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I Congratulate thy Ascent to that Top of Honour, the First Dignity in the Empire Ever Victorious. 'Tis thy Turn to be now Exalted in the Orb of Fortune: Let not this High Station make thee forget, That that Wheel is always in Motion. But
consider, That since the Advance thou hast made, was not but by the Fall of thy Prede∣cessor, thou hast the less Reason to think thy own State secure.
I am no Fortune-Teller; nor would I be so rude, as to Prognosticate Ill Luck to my Superiors. But, Men in Eminent Dignity, have Need of a Monitor: And, it is Recorded of a Great Monarch, That he Commanded One of his Pages, every Morning to salute him, when he first awaked, with these Words, Remember, O King, that thou art a Mortal.
Let this Example, Supreme Minister, plead my Excuse, and incline thee to pardon the Freedom which Mahmut takes; who by this, thou seest, is no Flatterer.
Certainly, all Sublunary Things, Ebb and Flow like the Waters. And, though Men may sometimes enjoy a Spring-Tide of Feli∣city; yet Fate has Hidden Sluces, which in a Moment, shall convey the Mighty Torrent to some other Channel.
I my self have in some Measure experienc'd this, who am but a Puny in Comparison with thee. Yet Destiny and Chance, are allotted to the Little, as well as to the Great. The Worm encounters as many cross Contingencies, in her humble reptile State, as does the Towring Eagle, in all her lofty Flights and Ranges, through the wide-stretch'd Air.
In my Infancy I was snatch'd from the Cradle, and from the Arms of my Mournful Mother: Mournful on Two Accounts, the Death of a Husband, and the Necessity of
parting with her Child. Yet this Early Sepa∣ration, turn'd to my Advantage, and her Comfort. The Sequel of my Good Fortune, invited her to forsake her Solitudes, and follow me to the Imperial City; where she exchang'd her Melancholy Widow-Hood, for the Socie∣ty and Love of a Merry Greek: Whilst Fate had another Game to play with me; it being the Will of Heaven, That from the Delights of the Seraglio, and the Honour of serving the Greatest Sovereign in the World, I should fall into a Cruel Captivity, and be compelled Ignominiously to drudge for a Barbarous In∣fidel. Afterwards, I gain'd my Liberty, and apply'd my self to study in the Academies. I will not boast of the Proficiency I made: But, at my Return to Constantinople, thou knowest, my Superiors thought me capable, of doing the Port Service in this Place. Thus Providence sports with Mortals, and by an Unaccountable Clew of Discipline, leads them through the Mazes of this Life.
How I have discharged my Trust here, I dare Appeal to All; yet can please None. E∣very Man will be my Judge, to give Sentence against me; and some, I believe, would wil∣lingly be my Executioners: Which, at cer∣tain Times, carries me into so deep a Melan∣choly, that I even join with my Enemies, and condemn my self, though I know not for what. Surely, say I, so many perspicaci∣ous Men cannot be all in the Wrong, and I only in the Right: they must needs see some Faults in me, which I cannot discern
in my self: doubtless I'm Partial, and never chang'd the Order of Aesop's Wallet. Then I reflect on these Thoughts, as the mere Pro∣duct of Melancholy: For, after the strictest Examination of my Conduct, I find my self Innocent of those Things, whereof I'm accus'd. Yet, whilst I am justifying my Integrity to∣wards my Great Master, my Sadness returns again, and tells me, That without Doubt, I have some Ways offended God and his Pro∣phet, who, for that Reason, suffer the En∣vious to persecute me; and drive me into a more intimate and familiar Converse with my self, that so by making a frequent Scru∣tiny after the Cause of my Outward Misfor∣tunes, I may discover the Secret Crimes, which I may have committed against Heaven, and which lie hid under my Inadvertence and Oblivion.
Then I'm fill'd with a Thousand Scruples about my telling Lyes, and taking False Oaths; though I'm dispens'd with for all these Immoralities, by the Sovereign Arbiter of the Law. In a Word, I know not some∣times what to think. And, were it not, that my Agency in these Parts, meets with some Success, I should often conclude, That I ei∣ther lie under some Curse of God, or Charms of Men; That either Heaven or Hell, have a Peculiar Hand in Afflicting me.
But, all this may be only the Fumes of my own Distemper'd Spleen. And, the Indul∣gent Judge of Men, may pass a Milder Sen∣tence on me, than either I do my self, or
my Fellow-Mortals. He is Transcendently Benign and Merciful: And, our Sins of Frail∣ty, appear in his Eyes, but as small Atomes in the Rays of a Morning's Sun; which, though they be Innumerable, yet the least Breath of Wind, blows them all out of Sight.
By what I have said, 'tis apparent, that I have Regard both to thee and my self: To thee, as the Supreme Disposer of Life and Death, under the Grand Signior; to my self, as one cull'd out for a Victim by the Malici∣ous, and lying at the Feet of thy Noble Na∣ture, begging thy Protection. My Enemies are Industrious to ruine me, and lay hold on all Opportunities to accomplish it. The Sentence which they could not procure from thy Predecessor, they may hope to draw from thee by their False Informations. This makes me use Pre-Caution in my own De∣fence; hoping to forestall their Malice, by this Humble Address.
Imitate thou the Divine Nature; and be not severe, in remarking the Peccadillo's and small Delinquencies of thy Slave. If I turn Infidel or Traytor, I crave no Favour.
That Supremely Merciful and Gracious, the First and the Last of the World, and Lord of Paradise, heap on thee as many Blessings every Day, as would employ my swift∣est Wishes a Thousand Years; and grant, That thou mayst find Admittance into the Place full of Rivers, whose Springs take
their Rise, from the Bottom of the Rock of Eternity.
Paris, 17th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1649. according to the Christian Style.
THE Troubles of this Kingdom, which a while ago seem'd to be compos'd, are now again broke out afresh. The Private Grudges of Some, and the Ambition of Others of the Nobility, have once more put all in Arms. This City is Block'd up by the Prince of Conde's Army, who has not been long re∣turn'd from Flanders. The King, the Queen, with Cardinal Mazarini, and the whole Court, are at St. Germains en Lay, whither they went by Night. This abrupt Departure, gave fresh Courage to the Seditious, and at the same Time, furnish'd them with new Matter of Accusation against Cardinal Maza∣rini, who, they say, has stole away their So∣vereign from them. The Parliament have declar'd him, an Enemy to the Government. They are levying Soldiers as fast as they can; and Provisions are laid in, as if they were to
sustain a long Siege. Several Princes and Grandees, are come over to the Citizens, ha∣ving deserted the Court; among whom, is the Prince of Conty, Brother to the Prince of Conde. Yet the Parisians are distrustful of him, and have Consin'd his Sister, as a Ho∣stage for his Fidelity; not knowing, that his Desertion is Real, being occasion'd by some Quarrel between him and his Elder Bro∣ther.
'Tis said, That Cardinal Mazarini has taken a Resolution to depart the Kingdom, that so he may avoid the Tempest that threa∣tens him from all Hands.
The Queen has sent Orders to the Colo∣nels, that serve under Mareschal Turenne in Germany, commanding them to abandon that General, who, they say, has declared for the Parliament, and sent to offer them his Service.
On the other Side, the Citizens endeavour to strengthen their Party, by sending to all the Parliaments of France, to desire their Conjunction, in espousing the Quarrel of this of Paris.
The Companies which the Burghers of this City have rais'd, wear this Motto in their Ensigns, WE SEEK OUR KING.
In the mean while, the Arch-Duke of Au∣stria, keeps near the Frontiers of this Kingdom, with an Army of Twenty Thousand Men; and sends frequent Proposals to the Parlia∣ment, in Order to a Peace.
Whilst I was writing the last Word,
News was brought me, That Eliachim the Jew is seiz'd, and clapt in Prison at St. Denis, which Place is in the King's Hands. I can∣not learn the Reason of his Confinement, but am apt to suspect, 'tis on the Score of his late appearing among the Rabble of Paris, where∣of I gave an Account in a Letter to the Aga of the Janizaries.
The Surprize I am in at this Unfortu∣nate Accident, puts me upon a Thousand Thoughts. I know not what Course to take for my own Safety. If Eliachim's Papers should be search'd, Mahmut must be disco∣ver'd; and then, if I tarry in the City, I can∣not escape a Prison: For, tho' at this Juncture, one would think this Place, a sufficient Pro∣tection from the Court; yet the Hatred they bear to the True Believers, and the Disco∣very of so Important a Commission as mine, would supersede their Intestine Animosities. I should infallibly be either deliver'd up to the Court, or sent to the Bastile. If I go out of the City, my Danger is yet greater; all the Passes of the Country, being narrowly watch'd, and strongly guarded by the King's Soldiers. This made me at first, resolve to deferr the Conclusion of this Letter to ano∣ther Time, whilst I provided for my own Safety; as thinking it impossible, to convey any Intelligence out of France undiscover'd. But being inform'd of a Courier, that was just going from the Parliament, to the Arch-Duke of Austria; and fearing lest I should never have the Privilege of Pen, Ink and
Paper again, I have ravish'd a few Moments, from that little Time I have left to shift for my self, that so I might give thee Notice of this Accident.
I have written also to Nathan Ben Saddi at Vienna, to prevent any Dispatches from him, till farther Order. Both these Letters I venture in the Hands of a faithful Messenger, who has caused them to be sew'd up in the Heels of his Shooes, to prevent Discovery. He travels under the Protection of the Cou∣rier.
I have not a Minute left to say more, than that I am at this Instant parting from my Lodging; my Books and other Things being packt up, and Porters ready to carry 'em a∣way. If I get safe out of the House, I must change my Habit and Name; and so lay the Foundation of a New Concealment, till the Issue of this Adventure, shall direct me what to do.
Adieu, Illustrious Kaimacham, and expect to hear more in my Next; or, let my Silence convince thee, that Mahmut is no longer at Liberty.
Paris, 26th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
IF thou hast any Dispatches coming for me, and it be yet in thy Power to stop them, use Wings in doing it: for, I fear, we are discover'd in this Place. Thy Brother Elia∣chim, is arrested by the King's Orders. What is laid to his Charge, I know not for certain: Neither is it necessary for thee, to be inform'd in that Point. But, if his Confinement be owing to some Services he has lately done me, we are all lost. His Papers will be search'd, which must of Necessity betray our Secrets: And then, we have Nothing to expect, but the severest Execution of the Christians Fury and Revenge. I am in no small Confusion at this Accident, having scarce Time to pro∣vide for my Concealment. Send no more to Paris, till thou receivest farther Advice. We are all in Arms, this City being block'd up by the Queen's Troops; so that I know not well which way to shift for my self, and escape a Thousand Scrutinies, which they will every where make into the Affairs of a Stran∣ger. But, that Fate which over-rules Hu∣mane Contingencies, will, I hope, rescue me out of this Danger: To which I commend both thee and me; bidding thee Farewel, as
if I were never to write to thee again: For, so the Issue may prove.
Paris, 26th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Have something more Respite now, than when I wrote last to thy Brother Nathan at Vienna, to inform him of Eliachim's being made a Prisoner. I was in a greater Hurry at that Time, than the Ninth Sphere. All my Motions were swift. I went Backward and Forward, like the Planets; but had no Leisure to stand still, as they do sometimes. In a Word, I have run over the whole Zodi∣ack of Policy, to seek for a New House; that wherein I Lodg'd, being like to prove too hot for me. At Length I have found one, wherein I hope to meet with no Malevolent Aspects, but to remain as before, in a Friend∣ly Conjunction with the Moon; behind whose Splendors, I may lie cover'd, from the Inqui∣sitions of peering Mortals.
To speak more Intelligibly, I am for the Present, remov'd to other Lodgings in this City, the better to shelter my self from the Storm which seems to hang over my Head,
since Eliachim was seiz'd. Yesterday, I wrote to the Kaimacham, and to Nathan Ben Saddi, to give them an Account of this Accident. This goes along with the same Messenger; for, I durst not confide in the Posts, during the Present Disorders of this Kingdom.
I receiv'd a Letter from thee, wherein thou informest me, of an Attempt that has been lately made, to rob the Treasury of Venice: Which, according to thy Description, is ve∣ry Rich and Magnificent; not to be match'd in Europe. Perhaps, if thou hadst seen the Wealth that is preserv'd in the Church of St. Denis, a City not far from Paris, thou wouldst be of another Mind. But neither of us can make proper Comparisons, having not seen both Places. The French extol the Lat∣ter, and say, it far exceeds that of Venice. But, they may speak Partially; it being the Humour of all People, to magnify the Gran∣deur of their own Nation: And, the French come not short of the Rest of the World in Vain-Glory. However it be, it was a vast Attempt, and full of Infinite Difficulties and Perils, to Rob the Vaults of a Church, in the Heart of that Great and Populous City, where all the Riches of the Seigniory were Reposited. It is an Argument of the Great∣ness of their Souls, who durst undertake so hazardous an Enterprize.
But, this is not the First Time the Venetians have been in Danger, to lose that Prodigious Mass of Wealth. A Poor Grecian once found a Way, through Marble Barricado's under-Ground,
to enter those Golden Cells; from whence he carried away, to the Value of Twenty Hundred Thousand Zechins in Jew∣els. But, making one of his Countrymen acquainted with it, the Villain betray'd him to the Doge, who caused him to be Hang'd.
That Commonwealth, has been all along ve∣ry Happy in Discovery of Plots, and other Mischiefs intended against Her. I know not whether thou hast heard, of the Famous Con∣spiracy of Tiepoli; who not content with the Life and Estate of a Private Gentleman, sought to render himself Sovereign of Venice. And, to this End, insinuated into the Affe∣ctions of many Thousands of the Citizens; whom he kept in constant Pension for above Nine Years together, under the Notion of as∣sisting him, to revenge certain Injuries he had receiv'd from a Roman Gentleman. They were all to run with their Arms into the Streets, when they should hear the Name Tie∣poli utter'd aloud, and often repeated.
But, when the Day was come, whereon he was to put his Designs in Execution, and the Alarm was given in the Streets, and Old Woman made such Haste to look out at her Chamber-Window, to see what was the Oc∣casion of the Tumult, that she threw down an Earthen Vessel; which falling directly on the Head of Tiepoli, Kill'd him, and so put an End to the Rebellion. For which happy Accident, the Senate setled a Yearly Pension of a Thousand Zechins, on the Old Woman during her Life, and the same to be paid
to her Heirs and Posterity for ever.
Send me no Dispatches, till thou hast re∣ceiv'd another Letter from me, which will direct thee what to do.
