Purchas his pilgrimes. part 2 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

§. VI.

The choise Agiamoglans, seuere Discipline and Education in [ 10] foure Subordinate Schooles, and their after∣aduancements.

IT now remayneth, that I say somewhat of those Youths which are kept in better fa∣shion in the Serraglio, for the King and Countreyes Seruice, brought vp in Learning, in the knowledge of the Lawes, and in Military Exercises, that they may bee able to performe those things which belong to the Gouernment of the whole Empire. And albeit for the most part these are Christian Captiues and Renegado's, yet there are some Naturall borne Turkes amongst them, (youths of very comely aspect, whose out-sides must promise a [ 20] great deale of goodnesse;) brought in by the Capee Agha's meanes (who is the great Chamber∣laine) with the Kings consent; but this hapneth but very seldome, and that with great diffi∣cultie: For, the ancient Institution was, that they should alwayes be of Christian Renegado's, of the * 1.1 most Ciuill and Noblest that could be found.

And when in the Warres, either by Sea or Land it shall so happen, that any youth bee taken, who is of Noble Parents, he is presently appointed and markt for the Grand Signior, and is in∣structed in matters of Gouernment, being as it were ordayned for great Employments. Now * 1.2 such are of great esteeme, for the Turkes themselues affirme, that Noblenesse of Birth cannot but produce the most vertuous and generous spirits; especially, when they are well nurtured and tu∣tered, as it is professed in the Serraglio; where there is great seueritie vsed in all the Orders of Dis∣cipline, [ 30] the Gouernment of them being in the hands of the Masters, who are all for the most part white Eunuches, which are very rough and cruell in all their Actions; Insomuch, that their Pro∣uerbe * 1.3 saith, that when one commeth out of that Serraglio, and hath runne through all the Or∣ders of it, he is, without all question, the most mortified and patient man in the World. For the blowes which they suffer, and the fastings which are commanded them for euery small fault, is a thing of great admiration: Nay, some of them are so seuerely handled, that although their time of being in the Serraglio be almost expired, and that they should in few yeeres come forth to bee made great men, yet not being able to suffer such crueltie any longer, they procure to bee turned out, contenting themselues with the Title and small pay of a Spahee, or a Mutaferaka, rather then be so often punished, and made weary of their liues. [ 40]

The number of these youths is not prefixed, but there are of them sometimes more, and som∣times lesse; for the King entertaynes very willingly all such as are giuen him of the aforesaid * 1.4 qualitie (if so be that they be young) and as I haue heard, they are commonly about an hundred.

The course that is taken with them, so soone as they come into the Serraglio, is admirable, and nothing resembling the Barbarisme of Turkes, but beseeming Subjects of singular Vertue and Discipline. For they are exceeding well entred, and daily taught aswell good fashion and come∣ly * 1.5 behauiour, as they are instructed in the Rites and Ceremonies of the Mahometan Law, or in Military Discipline. And for this purpose they haue Roomes, which the Turkes call Oda's, but we may more properly (in regard of the vse they are put vnto) call them Schooles; of which * 1.6 there are foure, the one taking Degrees from the other. Now into the first they all come, when [ 50] they are but childden, where the Primarie Precept they learne is Silence; then their personall Positures, betokening singular Reuerence to the King; which is, that they hold downe their heads and looke downwards, holding their hands before them joyned a crosse.

They are seene of the King, and registred in a Booke by their Turkish Names, and the Names of their Natiue Countreyes set downe with them; they receiue Pensions from the Grand Sig∣nior, * 1.7 which is ordinarily from three to fiue Aspars per diem. The Copie of the Booke is sent to the great Defterdar, that euery one of them, may in due time haue the aforesaid Pension sent vn∣to them. Then (by a white Eunuch who is chiefe ouer all the other Masters and Vshers) they are * 1.8 set to learne to write and reade, and to practise the Turkish Tongue; and are taught their Prayers, with all Reuerence to the Religion in the Arabian Tongue. And in this Oda'h, they are both [ 60] Morning and Eeuening so diligently followed, and carefully lookt vnto, that by report it is a thing of admiration: Now, for the most part, they all stay at the least six yeeres in this Schoole, and such as are dull and hard of apprehension stay longer.

