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HERE is a Man come to this City, if he may be called a Man, who pre∣tends to have lived above these Sixteen Hundred Years. They call him the Wandring Jew. But some say, he is an Impostor. He says of himself, that he was Ʋsher of the Di∣van in Jerusalem, (the Jews call it the Court of Judgment) where all Criminal Causes were
tryed, at the Time when Jesus, the Son of Mary, the Christians Messias, was Con∣demned by Pontius Pilate, the Roman Presi∣dent. That his Name was Michob Ader; and that, for thrusting Jesus out of the Hall with these words, Go, why tarriest thou? The Messias answered him again; I go, but tarry thou till I come; thereby condemning him, to live till the Day of Judgment. He pretends to remember the Apostles that lived in those Days, and that he himself was Baptized by one of them; that he has travelled through all the Regions of the World, and so must con∣tinue to be a Vagabond till the Messias shall return again. They say, that he heals Dis∣eases, by touching the Party affected. Divers other Miracles, are ascribed to him by the Ignorant and Superstitious. But the Learned, the Noble, and the Great, censure him as a Counterfeit or a Madman. Yet there are, who affirm, that 'tis one convincing Argu∣ment of the Reality of his Pretence, that he has hitherto escaped a Prison, especially in these Countries, where the Authors of all In∣novations are severely punished. He has e∣scaped the Inquisitions at Rome, in Spain, and in Portugal, which the Vulgar will have to be an evident Miracle.
One Day I had the Curiosity to Discourse with him in several Languages; and, I found him Master of all those that I could speak. I conversed with him Five or Six Hours toge∣ther in Arabick. He told me, that there was scarce a true History to be found. I asked
him, what he thought of Mahomet, the Pro∣phet and Lawgiver of the Mussulmans? He answered, That he knew his Father very well, and had been often in his Company at Ormus in Persia; That Mahomet, was a Man full of Light and a Divine Spirit, but had his Errors as well as other Mortals, and that his chiefest was, in denying the Crucifixion of the Messias; for, said he, I was then present, and saw him hang on the Cross with these Eyes of mine. He accus'd the Mussulmans of Impo∣sture, in making the World believe, That the Tomb of their Prophet, hangs miraculously be∣tween Heaven and Earth, saying, That he himself had seen it, and that it was built after the manner of other Sepulchres. Thou who hast been at the Holy Place, knowest whether this be true or false. He upbraids the Persian Mahometans, with Luxury; the Ottomans with Tyranny, the Arabians with Robbery, the Moors with Cruelty, and the Mussulmans of the Indies with Atheism: Nor does he spare to reproach the Christian Churches: He taxes the Roman and Grecian with the Pompous I∣dolatry of the Heathens. He accuses the Ae∣thiopian of Judaism, the Armenian of Heresie; and says, that the Protestants, if they would live according to their Profession, would be the best Christians.
He told me, he was in Rome, when Nero set Fire to the City, and stood triumphing on the Top of a Hill to behold its Flames. That he saw Saladine's Return from his Conquests in the East, when he caus'd his Shirt to be
carried on the Top of a Spear, with this Proclamation, Saladine, Lord of many rich Countries, Conquerour of the East, ever Vi∣ctorious and happy, when he dies shall have no other Memorial left of all his Glories, but only this poor Shirt.
He relates many remarkable Passages of Solyman the Magnificent, whereof our Histo∣ries are silent, and says, he was in Constanti∣nople, when Solyman built that Royal Mosque, which goes by his Name. He knew Tamer∣lain the Scythian, and told me, that he was so call'd, because he halted with one Leg▪ He pretends also to have been acquainted with Scanderbeg, the Valiant and Fortunate Prince of Epirus. He seem'd to pity the insup∣portable Calamity of Bajazet, whom he had seen carried about in a Cage by Tamerlain's Order. He accuses the Scythian, of too Bar∣barous an Insult on the Unfortunate Sultan. He remembers the Antient Caliphs of Babylon and Aegypt; the Empire of the Sarazens! and, the Wars in the Holy Land. He highly extols the Valour and Conduct of the Re∣nowned Godfrey of Bulloigne. He gives an accurate Account of the Rise, Progress, Esta∣blishment, and Subversion of the Mamalukes in Aegypt. He says, he has washed himself in the Two Head-springs of the River Nile, which arise in the most Southern Part of Ae∣thiopia. That its Encrease is occasion'd by the great Rains in Aethiopia, which swell all the Rivers that fall into the Nile, and cause that vast Inundation, which has so much
puzzled Philosophy, to find out the Origin. He says, that the River Ganges in India, is broader and deeper than the Nile, that the River Niger in Africa is longer by some Hundreds of Miles. And, that he can re∣member a time, when the River Nile over∣flowed not till Three Months after the usual Season.
Having professed himself an Universal Tra∣veller, and that there was no Corner of the Earth, where he had not been present: I be∣gan to comfort my self with the hopes of some News from the Ten Tribes of Israel, that were carried into Captivity by Salma∣nassar King of Assyria, and could never be heard of since. I asked him several Questi∣ons concerning them, but found no satisfa∣ctory Answer. Only he told me, that both in Asia, Africk, and Europe, he had taken Notice of a Sort of People, who (though not Jews in Profession) yet retained some Chara∣cteristicks, whereby one might discover them to be descended of that Nation.
In Livonia, Russia, and Finland, he had met with People of distinct Languages from that of the Country, having a great mixture of Hebrew Words; that these abstained from Swines Flesh, Blood, and Things strangled. That in their Lamentations for the Dead, they always us'd these Words [Jeru-Jeru Masco Salem.] By which he thought, they called to Remembrance Jerusalem and Da∣mascus, those two Famous Cities of Palestine and Syria. In the Circassians also, he had
traced some Footsteps of Judaism; their Cu∣stoms, Manner of Life, Feasts, Marriages, and Sacrifices, being not far removed from the Institutions of the Mosaick Law. But what is most remarkable, he said, that he had con∣versed with professed Jews in the North Parts of Asia, who never so much as heard of Je∣sus, the Son of Mary, or of the Revolutions in Judea after his Death, the Siege and De∣struction of Jerusalem, or any other Matters wherewith all Histories abound concerning that Nation. He said moreover, that these Jews had only the Pentateuch, not having heard of the rest of those Books which com∣pose the greatest Part of the Old Testament; and, that this Pentateuch, was written in a sort of Hebrew, far different from that which is now commonly spoken, by the rest of the dispersed Jews throughout the World. That the number of these Jews was Infinite. And finally, he thought, that these (if any) were the true Posterity of those Ten Captive Tribes.
Having mentioned the Destruction of Je∣rusalem, I ask'd him where he was at that time? He told me, in the Court of Vespasian at Rome, and that he had heard the Emperor say, when he understood the Temple of Solo∣mon was burnt to Ashes. He had rather all Rome had been set on Fire. Here the Old Man fell a weeping himself, lamenting the Ruines of that Noble Structure, which he described to me as familiarly, as if he had seen it but Yesterday. He says, that Josephus
wrote partially of the Seditious in the City, being related to one of the Chief Ring-leaders, whom therefore he spar'd, being loath to stain the Reputation of his own Family to all Posterity.
I tell thee, Sage Cheik, if this Man's Pre∣tences be true, he is so full of Choice Me∣moirs, and has been Witness to so many Grand Transactions for the space of Sixteen Centuries of Years; that he may not unfitly be called, A Living Chronology, the Proto-Notary of the Christians Hegira, or Principal Recorder of that which they esteem the Last Epocha of the World's Duration.
By his Looks, one would take him for a Relick of the Old World, or one of the Long∣liv'd Fathers before the Flood. To speak mo∣destly, he may pass for the Younger Brother of Time.
It would be endless to tell thee how many other Discourses we had of his Travels and Memoirs; till tired with his Company, and judging all to be a Cheat, I took my Leave.
I tell thee, he seems to be a Man well vers'd in all Histories, a Great Traveller, and one that affects to be counted an Extraor∣dinary Person. The Common People are ready to adore him; and, the very Fear of the Multitude, restrains the Magistrates from offering any Violence to this Impostor.
Live thou in the Exercise of thy Reason, which will not permit thee to be seduced into Error, by the subtle Insinuations of Men.
Continue to Love Mahmut, who Honours thee without a Fiction.
Paris, 4th. of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1644.
JEalousie, the Bane of Publick Alliances, as well as of Private Friendships, has car∣ried the Arms of Suedeland into Denmark, at a Time when least expected.
All Europe was alarmed at the News of this Surprizing Invasion; it being thought, that the Suedes had Work enough cut out for them in Germany.
However, few could penetrate into the Reasons which induced them to respite the Im∣perialists, and at the same Time carry the War into the Dominions of King Christian; who, by his Mediation, and other good Of∣fices between the German Emperour and that Crown, merited another kind of Return, than an Hostile Invasion.
But the Peace-maker has most Times a thankless Office. I have seen a Gentleman, endeavouring to part or pacify Two of his Friends, encountring in the Streets of Paris,
and has received the Point of one of the Rapiers in his Heart for his Kindness. So fared it with the King of Denmark, who was accepted of by both Parties, as Umpire of the Quarrel; and had sent his Ambassador to Munster, where he treated so successfully with the Imperialists, that he brought them to Terms very advantageous to the Suedes; yet, the first Overtures of his Mediation, gave so great a suspicion to that Nation, that while the Danish Ambassador was actually con∣cluding a Peace for them, they commence a War, or rather translate it from the Provinces of the Empire to Scania, entring that Coun∣try with Twelve Thousand Men; And, to shew the World they were in Earnest, they pri∣vately treat with the Hollanders, to assist them with a Fleet and Men, which was granted them under the Command of Admiral Martin Tyes.
At the same Time, General Torstenson en∣tred Holstein, where he advanced with ad∣mirable Success; took Kiel by surprize; and, passing forward, possessed himself of Jutland, driving King Christian into a Corner of his Dominions; for, now he had only Zealand and Fionia left, which are Two Islands; the former whereof, commands the Passage into the Baltick Sea.
Here, the King of Denmark finds himself beset with Difficulties and Dangers, by Sea and Land; yet, in regard his greatest Strength lay in his Shipping, he wholly applies him∣self to rig and man out a good Fleet. At
the same Time, he informs his Allies of this Unjust War, and made passionate Complaints to the Emperour, for whose Sake all this be∣fell him, imploring his Friendship and Aid in so great a Calamity. The Emperor sends Ga∣lasso with Forces, who entring the Territo∣ries of Hamburgh and Lubeck, a League was Negotiated between the Emperour and the Danish King. But by the Artifices of the French and Holland Ambassadors at Copenhagen, the King was disswaded from making an Alli∣ance with the House of Austria.
However, the Dunkirkers offered King Christian, to maintain a Considerable Fleet in the Sound, at their own Charge, which he seemed to accept of.
All the Ministers endeavour to play their own Game, and abuse the Goodness of the Unfortunate King. Whilst in the mean Time, he loses Ground in Holstein; General Torsten∣son having taken Christianprys, a very strong Place.
What will be the Issue of these Transacti∣ons, Time will manifest; but, were not this King Master of an Extraordinary Vertue, he would sink under so many pressures, being a Man of a Great Age. But, God supports whom He pleases.
Paris, 20th. of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THOU hast seen many in the Arms of Death, wrastling with the Grim Mo∣narch of Shadows, who by the Privilege of an excellent Constitution, have disengaged themselves from his Clutches, and stood at open Defiance with him for some Years after∣wards. But I question, whether thou hast ever known any, whom that Conquerour has once laid in the Dust, that recover'd again.
In a Village about half a League from this City, there died a Man (or at least he seem'd to die) about a Week ago. He was stretch'd forth into the Posture fittest for his Coffin, by the Hands of two old Women. His Re∣lations and Friends, flock'd about the Body, to pray for his Soul, as is the Custom of the Christians. The House was fill'd with Tears and Sighs, and a mournful Cloud sat on every Brow. He lay thus for the space of Thirty five Hours, Dead in the Supposition of all his Family. When the Watchers who sate by, were suddenly astonished to hear him sneeze; they ran away at first, as People affrighted at some Ghastly Vision, and alarm'd the whole Neighbourhood with the News. Physicians were sent for, who causing him to be laid in
a Warm Bed, and using proper Applications, he recover'd his Senses, and by Degrees his Speech: they are in Hopes to restore him to perfect Health again. He relates to his Vi∣sitants, many strange Things, that he has seen and heard during the Five and Thirty Hours that he was thought to be Dead. He says, he has been before the Throne of God, and has seen all the Orders of Angels; that he was commanded to return back again to his Body, to warn Men of the approaching Day of Judg∣ment. He preaches Repentance and good Works, to all that come near him. Hence it is, that the devouter sort of People, resort to his House in Pilgrimage, esteeming him a Saint. They say, he has anticipated the Ge∣neral Resurrection, to give a fresh proof of it to this unbelieving Age, and to evince, that it will come to pass before he shall quit his Body. He Prophecies, the Conversion of the Jews to be near at Hand, and, that the Mussul∣mans shall embrace the Christian Faith.
Such as are fond of Novelties, and supersti∣tiously inclined, believe what he says, to be as true as the Alcoran; but, the Learned im∣pute it all to the Fumes of Melancholy, to which he was always naturally prone. For my Part, who believe that Mahomet, the Mes∣senger of God, was the last, and Seal of all the Prophets, look for none after him; nor am I credulous of every one, who pretends to a. Divine Commission. Yet, when I am in Com∣pany with such as are this Man's Admirers, I talk as they do, and seem what I am not, that
I may the better acquit my self what I really am. Besides, it is not Prudence, to provoke the Fury of Bigots, by opposing their Senti∣ments.
They relate a Story, of a Man who died in this City, some Hundreds of Years ago; and, 'tis upon Record, That this Person during his Life Time, was esteemed a very Holy Man, but after his Death, while they were perform∣ing his Funeral Obsequies, and carrying the Body round the Church in Procession, he sud∣denly started up from the Bier on which he was carried, pronouncing these Words with an Audible Voice, I am arraigned before the Judgment Seat of God. All that heard him speak, were astonished at so surprizing an E∣vent, and the Priests who sang the Hymn of Rest to his Soul, for a while desisted. But a∣gain going on with their Procession and Hymns, he arose the Second Time, and said aloud, I am tryed at God's Tribunal. This put another stop to the Solemnity, till after some Deliberations, they resolved to proceed a Third Time, when he started up again, and said, I am condemned by the just Sen∣tence of God. This put a final Stop to the Funeral Ceremonies. They would no longer chant a Rest, to the Soul of him, whose dead Body arose, and pronounced him Damned. Neither would they bury his Body in Consecrated Ground, whose Soul they knew was lodg'd in Hell, by a Voice from the Dead. There is an Order of Der∣vises, called Carthusians, who, they say,
are a standing Monument of the Truth of this Relation. For, one Bruno, being touch'd with Compunction, at so tremendous an Acci∣dent, immediately forsook the Society of Men, and led a Contemplative Life in exquisite Si∣lence, Abstinence, Fasting and Prayer, en∣joyning all his Followers to do the like. Who are now spread into most Parts of Christen∣dom, having Magnificent Monasteries, Great Immunities, and are esteem'd the strictest Or∣der of the Roman Church. They are served in the Markets before the King himself. If any Dervise of another Order desires to come into this, he may; but from this there is no Return. They dig a part of their own Graves every Day, having every one a Cell and a Garden to himself. They converse with one another but once a Week. And if when they are walking in the Cloysters of their Monastery, they happen to spy a Stranger, they scud a∣way into their Cells, as Conies into their Holes, at the sight of a Dog. They never taste of Flesh, and are obliged to pray Eight Hours in Four and Twenty.
This Order has afforded Eminent Scholars and Statesmen; but now 'tis like to have Men of another Character for its Proselytes; for, since the Resurrection of this new Prophet, I mentioned in the beginning of my Letter, the Rabble are all turning Carthusians.
Thou who art acquainted with the Nature of Ecstasies and Trances, wilt know what to judge of this Man's Raptures. The great Car∣dan, could fall into them when he pleased;
and I have heard of a Learned Mahometan Dervise in the Indies, that had the Art of with-drawing his Soul from the Body, at which times he beheld Divine and Celestial Things, not by way of Contemplation, but real Intuition. We must acknowledge these to be the Favourites of Heaven, Friends of Nature, and privy to the Secrets of both Worlds.
I desire thee, to write me some News of my Friends; for, I can hear nothing from them. Which makes me think my self among the Dead, and quite forgotten. If thou still re∣tainest thy wonted Chearfulness, thou art hap∣py. Sadness is the Bane of the Soul, from which, I pray Heavens, preserve both thee and me.
Paris, 26th. of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1644.
I Am a Christian as well as thou, and yet I cannot find a Reason to live after thy Man∣ner. Not, that I reprehend thy Choice, but I consult my own Happiness. I could wil∣lingly embrace a Monastick Life, were it not for the Vow of Obedience. Those of Chastity and Poverty, are not so frightful. But, to be absolutely resigned to the Will of a Superiour (who may be a Thousand Times more Vici∣ous than my self) is far more irksome, than to be a Slave in Turky. There, a Man may pave himself a Way to many Enjoyments in the midst of Captivity, and sweeten his worst Condition, with the Hopes of Freedom one Time or other. But here I must be con∣demn'd to an everlasting Servitude, and such an one, as renders it a Crime, so much as to think of Pleasure, or dream of a Release. I must be for ever confin'd, to obey one that perhaps is not Master of himself; to humour all his Caprices; to give the Lye to that Sence and Reason, with which God and Nature have endued me: to make Black and White, Good and Evil, Reciprocal Terms; though every one knows, they are perfect Contra∣dictions. In fine, I must resolve in all Things,
(not excepting my very Thoughts) to be conducted by him, who for ought I know, follows no other Guide but his own Irregular Passions. What will then become of me, af∣ter such an unreasonable Forfeiture of my Na∣tive Liberty? I will tell thee in one Word; from a Rational Creature, I shall be changed to a Brute; from a Man to a Sot; and, having now some Sparks of Vertue, I shall then be made the Rendezvous of all Vice.
