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

A TABLE OF THE LETTERS and Matters contain∣ed in this Volume.

VOL. IV.

BOOK I.

• LETTER I. MAhmut the Arabian, and Indefa∣tigable Slave to the Grand Sig∣nior, to Mahomet, the most Illustrious Vizir Azem at the Port. p. 1

  He congratulates his Assumption to the Chief Vizirate; Remonstrates his own Grievances, and craves his Protection.

• II. To the Kaimacham. p. 6

  Of the New Troubles in Paris, and of Eliachim's being seiz'd, which forc'd Mahmut to abscond from his Lodgings.

• III. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew, at Vi∣enna. p. 10.

• ...

  He acquaints him with the same News, and forbids any Dispatches till farther Order.

• IV. To Adonai, a Jew at Venice. p. 11

  On the same Subject; and of an Attempt to Rob the Treasury of Venice. A Relation of Tiepoli's Conspiracy.

• V. To Mahummed, Hodgia, Dervise, E∣remit, Inhabitant of the Prophetick Cave in Arabia the Happy. p. 14

  Of the Contempt the Franks shew to the Beasts: Several Remarkable Instances of the Tenderness which the Ancients shew'd to the Dumb Creatures.

• VI. To the Kaimacham. p. 24

  Of his Return to his Former Lodgings. The true Reason of Eliachim's being seiz'd.

• VII. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vi∣enna. p. 27

  He informs him of the same Matter, and re∣lates the Entertainment he found at his Return; his Hostess being newly deli∣ver'd of a Son.

• VIII. To Adonai, a Jew at Venice. p. 30

  Of a Marble Statue, with a Mysterious In∣scription on it.

• IX. To the Reis Effendi, Chief Secretary of the Ottoman Empire. p. 32

• ...

  Of a Peace Concluded between the French Court, and the Parliament of Paris. A Description of the King's House and Gardens at Ruel.

• X. To Gnet Oglou. p. 36

  Of the Death of Egri Boinou. Of the Eastern Jealousie. A Memorable Ex∣ample of Seleucus's Justice.

• XI. To the Captain Bassa. p. 40

  He informs him of a League into which the Cossacks, Circassians, Mingre∣lians and other Nations were engag'd in against the Port. The different Cha∣racter of those People. Some Remarks on the Life of Ismael Sophi.

• XII. To Cara Hali, Physician to the Grand Signior. p. 46

  He Congratulates his New Honour, and advises him to be Cautious of the Vizir Azem.

• XIII. To Chiurgi Muhammet, Bassa. p. 49

  He acquaints him with the Flight of Ma∣homet, the Son of the Dey of Tunis; and his Conversion to the Christian Religion.

• XIV. To Sale Tircheni Emin; Superinten∣dent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he ••oyal Arsenal at Constan∣tinop•••• p. 53

  Of the Wars in the Black Sea; the Hi∣story of Pachicour the Circassian Py∣rate••.

• XV. To Melec Amet, Bassa. p. 59

  Of the Murder of Dorislaus, the English Embassador at the Hague, with other Matters.

• XVI. To the Venerable Mufti. p. 62

  He accuses the Septuagint and all the Chri∣stian Translations of the Bible, of Flatness, Errors, and not rightly Rendring the Original Hebrew. Some Particular Re∣marks on the Psalms of David, and Can∣ticles of Solomon.

• XVII. To the Chiaus Bassa. p. 70

  Remarks on the German, Suedish, and English Affairs. A Discovery which Os∣min the Dwarf made, of a Letter from the Captain Bassa, to Cardinal Mazarini.

• XVIII. To Cara Hali, Physician to the Grand Signior. p. 76

  He informs him of Great Injuries done by Lightning, in France. Discourses of the Pleasures of a Country Life; and com∣plains of his own Entanglements.

• XIX. To Kenan Bassa, Chief Treasurer to his Highness at Constantinople. p. 80

  He Congratulates his Advancement, and exhorts him to Moderation. Putting him in Mind also of the Cheats that have been committed in the Treasury.

• XX. To Pesteli Hali, his Brother. p. 86

  Of the Pleasure he takes in Reading his Travels. He informs him of the Progres∣sive Conquests made in China by the Young Emperor of the Tartars. He ad∣vises him to wait on Kerker Hassan, Bassa.

