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PArdon my Importunity, if I this once trouble thee with an Address of Scru∣ples, begging thy Counsel in the Af∣fairs of my Soul. I seem to my self as a Traveller lost in a Wilderness of Doubts and Uncertainties, without Guide or Conduct. Not that I question the Truth of our Holy Re∣ligion,
or mistrust the Authority of the Sent of God. Certainly, I revere the Book of Glory, whose Sacred Versicles, are transcribed on my Heart. But, there is wanting to every Man, a particular Conduct in the Intricacies of this Life. I have not the Art of applying the General Precepts of the Law, to my Own Personal Occasions and Necessities. Infinite Difficulties arise from my daily Affairs. My Conversation with Infidels, and the Duty I owe my Great Master, entangle my Consci∣ence. I am embarassed on all Hands; and whilst I study to conserve Purity, I find my self still defiled.
I am no Heretick, nor in the Number of those who are Predestinated to be Damned, for the Injurious Love they bear to Hali; In∣jurious, I say, because it derogates from the Honour they owe to Omar, Osman and Ebu∣becher, the True Successors of the Apostle of God.
As I firmly believe the Alcoran, so I give an entire Faith to the Book of Assonah, or the Agreement of the Wise; with the Writings of the Four Principal Imaums, Haniff, Schasi, Melechi and Hambeli. And I am resigned to the Sentence of the Mufti, as our Fathers were of Old, to the Oraculous Determinations of the Babylonion Califfs. I Curse the Kyzil∣baschi with as much Devotion, as I pray for the Health and Felicity of True Believers. I spit at the Naming of them, who deny the Chapter of the Covering, and the Versicles brought down by the Squire of Gabriel, in
Honour of the Prophet's Wife. I never lifted up my Hand against any who descended from the Divine Messenger. And if in my Passion, I have ever Curs'd a Mussulman, I took of the Dust under his Feet, and laid it on my Lips, before the Shadow of the Sun had advanc'd a Hairs-Breadth; and so I hindred the swift Recorder of our Words, from Regi∣string the Imprecation. For, that Dust, I believe, has Power to blot out the Memorials, of our Evil Words and Works.
When I meet a Santone, or one of those Di∣vinely Mad, I put in Practice the Lesson of Orchanes; and honouring the Holy Frantick, I fall down and Adore Vertue, in that Con∣temptible Disguise.
I neglect none of the Purifications, Com∣manded by Our Holy Lawgiver; but rather add those, that we Arabians have received by Tradition from our Fathers, the Sons of Is∣mael: Yet, I hope, in Case of Neglect, some Indulgence is allowable to a Mussulman, in a Country of Infidels. I use the Washing of Abdest at all Times in my Chamber, where no Curious Eye can observe my Cleanliness; or Suspicious Apprehension, draw Conclusions of my being a Mahometan. But I cannot thus practise the Washing of Taharet; there being not such Conveniences for that Pur∣pose in Paris, as in Constantinople. Yet, I am careful to supply this Want, by other Methods of Purity; otherwise, I should be an Abomi∣nation to my self. There is no Necessity, that I should frequent the Bath, who never touch∣ed
a Woman: Yet, I often go into the River, taking a Boat with me for that End, and cau∣sing my self to be rowed half a League from the City, where in a little Bay or Creek, I wash my whole Body, that I may do some∣thing beyond the Obligations of the Law, to expiate the Involuntary Breaches of my Du∣ty. Yet, after all this, I cannot call my self Clean.
I Pray at the Appointed Hours; Or, at least, if the Affairs of my Commission hinder me from complying with the Law, as to the exact Times of the Day, I atone for that Neglect, by Watching the greatest Part of the Night. And, to the Oraisons appointed by Authority, I add Supernumerary Prayers of my own, to evidence the Sincerity of my Devotion.
I Fast, and give Alms, according to my Ability. I bestow much Time, in Reading and Meditating on the Alcoran. In a word, I do all that my Reason tells me is Necessary, to render me a Good Mussulman; and yet, I have no Peace in my Mind. Methinks, I see Our Holy Prophet furrowing his Brows at me, and darting angry Looks from his Para∣dise. He seems to reproach me with Un∣cleanness and Infidelity. By Day my Ima∣gination troubles me; and at Night, I am Terrify'd with Fearful Dreams. Which makes me conclude, That notwithstanding all my Obedience to the Law, and the strictest Care I take, to acquit my self a True Believer, yet I am far short of my Aim; and therefore, I number my self with those, with whom God is displeased.
It is impossible to express the Horror, which this Thought creates in me. I am overwhelm∣ed sometimes, with Melancholy and Despair. And, because I am forc'd to keep my Grief to my self, without having the Privilege of Venting it to a Bosom Friend, it is ready to burst my Heart.
This is my Condition at Certain Seasons; which I esteem as bad, or worse, than those who are Doom'd to Aaraf. For as they can∣not enjoy the Felicities of Paradise, so they are secured from the Torments of the Damn'd: Whereas, for ought I know, my Portion may be in Hell. Wilt thou know how I redress this Evil Temper of Mind, and what Method I take to cure my Melancholy? Receive it not as Flattery, when I tell thee, Thou art my Physician, and the Idea of thy Innocent Life, my Medicine. When I have rowl'd over Ten Thousand Thoughts, which afford me no Ease or Relief, no sooner do I fix my Con∣templation on the Solitary of Mount Ʋriel, but a sudden Beam of Light and Comfort, glances through my Soul. I promise my self greater Satisfaction from thy Advice, than from all the Imaums and Mollahs of the Em∣pire.
Tell me therefore, O Holy and Pious Eremit, how I shall dissipate these Mists of Grief and Sadness, which envelop my Mind, and threa∣ten to suffocate my Intellect.
If in this Darkness and Confusion, I should apply my self to the Disciples of Alhazan for Instruction, they will puzzle me with Intri∣cate
Niceties, about the Essence and Ʋnity of God: Whereas, I am too much troubled al∣ready, with distracting Speculations. I seek not to dive into that which is Incomprehensible, but to be Instructed in the Plain and Intelligi∣ble Way to Happiness. What Imports it, Whether God be Good by his Goodness, or by his Essence? This is, to throw Metaphysical Dust in my Eyes, and so leave me in a worse Condition than they found me.
No better Light, must I expect from the Momsconderan: For, if they are strict Obser∣vers of the Law, so am I, where the Precepts are applicable to my Condition and Circum∣stances. But, I want a Direction in many Emergencies, for which the Alcoran seems to have made no Provision, but leaves every Man, to the Conduct of his own Prudence. And, I must confess, I dare not trust mine, in all Cases of this Nature. Besides, instead of In∣terpreting to me in a plain Style the Statutes of the Law, they will Confound me with High and Unintelligible Notions of the Divine Attributes, which are sufficient to dazle the Intellect of the Brightest Seraphim. And, if they could once perswade me to be zealous for their Speculations, I might in Time turn such another Religious Fool, as was one of their Followers, the Poet Namisi, who being wrapt in his profound Speculations of the Di∣vine Ʋnity, and hearing an Imaum pronounce the Sacred Sentence, God is One, gave him the Lye, and told him, That he multiply'd the Divinity, in assigning it any Attribute, though
it were onely that which expressed his Ʋnity. For which Impudent Assertion, he was flea'd Alive.
