The history of the Turkish War with the Rhodians, Venetians, Egyptians, Persians, and other nations being a compact series of the memorable battels, sieges, and progress of the Ottoman armies in Europe, Asia, and Africa, for near an hundred years, with their various success by sea and land : but a relation more particularly of the first bloody siege of Rhodes in the reign of Mahomet the Great ... and the last under the command of Solyman the Magnificent, who ... totally subdued that famous city and island, defended by the valour of the renowned Peter Aubusson ... / written by Will. Caoursin and Rhodgia Afendy.

THE HISTORY OF Peter D'Aubusson, Grand Master of RHODES.

Book Fourth.

THE Ottoman Fleet carri'd the news of their own misfortune home themselves to Constantinople. And Mahomet was as deeply sensible of this misfortune, as a wise and ambi∣tious Prince possibly could be, who had not prosper'd in an honourable Enterprize, which he undertook not

but upon great consideration. Though he were a great Master of himself, and one that could dissemble his par∣ticular anguish of mind; yet upon the sight of the principal Captains of the Army, and in that transport∣ment, he was about to have put them all to death. The Basha, Misach Paleogo, his favourite, presum'd to tell him with that freedom which his favour allow'd him, that they had nothing to accuse him either for his conduct or his courage; and that the Mussul-men had done as much as men could do. He was glad to tell him withal, that the Knights of Rhodes were men of an extraordinary valour; and that there appear'd in the Air a bright shining Troop, whose blows neither the Turks could shun, nor a∣bide their looks. But all these rea∣sons gave the Grand Signior no satis∣faction. He drove his Favourite out of his sight, and was so far from giving him the Vest of Honour, which he was wont to bestow upon his Ge∣nerals and Visiers, at their returns from military Expeditions, that he

commanded him to retire to the San∣giacatship of Gallipolt. Nor indeed had Mahomet any other way to cheer up himself for this misfortune, but by believing that the conquest of Rhodes was reserv'd to him alone, and that it belong'd only to him to tame the Knights, and their Grand Master.

They were soon inform'd at Rhodes of the preparations which were made at Constantinople for a new Expedi∣tion; nor was the Grand Master idle in preparing to receive them.

But while the Rhodians were re∣pairing the defences of their City, there happen'd extraordinary acci∣dents which chang'd the whole course of their proceedings. A little while after the Fleet of the Turks was de∣parted, there was heard over the whole Isle a kind of subterraneal noise, like to that of thunder that begins to grumble in a cloud. This was a prognostication of those Earth∣quakes with which the Island was ter∣rifi'd for many months. The most firm foundations of the City were shak'n by the first shogs, and almost

over-turn'd by the second shakings, which happen'd one after another; and which many times did not give over, but only to begin again with greater force.

The half of the Fort of St. Ni∣cholas tumbl'd down one night, and the ruines of the Tower overwhelm'd most part of the Souldiers in the Tower. As the exhalation that caus'd these motions grew to be more and more enrag'd by the attempts which it made to get loose out of the ca∣verns wherein it was enclos'd, the Earth-quake encreas'd every day. The Earth rear'd it self up, and vio∣lently bounded▪ forward in some pla∣ces; it cleft and open'd in others. Nothing but ruine and abysses ap∣pear'd every where; nothing was heard but the cries of affrighted peo∣ple, that run up and down to save themselves, and yet no where sound security. In short, it seem'd that the Island of Rhodes, which some believ'd was produc'd our of the Sea, to make the Earth tremble; was now just ready to perish by the same ac∣cident

for which it was created.

To add to their affliction, these tremblings of the Earth were ac∣compani'd with such prodigious and impetuous showers of rain, as if a second deluge had been come to over∣flow the World. Besides all this, the Sea swell'd ten foot high; and having surpast its bounds, over-run the C••∣ty with such an impetuosity and noise, as if it came to swallow it up. The Rhodians believ'd themselves lost, when they beheld how the very Ele∣ments conspir'd their ruine, at a time as they were threaten'd again with the whole force of the Turks. Nay, the Grand Master himself would have had much ado perhaps to have su∣stain'd himself with his natural con∣stancy, had not his confidence in God fortifi'd him against so many cala∣mities. Upon this Christian confi∣dence it was, that he was often heard to say, like Moses and David. The God of Battel is our fortress; when I walk in the midd'st of the shadow of death, I will fear none ill; be∣cause, thou Lord, art with me.

He exhorted all the people to take heart, but all his exhortations signi∣fi'd little; for the people sensible of what they felt, abandon'd themselves to those impressions which such sort of calamities produce. And that which encreas'd the publick conster∣nation, was, that about that time Mahomet was set out of Constanti∣nople at the head of three hunder'd thousand men, resolv'd to conquer Italy or Egypt, so soon as he had conquer'd Rhodes. He cross'd the Thracian Bosphorus, and took his way for Bithynia; with a design to cross all Asia the less, and to come to the Port of Lycia before the Knights should know of his march. But Heaven is pleas'd sometimes at one blow to bring down the pride of the Grandees of the Earth. This proud Prince, who thought upon no∣thing but new conquests, was taken away by a violent Cholick in the midd'st of his Army, neer to Nico∣media. He was three and fifty years old; so vigorous, that he endur'd all the travels and labours of War with∣out

any detriment to his health; the anguish that perplex'd him for raising the Seige of Rhodes did not a little contribute to his death. He always appear'd melancholly after that mis∣fortune; and upon the very naming the word Grand Master, he fell into such dull fits as made him insuppor∣table to himself. William Caoursin, who liv'd at that time, and was Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes, makes him to dye after a very strange manner. For he reports in his memoires, that Ma∣homet passing thorough a Forrest of Bithynia, a young Man clad in white, of a shape something more then Hu∣man, presented himself before him, with a visage burning with anger, and a flaming Sword in his hand, who after he had beheld him with a fiery and menacing eye, Most impious a∣mong men, said he, I will run thee thorough with this Sword. At which words Mahomet fell trembling from his Horse, as if he had been struck with a Thunder-bolt. That at the same time he suffer'd most bitter tor∣ments, which caus'd him to cry out

most dreadfully, and that soon after he died, blaspheming the name of Je∣sus, and cursing the Rhodians. Whe∣ther the Apparition were true or no, certain it is, that this Enemy of the Cross dy'd the same day that the Church celebrates the festival of the finding the Holy Cross, and that as he was expiring, he several times ut∣ter'd the word Rhodes, and comman∣ded in the extremity of his pangs, that this Inscription should be writ∣ten over his Tomb. My design was to have taken Rhodes and subdued Italy.

The death of the Ottoman Em∣peror was the safety of Christendome, and particularly of the Rhodian Ter∣ritories. So that when the Grand Master heard the news, he gave thanks in publick to Heaven, that the Order was deliver'd from so pow∣erful an adversary.

But that which more encreas'd the joy of the Knights was this, that the City of Otrantum was retaken from the Turks in Puglia, so soon as the death of Mahomet was known Ach∣mat

Basha, one of the greatest men of the Empire, had made himself Master of this City the year before; and had left a strong Garrison there∣in, and settl'd it in a condition not to be assaulted. The taking of O∣trantum made all Italy shake. And the vigorous holding out of the Turks against the Neapolitans that besieg'd it, began to make Rome sensible of her danger; but when the besieged understood the death of the Grand Signior, their courages fail'd them, and they surrendred to the Duke of Calabria, Son to the King of Naples, not staying for the succour of five and twenty thousand men which Ach∣mat was bringing himself. These Ty∣dings were acceptable to the Church; and then it was that the Rhodians began to take breath after such a se∣ries of misfortunes. The Earth grew steady, and the Sea retir'd, so that they had the liberty to repair all the ruins of the City. But as the cor∣ruption of manners usually proceeds from the disorders of War, the Grand Master undertook a reformation of

the Knights and people. To that end he made severe Laws against those vi∣ces that wound Christian Piety, and civil society, upon which accompt he forbad all manner of unlawful Games. These Laws were publickly proclaim∣ed, and what was thought almost incredible, as readily obey'd; but a Soveraign finds no great trouble to make his Subjects obey him when he commands nothing but what he practises himself.