• XXI. To Kerker Hassan, Bassa. p. 93

  He gives him a Short Account of China, to encourage him to learn more from his Bro∣ther.

• XXII. To Chornezan, Bassa. p. 96

  Of several Royal Marriages and Funerals, in Europe. Remarks on Eclipses, and what happen'd to the Sun in the Days of Jehoshua and Ezekiah.

BOOK II.

• LETTER I. TO Muhammed, Eremit, Inhabitant of the Prophetick Cave, in Arabia the Happy. p. 101

  He desires his Assistance and Counsel, in seve∣ral Scruples that entangle his Conscience.

• II. To Minezim Aluph, Bassa. p. 111

  Of the Imprisonment of Three French Prin∣ces of the Blood.

• III. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire. p. 116

  He acquaints him with the Indiction of the Jubilee at Rome. Discourses of the Sabbatical Year among the Jews; and of the Secular Games among the Ancient Ro∣mans.

• IV. To the Flower of High Dignity, the Most Magnificent Vizir Azem. p. 122

  Of the Valor of the Bassa of Buda and his Son. Remarks on the French Campagnes. He defends the Justice of the Ottoman Port,

• ...

  in Releasing the Bailo of Venice, and strangling his Interpreter.

• V. To Sedrec Al' Girawn, Chief Page of the Treasury.

  Of the Custom in the East, to prefer Men of Merit, though of Mean Birth, to Pla∣ces of Trust. The Contrary Oversight of the Franks. A Story of Pasquil in Rome. Of the Removal of the Three Imprison'd Princes to Havre de Grace. The Revolt of Bourdeaux.

• VI. To the Kaimacham. p. 131

  He acquaints him with the Loss of the Box, wherein all the Letters writ by the Mi∣nisters of the Port to him were contain'd; and what Fears he was in about it.

• ...VII. To the same. p. 136

  He informs him that a Negro, Slave to Elia∣chim the Jew, had stollen the Box of Let∣ters: Who being examin'd by Tortures even to Death, confess'd he had hid it in the Earth.

• VIII. To Solyman Kuslir Aga, Prince of the Black Eunuchs. p. 140

  Of the Affront done to the Port in the Claim the Tartars made to the Tutelage of the young Sultan. Of the Cruelty often exercis'd on the Princes of the Ottoman Blood.

• IX. To Gnet Oglou. p. 144

  He complains of an unjust Reproof given him by the Reis Effendi, on the Account of Ke∣nan Bassa, and justifies his own Conduct and Integrity.

• X. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire. p. 149

  Mahmut expostulates with him about his sup∣pos'd Crime, in writing freely to Kenan Bassa. Acquaints him with the Orders he receiv'd from the Vizir Azem, and o∣ther Principal Ministers of the Divan, to that Purpose. Of the Murder of an Eng∣lish Embassador at Madrid, and of a Fight between the Scotch and English.

• XI. To Solyman Aga, Principal Chamberlain of the Women's Apartments in the Se∣raglio. p. 153

  Of the Disorders and Mutinies among the Janizaries. Of the French King's Guard of Switzers. Ill News from Candia. The Bravery of the Maltese Knights. Of the Death of the Prince of Orange.

• XII. To Kisur Dramelec, Secretary of the Na∣zarene Affairs at the Port. p. 157

  He rallies him for his angry Letter.

• XIII. To Minezim Aluph, Bassa. p. 161

  Of the Release of the Three Imprison'd French Princes. And of Cardinal Ma∣zarini's Private Departure from the Court.

• XIV. To Isouf, his Kinsman at Fez. p. 164

  He discourses with him of his Travels in Asia; Challenges his Promise to send him an Account of Africk. Several Remarks on that Quarter of the World.

• XV. To Kerker Hassan, Bassa. p. 170

  He complains of the Injuries had been done him by Ikingi, Master of the Pages, and by others.

• ...

  Desires him to intercede for Leave to re∣turn Home, professing himself weary of this Employment.