In as bad a Condition should I be, if I ask'd the Advice of the Muserin, those Infidels in Masquerade, who under the Disguise of Mus∣sulmans, deny the Being of a God, assert all Things to come by Chance, and live without Hope or Faith of Another Life. For, if this were true, that there were no Reward or Pu∣nishment of Good or Bad Works, I would either soon make my Way to Earthly Happi∣ness, by not boggling at any Vice that would conduce to that End; Or, if I fail'd in that Attempt, I would not tamely wait for a Mar∣tyrdom from Men, but bravely rid my self of a Life, which was attended with Nothing but Misery.
Almost as bad as these, are the Hairet, those Mahometan Scepticks, who dare not trust their own Reason, but are ever Wavering and Irresolute. If I should seek for Instructi∣on at their Hands, they would answer me, God knows best what I ought to do, and so leave me in the same Suspence as I was before.
Much Worse are the Guaid, those Morose Interpreters of the Law of Mercy, who damn a Man Irrecoverably to Hell, for committing one Mortal Sin. This is enough to drive all Mankind to Despair.
Indeed, the Morals of the Sabin please me, who seem to be perfect Mahometan Stoicks, ascribing all Events to Destiny, and the Influ∣ence of the Stars. I could willingly embrace
the Advice of Philosophers, who appear so void of Passion; but I could never join with them, in Adoring the Sun, Moon and Constellations of Heaven, because the Alcoran has expresly for∣bidden it. And, were there no such Prohibition, my own Reason would convince me, that I ought as well to Adore the Fire for warming me and serving my other Necessities, or the Water for quenching my Thirst and Purifying me, or my own Hands for feeding me, as to pay these Divine Honours to the Celestial Bodies; since the one, as well as the other, Act according to their Nature.
In a Word, of all the Innumerable Sects, into which the Mussulman Empire is divided, I cannot expect entire Satisfaction from any; for, if they appear Orthodox in Some Tenets, in Others they are manifestly Heretical. Yet, I cannot but set a higher Value on Some, than Others, as their Doctrines and Practices ap∣proach nearer to Reason and Truth. For, I am not yet such an Academick, as to ask that Mock-Question, What is Truth.
Doubtless, our Fathers knew it, and the Messenger of God was sent to Divulge it on Earth. But, if Ignorance, Superstition and Error have banished it from Courts and Cities, let us seek it in the Desarts. Perhaps we may find this Wanderer among the Rocks and Woods; or, 'tis possible She has sheltered her self in some Den or Cave, as hoping for grea∣ter Favour from the Wild Beasts, than from the Society of Men.
If Truth be no where to be found Entire, but has divided her self among the Different Religions and Sects in the World, then, rather than miss of this Divine Jewel, I will search for it in Fragments; and whatsoever is Rati∣onal and Pious in any Sect, I will embrace, without concerning my self in their Follies and Vices.
After all, the Munasihi seem to me, the onely Orthodox and Illuminated of God, who declining the private By-Ways of Schisma∣ticks, walk in the High Road of Pristine Ju∣stice and Piety, following the Steps of the Ancients, and obeying the Traditions which know no Origin. Among these, thou ap∣pearest as another Pythagoras; confirming them by thy Example in an Innocent Life; enduring the utmost Severities of Abstinence, rather than be Guilty of shedding the Blood of those Creatures, which the Great Lord of All Things Created, to enjoy the Herbage of the Field, and to partake of the Common Blessings of Nature, as well as We.
To thee therefore I have Recourse, as to an Oracle. Tell me, O Sacred Sylvan, am I not obliged to obey the Inspirations of my Nature, or Better Genius, which tells me, 'Tis a Butch∣erly and Inhuman Life, to feed on slaughte∣red Animals? Did not all those who aim'd at Perfection, among the Primitive Disciples of the Prophet, abstain from Murdering the Brutes? 'Tis true, the Messenger of God, did not positively enjoin Abstinence from Flesh; yet he recommended it, as a Divine Counsel.
And, those to whom he Indulged the Liber∣ty of Eating it, he ty'd up to certain Conditi∣ons. Do not all the Religious Orders Preach up Abstinence, both in their Sermons and Lives? I make no longer Doubt, but the Corruption of Manners, and Voluptuousness of Men, are the Causes, that this Ancient Sobriety is now disus'd and slighted. My own Experience confirms me in this Opinion, who have often attempted to live in Abstinence; but, by the Force of a Voracious Appetite, suffered my self to be carry'd back to my Old Intempe∣rance.
Yet, in Eating Flesh, I have been precisely careful, to observe the Prohibitions of our Ho∣ly Prophet, so long as it was in my Power. I never Knowingly tasted of Blood, nor of any Thing Strangled or knocked down. But, it is Impossible for me to Assure my self of this; or that all the Flesh I Eat, was kill'd, in Pro∣nouncing that Tremendous Name which gave it Life. Neither could I Once escape a Ne∣cessity, of Eating Swines Flesh.
But, I abominate my self for this Involun∣tary Crime. And, to obviate the like Tem∣ptation for the Future, I will taste of Nothing, that has Breath'd the Common Air; being inclined to believe the Metempsychosis: Which, if it be true, I wish for no greater Happiness, than that in my Next Change, my Soul may pass into the Body of the Camel, which shall carry thee to Mecha.
Paris, 14th. of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1650.
MY Intelligence from the Imperial Port, sometimes arrives late; either through the Neglect of Kisur Dramelec, to whom that Care is committed, or through the Badness of the Roads, which many Times are Impassa∣ble. Besides the frequent Stops and Inter∣ceptions of the Posts, in this Time of War. Which is the Reason, I do not always hear of the Alterations at the Seraglio, and the Chan∣ges that are made in the Governments of the Shining Empire, till many Moons are pass'd. Who is exalted, or who made Mansoul, are Things to which Mahmut is for a Time a great Stranger.
Therefore, thou hast no Reason to be of∣fended, that I am thus late in sending to thee my Congratulatory Address. But rest con∣fident, that I wish thee encrease of Happiness, like the Sprouting of the Palm.
As a Mark of my Duty and Affection, I shall now acquaint thee with News, which though it may seem of small Import to the Divan, yet has startl'd all Europe.
It is the Imprisonment of Three of the French Princes; not those of the Ordinary Rank, but Branches of the Royal Stem, whose Names are not unknown in the Seraglio, the Residence of Fame. They are, the Princes of
Conde and Conti, Brothers, and the Duke of Longueville, Husband to their Sister. They are the Principal Subjects in this Nation; all Three, having the Majestick Blood of the Kings of France, running in their Veins.
They owe their Confinement to Cardinal Mazarini, or rather to their own Inartificial Conduct. The Prince of Conde, is a Passio∣nate Man; and has never learn'd, how to con∣ceal his Resentments. When he first return'd from the Battel of Lens in Flanders, whereof I formerly gave an Account, the Insurrection in Paris began. The Prince block'd up the City, and promis'd the Cardinal (against whom alone all this Storm was rais'd) that he wou'd either bring him back in Triumph to Paris, or die in the Attempt. He per∣form'd his Word; and the Cardinal rode through the Streets of Paris, in the same Coach with the King, Queen, and all the Royal Blood after the Siege was rais'd, and a Peace concluded. And the Prince, when he alighted out of the Coach, address'd himself thus to the Cardinal: Now, Sir, I esteem my self the happiest Man in the World, in that I have been able to perform my Engagement, in bringing Your Eminence back to Paris; and that by my Presence, the Hatred which the Multitude have for your Person, was repress'd whilst we pass'd through the Streets.