Paris, 27th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
THE Franks (who are more ready to find Faults in others, than to amend their own) censure the Mussulmans, for extending their Charity to Beasts, Birds and Fishes. They laugh at the Alms we bestow to feed Dogs, Cats and other Living Creatures; and ridicule the Tenderness of such, as go into the Markets, and buy the Birds that are there sold, on Purpose to restore them to their Na∣tive Liberty. They say, 'tis a sufficient De∣monstration of Piety, to relieve the Neces∣sities of Men; and, that it is but a Fruitless Hypocrisy, to shew Kindness to the Brutes, who, in their Opinion, have neither Souls nor Reason, and consequently are Insensible of our Good Offices toward them.
These are the Charges of Western Raillery, the Scoffs of the Obdurate, with which they load the Generous Orientals, the Hearts transfix'd with Universal Love. What would they say, if they had heard of thy Heroick Piety, who not only affordest Protection and Relief to those Creatures whereof we have no Need, but even abstainest from the Flesh of all Animals, though the Prophet himself has indulg'd us the Use of some, for our Ne∣cessary Food, and without which many plead, that we cannot sustain Life? Oh! excellent man, born for the Reproof and Light of the Age, how is the Soul of our Great Law-giver exhilarated, when he be∣holds thy Innocent and Unblemish'd Life? The Treasury of Heaven, is enrich'd with thy Good Works, the Fertile Harvest of Vertues, the First-Fruits of the Purity of thy Nature! From thy first Descent into that Holy Cave, the Angels who Register the Words of Men, Never heard thee utter a Syllable that could be reprehended. Thy Thoughts ravish the Heart of God himself with Joy. The Ʋni∣versal Spirit full of Eyes, Watcher of the Ʋniverse, would fall Asleep, were it not Rowz'd by the strong Vibrations of thy sub∣lime Soul. Thy Contemplations, are Themes for the College of Those, who were Assistant in Forming of All Things. Were it not for such as thee, the Angel of the First Motion, would cease to Whirl the Globes of Light through the Heavens: The Orbs Above would grow Rusty, and all the Wheels and Springs of Na∣ture,
would stand still. Oh Elect Idea, be∣fore whose Purify'd Essence, the Sun himself appears full of Blemishes! Humane Wit can∣not find thy Equal on Earth: Thou art the Impress on the SEAL OF THE PRO∣PHETS, the Soul of the Soul of Maho∣met!
In thus celebrating thy High Perfections, if I have offended thy Modesty, thou hast the Goodness to ascribe it to the Excess of my Affection, which carries me beyond Human Regards. I would fain be an Imitator of thy Incorrupt Life. For, let the Christians say what they please, I will ever esteem Absti∣nence a Divine Vertue. I have consulted the Sages of Old, that I might learn what was the Practice of Former Times, whilst Hu∣man Nature was yet in its Infancy, before the Manners of Men were Debauch'd. I have perused the Select Writings of the Ancients, the Records of Truth, and void of Fables. And, believing that such Memoirs will not be unwelcome to thee, I presume to lay them at thy Feet, as a Mark of that Profound Ve∣neration, I owe to the Tenant of the Darling of God.
These Historians say, That the First Inha∣bitants of the Earth, for above Two Thou∣sand Years, liv'd altogether on the Vegetable Products; of which they Offer'd the First-Fruits to God: It being esteem'd an Inexpi∣able Wickedness, to shed the Blood of any Animal, though it were in Sacrifice, much more to Eat of their Flesh. To this End,
they relate the First Slaughter of a Bull, to have been made at Athens, on this Occasion. The Priest of the Town, whose Name was Diomus, as he was making the Accustomed Oblation of Fruits on an Altar in the Open Field (for, as yet they had no Temples) a Bull came running from the Herd, which was grazing hard by, and eat of the Consecrated Herbage. Upon which, Diomus the Priest, mov'd with Zeal at the Reputed Sacrilege, and snatching a Sword from one of those that were present, kill'd the Bull. But, when his Passion was over, and he consider'd, what a heinous Crime he had committed; fearing also the Rage of the People, he persuaded them, That a God had appear'd to him, and commanded him to Offer that Bull in Sa∣crifice, by Burning his Flesh with Fire on the Altar, as an Atonement for his devouring the Consecrated Fruits. The Devout Multi∣tude, acquiesc'd to the Words of their Priest, as to an Oracle. And, the Bull being flea'd, and Fire laid on the Altar, they all assisted at the New Sacrifice. From which Time, the Custom was Yearly observ'd among the Athe∣nians, to Sacrifice a Bull. And by them, this Method of Religious Cruelty, was taught not only to all Greece, but to the Rest of the World. In Process of Time, a certain Priest, in the Midst of his Bloody Sacrifice, taking up a Piece of the Broiled Flesh, which had fall'n from the Altar on the Ground, and burning his Fingers therewith, suddainly clapt them to his Mouth, to mitigate the Pain. But,
when he had once tasted the Sweetness of the Fat, not only long'd for more of it, but gave a Piece to his Assistant, and he to others: Who all pleased with the new-found Dain∣ties, fell to Eating of Flesh greedily. And hence this Species of Gluttony, was taught to other Mortals. Neither is it Material, what the Hebrew Doctors object against these Testi∣monies, when they introduce the Son of A∣dam, Sacrificing Living Creatures, in the In∣fancy of the World; since, thou knowest, ma∣ny Errors are Inserted in the Written Law, from whence they take this Story.
They say also, That the First Goat that fell by the Hands of Men, was kill'd in Revenge for the Injuries it had done the Owner of a Vineyard, in browsing on his Vines; such an Impious Deed, having never been heard of before.
This is certain, That the Egyptians, the Wisest and most Ancient People in the World, having receiv'd from the First Inhabitants of the Earth a Tradition, forbidding Men, To Kill any Living Creature; to give the great∣er Force to this Primitive Law of Nature, they Form'd the Images of their Gods, in the Similitude of Beasts: That so the Vulgar, struck with Reverence at the Sacred Symbols, might learn to abstain from Killing, or so much as Hurting the Dumb Animals; under whose Forms, they Represented whatsoever among them was esteem'd Adorable.
Yet, lest any in his Life-Time, should by Accident, or otherwise, have transgress'd the
Law of Abstinence, they used a kind of Ex∣piation for the Dead, after this Manner. The Priests took the Bowels out of the Belly of the Deceased, and putting them in an Earthen Vessel, they held it toward the Sun; and calling Witnesses, they made the following Speech, in Behalf of the Dead:
O thou Sun, whose Empire is Ʋniversal, and all ye Other Powers, who give Life to Men, re∣ceive me into the Society of the Immortal Gods. For, so long as I lived in this World, I Religiously persevered in the Worship of those Deities, which were made known to me by my Ancestors. I always Honour'd my Parents, who begat my Body. I never Kill'd any Man or Beast, nor have been Guilty of any Black Crime. But, if whilst I liv'd I have trespass'd, in Tasting any of those Things which are Forbidden; it was not my Sin, but the Fault of these Entrails, which are here separated from the rest of my Body.And having said this, they cast the Vessel into the River, on the Banks of which, the Ceremony was perform'd; Embalming the Rest of the Body, as Pure and free from Sin.
After the same Manner, the Persian Magi, or Wise Men, practised Abstinence. And, to imprint in their Disciples, a Tenderness and Friendship toward the Beasts, they call∣ed them, according to their different Stati∣ons, either Lyons, Hyaena's, Crows, Eagles, Hawks, &c. And, their Garments were Pain∣ted all over, with the Various Figures of
Animals; thereby insinuating, the Doctrine of the Soul's Transmigration; and inculcating this Mystery, That the Spirit of Man, enters successively into all Sorts of Bodies: Which, thou knowest, is not remote from the Faith of True Believers.
It would not be amiss, as a Testimony of the Practice of the Ancients, to insert a Memo∣rable Address, which the Reformed Priests of Crete, were wont to make before the Altar of Jupiter.
O Divine Governor of the Hun∣dred Cities, we have led a Holy Life, from the Time that we were Initiated in thy Mysteries, and forsook the Nocturnal Rites, and Bloody Feasts of Bacchus: We are now Purified, and Clothe our selves in White Vestments, the Emblems of our Innocence: We shun the Society of polluted Mor∣tals; neither approach we to the Sepulchres of the Dead, nor Taste of the Flesh of any Thing, which has been endued with Life.
Such also was of Old, and to this Day is, the Abstinence of the Indians; among whom, the Brachmans perform the Office of Priest∣hood. These, the Ancient Grecians called Gymnosophists. They are all of one Race, neither will they admit a Stranger into their Order. They live for the most Part near to Ganges, or some other River, for the Sake of their frequent Purifications. Their Diet consists, of Milk Curdl'd with sowre Herbs. They feed also on Apples, Rice, and other Fruits of the Earth; esteeming it the
Height of Impiety, to taste of any Thing that has Life. They live in little Hutts or Cot∣tages, every one by himself, avoiding Com∣pany and Discourse; employing all their Time in Contemplation, and the Service of the Temple. They esteem this Life, but a Necessary Dispensation of Nature, which they Voluntarily undergo as a Penance; ardently thirsting, after the Dissolution of their Bo∣dies; and firmly believing, That the Soul by Death, is released from its Prison, and laun∣ches forth into Immense Liberty and Hap∣piness. Therefore they are always chearfully disposed to Die, bewailing those that are A∣live, and Celebrating the Funerals of the Dead, with joyful Solemnities and Triumphs. Among their Good Works, it is accounted an Act of great Reputation and Virtue, to build Hospitals for Beasts as well as Men: And, in every City, there are great Numbers of such, as spend all their Life, in tending on Sick and Wounded Animals, or such as have no Suste∣nance elsewhere. And, this is no Novel Insti∣tution, but deliver'd down to them by Tra∣dition, from Immemorable Ages.
The Precepts also of Triptolemus and Draco, the most Ancient Lawgivers of the Atheni∣ans, are a Testimony of the Innocence and Sincerity of the First Ages: For, they com∣prehended all the whole System of Piety and Virtue, in Practising these few Rules:
Let it be an Eternal Sanction to the A∣thenians, To Adore the Immortal Gods: To Reverence the Departed Hero's; to
Celebrate their Praises with Songs, and the First Fruits of the Earth; To Honour their Parents; And neither to Kill Man or Beast.
I could relate to thee, Examples of Absti∣nence in the Ancient Lacedaemonians, Spar∣tans, Jews, and almost all Nations of the East: Nor are there wanting some Testimo∣nies of it, in these Western Parts. This King∣dom of France, was in Old Times Instructed by a Kind of Prophets or Philosophers, whom they called Druids; who took up their Usual Residence under Oaks. These taught, the Transmigration of Souls; and therefore, pre∣scrib'd Abstinence from Flesh; and shew'd to Men, the Method of Worshiping God with the First-Fruits of the Earth. From hence they sail'd over into Britain, and planted themselves in that Island, propagating the same Doctrines; and were Reverenc'd by the People, as Sacred Oracles.
By all which it is Evident, That the tender Regard which the True Faithful have for the Brutes, is no Innovation, or singular Caprice of Superstition, but the Primitive Practice of the Ancients, the Ʋniversal Tradition of the Whole Earth. Nay, the Eastern Christians, for the most Part, live an Abstemious Life; such as the Grecians, Armenians, Georgians, Mingrelians, and others that are scatter'd up and down in divers Parts of Asia. These following the Examples and Traditions, of the Apostles and Primitive Fathers of their Churches, either taste not at all, or very spa∣ringly,
the Flesh of Beasts, Birds and Fishes. But, the Nazarenes of the West, boast of I know not what Liberty they have, to Eat, without Scruple, of all Things; having the Dispensation of the Roman Mufti, whom they call the Vicar of God. Hence it is, that these Religious Libertines, are not afraid to gorge themselves, even with the Blood of Slaughter'd Beasts, which their own Law forbids 'em to taste. And they prop them∣selves up in their Impiety, by saying, That the Pope has Power, to Change the Traditions and Ordinances of the Apostles, and even of Jesus the Messiah himself. Hence proceeds their Derision of those, who shew any Tenderness to the Brutes; for, they are harden'd in their Gluttonous Cruelty, and are but one Remove, from the most Salvage Cannibals.
But thou, Holy Man of God, pity these Infidels, and pray that Mahmut, may be a sincere Disciple of thy Purity.
Paris, 16th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Am return'd to my former Lodging again, the Case of Eliachim, being not so bad as my Fears. The Occasion of his Confinement, were certain Words he spoke against the Pro∣ceedings of Cardinal Mazarini and the Court, in Company of such as were Officious to ob∣lige that Minister. This was done at St. Denis, not far from Paris; where they im∣mediately caused him to be taken into Custo∣dy by the King's Guards, who quarter'd in that Town. It has cost him a considerable Sum of Money, to purchase his Liberty; which he now enjoys, as before. I had other Thoughts, when I first heard the News of his being seized; and that it was, for some Seditious Expressions: For then I call'd to Mind, how he had Acted last Year by my Order, during the Tumults of Paris; and concluded, That some Unlucky Accident had now betray'd him. Which if it were so, would infallibly bring me into the same Danger. This made me so suddainly change my Habitation, and put a Stop to the Di∣spatches of the Sublime Port. I thought no Caution too much, to preserve the Affairs of my Commission Indemnified; and, that it were better to offend, in being too Wary, than too Secure. If I have taken wrong
Measures in thus absconding, 'tis for want of fuller Instruction from my Superiors. I wish they would honour me with Particular Rules, in Case of such Emergencies: Then I should steer my Course, without running the Hazard of Rocks or Sands. I have often desir'd to know, Whether, if I were disco∣ver'd, I should own my self an Agent for the Grand Signior. But none of the Ministers have vouchsafed to direct me in this Point: Whereby, I may commit an irreparable Mi∣stake, if such a Thing should happen.
Adonai the Jew, informs me of an At∣tempt lately made to rob the Treasury of Ve∣nice; which, according to his Description, is very Rich and Magnificent. He says, there are Twelve Crowns of pure Gold, and an e∣qual Number of Breast-plates of the same Metal, set with all Sorts of precious Stones of Inestimable Value: A Hundred Vessels of Agat: Threescore Services for the Altar, all of pure Gold, enrich'd with Dia∣monds, Sapphires, Emralds, and other Stones of Price. There is also an Ʋnicorn's Horn, above the Purchase of Money. There are Fourteen Unpolish'd Pearls, as large as a Man's Fist. The Ducal Cap, is valued at a Hundred Thousand Zechins: With many o∣ther Rareties and Costly Ornaments, too tedious to be inserted in a Letter.
Certainly, so much Wealth, was never de∣stin'd to fall into the Hands of Little Private Thieves: It is a Booty, fit for Kings and great Generals, the Licens'd Banditi of the
Earth. So many Glittering Jewels, would tempt the Honesty of an Angel: And, he would be glad to adorn the Apartments of his Heaven, with these Radiant Drops of the Sun, which he sees on Earth.
I have met with some pretty Relations of the Boldness of Robbers, but none that ever match'd the Bravery of this Enterprize; which was no less, than to Rob one of the most Potent States in the World, of her Chiefest Treasure.