• XVI. To Chusaein, Bassa, the Magnanimous Vizir Azem, and Invincible General of the Ottoman Forces in Candia. p. 175

  Mahmut complains of the Instability of all Sublunary Things. Of the Cruelties exer∣cis'd towards some of the Sultans, Vizirs, Bassa's, and other Ministers of the Empire. Reflections on the Death of the Old Queen. Remarks on the delightful Confinement of the Ethiopian Princes of the Blood.

• XVII. To Nassuf, Bassa of Natolia. p. 181

  Of a Quarrel between the Dukes of Bran∣denburgh and Newburgh.

• XVIII. To Ʋseph Bassa. p. 186

  Of the Misunderstandings between the Queen of France and the Prince of Conde, since his Enlargement. Of the Prince's Flight from Paris.

• XIX. To Solyman, his Cousin, at Constanti∣nople. p. 190

  He reproves his former Libertinism: Endea∣vours to rectify his Mistakes about Hell: And gives him good Counsel.

• XX. To Enden Al' Zaidi Jaaf, Beglerbeg of Dierbekir. p. 193

  He congratulates his Happiness, in being Lord of the Earthly Paradise. Of a Tree Five Hundred Miles High in Dierbekir. Of the First Parents of Mankind, accor∣ding to the Tradition of the Indians. With other Matters.

BOOK III.

• LETTER I. TO Abdel Melec Muli Omar, President of the College of Sciences at Fez. p. 199

  He discourses after the Manner of a Scep∣tick, on the Difference in Religions.

• II. To the Kaimacham. p. 207

  The Sentiments of Isouf Eb'n Hadrilla, an Arabian Philosopher, concerning the Ori∣ginal of Mankind, and their being born in a State of War. Of 150000 Livers pro∣mised as a Reward to those who shou'd bring in Cardinal Mazarini Alive or Dead. Of the Return of that Minister to the Court.

• III. To the Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire. p. 212

  More of the Domestick Troubles in France.

• IV. To Cara Hali, Physician to the Grand Signior. p. 217

  He relates several Examples of the Wisdom and Morality that is found in the Brutes.

• V. To the Captain Bassa. p. 223

  He expostulates about the Ill Success of the Mahometan Fleets: And relates to him a Vision which he had in Paris: With the Ceremonies that went before it. Advises him to make a Descent in Italy. Informs him of a Terrible Sea-Combat between the English and the Dutch.

• VI. To the Kiaya Bey, or Lieutenant Gene∣ral of the Janisaries. p. 228

  Of the Corruptions crept into the Discipline of that Order: Which he counsels him to Reform. Of an Insurrection in Paris: With other Matters.

• VII. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna. p. 234

  Of a Duel Fought between the Dukes of Beaufort and Nemours. The Parliament of Paris divided. The Roman Catholick Religion restor'd in Cologne.

• VIII. To the Kaimacham. p. 236

  Of the French King's Return to Paris, and the Ʋniversal Joy of his People for the same. Of the Rebellions in Syria and Egypt.

• IX. To Dgnet Oglou. p. 240

  Of the Ʋnhappiness of Kings. Particular Reflections on the Deposing of Sultan Ibra∣him; and the Minority of Sultan Maho∣met.

• X. To Melec Amet. p. 245

  Of a French Lord, who being close pursued by his Enemies, escap'd over an Arm of the Sea, by the Strength of his Horse, for which Service he immediately Kill'd him. Of Carabuluc, Sultan Selim's Horse. Re∣marks on the Birth of Alexander the Great, and the Burning of Diana's Temple at E∣phesus. Of the Imprisonment of Cardinal de Retz. Of the Taking of Dunkirk and Casal by the Spaniards.

• ...XI. To the same. p. 250

• ...

  He discourses of a Comet which at that Time appear'd in the Heavens, above the Sphere of the Sun.

• XII. To Pesteli Hali, his Brother, Master of the Grand Signior's Customs. p. 253

  He Congratulates his New Preferment, and Counsels him not to be Hasty in growing Rich or Mighty. Of Cardinal Mazarini's Return from his Second Banishment.

• XIII. To Kerker Hassan, Bassa. p. 257

  He thanks him for the Favour he had shewn to his Brother. Of the Honours which the French King bestow'd on Cardinal Anto∣nio Barbarini. Of certain Prodigies.