This too nearly touch'd the Cardinal. And indeed the Queen, with all the Rest, were sensible, that the Prince had too far over-shot himself, in this last Expression. However, the
Cardinal reply'd in a Kind of Modesty, not wholly void of Choler and Disdain; Sir, You have not only oblig'd me to that Height, but have done the Kingdom so considerable a Service in this Action, That I fear, neither their Maje∣sties nor my self, shall be ever in a State, to make you answerable Compensation.
Those who stood by, and heard these inter∣changeable Discourses, were apt to interpret the First for a Reproach, and the Second as a Menace. Since it is not unusual for Great Men, to over-value the Services they do their King and Country; and for Princes, when they can∣not duely reward an Eminent Performance, to turn their Gratitude into Hatred.
This is certain, that the Prince of Conde has presum'd much, on the Merit of his late Ser∣vices; and, it was not easy for the Queen or the Cardinal, to invent such Acknowledg∣ments as he expected. For he imagin'd, they ought to deny him Nothing, who had so of∣ten hazarded his Life for their Interest.
It was on this Ground, he thought he had a Right to interpose in a Marriage, which Mazarini design'd to make between one of his Nieces, and the Duke of Mercaeur.
This Duke is of a Family, which has been a long Time at Variance with that of the Prince of Conde: And therefore, the Prince was jea∣lous lest the Cardinal, by the intended Match, should fortifie his Interest among the Prince's Enemies; and so be in a Condition, not to want his Protection; the onely Thing he was ambitious of. For, cou'd he have once re∣duc'd
the Cardinal to this Necessity, he him∣self had been absolute Master at Court. There∣fore, he oppos'd the Match, with all Vigor and Industry. This netled the Cardinal. He complains to the Queen, of the Prince's Un∣kindness. She intercedes, and uses her utmost Endeavours, to reconcile the Prince to this Marriage. But his Brother, the Duke of Lon∣gueville, had so possess'd the Prince with a Jealousy of the Cardinal's Proceedings, that no Arguments cou'd prevail on him, or overcome his fix'd Aversion for Mazarini's designed Al∣liance with the House of Vendosme (so they call the Family, from whence the Duke of Mer∣caeur is sprung.) He rails at the Cardinal, and lampoons him in all Companies. This begets ill Blood in the Supreme Minister of State, who secretly resolves the Prince's Ruin.
In this, his Policy and Malice, exceeded the petty Revenges of the Prince; who being of a frank, open Heart, contented himself with Railleries, and Satyrical Expressions, whilst the Cardinal conceal'd his Anger, un∣der the Masque of extraordinary Civilities; re∣turning all the Contempts of the Prince, with a Respect, which seem'd to speak much Affe∣ction and Devoir.
He has been a long Time tampering with a Faction, which goes by the Name of the Fron∣deurs. These were his Enemies, not so much in Hatred of his Person, as out of a Zeal to serve their Country, which they imagin'd, was oppress'd under the the Conduct of this Mi∣nister.
These he has lately gain'd over to his Par∣ty, by representing to them the Prince of Con∣de, as the Author of all those Evils, which they ascrib'd to himself: Whilst at the same Time, he perswaded the Prince, that they had some Design against his Person. Thus he artificially blinded both Parties, and en∣gag'd them in mutual Revenges; privately animating the Frondeurs against the Prince, and provoking the Prince, to seek the Ruin of the Frondeurs. By this Trap, the Prince was inveigl'd to consent, and give Orders for his own Imprisonment, whilst he was made to believe, the Arrest was design'd against his Enemies; and the People were satisfy'd, since they were perswaded, the Faction of the Fron∣deurs had a Hand in the Plot.
The 18th. of the last Moon, the Three Prin∣ces were taken into Custody, and sent to a Place, they call the Castle of the Wood of Vin∣ciennes, some Leagues from Paris. The same Day, the Queen sent for the Dutchess of Lon∣gueville to come to her; but, the wary Dutch∣ess, wou'd not put herself into a Cage. She immediately fled in Disguise, to a Sea-Town belonging to her Husband.
'Tis said, the Prince of Conde had Notice given him, of his Design'd Imprisonment; but that he wou'd not escape, projecting to him∣self some greater Advantages, from the Discon∣tents of the People (who now behold him as a Patriot) than from a Clandestine, or Fugi∣tive Liberty. This is certain, his Coach broke on the Road, between Paris and Vinciennes;
and 'tis thought, his Friends might easily have rescu'd him: For, this Accident, occasion'd a Stop of Six Hours in their Journey; Time enough to have rais'd a Thousand Men to his Relief, being onely guarded by Sixteen Ca∣valiers. But it seems, he courts the Cardi∣nal's Persecution, that he may have deeper Grounds for Revenge. I know not, whether his Policy is justifiable, or no: But if I were in his Circumstances, I shou'd hardly take this Method to gratify my Resentments; which in all Probability I shou'd not be in a Con∣dition to accomplish, till the Greek Calends, that is, Never.
Paris, 4th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1650.
THE Devotees among the Franks, talk much of the Jubilee that is to be Cele∣brated this Year at Rome. They enrich their Phancies, with the Hopes of I know not what Spiritual Treasure, which the Roman Mufti or Pontiff, will distribute among the Pilgrims that resort to Rome, during this Ho∣ly Year.
This, as I am told, is Celebrated in Imi∣tation of the Sabbatical Year, formerly ob∣served by the Jews, when they possess'd the Holy Land. The Hebrew Writers, such as Josephus and others, call That also the Year of Jubilee. Their Cabbalists, like the Pythago∣reans, pretended to derive Great Mysteries from certain Numbers: And the Number Se∣ven, was had in particular Veneration by the Hebrews: Therefore they kept every Seventh Day, Week and Year, Holy. In the Seventh Year it was not Lawful to till the Ground, plant Vineyards, or sow any Seed. And when Seven Times Seven Years were expired, the Year of Jubilee was proclaim'd, being always the Fiftieth. They proclaim'd it by Trum∣pets, throughout the whole Country of Pa∣lestine, in the Forty Ninth Year. And the Muezins cry'd in the Gates of their Cities and Synagogues, at the Beginning of the Jubilee:
Let every Man return this Year to his Own Possession and Tribe, whether he be a Slave or Free. He that has sold his Houses or Lands, if he was not before able to redeem them, let him this Year take Possession of his Inheritance. He that is become another Man's Slave, and neither himself nor his Friends can redeem him, let him this Year be dismiss'd, and sent Home to the Family to which he belongs; for, henceforth he is Free, by the Indulgence of the Law. Let no Man sow the Ground, nor gather the Fruits that grow of themselves this Year. But, let the Earth as well as its Inhabitants, enjoy Li∣berty
and Rest; for, this is the Year of Grace and Divine Bounty.