He wanted not for Impudence, who, when the Emperor Charles V. was removing his Court, and all the Officers were busy in pack∣ing up the Goods, enter'd the Chamber where the Emperor was; and having made his Obei∣sance, fell roundly to pulling down the rich Hangings of Tissue, which by the Help of his Confederates, he carried away, with A∣bundance of Plate: No Body ever suspect∣ing, but that he was one of the Emperor's Servants, till the Person came, whose Office it was to remove those Goods, and then the other was known to be a Thief.
I have heard of a Spaniard, who, on a Great Festival, when the Priests had finish'd the Service of the Altar, and were retir'd to their Lodgings, went very boldly and took the Golden Vessels off the Altar, and carry'd them away under his Cloak, as though he had been the Steward of that Church, no Body suspect∣ing any other.
I kiss the Hem of thy Vest, Illustrious Kai∣macham, and pray, that thou may'st mono∣polize
the Choicest Blessings of Heaven, and have thy Share of the Riches of the Earth, without Danger of losing them to Great or Small Thieves.
Paris, 16th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
NOW thou may'st continue thy Dis∣patches as before. Our Fears are va∣nish'd: Eliachim is releas'd, and all Things are in Safety. Thou hast no Reason to tax me with Timorousness, in so abruptly for∣saking my Habitation, on the bare Foresight of far-fetch'd Possibilities; when thou shalt consider, that there is no arming against Con∣tingencies in the Moment they arrive, and that he who trusts all Things to Chance, makes a Lottery of his Life, wherein, for One Happy Event, he shall meet with Ten Un∣lucky Ones. To what Use serves that Ap∣prehensive Faculty, which Nature has posted as the Corps du Guard of our Lives and For∣tunes, allowing it the Sences for Scouts and Sentinells? To what End, I say, serves this Watchful Faculty, but to take the Alarm at
doubtful Emergencies; to rouze our Caution, that so we may make Provision, and be in a Po∣sture of Defence, against whatsoever may happen?
News came, that Eliachim was seiz'd, for Seditious Words against the Government. I was conscious, that both he and I, had been Guilty of more than bare Words in that Kind. Therefore, what had happen'd to him, I look'd upon as due to my self also; and, that my Confinement would soon follow, if I took not speedy Care to prevent it, by seasonably absconding. This was the Reason of my sudden Departure, which cannot justly be as∣crib'd to Cowardise, since 'twas the Effect of Common Prudence.
Now I'm return'd to my Old Lodging a∣gain, where the Joy they are in for the Birth of a Son, will not give them Leisure to reflect on my Affairs: So that I am receiv'd by my Host, without the least Jealousie or suspicious Ani∣madversions. Brim-full of Mirth and Jovial Thougts, the Good Man Compliments me, and proclaims his better Fortune: Invites me to sit down with his Friends, and partake of the Gifts of Ceres and Bacchus. This thou know∣est, is the Custom of the whole Earth, at the Birth of Mortals. They make merry over one, that is born to the same Miseries as themselves; who, the first Moment he draws the Breath of Life, is enrolled in the Register of Death; and from the Womb, makes swift and direct Advances to the Grave.
However, I sate down with the Rest, to
comply with the exhilarated Humour of my Host. I eat, drank, and seem'd Merry with the Company. Yet, at the same Time, I could not but nauseate my Entertainment, and disdain the extravagant Profusion of Spirit, which appear'd in every one of this vain As∣sembly. They all talk'd eagerly; and, one Man's Words, drown'd those of another: Whilst an Universal Laughter, confounded the Sence of all. Then I prais'd in my self, the Modesty and Order observ'd in our Eastern Banquets and Feasts, where no uncomely Gestures or Actions, escape the well-nurtur'd Guests; no loud talking or Braying like Asses, but every one strives to suppress the Motions and Appearances of a too forward and Indul∣gent Mirth, and contain themselves within the Bounds of a decent and civil Reserve. Such were the Feasts instituted by Lycurgus, among the Ancient Lacedaemonians; where, such as were Friends and Acquaintance, met together and refresh'd themselves, without Riot and Luxury. They convers'd together interchangeably, after the Manner of Philoso∣phers, or Men of the Law: Discoursing so∣berly either of Natural Things, or Civil Af∣fairs: Mixing facetious and witty Jests, with their more serious Talk, without Clamour, Scurrility or giving any Offence. But, these Western People, think themselves not Merry till they are Drunk, nor Witty unless they be Rude. They play a Thousand Wanton Tricks, like Apes; and, the greatest Buffoon, is the best Company.
Wherefore, sick to see Men so much dege∣nerate from themselves, I made my Excuses, and retir'd to my Chamber, where I present∣ly set Pen to Paper, to give thee an Account of my Return.
If thou continuest thy former Resolution, of following the Dictates of Reason, in Mat∣ters of Religion, thou wilt quickly find, that thy Rabbi's have taught thee to believe in Fa∣bles, which accord neither with Reason, nor Common Sence. Follow the best Guide, and be Happy.
Paris, 16th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
THY Pen is now free again: Write as soon and as often as thou wilt; our Fears are dissipated, and all goes well. If thou canst inform me of any more Remark∣able Passages and Adventures, spare not to oblige me with frequent Letters. And, to encourage thee, I will relate to thee a Story, which is Recorded in the Histories of Naples.
In former Times, there was a Statue of Marble, standing on the Top of a Mountain in Apulia, with this Inscription on the Head, which was of Brass, ON MAY-DAY AT
SƲN-RISING, I SHALL HAVE A HEAD OF GOLD. No Man in all those Parts could be found, who was able to unrid∣dle this Mysterious Expression; and therefore, it was not regarded for many Ages. But at length, in the Reign of a certain Prince, there was a Saracen, who having seen and consi∣der'd the Statue, with the Inscription, pro∣pos'd to explain it for a certain Reward. The Prince hearing of this, and being greedy of the Novelty, sent for the Saracen; and bargain'd with him for a Thousand Crowns, to unfold this Riddle. He waited till May-Day came, and watching the Image that Morning Early, he observ'd the Place where the Head cast its Shadow, just as the Sun rose. There he or∣der'd certain Men to dig: Which when they had done, and were got pretty deep in the Earth, they encounter'd a Prodigious Trea∣sure of Silver, Gold, and Jewels. With which the Prince was so well satisfy'd, that he doubl'd the Saracens Reward, and sent him Home into his own Country, laden with rich Presents. Doubtless, there is much Wealth bury'd by Men in the Earth. For, in Former Times, they were of Opinion, That if they should die suddainly, in the Wars or otherwise, such Riches as they had hidden in the Earth, would serve them in the Other World. And this is the Practice of the Indians to this Day; as my Brother informs me, who has been among them.
Strange Blindness! that Men should think the Immortal Soul, needed the Assistance of
Silver, Gold, or any Material Substance, after she herself is divested of the Body, and become a Naked Spirit.
Let thou and I have a Nobler Idea of our Selves, than to phancy we shall be in Want of the Glittering Dross, in that Invisible State, whither we are all hastening. There are no Mony-Changers in that World of Spirits. If thou hast Superfluity, hide it not in the Earth, but give it to the Poor, and thou shalt receive it again, transform'd into a Substance more refin'd and radiant than the Stars.
Paris, 16th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1649.
THE Intestine Quarrels of the French, seem to be like those of Lovers; whose Cholerick Intervals, serve but to give a new Edge to the Returns of their Affection. As if One of these Passions, was made to whet the Other, and make it more sprightly: Or, as if Love would grow dull and feculent, were it not sometimes rowz'd and fermented by Anger.
But, I believe, there is a greater Mystery, in the Reconciliation between the French-Court and the Parliament of Paris. Some Ends of Policy, have hasten'd both Parties to clap up a Peace, while the secret Rancour remains unpurg'd.
Perhaps the Union of so many Princes and Nobles with the Parliament, might incline the Queen to milder Counsels, than her own Spanish Genius. Besides, the Conjunction of the other Parliaments of the Kingdom, the Revolt of Normandy, Gascoigne and Provence, with many Eminent Cities, were very pre∣vailing Motives. But, that which was of greatest Force, was the Want of Money and Men to carry on the War, which could not be rais'd without vast Difficulty, during these Publick Alienations.
Whatever were the Inducements, a Peace was concluded about the latter End of the Third Moon, at a Place call'd Ruel, not far from Paris, where the King has a House of Pleasure, seated in the Midst of a little Para∣dise. In one of my Letters to the Kaima∣cham, I formerly describ'd the King's House and Garden, at St. German en Lay. This is but a little Chiosc or Bower, in Comparison of that Stately Palace. Yet what is wanting in the Grandeur of the Fabrick, is supply'd in its e∣legant Contrivance, and the Richness of its Ornaments. And, as for the Garden, it comes not far short of the other; there being in it all Manner of curious Water-works, Groves, Solitudes, Fountains, Statues, and whatsoe∣ver
the Ingenuity of these Western Artists could suggest, as proper to render this Place agreeable to the Melancholy Humour of the late Queen-Mother, Mary de Medicis, to whom it belong'd during her Life.
When you enter this delicious Eden, your Eyes and Ears are presently deceiv'd, by the Counterfeit Notes and Motions of all kinds of Birds, which perpetually Sing, as the Wa∣ter tunes their Throats. A little farther, you see several old Gentile Statues, adorning Two Fountains: And, among the rest, a Crocodile, big as the Life; who by the Harmony he makes, seems to have a Consort of Musick in his Belly, as Regular and Sweet, as that of the Italian Society at Constantinople, which thou hast often heard.
As we depart from this, full of Compla∣cency and Admiration at the Exquisite Imita∣tion of Nature in these Contrivances, we fall insensibly into a Place exactly like what the Poets describe when they speak of Elysium. It is a Grove, the Tops of whose Trees are so thick interwoven, that the Sun appears no o∣therwise through them, than as if he were behind a Cloud or in an Eclipse. So that the Darkness of this Place, and solemn Murmur the Winds make on high among the Tops of the Trees, fills it with a Kind of Sacred Horror. Which has often made me think this Wilderness, something like that which Historians describe, when they speak of the Avenues to the Temple of Jupiter Ammon in Egypt. For, in the very Center of this Grove,
stands the House. A Place, one would think, fitter for a Convent than a Prince's Court. At best, it appears but like a Royal Hermitage, a Cell consecrated to Kingly Melancholy.
I could not forbear making this Digression, when I mention'd Ruel to be the Place where the Peace was concluded, between the Court and the Parliament. This Encomium, is a Tribute which I ow'd, for the Satisfaction and Pleasure I have often receiv'd in this Retire∣ment. Besides, I thought an Idea of such a Garden, would not be unwelcom to thee, who art a Lover of Solitude.
The Coadjutor of Paris, who is an Arch-Bishop, is highly affronted, that this Peace was concluded without him, who had a chief Hand in beginning the War. He labours to inflame the People again, and reduce all to the old Confusion, being an Irreconcileable Enemy of Cardinal Mazarini. So that we expect another Insurrection in a short Time: For the French cannot be long Idle.
Happy Minister, I leave thee under the Wings of that Spirit which guards the Elect, and bid thee Farewel.
Paris, 15th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
SHall I tell thee, I mourn for the Death of our Friend Egry Boinou, whom thou sayest, a Fever snatch'd from us the First Day of the Moon Regib? That Fever, it seems, was the Effect of his continual and excessive Grief for the Loss of his Eyes; so that we may say, he has been dying ever since the Hour that Fatal Sentence was put in Exe∣cution. And, shall we grudge our Friend a Release from so lingring a Death? At best, it was but the Winter of Life, wrapt up in Clouds and Darkness: Now like the Serpent, he has cast his Slough, lifts up his Head with new Vigor, sports himself in the Mea∣dows of Paradise, and basks in the Warmth of an Eternal Spring.
'Twill not therefore be a Mark of our Af∣fection to him, but only a Discovery of our Self-Love, to condole the Occasion of His Happiness, because it has lessen'd Ours, by robbing us of his beloved Company and Friendship. Besides, we know not, but that he may still continue to be our Friend, even in that Invisible State; and either manage our Interests Above, or at least protect us from Dangers here Below. We are ignorant of the Laws, and Constitution of that King∣dom
of Spirits; and, for ought we know, the Souls of just Men after Death, may become the Tutelar Genii, or Guardian Angels of their Surviving Friends and Relations. Let it be how it will, doubtless Egry is Immortal and Happy; and, 'twill be Envy in us, to repine at it. Rather let us congratulate the Time of his Decease, as the Day of his Na∣tivity; and leave Mourning, to the Crowd of Mortals, who do a Thousand Things, with∣out ever thinking what they are about. They tread in the Steps of their Fathers, never ex∣amining, whether they be Right or Wrong: Custom and Education have almost ba∣nish'd Reason from the Earth. Is it not a pleasant Spectacle, to see the Kindred of an Old Rich Miser (for whose Death they had long waited, like Harpies for their Prey) now flock about his Lifeless Carcase, howling out a Thousand forc'd Lamentations; whilst in the mean Time, their Blood dances in their Veins for Joy? Yet however, this carries a Shew of Civiliz'd Manners, and is better than the Barbarous Custom of the Scythians and Massagetes, who when their Old Men grew Useless and Troublesome, were wont to Sa∣crifice them, and make a Banquet with their Flesh; or the Thebarenes, who threw their Aged Friends alive down Precipices. These were Salvages: But, much more so were the Hircanians and Bactrians, who cast their A∣ged Parents yet living, to be devour'd by Dogs: Which Inhumanity when Stasanor, the Deputy of Alexander the Great, endea∣vour'd
to suppress, they had like to have De∣pos'd him from the Government: So prevalent is the Force of a Receiv'd Custom, on the Minds of the Unthinking Herd.
Let thou and I therefore, not supinely take up with Common Practices; but, like Men of Reason, let us adjust the Last Offices we owe to our Friend, whilst we pour forth some Devout Oraisons for the Health of his Soul, without disturbing his and our own Repose, with fruitless Lamentations. And, since we are bereav'd of his Society on Earth, let us prepare to follow him, and ren∣der our selves agreeable Company at our next Rendezvous in Heaven.
It was an Unjustifiable Rigor in Sultan I∣brahim, to deprive him of his Eyes, because he had only cast 'em unhappily on one of the Sultana's, as she enter'd the Garden. This Jealousy, is the peculiar Vice of the East. Yet they are more severe in Persia, where 'tis present Death, to be within Two Leagues of the King's Women, when they travel the Road. But, I never knew, that Eunuchs were thus punish'd. Or, is there such a Difference between a White and a Black Eu∣nuch, That the One deserves to lose his Eyes for beholding that by Chance, which the O∣ther is honourably rewarded for having Ac∣cess to, and seldom being out of their Sight?