From this Oda'h they are remoued to the second, where (by more Learned Tutors then the * 1.9

former) they are taught the Persian, Arabian, and Tartarian Tongues; and take great paines in reading diuers Authors, that they may be the better able to speake the Turkish Elegantly; which * 1.10 cannot be done without some knowledge in those three Tongues, vpon which the Turkish chief∣ly doth depend: So that there is found a great difference betweene their speech, and that of the vulgar sort.

Here also they begin to learne to wrestle, to shoot in a Bow, to throw the Mace, to tosse the * 1.11 Pike, to handle their Weapons, to runne, &c. And in these Exercises in their seuerall Orders and seuerall Places, they spend whole houres, being seuerely punished if they shall in any wise seeme to grow negligent.

They spend other fiue or sixe yeere likewise in this Odah, from the which (being become men, strong, and fit for any thing) they are remoued to the third Odah, where (forgetting nothing of * 1.12 [ 10] what they haue learned before, but rather bettering themselues) they also learne to sit a Horse, and to be quicke and nimble in the Warres: Moreouer, euery one of them (according to his in∣clination * 1.13 and disposition) shall learne a Trade, necessary for the Seruice of the Kings person, viz. to make vp a Telbent, to shaue, to paire nayles, to fold vp Apparell handsomely, to keepe Land∣spaniels, to keepe Hawkes, to be Sewers, to be Quiries of the Stable, to be Target-bearers, and to waite at the Grand Signiors Table, and the like Seruices, as it is also vsed in the Courts of o∣ther Kings and Emperours. So that hauing beene in these Offices foure or fiue yeeres, they be∣come men able to teach others.

And whilst they are in these three Schooles, they are but indifferently apparelled, hauing their two Vests of Cloth per annum, some what fine, but their Linnen is such as the others weare, [ 20] and so they must be contented to be vnder the correction of their Mastes, who are so seuere, that for euery fault, or for suspition only of Dishonestie, cause them to bee punished with an hundred * 1.14 blowes on the soles of the feet, and on the Buttocks, insomuch that they leaue them oftentimes for dead. Neither are they permitted whilst they remayne in these three Oda's, to bee familiar with any but themselues, and that with great modestie too: so that it is a matter of great diffi∣cultie for any Stranger to speake with them or see them; which if it be obtayned, it must be by * 1.15 expresse leaue from the Capee Agha, who causeth an Eunuch to bee there present, so long as any Stranger shall bee in the company of any of the said youths. Nay, when they haue occasion to goe to the Bagno, or the like necessary businesse, they are very narrowly lookt vnto by the Eu∣nuches, [ 30] to keepe them by all meanes from any filthy Actions: And if they shall be found guiltie, or accused of any fault, they are most seuerely punished for it: And in their Bed-chambers (which * 1.16 are long Roomes, and hold about fortie or fiftie in each of them; for they sleepe neere one ano∣ther vpon the Sofas) there are euery night Lampes lighted, and Eunuches lying by them to keep them in awe, and from lewd and wanton behauiour.

Some of them also doe learne Mechanicke Arts, as sewing in Leather (which is in great e∣steeme * 1.17 amongst the Turkes) to mend Guns, to make Bowes and Arrowes, and Quiuers, and the like; from which Trades they often haue both their Sir-name and their Reputation too; For they are exceedingly beloued, who are diligent and flye Idlenesse.