While all things were calm at Rhodes; the two parties that strove to succeed in the Ottoman Empire, put all Turky into a confusion. Ma∣homet at his death left two Sons be∣hind him, Bajazet and Zizim, for Mustapha their elder brother was put to death by the command of his Father, That young Sultan, who who was both stout and valiant, and had not long before won a very sig∣nal victory from Ʋssum Cassan King of Persia, coming to the Ottoman Court about the particular affairs of his government of Amasia, fell so deeply in love with the wife of Ach∣mat,

that famous Basha that took Otrantum, that one day in the hight of his passion, he offer'd her violence as she was going into the Bath. Ach∣mat complain'd to Mahomet, and tore his Turbant and his Vest, to express his grief. What is that you complain of, haughtily answer'd the Grand Sig∣nior to the Basha, My Son has done nothing but abus'd the Wife of one of my Slaves. However to give Achmat satisfaction, he gave immediate order that Mustapha should be strangl'd, at the same time acting the part of a cruel Father and a just King.

Thus Bajazet and Zizim remain∣ed the only Heirs of the Crown. The first govern'd Paphlagonia, and resided not far from the Black Sea. The Se∣cond had the Government of Lico∣nia, in Asia the less, so that they were both at a great distance from their father when he dy'd. They had ever been kept a sunder the one from the other, and had never seen one another but once, out of a piece of policy of Mahomet, for fear least jealousy should divide themselves, or

a strickt amity unite them both a∣gainst him. They were of a different Character, and dispositions resem∣bling in nothing but the passion which they had to raign. Bajazet, to whom the Turks gave the name of Light∣ning or Thunder, by no means made his Title good, as being of a spirit altogether poor and mean, and one that minded nothing less then War. Zizim, whose name signifies love, on the contrary had a lively Wit, a noble Soul, and was most generously enclin'd. He was not so handsome as Bajazet; but there appear'd in his Person, and in his Countenance, such a mixture of Grandeur, sweet∣ness, and haughtiness mix'd together, that surpass'd beauty it self. He de∣lighted extreamly in hunting, and all Military exercises. And yet he had no less a love for learning then he had for Arms. He understood Langua∣ges, among the rest the Greek and Italian; he spent some part of his time in reading of Histories; and he was then writing the Story of his Fathers Life, when the news came to him of

his death. He was very zealous for the Mahumetan Religion, yet not with that head-strong passion, but that he had a great kindness for the Knights of Rhodes, whom his Father mortally hated, Besides all that, he had a par∣ticular affection for the Grand Ma∣ster, from the very time that the first overtures of peace were made, and he had always a design to make as strict a league with him as the law of the Mussel-men would permit. And in∣deed there is such a coherence between the Story of the Grand Master and Zizim, that I cannot forbear to relate what happne'd to the two Brothers, before the Knights did interest themselves altogether in the quarrel.

So soon as Bajazet and Zizim understood of the death of the Em∣peror. They both of them minded nothing else but how to get into pos∣session of the Empire. But before they took the Field, the partakers of each side at Constantinople, had taken Arms, and declar'd some for the One, and some for the Other. The heads of each party made out the best they

could the right of both Princes. They that took Bajazets part, cry'd out that nature spake in his behalf, for that being the eldest, he could not in justice be depriv'd of the Crown. The Friends of Zizim pretended that a lazy slothful Prince as Bajazet, that gave not his mind to business, but led a dissolute life, did not deserve to suc∣ceed to the great Mahomet. They maintain'd that Zizim, being endow∣ed from Heaven with all the qualities that made a Prince worthy of an Em∣pire, ought to be preferr'd in the suc∣cession to his Father. And as to the right of Eldership they added, that Bajazet indeed was born before Zi∣zim; but that for that very reason he had no right to the Imperial Crown. For, said they, the first is only the Son of Bajazet, the other is the Son of the Emperor. Bajazet was born while Amurath liv'd, and before Ba∣jazet bare the Scepter. But Zizim came into the World, when his Fa∣ther was in possession of all the Tur∣kish dominions; and after he had con∣quer'd the Empire of the Greeks;

so that it might be truly said, that this young Prince was born upon the Throne▪ and that Nature, as well as Fortune, had design'd him for the Em∣pire.

Both parties thus heated, fell at length from disputes to blows, the people taking part according as they were seduc'd and inveagl'd by the Janizaries and Basha's; insomuch that they plunder'd one part of the Palace, and the Imperial Treasure, and one of the Grandees of the Court was slain in a popular insurrection, wherein there was much blood spilt.

While this was the condition of affairs at Constantinople, and that the two Princes were preparing to make good their claims by force of Arms, the Grand Master thought it very con∣venient to take the advantage of Ma∣homet's death, and of the division of the Princes, and to make an attempt upon the Island of Meteline. It was then one of the richest Islands in the Archipelago, and the most commodi∣ous for Knights, being seated directly against the mouth of the Straight of

Gallipoli. The broyls of Turkey made the enterprize easy. For there was no likelihood of any relief by Sea from the Infidels, when their For∣ces were all employ'd in a Domestick War. These considerations encou∣rag'd the Grand Master to make ready with all speed the Ships of the Or∣der, and to spare for nothing that might procure the success of such an important design. The Commander de Jales, who at that time kept cru∣zing the Archipelago with two Gal∣leys, had order to attend the Fleet. When it was ready, it set Sail under the Conduct of the Commander de Carmandin, Baily of Lango. But sick∣ness happening in the Fleet, unseason∣able weather, and contrary winds dis∣appointed a design, the success where∣of seem'd to be infallible. But that which the Grand Master contriv'd to revenge himself upon the Soldan of Egypt, better succeeded. For that same treacherous Prince having no regard to the Peace, according to the custom and genius of the Mahume∣tans, had sent certain Pyrats to take

the Vessels, and plunder the Ships be∣longing to the Order, as if open War had been declar'd. Thereupon the Grand Master order'd his Galleys to cruize along the coasts of Syria and Egypt, and to make all the havock they could upon a faithless Barbarian. Which was so effectually perform'd, that Caerbei, the Soldan, soon repen∣ted him of his perjury.

In the mean while Bajazet's par∣ty grew strong. For while the two Sultans were upon their march to dispute for the Crown by force of Arms, Achmat, who return'd to Con∣stantinople when the Turks had for∣saken Otrantum, and who was a per∣son of great authority in the Empire, absolutely declar'd for Bajazet; whether it were that he was con∣vinc'd of the justice of his cause, or that he hop'd to have the Govern∣ment in his own hands, under a weak Prince. As he was a man prudent and bold, equally skill'd in Politicks as War; after he had partly threaten'd, partly caress'd the more factious sort, he appeas'd the Sedition by setting

upon the Throne one of Bajazett's Sons, of about thirteen years of age, whose name was Sultan Corcut, and proclaiming Emperor the Father of the young Prince. Bajazett, who had already tak'n shipping, soon came to Constantinople by the black Sea. Ach∣mat receiv'd him at the head of the Basha's and Janizaries that he had gain'd, who having all of them salu∣ted him Emperor, they conducted him to the Imperial Palace, surroun∣ded with the shouts and acclamations of the people, who acknowledg'd him the lawful Heir of Mahomet.