After this Manner was the Hebrew Jubilee Proclaim'd, and Observ'd. And, they say, from hence arose the Custom amongst the Christians, who in many Things may be styl'd the Jews Apes. But others say, that the present Roman Jubilee, is deriv'd from the Secular Games, Celebrated by their Pagan An∣cestors; In Regard, This was renew'd every Hundred Years at first, even as Those Games were. Whence it was, that the Cryer in those Days, at the Indiction of the Secular Games, said, "Come to the Plays which no Man Li∣ving has yet seen, nor shall ever see again. For, Man's Life being Generally so Short, they thought it improbable, that any Mor∣tal should live to see this Solemnity repeated.
The Modern Jubilee, was first Publish'd by Boniface IX. Bishop of Rome, in the Year 1300 of the Christians Hegyra. At which Time, he promis'd Full and Entire Remis∣sion of Sins, to all who should resort in Pil∣grimage to Rome that Year. After him, it was Celebrated every Hundred Year, accor∣ing to his Institution, till the Days of Cle∣ment VI. Who, at the Instance of the Ro∣man Citizens, reduc'd it to every Fiftieth Year. Then Ʋrban VI. another Pope, re∣duc'd it to the Thirty Third Year. And last of all, Paul II. contracted the Interval to Five and Twenty Years. Which Space of Time, has been observ'd by all his Successors to this Day.
If thou wouldst know the Reason, why they have thus alter'd the Periods; It is for Profit. For, in the Year of Jubilee, there is a vast Conflux of People, from all Parts of Eu∣rope: Who bring a far greater Treasure into the Roman Coffers, than they carry away from that City. Though the Pope, 'tis said, is very Liberal of that which they call the Trea∣sure of the Church: Which is a certain Fund of Merits, and Superabundant Graces, left by the Messiah and his Saints, in the Custody of this Prelate, to supply the Defects and Infir∣mities of Sinful Men. And they believe, 'tis only in his Power, to dispose of this Heavenly Wealth to whom he pleases. They talk also of Indulgencies and Pardons, whereby the Holy Father can redeem Men from all Sin, and the Punishments that are due to it. And this Wonderful Prerogative, they say, does not only benefit the Living, but extends even to the Souls Departed; whom the Pope, accord∣ing to their Persuasion, can free from the Torments of Purgatory, and at his Pleasure admit into the Gates of Paradise.
We that are Mussulmans, cannot declaim against the Doctrine of Praying for the Dead, since it is practis'd by all the Faithful. Nei∣ther have we Reason to inveigh against Indul∣gencies, or Releases from Penance. But that the Power of granting and dispensing these Favours, should be only reposited in the Christian Mufti, will not accord with the Faith of a True Believer. We know who swore by the Hoofs of his Swift and Faithful
Elborach, which in One Night carry'd him a Journey of Six Moons, that from thenceforth the Key of Aaraf, or the Place of Prisons, was committed to him. Doubtless, the Om∣nipotent can transfer his Commissions, when and to whom he pleases. If he once gave this Authority, of Remitting Sins, to the Messiah, and Peter his Lieutenant, does it follow, that all Peter's Successors, the Califfs of Rome, have retain'd this Privilege? There have been many Good Men in that Seat, and not a Few Wicked: Some Prophets, and some Magicians: A Catalogue interpers'd with Saints, Mar∣tyrs, Butchers and Devils.
But 'tis evident, they forfeited their Au∣thority, when they declin'd from the Truth, from the unblameable Profession of the Divine Ʋnity, and resisted the Messenger of Heaven, sent to correct their Errors, reform their Vices, and reduce Mankind to One Law of Purity and Light.
I write not Partially, nor am I imbitter'd against the Patriarch of the Romans. He is a Man like others, subject to the Will of De∣stiny. The Babylonian Califfs and those of Egypt, Successively enjoy'd the same Power, transmitted to them from the Prophet, who seal'd up all the Former Dispensations. Yet in Time, through their Sins, they forfeited their Authority, together with their Empire, when the Bright Osmans Conquer'd All Things. Then was the Prophetick Office translated to our Mufti, the Guide of those who possess the Sepulchre of Mahomet. To him all the World
ought to have Recourse for Solution of their Doubts, Direction in their Lives, Absolution from their Sins, and for the Passport of Im∣mortality, the Fefta requir'd of all that enter the Gates of Paradise.
But all Mortals, are Naturally tenacious of whatsoever advances their Honour and Inte∣rest. Kings hug Empty Titles, that yield them no Profit. And the Roman Bishops, are un∣willing to acknowledge themselves divested of the Privileges, which were once annex'd to that Chair of Peter. They shew the Keys, the Symbols of a Power, which they have lost. And the Credulous Nazarenes believe, that Heaven and Hell are Open'd and Shut at their Pleasure. On the Eve of the Messiah's Na∣tivity, the Present Pope Knock'd Three Times with a Golden Hammer, at the Gates of the Principal Mosque in Rome. Which were then Open'd, to signifie the ensuing Year of Jubilee; when the Christians are persuaded, that Hea∣ven is open to all that visit Rome in this Holy Time.
I wish thee a Life of many Jubilee's.
Paris, 9th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1650.
WHEN I first heard the News of the Troubles that have been at Constan∣tinople, the Deposition of Mahomet, the late Vizir Azem, and the Advancement of the Janizar-Aga to that Dignity, I imagin'd it had been Cassim Hali. But, it seems, that Brave Old Soldier, is elevated to a more Lofty Station: He has enter'd the Immortal Posses∣sions, being translated to an High Seat: For, I understand, he has his Rest in Paradise. On that Hero, be the Mercies of the Supremely Indulgent: Whilst I turn my self to thee, his late Successor in that Military Honour, but now the Lieutenant of the Shadow of God. I touch the Earth Thrice with my Forehead, when I salute thee, Great Prince of the Vi∣zirs, in Token of my Humility and Reve∣rence; and, in Remembrance of my Ori∣ginal: That I, who am but the Product of Dust, a meer Worm, may not commit an Indecency, when I address to the Bright I∣mage of our August Emperor, who is the Type of the Sun.
In speaking to Persons of thy Immense Power, I strive equally to shun Flattery, and Disrespect; endeavouring to deport my self
with an Even Course, between those Two Extremes, as Mariners steer between Scylla and Charybdis. These are dangerous Places in the Sycilian Seas.
All Europe Celebrates thy Praises, and Ex∣tols thy Justice, for releasing the Ambassador of Venice, Imprison'd in the 4th Moon of this Year. They say, since thy Assumption to this Important Trust, the Ottoman Port is Reform'd, and grown more Civiliz'd: (For, the Franks esteem all the Followers, of the Prophet who could neither Write nor Read, as Barbarians.)
Here is much Talk, about the Defeat gi∣ven to Our Forces in Hungary. The French spare for no Encomium's on the Bassa of Buda, who fought valiantly, till his Legs were shot off; and then caus'd himself to be carry'd up and down through the Army, to encourage his Soldiers. Neither do they di∣minish the Glory that is due to his Son, who receiv'd his Death, in defending his Fa∣ther, at what Time the Old Captain was taken Prisoner.
But they blame the Conduct of him who Besieg'd the Fort of Clissa, in Regard he un∣dertook it in the Wrong Season of the Year. The Defect of a General's Judgment in such Cases, is many Times Fatal to an Army. The French are the best in the World, at spying Advantages, and the most dextrous in making Use of them. Most of their Cam∣pagnes, are spent in their Trenches, or in light Skirmishes; seldom hazarding a Battle, un∣less
on some unequal Terms, to their own Interest; and then they never let slip the Opportunity. This commends their Policy, but is no great Argument of their Cou∣rage: For, true Valour never regards Dan∣gers.