Think not, that I go about to make thee hate the Manner of Life thou hast chosen: Though I esteem thee miserable, do not judge so of thy self. Thou mayst find, a great deal of Pleasure in that Restraint, which to me would be the most Insupportable Calamity in the World: And, it may be as easie for thee, to submit to the Will of another, as 'tis hard for me to comply with my Own. I am of so wavering a Constitution, that I cannot with∣out great Difficulty please my self, much less could I be able to humour the Extravagancies, of a Soul different from Mine. I have obser∣ved, that should I follow the Motions of my own proper Inclination at all Times, I should do many Things whereof I might afterwards repent: why may not the Case be the same, or worse, if I blindly obey the Will of a Stran∣ger? Am I sure, that he is a Good Man? Or, if he be so to Day, how do I know but that he may be otherwise to Morrow? Nay, what Se∣curity can be given me, that if he be a Saint this Hour, he will not be a Devil the next; since, the Temper of Man varies as often, and
suffers as many Alterations, as the Elements do, out of which he is compounded? Where then can be the Reason, of giving my self wholly up to any Man's Disposal all my Life Time? Is it not sufficient to obey the Sove∣reign Prelate, who commands the whole Church, yet imposes not the Dictates of his own Will as a Law, but governs all Christi∣ans according to the Antient Traditions, Sta∣ted Canons, and Decrees of the Apostles, Fa∣thers and Councils? Whereas, those who Pre∣side over the Convents of the Religious, many Times rule arbitrarily, commanding their Sub∣jects to do those Things, which are diametri∣cally opposite to the very Fundamental Rules of Christianity, and contrary to the Law of Nature. The more I think on't, the greater is my Aversion for this private, blind Obedi∣ence.
Thou wilt say, that a Regular Life is the Way of Perfection. I grant it; but cannot a Man lead a Regular Life, unless he be immur'd in a Convent? Or be Perfect, if his Mind be not squar'd to the Retirements of a Cloyster? I will tell thee my Sentiments freely, and with∣out a Masque. The Nature of every Thing, is its Perfection: There are Perfect Sinners, as well as Perfect Saints. Thus we say, such an one is a Perfect Drunkard, Fornicator, Cheat, Tyrant or the like. I ask thee, Whe∣ther this sort of Perfection may not be (I wish I could say, is not too often actually) found, within the Walls of a Religious House? On the other hand, dost thou think it impossible,
to find the Perfection of Vertue, in the mix'd Life of the World? Be not a Cynick, nor con∣demn Things whereof thou hast made no Ex∣periment. Remember, how many Kings and Queens, Princes and Nobles have been Cano∣nized for Saints, who in the midst of so many Splendors, kept their Eyes undazled. Whose Ears, never let in the Blandishments of Flat∣terers, nor the malicious Whispers of the En∣vious. Whose Hands were never polluted with innocent Blood, nor their Thirst quench'd with the Tears of Widows and Orphans. But, in all Things, they conserv'd an inviolate Pu∣rity, Modesty and Integrity of Manners. These Persons, were perfect in the midst of Imper∣fections, and Regular in the Height of Hu∣mane Disorders; Saints upon Earth, and An∣gels among Men.
Assuredly, 'tis not impossible for a Man (let his Condition be what it will, Publick or Pri∣vate, Servile or Free) to conduct himself even∣ly and by a Rule, through all the Meanders and Mazes of Humane Life. I must confess, This is very difficult, and all Men have not that Divine Art. Few can walk on Pinnacles, and not make false Steps; such is our Life, and happy is he that makes the fewest. Yet, there is a Dexterity, with which whosoever is ac∣quainted, need not go to a Monastery, to en∣quire the way to Bliss.
Thou wilt perhaps accuse me, of too much Bluntness and ill Manners, in thus Declaim∣ing against that Kind of Life, which thou hast enter'd into. But, pardon the Freedom I take
with my Friend; and rest satisfied, That though I affect not a Recluse Life my self, yet honour I those, who having once engaged themselves therein, persevere with Constancy; from which I shall never perswade thee, or any Man to depart.
Paris, 1st. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1644.
A French Merchant, lately come from Is∣pahan, brings Intelligence, that the Chan of the Ʋsbeck Tartars, is arrived at that City, to crave aid of the present Sophi of Persia, a∣gainst his Rebellious Children who have depo∣sed him, and bereaved him of one of his Eyes. The Sophi has given him a Royal Reception, going himself in Person, above a League out of the City to meet him, accompanied with all his Nobles. This Gentleman came away, before the Tartarian Prince had succeeded in his Design. But, it was generally supposed, that Cha Abbas would assist him, with a con∣siderable Army of Horse and Foot, as also with Money to carry on the War.
This King is not Thirteen Years of Age, yet takes upon himself the Management of Pub∣lick
Affairs. He is addicted to drinking of Wine a great Lover of Musick and Women. Of a Noble Inclination, yet something too Passionate. He commanded the Belly of one him Pages to be ript up, for breaking a Crystal Bason which he much admired. Yet afterwards, repenting of what he had done, he caused him to be ho∣nourably buried, and a stately Tomb to be e∣rected over him. He also enquired out such of his Kindred as were living, to whom he gave large Pensions.
There has been little of Action in these Parts, since the Signal Defeat that was given to the French, by the Forces of John de Wert, and General Merey. Four French Mareschals were taken Prisoners, with all the Chief Officers, Six Thousand Soldiers, besides their Ammuni∣tion and Baggage.
In this Action, 'tis said, the Spanish Horse behaved themselves very bravely, spurr'd on with an Ambition, to recover the Glory they seem'd to have lost in so many Battels. They rush'd into the French Quarters, with a Fury which soon put them into Disorder, and after∣wards disposed them to quit the Field.
Before this Battel began, 'tis said, there were seen Two Armies of Birds fighting in the Air; which engaged so furiously, that the Ground was cover'd with their Dead Bodies. And, that Morning, when one of the French Mareschals was going out of his Tent, with a Pistol in his Hand, in order to try it, the Barrel Split and tore his Hand in Pieces. These are now looked upon as Prodigies, and O∣minous
Signs of the Loss they afterwards sus∣tained: but, had the Victory been on their Side, no Body would have taken Notice of them.
The God that gives Victory when, and to whom he pleases, grant, that the Ottoman Arms may be ever successful against the In∣fidels.
Paris, 25th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THOU that art the Principal Support of the Ottoman Empire under the Grand Sig∣nior, oughtest to be informed of all Things which may either threaten Damage, or pro∣mise Assistance, to the Throne which rests on thy Shoulders.
I pass away some of my Time among Sea∣men; especially such as sail in the Levant; their very Breath, is a Relief when I am Chamber-sick, or stifled with the close Va∣pours of Paris. I phancy, their Lungs trans∣port hither the Breezes of the Mediterranean, or the more wholesome Airs of Asia. I talk so familiarly with them in their Marine Dia∣lect, that they scruple not to take me for a
Tarpaulin, and therefore entertain me with∣out Reserve, as one of their Crew.
This very Evening, I was with some of these Retainers to Neptune. Among the Rest of the Discourse I had with them, we touched upon the Dardanells which guard the Hellespont. They taxed the Christian Princes with Cowardise, or, unpardonable Negligence, that they have never attempted to force their Passage through that Channel into the Pro∣pontis, and block up the Imperial City by Sea, and set it on Fire; especially the Royal Serag∣lio, from whence are issued out the Decrees of Life and Death to the whole Earth.
I told them, they were mistaken in the Strength of those Castles, which command that Important Avenue. And, that no Ships ever durst venture within their Reach, with∣out Leave. When one of them started up, and made me this Answer: Sir, we have Ves∣sels impenetrable as Rocks, which dare come to an Anchor, under the very Walls of those superannuated Forts, and defie all the Turkish Artillery, to remove us thence. We onely want a Commission from our King, to try the Experiment.
I tell thee, Supreme Minister, I found too much Reason in his Answer, to make room for a Reply. Wherefore, dissembling for a while, the Agony I was in for the Welfare of the Sublime Port, I took my Leave of the Company, and immediately set Pen to Pa∣per, to let thee know what is in the Hearts of these Infidels.
I am not vers'd in the Art and Method of Fortification; yet, pardon an Errour of Loyalty and Zeal, if I commit it, in pro∣posing to thee the Necessity of erecting Platforms all along the opposite Shores of the Hellespont, to strike Terrour, and prevent the Enemy from attempting that, which in all probability would not fail of Success.
Thou that art all Wisdom, wilt know how to make a right Use of this Hint, from the faithful Mahmut, who never thinks him∣self Happy, but when he does some accepta∣ble Service to the Invincible Sovereign of the Sea and Land.
Paris, 14th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THOU mayst better imagine than I can express, the mighty Joy I felt, when I first opened thy Letter, and read the Name of her that conceiv'd me, written by her own Hand; whereby I am assur'd, that thou art yet alive and in Health. Believe me, it came in a seasonable Time, to rescue me out of a dismal Melancholy, which had seized my Spi∣rits.
Surely, Fate directed thy Pen, and Providence timed the Arrival of the Vessel which brought me this happy News from Africk, in the saddest Hour of all my Life. Just as the Messenger knock'd at my Chamber-Door (where I sate overwhelm'd with dole∣ful Thoughts) the whole World seem'd to me a vast Wilderness or Desert, inhabited only by Beasts of Prey, where the Great and Strong, devour those whose Weakness cannot arm them in their own Defence. A mere Stage of Tragedies, the Shambles of cruel Butcheries and Murders. In this Figure, did my troubled Imagination represent the Earth, with all the Race of Adam dwelling upon it. If I could propose to my self such a Thing as a Friend in the World, I know not how long 'twould be, before that very Person whom I had greatest Reason to esteem as such, might prove my Mortal Enemy; of so brittle a Composition is the Fidelity of Man. I look∣ed upon my Life, not as my own, but alto∣gether lent me; I esteemed not onely Men, but Beasts, and the very Inanimate Things, my Creditors, for the Permission. I had to breathe. I thought my self highly indebted to the Fire, that it did not burn me to Death in my Sleep; and no less to the Winds, that they did not blow the House down where I lodge, and bury me in its Ruins. For, where would be the Injustice, if any of those Elements which are the Ingredients of my Life, should become the Instruments of my Death? I con∣sidered, that as I neither made my self, nor
knew how I came to be what I am, so I was ignorant when and by what means I should cease to be. Perhaps, I might be struck with a Thunderbolt from Heaven, or swallowed up by some greedy Chasm in the Earth. A Tile from a House, might put a stop to the Motions of this Machine of Flesh; or, a Fall from a Horse, might break its Master-Springs. My present Station I looked upon as Preca∣rious, since those very Persons who appointed me this Employment to serve one Turn, would not Scruple to take off my Head to serve another.
In these melancholy Thoughts was I almost drown'd, when thy Letter came and struck a Light out of the midst of Darkness. I was now ready to die with Excess of Joy, who before was half killed with extreme Sadness.
But tell me, my Dear Mother, in the Name of our Holy Prophet, what Motive in∣duced thee to quit the wholesome Air of Greece, for the noisom and pestilential Va∣pours of Aegypt? Is Cairo a more eligible Seat than Constantinople? Or, because thou hast lost thy Second Husband, wilt thou be wedded to an Incurable Grief, and think no Mourning sufficient, unless thou go in Pil∣grimage to his very Grave, there to dissolve in Tears, and mingle thy self with his Ashes. He died in Cairo, and is there interr'd; and thou mightest have liv'd in Scio, or any part of Greece, without blemishing thy Widow∣hood. People will say, thou aimest at the Fortune of the Ephesian Widow, who found
a living Husband, in the Sepulchre of her dead one; but I, who know thy Vertue, have o∣ther Thoughts of thee; yet, I cannot ap∣prove thy thus becoming Tenant to a Charnel-House. Therefore, the best Advice I can give thee, is, to return to the Imperial City again, to the Company of thy Friends and Acquaintance; or, at least, return to thy self, and be not transported with an extravagant Sorrow, for one whom thou shalt never see again. Tears cannot recover the Dead, nor can thy warmest Sighs inspire him with Breath. He is divorc'd from thee by an Irre∣vocable Law; and whilst thou art in vain la∣menting for him on Earth, he may be cele∣brating new and joyful Nuptials in Heaven, being espoused to some of the Beautiful Daugh∣ters of Paradise. Be perswaded then, that he has quite forgot thee, having engaged him∣self in fresh Amours above; That he is in the Arms of some Surpassing Beauty of Eden, and that thou hast no more Interest in him. Let this Consideration, asswage thy Grief, cure thy Fondness, and make thee begin to think of another Husband. Those who make their first Visits to the French Widows, after the usual Formalities of Condoleance are over, take the Liberty to tell them, That they must live by the Living, and not by the Dead. This comfortable Proverb; is often used, even be∣fore the Funeral Solemnities are finis'd; and, thou hast now passed away above Two Years since thy Husband's Death, in fruitless Mourn∣ing. 'Tis Time to consult thy future Hap∣piness,
and abandoning thy Commerce with the Dead, to become sociable with the Li∣ving.
The Great Creator, who is God of the Li∣ving, and not of the Dead, inspire thee to take such Measures, as may best comply with the Ends for which he made thee; and, replenish thy Latter Days, with double the Blessings of the Former.
Paris, 22d. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
IT is no small Satisfaction to me, that since the Death of Cardinal Richlieu, I have started no Reasons to apprehend any Designs in this Court, against the Empire of the True Believers. The French Grandees, have pass'd away a whole Year, without giving much Trouble or Alarm to the rest of the World. Every one minds his own Affairs, and all push forward to get nearest the Queen Regent. The Misunderstandings between her, and the Duke of Orleans, encrease daily. And, this divides the Court and City, into Two Facti∣ons, Cardinal Mazarini, seems to be the
Man destin'd to balance the Authority of both Parties. He Spins his Fortune, with as fine a Thread as his Predecessor; being sensible, that though the Court love him not, yet they can∣not subsist without him. He Inherits the Me∣moirs and Instructions of Cardinal Richlieu, and his Spirit too, as well as his Ministry; be∣ing a Man, of an Invincible Courage, and ex∣quisite Forecast. The Greatest Enemy he has, is a Lady of the Court (for, I will not com∣pare the Malice of the Duke of Beaufort to that of Woman) they call her, Madam de Chevereux; a Person of a keen Wit, and good Judgment; a professed Enemy to all that had any Dependance on Cardinal Richlieu. And, I could never learn any other Ground of her Hatred to Mazarini, but his being the Crea∣ture of that Minister.
The late King had conceived an Irrecon∣cilable Aversion for this Lady, suspecting her to be Instrumental in carrying on a Private Correspondence between his Wife (the now Queen-Regent) and the Spaniards. To avoid the Consequences of his Anger, she fled into Spain, but is lately returned to this Court. 'Tis said, the Queen received her with all the outward Marks of Affection at first, but sud∣denly grew cold and estranged, when she began to attempt against Cardinal Mazarini. This made the Lady unite her Interest with that of the Duke of Beaufort, who very well matches her in the Imperiousness of his Tem∣per, and his Hatred of the Cardinal. They both agree in their Endeavours to ruine him;
but, I believe the Female Persecution to be the most dangerous. The Duke has made too great a Noise, to do any considerable Ex∣ecution on a Man, who has the Wit to conceal his Resentments, and strike before he is per∣ceiv'd. In a word, the Duke finds himself in a Prison, while the Cardinal is every Day more and more established in the Queen's Fa∣vour.
In the mean while, I insinuate my self in∣to all Mens Company, from whom I can hope for any Intelligence. Among the Rest, I have observed a Courtier, who often goes be∣tween the Grandees, and seems to be entrust∣ed with great Secrets; he is very sparing of Words, and makes his Shoulders do the Office of his Tongue. I have sometimes enter'd in∣to a Discourse with him about the Queen, the Cardinal, and others; but all his Answers, are comprized in Italian Rhetorick, a Shrug and a Grimace. This silent Language, speaks very efficaciously to me, and I esteem him worthy to be courted, who knows so well how to bridle his Tongue. I ply this Politi∣cian every Day with Addresses, and tell him a great deal of Feigned News, that I may tempt him to utter some that is True. He is a great. Privado of Madam de Chevereux; often waits on the Queen; sometimes visits the Cardinal; and is every Day conversant, with one or other of the Nobles. If I can win this Man, I hope to penetrate farther into the Mysteries of the Court.
The God, from whom nothing is hid, so dispose of all Humane Events, that the Empire of the Mussulmans may be established, not∣withstanding the Cabals and Plots of the In∣fidels.
Paris, 16th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THOU sendest me strange and surprizing News, that the Malta Gallies have ta∣ken the Eldest Son of the Grand Signior, and Heir of the Ottoman Empire, Captive at Sea, as he was sailing to Aegypt.
I tell thee, if such a Thing were true, the Grand Signior would not fail to send such a Force, as should dig up the very Foundations of that Island, and cast it into the Sea.
But I can resolve thee, that there is nothing more of Truth in this Story, saving, that about Ten Vessels of the Grand Signior's, bound for Alexandria (on Board of one of which was Sultan Mahomet's Nurse, with her Son, much about the Age of Sultan Ma∣homet) were taken by Six Gallies of Malta,
whereby the Malteses were enriched with a great Treasure of Silver, Gold and Jewels, be∣sides Slaves.
This Intelligence I have received from my Correspondents at Constantinople. Men that are no Strangers to the Seraglio, but such as have the Ear of the Prime Vizir.
They say indeed, the Grand Signior took a particular Phancy to this Nurses Child, often play'd with it, and seemed to caress it with more Complacency, than his own Son Sultan Mahomet; which gave so great a disgust to the Sultaness, the Mother of Mahomet, that she procured the Banishment of the Nurse and her Child, who in their Voyage to Alex∣andria, were taken Captives by the Maltese Galleys, as has been said; and this is the Ground of the Report.
However, Sultan Ibrahim is so exasperated against the Malteses for this Depredation, that he has sworn by God and Mahomet, never to sheath his Sword, till he has revenged the In∣jury, by laying waste the Island, putting the Knights to Death, and leading the Inhabitants into Captivity.
He has vented his Rage already on the Cap∣tain Bassa, causing him to be strangled, for not guarding the Seas better; and, 'tis said, he threatens a War with Venice on the same Account, because the Maltese Galleys, after this Pyracy, put a Shore in Candia, where they recruted their Vessels, with all necessary Provisions.
I expected the Silks last Week, which I wrote for, and the Oil of Calabria. Send them by the first Opportunity.
Paris, 28th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
ALL Europe rings with the Report of the Sultan's Son being taken Captive by the Maltese Galleys. No doubt, but thou hast heard such a Discourse among the Franks at Constantinople; and, thou knowest the In∣trigues of the Seraglio. It is pleasant, that the Kuzlir Aga's Slave, should have no Fa∣ther for her Child; that he himself should a∣dopt it for his own; that the Mother of it should be preferred to be Nurse to Sultan Mahomet; that Sultan Ibrahim, should single out this Fatherless Son of an Eunuch, to sport with him, take him in his Arms, and treat him with all the Endearments that are Natu∣rally shew'd by Parents to their own Chil∣dren.
The French Ladies laugh at this Story, and say, That the Seraglio begins to grow more Civiliz'd, and to exchange the Severity of Constantinople, for the Gallantries of Paris.
But, let them laugh that win; the Malteses have most reason to caress themselves for their good Fortune in such a Prize.