This was the worst Punishment that Se∣leucus, the Law-Giver of the Locrians, im∣pos'd on them that were Actually caught in Adultery. Which puts me in Mind of a No∣table
Instance of this Man's Justice: For, when his own Son was accus'd, and prov'd Guilty of this Crime; at once to shew the Tender∣ness of a Father, and the Incorruptible Seve∣rity of a Judge, he first caus'd One of his own Eyes to be put out, and then One of his Sons: Thus taking on himself, Half the Penalty; that so, the Law might be satisfy'd in the Whole, and yet his Son not be Totally depriv'd of his Sight.
Thou tellest me no News of our Armies, nor what Alterations have been made amongst the Ministers of the Port, since the Death of Sultan Ibrahim. We have various Reports here; and some say, that the New Vizir A∣zem will be no long-liv'd Man. I desire thee, to write often to me, and send me what In∣telligence thou can'st.
Let nothing slip the Knot, which has fast'ned us so many Years together, in an en∣tire Friendship: But, let us carry that Mag∣net with us to our Graves; that, at what Di∣stance soever we may be buried, our Souls may by the Force of that Attractive, find one another out, and converse together, in that Region of Silence and Shadows.
Paris, 9th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Know not where this Letter will find thee; on the Shore, or at Sea. If thou art in the Watry Wilderness, I have no Art to trace thee. There are no certain Roads in that In∣constant Element. It is a mighty Plain, with∣out Path or Track. And though there be certain Stages in it, yet thy Arrival at them, is tim'd at the Pleasure of the Winds and Waves, which will not obey even the Orders thou hast received from the Grand Signior, Lord of the Four Seas. Perhaps, thou art in pursuit of some Venetian Ships, or other Chri∣stian Vessels, the Corsairs of the Mediterra∣nean. Or, thou mayst be Careening thy Fleet, in the securer Retreats of the Archipelago. Thou may'st be within a Minute of a Wreck, or just entring a Harbor. Wherever thou art, may Heaven preserve thee from the Dan∣gers, which always threaten such, as trust their Lives to a piece of Wood: For, there will be great Need of thee, if our Intelligence be true in these Parts.
It is reported here, That the Cossacks, Cir∣cassians, Mingrelians, and other People who Border on the Black Sea, and Obey not the Law brought down from Heaven, are entred into a League against the Blessed Port, and have covered those Seas with a Mighty Fleet;
while the Prince of Georgia, rushes down from his Mountains, with an Army of Forty Thousand Armenians, Persians, and Borde∣rers of Mount Caucasus: That the Former have taken a Thousand of our Trading Saicks, and are advanc'd as far as the Ferry of the Bull, which thou knowest, is but Six Hours Sail from the Imperial City: That the Latter, have made Incursions into the Territories of the Grand Signior; put all to the Sword who resisted 'em, as they march'd along; burnt and laid waste the Country: And, that all the Greeks and Armenians, flock to them, threatning an Universal Defection from the Ottoman Empire.
As to the Truth of these Reports, I can ascertain Nothing; but am inclin'd to believe, the Cossacks are troublesome at Sea, and that they may have drawn some of their Neigh∣bours into a League, those Pilfering Nations, who live by Rapine and Spoil, on both Ele∣ments. Our small Vessels trading on the Black Sea, full of Riches and empty of Arms, must needs be a Temptation to those Pirates, who are the most dextrous at a Rob∣bery, and the boldest Fellows in the World. The Merchants of these Parts, who have had some Traffick at Caffa, and other Towns on the Banks of the Black Sea, give a frightful De∣scription of those Tempestuous Waters, and no Good Character of the People that Border on them. The Cossacks, they say, are Vali∣ant and Mercenary; the Circassians Hardy and Bold; the Mingrelians Sly and Crafty;
and the Georgians, of an Astral Complexion, capable of all Virtues and Vices. The First seldom act, unless encourag'd by the King of Poland, or the Czar of Moscovy; and then they are content with their Pay, and the Lawful Plunder of War. The Second are never Idle, when there is hope of Prey, whe∣ther they fight their own Cause, or are em∣ploy'd by others; and fear neither Hunger, Cold, nor any other Extremity, for the Sake of a Prize. The Third are Good at a Strata∣gem, and would steal a Man's Teeth out of his Gums, if he be not wary; Great Cowards, yet desperate in their own Defence, when they see no Medium between Fighting and Death. As for the Fourth, they seem to be a kind of Mungrels, a Medly Race, whose Character is compounded of the Other Three.
They are Stout and Witty, Dext'rous at a Cheat, and no Bunglers at an Ingenious Theft; Great Liars; full of Compliments and External Civilities, but Perfidious and Implacable in their Revenges.
Yet, after all, I cannot believe the Prince of this Country, who is a Tributary to the King of Persia, would venture his Govern∣ment at Two such desperate Stakes, by breaking the Peace, concluded by his Sovereign with the Grand Signior, and so drawing upon himself the Vengeance of them both. There∣fore, he is either secretly abetted by that Mo∣narch, or else the News is false.
Wouldst thou know, how this Country came to be Subject to the Crown of Persia? It was Conquer'd by Ismael Sophi, to whom the Persian Historians, in Flattery, give the Epithet of Great. He was the First of that Name, and of the Persian Kings, that refus'd to obey the Orthodox Successors of the Sent of God. This Prince, was Valiant in the Field; and no Coward at Wine, if we may believe one of his Courtiers, who wrote Me∣moirs of his Life. He Records Sixteen Bat∣tles, wherein he always got the Victory; and Twice that Number of Royal Debauches, when he shew'd the Strength of his Brain, in the Company of Foreign Ambassadors; with whom he would always Carouse, before they departed his Court, that he might sound the Depth of their Instructions; for, none were able to cope with him, at the Juice of the Grape. And he always esteem'd that Liquor, a Friend to Truth.
If he suspected his Ministers of State, or any of the Governors of Provinces, he us'd to invite them to a Banquet; where, in the Midst of his Drinking, he unravell'd their Secret Inclinations and Counsels; being the most dextrous at picking the Locks of a Man's Heart, of any one living. They ne∣ver went Alive from his Presence, if by one false Step in their Carriage, though it were but a Word too passionate, or a Look less composed to Resignation, he could discover or frame to himself the Grounds of a just Jealousy. It being ever his Maxim, That
Credulity, was the only Vice, could ruin a Happy Prince. He had another Saying also, That Persia was Fertile of Men, but Bar∣ren of Faithful Officers.
I cannot admire these Cruel Strains of Po∣licy. Yet Kings have Reasons for their Acti∣ons and Words, which we cannot compre∣hend. The Philosophers say, That Wine was given Ʋs by the Gods, to mitigate our Cares; and, for a Time, to make Ʋs Equal to their Divinities, in the free Enjoyment of Our Selves. And, tho' as a Mussulman, I am not bound to subscribe to the Principles of Pagans; yet as a Man, Partaker of Flesh and Blood, I think he doubly mis-uses that Liquor, who perverts it to the Ends of Cruelty.
But, this Monarch had other Thoughts, when by the Assistance of the Georgian For∣ces, having subdu'd the Regions Bordering on the Caspian Sea, at that Time in the Hands of the Ottomans, he invited the King of Georgia to his Tent, under Pretence of a Fe∣stival Joy for their mutual Success. The Unwary Prince, trusting to his own Merit, and the Faith of his Neighbour, ventures him self with a Small Guard to the Camp of Ismael. The Persian entertain'd him, with all the Outward Demonstrations of Affection and Gratitude, for his repeated Aids: But, in the End of the Feast, taking Exceptions at some Words the King of Georgia spoke, in Praise of his own Soldiers, he commanded his Eunuchs to seize on him, and carry him to the Tent of the Ʋnfortunate (so they
call'd the Pavilion, or Cage of the Grandees fallen into Disgrace.) Then he gave swift Or∣ders, for the Georgian Soldiers to be Mana∣cled. And, having thus done, he bestow'd the Government of Georgia, on one Luarzab; on Condition, that he and his Successors, would embrace the Faith of Hali, and pay Tribute to the Crown of Persia.
From this Luarzab, has the Government of Georgia descended, not in a Line of Blood, but at the Pleasure of the Persian Kings, to him who now holds it, Shanavas-Can; Who, I believe, has more Wit, than to hazard his Possessions, for the Sake of a Chimaera.
In thus roving from my first Point, thou canst not blame me, since thou thy self act∣est by the Rules of Navigation, which va∣ry according to the Byass of the Needle. Thou followest one Magnet, and I another: Yet, let us both meet in the Center of Duty, we owe the Grand Signior.
Paris, 23d. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
THou wilt say, 'tis an unmannerly Way of Congratulating thy New Advance, to begin my Address with Complaints. Yet, Friendship overlooks Punctilio's. 'Tis not the first Time, I have trespass'd on thy Ge∣nerous Temper. I am indispos'd, and cannot act the Courtier, though I am ravish'd to hear the News. It is some Support to my Languishing Spirits, that whilst I am crum∣bling and dwindling away into the Little Principles of which I was made, thou my Friend art growing in the Bulk of Mortal Greatness, in the Favour of our Glo∣rious Sultan.
However, I cannot but suspect the pretend∣ed Kindness of him who rais'd thee, I mean the New Vizir. Neither hast thou much Reason, to take this suddain Reconciliation for any other, than a Masque of his Old Ma∣lice. He cannot forget the Quarrel between thy Father and him, on the Account of Dara Meseck, the Lieutenant General of the Ja∣nizaries; when the brave Old Cheik, put a Stop to the designed Revenge of this Inhu∣mane Upstart.
Assure thy self, that he who has made his Steps, to the Grandeur he now possesses, o'er the Neck of his Master, will not spare any, from whose Wit or Power he may fear a Shock: And, he knows both thy Experience and Interest too great, not to mistrust the Son of his Enemy.
Besides, the eminent Command thy Bro∣ther has over the Spahi's, must needs be an Additional Caution to the Man, whose Name sounds no where so sweetly, as in the Cham∣ber of the Janizaries.
Thou art sensible, that the newly reviv'd Animosity, between these Military Orders, threatens a Calamity to the Ottoman Empire, which cannot be diverted, without a Sacrifice on one Side or other. And, since the Spahi's have engag'd so many Potent Bassa's in their Quarrels; who can expect to fall, but the Mighty Favourite of the Infantry?
He knows this very well; and, to prevent his own Ruin, he resolves on Thine and thy Brothers: Thine, under the Masque of Friend∣ship, till by his Wheadle, he has drawn thy Brother to Constantinople; where he will not fail to be strangled, that so a Creature of the Vizir, may be promoted in his Room. And, what will become of thee after this, I leave to thy own Judgment.
Perhaps, thou wilt despise the Advice of a Sick Man, and impute my Fears to an Excess of Melancholy; from which Distemper, thou knowest, I am seldom free. But, I tell thee, my Reason labours under no Hypochondriac
Disorders, though my Body may. I am no Enthusiast, when I counsel my Friend to a∣void an Apparent Danger. However, if thou thinkest it needless for me to busy my self in such Cases, I have done. But I shall ne∣ver cease to pray for thy Prosperity, as often as I comply with the Law, in Kissing the Floor Five Times a-Day, and Repeating the appointed Oraisons of Faith.
Methinks, when I write to thee now, my Pen is at a Loss. I am puzzl'd for a Style suit∣able to thy New Honour, and our Old Friend∣ship.
But, if I take too much Liberty, ascribe it to the Sincerity of my Affection, which knows not how to be reserv'd or strange to a Person, whom once I could call my Other self: For, no Wider is the Distance between Friends.
Paris, 5th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Know not, whether what I am going to relate, will be News to thee, or to any of the Ministers Residing at the Sublime Port. However, 'tis so to me; and I am command∣ed, to conceal nothing of Moment that comes to my Ears.
Mahomet, Eldest Son of Achmet, the Dey of Tunis, is now at Rome, having embraced the Christian Religion. People relate variously, the Motives that induced him to this Change. Some say, 'twas Interest; he having held a Private Correspondence with the Viceroy of Sicily, who promised him, in the King of Spain's Name, to make him Lord of several large Territories in the West-Indies.
Others say, 'twas Discontent at his Father's Government, and Austere Carriage towards him; the Old Man, having forced him to marry the Bassa of Tripoli's Daughter against his Inclination.
But the greatest Part, ascribe this Change in Religion, to the Force of his Conscience; which, they say, was convinced by a Miracle, of the Truth of the Christian Faith. For, as they relate, being once at Sea in a Vessel, where∣in were many Christians, and a Dreadful Tem∣pest arising, the Mariners, who were all Mussul∣mans, seeing the Havock that the Winds and
Waves had made of the Ship-Tackle, gave over all for lost; and fainting under so much Labour, Watching and Terrour as they had undergone, lay down, and let the Ship drive where-ever the Storm would carry her. But, there being a Christian Priest aboard, E∣steemed a very Holy and Blameless Man, he excited the Christians, to appease the Wrath of God by some extraordinary Acts of Devotion. Then they all made a solemn Procession on the Decks of the Ship, the Priest carrying before them, that which they call the Sacrament, Imploring the Mercy of God, and often cal∣ling on Jesus and Mary. When behold, as the Priest stood aloft on the Poop, reading a∣loud Part of the Gospel, the Storm suddenly ceas'd, the Clouds were dispers'd, the Air grew Serene and Calm, and the Vessel got safe into Harbour. Upon this, they say, Mahomet, when he came ashore, took that Priest along with him, desiring to be in∣structed in the Christian Belief; making a Vow also, That he would renounce the Law of the Mussulmans, and embrace that of Jesus.
This is what such, as are Zealous for the Honour of the Christian Faith, relate concern∣ing this Princes Conversion. However it be, it is certain, That he privately made his E∣scape from Tunis by Sea, and bent his Course directly for Sicily; where, in a few Days he landed, and was receiv'd by the Vice-Roy, ac∣cording to the Dignity of a Prince. A while after, he was baptized by an Arch-Bishop,
who gave him the Name of Don Philippo, by which he is called in all Places.
They say, he was a little scandalized at first, when he saw with what Freedom, the Sicilian Women appeared abroad in the Streets, and convers'd with Men; but, that afterwards, he took a great Delight in their Company, espe∣cially those that could sing well, or play on any Instrument of Musick, to which he is much addicted. And therefore, he chuses to frequent those Temples, where their Ser∣vice is perform'd with Variety of excellent Musick, as it is in all great Cities. And for ought we know, the Character which the Christian Priest gave him, of this Harmonious Manner of Worshipping God, might have no small Influence, on a Man naturally affected with that Science. Certainly, Musick has a mighty Force on our Affections; and, it is a Proverb here in the West, That he who does not love Musick, has no Soul. One of the Ancient Philosophers, defined the Soul it self, to be a Harmony. And another, was so sen∣sible of the various Effects of this Science, in raising Different Passions in Men, that he left it as an Aphorism, Such as the Musick is, such are the People of a Commonwealth. Whence, it was the Great Care of such, as took upon them to form the Manners of Youth, That no Tunes should be played in their Hearing, which Naturally provoked to Levity and Wantonness; but Grave and Martial Strains, such as prompted Heroick Thoughts, and dis∣posed them to Vertue. The Italians, are
great Masters of this Science; and the Airs which they compose for their Church-Service, are very deep and ravishing. Which causes their New Proselyte, Don Philippo, to pass his Time very attentively, during the Cele∣bration of their High-Mass, and their Even-Song. They report, that he will turn Je∣suit.