Zizim's Adherents were vex'd to the very hearts to see his enemy up∣on the Throne; but the absolute power that Achmat had gain'd, forc'd them to dissemble their resentment, and to comply with the advancement of Bajazett. However, they held private Caballs together, and invited the young Sultan to make all the haste he could. Zizim, who had not the convenience of the Sea, but was to march through Bithynia, did not understand till he was upon the road,

of the Coronation of his Brother. This unwelcome news did nothing abate the courage of the young Prince. He believ'd the people, whose inclinations are prone to change, and often contrary to themselves, would turn of his side, so soon as he should appear at Constantinople; and he be∣liev'd it so much the more, because that Bajazet had been always less belov'd then he. With these hopes he march'd in all haste towards Pru∣sia, the ancient residence of the Ot∣toman Emperors, and made himself Master of the City, with those few Troops which he had brought with him out of Lycaonia. This first suc∣cess seem'd to promise more. And therefore, that he might not be want∣ing to his own good fortune, he la∣bours, by means of his friends, to draw to his party the Lords and Grandees of the Port; and to regain the affection of the Janizaries, got what Money he could together, and reinforc'd his Army from day to day.

Bajazet, in whom desire of rule had augmented both his wit and his

courage, spar'd for nothing on his side, to stop the progress of the Sul∣tan his Brother. And fearing lest Zi∣zim should make himself Master of all Asia, he sent Achmat against him with a numerous Army, and made up of the old Souldiers of the Army. The Basha, who desir'd nothing more then to finish what he had begun, makes all possible haste, and encamps not far from Prusia, in a woody plain, resolv'd to carry the place, and to get the Prince into his power, who was the only obstacle to the repose of the new Emperor.

Zizim, who had not time to for∣tify the City, and wanted provisions to hold out a Siege, rather chose to take the field, then to be shut up in a weak and unprovided place. There∣upon out he marches at the head of his Cavalry; and having discover'd Achmat's Troops, which he did not think so nigh at hand, he resolv'd to give Battel immediately. Thus resolving to venture all for a Crown, he marches directly toward the ene∣my, telling his Souldiers that there

was no other way but either to con∣quer, or dye. Achmat stood him with a wonderful resolution; and after he had born the fury of the first shock, he charg'd him so rudely, that the Asiaticks were soon put to the rout. The most part of them were raw Souldiers, ill disciplin'd, effeminate, and more accustom'd to repose and luxury, then to the noise of arms and labour. The Prince return'd to the charge with some of the choice of his Army, but they perish'd almost all by his side, and he himself had either been slain, or tak'n, had not night come on. Thereupon, favour'd by the darkness, he got into the next wood, hoping to rally his Troops, and to bring them on again the next day. But understanding that the most part of his people were either prison∣ers, or slain, he took a sudden reso∣lution to fly for succour to the Soldan of Egypt, the King of Cilicia, and the Grand Master of Rhodes. To this purpose, with only forty Horse, marching day and night through un∣known places, at length he got into

Syria. Being come to Jerusalem, he went to visit the Temple of Salomon, to which the Mahumetans give a par∣ticular veneration; and there pro∣strated at the foot of the Altar, he besought the Divine Majesty to fa∣vour his just designs; after which, continuing his journey through the Deserts of Arabia, he came to Caire.

Cairbey receiv'd Zizim, not as a Fugitive, and despoyl'd Prince, but as a great King, the Son of a most famous Conqueror, and of the most Puissant Emperor that ever the Turks had. When he understood that the Prince was at hand, he sent before the most considerable Emirs and Ma∣malukes of his Court. And at the same time he went to receive him at the Gate of his Palace, contrary to the custome of the Soldans; nor were there any sort of honours or caresses with which he did not enter∣tain him. Zizim, so much the bet∣ter pleas'd with his entertainment, by how much the more he look'd up∣on the lowness of his condition, made his returns to the civilities of the

Chirurgeon, as shew'd his acknow∣ledgment, but testifi'd nothing of weakness, or want of courage. Af∣ter he had declar'd to him the reason of his coming, he told him withal, that he apply'd himself to him, as to the most zealous observer of the Ma∣humetan Law. He conjur'd him by the Temple of Solomon, and the Se∣pulcher of the Prophet Mahomet, which were both in his Dominions, to assist an unfortunate person with his counsels and his forces, against the violences of a barbarous Brother, who had depriv'd him of the Crown, and also sought to take away his life. The Soldan, mov'd by the discourse of Zizim, made him all manner of offers. But as Cairbey was a Politick Prince, who would not easily engage in dangerous affairs, being rather a lover of quiet and repose, he pro∣mis'd him first to labour an accom∣modation with Bajazet; and to keep his word, he dispatch'd away an Emir to Constantinople. The Embassy was no way pleasing to Zizim, who well knew that such kind of differences

were not to be determin'd but by force. But the posture of his affairs, and the consideration of his wife and children that came after him Caire, enforc'd him to dissemble. And the better to conceal his passion, he de∣fir'd to go to Mecca, to worship the Sepulcher of Mahomet, though per∣haps more out of discontent than devotion.

Hardly was the Ottoman Prince return'd, but news came from Con∣stantinople. Bajazet, who in all things follow'd the counsel of Ach∣mat, accepted the mediation of Cair∣bey, not so much to reconcile himself with his Brother, as to amuse him, and ruine him, under the pretence of accommodation. The Soldan over∣joy'd to see himself the Arbitrator of so great a quarrel, went about to per∣swade Zizim that a part of the Em∣pire was better then nothing; and upon that score he offer'd him for his share a Province in Asia. The Sul∣tan was much displeased at his Pro∣position, and could not forbear from manifesting how high an injury it

was to his pride. By this he found that mediation did but only make him lose time; and therefore not find∣ing Cairbey very readily dispos'd to succour him, he resolv'd to implore the assistance of other Princes, at what time he receiv'd an Embassy from the Grand Caraman.

This Monarch, whom Mahomet had despoyl'd of the Kingdom of Ci∣licia, now call'd Caramania, thought he had now a favourable opportuni∣ty to recover the Kingdoms which he had lost; and made no question but that by declaring himself against Bajazet, he should oblige Zizim, should he contribute to put him in possession of the Empire, to restore him his own. Upon this considera∣tion he rais'd Forces, and requested succour from all his friends. The Grand Master, to whom he particu∣larly address'd himself, sent him five Galleys laden with Souldiers and Ar∣tillery; who were readily willing to go, when the Counsel understood that it was done for the interest of Zi∣zim, who had been always kind to

the Knights, and the Vessels of the Order. In short, when Caraman had rais'd his Army, he sent for Sultan Zizim to come and joyn with him. The proposition of the King of Ca∣ramania was much more acceptable to the Prince, then that of the Sul∣tan; but that which chiefly made him determine to leave Caire, was, that several Basha's ill satisfi'd with the new Government, had by parti∣cular expresses assur'd him of their fidelity and services. However, as much displeas'd as he was in himself with Cairbey, he would not break with a Prince from whom he had re∣ceiv'd so much kindness; and who was able to do him as much preju∣dice. So that as a mark of the con∣fidence he repos'd in him, he left his wife and children with him.