They say, the Grand Prior treats his Young Captive with a most profound Attach and Veneration; imagining, he has in Custody the Heir of the Ottoman Empire: for, they know not the true Secret, but are possessed with a real Belief, that Young Sultan Ma∣homet, is in their Hands.
Let what I have said, be as the words of thy Nurse, when she prated a thousand Imperti∣nencies to thee, within a Month of thy Na∣tivity. In fine, be trusty to thy Friend.
Paris, 10th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
IT is not unknown at the Divan, how the Princes of Italy have worried one another these Two Years. I dispatch'd long ago some Memoirs of the Feuds between the Barbarini's and the Duke of Parma. The Pope upholds the Former, making the Quarrel his own, in Defence of the Ecclesiastick State: The Ve∣netians, the Grand Duke of Toscany, the Duke of Modena, with the French King, interest themselves in the Cause of the Latter. He is a Prince of an Active Spirit, and darts up and down like Lightning through the Pope's Ter∣ritories. If he has lost Castro, Montalto, and other Places of Strength in this War, it is but by Way of Exchange; having possessed him∣self of as considerable Holds belonging to his Enemies. Yet, the Barbarini's sheltring themselves under the Protection of Pope Ʋr∣ban, seem to triumph and promise themselves an entire Victory; using the Artifices of Su∣perstition, to weaken the Duke's Credit. And because some of his Vessels (which carried a∣bove a Thousand Souldiers) were cast away, they would perswade the credulous World, that Heaven fights against him. They like∣wise had designed, to build a Fort and a Bridge over the River Po, to open a Way to
themselves into the Confederates Country, and to shut it up to all Invaders of their own; but were prevented by the Venetians, who sent Ten Thousand Men to stop the Building of the Bridge, or to demolish it, if built.
In the mean while, the Confederates though they seemed to espouse the Duke's Quarrel, yet trifled with him, protracting their Assi∣stance, and disputing about Punctilio's; every one restraining the Conditions of their Friend∣ship, within the Limits that would best square with the Interest of their own State. They had all Armies on foot, but could not agree how to dispose of them. The Venetians de∣manded such a Post, as might be most ad∣vantageous to that Republick. The Duke of Toscany, would have the main Body of their Forces so quartered, as to cover his Domini∣ons. Thus, each Party pursued their own Claim, while their Enemies gained Time, and put themselves in a Posture, either to march into the Territories of the Confederates, or, defend the Ecclesiastick State.
Certainly, it is Fatal to the Christians, to be thus divided among themselves, even when they have greatest Cause of Union. Yet, the Duke of Parma, the very Soul of this Confe∣deracy, breaks through all their Demurrs and Hesitations, impatient of fruitless Delays; rushes into Ferrara; takes Bondeno, abando∣ned by the Garrison; after that, La Stellata, a Place of greater Strength; but, proceeding forward, the Barbarini's encamped not far from Ferrara, the better to observe the Pro∣gress
of the Confederates, and so put a stop to the Motions of the Duke. He and his Friends had Twenty Thousand Men in the Field, to which the Venetians not long after, added Six Thousand more. They were in different Bo∣dies; and as they quarter'd themselves, so the Papal Forces remov'd their Camp. Several Skirmishes passed between them, but no great Execution done.
In the mean while, the Venetians were not idle by Sea, having several Barks and Galleys full of arm'd Men, Coasting along the Pope's Territories. They took Five Forts on the Shore; and, piercing farther into the Coun∣try, made themselves Masters of Arriano, a great Town, and sacked Codegoro, putting all to the Sword, and laying the Place in Ashes.
On the other side, the Barberini's seized on Spilimberto, Vignivola, and some other weak∣ly guarded Towns on the Frontiers of Mode∣na, and killed Two Hundred of the Confede∣rates, who had invested Crevalcuore. Cardinal Antonio, on the Pope's Side, has the Manage∣ment of the War; a Man of an aspiring Ge∣nius, and very subtle. He, perceiving the Duke of Toscany incensed at the late Loss, had taken the Field, with a considerable Army; sends Six Thousand Men to oppose him, but they were raw and undisciplin'd Souldiers, and could not hinder the Duke's Forces, from seizing an Important Pass, and reducing the City of Pieve, Monteleone, Castiliano del Lago and Passiniano.
While the Sons of War were thus busied in
the Field, the Agents of Peace were not want∣ing on all Sides, to accommodate the Diffe∣rences that threatned all Italy with fatal Con∣sequences. But, they did no more than amuse one another with Ambiguities, Subterfuges, and Evasions; while the Barberini's sought to gain Time, and draw the King of Spain to countenance their Interest. The Venetians, sensible of this underhand Dealing, protested by their Ambassador at Madrid, that they would unite with the French Crown, if his Catholick Majesty, should by indirect Ways strengthen the Bearbrini's. The King, ap∣prehensive of such a League, forbears to med∣dle in an Affair which might be so Injurious to Spain, and gives Instructions to his Ambassa∣dors at Rome and other Courts of Italy, to mediate a Peace, which might be advantage∣ous to the Confederates.
The Treaties however came to nothing, and the Mediators finding themselves eluded, su∣spended their Negotiations, and gave fresh Opportunity to the Men of Arms to play their Parts. Cardinal Antonio assaulted No∣nantola with Four Thousand Men, but was defeated by the Venetians, who slew several Hundreds of his Souldiers, and took Two Hundred Prisoners. After this, the Confede∣rates plunder'd all the Country of Ferrara, and took Vergato, defended by Eight Hundred Men. In the Surprizal of Bazano, they kill'd above Two Hundred of the Enemy; and, marching forward, took Monteria, Serra∣valle, and other Places; while Cardinal Bar∣berini's
Forces, were cut off at Burgho St. Se∣polchro, where he lost Eight Cannon, Four Petards, with Abundance of Provisions.
It would be an endless Task, to recount all the Skirmishes and Battels, that have passed between them. I only inform thee of the most Remarkable, that thou maist insert them in the Register of the Ottoman Empire.
To conclude this Letter, it will be worth thy Observation, that the Pope falling Sick, and his Death feared, did much conduce to put an End to these Difference. For, the Barberini's, now being apprehensive of the Advantage his Death would give the Confede∣rate Princes, were very forward to embrace any Overtures of Peace: So that by the Dex∣terity of the French Ministers, it was at last concluded, and all Differences adjusted; the Duke of Parma's Territories being restored to him, the Censures of the Church taken off, and the Ecclesiastick State put in the same Con∣dition it was in at the Beginning of the War.
I shall continue to send thee such Intelli∣gence, as may be serviceable to thee in that Eminent Station thou enjoyest in the Empire of the True Believers. And, shall think my self a very happy Man, if I can by any Means acquire thy Favour.
Paris, 23d. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
ONE would think that there were yet some of the Ancient Race of Gyants on Earth. Here is a Man come to this Court, full Eight Foot high, a Finlander by Nation; he looks like some Posthumous Birth of the Sons of Tatan. He is Master of prodigious Strength, and challenges any Two the stout∣est Men in France, to throw him a Fall. I have seen him take Two Boys of Ten Years of Age on the Palm of each Hand, and lift them up from the Ground together, with his Arms stretched out to the full Length, and walk Sixty Paces with them in this Posture; at the End of which Stage, he set them down again on their Feet, without the least Violence or Straining. There are none so hardy, as to accept of his Challenge; for, they know he will not suffer them to come nearer than the Extremity of his Arm. And, such is the monstrous Strength of his Hand, that he will either infallibly throw them down, or stifle them with his Grasp. He talks of Travelling into Turkey; if he does, I hope he will have more Discretion, than to venture within the Seraglio, lest he incurr the Fate of the re∣nowned Muscovite Wrestler, in Sultan A∣murath's Time. Thou remembrest that Tra∣gedy,
which made all the Brave and the Ge∣nerous, condemn Amurath's Cruelty. He was a Stout Prince himself; and, it look'd like Envy in him, to punish the Efforts of Courage in his Slaves, with so unrelenting a Rigour. But, he was himself a Slave to his Passions; and, Jealousie had the Predomi∣nance in his Temper. That Vice betrayed him to horrid Violences, of which thou art not ignorant, having been privy to several of his Amours.
This puts me in mind of a Spanish Cava∣lier, who had a very Vertuous and Beautiful Wife, which, thou wilt say, are Two rare Companions. He kept a Moor in his House, whom the Lady had one Time caus'd to be severely beaten. The Moor secretly vow'd Re∣venge. He had an Intrigue with one of the Lady's Women, to whom he imparted his Mind. They conspired together, to accuse the Lady of Lightness, and Infidelity to her Husband's Bed. The Cavalier, their Master was naturally Jealous, as generally are all the Spaniards; these Two possessed him with a Belief, that the Gardiner had frequent Access to his Lady's Chamber, and undertook to make him an Eye-Witness of it. Where∣upon, one of them goes privately to the Gar∣diner, and tells him, that the Lady would speak with him. Whilst the other runs to the Lord, and bids him make hast; for, that the Gardiner was at that Instant with his Lady. The Impatient Cavalier hastens up Stairs, and meeting the Gardiner coming out
of the Door of his Chamber, stabs him to the Heart, without any farther Expostulation; and, rushing furiously into the Chamber, serves his Wife in the same Manner. But, coming down again, the Maid struck with Remorse at so black an event, fell down at his Feet, confessing her Crime, and declaring, that her Lady was Innocent. The Spaniard, raging Mad, at a Conjunction of so many Misfor∣tunes, stabs the Maid and the Negro; and last of all, to complete the Tragedy, kills himself.
I have often wonder'd, that some such fatal Consequences did not attend the Jealousie of Sultan Amurath. He spared not to rip up the Bellies of his Pages, for the Sake of Two or Three Melons; and, 'tis a Miracle, that he did not sacrifice half the Slaves of the Seraglio, on the Account of his Mistresses.
Thou art now in a better Station, and free from Restraint. Act according to Reason, and let not Passion byass thee one way nor other.
Paris, 5th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THOU hast often required an Account of the Parliament of France, which is the Supreme Court of the Kingdom. Though the Name be known at the Sublime Port, yet the Ministers are unacquainted with the Power and Authority of this Senate.
When it was first instituted it consisted of Twelve Peers, an Hundred Bishops, and all the Prime Nobility of the Land; who had power to give Audience to Foreign Ambassa∣dors; to adjust all Differences of the Subjects. In fine, it might then be called the Sovereign Tribunal, from whence there could be no Ap∣peal. Three Foreign Kings have sat as Mem∣bers of this Court. It was in those Days Am∣bulatory, following the King whithersoever he went; but now it is always assembled in Paris, in the Palace which Philip the Fair built for his own Dwelling-House. This Parliament, is divided into Seven Chambers, whereof, that which they call the GREAT CHAMBER, is the Chief. There belong to this Chamber, Seven Presidents, Twelve Counsellours, the King's Cadi, or Attorney, with a great Number of Advocates, and Men of the Law. The Presidents and Counsellours are cloath'd in Scarlet, which strickes an awful Reverence into all that approach their Pre∣sence.
Some call this, the Golden Chamber; and well they may, since that glittering Me∣tal, is thought to be the Umpire of most Causes that are tryed in this Court. He that brings most Gold, is sure to have his Business first dispatched, and to come off Conqueror. For, as their present Power is little else but a mere Formality, so is also their Justice. The King's of France, have gradually so clipt their Ori∣ginal Authority, that now they seem to be but the Shadow of their Antient selves. They never pretended to meddle with Ecclesiastical Affairs; that was always out of their Jurisdi∣ction. The Mufti of Rome, claims this Pre∣rogative as his Right. From whence thou mayest observe, how maim'd and imperfect is the Royalty of Christian Kings, who cannot punish their own Subjects, if Clergy-men, without the Pope's Permission. Yet, though this Chamber cannot meddle with the Ecclesi∣asticks, they have a Privilege to dispose of the Regency, during the King's Minority; as is evident in the late Queen-Mother, Mary de Medicis, and the present Anne of Austria, who were both by the Parliament decla∣red Regents. They also confirm all the Kings Edicts; neither does he proclaim War without their Consent, or establish any Alliance.
There are also besides this, Six other Cham∣bers of Parliament; Five whereof, are called Chambers of Inquests, and they consist of Two Presidents, Twenty Counsellors, and a convenient Number of Lawyers. The Sixth Chamber is a Collection out of all the Rest,
and contains no less than Two Hundred Offi∣cers. Here, all Criminal Causes are tryed; which are either immediately, or by Appeal brought before them. As in the Chambers of Inquests, Controversies of the Civil Law are decided.
It is a pleasant Sight, to see the Men of the Law all in their Habits, which are very Glo∣rious and Rich. Indeed, all the Citizens of Paris, are extremely Gallant in their Apparel. But, I cannot be reconciled to their lavish Custom, of changing the Fashion of their Clothes almost with every Moon. This Va∣nity has been forbid in all well-ordered Com∣monwealths. And, thou knowest, our Ea∣stern People would as soon be stript of their Skins, as change the Fashion, which has been in use for immemorable Ages. Here they have no Distinction of Dress, the Noble and Vulgar, Rich and Poor go all alike. You cannot discern a Slave from a Prince by his Garb.
Paris is divided into Four Parts, the City, the Ʋniversity, the Town, and the Suburbs. It is about Three Leagues in Circuit; seated advantageously enough, but wanting Fortifi∣cations. Henry IV. had added some Strength to it, had he not been apprehensive of the Seditious Humour of the Inhabitants, who in time might make an ill Use of his Kindness, and shut those Gates against him, which he should build for their Defence against a Fo∣reign Enemy.
The Court is generally at St. Germain en Lay
one of the King's Royal Mansions, seated on the Top of a Mountain, which commands a Prospect of a large and beautiful Valley. I have been there often, that I might be the better able to penetrate into the Conduct of Cardinal Mazarini, who is never from the Queen-Re∣gent. I have already transmitted to the Sub∣lime Port, such Intelligence as I could gain of this Great Minister's Intrigues. I will now entertain thee with a Glimpse of this Palace, that thereby thou mayst conjecture at the Ma∣gnificence of the King's of France.
It is divided into Two Parts, the Old and the New. The Former was built by Charles I. the Latter by Henry IV. That may boast of its Antiquity, but this is so Majestick and Costly a Structure, as sufficiently demonstrates, that Modern Architects come not far short of the Ancient Romans. The Rooms are all lofty and large, the Roofs and Ceilings admi∣rably contriv'd and adorn'd; the whole con∣sists of so many Courts, that it rather looks like a Town than the Seat of one Family.
But pardon me, Illustrious Kaimacham, if I tell thee, that none of the Kings of the East, can match this Monarch in the Gardens belonging to this Palace. I saw there, such a Charming Variety of Delightful Objects, as made Art seem to surpass Nature, and even to out-do it self. In a Word, the Christian Princes, are very ingenious in the Contrivance of their Pleasures, and make all the Elements contribute to their Recreations. Thou hast often seen the Artificial Fireworks which are
exhibited at Constantinople at our Festivals, and on all Occasions of Publick Joy. But, thou hast never beheld such Water-works, as are exposed in the Gardens of this Palace eve∣ry Day. There, by the mere Force of this Li∣quid Element, Instruments of Musick are set at Work, which afford a Harmony little Infe∣riour to the best Consorts in the World; and, which extremely adds to the Pleasure, one may at the same Time behold seeming Musi∣cians playing on them, and keeping as exact Time with their Fingers on the Keys of Or∣gans, Strings of Viols and Lutes, as if they were living Persons. There you may see, all Man∣ner of Mechanick Trades exercised by Statues, who do every Thing with a proper Action, and are very eager at their Employments, so long as the Water gives them Motion; when that ceases, they all return to their Primitive Ina∣ctivity. From hence you pass to a seeming Sea, with Tritons moving on Dolphins, and sounding their Shell-Trumpets before Nep∣tune, who is drawn in a Chariot by Four Tor∣toises. The Story of Perseus and Andromeda, is also acted to the Life by mere Statues. But the most Ingenious Piece of Workmanship, is, Orpheus playing on a Viol, while the Trees move, and Wild Beasts dance round about him. This is so costly an Invention, that, as one of the Overseers of the Water-works told me, a String of Orpheus's Viol being broken, cost the late King Lewis Thirteen Hundred Crowns to repair it again.
We Mahometans, are apt to value our selves
too high, on the Score of our Princes Gran∣deur. We boast, we flourish, and are guilty of a Thousand Insults, despising and putting the rest of Mankind under our Sandals; as, if none of the Race of Adam understood the World but we, or had the Wit and Power to carve out to themselves the same Felicities we enjoy. The Monarchs of the East, style themselves, The only Happy ones, Possessors of infinite Treasures; Kings of the World, Sha∣dows of God, and what not! The Great Mo∣gol, with his Omrah's and Raja's, pride them∣selves in their Elephants. So do the Kings and Mandarins of China and Tunquin. The Sophi of Persia, swells at the Sight of his immense Treasures of Gold and precious Stones; glo∣rying, that the very Shooes of his Horses, are of the most exalted Metal; also the Mangers wherein they feed, and the Nails whereby they are fasten'd to the Ground. The Cham of Tar∣tary, rejoices in the Multitude and Strength of his Horses, his Winged Chariots and Waggons, and, that when his Armies rise and sit down, the Earth trembles with their Weight and Mo∣tion. 'Tis true indeed, the Grand Signior, who is the Wisest of the Wise, and the Greatest of these Great Ones, is not guilty of this Vanity. He is destin'd by the Lord of the Ʋniverse, to chastise the Follies both of the East and the West. Yet, his Slaves cannot forbear Rhodo∣montado's. I have heard some of our huffing Janizaries, tell the Greeks of Constantinople and Pera, that the Royal Seraglio is the most Magnificent Fabrick in the World, and that
the Garden belonging to it, is a perfect Tran∣script of Paradise. Thou wilt not approve such Brags as these, when thou considerest, how expert the Infidels are in Building; and, that they spare no Cost to erect such Edifices, whose very Ruins may proclaim to future A∣ges, the Magnificence of their Founders. And, as to their Gardens, they are so regular and beautiful, adorn'd with so many Delicacies of Nature and Art, that one would think, they were made by some Traditional Disciples of Adam; and, that they had their Rules, from the Primitive Planter of the World.
The French King, has other Houses and Gardens of Pleasure round about Paris, where the Court interchangeably divert themselves during the Summer.
I humbly kiss the Hem of thy Vest, craving thy Protection against the Malice of my Ene∣mies.
Paris, 16th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
SInce the Losses which the German Empe∣ror has received from the Arms of Ragot∣ski, I am inform'd by Nathan Ben Saddi, that the Emperor designs to send a splendid Em∣bassy with extraordinary Presents to the Sul∣tan, in Hopes to prevail on him, not to pro∣tect that Prince.