He went from Sicily, loaded with Gifts and Presents, and came to Rome, the Seat of the Christians Chief Mufti, whom they call the Pope. He is much honoured and caressed by the Holy Father, and all the Cardinals, who have told him so many fair Things of the Na∣zarene Faith, and shew'd him so many Sa∣cred Reliques of Antiquity, that he thinks himself already within the Verge of Heaven, and that Rome is no other, than the Suburbs of Paradise. There is something very charming and sweet, in the Conversation of the Christian Prelates, if they be Men of Learning, as most generally they are. And, 'tis no wonder that such Polite Company, should prevail much on the flexible Temper of a young Prince, who is as a Pilgrim in a strange Coun∣try, where he can hear Nothing, but perpe∣tual Eulogies of the Christian Religion; nor see any Thing, but Objects, which serve only to confirm in his Mind, a Venerable Idea of that Faith he has embraced. Besides, they say, he is fallen deeply in Love with a young Roman Lady. So that there is no Hope, of rescuing him from the Power of so many En∣chantments.
Therefore, giving him over as lost, let us pray the Omnipotent, to establish Ʋs in his Truth; That neither Interest, Passion, nor an Erro∣neous Conscience, may ever be able to make us swerve from the Law written in Heaven; but, that we may adhere to God and his Pro∣phet, with a Thousand Souls.
Paris, 5th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
VVE are all alarm'd here, with the News of I know not what boiste∣rous Adventures of the Cossacks, and their Neighbours, that possess the Ancient King∣dom of Colchis. Had I not a firm Faith in the Alcoran, 'twould fill me with Panick Fears. But, no Attempts can prevail, against the Men fighting under the Shadow of the Prophet. He descended with a Consummate Authority, from the Monarch who commands all Things. The Mandate of Heaven, will disperse the Infidels. The Seven Vizirs Above, were Witnesses to the Words, whose Eccho's caus'd
Thunder, when the Prophet retir'd from the Steps of the Throne. Had not Moses given him warning (who remembred the Noise in the Mount) the Apostle had lost his Address, and been confounded before the Angels. But, encourag'd with the Whisper of the Man with Horns, he made no Default in his Conge: And, with little Loss of Time, arriv'd to the Ninth Sphere, where he proclaim'd the Ne∣siraum; and, all the Inhabitants of that Orb, resorted to the Banner which he had in his Hands. The Prophet told 'em, 'Twas only for a Tryal of their Fidelity. They made O∣beisance, and retir'd. From that Place, he made no Scruple, but that the Elect in Hea∣ven and Earth, would obey the Divine Pa∣tent. He finish'd his Descent Triumphantly, and pitch'd his Feet on Mount Ʋriel. Those that believe Hali, say, Twas on the Top of the Ragged Rock. But let Hereticks alone in their Infidelity. Be it where it pleas'd God, he spoke the Words that shall ne'er be Re∣vers'd, when he display'd the Heavenly Silk, and said, Whoever takes up Arms against this Banner, shall be reputed an Infidel; He shall be exterminated from the Earth.
I often think on these Passages in the Holy Memoirs, the Collections of the Life full of Wonders. Then I comfort my self with this Thought, That if all the Ʋncircumcis'd in the World, should enter into a Combination, they would not succeed against the Men, fighting under the Commission with the Seal.
I have sent a Letter to the Bassa of the Sea, acquainting him with the News of this Ex∣pedition of the Cossacks. Since which I am informed, that these People are Headed by a famous Pirate in those Parts, a Man of a da∣ring Spirit, and capable of the boldest Under∣takings. The French Merchants, who have traded in the Black Sea, give him a High Cha∣racter; and portend great Injuries to the Ot∣toman Empire, from the Success of his Arms: For, they say, he is a Good Captain, both by Sea and Land. I have heard several different Stories of his Birth and Education: But, this I am going to relate, comes from the best Hands, and seems most probable.
His Name is Pachicour, a Circassian by Birth, but bred up in a Sea-Town of the Ʋ∣krain, near the Mouth of the Niester. He left his Native Country, at the Age of Twelve Years, out of a Desire to see Foreign Parts; Embarking himself, unknown to his Parents, in a Vessel of Podolia, which then was ready to set sail from Bala-Clag. He carry'd with him a small Sum of Money, which he had purloyn'd from his Father, and serv'd as a Fund of his future Fortune: For, arriving at a certain Town in Podolia, he frequented the Keys, and offer'd his Service to several Mer∣chants; one of which, observing in his Face the Marks of a Promising Genius, entertain'd him in his House. He liv'd with him Seven Years, and perform'd his Office so well, that he made him his Factor to Constantinople.
Pachicour discharg'd his Trust there, with much Profit to his Master, and Honour to himself. So that at his Return, several Mer∣chants entrusted him with their Goods; and sent him to trade at Caffa, and other Towns on the Black Sea. His Judgment and Repu∣tation encreasing with his Years, he became in Time famous in all the Trading Towns. And, such was his Credit in the Ʋkrain, that all the Merchants put their Vessels and Goods into his Hands: So that he sail'd many Times with a Fleet of Twenty Ships, having the Dis∣posal of all the Goods, committed to his Ma∣nagement. He grew so Rich in Time by his Dealings, that he was able to drive a Consi∣derable Trade for himself. And then it was, he began to lay the Foundation of a Design, which he has since executed. His Genius was too Active, always to be confin'd to this slow Way of growing Great: Therefore he was resolv'd at one Blow, to raise his Fortune to the Pitch he aim'd at. He was the only Bro∣ker, Banquier and Merchant, where-ever he came.
It was no difficult Thing, for a Man of so vast a Credit, to raise an extraordinary Stock; and Pachicour could easily silence the Alarms of Conscience. There happen'd also a Jun∣cture, very proper for his Design. For, while he was at Isgaou, a Port of Circassia, Day and Night projecting how to exalt himself, a War broke out between his Countrymen and the Mingrelians. The Latter appear'd with a Navy at Sea, which alarm'd all the Mari∣time
time Parts of Circassia. Pachicour whose In∣vention was always busy, took a Hint from this, to accomplish his Plot. Expedition was his chiefest Game. Therefore he speedily made the utmost Use of his Credit, among the Podolian Merchants, and other Foreigners re∣siding at Isgaou. And, when he had amass'd together prodigious Sums of Gold, for which he only gave them Bills of Exchange, he pri∣vately sends away this huge Treasure, with all his Jewels, Tissues, and other Rich Merchandise, to his Fathers House, who liv'd not many Leagues from this Town.
Within Two Days after this, the Mingre∣lian Fleet made a Descent at Isgaou, sack'd it, carry'd away Two Thousand Captives, and went to their Vessels again.
Pachicour, who knew how to make an Ad∣vantage of this Opportunity, privately fled after his Wealth, as soon as the Mingrelian Fleet appear'd before the Place. And it hap∣p'ned, that most of his Creditors were made Slaves, and transported to Mingrelia. He had no Need to take any farther Care, but how to secure his Riches from his Pilfering Neighbours: For, the Circassians, are all Profess'd Thieves. He therefore makes haste to his Father; and having gratified him for his Trouble, he in a short Time purchas'd Four Men of War, with which he sets up for a Pirate, infesting those Seas, and Robbing all the Merchants, except those who had formerly entrusted him. His Bounty and Valour, charm'd all that serv'd him. And,
his Fame spreading with his wonderful Suc∣cess, many Circassians put out to Sea, and join'd with him: So that in a little Time, he made no small Figure in the Kingdom of Neptune. Seeing himself Commander of a Powerful Navy, he found out quickly the Min∣grelian Fleet, and engaging with them, got a Glorious Victory.
Soon after, a Peace was concluded, and Pachicour was declar'd Admiral of all the Circassian Sea-Forces: To whom the Min∣grelians were oblig'd by Treaty to join theirs, and to obey Pachicour's Orders. In a lit∣tle Time, this fortunate General became so famous, that the Cossacks sent to him an Agent, and enter'd into a League; furnish'd out Three Hundred Vessels, and join'd the Cir∣cassian and Mingrelian Fleets.
This is the Bottom of the New Expe∣dition, which makes so loud a Noise in these Parts.
Thou who art Master of the Arsenal, wilt know what Measures are fittest to be taken, against this bold Infidel, if he per∣sists to break the Peace of the most Se∣rene Empire. Yet, though he is an Ene∣my, let us not envy him the Praises, that are due to his Wit and Courage. He seems to surpass the Sneaking Thieves of his own Nation; and undertakes Nothing but Sovereign Cheats, and Noble Thefts, such as would pass for Vertuous Actions, in a Man of a Higher Birth.
I do not plead for Robbery, nor take the Part of an Infidel; but, if I had Time to tell thee, some Heroick Passages of this Pirate, thou wouldst say, he is worthy of a Generous and Favourable Usage, should he become a Captive. In another Let∣ter, I will oblige thee with a Relation, which will not be unwelcome to a Man, who gives not Sentence with the Vulgar. I had more to say on another Subject, but I am interrupted. Pardon the Effect of my Duty to the Grand Signior.
Paris, 19th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
THere is News arrived here lately, of the Murder of the English Embassador at the Hague. His Name was Dorislaus. He was sent by the New Governors in England, to make an Alliance with the States of Hol∣land, and to satisfie them in Reference to their late Proceedings against their Sovereign. 'Tis said, his Negotiation would have had but little Success, in Regard the Prince of Orange, who is President or Chief over the States, and who married the Daughter of the English
King, takes to Heart the untimely Death of his Father-in-Law, and cannot be reconciled to his Murderers. Yet, 'tis to be thought, that Princes are no farther touch'd with one anothers Misfortunes, than concerns their Interest.
However, on the 3d. Day of the 5th. Moon, some Scots enter'd into the Lodgings of the Embassador, and having dispatch'd him with several Wounds, made their Escape. It is not certainly known, who set these Assassins at Work. People descant variously, as their Affections byass them. Some reflect on it, as a Judgment Justly inflicted by God, though by an Ʋnjust Act of Men, on one who had been a Notorious Promoter of his Sovereign's Death. Others censure it, as a most Impious Sacrilege, in Regard the Persons of Embassa∣dors, are by the Law of Nations, esteem'd Sacred and Inviolable; and, the Injuries which they suffer, are interpreted, not only as done to their Masters who send them, but to all Mankind: As if Human Nature it self were wrong'd, in the Persons of Publick Ministers.
Indeed, there is no Method of establishing or conserving Friendships and Alliances be∣tween different Nations, if their Agents be not secured with an Immunity from Affronts and Violences.
The French relate a pretty Passage of one of their Kings, who before he came to the Crown, being Duke of Orleans, had receiv'd very ill Usage in his Travels from a certain Italian Lord, call'd the Baron of Benevento. After this Prince was possess'd of the King∣dom,
the same Italian Lord was sent Embassa∣dor from the Viceroy of Naples, to congratulate his Accession to the Throne of his Ancestors. Some French Courtiers, who had been Witnes∣ses of the Injuries this Lord had formerly done to their Master, now perswaded the King to Revenge himself, by causing some gross In∣dignities to be done him, whilst he had him in his Power. To whom the Wise Monarch reply'd, It becomes not the King of France, to revenge on the Embassador of Naples, the In∣juries which the Duke of Orleans receiv'd from the Baron of Benevento.
'Tis said, the English Nation have demand∣ed Satisfaction of the Hollanders, for the Mur∣der of their Embassador; but were answer'd, That they themselves, ought first to Expiate the Murther of their King.
The Scots have Revolted from the New Government in England, and are yet in Suspence, Whether they shall set up the Son of the Late King, or Form themselves into an Independent Republick. The Irish are sted∣fast to the Interests of the Crown. And ma∣ny Islands in America, subject to the Kings of England, have now deny'd all Obedience to the New English Government, which seems to tend towards a Democracy.
There is much Talk of one Cromwel, the General of the English Forces in Ireland. This Man from a Private and Obscure Estate, is ascended to the Dignity of a General, ha∣ving purchas'd this Command, by his Con∣duct and Valour. The French extol him,
for the Greatest Souldier of this Age: And, if Fame be true, he is no less Statesman.
As a Mark of the Respect I owe thee, thou wilt receive with this Letter, a Pistol of Cu∣rious Workmanship, which being once charg'd, will deliver Six Bullets, one after another. If thou acceptest this small Present, it will be an Argument of thy Friendship.
Paris, 19th. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Have often wondred at the Lethargy, where∣in the Nazarenes seem to be drown'd. They forget what they read in their own Bibles: They there encounter with Expressions, which savour of the East. Every Page of the Writ∣ten Law, relishes of the Dialect which is Pure and Lively; though the Translators, have cropt the Flower of the Sence. I have read their Bible in Greek, Latin, and French; but none of these Languages, express to the Life the Original Hebrew: Nor can it be ex∣pected. It is impossible to screw up the Dull Phrases of Europe, to the Significant Idioms of Asia. We may as well expect Dates to spring from a Reed: And for that Reason, it is
forbidden the True faithful, to Translate the Volume of Light from the Original Arabick: Which is no other, than Hebrew in its Ancient Purity.
This is the Language of those, who dwell above the Seventh Orb. 'Tis the Dialect, wherein God converses with the Pages of his Divine Seraglio: Wherein all the Records of the Celestial Empire are writ. And when he issues out Orders to the Ministers and Bassa's of Heaven, Hasmariel the Secretary of the Immortal Divan, uses no other Cha∣racter or Speech, but that which is peculiar on Earth, to the Sons of Ismael, the Inhabi∣tants of the Region on the East of the Red Sea. In fine, this is the Language, wherein the Omnipotent thought fit to discover his Plea∣sure to Mortals.
Believe Mahmut, when he tells thee with profound Submission, that he has taken some Pains to pry into those Languages, which have been the Channels of Divine Knowledge. I have been peculiarly ambitious, to study the Anatomy of Oriental Words: And it would be no Hyperbole to say, I have learn'd to dis∣sect even the very Syllables: Wherein the various placing of Points and Letters, alters the Sence, or at least makes it Ambiguous. So Significant and Mysterious, are Our Sacred Characters.
