950. Which in all amounts to the number of 250950 Towns and Villages. Yet I will not be answerable for this account.

§. 16.* 1.100 The chief strength of this Kingdom con∣sists in the Nobility. The Poles have formerly given out that they could raise 250000 Horse, some say 200000, out of the Nobility. Which seems to be a little largely spoken, except you would reckon among them their Servants. This is certain that in no King∣dom of Europe there is so great a number of Nobles. They also may find a way to raise a proportionable In∣fantry out of the Cosacks. And if they will stretch a little their Purses, they are able enough to raise suffici∣ent for the maintaining of a great Army.* 1.101 But here is the mischief, that the King cannot levy any extraordi∣nary Taxes, without the consent of the Nobility, and both the Clergy and the Nobility are very backward in paying of any Taxes, or at least grow quickly aweary of them, except it be in case of the highest necessity. And this is the reason why the King of Poland cannot carry on a War long with vigour. Besides this when the Nobles are s••••moned to appear in Arms, they come slowly into th•• ••ield, and are not easily kept under Discipline. The Polish Armies have also this inconve∣niency in them, that where 10000 fighting Men are, at least five times the number of Servants and idle Fel∣lows follow the Camp, which proves a destruction to their own Country, and occasions scarcity of Provisions both for Men and Horse.

§. 17. Concerning their Form of Government;* 1.102 it is to be observed that the Poles live under one Head, who bears the Title, and lives in the Splendour be∣coming a King; but if you consider his Power, which is circumscribed within very narrow bounds, he is in effect no more than the Prime or Chief Regent in a Free Commonwealth. This King is always chosen by

a free Election, where every Noble Man there present has his Vote; and tho the Poles have been always in∣clined to keep to the Royal Race, yet have they never been for declaring a Successour during the life of the present King, but have always expected the vacancy of the Throne, as being of opinion, that this time is the most proper to abolish such Abuses as perhaps are crept in under the former Reign, and to prevent all means which may prove prejudicial afterwards to their Li∣berties. But, that, during this Vacancy, all disorders may be prevented, Justice is then exercised with more severity than at other times: the Archbishop of Guiesen, who is the Primate of Poland, being in the mean while the Regent, or as it were Interrex of the Kingdom. The Poles have had for a considerable time this Maxim, that they would rather choose a King out of a Foreign Princely Family, than out of their own Nobility; as being of Opinion that thereby the equality among the Nobility may be better preserved; for a Foreigner is no more engaged to one than to another; whereas a Na∣tive always prefers his Kindred and Relations before the rest: and this Rule they have observed ever since the time of Jagello, who being a Lituanian, united Litua∣nia with Poland. But they had not the same good for∣tune with Sigismund King of Sweden, partly because the situation of these two Kingdoms is such: that both cannot well be governed by one King; partly because they were thereby engaged in a heavy War against Swedeland, which else might easily have been avoided; but they have been always very careful not to take their Kings out of the House of Austria, fearing lest they should be treated like the Hungarians and Bohemians. In the two last Elections they have chosen two Kings out of their own Nobility, and whether thereby these Factions which have hitherto been predominant in that Kingdom, can be suppressed, time will shew. This Elective King has a great Revenue out of the Lands belonging to the Crown,* 1.103 and has the sole power to dispose of all vacant Offices, Dignities and Benefices; but he cannot make new Laws, begin a War▪ impose new Taxes, or undertake any other Matters of great moment, without the consent of the Estates. The E∣states