'Tis true, Ragotski is of a violent and chan∣geable Nature, and therefore no great Confi∣dence is to be reposed in him. Yet, I take it to be the Interest of the Sultan, rather to win him by Offices of Kindness and Friendship, than to make him his Enemy, by deserting him in this Juncture.
He is at the Head of a Potent and Formi∣dable Army, has taken Solnock, Breden, Mernatz, together with the strong Castle of Sendar near Cassovia; and many other Places of less Importance, whereby a Way is laid open for his Army to over-run all Hun∣gary, if assisted with the Ottoman Forces. Thus will he do the Office, which, they say, the Jackall performs to the Lion, that is, to hunt out the Prey, and secure it for his Ma∣ster and Sovereign.
Besides, the Fortune of this Prince, seems to invite our farther Assistance; for, he has
had great Success all along this War; whereas the Ottoman Forces no sooner appear'd on the Frontiers of Moravia, but Six Thousand of them were encountred by the Germans, and routed.
Should the Sultan desert him now, he may be compelled to resign himself, with all Tran∣sylvania, to the Protection of the German Em∣peror. It is not safe to run the Risque of such an Event; Transylvania cannot support it self. Either the Sultan must continue his Prote∣ction, or the Germans will soon find the Way, to plant their Garrisons in the Four Capital Cities, and reduce the whole Country under their Obedience.
Paris, 27th of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THE Pagans, in painting Fortune Blind, discovered but the Dimness of their own Sight. And 'twas a double Errour, to offer Sacrifice to her, that could not discern her Votaries. Yet, in my Sentence, the Christians are more to blame, who term her Incon∣stant, Partial, Bawd, Whore, and what not?
These are Prophanations of Providence, and impious Scandals cast on Eternal Destiny. Fortune and Chance, are but Nick-names of Fate, since there is nothing absolutely Casual in the World. They see the Vertuous perse∣cuted, while the Vicious insult and flourish; and they tax Heaven with unequal Dispensa∣tion of Rewards and Punishments; as if with Epicurus, they thought the Adorable Numen, took no Care of Things on this Side the Empy∣raeum, and rested in an Eternal Ignorance of Humane Affairs.
Doubtless, the Infidels are in an incurable Error. They pore on the Outside of Common Events, and look no farther; they behold not the hidden Chain of Causes, nor the Invisible Hand, which disposes all Contingencies with admirable Order and Decorum. Hence it is, that what comes not to pass but by the certain Decree of Fate, appears to these Buzzards, only as an Accidental Occurrence, and the mere Effect of Chance.
But thou, who art instructed in the Do∣ctrines of Truth, wilt have other Thoughts of that, which befell a Poor Man not long since in these Parts. This Person was Cha∣ritable to Excess; for, he gave away all that he had, to relieve the Necessities of others, chusing rather to throw himself naked upon Providence, than to deny an Alms to any One that ask'd him; so long as he had any Thing to bestow. Being at length, by his constant Liberalities, reduced to a very indi∣gent Condition, he was forced to betake
himself to Digging for his Livelihood. Yet, notwithstanding he gained his own Bread with hard Labour, he ceased not to shew his wonted Kindnesses to the Poor, giving them whatsoever he could possibly spare from his own Necessities. One Day, as he was digging in a Field belonging to the Duke of Montmorency, he found several Earthen Pots full of Gold, supposed to be buried there in the Time of the Civil Wars. The good Man carries this huge Treasure by Degrees home to his House, with all imaginable Privacy. And, having distributed the greatest Part of it in Works of Charity, he was going with his last Reserve to the House of a decayed Gen∣tleman, to whom he gave a sufficient Sum to repair his shatter'd Fortunes, being all that he had left: When, as he returned home∣ward, he found a Jewel in the High-way, which being sold, yielded him Ten Thousand Crowns. A Noble Bank for new Liberalities, and a convincing Argument, that there was something more than Chance, which thus strangely recruited his Purse, that it might never cease to be opened in Largesses to the Poor.
Who will not say, That Fate had a Hand in the Death of that Souldier, in the Duke of Anguien's Army, who maliciously and wrong∣fully accused his Comrade, of raising a Mutiny? For, the incens'd General, took a Fusee, and discharged it at the innocent Person, thinking to have killed him on the Spot; but, it prov'd otherwise, the Bullet passing through some
Part of his Body, and through half a dozen Tents, smote the Slanderer in the Pan of the Knee, which put him into so violent a Fever, that he died in Two days; while the other (whom before his Death he confessed to be In∣nocent) lives yet a Witness of this Remarkable Stroke of Divine Nemesis.
The faithful Watchman of the Sublime Port, Mahmut, salutes thee with humblest Obei∣sance, and wishes thee in all Things, a favou∣rable and benign Destiny.
Paris, 12th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
SINCE I came to this City, I have lear∣ned the Art of making Watches; which I exercise not for Lucre, but to comply with a Precept of the Alcoran; wherein also I find no small Diversion, it being a Relief to Melan∣choly to be in Action.
Should the Ecclesiasticks of the Latin Church, be made sensible that I practise a Mechanick Trade, they would think me a Scandal to their Profession, since I wear the Habit of a
Clerk. They esteem it next door to Sacri∣lege, for a Gown-Man to condescend to the La∣bours of the Laity. They would pull my Cas∣sock over my Shoulders, should they catch me in this Honest Crime; forgetting, that the Pri∣mitive Professors of their Religious Orders, got their Bread by making of Baskets.
The Box I send thee, contains some of my Merchandize; being designed as Presents for some of the Ministers of the Port, and my o∣ther Friends at Constantinople. I desire thee to take Care in sending it safe, that the Watches may receive no Damage by Water.
It is reported here, That the Emperour is Sick; thou wilt do well to inform me of the Truth. I hear also, That Prodigies have been lately seen at Vienna, which the French inter∣pret, as Fore-runners of his Death, and Signs of approaching Desolations in Germany. I am not credulous of all Things, which the Vulgar say on such Occasions. Yet I cannot deny, but that the Angels who preside over King∣doms and Empires, may be the Monitors of Mankind, and by raising unusual Spectacles in the Elements, may warn Mortals of future Alterations. This was the Opinion also of thy Country-man Josephus, who says, That immediately before the Destruction of Jerusa∣lem, there was a Voice heard in the Templs of Solomon, supposed to be uttered by Angels, say∣ing, Arise, let us go hence; as if the Guardian Spirits of that City, were then forsaking their Charge.
In this Place not long ago, were seen Three Suns together, or at least the Appearance of so many. This the Superstitious construed as an Omen of ill Luck. While the Court-Flatterers said, they represented the Duke of Orleans, the Prince of Condi, and Cardinal Mazarini, who now have united their Interests, after a long Time of Animosities and Misunderstand∣ings. I look upon this Apparition, to be only a Natural Production, resulting from the Re∣flexion of the Sun-beams on a bright Cloud. It is easie to solve such Phaenomena, without a Miracle. Yet some, I confess, have the Stamp of a Supernatural Power in their very Front. I my self once saw Two mighty Armies mar∣shall'd in the Air, who acted all the Bloody Tragedies of War, and made Arabia deaf with the Noise of their Artillery; yet, not a Cloud at that time to be seen. But I remark'd no extraordinary Event to follow it. 'Tis hard to trace the Omnipotent in such Mysterious Works, or learn the Drift of Providence.
I desire thee to use thy utmost Diligence, to penetrate into the Designs of the Court where thou residest. 'Tis an Honourable Post, to serve the Greatest Monarch in the World. Be Faithful and Vigilant, so may God and the Grand Signior heap greater Favours on thee. Adieu.
Paris, 21st. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
I Perceive by thy Letters, that our Heroick Sultan is very Industrious to take off the Scandal of Impotence, which the Ladies at his first Accession to the Throne fastned on him, having now seen a Fourth Son, born to him in the Seraglio. The Multitude of Subjects, is the Glory of a Monarch, and a strong Defence in Time of War; and, the Multitude of the Prince's Children, is the Security of his People both in War and Peace.
The Sultan's Adventure, as he was going to Scutary, puts me in mind of an Accident, which befell one of the Ancient King of Ae∣gypt; who, as he was walking in the Royal Garden at Memphis, spyed an Eagle flying toward the Place, where he was; at which Sight he stood still, gazing on the King of Birds; till at length the Eagle arriving to that part of the Air which was over his Head, lets fall a Woman's Shooe at his Feet. The King surprized at this Accident, takes up the Shooe; and, surveying its exquisite Symmetry and Form, thence took his Mea∣sures of the Lady that had worn it, and suddenly grew enamour'd of the unknown Fair; proclaiming through all Aegypt, great
Rewards to any that could discover the Owner of that Shooe. At length, a certain Beautiful Courtezan of Naucretis, named Rhodope, was proved to be the Mistress of it; who being brought to the King's Presence, he took her to his Bed, making her the Partner of his Empire.
This Lady had a much better Fate, than the tall Armenian Woman, with whom Sul∣tan Ibrahim fell in Love on the like Occasion: For, Rhodope, after she had enjoyed her Ho∣nour many Years, at last died peaceably in her Bed, and was Entombed in one of the Pyra∣mids of Aegypt: Whereas, thou tellest me, that this Armenian, soon after her Exalta∣tion to the Sultan's Embraces, was strangled by the Queen-Mother's Command. I tell thee, it was a Bold and Cruel Act; and, were the Sultan sensible how she was Murdered, he would not spare to vent his Indignation a∣gainst her that bare him.
Paris, 2d. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
ONE would think it an easie Matter, for a Stranger to conceal himself, in so vast and Populous a City as is Paris. Especially, one who makes so mean and contemptible a Figure, as does the supposed Titus of Molda∣via. I little thought, that the Lowness of my Stature, and the Deformity of my Body, would have attracted any Curious Eyes; but, that my very Habit, would have protected me from all Suspicion, and, that I might have pass'd an Age undiscovered, amongst the Infi∣nite Crowds of People, who throng both the Houses and Streets of Paris. Yet, there are some Critical Moments of our Lives wherein Fate delights to sport with us, to throw Stum∣bling-Blocks in our Way, to entangle us in Difficulties and Perils. This is a necessary Discipline of Heaven, to rowze Men from the Lees of Security, and Confidence in their own Strength and Abilities, and to instruct us, That Providence alone can extricate as out of the La∣byrinths we often fall into.
I was walking Yesterday before the Great Temple of this City, which is dedicated to Ma∣ry the Mother of Jesus; when, on a sudden, I was accosted (by one whom I little imagin'd to have seen in Paris) with these Words;
Mahmut! How came you by this Habit? What make you in this Place? Are you a Christian, or do you thus disguise your self for other Ends? Thou mayst easily imagine, what a Terror seized me, when I knew that he who spoke to me, was my old Master at Palermo. It brought to my Remembrance all the cruel Blows and Stripes I had received, during that irksom Cap∣tivity; and I could almost have phansy'd my self ready for the Bastinado. However, dis∣sembling my Confusion, I answered briskly, Sir, you are mistaken in the Person; my Name is not Mahmut, but Titus. I am a Christian and a Catholick; if you are such your self, you have no Reason to upbraid my Habit, since I wear it as a Badge of my Profession, being a Student, and Candidate of the Priesthood.
This Answer, instead of satisfying him, did but augment his Jealousie; and, being of a Passionate Temper, he broke out into fierce Language, calling me, Turk, Infidel, Slave, Dog, and all the ill Names his Fury could suggest. He spoke so loud, that it was taken Notice of by the People as they walked by, who began to gather about us, to learn the Occasion of so much Noise. I then condemn'd my self, for not rather owning my self to him, and inviting him to some more retired Place, where I might give him an Account of my Circumstances. I look'd upon my self as a dead Man, and would gladly have sustained Seven Years of Servi∣tude again in Sicily, to have been rid of the Fear I was now under, of a more terrible Pu∣nishment.
While I was in this Confusion of Spirit, thinking of Nothing but Racks and Tortures, the Noise of the Rabble, who flock'd about us, had alarm'd the People that were at their Devotions in the Church, who came running out, to enquire the Cause of such a Tumult: Among the Rest, a Friar, eminent for his Learning and Vertue, and who had a parti∣cular Esteem and Friendship for me, per∣ceiving the Matter, came up close to me, and taking me by the Hand, spoke aloud these Words: Sirs, forbear to Injure a Stranger in the Court of the Mother of God. I know this Man very well, and will be Responsible for him; he is a Catholick-Clerk, and Servant of the Living God. The Rabble gave a great Shout at the End of this Harangue; and, had not my Sicilian Master made a narrow escape, they would have endangered to tear him in Pieces. I know not what became of him afterwards, but I attended the Friar into the Temple, where we staid during the Cele∣bration of their Mass; and, then he condu∣cted me through the inner Parts of the Tem∣ple, by private ways into the Lodgings of the Priests; whence we issu'd out by a Postern, and, taking Boat, we cross'd the River Seine into the Fields. The Friar congratulated my Escape from the Hands of the Multitude; and, I return'd him a Thousand Thanks, for lifting me out of the Mire.
Thou seest, Dear Friend, that the Arabian Proverb speaks not in vain, when it says; That the Habitation of Danger, is on the Bor∣ders
of Security: And, That a Man never runs greater Hazards, than when he least fears them.
He that turns the Scales of Life and Death, Good and Evil, grant, that some happy E∣mergency may always arise, to divert the Perils which thou shalt incurr in this Uncer∣tain Life.
Paris, 7th of the 9th Moon, of the Year 1644.
THIS Court is now in Mourning, for the Death of the Chief Mufti, or Pope. And indeed, there seems to be more than mere Ce∣remony in it, he having all along favoured the French Interest. He had almost pass'd the Twenty second Year of his Pontificate; which few of the Popes have done since St. Peter, a Disciple of their Messias, from whom they pretend to derive their Succession. Their Histories say, that this Peter, was the Mufti of Rome Five and Twenty Years, and that since him not one, whether he was elected Young or Old, has enjoy'd the Sovereignty so long. Those that have approached nearest to it, were Adrian I. Sylvester I. and this Ʋrban VIII. who is now dead. It is reported, that
at their Coronation, the Master of the Cere∣monies, kneeling down, burns Flax before him that is elected, and with a loud Voice, repeats these Words Thrice: O Holy Father! think not you are to live here as long as did St. Peter; but, let this Flame put you in Mind, of the Vanity of the World, and how swiftly the Glory of it passes away.
Cardinal Pamphilio succeeds him in the Ro∣man Chair, and has given himself the Name of Innocent X. it being the Custom al∣ways at their Promotion, to assume the Name of some Holy Man (a strange Piece of Hypocrisie, as if that was sufficient to atone for their own wicked Lives.) But, none of them has presumed to take the Name of Peter, out of Respect to the First Vicar of Jesus. This Pamphilio is above Threescore and Twelve Years of Age, by whose Exaltation the Family of the Barbarini's, to whom he was a pro∣fess'd Enemy, begin to fall into Disgrace. Cardinal Antonio, one of that Family, is tax∣ed with embezelling the Treasures of the Church, committed to his Trust.
He flies to France for Succour; and though he had no great Reason to expect Car∣dinal Mazarini's Friendship, having formerly opposed his Interest at the Roman Court, in the Time of the late Pope Ʋrban; yet this Cardinal, by an Excess of Generosity, has espoused his Cause, and engaged his Master, the King of France, in his Quarrel.
What will be the Issue of this Contention, Time will evince. But, Men begin to talk
already, That the King of France, will carry a War into Italy, which will shake the Walls of Rome it self.
Thus, there is no Stability in Humane Af∣fairs; but, Time and Providence, perpetually start new Events.
God grant, that thou mayst live to see the Ottoman Crescent, on the Top of St. Peter's Church in Rome.
Paris, 6th of the 10th Moon, of the Year 1644.
THE great Preparations which Sultan Ibra∣him is making by Land and Sea, affords a Subject of Discourse to all Christendom; but administers a special Occasion of Jealousie, to the Republick of Venice.
They look on his declared Intentions to Invade Malta, only as a Cover or Cloak to his real Designs upon themselves; being confirm∣ed in their suspicion, by the Complaints which the Sultan made to Soranzo, their Resident at the Port, when he delivered himself with an Air, that expressed far deeper Resentments than his Words.
Nor can the Artificial Strains of Courtesie which are used toward the Resident, blind or
cancel the apparent Affront and Contempt which he received from the Caimacham; who refused to give him Audience after some hours Attendance, though at the same time Prince Ragotski's Envoy, was admitted at the first Word.
These Considerations, with others of like Nature, have sufficiently alarm'd the Vene∣tians; so that they are making all the season∣able Preparations that are requisite, to oppose the Torrent of the Ottoman Fury and Rage, which they apprehend is to be poured on them. This, they perform with all imagi∣nable Diligence and Secresie, being neither willing to give a just Ground of Jealousie to the Sultan, nor yet to be surprized unpro∣vided.
There have lately been extraordinary Con∣sultations in the Senate about these Affairs, some disapproving these Warlike Preparati∣ons, others promoting them: One Party judging, that a Peace ought rather to be purchased with a Tender of Gold: A con∣trary Side pleading, that such a Purchase would be both dishonourable and disadvan∣tageous; since upon every new Disgust, the Ottomans would commence, or, at least, threaten a War, on purpose, to erect a continual Mart for Peace, the Sale thereof being like to prove so profitable to them. Among the rest of the Senators, Signior Grimaldi made an Oration, of which I have obtained an Authentick Copy; And, it speaks thus:
THIS Glorious Republick, which has flourish'd for so many Ages, ought not, in my Opinion, to become the Merchandise of up-start Shepherds. 'Tis needless, to recount our Original, or wipe off the Ancient Dust of our Primitive Records, that we may be able to tell the World, we are the Reliques of Troy. 'Tis bootless, to put you in Mind, how this most serene and flourishing State, laid her first Foundations in the Sea, and built her Nest in the Floods: That the Nereids fled to her Shadow; and, the Rest of the Sea-Gods, even Neptune himself, courted her Alliance and Protection. Suffice it to say, that this Victorious State thus founded and built, has spread her Conquests through Istria, Dalma∣tia, and Epirus; has annexed unto her Go∣vernment, Corfu, Cephalenia, Zant, and Crete, with many other Islands of the Adri∣atick, and Mediterranean Seas; and, that this Virgin Commonwealth, has preserved her self undeflowred these Twelve Hundred Years. In all which Time, she never submitted to the lustful Tyranny of any Foreign Con∣querour: And, must she now become a Com∣mon Prostitute to Infidels? be bought and sold at any Rate? and pay the Price of her own Sla∣very? Has this most August Senate, by a long Series of successful Wars, been exalted to the
Height of Sovereign Power, and is she now to be brav'd into a base and mercenary Peace, the gilded Mask of abject Slavery? We that have stemmed the Torrent of Ottoman Inva∣sions, and resisted the Puissance of all Asia, must we now pull down our own Banks, and tamely let the proud Insulting Enemy in, pave∣ing his Way with Gold? Rouze up, my Lords, the Ancient Genius of this Mighty State, a∣waken the old Venetian Valour; and, unless you resolve always to bear the Ottoman Yoke, now shake it off, and make a War your Choice, rather than your last Remedy.
