The six voyages of John Baptista Tavernier, Baron of Aubonne through Turky, into Persia and the East-Indies, for the space of forty years : giving an account of the present state of those countries, viz. of the religion, government, customs, and commerce of every country, and the figures, weight, and value of the money currant all over Asia : to which is added A new description of the Seraglio / made English by J.P. ; added likewise, A voyage into the Indies, &c. by an English traveller, never before printed ; publish'd by Dr. Daniel Cox

CHAP. VI. Of the misfortune of Mahomet Beg in the raigne of Sha-Abbas the second,

MAhomet Beg was born at Tauris, the Son of a Taylor, who bred him a Scho∣lar. He had a quick apprehension, and was naturally enclin'd to vertue; and being desirous to advance himself in the world, he had the good luck to ob∣tain the employment of Major-Bashi, or chief of the Essayers and Refiners of Mo∣ney, who has a power to visit all places where money is coyn'd. After that, he became acquainted with the Aila Verdi Beg, or Mr. Godsgift, the Kings chief Huntsman, by the title of Mert-Shekar-Bashi, who gladly presented him to the King, to whom the King was very thankful, so soon as he had found the noble Qua∣lities of the person he had presented. Thereupon so soon as Mahomet Ali-Beg, grand Master of the Kings House dy'd, the King bestow'd that Employment upon Maho∣met Beg, who not only gain'd the favour of his Majesty, but the good will of all the Lords of the Court. He had a great respect for them all, without medling with any of their employments, and supprest his revengeful spirit, not finding it seasonable as yet to disclose his passions.

Kalise Sultan at that time Athemadoulet hapning to dye, the King conferr'd that place upon Mahomet Beg, who at first behav'd himself in that employment to the satisfaction of all men. He apply'd himself particularly to the searching out of Mines; for there had a report ran among the people for many years, that if certain mountaines nine or ten miles from Ispahan toward the West were well digg'd into, their might be found store of Gold, Silver and Copper. To which purpose he made use of a Norman, whose name was La Chapelle de Han, who vanted at that time to have great skill in Chymistry, Mines and Minerals, for which reason he was recommended by the Governor of Ispahan to the Athemadoulet then at Casbin with the King, who presently sent him back again to the Governour to furnish him with all things necessary for his Expences, and for the work which he undertook in the Mountains. Thither went La Chapelle, and after fifteen days toyl return'd to Ispahan with two or three hunder'd weight of earth, and set up fur∣naces to draw out the metal. The Athemadoulet was so wise as to give order to the Governour of Ispahan, and three or four more persons of Quality to overview the Norman, to see that he play'd no foul play. But though there was not so much as a half peny worth of silver in all the earth from the bottom to the top, though the Persians watch'd him so narrowly as they did, he made a shift to shuf∣fle in an Abassi among the earth, as it was in the furnace without being perceiv'd. Nevertheless the Athemadoulet, to whom it was carry'd, presently found out the cheat, though he took no notice of it, hoping to make better use of the Norman in other things; only he forbad him to dig any more in that place, in regard the expence would exceed the profit.

La Chapelle, who was very skilful at putting off his merchandize, and one who knew to make the best use of the least smackering that he might perhaps have in Mechanicks, and the power of Motion, had the cunning to amuse the Athemadoulet for ten years together, being a passionate Lover of new Inventions; and the better to insinuate himself into the Kings favour assum'd to himself the Invention of several Rarities which he shew'd the King, who thereupon allow'd him a very handsome pension. Thus encourag'd, he undertook to cast Canons, bring the water to the top of the Kings house, and several other things, yet when all his designs fail'd for want of Art, and that he found he could do no more good in Persia, resolving for India, he dy'd at Ormus.