Adonai the Jew, sends me Word, That the Venetians are put in great Hopes, of accom∣modating their Affairs with the Mysterious Divan, since the Release of their Bailo: Yet, both they and all the Nazarenes, re∣sent highly the Strangling of his Inter∣preter.
They understand not the Measures of the Sublime Port, full of Wisdom and Justice; and, that by the Terror of such Examples, the Ministers of the Righteous Throne, seek to prevent future Wickedness.
In these Western Courts, a little Gold, or a great Friend, shall easily palliate and pro∣cure a Pardon for the Greatest Crimes. Their Processes here, are slow in the Execution of Justice: Being Strangers to the Impetuous Orders, and swift Performance practis'd in the East. Besides, this Interpreter sported himself to Death, by the Licentiousness of his Tongue. He delighted to play upon Majesty, and with an Insolent Lascivious∣ness of Speech, to deceive Him, whose high, sublime and remote Intellect, uses no other Expressions of his Wrath, but the Hands of his Mutes. It does not become the Emperor of the World, to be profuse in Words, as the Christian Princes are, who take great Pains
to satisfie their Vassals, of the Justice of their Proceedings. They cannot Condemn the Wicked without a Formal Process, where∣in various Wits shew their Skill in canvas∣sing the Cause, which, upon sincere Evi∣dence, may be decided in Two Words. This is the Masquerade of Christian Justice, a mere Trap for Gold, the Secret of the We∣stern Lawyers, who enrich themselves, at the Price of other Mens Folly, and to the Dis∣grace of the Monarch, who there pretends to Command.
Should those Men of Law see this Letter, and know who wrote it, how would they not Circumcise and Flay the minutest Dash of my Pen, to find Arguments of Revenge against a Mussulman?
All Men are full of themselves, and their Own Principles: And the Nazarenes of the West, are so brimming with them, that there is no Room left for Instruction or Amendment. Like the Chineses, they boast of their own Science and Wisdom, reputing all the Rest of the World Ignorant and Blind.
They are so Narrow in their Tenets, so Dogmatical in their Decisions, and so con∣ceited of All, that it is difficult for a Man who has convers'd in a freer Air, to frame himself to their Rules.
By what I have said, thou mayst deter∣mine, That it is no Easie Task for an Ara∣bian Native, bred in the Seraglio, to con∣form
himself adroit, to the Humours and Fashions of France. Yet, I curb all the Na∣tural Propensions of my Birth, Blood and E∣ducation, as much as in me lies, that I may serve the Grand Signior. I am Incognito in all Respects, save those wherein I cannot be hid. And, I would change my Masque a Hundred Times over, rather than fail of my Ends.
What can I say more to him, who only values a Slave for his Deeds?
I turn not my Back on thee, Sublime Idea of Absolute Power: but, retiring after the most Respectful Manner of the East, I make a Thousand Obeisances, till the An∣tiport has cover'd me from thy Illustrious Presence.
Paris, 17th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
THOU wilt have Reason to wonder at a Man pretending Acquaintance with thee, whom thou canst not remember to have seen. 'Tis from my Brother Pestelihali, thy former Master, I received the News of thy late Preferment, who art thy self but Early in Years. Yet no Time is Unseasonable, to a Man Mature in Vertue and Wisdom.
I knew thee an Infant, in the Arms of thy Mother, the Widow of an Arabian Souldier, who served my Brother in the Wars of Persia. There appeared then, such Evident Symptoms of thy future Wit and Dexterity, as prompt∣ed thy Father's Captain, to take thee into his Protection and Care; and thy Mother by her Charms, soon found a Way to his Bosom.
I write not these Things, to Reproach thee with the Meanness of thy Birth. Thy Merits equal thee with those who are born of Nobles. It is not the Custom of the East, to Prefer Men for their Parentage, or because they can shew the Dusty Statues of their An∣cestors. That is the peculiar Oversight of the Infidels, to give that Honour to Names, and Men of a Noisy Descent, which is only due to Vertue. There are Families in Rome
at this Day, who boast of their Pedigrees, and that they spring from the Renowned Hero's, that are Recorded in the Histories of that Empire. But, they Glory in their Shame; since they are quite degenerated from the brave Qualities, which ennobled their Pro∣genitors; and by their sordid Actions, are be∣come a daily Subject for the Descants of Pasquil. This is an Image in a certain Pub∣lick Place in Rome, to which in the Night-Time, they affix the Libels which they dare not own: A kind of dumb Satyr, on the Vices of the Grandees; not sparing even the Chief Mufti of the Christians, if he is Guilty of any Follies, which merit to come within the Verge of a Lampoon.
It was no Contemptible Jest, which was in this Manner put upon the present Pope, and one of his Nephews, at the latter End of the last Year. It seems, the Good Old Father had advanced this Spark, from a Poor Ignorant Taylor, to the Dignity of a Roman Baron; bestowing on him Offices, which brought him a Revenue, sufficient to maintain his Title and Port. All the An∣cient Nobility, were disgusted at this: And some arch Wag was set at Work, to ridicule the Pope's Conduct, and the New Baron's Honour. Wherefore, on the Day which the Nazarenes Celebrate, with Great Solemnity, for the Birth-Day of Jesus the Son of Mary; Early in the Morning, the forementioned Image, Pasquil, was observed to be Appa∣rell'd all in Rags, and a very nasty Habit,
with a Schedule of Paper in his Hand, where∣in was writ, How now Pasquil; what! all in Rags on a Christmas-Day? (for, so they call the Nativity of their Messias.) And Un∣derneath was Inscribed this Answer: Alas, I cannot help it; for my TAYLOR is be∣come a LORD.
Yet, notwithstanding the Obscurity of this Man's Birth, and the Meanness of his Former Trade, he became an Eminent Statesman, after the Pope had exalted him to that Di∣gnity; and lived with an Unblemished Repu∣tation, whilst he saw all or most of the An∣cient Nobility, Pasquill'd every Day, for their Effeminate Vices.
By what I have said, thou may'st be as∣sured, that I have not the Less Esteem for thee, because thou wast not the Son of a Bassa; since, had thy Father liv'd, his For∣tune and Courage might have promoted him to that Honour, or a Command equal to it; and thou thy self art in a fair Way, to supply some Future Vacancy, in those Great Charges of the Empire.
I have no News at present to send thee, save that the Three French Princes, of whose Imprisonment I gave an Account to Mine∣zim Aluph, are removed by Cardinal Maza∣rini's Order, from the Castle of Vinciennes, to a Sea-Town called Havre de Grace, for Fear they should be rescued by Marshall Turenne, who is much Devoted to their Interests. The Princess of Conde, is retired to Bourdeaux, a City at this Time in Arms against the King,
having also with her the Young Duke of En∣guien, her Son.
The Marshal de la Meilleray, is gone with his Army to besiege this Place; and, 'tis said, the King will soon Follow with the Whole Court. All Things seem to protend another Relapse of this State, into the Old Disorders.