The Eyes of all the Western Nations, are fixed on this August Assembly. The Fate of Christendom is now in the Scales; it is in your Power alone to turn the doubtful Balance; it is from your unshaken Valour, the Christian World expects a Benefit, which shall be record∣ed on the Pillars of Eternity. Suffer not your selves, Most Excellent Lords, to be cajoled by the specious Pretences of the Ottoman Fox, but confide in your own Illustrious Arms, and the Justice of your Cause, which will not fail to attract the Favours of Divine Providence. Let not those Laurels, which have been all a∣long sprinkled with the Noble Bloud of your Renowned Ancestors, be tamely taken from your Heads, and trampled under the Feet of Infidels. Whom do you fear? A man supine∣ly
lull'd in wanton Pleasures; drown'd in the soft Delights of his Seraglio; a fitter Champion for the Fields of Venus, than for the bloudy Toils of Mars, the harsh Fatigues of War? But what do you dread? The Bug∣bear-Title of Grand Signior? It is in our Power, to check his boasted Grandeur, and make him sensible, The State of Venice, has a Sword can match the Turkish Scymitar.
Do but resolve, the Work's half done. I feel already in my Mind, blissful Presages of a lasting Peace, the effect of a Just and Sea∣sonable War, which is much to be preferred to the precarious Truce (for it deserves no better Title) which they design to cheat us with, in Contemplation of our Gold; a Truce, which they will break at Pleasure, to Start new Grounds of Composition. Thus, could we drain the Indies dry, we must refund our Trea∣sure into the Ottoman Coffers, and all too little to satiate their Greedy Avarice, and Tyran∣nous Demands. Thus would the most Se∣rene Republick of Venice, be post-pon'd to the Divan of Algiers; who have already shaken off the Turkish Yoke, retaining indeed the servile Name of Subjects, but refusing the Tribute they were wont to pay. Let us not suffer that Barbarous Little State, thus No∣bly to assert their Liberty, whilst we resign our Necks to the Yoke. Our Fleets are
numerous, our Soldiers disciplin'd, our Sea∣men bold and expert, our Treasury full of the Nerves of War. Let us be in a Readiness, and, if Sultan Ibrahim dares be the first Ag∣gressor; then, beat Drum, sound Trumpet, and every Man to his Post.
This huffing Harangue of Signior Grimaldi, though it met with some Abettors in the Se∣nate, yet the Counsel of the Graver and Wi∣ser Heads prevailed; which was, to send Or∣ders to the Venetian Resident at Constantinople, to sound the Inclinations of the Sultan, and, if possible, to make a Pecuniary Accommo∣dation.
This Intelligence I receive from a Jew, li∣ving at Venice; one whom I confide in, and who gives me a constant and faithful Account of all the Important Occurrences of that State. He is familiar with Girolamo Pusserla, and Bernardino Lupulo, Two of the Senators who voted for Peace; by which Means, he can easily feel the Pulse of the Venetian State, no∣thing of Moment being concealed from him by these Clarissimo's.
The late Action of Giacomo da Riva; Sopra∣veditor of Tino, against the Ships of Tripoli and Tunis, is interpreted to be done altoge∣ther in his own Defence. I doubt not, but it will be otherwise represented at the Port; but, I wish some Mens groundless Discontents, and the private Interest of others, be not impro∣ved to the Notion of Publick Injuries; by the
Artifice of such as wish not well to the Otto∣man Empire.
I discharge my Duty, in sending thee the best Intelligence I can in this Juncture.
God, the Supreme Monarch of the Ʋniverse, dispose these Overtures, and all other Humane Events, to the Exaltation of the Ottoman Empire, and the Propagation of the true Faith.
Paris, 13th of the 10th Moon, of the Year 1644.
THE Jews have a Proverb, That he who breeds not up his Son to some Trade, makes him a Thief. And the Arabians say, That an idle Person is the Devil's Play-fellow. Therefore, our Holy, and Wise Lawgiver, has commanded all True Believers, to exercise themselves every Day in some Manual Oc∣cupation. Neither is the Sultan on his Throne, any more exempted from Obedience to this Ʋniversal Precept, than he who cleans the Streets. The Soul of Man, is active as Fire; or, to take our Comparison as the Hebrews do from another Element, It can no more
cease from being busie, than Water can with∣hold it self from running out of every Hole of a Sieve. Men will be always exerting their Faculties one way or other, and there is no Medium between Good and Evil: Whosoever is not employ'd in One, must necessarily fall into the Other. These are the Points to which all the Lines of Humane Actions tend, the Centers where all our Af∣fairs meet. But, though there be no such Thing as a Mediocrity between these Two Extremes, and every Man is within the Circumference either of Vertue or Vice: Yet, there are certain Steps and Degrees in each; Specifick Differences also, which take their Rise and Proportions from Nature, Morality and Religion. Thus, Humane Pru∣dence teaches us, of Two Evils to chuse the least; while the Divine Oracle instructs us, Not to stand upon Niceties and Punctilio's with Vertue, but to push forward till we arrive at an Heroick Generosity.
As for me, who serve the Grand Signior in this Station, I am forced to compound with the Law, and capitulate with the Severer Precepts of the Alcoran. I tell many a Lye, that I may do the more effectual Service to Truth. I am compell'd to deny my Religion, that I may pre∣pare a Way for others to propagate it. By ob∣lique and remote Fetches of Policy, I accomplish the Direct Intentions of Justice, while I com∣mit little Vices among the Infidels, to intro∣duce great Vertues. Thus, making good the Counsel of the Persian Philosopher, That it is
necessary for him who would reach his Journeys End, sometimes to go round about. And, thou knowest what Encouragement has been given me; being assur'd by the Sovereign Pre∣late of our Holy Law, That while I keep in the Orb of my Duty to the Grand Signior, I am out of the Devil's Circle.
If thou wouldst know how I busie my self at my Hours of Leisure: I make Watches; not knowing how better to spend my vacant Time, than in framing an Instrument, where∣by I may perceive how Time passes away. This little Engine, points out each Minute, and measures exactly the Succession of Hours; it keeps Pace with Years, yet out-runs not Months. 'Tis the Journal of the Sun, a faith∣ful Record of his daily Travel through the Heavens. In a Word, 'tis the Secretary of Time; and a compendious History of the First-born Issue of Eternity.
Eliachim the Jew, takes some off my Hands; and, the Rest I present to the Gran∣dees, or any Body whom I would oblige. I have sent some by the Way of Vienna to the most Venerable Mufti, and to thy self, as also to others of my Friends at the Sublime Port. They are all seal'd up, with Directions to those for whom they are Designed. I wish, that this mean Testimony of my Duty and Affection, may be accepted. And, that my Superiors would from hence conclude, that I am no bad Husband of my Time.
The Ʋnchangeable Essence, who moves all Things, yet is mov'd of None; who sets all
the Springs and Wheels of Nature a-going, yet remains himself in Eternal Rest; be∣holding all Things past, present, and to come with one undivided Glance; grant, that I may be approved of Heaven, while I obey the Mufti and his Vicar on Earth.
If thou favourest the Cause of the Merchant who brings thee this Letter, thou shalt do well. He will inform thee of his Affairs. God encrease thy Felicity.
Paris, 22d of the 10th Moon, of the Year 1644.
THOU that art exalted from a Page, to one of the Highest Dignities in the Em∣pire, and possessest an Eminent Share of the Sultan's Favour, wilt not be displeased if Mahmut, whom thou hast formerly honour'd with thy Friendship, puts thee in Mind of some Qualifications that are requisite in a Fa∣vourite. I know thy Abilities are great, yet he that walks on Pinnacles, will not refuse the Assistance of any kind Hand that offers it, nor tax a Man with Presumption, for endea∣vouring to preserve him from a Fall.
It will not be sufficient, that thou art very
Zealous to serve the Sultan, to aggrandize his Honour, and prop the Imperial Dignity: Nor, that thou art extremely accurate in ma∣naging the Affairs committed to thy Charge: That thou art assiduous and extraordinary careful; not addicted to Recreations and Pleasure: That thou art rigorously Just, deaf to Flattery, and inexorable to Bribes; but in all Things sollicitous for thy Sovereigns Interest and Greatness, without any other Byass, save that of untainted Loyalty. (All these, I must confess, are great Vertues in a Statesman and a Favourite; yet, they may become Vices, by their Excess as well as their Defect; and he that steers not his Course in the Golden Mean, may soon preci∣pitate himself into Ruine.) But it is also ne∣cessary for thee, to have an Eye to the Satisfa∣ction of the Subject, as well as to the Prince's Prerogative. It will not be safe to immo∣late the Peoples Interests and Liberties, to the Humours and Caprices of their Sovereign. Neither will he thank or reward thee, for such a dangerous Piece of Zeal. Nay, should he himself command thee to do any Thing, which would intrench on their Rights and Privileges, thou oughtest rather to shew thy Fidelity, in humbly remonstrating to him the ill Consequences of such a Proceeding, than by a blind Obedience, to betray both him and thy self to the Publick Odium. On thee, to be sure, it will fasten, however thy Master may escape; and, thou must fall a Victim, to appease the incens'd Multitude and save him harmless.
This was the Case of the Duke d' Olivares, the late Minister and Favourite of the King of Spain. He was endued, with all the foremen∣tioned Vertues requisite in a Statesman; but, his immense Zeal to advance the Kings Pre∣rogative, betrayed him to such Measures of Oppression and Tyranny, as were the Occa∣sion of his Ruine.
The Spaniards claim certain Franchises and Immunities, which when granted them, they pay a voluntary Homage to the Castilian Crown. D' Olivares sought to bereave them of these their Native Customs and Liberties, which by degrees gave so general a Disgust to that apprehensive Nation, that they broke out into an open Rebellion. Hence sprung the Revolt of Catalonia and Rossilion; and, the total Defection of Portugal. He thought by Rigour, to drive these People to Extremes, making them fall into Treason, and then taking advantage of their Crimes, to make his Master more absolute. But, these indirect Courses never prosper'd; and, we now see the Duke of Braganza, by this Means esta∣blished in the Throne of Portugal, that King∣dom quite rent from Spain, and the other Pro∣vinces in the Hands of the French.
The Spanish Grandees, sensible of the Male-administration of the Favourite Duke, grew disgusted, with-drew from the Court, and from their Charges, leaving the King almost desti∣tute of Attendants at home, or Officers a∣broad; yet, none durst discover the Grounds of their Discontent, till the Constable of Ca∣stile
broke the Ice, on the following Occasion. This Constable, is one of the Prime Nobility of Spain, deducing his Pedigree from a Race of Kings. Him had Olivares made his Mor∣tal Enemy, by proposing a Match between a Son of his, and the Constable's Daughter. This Son, whether Natural or only Adopted, is not certainly known; but, he had lived an obscure and debauch'd Life, not so much as taken Notice of unless for his dissolute Man∣ners, and enormous Crimes, which had once expos'd him to the Sentence of Death, had he not met with better Fortune than he deserv'd. All the Nobles were highly disgusted, when they saw this Prodigal own'd by Olivares for his Natural Son and Heir, invested with the highest Dignities of the Kingdom, and made Master of prodigious Riches; especially, since he was no Ways worthy of such Preferment, retaining still his former Vices, and giving e∣very where Proofs of an abject and base Ge∣nius. To see such an one made President of the Indies, and at the Height of Honour, in a fair Way to succeed the Duke in his Mini∣stry, irritated the whole Court, and drove the Constable of Castile to Impatience. He utter∣ly refuses the Match, disdaining that his Daughter should be linked to such an Upstart. He remonstrates to the King, the exorbitant Ambition of Olivares. In fine, being second∣ed by other Lords of the Court, and by Let∣ters from the German Emperour, he so far prevailed on the King, that his Eyes began to be opened, and he now clearly saw, that
all the Disorders of the Government, ow'd their Origin to the ill Conduct of Olivares. Wherefore, taking the Advice of his faithful Counsellors, he banish'd him the Court, de∣priv'd him of all Authority, confin'd him first to a Place not far from Madrid, and af∣terwards to Thoro, a City in Old Castile.
Thus fell that great Minister, through his own Ambition to rise. Seeking by unwarranta∣ble Methods to secure his Master's Favour, he incurr'd the Height of his Displeasure, and brought upon his own Head, an irrecoverable Disgrace and Ruine.
I send thee this Example, as a Testimony of my Friendship and Fidelity; and, that thou mayst inform the Divan, of the true Grounds of this Man's Misfortune. The King has now taken the Reins of Government into his own Hands, though, 'tis thought, too late.
I wish thee an Encrease of Vertues and Hap∣piness, and that thy Moderation may keep thee stedfast in the Sultan's Favour.
Paris, 4th of the 11th Moon, of the Year 1644.
IT is, thou knowest, a considerable Time since I was Love-smitten with the Beautiful Daria, who was Fair as an Angel, and dis∣creet above any Mortal Creature. It's hard to say, whether the Beauty of her Mind or that of her Body, struck deepest Impressions on my Soul. How long were the Nights and how short my Slumbers, and what a general Distraction of Thoughts were I in? I could not abide my Chamber, and when I went out, no other Place could please me. I knew not what I said or thought, whether I dreamt or was really awake, stood or sate, went back∣wards or forwards, all Postures and Places being alike, seeing none of them could afford me the Relief I sought after.
I imagin'd no less, but that I must thus lan∣guish on; yet I find, That Time and Absence have, at length, made Way for Reason. Marvel not, dear Oglou, I have suffered these Transports. Our Passions are not in our Power; we cannot love and hate when and whom we please. There is a Conformity of Blood, wherein the Stars, they say, work Wonders. It's true, no Man can love and be wise at the same Time; but, prithee tell me, didst ever know any Wise Man, who was not one Time or other in Love? Remember thine own Passion for the same Object, which will make thee the easier
to excuse mine. I'll tell thee a Story, which I have some-where read; which, if it does not palliate, yet will not aggravate my Weakness.
A certain Country-Man having lost his Ass, came to the Muezin, or Cryer, desiring him to give Notice at the Door of one of their Mosques: which he did for Three several Fe∣stivals. But, no News being heard of the Animal, the Owner urged the Muezin to continue his Proclamations, with the Reward of a fat Pig to the Finder. The Muezin be∣ing an arch Wag, and tired with the Fellow's Importunity, one Day when the Ceremonies of their Superstitious Worship was ended, and People flockt amain out of the Mosque, he made this following Proclamation: If there be any Man here amongst you, who will come forth, and solemnly profess, he never was in Love, he shall have a fat Pig.
An ungainly loobily Fellow, who was lean∣ing listning on his Staff, bawled out, That he could safely take his Oath, he was the Person who had never been in Love. Whereupon the Muezin taking him by the Sleeve, presents him to the Country-Man, saying, Here, Friend, I have found your Ass, the Pig is mine.
Rejoyce with me for the Recovery of my Liberty, and believe an experienced Man, when he tells thee, that a Man's Love to his Friend, though it be not so violent and strong as that to his Mistriss, yet is more solid and lasting.
Paris, 12th of the 11th Moon, of the Year 1644.
SInce thou, who art the Center and Source of all dignity, hast drawn back one Ray of Honour into thy Self, whose Emanation before made some of thy Slaves Illustrious, with the Title and Power of Captain Bassa: Since thou thy self, I say, who art always Ge∣neralissimo by Land, vouchsafest also at this Juncture to become Bassa of the Sea; I wish that both Elements may prove propitious to thee, and Fate crown thy Arms with the Height of Success. May the King of the Wa∣ters, proclaim a Nesiraum where-ever thou sailest, and may the Winds pay Homage to the Banner of the Ottoman Empire. In a Word, may yielding Waves and timely Gales, con∣vey thee safe and prosperous to Venice; and, may Fortune always attend that Courage, which never forsook thee when thy Master's Honour lay at Stake.
The Empire of the Osmans, is highly obli∣ged to Providence, for such a Valiant and Ex∣perienced Leader of their Armies. There is need of the Resolution of Alexander the Great, to encounter with all the Formidable Difficul∣ties and Hazards of this War. Thou art not marching against the soft and effeminate Per∣sians,
Men drown'd in the Luxurious Debau∣cheries of Asia, and enervated by continual Voluptuousness: But, thou must combat with the fierce Rascians, hardy Servians, the vali∣ant Inhabitants of Dalmatia and Istria, Men inur'd to Toils and Fatigues, and steel'd in Blood and Slaughter. I tell thee, there is no State in the World, that takes more Care to breed her Subjects up in all the Discipline of War, than this Republick. Thou hast heard of the famous Arsenal of Venice, wilt thou be∣lieve what Adonai the Jew has told me, con∣cerning that Nursery of War? He is newly come from thence, and says, That this Arsenal alone is half a League in Circuit; that there is but one Gate and Channel into it, by which their Vessels pass in and out; That in this Place, as in a Seminary, are bred up an infi∣nite Number of Slaves, who are a little Com∣mon-wealth by themselves. Some of these are employ'd all the Year round, in making Gallies, Galliasses, Pinnaces, Brigantines and other Shipping, with all Materials belonging to them, as Masts, Oars, &c. Others make Bullets, Chains, Anchors, Cannon, and all kinds of Artillery. A Third sort, are busied in making Ropes, Sails, Shrouds, and such like Naval Implements.
He says moreover, that in this Magazine are contain'd 40000 Pistols; 200000 Daggers; 60000 Partizans; Javelins 100000; Cross∣bows 30000; Long-bows 50000; with 500000 Swords; Musquets 200000; 1000 Cannon; as many Sacres; 500 Culverins. All these are
preserv'd as a Treasury of War, besides Infi∣nite Quantities of all Manner of Weapons and Ammunition, which are daily carried from hence, to furnish their Ships by Sea, and their Armies and Forts by Land. Thou wilt conclude from hence, That this is a Wise and Martial Nation, and that the Conquest of Venice will cost much Sweat and Blood.
Wilt thou hear what this Jew says of their Publick Buildings, which are all made of the best Marble? He counts Sixty six Parish-Churches; Fifty two Monasteries; Twenty six Nunneries; Eighteen Chapels; Seventeen Hospitals; and Six Schools. He numbers Fifty six Courts of Justice. Ten Gates of Brass; Four hundred and fifty Stone-Bridges; Eighty Thousand Boats, which cannot be served with less than double that number of Water-men. The Inhabitants of this City are computed to be 800000. By all this, thou mayst comprehend the Greatness and Wealth of this Republick, and that it is no Inglorious Enterprize to carry on a War against it.