I speak not this in Peevishness, or to vin∣dicate my self, from the Contempt which I∣chingi Cap' Oglani has put upon me. I have no Emulation in that Point. Nor can any
little Spur of Pedantick Ambition, make me forward to contend with a Man, whose whole Talent consists, in knowing and remembring other Mens Works; as if he had studied at Athens, only for this End, to learn the fa∣cetious Art, of turning his Brains into a Ca∣talogue of Books: But I reflect on the Lear∣ned among the Nazarenes, who are chiefly to blame, having the Custody of the Book de∣livered to 'em from the Jews. And among them, the Translators of that Volume, are past Excuse; for, they have deflowr'd the Origi∣nal, and robb'd the Virgin Language, of its Beauty and Honour: While the Rest are Witnesses, and silent Abettors of the Rape, in concealing the Indignity has been done to the Letters Form'd by the Finger of God, and full of Divine Mysteries.
In thus accusing the Christian Interpreters of the Bible, I do not patronize the Critical Whimsies of the Jewish Caballists. They are exploded by all Men of Sence. Yet there is a Medium, between the Excess of that af∣fected Niceness, which has rendred the One Ridiculous, and of that study'd Carelessness, to which the Obscurity of the Other is owing. As the Hebrews, by pressing the Letters too close, have squeez'd out Divine Chimaera's; so the Christians, in using too slack a Hand, have scarce gain'd a gross Draught of Common Human Sence, leaving the Genuine Elixir of the Writer's Meaning behind.
I will not lay much to the Charge of the Translators, employ'd by Ptolomy Philadel∣phus,
King of Aegypt. These were no Chri∣stians; nor yet in the Number of those, who Adored the Celestial Bodies and Elements: Nor did any of them, pay their Devotions at the same Altar with that Aegyptian Mo∣narch, who was a Worshipper of the God Sera∣pis: But they were Jews, Seventy, or Two more in Number, as the Tradition goes. And, being every one Commanded severally to Tran∣slate those Manuscripts, which the Jews e∣steem'd the Oracles of God, without conver∣sing with, or seeing each other; 'tis said, their Versions all agree'd to a Syllable.
This is the Story of the Jews, and seems to be Credited by the Christians: Yet some have found many Errors and Incongruities, in that Celebrated Copy. And, 'tis easy for an Impartial Eye, especially in the Head of an Oriental, to spy many more.
But the Latin, which they call the Vulgar Translation, is full of Mistakes. And the Pretended Saint who made it, should have gone farther than Palestine, for his Intelligence in Ancient Hebrew. His Name (if I mistake not) was Hieronymus. He pass'd many Years, in a Cell near the suppos'd Tomb of the Chri∣stians Messiah, in the Holy Land: Where, they say, he was Inspir'd with the Knowledge of Hebrew; and from thence, ventur'd upon a Translation of the Old Testament.
Thou wilt not expect a Certificate of these Things from Mahmut, who only tells thee what he has read in Christian Authors, whom they call the Historians of their Church.
But, I can assure thee, 'twas no Spirit of the East, assisted this Ecclesiastick in his Ver∣sion. For, he comes far short of rightly rend∣ring the Lofty Hyperboles, Apposite Simili∣tudes, Elegant Figures, and other Ornaments of Speech, peculiar to the Writings of those, who first see the Rising Sun. Such are all those, penn'd in the East: From which we must not exclude the Manuscripts of Moses, and the Rest of the Hebrew Prophets, Poets, Historians and Philosophers. Of these does the Old Testament consist; except one Book, writ by my Coutryman Jub, who Five Times foil'd the Devil, in so many set Combats be∣fore God.
What shall I say then, of the Translations that have been made of their Bible in other Languages, not so Copious and Significant as the Latin?
Since the Division arose, between the Ro∣man-Catholicks and Protestants, their Bible has been taught to speak the Dialect of all or most Nations in Europe. Yet, such is the Unhappiness of the Franks, that the more they tamper with the Language of Great Pu∣rity, the worse they succeed. Which has oc∣casion'd some Learned Men, as I am inforrn'd, to mark above a Thousand Faults, in the Last French Version of that Mysterious Book.
What Room will they leave for the Cen∣sures of the Mussulmans, if the Christians themselves are thus Critical, upon the Grand Patent of their Salvation?
It would be an endless Task, to recount
all the Errors that may be discern'd in the Various Traducts of the Bible, by any Man that has Convers'd in the East. Neither will I entrench on thy Patience, to gain the Cha∣racter of a Critick.
Permit me to glance only on the Psalter, or the Odes of Sultan David. How flat and dull are the Measures of the Christian Transla∣tors? How low have they sunk the Sence of that Royal Poet? He never begun to warble forth any of those Divine Songs, till first Inspired by a Seraph, whom he had lur'd down from Paradise, by the Melody of his Harp. That Seraph, was Master of the Musick Above, as the Hebrew Doctors teach. Every Time Da∣vid play'd on his Instrument, Ariel (for so was the Spirit call'd) made his Descent, and sung with a Grace which cannot be express'd. The Docile Poet, soon learn'd both his Notes and Words. Seven Hundred Times, David touch'd his Harmonious Strings, and so often the Angel stood by him with the Book of the Quire. He taught him Seven Hundred Sonnets, that are Chanted by the Lovers in Paradise. But the Devil stole 'em from the King, whilst he was gazing on another Man's Wife, bathing her self in an adjoining Garden.
Yet there are above a Hundred Hymns re∣maining, which David compos'd by Memo∣ry out of the Former. But, some Sects a∣mong the Christians, have turn'd 'em to the Ballads of the Vulgar.
So have they dealt by that surpassing Poem of Solyman, taught him by the Etherial Tu∣tor
of his Father. For Ariel was enamour'd of One of the Virgins of Paradise, at the same Time, that Solyman enjoy'd Pharaoh's Daugh∣ter, and had newly built for her a Seraglio of Cedar. The Heavenly Lover therefore, to accommodate himself to the Passion of the Mortal, taught him One of the Pastorals of Eden, a Song peculiar to his Own Amour.
But the Nazarenes, have turn'd it to a dry and Insignificant Allegory, by their Glosses: Putting an Affront also upon Rhetorick and Poetry, in Wording their Translation.
If I should go on, and number the Mistakes they have made in the Writings of the Pro∣phets, and other Books of the Old Testament, though it were but in this General Manner, I should tire thee out: But to recount the Particulars, would be a Thirteenth Task for Hercules.
Yet after all these Defaults of the Learned, neither they nor the Ignorant can be excus'd from Wilful Blindness, in shutting their Eyes against the Twilight, which appears in the Worst Translation, and is sufficient to direct any Man to the East, where Wisdom shines in her Perfect Splendor.
There are Expressions all over the Scrip∣tures, which point to the Laws, Customs, Habits, Diet and Manner of Life, us'd in the Regions First Visited by the Morning-Sun. These are the same Now, as they were of Old. And the Mussulmans of this Age, observe no other Rule of Life, but what was practis'd by the Patriarch Ibrahim, above Three Thou∣sand
Years ago, and by all the Faithful of those Times. Our Marriages, Circumcisi∣ons, Funerals, Prayers, Washings, and all other Ceremonies, of Religion or Civility, are the same Now as Then. There is Nothing ad∣ded or diminished, save the Faith and Obedi∣ence we owe to Mahomet, the Ambassador of God, and to the Volume put into his Hands by Gabriel, Prince of the Divine Messengers.
Our very Habits, and the Manner of our Building; our Salutations, and whole Address, are the same at this Day, as the Scripture tells us, were in Use in those Ages next after the Flood, among the Patriarchs and Prophets, and among all the True Believers, the Po∣sterity of Ibrahim: Especially the Descendants by the Right Line, the Stem of Ismael, the Eldest Son of him, who entertain'd Three Angels at Once in his Tent.
Yet the Infidels will not consider it: But perswade themselves, they are the Only Chil∣dren of the Faithful Ibrahim; pretending to practise, in I know not what Figurative Sense, the Life we lead in Truth: Cheating them∣selves with Empty Symbols, while we enjoy the Substance.
But thou, Great Successor of Ibrahim and the Prophets, vouchsafe to pray for Mahmut, That whilst his Duty to the Grand Signior obliges him to dwell here in the West, and to converse with none but Infidels, he may still retain the Faith of the East, the Devotion of an Ismaelite, and the Purity of a True Be∣liever. Still crying in his Heart, even in the
Temples of the Infidels; There is but One God, and Mahomet his Messenger.
Paris, 5th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
THE Peace agreed on last Year between the Germans and Suedes, is not yet fully establish'd and confirm'd. There has been a Cessation of Arms since that Time. And now the Duke Amalfe, on the Emperor's Side, the Duke of Vandort for the King of France, and he of Ersken for the Crown of Suedeland, are met at Norimbergh, to conclude a Final Ra∣tification of the Articles.
During this Consult, the Suedish Army, are permitted by the Emperour's Agreement, to Quarter up and down in Seven Circles of the Empire, and not to be discharg'd, till all their Arrears are paid at the Cost of the Ger∣mans. 'Tis said, it will amount to Three Millions of Sequins. This War has lasted near Thirty Years; in which, above Three Hundred Thousand Men have lost their Lives.
As to the English Affairs, the Prevailing Party there, have declar'd that Ancient King∣dom to be a Free State, and the Monarchy is
Abolish'd by a Publick Act. Nevertheless, after Charles was beheaded, his Eldest Son was Proclaimed King, both in England and Ireland, by some of the Nobles and Gentry, that were Friends to that Royal Family. And in Ireland, a certain great Duke appear'd at the Head of a Numerous Army, in Behalf of the Young King's Interest, having laid Siege to the Metropolis of that Kingdom; which, with one o∣ther Town, were the only strong Holds, that resisted the King's Party. But in the 8th. Moon, the Army which the English States had newly sent over to that Island, engag'd with the Forces of this Duke, entirely routed them, killing Two Thousand Men on the Spot, and taking many Thousand Prisoners, with all their Ammunition and Baggage. This being seconded with other Victories, in a short Time, reduc'd that Kingdom, under the Obedience of the English States.
In the mean Time, I hear no pleasing News from the Levant. Vessels daily arrive in the Havens of France, who confirm each other's Relations, of a Dreadful Naval Combat, be∣tween Our Fleet and that of the Venetians; wherein they say, we have lost Seventy Two Gallies, Threescore Merchant-Vessels, and Eighteen Ships of War: That in this Fight, Six Thousand Five Hundred Mussulmans have lost their Lives, and near Ten Thousand were taken Prisoners.
I tell thee, these are great Breaches in the Navy, which, belonging to the Lord of the Sea and Land, has assum'd to it self the Epi∣thet
of INVINCIBLE. These are Ble∣mishes in the Ensigns of high Renown; Re∣proaches to the Empire, which we believe is to subdue All Nations. I reflect not on the Courage, or Conduct, of the Captain Bassa. Neither am I willing to help forward the Ru∣ine of a Man, who cannot expect to be ho∣nour'd with a Vest, a Sword, or any other Marks of the Sultan's Favour for his Service in this Sea-Campagne. I am Naturally com∣passionate. 'Tis not in my Praise I speak it; for, I believe this Tenderness, to be rather a Vice of my Constitution, than to have any Rank in the Morals, much less to be of Kin to the Family of Vertues. I pity a Man falling into Disgrace, on whom the Weather of the Seraglio changes, from which he must expect Nothing but Clouds and Storms. Those Tem∣pests will prove more Fatal to him, than any that ever toss'd his Fleet on the Ruffled Ocean. In all Probability, he will suffer a Shipwreck of his Fortune, if not of his Life. Therefore, 'tis with extreme Regret, I must say that which may hasten his Fall.
But I am commanded, not to conceal any Intelligence that relates to the Interest of the Sublime Port; nor to spare the Son of my Mother, if I know him Guilty of Criminal Practices.
All that I have to lay to the Charge of the Bassa of the Sea, is, a Private Correspon∣dence which he holds with Cardinal Maza∣rini. This I discover'd by the Assistance of a Dwarf, whom I have often mention'd in
my Letters to the Grandees of the Port. I need not repeat to thee, what I have said already to them, of the Birth, Education and Genius of Osmin, (for, so is the little Spark call'd) nor of the Method I have put him upon, to wind himself into the Secrets of the Publick Ministers. Onely thou mayst report to the Divan, That this diminutive Man, continues to pursue his Advantages of Access to the Clo∣sets of the French Ministers, whereof I gave an Account last Year, in a Letter to Chiurgi Muhamm••t Bassa.
Thou mayst assure them also, that when he was Yesterday in the Chamber of Cardinal Mazarini, he cast his Eye on a Letter, which lay open on the Table; whilst the Cardinal was in earnest Discourse, with an Extraordinary Courier from Rome. He had not Opportu∣nity to read more than the Superscription, and a Line or two of the Matter; which con∣tain'd these Words:
The Mild Commander, The humble Shadow of the Bright Star of the Sea, Bilal Cap∣tain Bassa.
To the most Illustrious Prince of the King∣dom of the Messiah, Eminent among the High Lords of Holy Honour, the Sub∣lime Directors of the People of Jesus, Assistant to the Chair of Sovereign Dig∣nity, the Seat of the Roman Caliph, Julio Mazarini, Cardinal, and our Friend.
May whose later Days, encrease in Happiness.
THY affectionate Letter and Presents, were deliver'd safe to me, as I lay at Anchor with the Fleet under my Command, not far from the Island of Chios. And as a Mark of my Acknowledgment, and good Will to thee, and all the Nazarenes; I em∣brac'd in my Arms, the Noble Captain, Sig∣nior Antonio Maratelli, who had the Ho∣nour to be trusted with this Negotiation. I immediately disrob'd my self, and caus'd that brave Italian, thy Messenger, to be vested with my own Garment, as a Pledge of —
Before Osmin cou'd read farther, the Car∣dinal approach'd the Table, and took up the Letter, letting fall some Words to the Cou∣rier, by which the Dwarf was confirmed in his Suspicion of the Bassa's Perfidiousness, and that this Letter newly came from him. He posted immediately to give me an Account of this Passage; believing it to be, as it is, of great Import. For, he has a singular Regard for the Family, which first exterminated the Greeks from Constantinople.
Thou know'st what Use to make of this In∣telligence. I am not Cruelly inclin'd, but I must do my Duty. The Rest I refer to thy Prudence.
I will only advertise thee of One farther Remark of Osmin; who by comparing what he has seen now, with a Discourse he once before over-heard between Mazarini and a French Nobleman, whilst he lay under the Cardinal's Table, (which I have inserted in one of my Letters) concludes, That the Bassa there mention'd by the Cardinal, was this same Bilal Bassa, who was at the In∣stance of the Janizaries, made Bassa of the Sea.
I could not without making my self an Ac∣complice, conceal so foul an Ingratitude to the Grand Signior, and so Villainous a Treason against the Empire, which holds the First Rank among all the Dominions on Earth.