The Athemadoulet missing of Gold and Silver Mines, apply'd himself to the dis∣covery of Copper Mines, wherein he was more fortunate; for in those Mines he also found veins of Azure, of which there is a great quantity consum'd in painting the Grotesco Flourishes upon the Ceilings and Arches of their Houses. He also found out a Mine of Lead near Yerde: and being still upon new discoveries, he found out

a Mine of Talk, Stone, Allum, and Coles, but of neither so good as in other Coun∣tries. He was so obstinate in the searth of Metals, that if any person had an occa∣sion to speak with him, let him be never so busie upon never so important affairs, it was enough to bring him some stones of a supposed Mine, or something rare ei∣ther for Colour, Figure or Weight. He also gave full power to them that brought him any tidings of a Mine to go to the place, and to press the Countrymen from their labour to dig in the Mountains and break up rocks: and if they found no∣thing he cast the fault upon the ignorance of the Labourers.

He also apply'd himself to the study of Mechanic Motions. He would have found an Invention, whereby the half Vail that hangs in the Kings Megeler, or Council Chamber, and is drawn to and fro by certain Officers in the Summer, to gather the cool Air, should have bin made by Engine-work. Then he took a fan∣cy for water Engines, the most necessary thing in the world for Persia to relieve the drowth of the Country, but wanting necessaries, as Beams, Rafters, Wheel-work, Cordage and Iron, he could not begin those Engines, the figures whereof La Chapelle had left him in a Book.

But as Mahomet Beg was studious in these things, so was he Ambitious and Re∣vengeful to that height that he could not observe a moderation in his resentment against those that had given him any distaste. In his height of Passion he caus'd several Kans to be depriv'd of their Provinces, and by confiscating their Estates reduc'd them to utmost necessity.

The Kan of Erivan had a Son who was a lovely and a well proportion'd Gentle∣man, and always attended at the Kings Elbow. One day that the King was drinking with some Lords, he commanded the Kan of Erivans Son to carry a Gold Cup full of Wine to the Athemadoulet, who perceiving that he had enough already, made a sign with his eye to the young Lord to return it back. The young Lord passing by the King told him ingeniously that the Athemadoulet had no desire to drink, whereupon the King commanded him to go and powre the Wine into his bosome. As the one vvas oblig'd to obey, the Athemadoulet vvas forc'd to suf∣fer, and to permit the young man to open his bosome and povvre dovvn the Wine; for not daring to shevv his Anger, he vvas forc'd to dissemble the best he could for that time. But having resolv'd to revenge the affront upon the Kan of Erivan Father of the young Lord, vvho had only done vvhat the King command∣ed him, he resolv'd to lay hold upon the opportunity that presented it self, knovv∣ing that there vvere several complains come against him from the Armenians of Erivan. Thereupon the Athemadoulet sends for the Kelonter, encourages him in his suit, and gives him instructions hovv to proceed. To this end Mahomet Beg appoints him to meet him such an hour at the Kings Stables, whither the King presently coming, the Kelonter threw himself at the Kings feet, and be∣sought him for Justice against the Kan of Erivans oppressions: while Mahomet Beg fail'd not to heap up aggravations against the Governour, and the King, though he had heard but one side, as easily condemn'd him upon the Accusation of the Kelonter and his Prime Minister. Thereupon an Officer of the Kings, call'd Negef-Couli-Beg, a man of a quick and active spirit was commanded to go in all haste, and seize upon the Person of the Kan. Who being come to Erivan found him upon his seat of Justice, confiscating and condemning to fine and Corporal punishment a near Kinsman of the Kelonters. The Messenger boldly enter'd into the Megeler or Council Chamber, goes directly to the Kan, told him he was the Kings prisner, and gave him a blow with his fist upon the neck, about which he was to wear the Triangle of great thick pieces of wood already describ'd, into which the neck is enclos'd, while the Arms and Hands of the Prisner are put through another piece of wood that crosses the Triangle, which is a great pain to the Prisner. Thus was the Kan carry'd night and day to Ispahan, but when he came there the King shew'd him more mercy, and allowed him his house for a prison, yet not suffering him to go to the Bath, nor to shave his hair, nor to stir out of the Apartment where his women were. These are penalties impos'd upon those that fall into disgrace at Court, whom the King shuts up in their houses, in∣tending no severer punishment. For the Kan being belov'd by the King was re∣stor'd to his favour, and to his former charge of superintendant of the Kings Mosquee.