And the Eunuches make great tryall of their constancie in Religion, searching (as farre as in [ 40] them lyes) their hearts, to see how they stand affected to Turcisme: For the time growing neere, * 1.18 wherein they are to passe to the fourth Odah, which is the chiefest and last, and from which they are called to businesse of great import; they would not then haue them at all remember that they were formerly Christians, or to haue any desire imaginable to turne to their first beliefe; least they should by some stratagems and politike carriage, proue disaduantageous to the Turkish Empire. So then, all possible proofe and triall being made, and they found to bee most strongly perswaded in themselues of the truth of that Religion, they then are preferred to the fourth O∣dah, where they are once more registred: For all they which are of the third Odah are not trans∣lated to the fourth at one and the same time, but only such as haue gone through all the Degrees in the three former, and are become fit for Seruice: And there is an Account kept apart of them which come into this fourth Odah, for they are immediately ordayned for the Grand Signiors [ 50] owne Seruice, and haue their pay encreased, some more and some lesse, vnto eight Aspers Per diem, * 1.19 and their Habits changed from Cloth to Silke, and Cloth of Gold of great price: but continue still with their heads and beards shauen, only they suffer some lockes to grow on each side from their temples, which hang downe below their eares, for a signe that they are they which are neerest to the preferment of comming into the Kings Chamber.

They must be very cleanly and neat in their Apparell before they come about the Grand Sig∣niors person; many of them accompanying him euer when he goeth abroad vpon pleasure: And * 1.20 they may freely conuerse with all the great men of the Serraglio, and with the Bashawes also, and are often presented with great gifts by men of great qualitie, to keepe in their fauour, hoping that they may become men of great command, and bee able to stand them in stead vpon diuers [ 60] occasions. Now out of these young men (after they haue finished the appointed terme of yeeres, and haue beene well instructed in all things as aforesaid) the Grand Signior chooseth his Agha's, which are his Gentlemen and serue him only; whose names and places are as followeth.

And first	that is,
The Silihtar Aga.	The Kings Sword-bearer.
The Chiohadar Aga.	Hee which carrieth his Yagmoorlick.
The Rechiubtar Aga.	Yeoman of the Stirrope.
The Mataragee Aga.	He which brings him water to wash.
The Telbentar Aga.	He which brings him his Turbant.
The Kemhasir Aga.	He which washeth his Linnen.
The Chesneghir Bashee.	Chiefe Sewer.
The Keelergee Bashee.	Chiefe Butler. [ 10]
The Dogangee Bashee▪	Chiefe Falconer.
The Zagargee Bashee.	Chiefe Huntsmen.
The Muhasabegee Bashee.	Chiefe Accomptant.
The Turnak gee Bashee.	He which pareth his nailes.
The Berber Bashee.	Chiefe Barber.
The Hamaromgee Bashee.	Hee which washeth the King in the Bath.
The Teskeregee Bashee.	Chiefe Secretarie to his Maiestie.

All which are of the eldest sort of them; and are alwayes in his Maiesties presence, holding downe their heads, for they may not be so bold as to loooke him in the face, and standing with [ 20] their hands acrosse before them, in token of the greatest Humilitie and Reuerence that may bee * 1.21 imagined: Neither are they permitted to speake at all to the Grand Signior, nor in his presence to one another; but if the King shall command or call for any thing, they are wonderfull speedie, and readie to obey. These all doe execute their Offices distinctly as aforesaid, and attend in pla∣ces * 1.22 appointed for them; that they may bee the better able to performe their Seruices, and the more readie to obey at euery becke; and at the houres of Dinner and Supper they waite in the Roome, taking the meate from the hands of the Vnder-sewer at the doore, and so his Majesties Table being made readie (which is of a Bulgar Hide) vpon a Sofa, they bring in the meate which is set thereon orderly, dish by dish, by the chiefe Sewer before the King, and is taken off a∣gaine * 1.23 as his Maiestie shall appoint. [ 30]