Paris, 24th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
VVE have had a violent hot Summer in these Parts, with much Thunder and Lightning; which has done considerable Damage to the Farmers, in burning their Hay and Corn in their Granaries. Complaints arrive here daily from all the Provinces, That Heaven has consum'd their Harvests.
This the Court-Party interpret, as a Judg∣ment on them for their Rebellions; causing it to be iudustriously spread about in all Com∣panies, That Heaven is Angry with the In∣habitants of Guyenne, Bourdeaux, and other Provinces, for taking up Arms this Year a∣gainst their Sovereign. I know not how far this Censure is Justifiable: But, 'tis observ'd, That the People of these Rebellious Provinces, have received more Apparent and Irreparable Injuries by the Lightning, than those of other Parts. Several Members of the Parliament of Aix, were found dead in their Beds, after a Tempestuous Night of Lightning. And, next Day, the Roof of the House where they Assem∣bled, fell down and kill'd several.
In the Great Church of Bourdeaux, as they were Celebrating their Mass, a Ball of Fire broke in from behind the Altar, smote down
several Images, and filling the Church with an Intolerable Stink, flew out at a Window, without doing any farther Harm. And a great Bank of Money, rais'd by this City to pay their Soldiers, was all melted down by Lightning, to the Astonishment of those who saw it; for, it was done in the Day-Time, the Grandees of Bourdeaux being present. It would be endless, to recount all the Mischiefs that have been done in those Parts. We had no great Harm here, save that almost all the Wine in the City, was turn'd to a Kind of Vinegar in one Night. Which the Philosophers attribute to the Peculiar Energy of Lightning; which plays the Chymist with this Liquor, and in a Moment separates and drinks up its Vital Spirits, leaving only a Mortuum Caput behind.
The Season has been so hot during the Dog-Days, that the Air it self seem'd Combusti∣ble; and the very Winds, from whence we look'd for Refreshment, were like the Breath of a Stove: All Things seem'd ready to take Fire, as if the Elements waited for the Grand Conflagration. Heat was the Cry every where. Men's Bodies were scalded with Internal Flames; the Shade of Trees afforded no Re∣lief; the Fountains could not allay their Thirst. All Nature seem'd to be in a Fever, ready to expire.
Now those Fervors are abated, and we be∣gin to have Frosty Mornings. The Nitrous Air, restores Mens Appetites; Abundance of Rain, has new-moulded the gaping parch'd
Earth, and produc'd a Second Spring. The Husbandman comforts himself with the Hopes of Another Crop of Hay, to repair the Loss of the Former, which the Light∣ning robb'd him of. In the mean Time, the Winds are very busy, in disrobing the Trees, and scattering not only their Leaves, but also the Fruit that is not gather'd, on the Ground; whereby a Banquet is prepar'd for the Hogs in every Orchard, who claim as much Right to feed on what lies on the Common Table, as their Owners. And 'tis no Unpleasant Musick, to hear a Herd of Swine, set their Teeth at Work on the Wind-fallen Apples. At least, this Spe∣ctacle and Noise, is delightful to me, who have been without Appetite these Three Moons, and but just begin to recover my Stomach. I often ride out of Paris, on Purpose to take the Country Air, where my Bread tastes more savourly, than in the City. There appears something so Harm∣less and Innocent in the Faces and Beha∣viour of the Rusticks, as Effectually relieves my Melancholy. I cannot discern in them, any Signatures of Court-Craft and Villainy. Their Conversation, chears my Spirits. I love to hear them talk of their Rural Affairs. My Eye follows the Ploughmen with En∣vy. Then I could wish it had been my Lot, to have been bred up in some home∣ly Cottage, where I might have tended Ox∣len, Sheep or Asses; all which, act Regu∣••arly according to their Nature: Whereas,
he that is the Servant of Princes, is com∣pell'd to do many Things contrary to his Reason; which is the greatest Unhappiness can befall a Man. How sweet is the Sleep of the Husbandman by Night, and how void is his Mind of imbittering Cares by Day? He rises with the Lark, and is as chear∣ful as that pretty Bird, saluting Aurora with a Song or a Lesson on his Pipe. He snuffs up the wholsome and fragrant Dew of the Morning, as he walks over his Lands. He beholds with Admiration and Pleasure, the Gilded Clouds and Tops of Mountains, when the Sun comes forth of his Bed-Cham∣ber in the East. He spurs himself on to his daily Labour, by the Example of that Active Planet, following his Work with Con∣tent and Joy. His Food is Pleasant both in his Mouth and his Belly; he feels no af∣ter-Pangs through Satiety; but well re∣fresh'd and nourish'd with his Homely Di∣et, he lies down with the Lamb, and sleeps in Peace, never dreaming of State-Intrigues, or the Plots of the Mighty. Thus he passes his Life, in a Circle of Delights.
Tell me, Dear Hali, are not these proper Objects of Envy, to a Man in my Circum∣stances? Or, can'st thou blame Mahmut, who has neither Health of Body, nor Peace of Mind, for wishing himself in a Condi∣tion, which would entitle him to both? I am entangled in a Thousand Snares: My Employment is a Perfect Riddle. I must say and unsay the same Things, as often
as Occasion requires. I must tell an Hun∣dred Lyes, swear and forswear my self ever∣ry Hour, if the Interest of the Grand Signior be at Stake. I must be a Mahometan, Chri∣stian, Jew or any Thing that will serve a Turn; Dissemble with God and Man, Blas∣pheme the Prophets, Curse the True Believers, and my self too, rather than baulk the Cause I am engag'd in. And yet, all this while they will perswade me, I am a Good Man, and shall go to Paradise. As if the Mufti's Dispensation, were available to cancel the Express, Positive Law of God! Do they think to amuse me with such Umbrages, and send me muzzl'd to Hell with my Eyes open? I tell thee, I have a Conscience, and such a Conscience, as will not let me be at Rest in this Manner of Life. It were bet∣ter to die, than to live stain'd with so many Prevarications. I know not what to do, a∣midst so many Terrors: I feel my Body de∣cay apace, and hastening towards its Disso∣lution; What will become of me, if I should die under the Burthen of so many Sins? What Answer shall I be able to make, to the Two Inquisitors of the Grave, the An∣gels who shall Examine me, Who is my God? and, Who is my Prophet? and, What is my Faith? The Darkness of that Region of Sha∣dows, will not be sufficient to hide my Blushes, and the Confusion I shall be in at so pressing a Tryal.
All my Comfort is, that I have yet Friends left, to whom I may freely vent my Thoughts, and ask their Counsel.
If thou hast any Remains of that Friend∣ship that has been between us, weigh my Case throughly, and tell me, Whether I am not lost for Ever, without a Change of Life? Flatter me not, neither use the Artifices of Civility, in palliating my Crimes. But, search my Wounds, and give me thy Advice without a Veil; and Mahmut shall esteem thee, the Physician of his Soul.
Paris, 24th. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
IF I have not addressed to thee before, attri∣bute it to my Ignorance of thy Quality and Person. As soon as I heard of thy Advance∣ment to this Important Trust, I resolv'd to salute thee, as becomes a Slave in my Post, and to wish thee all the Happiness thou canst desire. Yet, when I congratulate thy Rise, remember, I do but welcome thee to a Preci∣pice, a meer Pinnacle of Fortune, where thou hast no Reason to expect secure Footing. The Blast of an Envious Mouth, will make thee totter. Thou breathest in an Element, full of Tempests. The sly Practices of a Ri∣val,
may undermine thee; or, the more open Frowns of thy Sovereign, may cast thee down. Thou art ever liable to the Malice of the Vulgar, and not a little in Danger of thy own Weakness, the Inseparable Companion of Humanity. If thou shouldest once look with Disdain on those that are beneath thee, the vast Distance and Height of the Prospect, may make thee Giddy. Therefore, it will be good for thee, to have thy Eyes always fixt on thy self. That will prove the best Chart, by which to steer thy Course, through the Rocks and Sands, which on all Hands threaten the Life of a Courtier. It will not be amiss also, to place before thee, the Examples of Wise Men, thy Predecessors. There is a greater Force in these, than in the best Counsels; because, Matter of Fact, leaves no Room for Distrust: Where∣as, Men are Naturally jealous of those who pretend to instruct them. We are all fond of our own Reason and Judgment; and are apt to suspect him of some Design, who seeks to perswade us, though to our Good. Be∣sides, there is a Species of Pride, a Punctilio of Honour in Mortals, which will hardly per∣mit us to yield our selves in a Condition, to need anothers Advice: Whence comes the Arabian Proverb, which says, A Man pro∣sits more by the Sight of an Idiot, than by the Orations of the Learned. We all love to make our own Experiments, and sooner trust any Sence than our Ears. Therefore, the Lacedaemonians caused their Slaves to be made drunk in the Presence of their Children; that
from the Squalidness of the Spectacle, they might conceive a Hatred against that Vice, which by all the Instructions in the World, they would never learn to abhor.
The Crimes of some in thy Station, have more of Sobriety in them, but less Honesty. Wonder not at the Expression, nor accuse me of Impudence. I reflect only on the Wicked: Number not thy self among them.
Thou knowest, it has been an Ancient Cu∣stom for our Renowned Emperors, to divert themselves at certain Times, with the Sight of their Inestimable Treasury. I am no Stran∣ger to the Ceremonies used at such Times. One would think it impossible, amidst so much Caution, that the Grand Signior should be defrauded of the least Part of his Wealth. I do not speak of the Chamber of Arms, or those others which make up the Imperial Wardrobe. The Bulk and Weight of those Rich Velvet Broccades, and other Furniture of Gold and Silver, discourages the Theft. But who can number the Robberies that have been committed among the Jewels, and In∣valuable Rareties of the Mysterious Closet? It has been found easy to conceal and tran∣sport from thence, whole Beds of Diamonds and Chains of Pearl, undiscovered, I will not say unsuspected, at the Times when Anak∣dar-Agasi gives Three Knocks, on the Cabinet of the Keys.
These are Hours of Munificence and Royal Bounty, when the August Lord of the Mines, is pleas'd to gratifie his Slaves with Gifts, and
make them sensible they serve Him, who com∣mands this Ʋpper World, and that Ʋnder∣neath.
No Prince can discommend this Domestick Sport of our Sovereign, when he makes his Pages scramble for Diamonds and Rubies; since it gives him a Taste of his own Huma∣nity: Nothing being more agreeable, in Cases on this Side of Amorous Jealousy, than to let others partake of our Pleasures. And, 'tis the peculiar Delight of Kings, sometimes to lay aside their State and Grandeur, to be fa∣miliar with their Attendants; making them their Companions, or at least, their Proxies in many Enjoyments.
But, 'tis Pity this Favour should be abu∣sed, as it has been in the Instance I mention'd. Thou art no Stranger to the Records of the Hasna, which tell us, That when Gelep Chi∣aus-Bassa, was made Chief Treasurer in the Reign of Sultan Mustapha, the Lucre of the Glittering Jewels had tempted him to defraud his Master, to the Value of Five Hundred Thousand Sequins. Which, upon the Infor∣mation of Three Pages, and a diligent Search, were found in his Trunks.
It has been whisper'd also, That few have enjoyed that Office, who have not purloyn'd Something from the Imperial Coffers. They say, 'tis an Hereditary Theft, deliver'd by Tradition from one to another. Every Has∣nadarbassi being advanc'd to that Honour, by the Recommendation of his Predecessor, for the Service he has done him in conniving
at these Practices, which cannot be hid from any of the Sixty who Guard the Royal Wealth.
Thou canst not blame me, for putting thee in Mind of these Things; in Regard I am commanded, to write with all Freedom to the Sublime Ministers, whatever concerns the Interest of Our Great Master.
I have no more to say, but to desire thee, in transmitting what Money is appointed for me, to be Timely and Punctual; to send Duplicates by different Posts, that if one should miscarry, I may not be at a Loss: For, there is no Credit for a Mussulman in Paris. Eliachim would supply me with what may suffice a Dervich; but, it belongs to thee to take Care, that I want not what is requisite for an Agent of the Grand Signior.
Paris, 22d. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Unwillingly Concluded my last Letter, before I had vented Half my Thoughts on those Oriental Subjects, so full of Instruction and Pleasure. Thy Journal is become my Pocket-Companion. I carry it with me to the Gardens and Solitudes, and even to the Libraries, and Churches: To which Last, I am obliged to go sometimes, That I may avoid Suspicion.
The Christians, when they enter the most Delightful Gardens of Paris, spend their Time, and weary themselves, in walking forward and backward. They will measure Several Leagues, in traversing one Alley: Which vain Custom, thou knowest, is contrary to the Practice of the Eastern People, who love to solace themselves, in sitting still under the cool Shades, and feeding their Eyes with the Grate∣ful Verdure of Trees, their Noses with the frequent Smell of Herbs and Flowers, and their Ears with the pretty Melody of the Birds: All which, serve as Helps to their Contem∣plation.
After this Manner, I many Times pass a∣way some Hours in the Gardens of this City, whereof there are great Plenty. And, when I am cloy'd with the forementioned Pleasures, then I take out thy Journal, and fall to Read∣ing;
which winds up my Thoughts afresh' like a Watch that is down: Nay, it opens new Sources of Contemplation, and serves as a Miraculous Talisman, to bring China, India, and all the East, into the Place where I am; so Lively and Natural, are thy Discourses of those Parts.
When I am in the Churches, it serves me instead of a Prayer-Book: And, whilst Others are babbling over they know not what, or, at least, they care not what; I offer up to God the First Fruit of my Reason and Know∣ledge, which he has given me to distinguish me from all Sorts of Beasts; whether in Hu∣mane Shape, or not.
When I go to the Libraries, I compare thy Journal with the Writings of Others who treat of the same Matters; and find, that thou a∣greest with some, correctest the Mistakes of others, and in all, shewest a Genius elevated above all others of the Common Historians and Travellers, who seek rather to amuse the Reader with uncouth Stories and Ad∣ventures, than to Instruct him with what is really Useful and Profitable.
Thus thy Journal, is become the Compa∣nion of my Solitudes, the Object of my Stu∣dies, and the Help to my Devotions Abroad; and, it is no less, the Diversion of my Retire∣ment and Melancholy at Home. I am a great Admirer of Antiquity: And therefore an old Craggy Rock, o'er-grown with Moss, and full of gaping Chasms, is a more agreeable Sight to me, than the Flow'ry Meadows or
Verdant Groves; because the Former, looks like a Relique of the Primitive Chaos; where∣as, I know the Latter, to be only the Pro∣duct of the Last Spring. 'Tis for this Reason, thy Narrative affords me so vast a Delight, because it treats of the most Ancient King∣doms and Governments in the World: And is not stuffed, with Chimaera's and Fables, as most Relations of those Countries are; but, gives a sincere and true Account of whatever is Considerable, without touching on Imper∣tinencies.