These Infidels, give Publick Toleration to Harlots; which is practised not only in this City, but all over Italy, and brings a vast Re∣venue into the Treasury. The Whores-pence of Venice, is said to amount Yearly to 100000 Zechins.
The Multitude of Jews also, does mighti∣ly enrich that City, who have no less than Nine Synagogues there. They are Masters of Infinite Wealth, and engross the greatest Part of the Levantine Traffick, whereby Ve∣nice
is become superlatively Wealthy, and has required the Epithete of Rich. This is grown a Fashion in Italy, That every City has its peculiar Title, as Rome the Holy, Padua the Learned, Milan the Great, Naples the Proud, and Venice the Rich.
One Thing extremely pleases me, and had it not a shew of Idolatry, I could not but ap∣plaud it, as an Argument of the Generosity of this State. Adonai tells me, That there are no less than 165 Marble, and 23 Brazen Statues, erected by the Order, and at the Charges of this Republick, in Honour of the like Number of Valiant Soldiers, who have merited well of the Publick. This is an ef∣ficacious Encouragement to Others, a Spur to Vertue, the Cherisher of Martial Ardor. And Venice herein seems to imitate the Gra∣titude of Ancient Rome, which never spared any Cost, to honour her Heroes, and render their Memory Immortal.
God grant thee Victory over these Infidels, that at thy Return, laden with the Venetian Spoils, thou mayst rejoice in the Royal Ca∣resses and Favour of our Glorious Sultan; and, that not only Constantinople, but all the Ot∣toman Empire, may celebrate Triumphs for the Success of thy Arms.
Paris, 21st of the 11th Moon, of the Year 1644.
IT appears by thy melancholy Letter, thou hast not forgot the Loss thou formerly sustainedst by Fire, but still continuest to di∣sturb thy self, with dismal Apprehensions of spending thy Days in ignominious Poverty. I am afraid, thou didst set thy Heart too much on thy Wealth, which makes thee so uneasy under thy Misfortune. Perhaps, thy Money was thy Master, and God in removing it from thee, has made thee free, and thereby fitted thee for the Contemplation of the Ʋni∣verse.
Never fear Want; the same Providence which took Care of thee before thou camest into the World, will never be wanting to thee now thou art in it. It is but a Little that we need, and it will not be long before it will be impossible for us to want any Thing. Poverty never meets the thinking and indu∣strious. And a Man may satisfy Nature, with∣out the least Obligation to Fortune; who, when she seems most angry with us, scarce ever denies us Necessaries. The Belly, indeed, is a troublesome Creditor, yet is quieted with a Little. Seneca tells us, That Epicurus con∣fined himself to a narrower Allowance, than that of the severest Prisons, to the most hei∣nous Offender; and, found himself at Ease
too in a stricter Diet, than any Man in the worst Condition needs to fear. But the Mise∣ry of it is, we are governed in all Things by Opinion, and every Thing is to us as we think it to be.
The same Great Man tells us, of one Apici∣us, who poison'd himself for fear of starving, when he had Two Hundred and Fifty Piasters in his Coffers. And, another more Modern Philosopher relates, That a rich Man, an Ac∣quaintance of his, falling mad, snatcht up a Straw, and complained he must perish with Hunger, for he saw there was no Grain in the Empty Husks.
It's said of the Emperor Galba, That he was wont to weep, when he saw his Table better covered than ordinary. And, I have read of a certain Christian Mufti, who was so wretchedly covetous, that he would steal privately into the Great Mosque of Rome, and put out the Lamps there to save Charges.
But methinks, I hear thee murmuring me an Answer, That this was never thy Humour, and these Citations make little Impression on a Man, that has had his House and Goods burnt, and narrowly escaped in his own Per∣son.
Shall I tell thee then, what hap'ned lately in these Parts, which will, perhaps, make thee more contented and thankful for thy Life, see∣ing what was these poor Peoples Lot, might have been thine.
Certain considerable Merchants coming to this Town, and Lodging at an Inn, not far
from my Quarters, the House being full of Guests, they were forced to be content with an upper Room; where, entertaining one another with pleasant Discourse, to pass away the Time till Supper, on a sudden the Kitchin was all in a Flame, unfortunately encreased with combustible Matter lying near the Chimney. Some say, there was great Quantity of Oil and Gun-Powder (an odd Store-House to lay such Commodities in.) However, the Fire appeared so suddenly and violently, that in a Moment all the Floor un∣der them, was seiz'd with it.
These Gentlemen, who were Two Stories high, in a Chamber towards the Street; as soon as they heard the Cry of Fire, began to make towards their Trunks and Port-mantles, which were lock'd up in a large Coffer, the Key of which hung at their Hostess's Girdle. They were for going down to fetch it, but the Fire had, in a Manner, consum'd all beneath them. Whilst they were busied in trying to break open the Cof∣fer, and to take out every Man his own, their Chamber became instantly so full of Smoak, as was like to Choak them. They could neither save themselves by going up or down, the House being all over in a Flame. Moreover, their Neighbours seeing their own Houses in Danger, were so concerned for themselves, that they had no time to Pity Others. So that, few People attempted to succour these poor Gentlemen, who, on their side, endeavoured with great Pieces of Wood,
to force a Passage; but the Walls and Win∣dows were too Strong to give Way to their Efforts, being secur'd with thick Iron Barrs, fastned in the Stones. In this lamentable Condi∣tion, having this inexorable Flame before their Eyes, which had already seized on the Cham∣ber, tearing the Hair off their Heads, and stamping on the Ground, they sent forth such dreadful Skrieks, as moved all that heard them to extream Compassion.
They threw their Gold and Silver into the Streets, in vain crying for Help; the Fire being so encreas'd, that before the People could bring Ladders and other Instruments to break a Way into the Chamber, these poor Wretches miserably perished in the Flames.
Thank God thou hast still thy Life and Sen∣ses. Turn these last the Right Way, and thou wilt find thou hast lost Nothing.
Paris, 21st. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1644.
THE Spaniards, are the Proudest Peo∣ple in the World. They strut like Cranes, as they go along the Streets, and Walk by Rules of Geometry. Here are many of them in this City, since the Revolt of Catalonia and Roussilion. The French accuse them of Uncomplaisance and ill Manners, in that they will not change their Habit or Gate, in a Country so averse from Formality.
They are extremely addicted to Rhodo∣montado's; as thou wilt easily guess by this which follows: Lewis XIII. asking a Spanish Officer, who was a Prisoner of War, Why the Kings of Spain went not in Person to the Wars, as the Kings of France: He Answer'd, If the King, my Master, should lead his own Army into the Field, the whole Earth would tremble under him.
Another being ask'd; Why the Spanish King in his Style, boasted, That the Sun was his Helmet, replyed, Because that Luminary never sets on all my Master's Territories. But the French-man wittily retorted, He will neither set, nor rise on any of your Master's Dominions e'er long, if the Great Lewis goes on with his Conquests.
Indeed, to pass from Jest to Earnest, this Victorious King, continually pares away some Part or other of the Spanish Monarchy. I have acquainted the Ministers of the Divan, with the most important Passages of this War, ex∣cept the taking of Graveling, which I did not then think so considerable a Place, as I am since inform'd it is. 'Tis a Sea-Town, lying on the Northern Shore of France, and com∣manding the Narrow Seas, between the Con∣tinent and England. Some say, that it is one of the strongest Towns in Europe. The French King, by the Conquest of this Place, is in a condition to give the Law by Sea, to all the Northern Nations.
The Great God who protects the Ottoman Empire, set Limits to the Conquests of this Christian King, and so continue the Wars of these Infidel Princes, that neither any One of them may be in a Condition, nor All of them together be agreed, to make Head against the Arms of our Invincible Sultan.
Paris, 17th of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1645.
THOU hast already in the Divan, heard of the present Convulsions of the English State. I communicated to the Vizir Azem, what Intelligences I had received of the Trou∣bles of that Kingdom. Besides, the Imperial City is full of Strangers of all Nations, who maintain Correspondences with their several respective Countries: Whence it comes to pass, That whatsoever is done in the most re∣mote Corners of the Earth, is soon known to the Ministers of the Sublime Port, which is the Sanctuary of the Whole World. But, I shall gratifie thee, in unveiling the Interiour of those Events, which have made such a Noise. Thou art naturally curious in thy Researches; and, I shall present thee with some additional Re∣marks, which I have made on the English Affairs, since I wrote to the Supreme Minister on that Subject.
I acquainted him, that the late Cardinal Richlieu, had a hand in Embroiling that Island, as he had in exciting the Tumults of Catalonia, and promoting the Revolution of Portugal. The part which he acted, was by Proxy. He had his Agents there, to blow up into a Flame, the Sparks which lay smothering in the Breasts of that Discontented People. Those of the Latin Church, reflect it as a Judgment on the
English Nation, that they have never been free from Conspiracies, Seditions and Rebellions, since the Time they shook off their Obedience to the Roman Mufti; which was, in the Days of King Henry VIII. As if, that Revolt in Point of Religion, had been the Source of all the following Tumults and Disorders in the State. 'Tis certain, Religion has great Influ∣ence on Mens Morals, and where a Liberty of innovating is once allow'd, it makes conti∣nued Progressions. Some French Antiqua∣ries say, that the English embrac'd the Roman Communion for the Space of Seven Hundred Years; and, that during so long a Time, they never had any Civil Wars, but such as were made on the Account of Succession to the Crown. But, that after they had chang'd their Faith, they were always restless, still hatching some Alteration in the Government. I know not how far these Observations are justifiable, Men being generally partial to their own Cause. But, the present Stirs in that Island, seem to owe their Increase, if not their Birth, to the Latitude which the Subjects take in Matters of Conscience. Whilst every Man, carves out to himself such a Religion, as best pleases him; without being accountable to the State, or paying any Tribute, as is the Practice of the Ottoman Empire. Hence, it is few Mens Ambition, to conform to the Re∣ligion of the Prince; but, every Sect endea∣vours to perswade both Prince and People, to subscribe to their Sentiments; and, the most potent Party, threatens all the Rest with
the ill Consequences of War, in Case their Tenets be not establish'd. Among all the Religions which divide the Inhabitants of that Island, there is none for which they have so general an Aversion, as that which they call the Roman Catholick, though it were once the Establish'd Religion of the Country. This is now become the publick Eye-sore; and, the rest of the Sects, though they are at immor∣tal Difference with each other, yet all join Heart and Hand to oppose this Common Bug∣bear. The French say, That the Protestants are like the English Mastiffs, Two of which, I remember, were presented to Sultan Amu∣rath, by the French Ambassador, with this Character of them, That though when they quarrell'd they would fight with each other to Death, yet should a Bear be let loose upon them, in the Midst and Heat of their Fury, they would soon become Friends, and turn the Battel upon their Savage Enemy. Such, they say, is the Humour of the English Sectaries; and, the Factious have improved it so far, as to fasten the Odium of the Vulgar on the King himself, by suggesting, That he designs to introduce the Roman Religion into that Country; whereas, according to the Relation of Travellers and knowing Men, he is a zealous Protestant. This is the Pretence of taking up Arms against him: An Artifice, by which Rebellion is generally usher'd in; whilst the Defence of Religion, is made a Cloak for Sacrilege and Treason.
The Infidels have found out a Way to divide a Man from himself, by Metaphysical
Niceties, a Science wherein the True Believers are happily ignorant. They are actually in Arms against their Sovereign, yet they declare they fight for him: Maintaining their Rebellion by this Sophistry, That they fight against his Na∣tural Person, to defend his Political; as if they could separate one from the other. Some thinking Men say, 'tis well if they do not di∣vorce his Soul from his Body by the Help of these Juggling Distinctions.
His Viceroy in Ireland, has already lost his Head, for no other Crime, but his Loyalty to his Master, who is blam'd for giving Consent to the Execution of so faithful a Minister. Yet, the Curious pretend to trace the Footsteps of Justice in this Man's Destiny, since he fell a Sacrifice to the fame Democratick Principles, whereof he had formerly been a zealous Pa∣tron, having been observed to be once a great Opposer of the Royal Prerogative. If this be true, it seems as if Nemesis her self had brought him to his Punishment.
Thou wilt wonder at the Presumption of these People, in divesting the King of the Military Power by Sea and Land, and assu∣ming it themselves. Especially, when thou considerest, that this is the Essential Preroga∣tive of Sovereignty, without which it is but an Empty Title.
Our Invincible Sultans are possessed of such an uncontroulable Authority, as cannot be transferr'd to any Subject, or to all the Sub∣jects of so vast an Empire put together; but is only communicated at the Imperial Plea∣sure,
as Rays from the Sun, whose Emanati∣ons, though they are immense and infinite; yet do they not in the least, diminish or weak∣en that Immortal Fountain of Light. But, the English have not that Veneration for their Prince, as is found in the Mussulmans: They esteem Him but the Trustee of the Common-Wealth, the Creature of the Populace, having imbib'd the Principles of Aristotle, Cato and other Democratick Philosophers; who teach, That the Sovereign Power is Originally in the People, and but transmitted from them to the Prince, by way of Deputation and Credence. My Letter to the Prime Vizir, will inform thee what the English Parliament is. At this Time, as I'm inform'd, it consists for the most Part of Men of this Stamp: Yet they do not openly profess these Antimonarchick Te∣nents; but, under the Mask of Loyalty, amuse the credulous Multitude with specious Pre∣tences, Of making the King the most Glorious Monarch, and his Subjects the Happiest People in the World. But, 'tis thought he will rather confide in his Arms, the Justice of his Cause, and the Protection of God, than suffer himself to be any longer cajol'd by their false Rhetorick.
He has given them Battel once, wherein they say, the Victory was in an even Balance, and neither Side could claim it.
The Rebels have put to Death the English Mufti, whom they call the Arch-bishop. They struck off his Head with an Ax, in the open Street, on the 10th Day of the 1st Moon of the Year 1644.
Before I conclude this Letter, I shall re∣late to Thee a Passage, which happen'd in this King's Infancy, worthy of Remark: In former Ages, there were a Sort of Philosophers or Prophets in England, whom they call'd Druids, and Bards. These instructed the People in the Belief of a God, the Immorta∣lity of the Soul, and other Principles of Natu∣ral Religion. They foretold Things to come, and had acquir'd so great a Reputation, that the Kings of that Country would undertake no Affair of Moment, till they had first consulted these Oracles. 'Tis said, there are yet living some of that Prophetick Race in the Mountains of Scotland. One of which, a Man of great Sanctity and Wisdom, being an Hundred and Twenty Years old, came to visit this King's Father; at which Time he saw this King, be∣ing then an Infant in his Nurses Arms, whilst his Elder Brother and Heir of the Crown stood by. The Old Man, after his Complements to the Father, takes the Infant Prince in his Arms, and bestows his Benediction on it, in these Terms, Hail, Royal Babe, Heir of Two Crowns; thou shalt Reign a long Time happily; but in the End, a Flower-de-luce shall be thy Bane. The Nobles that were present, thinking that the Extremity of Age had bereav'd him of his Reason, were ready to thrust him away; offering to take the Child from Him, and telling Him, That he mistook; for, this was not the Heir of the Crown, but his Brother who stood by. But he, with a composed Look and an assured Carriage, made Answer, That
what he spoke, was Truth; adding withal, That the Elder Brother should die before his Fa∣ther; and, That this should live to inherit the Kingdoms of Scotland and England. The Event has made good some Part of his Pro∣phecy; for, his Elder Brother dyed at Twelve Years of Age, and he at this Day possesses those Two Kingdoms; but, how the Flower∣de-luce shall be his Bane, Time must evince. It is thought, That by it is meant, the French King; because that is the Arms of the Royal Blood of France. It is hard to determine of future Events; yet there are some, who ob∣serving the Influence which this Court has had on the English Commotions, and how far Cardinal Richlieu had engaged King Lewis XIII. in Revenging the Affronts which were given to his Sister the Queen of England, by that Inhospitable Nation, make no Difficulty of interpreting this Prophecy; but conclude, That the Unfortunate King of England, will at length fall a Victim to the French Resent∣ments, though his own Subjects be Instru∣mental to his Ruin.
I will continue my Intelligence of the Eng∣lish Affairs, as I receive them. In the mean while, I pray the Great God, to protect the Mussulman Empire from Sedition and Trea∣son, and keep the Subjects of Sultan Ibrahim in their due Obedience.
Paris, 25th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1645.
HERE are to be met with in these Western Parts, infinite Numbers of People, who not only despise and vilifie our Law, but their own, and openly scoff at all Religions in the World. These are known by the Name of Libertines or Atheists, which is to say, People that profess themselves Enemies to the Belief of a God. A lewd and unthinking Herd of Animals, who dare not be alone, lest they should come to the Remembrance of them∣selves, and be Wiser.
These People are in some sort, like Ninus that great Assyrian Monarch, who vaunted, He never saw the Stars, nor desired it; Wor∣shipp'd neither Sun nor Moon, never spoke to his People, nor took any Account of them, but was valiant in Eating and Drinking.
He was said to have this Inscription on his Tomb:
I WAS FORMERLY NINUS, THE GREAT LORD OF THE WORLD, AND LIVED AS THOƲ DOST, BƲT AM NOW NOTHING BƲT DƲST. ALL THE MEAT I HAVE EATEN, ALL THE HANDSOM
WOMEN I HAƲE ENJOY'D, ALL THE WORSHIP THAT WAS PAID ME, AND ALL THE RICHES I WAS POSSESS'D OF, HAVE FAIL'D ME; AND WHEN I SET FOR∣WARD FROM THIS WORLD INTO THE INVISIBLE STATE, I HAD NEITHER GOLD, NOR HORSE, NOR CHARIOT. I AM NOW, I SAY, BƲT THE DƲST THOƲ TREAD∣EST ON.
Such another was Sardanapalus, one of the Successors of Ninus in that Monarchy, and in the Corruption of his Manners. An effemi∣nate Prince, a Slave to his Lusts, and not wor∣thy of an Imperial Crown. It was not to his Vertue or Courage that Nineveh was obliged, for sustaining a Siege of Eight and Twenty Moons, but to the Impregnable Strength of her own Walls. For, so soon as he was told, that the Oracle was fulfill'd, and that the River Eu∣phrates was joyn'd in League with his Ene∣mies, and had by an unusual Flood, broke down a considerable Part of the Walls in which he trusted; all his Bravery vanish'd; he shew'd he was a Coward, and kill'd him∣self for fear of Death. Yet such was the sor∣did Impotence of his Spirit, that even in this Way, he durst not die alone; but, taking his Concubines and nearest Attendants, with all his Gold and Jewels, he forced them to ac∣company him into the Hollow of a Funeral Pile, which he fired with his own Hands,
and burnt his Servants with Himself. I do not esteem it an Effect of Courage, to make Death a Sanctuary from the inevitable Miseries of a hated Life. But, to be either willing to die, in the Height of humane Enjoyments, or to be resolved to live and out-brave these very Calamities, which would tempt any Man to die, is the peculiar Mark of an Heroick Re∣solution.