Neither did this sright'n others from bearing up against the Power of Mahomet Beg, though every one had not the same success. For ill it far'd with the Go∣vernour of Schiras, who was call'd Mirza Haddi. He was a person of great wealth and knowledge, and one day in Council took upon him to tell Mahomed Beg, that he was not of his opinion, and withall to lay before him his defects, and ill conduct. But the Primce Minister so deeply lay'd to heart the boldness of Mirza Haddi, that he resolv'd to revenge himself by all means imaginable. He suborn'd false witnesses, and other persons to make complaints before him of the Governour of Schlras. There was a necessity for the party accus'd to appear before Mahomet Beg as his Judge, but the Governor trusting to his Innocence, nere minded the rage of his ad∣versary, not believing he could receive any injury from him. In the mean time Mahomet Beg inform'd the King what he pleas'd himself, and overpow'ring him by his authority, confiscated all Mirza Haddi's Estate, and sent him to prison to the House of the Nazar, who was call'd Ismael Beg. When he came there they hung him upon Tenter-hooks by the feet against the wall, and drub'd him so long, that he was forc'd to be carri'd into another Room upon a Slaves back. His Lieu∣tenant and an Eunuch, that had bin his Treasurer, were serv'd in the same sawce, and all three put into a high Chamber that serv'd instead of a prison. His Vizier or Lieutenant was releas'd in a short while, but Mirza Haddi and his Eunuch were still kept close.

Nor is the manner of his revenging himself upon Mir-Kassem-Beg, the Deroga, or Provost of Ispahan less remarkable. While Mahomet Beg was only Majer-Ba∣shi, there was some gold Plate stoll'n out of the Kings Kitchin. Thereupon the Deroga sent his Officers to seize upon all the Goldsmiths in Ispahan, that knew nothing of the matter, as being utterly innocent of the Robbery. In the mean time he put them all in prison, and lockt them close up, intimating to them that he was resolv'd not to release them without a good sum of money. The poor Goldsmiths thus ill us'd, apply'd themselves to the Majer Bashi, who sent his Of∣ficers to entreat the Deroga to consider that the Gold-smiths were innocent of the Robbery, and that being in some manner under the Jurisdiction of the Mayer-Bashi, as being Artificers in Gold and Silver, he ought not to refuse to discharge them at his request. But the Deroga not seeing the money come, bid the Officers of Ma∣homet Beg tell their Master that he knew what belong'd to his Employment, and further, said he, Let the Taylors Son meddle with his own business; tell him withall, added he, that if he pleases I will shew him his Sister's drawers. For a little before the Deroga had by his Spies surpriz'd her toying in a Garden with two young Lords, from whom he squeez'd a considerable sum of money. Mahomet Beg not powerful enough then to prosecute his revenge, let it sleep, but when he came to the height of preserment, he remember'd the Deroga, and bethought himself which way to ruin him. Nor was it long ere an opportunity offer'd it self. For there being a report that the Enemy appear'd about Candahar, a Frontier Town of Persia upon the Mogulls Territories, the Athemadoulet adviz'd the King to raise a good number of Souldiers about Ispahan, as being lusty nimble fel∣lows and us'd to labour, and to send them to Candaliar, to be ready against all accidents. The King having an entire confidence in the Athemadoulet, order'd him to lose no time, but to commit the management of the Levies to such persons as had perfect knowledge of the plain Country. Then Mahomet Beg, studying his re∣venge, told the King that there was no person fitter for the employment than the Deroga. Mir Kassembeg, who according to his cruel and covetous humor, soon abus'd his Commission, the thing which he, who had procur'd it, chiefly desir'd. For whereas the King intended that none should be enroll'd but those that were wil∣ling, the Deroga forc'd every body, especially the Sons of the richest Farmers, who rather than part with their Sons gave the Deroga his own demands to spare them. When Mahomet Beg had got matter enough against the Deroga, he underhand stirr'd up the Country people to make their complaint, giving them to understand that it was contrary to the Kings intention to have them tormented in that manner, that his Commission was only to list those that would go of their own accord. The Villages, easily encourag'd, sent their Deputies to Ispahan, whom he kindly recei∣v'd and presented the same hour to the King. His Majesty having heard them, and Mahomet Beg having seconded their complaint, the King order'd that they