The great desire which Zizim had to obtain the Crown, which, as he pretended, belong'd to him, and of which he thought himself more worthy than Bajazet, made him ha∣sten with all speed to Mount Taurus, where the Grand Caraman expected

him; and the reason which that ex∣pell'd King had to hate the Turks, made Zizim believe that he should find him an assur'd and faithful friend. After they had sworn to each other an inviolable Amity, the two Princes march'd together over vast Plains, and encamp'd with their For∣ces near to Lavanda, a City of Cap∣padocia; Achmat, who had winter'd in Lycaonia, neer Iconium, advanc'd with his Army upon the first report of the Confederacy of Caraman and Zizim; on the other side also Ba∣jazet, whom the desire of ruining his Brother, made more bold and va∣liant every day then other, set forth from Constantinople at the head of a hunder'd thousand men, and joyn'd with Achmat, who had at least as many.

Whatever resolutions the two Prin∣ces had taken, they began to be afraid of so great a force; and Caraman, who knew his Troops to be far weaker then those of the Turks, gave Zizim to understand that it would he but meer rashness to give Battel.

He also endeavour'd to perswade him that it was the part of prudence to retire. But the young Prince could not so resolve; either honour or de∣spair caus'd him to make a proposal to Bajazet, that they might termi∣nate their differences by a single com∣bat in the sight of both Armies. Ba∣jazet, who was not stout enough, and who was in too prosperous a condition to accept such a challenge, propos'd to Zizim another way of accommodation, and offer'd him any such Province as he should like upon the Frontiers of Turkey, with two hunder'd thousand Crowns in Gold every year, and a Court becoming the Ottoman magnificence.

Had those offers been as sincere, as they were made in craft, they would not have contented Zizims, whose ambition was not to be satis∣fi'd but with a Crown. He rejected them with disdain. But knowing that Achmat did but only seek to en∣snare him, that he might get his per∣son into his power, while he kept him in play with fair words, he at length

was perswaded to retreat. The ad∣vice which he had of their close pur∣suit, advis'd him to save himself through Forrests and Deserts in the most difficult Streights of Mount Taurus. The Caraman follow'd him presently after with his Forces very much tir'd. Zizim had formerly se∣cur'd himself in this place from the persecution of an enemy that was not his Brother; but judging well, that a Brother so unnatural as his would ne∣ver be at rest, till he had establish'd his Throne by the death of him that had the only right to pretend to it; after he had made several reflections upon the present, and the future, he resolv'd to seek the Alliance and pro∣tection of the Grand Master, whose generosity he was well acquainted with, and who was also a friend of the Grand Caraman. To that pur∣pose he wrote to Rhodes by one of his most faithful servants; but that Messenger was tak'n by the Turks, who possess'd all the passes of the Countrey, and carri'd to Bajazet, who put him immediately to death.

When Zizim understood that, and that Achmat sought for him in all places, he left Mount Taurus, and took the way of Lycia toward the Sea with the Grand Caraman, who was himself his guide. Who, no sooner were they got clear of the Streights of the Mountain, but their Troops who were posted there, and were pre∣paring to follow them, were surroun∣ded, and cut in pieces by Achmat. These new misfortunes put the young Prince upon sending to the Grand Master two prudent and faithful per∣sons, the one of which was nam'd Duan, and the other Solyman. And there happen'd to be at that time a Galiot of the Order, that carri'd the Embassdors of Zizim to Rhodes.

Duan and Solyman fully inform'd the Grand Master of the adventures of their Prince. And afterwards they told him that it belong'd to none but the most Illustrious Knights of the World to protect an opprest Innocent; and that it was less an honour to hum∣ble the proud, then to assist the mis∣erable. That Zizim requir'd neither

money nor men, being resolv'd to submit a while to his bad fortune; that he did not covet to rule, but on∣ly sought an Asylum, where he might live in safety and quiet. They added, that in his youth he had had a mani∣fest affection for the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and that he hop'd that the Mahumetan Law wherein he had been bred, would not hinder them from taking pity upon a young Prince expos'd to the most cruel per∣secution that ever was. To conclude, they told him that nothing would render the Knights of Rhodes more formidable to Bajazett, then their having his Brother in their power; not more considerable either in Eu∣rope or in Asia, then to be Master of the Destiny of a Prince, who was Ma∣homet's Heir.

These reasons were too sound not to move the Grand Master, who un∣derstood besides how profitable such an accident would be to all Christen∣dom. It was therefore resolv'd in Council to entertain Zizim, and the grand Vessel of the Treasury was

forthwith commanded together with a Galley, a Caravel, and other Vessels to go and fetch him. They also made ready at the same time a safe Con∣duct, after the same form which the Embassador desir'd. The Grand Ma∣ster made choice of Don Alvare of Zuinga, Prior of Castile, for so ho∣nourable a Command, and gave him his Orders how he should behave himself toward the Prince.

Bajazett on the other side finding by a Letter intercepted, and by the advices which he had, that Zizim had bent his course toward the Coast of Lycia, to pass from thence by Sea to Rhodes, sent after him a body of Horse, with orders to take him dead or alive. Zizim, who had intelli∣gence thereof, presently retir'd to the Sea side, where the great Caraman had prepar'd a Ship ready, in case the Prince should be pursu'd. The Spahi's however made so must haste, that they miss'd him but a moment; they appear'd at the very time when he was but just got into the Barque; and he was no sooner put off from

the shoar, but taking a Bow in sight of his Brothers souldiers, he let fly an Arrow, to the point whereof was fasten'd a Letter, the Contents of which were as follow.

King ZIZIM, To King Bajazett his cruel Brother.

IF I commit a crime in flying for Refuge to the Christians, especially, to the Knights of Rhodes, the mortal enemies of our Illustrious Family, 'tis thou who art the only cause of it, both before God and Men. Thou art not only content to have depriv'd me of the Empire, contrary to all Laws, Di∣vine and Humane; thou enforcest me to seek an ignominious sanctuary to save my life. Had Mahomet foreseen that thou wouldst one day have in such a manner disgrac'd the honour of the Name Mussulman, and the Ot∣toman

Race, he would have been thy executioner himself. But I hope that Heaven will revenge me of thy Ty∣ranny; and it is my prayer to our great Prophet, to hasten the punish∣ment which thou deservest.

When the Horsemen saw that the Bark was out of their reach, they re∣turn'd, enrag'd that they had miss'd their prey, and carri'd the Letter to Bajazett. The Barbarian could not refrain from tears when he read it: And it is reported that he was seiz'd with a terrour when he had consider'd it, and fell into a deep fit of malancholly. So great a power have the conceptions of Nature and Religion, at certain times, upon minds, the most cruel and impious. In the mean time, Zizim, who had heard no tidings of his Embassadors, not knowing what course to steer, nor were to land in safety, wander'd at the mercy of the waves and winds along the Coast of Lycia, at what time he discover'd certain Vessels, that with all the sail they could,

seem'd to make toward him. Now, as it is natural to the unfortunate to be afraid of every thing, the Prince imagin'd them to be either Pirates, or such as had a design upon his life, being in pursuit of him by his Bro∣thers order, upon which he com∣manded the Pilot to gain the first landing-place: But the event prov'd to him that he had had a false ala∣rum. For they whom he took for Pirates and Enemies, were the Ships of Rhodes that were sent to seek him out.