• XIV. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vi∣enna. p. 260

  He endeavours to wean him from the Pre∣judices of Education; and to convince him, that Other Nations are in as fair a Way to Paradise as the Jews.

• XV. To the Sublimely Wise, the Senior of Ex∣cellent Dignity, Abul Recowaw'n, Grand Almoner to the Sultan. p. 267

  Of the Difference between Impudent Beg∣gars, and the Truly Indigent. A Remark∣able Instance of a certain Cardinal's Cha∣rity. He recommends to him in Particu∣lar, the Case of a certain discarded Ti∣mariot.

• XVI. To the Captain Bassa. p. 272

  Of several Sea-Fights between the English and Dutch. And particularly of that, wherein General Trump was Kill'd.

• XVII. To Sale Tircheni Emin, Superinten∣dent

• of the Royal Arsenal at Constan∣tinople. p. 274

  Of a Wonderful Ship built at Rotterdam by a French Enginier, which should perform Miracles. He discourses of Spouts at Sea.

• XVIII. To Murat Bassa. p. 280

  Remarks on the New English Common∣wealth: On the Young King of Scots, and on the French Affairs.

• XIX. To Afis, Bassa. p. 282

  Of divers Prodigies and Disasters in the Low-Countries. Of the Whale and its Guide. Of the Narrow Escape the French King made as he was Shooting a Partridge.

• XX. To Dgebe Nafir, Bassa. p. 288

  He congratulates his Succession in the Dig∣nities of Chiurgi Muhammet, Bassa. Of the taking St. Menehoud. Of Oliver the English Protector.

BOOK IV.

• LETTER I. TO Bedredin Superiour of the Convent of Derviches, at Cogni in Natolia. p. 295

  Remarks on the Birth and Life of the Messias. A Character of the Essenes.

• II. To the Venerable Mufti. p. 302

  Of a Letter sent out of Armenia by the Je∣suits, to some of their Order in Spain, con∣cerning the Opening of the Earth, and swal∣lowing up of Mahomet's Tomb.

• III. To Cara Hali, Physician to the Grand Signior. p. 305

  Of the Reverend Esteem the Ancients had of the Beasts. Several Instances of this Nature.

• IV. To Mustapha, Berber Aga, at the Se∣raglio. p. 311

  Of the Imprisonment of the Duke of Lor∣rain.

• V. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vi∣enna. p. 314

  Of the Unwritten Traditions of Moses, and of the Written Law. Encomi∣ums on the Alcoran.

• VI. To Dicheu Hussein, Bassa. p. 324

  Of Cardinal Mazarini's Policy, in Mar∣rying his Nieces to the French Princes of the Blood.

• VII. To Dgnet Oglou. p. 328

  He descants on the Accidental Loss of his Sight for Two Days. A Digression concerning the Wisdom that is to be found in Brutes.

• VIII. To Afis, Bassa. p. 333

  Of the Preparations for Crowning the Young King of France. Discontents renew'd at Paris, on the Death of the Arch-Bishop.

• IX. To Murat, Bassa. p. 330

• ...

  Of certain Witches apprehended in France. Of Pancrates, a Magician of Egypt; and of Zyto a German Conjurer.

• X. To Chornezan Mustapha, Bassa. p. 341

  Of the Proposals between Queen Chri∣stina, and Charles Prince Palatine, her Successor.

• XI. To Sale Tircheni Emin, Superinten∣dent of the Royal Arsenal at Constan∣tinople. p. 345

  Of the Blowing up of Graveling by Gun∣powder, and of a Mill that took Fire.

• XII. To Mehemet, an Eunuch in the Se∣raglio. p. 348

  Of Mahmut's Antipathy to Spiders. A Discourse of Antipathies. Of a People in Africa that feed altogether on Lo∣custs.

• XIII. To the Kaimacham. p. 352

  Of the Coronation of the King of France. Of the Duke of Lorrain's being re∣mov'd into Spain. With other Mat∣ters out of Sueden and Moscovy.

• XIV. To Gnet Oglou. p. 354

  He discourses of the Ʋncertainty that is to be found in History. Of the Disagree∣ment between the Chronologies of the East and West.