should make an exact list of what the Commissioners of the Deroga had robb'd them of. Mahomet Beg lost no time, but by vertue of his Authority and the Kings command, sent his Officers into all the Villages to take the Oath of eve∣ry Countryman to the end they should declare the truth, under the penalty of a Fine and Corporal punishment, of what had been exacted from them to the ut∣most Shayet. This Oath was to be put in Paper, sign'd by every one that made it, in these words, Let my head be confiscated to the King, and my goods to his Divan, if I obey not punctually the Order of his Majesty. The accompt being made of all the money for which they had compounded with the Deroga, it was presented by Mahomet Beg, who aggravated the Tyranny of the Deroga, and represented to his Majesty that for thirty years he had thus devour'd the Territories of Ispahan. Thereupon by the command of the King, who was then at Ispahan, the Deroga was to be carry'd into the Meydan, and being ty'd up by the heels to receive a certain number of Bastinado's upon the feet for so many Fridays one after another; and moreover the nerves of his heels were to be cut, and his ankles to be boar'd tho∣rough. The Kings command being thus seal'd, Mahomet Beg committed the ex∣ecution thereof to his trusty Instrument Negef-Couli-Beg, who coming to Ispahan assembl'd the chief of the City, together with the Vizir or Governour, and the Deroga or Provost, who thought of nothing; being met, before they broak open the Kings Seal they made a publick Prayer for the prosperity of the King; which being ended, the Vizir open'd the Letter and read it with a loud voice. When the Vizir came to read the Sentence against the Deroga, he was seiz'd with astonish∣ment; at what time Negef-Couli-Beg coming to the Deroga, and striking him upon the Neck with his fist, threw him down under his Horses feet, and caus'd him to be bound according to custom. Immediately he was hurri'd to the Piazza, where he receiv'd so many Bastinado's upon the soles of his feet that his nayls fell off. The next Friday they brought him to the same place, where they repeated the same Execution, and boar'd his ankles. The Deroga being very ancient, his pains put him into such a condition as mov'd Negef-Couli-Beg himself to compassion, who wrote presently to Court, that the continuance of so much torment, would infal∣libly be the death of the old man. Upon that the King order'd that there should no more be done to him; only that he should be shut up in the inner part of his House with his Wives, depriving him of his employment, but leaving him his Estate.

But Mahomet Beg, not having yet compleated the revenge he sought, was re∣solv'd after he had thus tormented him, to deprive him also of his Estate. To which purpose he advanc'd to the Office of Deroga, a Georgian Renegado who was call'd Padada-Beg, whom he taught all the tricks imaginable to pick the peoples pockets. The design of Mahomet Beg in this, was to let the King under∣stand, that if the new Deroga could heap up such a sum of money in five or six months, what a prodigious sum must Mir-Kassembeg have heap'd up in so many years. In short, the new Deroga instructed and encourag'd by Mahomet Beg, le∣vy'd unjustly such a vast number of fines, committed so many extortions and ra∣pines upon the people, that at the end of six months the people began to tumulc at the Palace gate. The Divan Bequi, who is the first Minister of Justice, took the peoples part; whereupon Mahomet Beg perceiving he had been too hasty in his design to be reveng'd upon the Divan Bequi, who had cross'd his designs, one morning caus'd several files of Musqueteers to be drawn up at the Kings Haram. The King surpriz'd at the sight, Mahomet Beg told him that his Majesty was not safe so long as the Divan Bequi stirr'd up the people to Rebellion: which so in∣cens'd the King, that he caus'd the Groom Porter to go immediately and pull out the Divan Bequi's eyes, which was immediately done; nor did the old man say any more, but with his face all besmear'd with his own goar, desir'd the servant upon whose arms he lean'd, to turn him toward Mecca that he might pray for the prosperity of the King. All his goods were confiscated and brought into the Trea∣sury; but Mir Kassem-beg still enjoy'd his, though he was forc'd to spend the remain∣der of his days in his own house.