The Grand Signior is very well pleased, and takes great delight in their Seruice and company, making them ride on Horsebacke, and playing with them at seuerall Sports, at such time as hee * 1.24 is well disposed, euer gracing them with the bestowing gifts on them, of Vests, Chicquines, Swords, and other such like Presents, as come to the hands of the King before, by way of gift: * 1.25 And besides those fauours, his Majestie vseth to bestow vpon them the dispatching of Ambassies for other Countries, which is a Merchandize held by them to be of a great price, and bringeth in a great profit with it: For one of them hauing his Commission from the Grand Signior; for such or such a Prince, presently thinketh with himselfe, what that Prince vsually doth present the Am∣bassadour withall, and so accordingly agreeth with a Chiaush, or one of such like qualitie, to vn∣dertake the Ambassie, who must giue for the same as they can agree betwixt themselues, either [ 40] in readie Money, or otherwise at his returne, as he shall thinke best for his profit, and so he forth∣with giueth expedition to the partie chosen.

These sorts of Presents, proue wonderfull beneficiall; for, in the establishing of the Princes of Valachia, Bugdania, Transiluania, and of the King of Tartarie (to all which Princes the Grand * 1.26 Signior, sendeth Ambassadors for confirming their Possession of the said Dominions) they reape great benefit, it being specified in the Canon, how much euery one is to disburse for being hono∣red with that Solemnitie.

And this the Grand Signior doth of policie, to the end his Agha's may become rich, laying vp Money by them to serue for necessary Expenses for themselues, furnishing them with diuers things by that meanes against such time as they shall goe forth of the Serraglio: which is only [ 50] when his Majestie thinkes fit, and that most commonly on a sudden; either to be Generall at Sea, * 1.27 Bashaw of Catro, Aleppo, Damascus, Babylon, or of some other Prouinces; giuing also to some of them a Musahib, that is, as it were a Companion, who hath liberty freely to talke with him, and to goe out and in vnto him when he pleaseth; The which Title and fauour (of Musahib) proues to be of so great Reputation, that it is esteemed aboue any other sort of employment, for it is very rare, and only bestowed on such Subjects as haue deserued well of the Emperour.

And this hath beene a course vsed of old by the Grand Signiors Progenitors, that so they may haue some trustie Subjects abroad, that may giue notice of the carriage of the Bashawes in their seuerall Regiments, or of any other, if so be they should attempt any thing that might bee prejudiciall to the Crowne; that so the King by cutting off their prouision and the like meanes, [ 60] may anticipate their Plots and Designes. But if his Majestie be not pleased, so highly to exault some one of the aforesaid Agha's, as to be of the Degrees alreadie named; he then makes him Beg∣lerbegh * 1.28 of Grecia, or of Natolia; Agha of the Ianizaries, Spaheeler Agasee, which is Head ouer all the Spahees, Imrohor Bashee, which is Master of the Horse; or at least a Capigee Bashee, which is Head ouer the Capigees.

Now, the Grand Signior hauing bestowed any of the said places vpon them, they leaue the Serraglio, and carrie with them all their estates, both money and goods: and oftentimes other young men of the other Odahs, which are let goe through their owne hastinesse, and great im∣portunitie, not willing to stay out their time; but losing the Kings fauour are content with small pay and lesser reputation, to goe along with the said Aghas.

Such as goe out vpon the greatest employments, are accompanied forth of the Serraglio by the chiefe Vizir, who also presenteth them, and giueth them entertaynment for three or foure dayes in his house, vntill such time as they can bee prouided of houses of their owne, whither afterwards they repaire, and set their families in order, taking also vnto them such as are come out of the Serraglio, with them for Assistants and Ministers in the charge assigned vnto them; they also accept of the seruice of others which come in by gifts, which likewise redounds to the [ 10] benefit and aduantage of the great ones.