When the Vessels were within sight of Lycia, Don Alvarez, according to his Instructions, sent Zizim's Em∣bassadors. and a Knight along with him to give notice of his Arrival. No sooner were they landed, but per∣ceiving a Bark not far from the place where they went ashore, they found there Zizim himself, whom they thought to have been at the Court of the Grand Caraman. The Embassa∣dors gave him an accompt of the fa∣vourable Inclinations of the Grand Master, and the Knight told him that

Don Alvare, a kinsman of the Kings of Castile, Captain General of the Armies of the Order, and the Grand Masters Lieutenant, was come on purpose to conduct him safely to Rhodes. The Prince, who found something that was very acceptable in so strange an Adventure, and who perhaps out of pride, would not at first confess his slight and his fear to an unknown per∣son, smartly reply'd, that not que∣stioning the generosity of the Grand Master, he thought it convenient ra∣ther to come and expect him upon the Coast, then to put him to the trouble of s•…•…rching after him. After which the Knight returning to the Brigantine, and coming up with the Vessels at Sea, Don Alvarez made to the Prince himself, to salute him in his own Galley. He presented him the Grand Masters safe conduct and Letter, and then carry'd him into the great Ship with a loud noise of Trum∣pets, and the Thunder of the Canon.

The Prior of Castile was one of those Spaniards, who being rarely bred, perfectly understood the world,

being no less polite then ••extrous i•• his behaviour; and therefore he faild not to pay Zizim all those respects and offices which were due to an un∣fortunate and afflicted Prince. For though ill fortune had not abated the courage of the young Sultan, it had however somewhat encreas'd his natural melancholy. The Procedure of Don Alvare affected Zizim in such a manner, that he testified at first how sensible he was of his kind offices, and gentle services. Generous Knight, said he, in loosing a Throne, I have not lost those thoughts which Nature bequeaths to the most barba∣rous. And if fortune do not altogether destine me to misery, you shall find that I was not born ungrateful. But I see your generosity is altogether pure, and that in treating an Ʋnfor∣tunate so worthily, you only seek the honour of doing good. Yet I cannot wonder enough, added he, that so much civility should be shewn to the Son of the most implacable enemy Your Order ever had, and I must con∣fess, that therein I admire your inge∣nuity.

Great Prince, Repli'd the Knight, Reason commands that we should give honour to persons of high birth, and real merit; whatever their con∣dition be; and they are but mean souls, that rather follow the Fortunes, then the persons of Kings. You are forc'd to fly ill intreated by your sub∣jects, and depriv'd of your Domi∣nions, but you are still a King, you are still Sultan Zizim. We receive you as a Prince, whose virtue and misfortune render him worthy the esteem of Christians, and not as an enemy. Nor are you to wonder that the Grand Master entertains in this manner the Son of an Emperour, who mortally hated us. Mahomet your Father did all he could to ruine us: we have done all we could to with∣stand his triumphant Arms, and by the mercy of God we obtain'd a signal Victory against him, the remembrance of which After-Ages will preserve. The Knights of Rhodes know how to vanquish those that assail them; but they know how to relieve with hu∣manity those that cast themselves into

their Protection; nor are ••here any Injuries which they do not forget, when their enemies are no longer able to do them harm.

The Answer of Don Alvares con∣vinc'd Zizim of the generosity of the Knights, and entirely gain'd his confidence.

The Grand Master had command∣ed that he should be treated like the Son of an Emperour and a King. To which purpose the Officers that first serv'd him at his Table, made an Es∣say of the meat, according to the cu∣stom of the Courts of Europe. Zizim seem'd to be surpriz'd, because that Ceremony is not in fashion among the Turks: but it was told him it was the usual practice at the Tables of the European Princes, and that it was an Assurance against poison. Oh! said he. I am not afraid of be∣ing poisoned by such generous Knights as you; I have put my life and for∣tune into your hands, and I hold my self secure. Besides, I had rather you should treat me as a friend, then a Prince. Concluding those words,

he took •…•…mething out of every dish of which no Essay had been made, and putting all the meat into one plate, he began to eat, to let the Knights know how much he confided in them. After that he began to be more gay and pleasant, while the good entertainment that he receiv'd had almost made him forget his past mis∣fortunes.

Nevertheless, when the Ships were under sail, and that the Coasts of Ly∣cia began to disappear, he then began to be apprehensive that nothing could be more worthy of composition then a fugitive and wandring King, driven to seek an Asylum in the territories of strangers, and of enemies. So that the sad thoughts which seiz'd him all of a sudden, caus'd him to be profoundly sad for some hours; so that all his courage was but little enough to bring him to his former humour.

For the mean while the Ship kept on their course, and they had so fortunate a passage, that they came in a small time within view of Rhodes.

Don Alvarez speeded before in a Brigantine, to give the Grand Master notice of the Prince's arrival. All things were already order'd for his Entry; and among the rest of the preparations, there was a bridge of wood, which reach'd from the gate of the Port, above ten paces into the Sea, to the very place where the Ship that carri'd Zizim was to lye.

The most ancient Commanders which the Grand Master sent before to meet the Prince, receiv'd him with all the respect which was due to the Son of their Emperour Mahomet. So that while the Artillery play'd from all parts, he pass'd over the Bridge which was cover'd with cloth of Gold, in the midst of the Acclama∣tions of the people, whom curiosity had drawn to the shoar. From whence, after he had mounted a Spanish Cour∣ser, richly harnessed, he rode forward to the Great Piazza, with the sound of fifes and Trumpets, conducted by Don Alvarez, who did him the Of∣fice of a Squire. The Streets were all strew'd with herbs & flowers, and an

infinite number of people fill'd the plat-forms and windows. Zizim, entring into the City, was smitten with the beauty which appear'd there very rich in habit, as well to see as to be seen, and with a loud voice he spoke it, that it was not for nothing that the Rhodian women were ac∣counted the fairest of all Asia.

At the same time that the Ship which carry'd Zizim entred the Port, the Grand Master march'd out of the Castle with a pompous train, and in very good order. He was at∣tended by a troop of young Knights, very richly habited, and mounted upon horses of high price. The Of∣ficers of the Order follow'd them; every one wearing about their necks a Chain of Gold, going two and two, with countenances wherein there was both haughtiness and modesty mix∣ed together. The Grand Master ap∣pear'd at last, apparell'd in Tissue of Gold, embroider'd with precious stones, mounted upon a Neopolitan Steed, whose harness was all em∣broider'd with Gold and Silver. The

Squires and Pages that follow'd him, were no less remarkable for the splendour of their habits and furni∣ture, then for their goodly presences, and dexterity in the management of their Horses. But there appear'd an Air so noble, and something so ma∣jestick in the person of the Grand Master, that he was easily distin∣guish'd from the rest of the company. A great body of Horse clos'd up the Rear of the Retinue.

The Grand Master stopp'd before the Church of St. Sebastian, and put his men in order in the Piaz, expect∣ing the approach of the Sultan. So soon as Zizim perceiv'd the Grand Master, who was shew'd him by Don Alvarez, though he were re∣markable enough in many other re∣spects, he saluted him according to the manner of the Turks, by putting his finger three times upon his mouth. The Grand Master on his part making a low obeysance, ad∣vanc'd toward him, and making a se∣cond bow, gave him a very civil com∣plement in Italian, which was an∣swer'd

by the Prince with a good grace, and in expressions full of good sense. After that they gave their hands each to other, and having re∣peated some few more words of friendship and kindness, they march'd together to the French Lodgings, which were prepar'd for the Prince. The Grand Master, when they began to set forward, gave him the upper hand, but Zizim, making some re∣flexions upon it, would not permit it at first. I am your Captive, said he, and it becomes not a Captive to take the place of honour. Sir, an∣swer'd the Grand Master, Captives of your condition, preserve their dignity in all places, and I would to God you had as much power in Constantinople as you have in Rhodes.