But, above all, I am delighted with that Part, which relates thy Travels in China: That Country, being of so vast an Extent, so Rich, so Populous; the People so Indu∣strious, Learned and Politick (besides the Antiquity of their Empire, which cannot in that Point be matched by any Government under the Heavens;) that the exact Know∣ledge of these Things, seems to me of greater Moment, than any other Discoveries what∣soever.
What thou sayest of the Chinese Letters and Words, shews, that thou hast made some Inspection into that Language. And, thy Remarks on the long Succession and Se∣ries of their Kings, is an Argument, That thou art no Stranger to their Chronology, which takes in many Thousands of Years before No∣ah's Flood. Thou art very exact in enume∣rating their Publick Tribunals and Courts of Justice; as also, in describing some Remark∣able Bridges, Temples, Palaces, and other
Structures: Which serves to give the Reader a true Idea, of the Magnificence and Gran∣deur of the Chinese Emperors; and of the In∣genuity of the People, who seem to excel all others in Arts and Sciences. In a Word, it is evident, That thou didst not pass thy Time with thy Arms folded, whilst thou wert in that Kingdom. And; I know not how bet∣ter to express the Esteem I have for thee, on the Account of the Pains thou hast taken, to Inform both thy self and me in Matters of so great Importance, than by giving thee an Ac∣count of what Progress the Tartars have made in the Conquest of that Empire, since thy Return to Constantinople. In my Last, I acquainted thee, with the Coronation of the Tartar-King at Pekin. Since which, Other Vessels are arrived from those Parts, which bring an Account, that the Young Tartarian Conquerour, soon pushed forward his Victo∣ries. And marching with an Army into Co∣rea, (which Kingdom, thou knowest, borders on China) the King of that Country, made his Submissions; and entering into a League with Zunchi, held his Crown in Fee of that Victorious Emperour.
Afterwards, he hastened to subdue the Pro∣vinces which remained Unconquered. His Method in accomplishing this Great Work, was by swift Marches, like another Alex∣ander the Great; and by laying Siege to the Principal City of a Province, which he never failed, either to take by Force, or compelled to surrender, that so they might escape Fa∣mine.
And when this was done, he took Possession, both of it and the whole Province, summoning the Cities of Lesser Note to sur∣render; which they seldom refused, after they had beheld the Fate of the First. Thus in a little Time, he became Master of all that spacious Empire.
The Fame of his Success, quickly brought Innumerable Tartars out of their Native Country, to follow the Fortune of their Empe∣rour. To these he gave the Chief Offices of his Army, and continued the Chineses in the Administration of Civil Affairs. And, as a Token of their Subjection, he commanded all the Chineses, to cut their Hair short, and to Cloath themselves after the Fashion of the Tartars.
They give a High Character of this Young Prince, who amidst so many Successes and Triumphs, discovers not the least vain Glory, but contains himself within the Bounds of a vertuous Moderation, ascribes all to the De∣crees of Destiny, and, is not in the least puf∣fed up, with any of his Glorious Actions; which is an Argument, of a Spirit truly He∣roick. And yet, this Prince is an Idolater, as are all the Tartars of that Nation; or ra∣ther, they are Men of no Religion, which makes their Morals the more admirable. For, according to the Relation of those who came last from China, the Tartars are a very Tem∣perate and Continent People, abhorring those Vices, which are but too common in other Parts of the World, and from which the True
Believers them selves are not Free. They are Rigorously Just also, and punish all Man∣ner of Fraud and Deceit, with Immediate Death. As for their Conduct and Courage in the Wars, there is no Nation surpasses them, Few are their equals. They are Passionate Lovers of an Active Life, spending most of their Time on Horse-back, either in Hunt∣ing Wild Beasts, or fighting with their Ene∣mies. And their Horses are the best and most Courageous in the World. There is Nothing the Tartars so much despise, as the Sedentary Life of Students and Learned Men; accounting them, the Burden of a Common-Wealth, Lazy Drones, fit only to be sold for Slaves. But Men of Service and Merit in the Wars, they have in great Esteem; never failing, to reward such with Dignities and Commands, proportionable to their Deserts and Capacities. Nay, such is the Martial Genius of this Nation, That the very Women Ride to the Wars with the Men, and perform Exploits above what is expected from that soft and delicate Sex. Both Men and Women, are habituated from their Infancy, to live in Tents or Waggons, there being very few Cities in all Tartary. There they are inur'd to Hunger, Cold, Thirst, and all the Methods of a Frugal and Hardy Life. This is that, which renders them Ex∣cellent Souldiers, and a Terrour to all the Nations round about them. This is that, which so soon Reduced all China to their O∣bedience; the Chineses, among all their Ver∣tues and Accomplishments, being the most
Effeminate People on Earth. This, no doubt, thou hast observed.
Brother, I advise thee, to go to Kerker Hassan, Bassa, our Countryman, and present to him these Observations on the Tartars; which thou mayst easily do, by transcribing what is for thy turn, out of this Letter. He Inherits his Fathers Genius; who, thou know∣est, was one of the Greatest Hunters in all A∣rabia, and had a Character, not much diffe∣rent from what I have here given thee of the Tartars. That Bassa, will take great De∣light in these Memoirs, and will think him∣self obliged, to make thee some proper Ac∣knowledgment. He is Generous and Great, and it lies in his Power to promote thee. I have writ to him already, and have given him an Encomium of thy Ability. I will se∣cond it with another Letter, in Answer to one I lately receiv'd from him, wherein he desires a farther Account of China. I will inform him therefore, of several Passages out of thy Journal. He, no doubt, to make a farther Tryal of thy Knowledge, will ask thee seve∣ral Questions, relating to these Matters. So shalt thou have a fair Opportunity, of render∣ing thy self Conspicuous, and of gaining his E∣steem. Follow my Advice; take Time by the Fore-Lock, and the Event shall prove Happy.
Paris, 8th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
I Received thy Commands, and am proud of the Honour thou hast done me, in re∣quiring the smallest Service at my Hands; especially, one of this Nature: Which is an Argument, that my Former Relation of Chi∣na, was acceptable to thee. This I account my Honour and Happiness, that I have a Brother, who has made such considerable Improvements in his Travels: For, 'tis to him, I owe the Knowledge I have of that Country, and the other Parts of the East. As for my Cousin Isouf, he would never vouchsafe to send me a Syllable, relating to his Travels, though he had rambled through∣out all Asia.
I desired this Favour of him in several Let∣ters, but have receiv'd no Answer; so that I know not, whether he be Dead or Alive. My Friends are very backward in writing to me: And, unless it be some of the Ministers of State, who sometimes honour me with a Dispatch, though very rarely, I hardly re∣ceive a Letter from my familiar Friends and Relations in Twenty Moons. Which makes me conclude, that Absence of so long a Date, has quite blotted me out of their Minds.
As to what thou desirest farther to know concerning China, my Brother says, That
Empire contains 4400 wall'd Towns and Ci∣ties; 3000 Castles and Towers of Defence on the Frontiers, wherein are always Garri∣soned a Million of Souldiers, who are relieved at due Times, by others of equal Number. There are a Million also constantly kept in Pay, to guard the Governours of Provinces, Embassadors, and other Officers of State. The Emperour of China, maintaining Five Hun∣dred Thousand Horse, to attend his Person. All this is, in Time of Peace. But, upon any Revolt or Invasion, the Forces are Innu∣merable. There are in China 331 Bridges, Remarkable for their Strength and Magnifi∣cence, beyond all others in the World. 2099 Mountains; Lakes and Medicinal Fountains 1472; 1159 Triumphal Arches and other Mo∣numents, erected in Honour of Valiant: and Learned Men; 272 Libraries, abounding with all Manner of Excellent Books. Temples 300000, and as many Priests, besides the Convents of their Religious. They reverence 3036 Male-Saints, and 208 Female. All which have Temples dedicated to their Honour, besides those which are consecrated to the Sun, Moon, and Stars, Fire, Air, Earth and Water, and to the Heavens which compre∣hend All, and to the Celestial Gods who rule All, and to the Supreme God, Creator of the Worlds. In these Temples, they celebrate the Praises of their Gods and Heroes, with Mu∣sick and Songs, Incense and Sacrifices; belie∣ving, that all Things which are conspicuous for the Excellency of their Nature, or from
which Mankind receives any General or Extra∣ordinary Benefit, ought to be worshipped with Divine Honours. In this, they differ not from the Ancient Pagans of Greece and Rome, who had almost as Many Gods and God∣desses, as there were several Creatures in the World; so that there was no Beginning nor Ending of their Superstitions: And, the most Learned, and Contemplative of their Priests, found the Ceremonies of their Religion, to be an Inextricable Labyrinth, where they were often lost. Certainly, happy are the Faithful Mussulmans, who Adore but One God, the Fountain of the Ʋniverse, without entangling themselves, in the Absurdities of Infidels.
The Chineses, are great Admirers of Them∣selves, and their Own Nation; believing, that no People can stand in Competition with them, for Learning, Wisdom and Riches. They have a very contemptible Idea of all o∣ther Countries, with their Inhabitants; E∣steeming them, either as Ideots, or Mon∣sters.
This Conceitedness, is owing to their Igno∣rance of the Rest of the World; for, they seldom or never, travel beyond the Limits of their own Empire.
I could say a great Deal more of this Peo∣ple; but, it will be better for thee, to hear it from my Brother, who has been there, and can give thee ample Satisfaction in all Things, relating to that Empire. I have wrote to him, to go and kiss the Dust before thy Feet. If thou makest Tryal of his Abilities, thou
wilt find him improved by his Travels, a Man sit for Business, and one in whom thou mayst confide; Which is a Vertue, never enough to be prized in these corrupt Times.
In these Things however, mingle thy own Discretion, with the Kindness of a Country-Man, and the Affection of a Friend.
Paris, 8th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1649.
WEre Ovid alive, the Events of this Year, wou'd afford him Matter for New Ficti∣ons. He would either tell us, that the God∣dess of Love had set a Spell upon Mars, and charm'd him into Good Nature; or, that he had drank so large a Draught of Nepenthe, as had made him forget his Old Trade, of em∣broiling Mortals in Wars. However it be, Hymen seems to have the greatest Share in this Years Actions. For, instead of Battels and Sieges, the Nazarene Princes have been engaged in Encounters of a Softer Character, the Gentle Affairs of Love and Marriage.
In the First Moon, the New King of Po∣land, whom they call John Casimir, Married the Widow of his Deceased Brother. In the
Ninth, the Prince of Hanault, Espous'd the Duke of Holstein's Daughter. And the last Moon was Remarkable for Two Matches; One of the King of Spain with Anna Maria, the Ger∣man Emperor's Daughter; the Other, of the Duke of Mantua, with Isabella Clara of Au∣stria.
These are all brushing forward in the Crowd of the Living; they are busy in augmenting the Generations of Men: Whilst others of as High Blood, are gone to encrease the Number of the Dead; being enroll'd amongst the Ghosts, and made Denizons in the Region of Shadows.
The Empress of Germany, died in the Fifth Moon. The Duke of Braganza, in the Ninth. The Dutchess of Modena, in the Eighth. And a certain German Prince, whose Name I have forgot, died in the Moon of October. Besides these, Death has also Arrested Ossalmski, the Great Chancellor of Poland; Wrangel, General of the Suedish Army; Frederick, the German Embassador at Rome; Ferdinand, Elector of Cologne; and the Vice-Roy of Bohemia, who was by his Enemies thrown out of a Window, and had his Brains dash'd out. So that tho' Mars may have seem'd to lie Dormant this Year, yet his Companion in Mischief, Old Saturn, has been very Active, as the Astrolo∣gers say, who attribute all Events, to the In∣flux of the Stars. Some are also of Opinion, that the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon this Year, were Presages of the Death of these Great Persons. They might as well plead,
That the Daily Rising and Setting of those Lu∣minaries, Portended all the Tragical Events that happen'd on Earth; since it is not more Natural for them, to continue Unalterably Moving from East to West, than it is for them to be Obscur'd, at certain determin'd Stations, in their Journey, by Interpositions which hap∣pen of Course.
We are Strangers to the Chronologies of the Chinese and Indian Gentiles. Neither can any good Account be now given, of the Ancient Egyptian and Assyrian Records. They run many Ages back, beyond the Common Epo∣cha, of the Beginning of the World.
But the whole System of Known History, re∣lates but Two Extraordinary or Preternatural Changes in the Course of the Sun, during these Six Thousand Years.
One, when that Luminary stood still in the Time of Jehoshua, General of the Isra∣elites, to serve the Ends of Destiny, and pro∣long the Light of the Day to a double Pro∣portion, till the Opposite Army was quite destroy'd, and not one of the Ʋncircumcis'd could escape the Swords of the Victorious Sons of Jacob.
That Day prov'd a long Night to their An∣tipodes. They turn'd themselves in their Beds, when they had out-slept the Usual Hours of Night, and said in their Hearts, Surely the Sun is fall'n Asleep, or is Banqueting with the Gods of the Sea. Perhaps Thetis detains him in her Embraces, whilst the Tritons fasten his Slumbers with their softest Musick: Or Neptune
regales him in the Palaces of the Deep. Thus the Disconsolate Nations argu'd in their Chambers. They were alarm'd with Fears of Unknown Events.
Such as dwelt on the Borders of the Earth, and were accustom'd to mark the constant Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea, admir'd the Delay of the Usual Tides, and ask'd, What what was become of the Moon? for, that Planet also, stood still with the Sun.
The Light of their Souls was Eclips'd, and their Reason labour'd under a greater Dark∣ness, than that which troubl'd their Eyes. They were Ignorant of the Works of God; and knew not, that the Celestial Orbs stood still at the Command of the Spirit which formed them, even at the Word of the Prophet Inspir'd from Above.
So in the Days of Hezekiah, King of the Jews, the Sun went back in his Circuit, and all the Frame of Heaven was Retrograde, to confirm the Prophet's Good News, when he told the Sick King, That Fate had prolong'd his Life for Fifteen Years. This was in the Days of Merodach Baladan, the King of Ba∣bylon, who sent Ambassadors to congratulate Hezekiah's Miraculous Recovery.
Besides these, nothing has happen'd to the Sun, or any of the Heavenly Bodies, beyond the Ordinary Course of Nature. A Man may as well Prognosticate from Cloudy Weather, the Ca∣lamities of Emperors and Meaner Men, as from the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon: Since, the One as well as the Other, obscures the Light
of mose Heavenly Bodies: And the Former, quite hides them from Us; which is the grea∣ter Eclipse of the Two.
Let us pray Heaven, to grant us the conti∣nual Use of our Senses, and not to Eclipse the Light of our Reason; and we need fear no Disasters, from the Common Appearances of Nature.
Paris, 7th. of the Moon Chaban, of the Year 1649.