But this is not of so near a Concern to us that are Mussulmans, as the Quarrels that I hear are broached between the Janizaries and Spahi's. They say, the whole Ottoman Em∣pire, is warp'd this Way and that Way, into Contrary Factions; and that the Seraglio it self, is full of different Cabals, on the Account of these Military Orders. It afflicts me with extreme Grief, to receive Nothing but sad News from the Port, which is, or at least ought to be, a Fountain of Joy to the Whole Earth. I pray Heaven avert the Omen; for it looks with an Ill Presage, when the Cham∣pions of the Divine Ʋnity, are thus divided against themselves.
If thou wilt take my Advice, enter not thy self into the Secret of either Party; but poi∣sing thy Affections with Prudence, stand Neuter to all Things, but the Grand Signior's Interest. In that be as Zealous as thou canst. As for the Rest, wait the Decrees of Destiny.
Paris, 29th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
GRaphul Eben Shahenshah, the Arabian Philosopher has said it, and every Mans Experience confirms it, That no Humane Care can prevent the Accomplishment of what Heaven has Decreed. There are certain Moments of our Lives, wherein Fate delights to mock our Wit and Prudence, to baffle our strictest Caution, and ridicule all our Con∣duct; That we may learn the Lesson of Re∣signation, and not trust too much to our selves.
When I first saluted the Light of this Morn∣ing Sun, my Spirits were Serene and Joy∣ful: No melancholy Dreams, had left their Black Impressions on my Mind; no sadning Thoughts, possess'd my Soul: I awak'd cheer∣ful and sprightly as the Lark. After I had Ador'd the Omnipotent, and perform'd my Accustom'd Holy Things, I began to reflect on my own Happiness, in that I had so many Years serv'd the Sublime Port, in this Station, full of Difficulties and Perils, yet by no Mis∣fortune, had ever betray'd the least Secret of my Commission. It pleas'd me to think, I still pass'd for Titus of Moldavia, among the French, who are the most apprehensive Peo∣ple in the World; and even in the Opinion of Cardinal Mazarini, who, like Janus, has
more Eyes than Two. I Embrac'd my self (if I may so speak) in the Conceit of my Good Success; concluding, I was born under Fortunate Stars, and that no Disaster could ever hurt me.
But I took wrong Measures of the Ways of Destiny, which are as Untraceable as the Winds. For before Mid-Day, my Sun was Eclips'd; the Air of my Soul ruffl'd with Storms, and all my Joy turn'd to Mourning and Sadness.
Wilt thou know the Occasion of my Grief? It was this. In the Year 1645, according to the Style of the Nazarenes, I received some particular Instructions from the then Vizir Azem, putting me in Mind of the Hazards I run in this Post, and giving me strict Charge, to bestow all my Letters in a secure Place, whether the Transcripts of those I write to the Ministers of the Port, (for I always re∣tain'd a Copy of the Original) or the Di∣spatches I receive from thence.
That Minister was afraid, lest I might some Time or other be discover'd; and con∣sequently, that my Chamber would be search'd. Therefore obeying his Hint, I im∣mediately carry'd all my Writings to Elia∣chim the Jew; knowing his House to be free from any Jealousie of the State, and that the most Important Secrets in the World, might be there an Age unreveal'd.
The Letters of my Writing, were enclos'd in One Box, and those which I received from the Invincible Port, in Another. And this
was my Constant Custom from that Time: As oft as I writ to the Ministers of the Divan, or had perus'd the Dispatches which came from them, I dispos'd of both in their pro∣per Places, leaving all to the Care of Elia∣chim.
But, neither his Caution nor mine, were sufficient to prevent the Resolves of Heaven. It was determin'd Above, That we should lose some of these Papers. Eliachim came to me to Day, before the Hour of Ʋlanamisi, all in Passion, astonish'd, raving and staring like a Mad-Man. As soon as he enter'd my Cham∣ber, he tore his Inner Vest, which was of Crimson Silk, fring'd round with Gold; and cry'd, We are undone, betray'd and ruin'd!
I presently thought of my Writings; and ask'd him, Whether they were safe. In a Word, he told me he had lost the Box, which contain'd the Letters sent from the Ministers of the Port to me, and that his Slave a Negro, whom he kept in his House, was missing. Thou mayst imagine, Sage Minister, that this News put me into no small Confusion. I presently suspected, that this Villain of a Negro, had got the Writings, and was gone to Cardinal Mazarini with 'em: But then recollecting with Cooler Thoughts, That this African understood not Arabick, in which Language alone Eliachim and I us'd to con∣verse; and, that consequently, he never could know our Affairs, or read the Letters, which might tempt him to such a Treason, I was at a Loss what to think of it: Neither am I
better satisfy'd now, though I have ruminated on it these Twelve Hours. Onely I think, if Cardinal Mazarini has these Papers in his Custody, he would have given Orders be∣fore this Time, to seize the supposed Titus of Moldavia. For, some of these Letters, take Notice of my having assumed that Name. But I cannot perceive any Attempt has been made in that Kind, or that any Body has been to enquire for me at my Lodging. For, I set Spies to observe, as soon as I departed thence with Eliachim, which was about Noon. We are now together in a Friend's House, where we shall continue till we hear farther of this Event. As yet, we are in the Dark, and full of Fears: But Time, which brings all Things to Light, will convince us, what we have to Trust to.
In the mean While, there is little News, save a Discourse of a certain Convention at Norimbergh, and the Great Jubilee which is Celebrated at Rome; where, they say, the Christians Chief Mufti, the Week before their Beiram, or Easter, wash'd the Feet of Twelve Pilgrims; and that Cardinal Ludovisio, en∣tertain'd Nine Thousand of these Devotees at once, with a very Magnificent Feast. They say also, That the Pope will get this Year Two Millions of Sequins, by the Resort of Pilgrims to that City.
The King of Denmark's Resident at this Court, has received a Letter, which Certifies him, that his Master has declar'd Prince Chri∣stian his Son, Successor in the Throne.
They talk also, of a Marriage lately So∣lemniz'd between Charles, a German Count, and Charlotte, Sister to the Lantgrave of Hesse-Cassel.
But that which most takes up Mens Ears, and employs their Tongues and Thoughts, are the Civil Wars of this Kingdom; which is all in a Flame, by Occasion of the Imprison∣ment of the Prince of Conde, and his Brothers. The Citizens of Paris are very jocund, at the repeated News of the King's Ill Success: For, they wish not well to his Arms, whilst em∣ployed against the Malecontents.
Illustrious Old Grandee, I wish thee the Years of Nestor, and those Calculated by Full Moons of Prosperity. But I pray Heaven a∣vert from thee, some of his Moments; where∣in, they say, he was tormented with the Gout, as I am at this Instant. It is a Pain hardly to be supported.
Paris, 11th. of the 6th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
BY the God whom I Adore, and by his Shadow, I swear, There is no Disloyalty in Mahmut: Yet his Life is full of Tempta∣tions and Perils. The Box of Letters I men∣tion'd in my Last, is irrecoverably gone, and laid up in the Bowels of the Earth; if we may believe the Confession of a Man, every Angle of whose Heart, has been search'd with ex∣quisite Torments, even to Death.