Now, they which succeed in preferment, those that are gone out of the Serraglio vpon the * 1.29 aforesaid employments; are (as the custome commandeth) such as are next in yeeres vnto them, and of the longest standing; neither can this course be altered, vnlesse by some sinister accident, or euill behauiour they faile thereof: So that it is alwaies knowne amongst themselues, who is next capable of publique employment; nay, the businesse is so orderly carried, and their course so regular, that euen they of the third Odah doe know what their future fortunes will bee, if they liue to enioy them: And indeed all of them liue in hope, and desire that the Grand Sig∣nior would often be pleased to send them abroad, that they may the sooner be out of their hard seruice in the Serraglio, and enter into the state of ample gouernment. [ 20]

They are most commonly of fiue and thirtie, or fortie yeeres of age before they are sent abroad. And because they come out of the Serraglio with their Beards shauen, they are faine to stay within doores for some few dayes to let them growe, that they may be fit to come amongst o∣ther great men, with which staying at home they are very well contented, for that in that time they receiue the Presents which are sent them from all the Sultanaes, of Vests, Shirts, Linnen∣breeches, * 1.30 and Hand-kerchiefs of all sorts richly wrought, and of great worth: and from the Bashawes and other Great men; Horses, Carpets, Vests, Slaues, and other things fit for the ere∣cting of a House and Familie. The which Presents are made the greater and richer, by so much the more as the partie to whom they are giuen, is knowne to bee fauoured and beloued of the King. Now, so soone as their beards are growne, they goe abroad, and beginne their visits; First, [ 30] to the chiefe Vizir, and then in order to the other Great ones, till they haue beene with them * 1.31 all, and last of all, offer their seruice to the Capee Agha, in all humble manner, acknowled∣ging that all their best fortunes and honours haue beene conferred vpon them by his meanes; and promising for euer, all dutifull respect vnto him for the same; but this complement with the Capee Agha is performed without that Gate on the Kings side, which is kept by the Eu∣nuches; for they may not come no more within that Gate, vnlesse they be called for by the King, for to treate of things belonging to their employments before their departure.

They all striue to gaine the loue of the Capee Agha; that he may bee a Protector and Patron vnto them, to possesse the Grand Signior with a good opinion of them in their absence; he being the chiefest in the Serraglio, and alwaies neerest to the King. [ 40]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Turkes hardly admitted.
• * 1.2

  Noble Cap∣tiues.
• * 1.3

  Eunuches cruell. Mortification Turkish.
• * 1.4

  Their number.
• * 1.5

  Discipline in Religion and Ciuilitie.
• * 1.6

  Foure Oda'h Schooles. Silence first Lesson. 2. Reuerence.
• * 1.7

  Booke or Check-roll.
• * 1.8

  3. Grammer and Religion to write, reade, and speake Turkish and A∣rabian Praiers.
• * 1.9

  Second Shoole.
• * 1.10

  4. Rhetorike & Languages. Persian, Arabian Tartartan.
• * 1.11

  5. Bodily Ex∣ercises.
• * 1.12

  Third Schoole
• * 1.13

  6. Horsman∣ship and Acti∣uitie. 7. Trades
• * 1.14

  Punishments.
• * 1.15

  Closenesse,
• * 1.16

  Bed-chambers
• * 1.17

  Sewing in Leather, &c.
• * 1.18

  Tryall of Reli∣gion. Fourth Schoole.
• * 1.19

  Prefermen〈…〉〈…〉,
• * 1.20

  Neatness,
• * 1.21

  Gesture.
• * 1.22

  Waiting.
• * 1.23

  Great Turkes Table.
• * 1.24

  Exercises. Gifts.
• * 1.25

  Ambassages. conferred.
• * 1.26

  Vassall Princes
• * 1.27

  Their going forth of the Serraglio to the chiefe Offices. Musahib.
• * 1.28

  Other Officers
• * 1.29

  Order in suc∣cession.
• * 1.30

  Presents from great persons whiles they stay.
• * 1.31

  Comming a∣broad, and visitings. Capee Agha.