in Poland are composed of the Bishops and some Abbots,* 1.104 of the Palatins or Vaywods, which are Go∣vernours of the Provinces, of the Castellans or Go∣vernours of Castles, and of the chief Officers of the Kingdom; these compose the Senate, which consisted formerly of 150 Persons; besides these there are the De∣puties of the Nobility out of each District, who have almost the same power which the Tribunes of the People had at Rome; since one single person among them by entring his Protest may annul a Decree at the Dyet; and these Deputies use their Tongues very freely at the Dyet, both against the King and his Ministers; from whence it often happens that Matters are debated here with great confusion, since by the capricious humour of one Deputy the benefit of the whole Dyet is lost at once; especially since a certain time of six weeks is prefixed by the Laws for the holding of the Dyet, which they rarely suffer to be Prorogued, and that not but for a very few days; but they call this right of con∣tradicting, the Soul of the Polish Liberty. The King is also obliged to bestow all the vacant Benefices upon the Nobility, and cannot reserve any for his own use, or bestow them upon his Children without consent of the Estates,* 1.105 neither can he buy or take possession of any Noblemens Lands. The King also is not Master of the Judicial Courts; but there is a certain High Court of Justice, the Judges whereof are Nobles: first Insti∣tuted by King Stephen Batori. These Judges are changed every twelve months, and keep their Session six months in the year at Petricovia, and six months a∣gain at Lublin, and from these no Appeal lies to the King; except that some Cases of the greatest Conse∣quence are determined at the Dyet; but Cases belong∣ing to the King's Exchequer, or to his Revenues, are de∣termined by the King. The Poles are extreamly fond of this form of Government, as being very suitable to their natural fierce inclinations; yet the same is very improper for any sudden and great undertaking; and contributes not a little to the weakness of this vast Kingdom, especially when the Nobility is refractory, and jealous of the King.

§. 18.* 1.106 The Neighbours of Poland are on one side the Germans, where there is an open Country upon the Frontiers; and particularly Poland borders upon Silesia, and in one corner upon Hungary. 'Tis true that the German Empire is much superiour in strenth to Poland,* 1.107 but the interest of both these Kingdoms is such, as not to have any great occasion to differ with one another, except Poland should perhaps join with such Estates in Germany as would upon an occasion oppose the setting up of an Absolute Soveraignty in the Empire; and in such a case the Poles would not want assistance either from the German,* 1.108 or foreign Princes, that must concur in the same Interest. The House of Austria alone is not powerful enough to conquer Poland, or to main∣tain a Country which is of so vast an extent and very populous, and lying all upon a level is not secured by any fortified places. If no body else should side with Poland, the Turks themselves would not easily suffer that the House of Austria should acquire such an advantage, and the Turks are the fittest instruments to prevent it. But the House of Austria has often endeavoured, tho the wisest among the Poles have always opposed it, to unite the Kingdom of Poland to their Family by an Election; but the Poles are conscious of the danger which might accrue from this Union to their Liberty; and besides this they are no great admirers of the Ger∣mans, whose modesty and good Husbandry they com∣monly despise.* 1.109 But it is of great consequence to Poland, that the Turks may not become quite Masters of the Ʋpper Hungary, and much more that they do not get footing in Moravia; since thereby they would open their way into the very Heart of Poland. And on the other hand it is the common Interest both of the House Austria, and of all Germany, that the Turks may not become Masters of Poland, since thereby they would open their way into Germany. For the old saying of Philip Melanchton, Si Turca in Germaniam veniet, ve∣niet per Poloniam, if the Turks come into Germany▪ they will certainly come by the way of Poland, did not arise from a Prophetick Spirit, but has its good Reason in Geography. And it seems to be the common In∣terest

of Poland, and the House of Austria, to keep up a mutual good understanding, since they both cover one anothers Frontiers, and Poland draws a great ad∣vantage from its Oxen and Salt which are sent into Germany. And if Poland should engage it self in good earnest against the House of Austria, it ought to be jealous of the Moscovites, who may attack it behind, except Moscovy were otherwise employed before. Po∣land also may be troublesome to the House of Austria, when that House is engaged in Wars against France, Sweden, or the Turks. Wherefore for a considerable time the House of Austria has endeavoured by Mar∣riages to Allie Poland with their Family, and to gain a considerable party in the Senat. And France has fol∣lowed the same methods to draw Poland from the In∣terest of the House of Austria; and the Poles having been caressed by both parties have got no small ad∣vantage by this Rivalship.* 1.110 Brandenburgh also borders on one side upon Poland, and tho he alone cannot hurt it much, yet experience has taught us that in conjunction with others he has been able to create great troubles to the Poles. Tho on the other hand it is to be feared, that perhaps upon a good occasion offered to the Poles they may attempt to unite all Prussia to their King∣dom, as the Elector of Brandenburgh knew how to time it, when he obtained the Soveraignty over it. As long as the differences betwixt Poland and Sweden were on foot,* 1.111 Denmark by making a diversion could be very serviceable to Poland; but since the causes of these differences are taken away, Poland need not make any particular reflection upon Denmark Swedeland and Poland have all the reason in the world to cultivate a mutual good understanding, since they may be very serviceable to one another against the Moscovites. Poland borders upon Moscovy by a great tract of Land,* 1.112 where the Frontiers are common to both: These two King∣doms seem to be very near equal in strength▪ and tho the Poles are better Soldiers than the Moscovites, yet has the Great Duke of Moscovy this advantage over them, that he is absolute in his Dominions. And it is of great consequence to either of them, which of these two is in the possession of Smolensko, to recover•• which

the Poles ought to employ all their strength. For the rest, these two States being both obliged to have a watchful Eye over the Turks, can assist one another against them in case of necessity.