Eliachim's Slave, the Negro whom I spoke of, mistook that Box, for one very like it, out of which he had often seen his Master take Jewels: For, this is the particular Merchan∣dise of that Jew. And the Weight of each was not so Unequal, as to rectifie his Error. Lucre tempted him, and the desire of Liber∣ty. Whilst the Darkness (for he committed this Villainy before Sun-rising) and his own Guilty Fears, conspir'd to baffle his intended Theft. The Boxes stood together (so Care∣ful was Eliachim of the Sublime Secrets, as not to venture 'em in a Place less secure, than that of his Jewels) and the Villain hasty to be gone, and confounded for want of Light, took up that wherein were the Writings, in∣stead of his design'd Prey, the Jewels. He went directly into the Fields, purposing to bury this suppos'd Treasure in the Earth,
in some private Place, where he might take it forth at Discretion. But first opening the Box, to supply himself with such Stones as he thought would be unquestionable Pawns for Money, to answer his present Necessities, that so he might the better provide for his Concealment; he was astonish'd, and his Heart became like Lead, when he found Nothing but Papers, full of Characters, to which he was wholly a Stranger. A Thou∣sand Resolutions presented themselves to him, in that Agony of his Mind, and he knew not which to fix on. Sometimes he thought to carry the Box back again as he found it; and since his Design had been thus strangely baulk∣ed, to Content himself till another Oppor∣tunity. But then he consider'd, 'twas too late to return before his Master would miss both his Slave and Box; for the Sun was now far advanced in our Hemisphere, and Eliachim is an early Riser. In a Word, there∣fore he thought it the safest Way, to bury it in the Ground, as he first intended had it been the Box of Jewels, and so shift for him∣self. Proposing to himself this Advantage, in hiding the Papers in a secure Place, That if they were of Value, he might at any Time make Composition with his Master, by discovering where they were.
All that I have here related, is drawn from his own Mouth in the Midst of Tortures. For Eliachim soon heard of his Fugitive Ne∣gro, who was seiz'd on the Rode to Lyons, by some Correspondents of this Jew. Who
having Intelligence of it, took Horse immedi∣ately, and went to the Place. He did not think it safe to make a publick Business of it, or to arraign him before the appointed Judges of the Country; But relying on the Justice of his Cause, and the Right of a Master, he pri∣vately put him to Tortures of divers Kinds, in a House where he cou'd command any Thing.
The stout African, at first deny'd that he had medl'd with any Box; saying, he escap'd purely for the Sake of Liberty. But when a Succession of divers Torments had quite over∣thrown his Constancy, he confessed all that I have already related. Eliachim still suspect∣ing worse, and that he only fram'd this as a plausible Story to be freed from, or at least to respite the Pains he suffered, caus'd sharp Thorns to be thrust under the Nails of his Fin∣gers and Toes; believing, that the Extremity of so sensible a Pain, wou'd extort the true Se∣cret from him. But he cou'd get Nothing else from the poor excruciated Negro, though now almost ready to expire, than that he had hid the Box under-Ground in a certain Corner of a Field, out of the City: To which he knew not how to direct Eliachim, but promis'd to shew it him, if he wou'd carry him alive to Paris.
This was no hard Task to perform, in the Opinion of the Jew; it being but a Days Jour∣ney to this City, from the Place where they then were. But he was deceived in his Hopes; and now all the Applications and Cordials they cou'd use, came too late: For, that very Night, the Negro breath'd out his Soul.
However, when Eliachim came to Paris, he follow'd the Directions of his dead Slave as well as he cou'd, in searching every Corner of the Fields on that Side of the City, where this Black had been seen to go out. But all to no Purpose. He cou'd find nothing; nor have we any Hopes, ever to see that Box a∣gain. Yet I have many Qualms of Fear, lest some Time or other it should come to Light, to our Disadvantage and Ruine.
I desire thy Instructions, Sage Governour of the Capital City, how I shall deport my self, if it be my Lot to be discover'd. As to the Remaining Box, which has in it the Tran∣scripts of my own Dispatches, I have taken it Home to my Lodging. Believing it will be as safe here, as in the House of Eliachim; since that faithful Jew, is no more exempted from Contingencies, than my self: And I have no Servant to betray me.
This Kingdom abounds at present, in Trea∣sons and Rebellions. The French spare not to massacre one another, for the Sake of a Passion: While the Spaniards make their Ad∣vantages of these Intestine Feuds. For, under Pretence of assisting the Princes of the Blood, they get Footing in Picardy, from whence it will not be easy to expel them. Leopold, Arch-Duke of Austria, is at the Head of the Spanish Army; and has taken several Towns, belonging to the French King.
When the Quarrels of these Infidels will end, I am not sollicitous; my Thoughts being ever taken up, in the Service which I owe to the Empire of True Believers.
I cannot bid thee Adieu, Illustrious Kaima∣cham, till I have assur'd thee, I am macerated with Zeal for the Grand Signior.
Paris, 23d. of the 9th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
AFter I had perus'd thy Dispatch, where∣with thou hast honoured the Slave Mah∣mut; as I was full of Joy for the continued Demonstrations of thy Friendship and Pro∣tection, so my Breast conceiv'd an Indignation at the Affront, which has been offer'd to the Sublime Port by the Cham of the Tartars, in presuming to demand the Tutelage of our Au∣gust Emperour. It is an Indignity to the Mi∣nisters of Supreme Justice and Honour, Lights of the Imperial Divan, to whom is committed the Cognizance of all Human Events; The Illustrious Vizirs, who manage the Affairs of the Mighty and Invincible Sultan Mahomet, whose Throne may God fortify, till the Moon shall no more appear in the Heavens.
Those People have been ever thirsty of Rule; and 'tis number'd among the Vertues of their Ancestors, that they enlarg'd their Dominions
by the keen Edge of their Swords. But in all the Registers and Archives of the Empire, it has not been found, that any of that Na∣tion challeng'd a Right to Govern our Sultans, though during their Minority. It is sufficient, That they shall have the Honour (according to the Ancient Capitulations) to succeed in the Throne of the Osman Princes, if ever that Sa∣cred Line shou'd be extinct: Which God avert, till the Final Consummation.
It is a Wonder, they demanded not also his Royal Brothers, the other Sons of Sultan Ibra∣him; that so they might at one Blow, cut off the whole Osman Race, and take Possession of the Vacant Throne.
I have not heard any Thing these many Moons, what is become of those High-born Infants; whether they are alive, or sacrific'd to the Jealousie of the Sultan, as has been the Custom. Here are various flying Reports con∣cerning them. Some say, that thou hast con∣vey'd away Sultan Achmet, and that he is pri∣vately Educated in the House of a certain Georgian. The Blessing of Mahomet be upon thee, and refresh thy Heart, if thou hast taken this Care to preserve the Life of an Osman Prince, which is more precious than a Hun∣dred Thousand of Common Birth.
As for Solyman and the Rest of that Sublime Race, the French give 'em over for lost; And I cannot contradict 'em, for Want of true In∣telligence. Besides, I have Reason to fear it is too true: In Regard it has been the cruel Practice of all, or most of our late Emperours,
either to slaughter their Brethren as soon as they ascend the Throne, or to put 'em to a more lingring Death and Martyrdom in a Pri∣son.
'Tis true indeed, our present Sovereign is not yet arriv'd to those Years, wherein Children commonly lose their Native Innocence. I be∣lieve, he suspects none of his Brethren, nor harbours any unkind Thoughts against their Lives. Yet Cruelty may be insinuated into his Tender Years, by the Artifices of his Mo∣ther; especially against those of his Father's Blood, that did not also partake of hers. For Sultan Ibrahim, thou know'st, had Children by other Women, beside the Sultana Valede.