Thus Mahomet Beg preserv'd himself still in the Kings favour, and had remov'd all those persons from the Court that had no kindness for him, and was indifferently safe, till Mir-Tchekar-Bashi another favourite, whom the King highly lov'd, began

to make head against him. These two haughty spirits would not give an inch one to another: and both equally strove to possess the Kings favour, to have the dis∣posal of Affairs. Mir-Tchekar-Bashi, who had brought Mahomet Beg into Fa∣vour, being the elder pretended a respect due to his years, and Mahomet Beg pre∣tended more due from him by reason of his place. During this contest ran a re∣port of a rebellion upon Georgia side. Whereupon the Athemadoulet perswaded the King to send Mir-Tchekar-Bashi, lately made Koular Agasi or General of the Slaves toward Georgia, that so he might remove his Rival from Court. The Fa∣vourite sets forward with a flying Camp, but not finding any Enemy that oppos'd him, wrote back to the King that he saw no appearance of an Enemy, and that therefore it was a needless thing to tire the Souldiers in a Country where there was no face of War, and begg'd his Majesties leave to return. The Athemadoulet on the other side labour'd to hinder his return by preaching to the King the ad∣vantages of the stay of those forces in those parts.

In this interim the Usbek Tartars had made inroads upon the Frontiers of Ca∣rassan, and had slain several of Manoutcheks people, who was governor of the Pro∣vince. Mahomet Beg who was his Kinsman, gave the King to understand that the Kan of Corassan had behav'd himself valiantly, but conceal'd the defeat of the Kan. On the other side the Koular Agasi sent Letter upon Letter to the King, but perceiving that none of them came to the Kings hands, he sent to Ispahan one of his discreetest and most trusty servants, who coming to Court intermix'd him∣self among the rest of the Lackeys. The Athemadoulet spying an unknown face, and being always mistrustful, demanded who he was? To whom the Messenger an∣swer'd that he was a poor Souldier upon the frontiers of the Kingdom, who be∣cause he could not get his pay there was come to Court to see if he could there get any recompence for his service: upon which reply the Athemadoulet took no farther notice of him. Presently after, the young man meeting the Meter told him he had Letters of importance to deliver into the Kings own hand, of which the Meter giving notice to the King, the messenger was immediately call'd in. The King having read the Letters which discover'd to him what the Athemadoulet had conceal'd from him touching the no necessity of keeping forces upon the Frontiers of Georgia, and the loss which the Kan of Korassan had receiv'd, transported with choler against his prime Minister, sent for him, and after he had most bloodily revil'd and reproach'd him, he was within a little of killing him with his own hands. But the Nazar and some other Lords there present took the boldness to represent to the King the long services which Mahomet Beg had done the Kingdom, and that since his Majesty had rais'd him from the dust to the highest honours of the King∣dom, it would not be for his honour to destroy at one blow a person that he had lov'd, and might still be useful to him. This discourse somewhat appeas'd the King, so that he only gave him in custody to the Nazar. Three days after the King exil'd him to Kom, with all his Family, not permitting him to shave himself, go to the Bath, or to come abroad. This Exilement lasted for several years. But my Letters from Persia in the year 1674. enform'd me that Sha Solyman, the present King, has restor'd him to his Primier Dignity, and that he still governs as Athema∣doulet, the King finding no man more capable than himself.