As to the rest, Zizim appear'd neither merry nor sad, during the whole Calvacade. He carry'd the look of a person, who had the proof both at one time of good and bad fortune; or like one that believ'd himself worthy of the honours which were done him. He seem'd however

to be highly pleas'd with the beha∣viour of the Knights; and when he alighted from his Horse, he em∣brac'd the Grand Master with a very tender affection, calling him several times his Protector and Father. That day, and for some daies following, they had several particular discourses upon the present condition of Affairs; but all that time abstain'd from par∣ticular conferences. However, there was nothing omitted for the diver∣tisement of the young Sultan, so that there was nothing to be seen at Rhodes but Hunting matches, Run∣ing at the Ring, Shews, and magni∣ficent Feasts. But all these diver∣tisements did not compleat the re∣pose of the Prince's mind. For though he were not afraid of the Knights, he could not think himself in safety in a place full of Greeks, and so neer the Turks; and what was more the proceedings of the Port, daily en∣creas'd his disquiet and his fears.

At the beginning of those divisions which turmoil'd the Ottoman Em∣pire, after the death of Mahomet,

Bajazett was afraid that it would not go well with his affairs, so long as he was not in friendship with the Grand Master, however he could not condescend to demand peace himself. There to save his reputa∣tion, he dealt in private with the Sub-Basha De Pizzona, who was come over to his Party, and was Go∣vernour of Lycia. The Sub-Basha sent an Embassador to Rhodes, with instructions not to speak of Bajazett, but only to manage a truce between the people of Lycia and the Rho∣dians, believing that a Peace would easily follow a Truce. But the Em∣bassy not having that success which was expected, Bajazett made use of Achmat to carry on his design. The Basha, as jealous of the honour of the Sultan, as the Governour of Ly∣cia, wrote, as from his Supream a very yielding Letter to engage the Grand Master to an accommodation, and entrusted Lasim Brahim for his Agent with the Letter. The Grand Master thought himself obliged to hear the Propositions of Achmat, as

well for the love of his people, who stood in need of rest after the toils of so long a war, as for the honour of the Order, to whom a Treaty could not be but advantageous, that men∣tion'd nothing of Tribute.

The Reception of Zizim, made Bajazet impatient of a conclusion of peace. Upon which Achmat urg'd it more and more by his Minister Lasim Brahim. He offer'd also that the Grand Signior should sign what∣ever the Knights desir'd, and for a pledge of his real intentions, he re∣stor'd all the Vessels of the Order which had been taken since the Truce by the Pyrates of Lycia.

All these condescentions of the Port, so different from the Ottoman Haughtiness, more then ever alarum'd Prince Zizim. He imagin'd with himself, that his Brother was not so desirous of peace, but only that he might have an occasion to destroy him; and that when Trade should be free between the Rhodians & Turks, he should be in daily fear of either be∣ing stabb'd or poison'd: and that the

runagate Greeks so accustom'd to treachery and murther, would omit nothing to serve Bajazett to good purpose. In the midst of these thoughts he resolv'd to seek a San∣ctuary elsewhere, to preserve himself from a violent death, to which pur∣pose he open'd his mind to the Grand Master, in whom he put an entire confidence. The Grand Master found that Zizim offer'd nothing but reason; yet because the affair was of great impotance, he resolv'd to have the advice of his Council, before he gave the Prince a positive answer. Among them, Opinions were different, while some affirm'd that it was for the interest and honour of the Order to keep the Prince; that Bajazett durst not refuse the Knights any thing, or make any at∣tempt upon them, while Zizim re∣main'd at Rhodes; that when he was out of their power, they could ex∣pect nothing but a cruel war, or a very disadvantageous peace. That by all the rules of prudence they were to lay hold upon so fair an oc∣casion;

or at least before the retreat of the Sultan, they were to make an honourable agreement with the Port. As for the safety of the Prince, they might easily secure it, by affording him a sufficient Guard, there being very few Assassinates that would at∣attempt the persons of great men, at the hazard of their own lives.

The more disinterested, and the wiser sort were of a contrary judg∣ment, that a removal was the only way to preserve Sultan Zizim from the misfortunes that threatned him: that war did no way secure him, that after a refusal of Peace with the Turks, they had no way to secure him from poison or assassination, while treason enters every where, and the fidelity of servants and guards is not proof against any large sum of money. That while Bajazet sought to get him into his power by all the waies ima∣ginable, they could neither surrender him without betraying their faith given, nor keep him without drawing upon themselves the indignation of the Sultan.

Zizim, who saw that his affairs would spin out too much time, unless he determin'd something speedily, and well enough understood the danger of delay, press'd the Grand Master to give him his liberty to be gone, and conjur'd him to permit him that he might go to the King of France, as be∣ing the person most capable to pro∣tect him against the Tyranny of his Brother. For besides that he guess'd at the French Humour, by the beha∣viour of the Grand Master, he had heard frequent discourses of their ge∣nerosity; nor did he question but that the successors of Clovis and Charlemaigne, whose famous deeds he had read, would take delight in re∣storing a Prince to his Throne.

The Grand Master could not with∣stand neither the reasons, nor the powerful instances of Zizim. He approv'd his determination touching his retreat into France. But that which made him approve it the more, was that he thought that Zizim ran no hazard in a Countrey which pro∣duc'd no Monsters, and where poison

was unknown. So that the safety of a poor Prince who had thrown him∣self into the Arms of the Knights, made the Grand Master in some mea∣sure forget his own Interests, and those of his people; for not troubling himself about the ill consequences that so hasty a Retreat might draw after it, he gave all orders necessary for the Voyage into France. He re∣doubl'd at the same time his civilties to the Sultan, and the eeve before his departure made him a most magni∣cent Feast. Zizim admir'd more then once the variety and dressing of the meat, and the order of the ser∣vice, confessing that the magnificence of the Ottoman Emperours had no∣thing so sumptuous. During the feast there was a noble consort of musick, and among the rest of the Musicians an English man, who sung rarely, and plaid upon a certain unusual In∣strument compos'd of four Pipes joyn'd together, charming all the company, except the Prince, whose ears were not accustom'd to such sweet musick. Whereupon the Grand

Master who perceiv'd it, and sate a∣lone at the Table with him, sent for a Turkish Slave, whom he thought would better please him.

This Slave, singing a Turkish Air, and playing upon I know not what sort of Instrument, making faces, and using ridiculous postures, delighted Zizim so well, that he caus'd him to laugh heartily. He eat plentifully and as strict as he was in the obser∣vation of his Law, he drank wine sometimes mix'd with Aromatick juices, and sometimes neat without any composition. The Feast was in the Grand Master's Palace, where they sate upon two Chairs with a Table before them, after the fashion of Europe; but that posture was un∣easie to the Sultan, who was wont to eat cross-legg'd, so that he cast his eyes up and down to see if no body observ'd his disturbanee.

But after all these lesser observa∣tions, Zizim was extraordinarily satisfi'd with the marks of friendship which he receiv'd from the Grand Master during his stay at Rhodes; he

return'd him thanks several times; and as a testimony of his gratitude, he caus'd three Authentick Acts to be forthwith made ready, which he put into the Grand Master's hands. The first was an absolute power for him to conclude a Peace with the Port, as he should see good. The se∣cond was a kind of a Manifesto for the discharge of the Knights, by which the Prince declar'd that he had earnestly desir'd to go out of Rhodes, and to be conducted into France: which is alone enough to justifie the Grand Master, whom some ill-meaning, or ill-inform'd people have blam'd for letting the Prince go. The third Act was a perpetual confederation of the Prince with the Order, in case he should ever come to be restor'd to the Dominions and Territories of his Ancestors. This last Act is so much for the honour of the Grand Master, and so highly mani∣fests the acknowledgment of Zizim, that I thought it might not be troublesom to the Reader to see it.