However, thus died Sardanapalus, having desired, that a Monument might be erected to his Memory, with this Inscription;
SARDANAPALUS LIV'D MƲCH IN A LITTLE TIME, HAVING ALWAYS GRATIFIED HIS SENSES: HE BƲILT TWO CITIES, ANCHI∣ALA AND TARSUS, IN ONE DAY; PERFORMED THE TASK OF MA∣NY YEARS, IN FOƲR AND TWEN∣TY HOƲRS. ADVISES THEE, REA∣DER, TO IMITATE HIS EXAM∣PLE; EAT, DRINK, AND ENJOY THY SELF; FOR AFTER DEATH, THERE IS NEITHER PLEASƲRE NOR PAIN.
These were but Pigmies in Atheism, in Comparison of others. Dionysius, the Sicili∣an Monarch, was a Gyant in Infidelity. He not only committed Sacrilege, but, made it his Pastime. He droll'd upon the Gods, while he robb'd their Temples; into which he never enter'd without a Jest, nor departed
from their Altars without a Satyr. He put a Woollen Garment on the Image of Jupiter O∣lympius, instead of the Golden Robe with which King Hiero had cloath'd it; and, excus'd the Sacrilege, by saying, Exchange was no Rob∣bery, and, That he consulted the Ease and Health of the God, both for Summer and Win∣ter. He play'd the Barber to the Statue of Aesculapius; and, shav'd off his Golden Beard, saying, That since Apollo his Father was beard∣less, it was but good Manners for the Son to be so too. When he came into a Rich Temple in Syracusa, and saw in the Hands of Mars, a Sword, whose Hilt was thick set with Dia∣monds, Emeralds and Rubies, he made a mock-Obeisance, and took the Sword from the extended Arm of the Image, saying, The God of War presented him with that Sword, as an Earnest of his future Victories, and, he should be very ungrateful and impious, not to accept the Gift of the Deity. It was a nasty Affront which Nero put upon the Syrian Goddess, when he caused his Excrements to be thrown in her Face.
These were Royal Atheists, and no Body durst controul their Impious Pranks. The Libertines now a-days are more modest and politick. They dare not violate Temples, nor prophane the Altars of the Christians openly, but secretly they undermine all Religion, and dispute People out of their Faith.
Some of these Atheists maintain the World to be Eternal. Others hold, that it came by a fortuitous Concourse of Atoms; which,
after an Eternal Dance in an Infinite Space, at last jumbled together into that exquisite Or∣der we now behold, and contemplate. They profess themselves Disciples of Epicurus, yet willfully corrupt the Doctrines of that Ver∣tuous Philosopher; who, though he taught, That the Supreme Felicity of Man consisted in Pleasure, yet never meant that of the Body, but the purer Joys and Tranquillity of the Mind, arising from a Life lead according to Reason: Whereas, these Modern Epicureans, place their highest Contentment in the Satis∣faction of their Sensual Appetites. A Jolly Crew, who number their Days by Debauche∣ries, and reckon that Hour mispent, wherein they have not drawn some Line of Voluptu∣ousness. And, as if they had consecrated Themselves to Bacchus and Venus, Women and Wine, divide the most important Actions of their whole Lives.
They are professed Enemies to the Doctrine of the Resurrection, of Good and Evil Spirits, of the Day of Judgment, of Heaven and Hell. They esteem Religion only as an Invention of Politicians, to reduce the World under some Form of Government; and spare not to call Moses, and Jesus the Son of Mary, Impostors, as well as Mahomet our Holy Lawgiver. They laugh at Miracles, and ridicule Prophecies; and, you had as good talk to them of a Man in the Moon, as of an Apparition from the Dead.
These Sort of Libertines, are not only to be found in the Court of France, but in General
all over Europe. The Contagion is Epidemick, the Infection has spread it self through Clergy and Laity, Nobles and Vulgar; insomuch, as he passes for a Man of no Wit, who has not a Spice of Atheism.
This will not seem strange when thou shalt know, that even among their Mufti's them∣selves, there have been some Lucians; who esteem'd Religion but an Old Wife's Tale, and us'd the most important Articles of their Faith, but as Instruments of Ambition and Avarice, to aggrandise themselves and fill their Coffers. Leo X. a famous Roman Pontiff, will be record∣ed to all Posterity, for that Sarcasm of his on Jesus, the Messias of the Christians; How much are we enriched, by this Fable of Christ? Indeed, if we reflect well on the Maxims and Practices of that Court, it will not be hard to conclude, That Gold is the Great God of the Romans, and the Ʋltimate Object of their Adoration, since that alone can open or shut Heaven and Hell; no Piety or Vertue, no Prayers or Tears, Alms or Penances being a∣vailable, unless made so by the meritorious Adjunct of this powerful Metal. Neither need the most enormous Sinners despair of Pardon, if they have but Pluto for their Proctor, and Gold for their Apology; there being certain Rates set upon all Sins, which if paid, those of the deepest Dye are as readily absolv'd, as the smallest Peccadillo's.
This Spiritual Merchandise of Souls in the Supreme Court of Christendom, has in no small Degree contributed to the Atheism of the Age.
While Religion is thereby render'd Cheap and Vile, a mere Artifice of Government, a Stra∣tagem of the Priesthood, to keep Fools in Awe and Subjection. And therefore, such as have a better Opinion of themselves, and would be thought Men of Sense, take Occa∣sion to carp at the very Fundamental Princi∣ples of all Religion, and to dispute against the Being of a God. Rather than tamely couch under the Luggage of manifest Impo∣stures, they like wild Colts, throw off the Yoke even of natural Religion and common Morality: And, because they have too much Sense to be abus'd with Religious Ʋmbrages, and too little Faith to swallow all the Pious Frauds of the Church for undoubted Oracles of Heaven, they will have no Faith at all, nor give any Credit to the Dictates of Cor∣rect Reason; but, turning Scepticks in all Things, are stedfast to Nothing but the Satis∣faction of their Lusts; looking upon it as ill Husbandry of the present Time, to squander away the least Moment on the Thoughts of a Future Life.
But thou, Venerable Hogia, who hast been present at the Mysteries of the Holy Sepulchre, and kiss'd the Floor of Abraham's Oratory, art Happy in the Possession of a blameless Faith. Thou hast renounced the vain Plea∣sures of Sense; and, thy Life, is one conti∣nued Series of Abstinence, Prayer, Fasting, Alms and other Good Works. Having been bless'd, with frequent Visions of Paradise, and Anticipations of the Immortal State;
pray that Mahmut may persevere in the Faith of a Mussulman, and the Integrity of a Loyal Slave to the Grand Signior.
Paris, 25th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1645.
I Cannot forget the Time, since thou and I sate together in the Chiosc at Scutari, and entertained each other with the Stories of the Ancient Greek Poets. The Prospect which that Gallery afforded, renew'd our Memory of several Nations Strife about the Birth-place of Homer; and, from thence gave us Occa∣sion, to discourse and make Comparisons be∣tween Him and Hesiod, Orpheus, and the Rest of the celebrated Poets, Philosophers, and Sages of the East. I remember, we passed by De∣grees from one Subject to another, till at length we fell upon the Translation of their Heroes, and the Genealogy of their Gods. Thou wilt say, I have a good Memory, should I now rehearse the Series of our Conversation on this Point. But, I will not be so trouble-some for the sake of Applause. Though I often think over thy Sentiments with infinite Delight, yet I will not repeat them here, lest I tempt thee to throw away my Letter,
before thou hast half read it. Only give me leave to put thee in mind, How thou didst then vindicate the Infant World, for placing those Excellent Souls in Heaven, who had been Illustrious Benefactors to Mankind on Earth: And, that though after-Ages fell into the Crime of Idolatry, by giving Divine Ho∣nours to the first Inventors of Arts and Sci∣ences, and by sacrificing to the Manes of de∣parted Heroes; yet, it was thy Opinion that those who first consecrated them to Immorta∣lity, and a Fame that should know no End, did but perform the Rights of Gratitude, exe∣cute the Dictates of Innocent Nature, with∣out ever dreaming of the Religious Cere∣monies which their deluded Posterity super-in∣duc'd.
To do thee Justice, this was a Noble Thought, full of Humanity, and exactly squaring with unbyass'd Reason; and, I must confess, I owe the frequent Cure of my Me∣lancholy, to the Force of this generous Senti∣ment.
The Christians, especially here in the West, out-go the Jews in the Superstitious Narrowness of their Principles; and, as the latter confined Salvation to the Lineage of Jacob, so the former restrain it to the Latin Church. I have often convers'd with some of their Learned Der∣vises, on the Theme of the Pagans Salvation, but can by no Arguments beat them off from their inveterate Prejudice. They will not al∣low so much as one of the Heathens to be saved, and but a Hundred and Forty Four Thou∣sand
of the Jews, accounting Twelve Thou∣sand of every Tribe. This is the severe A∣rithmetick of the Western Religion, whose Professors thereby render themselves greater Infidels than those they damn. 'Tis to be hop'd, there is a larger Calcule with God for the Number of the Blessed, or else one would think, Hell would be too populous, and the Devil would be forced to make frequent De∣cimations, and send Colonies abroad, to make Room for the ever fresh Glut of his new Guests.
For my Part, who was Educated in the im∣partial Rudiments of Truth, in the serene Prin∣ciples of the Mahometan Faith, I believe, That there are some saved of all Religions, and that at the Day of Judgment, there shall be erected a Fourth Banner for such to resort to, who never heard of Moses, Jesus or Ma∣homet. Assuredly, there is no Malice in the Omnipotent, and he will not Damn Men for their Involuntary Ignorance of his Revealed Laws, provided they live up to the genuine Dictates of Nature and Reason, which are the truest Standards of Vertue and Positive Reli∣gion.
The Christians have a Heaven for their Saints, and a Hell for Sinners; in this they agree with the Mussulmans. They have a Limbo for Infants, that die unbaptized; and, another for the Vertuous Israelites, who lived before the Messias. Their Charity had been complete, had they provided a Third, for Just and Vertuous Men of all Religions; whom it
is too hard to damn on the Score of what they know not, so long as they unblameably pra∣ctise whatsoever Good they know. The Chap∣ter of Prisons in the Alcoran, seems to contain a more equal Distribution of Justice, when it assigns a Middle-Place, between Paradise and Hell, to those who have led an indifferent Life, equally checquer'd with Vertue and Vice. They there shall behold the Joys of the Blessed, and the Torments of the Damned; yet shall nei∣ther taste of the One, nor feel the Other; but pass their Time in a tedious Neutrality, between the Height of Bliss, and the Depth of Misery.
But, what Mussulman will question the Sal∣vation of the Gentiles, when the Book of Glory it self tells us, That Alexander the Great was an Holy Prophet; and yet we know, he neither was of the Seed of Abraham, nor was he so much as Circumcis'd.
My Converse with the Learned Dervises in this City, has taught me some of their School-Distinctions; among which, they use a pretty one in the Damnation of Unbaptized Infants; teaching, That such are damn'd to the Pain of Loss, but not to the Pain of Sense. I am apt to think, this Distinction may very well be adapted to the Case of many Men, who as their Vertues are not of that Heroick Stamp, as to carry them directly to Paradise; so nei∣ther are their Vices of so black a Tincture, as to sink them immediately to Hell. I believe, there are Proportionate Rewards and Punish∣ments, for all Sorts and Degrees of Vertue and
Vice; and that the Souls of the Departed, are marshall'd and disposed in Receptacles a∣greeable to their proper Rank and Quality. And, if I can but get to Virgil's pleasant Greens and shady Woods, the fortunate Mansions of Innocent and Just Men; I will not envy the Heroes, nor desire to be canoniz'd among the Gods. Elyzium or Paradise are much One to me: I seek not the Name, but the Nature of Bliss. Provided I may but gain a Place of Rest and Refreshment, and be admitted into agreeable Company, I will not complain, nor disturb the Peace of the Blessed, with an Am∣bitious Quest of the Highest Dignities in Heaven; as if a Man could not be Happy, unless he be made a Vizir of the Bench a∣bove.
Let thou and I, dear Egry, live in such an exact Conformity of Manners here, that when we go hence, we may by the Divine Numen, be both disposed in the same Apartment and Society, carry our Friendship along with us to that other World; and let us make a Co∣venant, That whosoever dies first, shall soon appear to the Surviver, and give a hirn true Ac∣count of his State, if it be in the Power of the Dead to perform such Bargains.
In the mean Time, I counsel thee to make much of this present Life; not by sordid Vo∣luptuousness and Vice, from which I know thy natural Aversion; but by borrowing from each Element, an Occasion of improving thy Science and Vertue. This is the Way to be raised above the Elements, in which at pre∣sent
thou art a Sojourner; and, to attain thy Native Skies, and Kindred Stars, where the Renown'd Poets, Philosophers, Lawgivers, and other Vertuous Men, are gone before us, ex∣pect our Coming, and are ready to welcom us to the Rights of their happy Society. A∣dieu.
Paris, 13th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
IT is apparent, that the States of the World are void of Compassion, and that they are altogether actuated by a Principle of Interest.
Monsieur la Tuillerie, Ambassador from France to the King of Denmark, arrived at that Court with specious Pretexts of Media∣tion, promising to do his utmost to accommo∣date the Differences between the Two Crowns of Denmark and Suedeland, will all possible Advantages to the former. But, when the Business came to the Tryal, when he saw King Christian advancing into the Field a∣gainst Gustavus, with an Army of near Twen∣ty Thousand Men, which in all likelihood would have given the Suedes occasion to
repent their rash and unjust Incursions; he charmed the good-natur'd old King, with such fair Promises, and subtle Insinuations, that he caused him to retreat at the Moment of giving Battel.
In the same Manner dealt Galasso with the King, who did but make a show with his Forces, without doing any effectual Service. For, when he might have compelled the Sue∣dish General, either to Fight or Retire, he suf∣fered him freely to pass through Holstein and return into Germany.
The Curious and Inquisitive, lay the Blame of this Treachery on Cardinal Mazarini, whose Pistols, they say, had corrupted Ga∣lasso, and made him run counter to his Ma∣ster's Instructions.
But, in my Opinion, this is an unjust Cen∣sure of the Cardinal, who was afterwards known to be Instrumental, in spurring on the Hollanders to compose these Quarrels: Which at last was accomplish'd, by the dextrous Me∣diation of this Great Minister.
I wish the Differences between our glori∣ous Sultan and the Venetians, were as well ad∣justed with Honour to the Ottoman Empire.
Paris, 13th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
THE Wars of Germany and Suedeland are the Principal Subject of Discourse all o∣ver Europe; especially in this Court, which has a great Interest in the good Success of the Suedish Arms; the House of Austria, being the most formidable Enemy, that France has in the World.
General Torstenson marches about, like ano∣ther Scanderbeg; Victorious where-ever he strikes. 'Twas to his own Ruin, that Galasso suffer'd him to pass quietly through Holstein; when, in Conjunction with the Danish Army he was in a Condition to give him Battel, or compel him to retire.
No sooner was Galasso separated from the Danes, and Encamped near Magdeburgh; but, Torstenson began to observe his Motions, and lay down not far from him, between whom there passed many Skirmishes, which very much lessen'd the German Army. Besides, they were extremely incommoded for want of Provisions; so, that at his return to Bohe∣mia, he could present the Emperour but with a few of his Men, and give but a shallow Ac∣count of the Loss of the Rest.
In the mean Time, Conningsmark and Pa∣penheim,
Two other Suedish Commanders are not idle, having taken Staden and Boxte∣hawdt, with most of the other Important Pla∣ces in the Archbishoprick of Bremen.
Thus the German Affairs decline apace; and, the Suedes, who not long ago were ob∣scure and scarce regarded, begin to make a considerable Figure in the World.
I shall send thee a constant Account, of what is most Remarkable. God augment thy Felicity.
Paris, 27th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
THE Blood, Battel of Jankow, has un∣percht the Emperial Eagle, which can no longer endure the Smoak of Suedish Gun-Powder.
The German Court, is removed in a great Fright to Prague in Bohemia, there to curse the Avarice of the Souldiers; whose greedy Desire of the Suedish Prey, betray'd the Ger∣man Army to the Swords of their Conque∣rors.
This Battel was fought, on the Sixth Day of the Third Moon of this present Year. Goetz,
one of the Imperial Generals, was kill'd in the first On-set; which so Inflamed Baron John de Werdt, that with Four Thousand Men, he brake into the Left Wing of the Suedes; put∣ting them into an Irrecoverable Disorder. The Germans seeing their Enemies retreat in much Confusion, fell to plundering the Bag∣gage. General Torstenson, turning their Cove∣tousness to his Advantage, lets them alone till they were all entangled and loaden with Booty; then suddenly falls upon them, and turn'd the Fortune of the Day to his own Side.
There were above Three Thousand of the Imperialists kill'd upon the spot, and Four Thousand taken Prisoners; among which, were the Generals, Hatsfeldt, Mercy, Broy, Zara∣deskie, and Seven other Principal Comman∣ders.
By this Fatal Stroke, the Suedes have open∣ed to themselves a Passage into Moravia, Au∣stria, and Hungary. So that, in Time they may extend their Conquests, even to the Con∣fines of the Ottoman Empire.
I pray the Great God, to continue the Wars between these Infidel Nations; that so, not attending to the General Interest of Christen∣dom, but weak ening each other, they may at Length become a Prey to the True Be∣lievers.
Paris, 9th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
I Know not whether it be an Effect of the Stars, or the Sport of Spirits, that has happened here lately; whether it proceeds from Heaven or Hell, Nature or Magick Art, Chance or Destiny; the Marks it has left be∣hind are very Terrible, and the Astonishment is not yet off from the Peoples Hearts.
Three Days ago, I was riding from Paris to St. Germain en Lay, where the Court re∣sides. When I was got about Half-Way on the Road, there arose a sudden Blast of Wind, which rushing vehemently among the Trees, made an uncouth Noise, and struck me with some Surprize and Horror: But, my Amaze∣ment was soon encreased, when I perceived the Hedges and Trees that grew along the Road side, torn up and carried away by an Invisible Hand. I was afraid, my Horse and I should have been taken up for Company. For, this Whirlwind passed very near us, twisting in all that was in its way; and, swiftly moving in a Circular Figure, it grew to such a Bigness, by the continual Addition of Trees, Hedges, Stones, Earth, &c. that it seemed like a flying Wood.
I tell thee, though I was not without some
Apprehension of Danger, yet hitherto this was the pleasantest and most diverting Spe∣ctacle that ever I saw in my Life. Trees are a very grateful Object on the Earth, but they are much more so in the Air; and, especially at that Height and Distance, they affect the Eye with unspeakable Delight. I was ravished to see a moving Forest, almost as high as the Clouds. The pendulous Gardens of Babylon, would have appear'd but a Trifle, in Com∣parison of his Noble Scene.