The Tartars are the most pernicious Neighbours of Poland,* 1.113 for they are a Nation living by depredations, who surprise their Neighbours, and when they have loaded themselves with Spoils return Home again, where you cannot be revenged of them, they being so nimble, and having nothing worth taking from them. Where∣fore what ever mischief they do must be taken as if you were bit by a Dog, except you can catch them in the fact, and make them pay for it with their Heads. Against these the Country of Moldavia used to be a Bulwark to Poland.* 1.114 For through that Country the Tar∣tars have a direct passage into the Provinces of Poland, which may be shut up against them by the help of that Prince. Wherefore the Poles do much lament the loss of this Dukedom, which having been formerly a Fief of that Crown, tho that Duke pays also some Tribute to the Turks, was brought in the year 1612. entirely under the Turkish subjection.* 1.115 The Cosacks also used to be very serviceable against the Tartars, as living near the Isthmus of the Taurick Chersonese, and therefore were conveniently situated to cut of their retreat in their return Home. But the Poles by their ill entertain∣ment have so exasperated the Cosacks, that since they have done as much mischief to them, as formerly they used to do good. And if the Poles should not be able by fair means to bring over the Cosacks again to their side, and these should either submit themselves to the Mosco∣vites or the Turks, or that these should quite root them out, then Poland has got an incurable Ulcer on that side, which may prove fatal to all the Neighbouring Provinces of the Ʋkrain.

Lastly, the Turk is a dangerous Neighbour to Poland, whose strength is much superior to that of Poland, especially if the Poles are not assisted by the Cosacks, or by some Foreign State. For, tho the Polish Cavalry may not be inferiour to the Turks, yet cannot I see which way they can bring into the Field such Forces as may be equal to the Janisaries. Tho the negligence and

domestick divisions of the Poles have lately been the chief inducements, which have drawn the Turks so deep into Poland. There is not any thing which would more conveniently secure the Poles against the Turks, than if the Princes of Moldavia, Wallachia and Tran∣sylvania, did belong to Poland, they being able to hin∣der the passage of the Turks into Poland. But, because the Poles have long ago lost this advantage, or rather neglected it, it is their business now, to take care that the Turks do not advance deeper into the Country. And to take away all pretensions of a War from the Turks, it seems very necessary that the Poles, as much as in them lies, do take care that the Cosacks do not in time of Peace commit depredations upon the Turkish Subjects. For else the Turks are not to be blamed, if endeavouring to root out these rapacious Birds they de∣stroy their Nest, and make the Ʋkrain a vast Wilder∣ness. When Poland is engaged in a War with the Turks, it may expect some Subsides from the Pope. The House of Austria, is able, by making a diversion to the Turks, to give relief to Poland; but this House hitherto has not been forward to attack the Turks, if these have not been the first aggressors. The Moscovites also might contribute somthing this way, if there were any hopes of a true understanding betwixt these two Nations; but as the case now stands, the Poles must chiefly rely upon their own strength, and by the circumstances of their own affairs be able to judg how far they ought to en∣gage themselves against the Turk.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Origine of the Kingd. of Poland.
• * 1.2