Let all the world know that King Zizim, of the Race of the Ottomans, Son of the invincible Mahomet, King of Kings, and Soveraign Emperour of Greece and Asia, is infinitely be∣holding to the thrice generous, and thrice illustrious, the Lord Peter D'Aubusson, Grand Master of Rhodes. Let all the world also know that for the kind Offices he hath shewn me in the most perilous adven∣tures of my life, and to testifie my ac∣knowledgment as far as the present condition of my fortune will give me leave, I promise solemnly to God and our Great Prophet, that if I ever re∣cover either absolutely or in part, the Imperial Crown of my Father, I promise, I say, and swear to hold a perpetual friendship, and inviolable peace with the Grand Master and his successours according to the Articles following.

In the first place I engage my self, my children, and the children of my children to have an eternal kindness for the order of St. John of Jerusa∣lem, so that neither I, nor my chil∣dren shall do them any injury either

by Sea or Land. That we will be so far from stopping the Vessels or dis∣turbing the commerce of the Mer∣chants of Rhodes, or of any other Ilands appertaining to the Order, that our ports shall be free to them in all the Provinces under our obedience, as if they themselves were our subjects; or rather we will entertain them as our friends, permitting them to buy, sell, or transport what Merchandize they please, without paying any cus∣tom or duty.

Besides this, I consent that the Grand Master shall every year take out of my Territories three hundred Christians of both sexes, and at what age he pleases, to put into the Islands of the order, or to do with them what he thinkes best. And in some measure to make satisfaction for the expences which the Grand Master has bin at, and every day so liberally allows for my sake, I oblige my self to pay in ready mony a hundred and fifty thousand Crowns in Gold. Last∣ly I promise upon oath to restore him all the Isles, all the Lands, and all

the Fortresses which the Ottoman Emperours have taken from the or∣der. And for a testimony that this is my will, I have sign'd with my hand, and seald with my seal this present Act given at Rhodes in the palace of the French Apartiment the fift of the month Regeb, the year of the Hegira, 887.

The 31. Of August in the Year of grace, 1482.

The third of September which was the day that the Prince took shipping, he was attended to the Sea with the same Pomp, and the same ceremonie, with which he was receiv'd. He took his leave of the principal Knights, after a most obliging manner, wherin there appear'd nothing of Barbarism. He also laid aside all his haughtiness, when he gave the Grand Master his last farewel: For it is reported that he threw himself at his feet, and kiss'd his hand with a profound respect. The Grand Master tenderly embrac'd him, and wept for some time over him ei∣ther through compassion, or through

some secret dictate that he should never see him again. The Knight de Blanchefort, who was return'd to Rhodes since the raising of the seige, & the Knight de Rochechenard had order to conduct the Sultan into France, not to mention the Knights who were nam'd to accompany him, and to serve him as a convoy; but they en∣ter'd all together with Zizim into the great ship of the order, and set saile the same day with a favourable wind.

The Grand Master, who had al∣ready given advice to the Pope of the arrival of the Ottoman Prince, gave him also notice of his depar∣ture by this opportunity, and sent him word in particular, that Zizim of his own accord had made choice of France for the security of his life: that he had good ground for his fears; in regard that for the forty dayes that he had stay'd in Rhodes he was certainly enformd that the Grand signiour had us'd all his en∣deavours either to take or murder him.

The departure of the Prince did not work that ill effect which some were afraid of. For though Baja∣zet was soon inform'd of what had pass'd, yet he desir'd peace with the same earnestness as before; because he always lookt upon the Grand Master as the Arbiter of the Sultan his Brothers fortune. So that the Embassadours that departed for Con∣stantinople the next day after Prince Zizim was gon, were honourably re∣ceiv'd by the Grand Signiour, and the peace had bin presently conclu∣ded, had not the pride of Achmat put a stop to it.

This Basha, equally proud & cuning, who in his letters had given a blank paper to the Grand Master, could not endure that the first proporsition which the Embassadours made should be that no mention should be made of Tribute. He brake forth upon that subject with a haughtiness, which made him almost forget the respect to the sacred Persons of the Ministers of Soveraign Princes. The Knight Guy de Mont Amaud, who was one

of the Embassadours, and who in his instructions had express order to bear up briskly against the Basha, took him up short, and spoke to him with that sharpness, that had absolutely broke off the Negotiation, if Misach Paleologus, who was at the confe∣rence, had not allay'd their passions. After the death of Mahomet he was returned to the port, and had gain'd the favour of Bajazet, by espousing his Interest. He, well acquainted with the humour of the Knights, and having prov'd to his cost, the con∣stancy of the Grand Master, knew it was in vain for Achmat to contend so obstinately upon the point of tri∣bute, and told him his reasons breif∣ly, though in the Turkish language, that the Embassadours might not un∣derstand him.

The Knight Leonard Duprat, who was the other Embassadour, and un∣derstood Turkish, understanding the Basha's discourse, and repeating it in French to the Knight de Mont A∣maud, was the occasion, that both standing stifly to their principles,

Achmats heat began to cool, so that of himself he began to give way to their demands. Bajazet promised not only to live in good amity with the Knights of Rhodes, but not to trouble the rest of the Christians. The Grand Master undertook for his part, to keep Zizim always in the power of the Knigths, and to endeavour all he could that the Sultan should not fall into the hands of any Prince ei∣ther Christian or Infidel. Upon this the peace was concluded according to the Articles which the Embassa∣dours propos'd; and it may be said that never was any Accommodation made with the Port, either more ho∣nourable or more profitable to Chris∣tendom. That which was most re∣markable and extraordinary was that Bajazet engaged himself, either through weakness or Policie, to pay the Grand Master a kind of Tribute. To this purpose he sent to Rhodes Cagritaim, his principal favourite. and the two Knights bestirr'd them∣selves so well, that they carry'd him along with them upon their return.

Cagritaim declar'd in full councel, that the Port would pay to the order thirty five thousand Duckets, money of Venice, for the subsistence of Zi∣zim, and besides that, the Grand Sig∣niour would pay every year to the Grand Master in particular ten thou∣sand Duckets, to make him amends in some measure for the excessive charges he had bin at in the last war.

Achmat, who was the proudest person in the world, and one that mortally hated the Christians, espe∣cially the Grand Master and the Knights, could not brook this con∣desciention in the Grand Signor: He accus'd him of lowness of Spirit, and cowardice; he murmur'd in publick, and made sharpe scoffs upon it. Ba∣jazet, who for some time before be∣gan to grow jealous of the Basha, as of a person that did not love any thing more then war; and was therefore likely to take Zizims part, took these murmuors and rebukes for the symptomes of a revolt: And be∣liev'd that only the death of such a

dangerous enemy could break his designs. True it is that he owd to him for the Crown; but usually great bene∣fits are look'd upon as crimes: & weak Princes often find their safety in the destruction of those that rais'd them, and are able to pull them down again.