I followed it with my Eye as far as I could, till at length my Sight was intercepted by a thick Shower of Rain, which drove me into a House for Shelter. Where, before I came away, I was informed, that what I e∣steemed so delightful, proved very Tragical to the Neighbouring Villages. Falling down from that Height I left it at, and scatterring its former Load, it fell violently into the Groves and Orchards, tearing up some Thou∣sands of Trees by the Roots, and carrying them away like Chaff in the Air, throwing down many Hundreds of Houses, removing others from the Foundations, and doing the poor Husbandmen such irreparable Damages, as the like has not been known in the Memory of Man.
Common Humanity, taught me to pity these Infidels; and, the Natural Principle of Self-preservation, made me bless my self, That I had escaped so imminent a Danger. But tell me, Thou who art conversant in the Secrets of Nature, who knowest the Influ∣ences
of the Stars, and the Hidden Force of the Elements, What is the Cause of these wild Fits and Convulsions of the Air? The Super∣stitious here say, the Devils are let loose at such a Time from their Infernal Prisons, to keep a Carnaval, and play their wanton Pranks in open Light, there being no Holi∣days in Hell. Others believe, Magicians are at Work; and, by the Force of Spells, raise Hurricanes and Storms. But, the Learned say, That these are only the Effects of Nature, proceeding from Meteors and Exhalations in the Air. I, for my Part, never puzzle my self with a vain Search, after that which can∣not be demonstrated. If these Hurricanes be Natural, then 'tis certain, Nature does not discover her Power at all Times, nor in the constant Series of her Works; but, has her Reserves, and Times of State, wherein she displays her Self with greater Pageantry, to create Respect: Since the unthinking Part of Mankind, is sooner taken with such unusual Events as make a Noise, than with the Antient standing Miracles of the Creation, the silent and regular Motions, exquisite Order, and never ceasing Activity, of the Sun, Moon and Stars. Thus, we are never sensible of the Heat that is within us, or the Circulation of our Blood, because we are always habituated to feel it from our Embryo.
I tell thee, Sage Osman, if I have any Dread upon me, it is of Earthquakes; be∣cause they take from us all sure Footing. From Thunder, Lightning, and all the Storms
in open Air, Tiberius's Remedy may secure us: Nay, the very Beasts will be our guides to some safe Den or Cave: But, from an Earth-quake there's no Retreat; that under∣mines and blows us up without any warning, neither have we Time or Means to escape. This makes me always think, I walk upon a Cobweb; so thin and brittle is this outward Crust of Earth we tread on.
He that Founded the Earth, and has ad∣mirably kneaded this Globe together with Wa∣ter, grant us a Refuge in Time of Danger, and an Eternal Sanctuary in Paradise.
Paris, 1st. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
I Need not Apologize for my long Silence. Eliachim assures me, he has acquainted Nathan Ben Saddi with the Occasion of it, by whom the News of my Imprisonment might be transmitted to the Sublime Port. When I was first seized upon, I had not the Liberty to send for Eliachim, or see any Body that I desired to speak with. But, that honest Jew, soon heard the News, and writ to Vienna to prevent any Dispatches that might come from thence, or from Constantinople. He has now fully convinced me of his Fidelity, which I so long suspected; and, I dare trust him henceforward, with the most important Con∣cerns of my Commission. His Sagacity and Conduct in this Occurrence, is worthy of Ac∣knowledgment and Reward; having dex∣trously blinded Cardinal Mazarini, who is an Argus: baffl'd his severest Scrutinies, and been highly Instrumental in procuring me the Liberty I now again enjoy.
The Arabian Proverb says, The Camel that Travels often to Meccha, will return Lame at last. I had for a long Time essayed, to pe∣netrate into the Drifts of this Cardinal, as well as those of his Predecessor Richlieu, yet found nothing but Riddles. One might as soon trace Arethusa in her Wandrings under
Ground, or pursue a Man in the Intricate Mazes of Daedalus, as discover the Intrigues of this State-Serpent. His Designs are a per∣fect Labyrinth. However, walking one Day in one of their Churches, I cast my Eye on a Stone in the Pavement, just before the Image of the Virgin Mary, which by the perpetual kneeling of many Thousand Votaries, was worn away half a Cubit. The Sight of this, made me conclude, That there is no Difficul∣ty so great, which by assiduous Industry, and constant Resolution, may not be overcome. Chear'd with this Thought, I determin'd with my self, never to faint, or give over my most strenuous Endeavours, to unlock the Cabi∣net of this Great Minister, wherein I knew all the Secrets of Europe were laid up. I left no Stone unturn'd, to compass my Design. I haunted the Court daily, and follow'd the Cardinal like his Shadow. I insinuated with his Followers and Creatures, Flatter'd the Soft and Ambitious, presented Gifts to the Covetous; was Merry and Frank with some, Reserv'd and Grave with others: In fine, I so aim'd to comport my self with every One, that I might win All. At length, knowing that there was a private Agent from Prince Ragotski come to this Court, my Zeal for the Grand Signior, suggested to me, That if I could wind my self into this Man's Acquain∣tance, I should be able to unravel some great Secret, and do an Acceptable Service to the Ottoman Empire.
Opportunities are seldom wanting to the
Watchfull and Diligent. I had acquaintance enough at the Court. And appearing often in the Retinue of Mazarin; and, the Cardinal sometimes singling me out, and Discoursing with me, in the Presence of the Transylva∣nian, this Stranger took more than ordinary Notice of me: Which gave me Occasion to ad∣dress my self to him, in Hopes to accomplish my Purpose. But, Fate had otherwise de∣creed. The Agent remember'd my Face, and told me in the Sclavonian Tongue, That he had seen me in the Grand Signior's Seraglio. It is not hard for thee, Illustrious Kaimacham, to conceive the Disorder I was in at this Challenge. But, resuming Courage, I re∣plyed That it was possible he might have seen me there; for, I had formerly served a Ger∣man Ambassador at the Ottoman Court, in Quality of Secretary. He seem'd satisfied with my Answer, dissembling his farther Thoughts: But, as I afterwards perceiv'd, I owe my Confinement to this fatal Interview. No doubt, but he remarqu'd the particular Station I was in at the Seraglio, when he came thithe•• to Negotiate for Prince Ragot∣ski, in Sultan Amurath's Time. For, before I went to Bed that Night, I was sent for to Cardinal Mazarin, and strictly Examined about my Country, my Religion, my Busi∣ness at Paris, and other Matters; and, was sent away Prisoner to the Bastile, (which was formerly a Citadel, erected to awe this Town, but not being found serviceable in that Kind, is since made a Prison.) That which most
puzzles me, is, That I was not confronted Face to Face, with this Transylvanian. My Confinement was very close, being denyed the Use of Pen, Ink and Paper, and the Access of any of my Friends. Indeed, I knew not what use to make of those Materials, nor durst I write to any Body, lest I should have brought them into the same Snare, and done my self a greater Disservice. All my Comfort was, That I had left no Writings in my Lodgings, which could discover the Affairs of my Commission. 'Tis true, when I was search'd, they found the Alcoran in my Pocket, which gave a mighty Jealousie to the Cardinal; but, I excused it by saying, I kept that Book, that I might not forget my Arabick; in which, the Cardinal knew I was well skill'd, having formerly seen a Translation, which I made out of that Lan∣guage for Cardinal Richlieu. Besides, they found in my Chamber Plutarch's Lives, the Annals of Tacitus; Livy's Roman History; a Philosophical Treatise of Averroes, and a small Tract of St. Augustine, one of the Christian Fathers: Which made it appear, as reason∣able to conclude me a Pagan or a Christian, for having their Books by me, as a Turk for having the Alcoran.
I still persisted, in asserting my self to be Titus of Moldavia, and that I was a Christi∣an (Heaven forgive the Perjury!) I had a Friar sent to me, who exhorted me to a Con∣fession of my Sins, thinking this way to pump the Mighty Secret from me. But, this turn'd
to my Advantage; for, calling to mind a Learned and Ingenuous Friar, with whom I had convers'd, and contracted some Friend∣ship, I signified my Resolution to confess my self to him. This is a Privilege could not be de∣nied me, it being lawful for every Man, to chuse his own Confessor. The Friar was sent for: And, this being the only time I was like to speak to any of my Friends without Wit∣nesses, I improv'd the Advantage; and, to make my Confession seem the more sincere, I accused my self of what I ne'er was guilty of, telling him with a well counterfeited Sorrow, That the true Reason of abandoning Mol∣davia, was, because I had murdered a near Kinsman there. My Confession ended, and Absolution granted, the Friar embraced me, and told me, That he would do me all the Service he could; in Order to my Release. I expressed my Gratitude in the best Terms I could, and begged of him to visit me often, since he was the only Person would be al∣lowed to do me that kind Office. I will not detain thee longer, Sage Bassa, in Expectati∣on of the Issue.
This honest Friar was as good as his Word. He was admitted to see me almost daily, without Suspicion. I trusted him with Eliachim's Acquaintance; which render'd him very Serviceable; for, he often brought me Money from the Jew, when he knew not how otherwise to convey it to me. In a word, between them both, they so wrought on the Cardinal, that after Six Moons Imprisonment,
I was releas'd, and am now in more Credit than before.
The Great God grant, that the Malice of the Infidels, may always turn to the Advantage of the True Believers; and that from their Jea∣lousies, occasions may arise to promote the In∣terest of the Ottoman Empire.
Paris, 24th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
AT length I am releas'd from a tedious Imprisonment, the Occasion of which the Kaimacham will acquaint thee with. Had this happened in Spain, my Usage had been much worse. And, for this Reason, I esteem France the Noblest and Freest Kingdom with∣in the Pale of the Latin Church; that it ne∣ver would submit to the Tyranny of the Inquisition: Which is a kind of Ecclesiastical Divan, or High Court of Judicature, where Crimes against the Church and State are try∣ed. It was first erected, at the Instance of one Dominick, who for this meritorious Pro∣ject, was afterwards canonized A Saint. The original Design of it was, to extirpate the Moors and Jews out of Spain and Portugal. But now, 'tis made a Trap for all Strangers, and espe∣cially
those they call Hereticks. Whosoever falls into it, is commonly fleec'd of his Estate, and not seldom chous'd out of his Life. For, the first Thing the Holy Fathers Inquisitors do, is, to make a zealous and devout Inspection into the Possessions of the Prisoner. If they find him Rich, that is sufficient to make him Criminal; and, the good Fathers, will take a pious Care to dispose of his Wealth. They have their Spies in all Companies, who inform them of Mens Words and Actions. These Hounds, are always upon the Scent; and, will smell a Heretick out, if he breaths within the Purlieu of their Hunt. A Man dares not say, his Soul is his own in these Countries; nor, claim the Privilege to exercise his Reason. The Inhabitants live in a most abject Slavery to the Priesthood, and Travellers must drag the Chain, bridle their Tongues, and curb their Actions for their own Security. But, in France, the Inquisition is abhor'd; and, an Immortal Aversion conceived against the Ty∣ranny and cruel Practices of the Spaniards. The People are of more generous Tempers, the Laws not so rigourous, and yet they come far short of the Justice of the Ottoman Em∣pire. Though my Confinement was tedious, yet 'twas tolerable; and, if I could not be happy in a Prison, so neither was I properly miserable.
When Evil surprises us, we commonly af∣fright our selves, by beholding it in its gross Bulk; our scattered Spirits, are astonished at an infinite Bugbear. Whereas, if we take a more
particular Survey of the dreadful Object, ana∣tomize and view it Piece by Piece; we find, that the greatest part of what so dismay'd us, had no other Existence, than in our own Ima∣gination. Thus, when I was first seized by Cardinal Mazarini's Order, I presaged to my self no less than insufferable Tortures, an igno∣minious Death, and (which affected me with the most sensible Grief) the Discovery of my Commission, and the Affairs of the Sublime Port. When I first enter'd the Prison, I bid adieu to all Joy and Comfort in This Life, and thought of Nothing but preparing my self for that O∣ther World, where I hope to be renewed again to immense Pleasures, the Delights of Para∣dise, as a Reward of my Sufferings for that Law, which was brought down from Heaven by the Angel Gabriel.
These were my first Thoughts in Prison; but, when Sleep had composed my Spirits, and Time had render'd me more familiar with the Place of my Restraint, I began to think, it was not impossible to live, and even to regain my Liberty. However, I resolved to alleviate the Grief of my Restraint, by contracting my Desires within a narrower Compass, and circumscribing my Wishes within those Walls which confined my Body. I framed to my self Felicities, out of the Contemplation of my Misery; and, by considering what I en∣joyed, I pacified my Discontent for what I wanted. I was not so close shut up, but that I could at Pleasure let in fresh Air, and take a Prospect of the City and adjacent Fields, at
my Window. This made me relish my Prison with some Degree of Content. The Want which most afflicted me, was, that of Fountain Water; which, I durst not so much as ask for, in such Quantities as are requisite to the Clean∣ness of a Mussulman, lest I should have con∣firmed them in the Suspicion, which was the Occasion of my Imprisonment. For, I was sure, my Actions would be narrowly observed.
The same Caution, made me not refuse to eat of Swines Flesh, and drink freely of Wine, when once invited to the Governour's Table. 'Tis true, I had great Scruples and Fears upon me. But, I comforted my self with those Passages in the Al∣coran, which seem to indulge us this Liberty in Case of Necessity, by assuring us, That God is the Merciful of the Merciful, and that he re∣quires not Unreasonable Performances of his Creatures. Otherwise, I should have thought every Morsel I swallow'd of that execrable Meat, would have choak'd me, and every Draught of Wine, have been my Poison. Tell me, Great Oracle of Truth, Whether in this I have not sinned? I think my self not Innocent, till thou hast pronounced me so. However, this Frankness in Eating and Drinking, with the Christians, without the least Reserve or Niceness, contributed something to their bet∣ter Opinion of me. Men are generally so wed∣ded to their own Customs, that he looks like a Monster, who thwarts them, and does not comply with the present Mode. And, the French, have a Proverb, That when a Man's at Rome, he must live like the Romans.
I believe, I was invited to this Collation, in Order to a Discovery; and, had I refused to eat and drink what was before me, it had, no doubt, been a convincing Argument to these Infidels, That I was a Mussulman.
If I have sinned in this Point, I humbly crave thy Absolution and Prayers; but, if I have done well, inform me, that so I may have Peace of Conscience.
Paris, 24th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1645.
THOU hast long ago heard of my Impri∣sonment at Paris: let not the News of my Release be unwelcome to thee. If thou didst then Sympathize with my Sufferings, now take a Share in my Joy. I believe, thou hast Friend∣ship enough to do both; and, I am willing thou shouldst divide the One with me, as well as the Other.
I will not therefore make thee melancholy, with a Rehearsal of my Fears and Apprehen∣sions, my Wants and Discontents, with other doleful Circumstances of a Prison. I am now at Liberty, let Sadness vanish. Yet, I have not so forgot my late Grief, as to be now exces∣sive in my Joy; since I am liable to the same, or a Worse Disaster again. It is never good to be secure, while we are ignorant what's the next Potion that Fate is tempering for us. Moderation keeps a Man upon his Guard; and, if any Stroke of Misfortune be aim'd at him, if he is aware of the Blow, and so can ei∣ther dextrously ward it off, or at least take Honourable Quarter: Whereas, he that suffers himself to be dissolv'd, and his Mind unbent with Prosperity, is taken Captive by Evil, without being able to make any easie Condi∣tions
for himself. I love to have my Eyes open, and to look round the whole Horizon of Contingencies: I watch for the very Possibi∣lities of Misfortune, that so I may not be catch'd napping by a Calamity, but be always in a State to Fence, or make Composition.
I will now tell thee with more Freedom than I did the Mufti, what happened to me during my Imprisonment. The Gover∣nour of the Citadel where I was confin'd, in∣vited me one Day to a Banquet. I need not give thee an Inventory of the various Dishes, with which his Table was furnished: Our Entertainment was generous, he regal'd me beyond the Expectation of a Prisoner; and, had there not been a design in it, I should have admired the Bounty of this Infidel. But, his Treat was a Snare, and contrived for a Test of my Religion, Whether I was a Di∣sciple of Mahomet or Jesus. Thou knowest, the Christians eat Swines Flesh, and drink Wine, which the Mussulmans have in Abo∣mination. We had Plenty of both at this Feast, and I durst not be squeamish at either. I tell thee, though I eat of the One with lit∣tle Pleasure, yet I drank of the other with∣out any Disgust. These Nazarenes, imitate the Ancient Grecians at their Banquets, in drinking of Healths to such as they most e∣steem. The Governour plied me with Glasses, and I quaffed liberally. Policy and Self-pre∣servation, taught me to begin the Debauch; and, the Charms of that tempting Liquor, would not suffer me to shrink to the End.
The Wines of France are very delicate, and we had choice of the Best. The Pleasure I enjoyed at this Banquet, had almost recon∣ciled me to the Disciples of Hali; and, I could have wish'd, our Prophet had been in a better Humour, when he forbid us the Juice of the Grape. He promises us Rivers of Wine in Paradise; and, while I was in my Cups, I thought he might connive at us, for taking a Glass or two sometimes on Earth. If thou hast not yet tasted this Enchanting Liquor, I wish thee to abstain as long as thou livest; for otherwise, thou wilt find it very difficult, to overcome the Desires of it, or to live without it. For my Part, I greedily longed for it, before ever I tasted it, because it was forbid: And now I have often had my Fill of it, my Appetite is encreased. The more I drink, the greater is my Thirst after it; which is never like to be quenched, till I shall drink at the Original Fountains of Wine in Paradise.
I do not think it is so great a Sin, as our Doctors would make us believe; since, the Divine Lawgiver prescribes Abstinence from Wine, rather as a Counsel than a Command. If thou art of another Opinion, I Censure thee not. The late Sultan Amurath was of my Mind; and many Grandees at the Port, count it no Heresie. All the Danger lies in the Ex∣cess, I am no Advocate for Drunkards.
Let these Things be spoken like Words in a Dream, which cannot be remembred again. Thou hast Prudence enough to take Care, that this Letter fall not into the Hands of such
as shall dispose of it in the Wall of the Hazoda. It is evident that I love thee, in that I thus frankly disclose such Passages, as I would not have others be privy to.
After all, I declare I should esteem my self much more happy, might I exchange Paris for Constantinople, and the most delicious Wines of Europe, for the wholesome Sherbets of Asia.
May Heaven fulfil my Desire, to see thee once again, with the Rest of my Friends at the Seraglio. Continue thy Affection to Mahmut, who loves his Friends without Hy∣pocrisie. Adieu.
Paris, 24th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1645. according to the Christian Style.