The second volume of letters writ by a Turkish spy who lived five and forty years undiscover'd at Paris : giving an impartial account to the Divan at Constantinople of the most remarkable transactions of Europe, and discovering several intrigues and secrets of the Christian courts (especially of that of France) continued from the year 1642 to the year 1682 / written originally in Arabick, translated into Italian, and from thence into English, by the translator of the first volume.

LETTER IV.

To Muzlu Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of State at Constanti∣nople.

IF it were lawful for me to take the Oath of our Holy Prophet, I would swear by the Hour of the Evening, that thy News is wel∣come.

I had scarce finish'd our appointed Devo∣tions after Sun-set, when the Post brought me thy Dispatch, which informs me, that Carcoa at Vienna is dead.

I rejoice not in the Death of an honest Slave to Ibrahim; l•••• Flowers spring from the Dust of his Grave. Neither can I mourn for a Man, that may be gone to New and richer Posses∣sions; Yet I am pleased, that he quitted the Old fairly, and has left behind him an Odour of Vertue. A Man in his Post, is attaqu'd with strong Temptations, and he that resists to the End, merits a Wreath gather'd from the Tree of Life.

Thou mayst think, 'tis with more ease I receive the News of Carcoa's Death than of his Infidelity; not, that I value the Rack or any other Tortures, with which the Policy of State uses to draw Confessions of Capital Crimes. But, I would not have the Grand Affairs of the Ottoman Port, come within the Verge of a Scrutiny.

This News is the best Cure for the Illness I pretended, when I exchanged Paris for the Country Air, ten Days ago; whereof Bechir Bassa has received an Account.

I am now returned to my old Lodging, and am congratulated for my speedy Recovery, by them that knew not my true Distemper.

Thou infortnest me, that by the Order of the Divan, one Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew, is appointed Successor of Carcoa. I wish he may acquit himself as well.

The five hundred Zechins thou hast ordered me by him, will be very welcom to a Man who has been forced to retrench many Charges, that he might the better serve the Grand Sig∣nior.

The King of Spain may wish, that he could conclude a Peace on as easie Terms with the French King, as the Sophy of Persia has with Sultan Ibrahim.

None but God and his Prophet know the Zeal, with which I serve the Sublime Port.

Paris, 20th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1642.