So soon as the peace was conclu∣ded between the Knights and the Turkes, the Grand Signiour put to death this famous Basha at a Mag∣nificent feast, where were all the grandees of the Port, and where Bajazet was present himself. The discourse of the table falling upon the Peace, and Zizim, Bajazet to provoke Achmat, and to engage him to speak somthing to be layd hold on, publick∣ly declar'd that he would lessen the Souldiers pay, and deprive the Gran∣dees of the port of their emploiments that were not loyal to their lawful Prince. The Basha, who well un∣derstood that those words concern'd him, presently took fire, and went so high in the heat of the debau∣chery, as to tell the Grand Sig∣nor that it was but an ill way to

establish a throne to provoke the Souldiery; and that the Ottoman Monarcks were not assur'd of their Empires, so long as they had Bro∣thers alive. He had no ••o••ner spoke the words, but a mu••e in∣structed before gave him six stabs with a poignard. Others say that after the feast was over, Bajazet who loved wine, kept Achm••tt to drink with him alone, under pretence of friendship, and that seeing him half drunk he commanded two Eunuches to strangle him However, it were Cagrit•…•… succeeded at the Port in his place, though he had neither the merit nor experience; but he knew perfectly how to humour Ba∣jazet, who only minded case.

In the mean while, the Grand Master, who made little accompt of the friendship of the Infidels, of whose perfidiousness he had a thou∣sand times experienc'd; and for that the person of Zizim seem very pro∣per for him to make use of in case of a rupture, he apply'd himself wholly to make a league between the

Christian Princes against the com∣mon enemy. He wrought several Letters to them, he sent them perti∣cular Agents to let them understand that there was never a fairer oppor∣tunity to ruin the Ottoman Em∣pire, or at least to weak'n it very much; that Zizim at the head of a croisade world do as much as ma∣ny Armies together, that the death of Achmat had depriv'd the Turkes of the most able Minister, and the most valiant Captain, that per∣haps they ever had. That the Grand Caraman, and other Princes of Asia expected only when Europe would move, to declare themselves; and in short, that all the present con∣junctures renderd that enterprize easie, which was so difficult of it self. But I know not by what fatality, if it were not rather the Incomprehen∣sible disposal of providence, the Christian world, was not at all en∣clin'd to take advantage of the op∣portunity which Heaven it self seem'd to put into their hands. All Italy was then divided. The King

of Naples, the Duke of Milan, and the Florentines were in arms against the Pope and the common wealth of Venice. France was notess in trou∣ble after the death of Lewis the 11^th. The party of malecontents stirr'd up by the Duke of Orleans who pretended to the regency, and by the Count of Angoulism his cou∣sin; had excited troubles over all the Kingdom. Besides the French de∣sir'd quiet at home, only that they might be at leasure for the conquest Naples. And young Charles the 8th. Who naturally loved honour, made that the aim of all his ambi∣tion. The war of the Moors made work enough in Spain. And the bad correspondence which daily en∣creas'd between the Emperour Frede∣rick, and Matthias Corvin, King of Hungary prevented them from uni∣ting together against the Turk, so that all the designs of the Grand Ma∣ster vanish'd in smoak, and with all his zeal he had only the greife to effect nothing.

But if the Christian Princes were

not in a condition to make use of the person of Zizim for the common good of Christendom, they were no less disappointed in making advan∣tage of him for their particular In∣terests. How importunate soever the most part of them were to have him, the Grand Master would never give his consent, and his orders were so well observ'd in that particular, that the order of St. John was always the Mistress of him. Zizim being arriv'd in France, the King receiv'd him but coldly, either be∣cause that France would by no means embroil themselves with the Port, just before the expedition a∣gainst Naples, or else because they fear'd that an honourable reception was an engagement too high in the entertaining a Turkish Prince, so that he stay'd but a very little while at Court, the Knights conducting him to the commander of Bourgneus, this was a place upon the confines of Po∣icton and March, pleasently situated where the Grand Priers of Auvergne kept their Residence.

The Knight Blanchefort, with whom the Grand Master had parti∣cularly entrusted the person of Zi∣zim, took care that the Prince should not be presently displeased. He gave him all the honour that his birth deserv'd, and sh••w'd him all the sports and pastimes that the Country could afford. But notwith∣standing all these civilities, the Knight Blanchefort omitted not to have an eye upon the Prince, and to keep a strong guard about him, to hinder those that sought for him from getting him into their hands either by cunning or force. But as the love of liberty is more natural to Princes then to other men, Zizim soon perceiv'd that he was watch'd too narrowly. That reflexion made him suspect the diligences of the Knights, and caus'd him to think ••hat he was rather kept as a priso∣••er then a Prince. He testify'd his displeasure at it, which caus'd those ••eports that ran about the world in prejudice of the Grand Master's ho∣••our. They gave out that it was a

violation of the publick faith to re∣tain Zizim in prison against his will. That the Knights had sold his liber∣ty to the Ottoman Port for forty thou∣sand Ducats a year; and that it was therefore no wonder they had such a strict eye over him. That such a prisoner was a treasure for them, and that their insatiable ava∣rice made them foget the more ho∣ly duties of civil society.

They that thus discours'd either through jealousy, or else judging by outward appearances, did not consi∣der that at a time when all Europe was in an uproar, there was no∣thing more to be done for the good of Christendom, nor for the safety of Zizim, then what the Grand Master did. And had they been well inform'd of all the snares that the Grand Signiour laid for Zizim, they would then have chang'd their Opi∣nion, and found that the Knights that so guarded him were the true defenders of his life, and of his li∣berty.

Nor had Zizim reason to com∣plain

of the conduct of the Grand Master as well in reference to him self, as the Ottoman Port; for in desi∣ring a safe conduct of him, he ex∣pessly declar'd that he intended to follow his counsel and orders in every thing, so that by the consent of Zi∣zims Imbassadours the safe conduct was dispatched upon that condition, as the Grand Master observ'd in a Letter which he wrote to Pope sex∣tus the 4th. Besides the Sultan had given the Grand Master a sufficient liberty to treat with the Grand Ma∣ster as he pleas'd himself, and it was by vertue of that liberty that the Grand Master had concern'd Zizim in the treaty of peace.

As for the thirty thousand Du∣cats, certain it is, that the money was spent in maintenance of Zizim. By which the Grand Master was so far from getting any profit, that he made an addition to it out of his own revenue. Which may be easily thought to be true, considering with what royal magnificence the Otto∣man Prince was always entertain'd,

not to mention the infinite expences of receiving and sending Embassa∣dours.

But Zizim's discontent lasted not long. For the Knights made him soon to understand that the Guard that was upon him was against his Enemies, and not him. Thus being quitted of his suspitions, and per∣swaded more then ever of the friend∣ship of the Grand Master, he com∣plain'd no more but of his bad for∣tune that had reduc'd him to a coun∣try and solitary life.

Now the peace between the order and the ••or having open'd a freedom to trade, several Turkish Vessells came to Rhodes. And most of the Turks that Landed, were so taken with the beauty of the Rhodian wo∣men, that they spar'd for nothing to satisfy their desires. This glister of Gold grew such a temptation, that several of the Rhodians without re∣gard to the Christian law, or their own, yeilded themselves to the Ma∣hometans. But the Grand Master abhorring such a shameful prostitu∣tion,

and to stop the torrent of such a scandal, condemn'd the Christian women that were convicted of such a crime as lying with a Turk, a Moore, or a Jew, to be burnt alive, and he order'd the punishment to extend to the very procurers of that infamous familiarity.

Some while after the Grand Master made a regulation upon Sultan Zi∣zim's accompt. For considering how much it concern'd the honour of the order, and the General Interest of Christendom, that his person should not be expos'd to the Assassi∣nates of Bajazet, he orderd that the Knight de Blanchefort should take as many Knights as he pleased for the Guard of Zizim commanding strictly those that were nam'd to o∣bey him without any more to do; declaring withall that such as should be bound to attend upon Zizim, should enjoy all the prerogatives of Residence, and precedency, as if they had stay'd at Rhodes.