  Lechus.
• * 1.3

  Twelve Vay∣vods or Go∣vernours.
• * 1.4

  700.
• * 1.5

  Cracus.
• * 1.6

  Lechus II.
• * 1.7

  Venda.
• * 1.8

  750.
• * 1.9

  Lescus I.
• * 1.10

  776.
• * 1.11

  Lescus II.
• * 1.12

  804.
• * 1.13

  Lescus III.
• * 1.14

  Popiel I.
• * 1.15

  Popiel II.
• * 1.16

  820.
• * 1.17

  Piastus.
• * 1.18

  Zicmovitus.
• * 1.19

  Lescus IV.
• * 1.20

  902.
• * 1.21

  Zicmovistus.
• * 1.22

  Micislaus 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.23

  965.
• * 1.24

  999.
• * 1.25

  Boleslaus Chro∣bry, the first King of Po∣land.
• * 1.26

  Miccislaus II.
• * 1.27

  Casimir I.
• * 1.28

  Boleslaus the Hardy.
• * 1.29

  1058.
• * 1.30

  Ʋladislaus 1082.
• * 1.31

  Boleslaus III.
• * 1.32

  1103.
• * 1.33

  1139.
• * 1.34

  Ʋladislaus II.
• * 1.35

  Boleslaus IV.
• * 1.36

  1146.
• * 1.37

  Miccislaus III.
• * 1.38

  1174.
• * 1.39

  Casimir. 11780.
• * 1.40

  Lescus V.
• * 1.41

  1213.
• * 1.42

  The first In∣roads o•• t••e Tartars.
• * 1.43

  B••lesiaus V.
• * 1.44

  1226.
• * 1.45

  L••scus VI. 1279.
• * 1.46

  Premislus
• * 1.47

  1291.
• * 1.48

  Ʋladisl. III.
• * 1.49

  1300.
• * 1.50

  Casimir III.
• * 1.51

  Lewis.
• * 1.52

  Jagello, or Ʋla••isl. IV.
• * 1.53

  How Lithu∣ania was u∣nited o Po∣land.
• * 1.54

  Ʋladisl. V.
• * 1.55

  1445.
• * 1.56

  Casimir IV.
• * 1.57

  John Albert.
• * 1.58

  Alexander. Sigismund.
• * 1.59

  Sigismund is Augustus.
• * 1.60

  1552.
• * 1.61

  Henry of Va∣l••••s Duke of Anjou. 1574.
• * 1.62

  Steph. Batori.
• * 1.63

  Th•• Cosacks.
• * 1.64

  Sigism. III.
• * 1.65

  1592.
• * 1.66

  1605.
• * 1.67

  Th•• occasi∣on of he War be∣tween Po∣land and M••sc••vy.
• * 1.68

  1605.
• * 1.69

  1606.
• * 1.70

  Basil. great Duke of Muscovy.
• * 1.71

  1086.
• * 1.72

  Sigismund makes his a 〈…〉〈…〉 of these Troubles in Muscovy. 1609.
• * 1.73

  1610.
• * 1.74

  The Policy o•• the Mu∣sc••vites.
• * 1.75

  The Over∣sight of Si∣gismund.
• * 1.76

  The Poles defeated in Moldavia.
• * 1.77

  1617.
• * 1.78

  A War be∣twixt the Poles and Turks.
• * 1.79

  1621.
• * 1.80

  The Invasi∣of Gustavus Adolp•• us.
• * 1.81

  1625.
• * 1.82

  Ʋladis. IV.
• * 1.83

  1634.
• * 1.84

  1635.
• * 1.85

  The Cause of the War with the Co∣sacks.
• * 1.86

  John Casimir.
• * 1.87

  1647.
• * 1.88

  The Poles defeated by ••he Cos••••••s.
• * 1.89

  The Musco∣vites join w••th the C••sacks.
• * 1.90

  1653.
• * 1.91

  The King of Sweden in∣vades Poland.
• * 1.92

  The Battel of Warsaw.
• * 1.93

  Ragozi Prince of Transylvania invades Po∣land.
• * 1.94

  1606.
• * 1.95

  Michael Witsnowizki
• * 1.96

  1670.
• * 1.97

  John Sobi∣eski.
• * 1.98

  T••e Genius of this Na∣tion.
• * 1.99

  The Nature of the Soil, &c. Its Commodi∣ties.
• * 1.100

  The strength of the King∣dom.
• * 1.101

  Their weak∣ness.
• * 1.102

  Their form of Govern∣ment.
• * 1.103

  The Reve∣nues of the King.
• * 1.104

  The Estates of the King∣dom.
• * 1.105

  Of the Ad∣ministration of Justice.
• * 1.106

  Neighbours of Poland.
• * 1.107

  Germany.
• * 1.108

  The House of Austria in particular.
• * 1.109

  The Interest of Poland and Germa∣ny, with re∣ference to the Turk.
• * 1.110

  Branden∣burgh.
• * 1.111

  Denmark and Sweden.
• * 1.112

  Moscovy.
• * 1.113

  The Tartars▪
• * 1.114

  Moldavia.
• * 1.115

  The Cosack••.