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 XVIII.

To the Caimacham.

VArious are the Discourses of People in this Place concerning the Reduction of Asac. For, Paris, like Athens of old, is the Receptacle of all the News in the World.

The French are Naturally a Martial People, delighting much in the Affairs of War; and when the News came last Year of the Raising the Siege of Asac, with all the Particulars of the Defendants Bravery, notwithstanding the Union of so great Forces against them; they highly applauded the Valour and Constancy of the Cossacks, whom neither Threats nor Promises, gentle Means, nor vigorous Assaults could prevail upon to surrender up their Town, but forced the Besiegers to return Home with the Loss of above Twelve Thou∣sand Turks, besides Moldavians, Walachians, and Tartars.

But now they begin to change their Notes, and to admire the Invincible Force of the Ottoman Arms, which hew their way through the most Formidable Difficulties, to lay Em∣pires, Kingdoms and States at the Feet of our Victorious Sultan.

I have received a particular Account from Nathan Ben Saddi, of the taking of that City. He tells me, That at the News of

those great Preparations, which were making by Land and Sea against it; the Inhabitants being denied the Protection of the Moscovites, which was their sole Refuge in this Extre∣mity, abandoned the Town, carrying with them their Goods, and demolishing their Houses, so that there was but small Prey left for our Soldiers.

It is the General Discourse of this Court, that there is a Son born to Sultan Ibrahim. I should heartily rejoice, were I assured the News were true; but, there is no Dispatch as yet to confirm it. Besides, I have received Ad∣vice from Constantinople, which almost dis∣courages me from ever hoping so fortunate an Event.

God lengthen thy Days, and make thee Happy, both in this World, and in Paradise.

Paris, 25th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1642.