The Malteses think they have one of these Royal Infants in their Possession: Thou know∣est the whole Story of thy Predecessor's Voyage toward Egypt, with his Beautiful Slave and her Son, whom these Infidels honour as the Off-spring of the Grand Signior. Thou art not Ignorant also, that this Infant with his Mother were Banish'd, out of Jealousy, by the Order of Her who bore in her Womb Sultan Maho∣met, our Glorious Sovereign. The Remem∣brance of which makes me tremble, for the Sake of the Young Princes, if there be any yet remaining alive. It is in thy Power to certify me, and in doing so thou wilt rid me of much Anxiety.
I am but a Slave of the Slaves who serve the Grand Signior; and it is not decent for me to descant on the Actions of our most Absolute Monarch, whose Will is not to be controul'd.
But I am still a Man, and have some Share of Humanity and Reason. Thou also art my particular Friend, and wilt permit me to di∣scourse with Freedom. Was it not a Bloody Feast, to which our King's Great Grandfather, Mahomet III. invited Nineteen of his Brethren, on the Day of his Inauguration? Was it not a cruel Act, to cause those Royal Guests, in whose Veins ran the Blood of his Own Father, to be strangled, before they departed from his Ta∣ble? No less Inhuman was it of Mahomet, the late Vizir Azem, to guide the Hand of this our Present Sovereign, when but Six Years Old, and incapable of knowing what he did, to sign a Warrant, for the Execution of his Father. Well may the Nazarenes call us Barbarians, when they contemplate the Empire of the Mus∣sulmans, supported by such Ʋnnatural Me∣thods.
Thou that hast the Superlative Honour, of being the Immediate Guardian of our Young Emperour, wilt pardon the Liberty I take. Ascribe all to the Force of my Zeal and Loy∣alty. Thou art valiant and wise. Protect thy Charge, as the Crystal of thine Eyes, which thou wilt not suffer to be hurt by the Dust of the Streets.
Paris, 14th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
NOtwithstanding all my Philosophy, I have not Command enough of my Passion, to conceal it from thee, who hast always been the Partaker of my Unequal Fortunes. What ever Magnanimity of Spirit I pretended to for∣merly in my Sickness, 'tis at present overcome by the Desire of Ease. At that Time, I re∣member, some Stoical Considerations made me industriously hide from thee the tormenting Pains I felt. I endeavoured to disguize my Sufferings, and to paint my Misery in such Colours, that it could hardly be distinguished from Happiness. But now I have not Courage enough, to hide from thee my Fears and Apprehensions: And all Seneca's Mo∣rals, are too little to hinder me, from com∣plaining of the Uncertainty that we daily ex∣perience in Human Affairs. This is a Theme so Popular, that were not my particular Mis∣fortunes very pressing, 'twou'd make me sick to say any Thing on a Subject, that has been in every Man's Mouth, since the Time that our First Father appear'd among the Trees. Therefore thou may'st be assured, I am not going about to make a Declamation, or play the Orator; to expatiate and make large Descants, on the Instability of all Things. What I have to say, refers to my self, and no body else,
save to those who are the Occasion of my Me∣laneholy.
In the 10th. Moon of the last Year, I sent a Letter to Kenan Bassa, the New Hasnadar-Bassy. I have a Copy of it by me, as I always retain of whatever Dispatches I send to the Sublime Port, whether to the Publick Mini∣sters, or my Private Friends.
I have perus'd this Letter several Times with∣in these Eight and Forty Hours, and can find no just Ground of Offence, which that Gran∣dee cou'd take thereat: Unless he was angry with me, for desiring him to be careful in transmitting my Money. As for the Rest, I onely obey'd the particular Instructions, I received from Mahomet the late Vizir Azem: Who commanded me, not to spare the Greatest Minister of the Port, if I had reason either to counsel or reprehend him. For, said he in his Letter, To this End art thou plac'd at such a Distance, that besides the Service thou dost our Sovereign in disclosing the Secrets of the Infidels, thou mayst also be free to write, whatever thou thinkest will conduce to his Interest, without standing in Fear of the Revenge of the Grandees. These were the very Words, of the Prime Mi∣nister of the Ottoman Empire.
Now I only told him of some Miscarriages in his Predecessors, warning him to be wary in his Station. Either he was offended at this Freedom I took, or because I presum'd to ad∣vise him how to order my Bills. Be it which it will. I have had a severe Reprimand from the Reis Effendi, whom I have the greatest
Reason in the World, to esteem my Friend.
It wou'd never have vex'd me, had he wrote plainly, and not disguised his Sentiments. But all was obscure, saving One blunt Ex∣pression, which convinc'd me, That the real Ground of all this Anger, was my Letter to Ke∣nan, wherein I desir'd his Care as to my Money.
Can that Minister blame me, for being apprehensive of Want in a Foreign Country, a Region of Infidels, where I have no other Com∣merce, but with Courtiers and Strangers; where if I should be in the least suspected, they wou'd presently put me in Prison, which wou'd hazard a Discovery of the Sublime Se∣crets? Does he not know, That Money com∣mands all Things; and that the Greatest Po∣tentates, obey the Power of Gold? It cannot be imagin'd, but that a Man in my Post, has a Thou∣sand pressing Occasions for Money, which 'tis troublesome to express. And I have had very wrong Notions of my Employment, if I deserve on this Account, to be reprov'd and threaten'd with such Politick Circumlocutions: For, the Secretary charges me, with Unwillingness to continue in the Service of the Ever Happy Port: As if he thought my Fidelity were corrupted, or that I had an Inclination to the Nazarene Interest.
I tell thee, my Gnet, Perfidy I ever abhorr'd. This appears to me, the most terrible and o∣dious of all Vices. I cou'd bear the Guilt and Reproach of a great many Crimes, which have less of Malice in their Constitution. I am not asham'd of many Venial Frailties,
which I daily commit, though the Law is severe against them. But, cou'd any Man accuse me of Willful Treachery, and Ingra∣titude, I wou'd pray instantly, That the Lu∣minaries of Heaven might be extinguish't, and that no Terrene Substance, might hence∣forth have in it the least Potential Light: That so I might neither be capable of seeing my self, or of being expos'd to the Eyes of O∣thers. And the better to escape the Confu∣sion, which wou'd attend that Horrid Guilt, I would not only avoid Human Society, but if it were possible, I wou'd run away from my self.
After all this, methinks such a Tem∣per need not be suspected, as averse from the Interest, to which he has so solemnly sworn.
I wou'd not have troubled thee with the News of any other Affliction; but, to be su∣spected of what I never was Guilty of, and to be menac'd in dark Mysterious Terms, not by an Enemy, but by my Friend, and one who has in his Keeping the Immortal Re∣cords of my Zeal and Integrity; This cuts me to the Heart. And I had no other Way to ease my self, but by venting my Anguish to thee.
If any of the Ministers will charge me with Weakness, or want of Ability to act in this Station, I should have no Reason to repine: Since none of them can think so meanly of Mahmut, as he does of himself. I boast of Nothing, but a Loyalty to my Trust, incapable of being corrupted.
But I forget that I am a Mussulman, and therefore ought to be resign'd to the Will of Heaven in all Things, without Complaint or Murmur. Besides, I am infinitely oblig'd, in many Regards, to the Reis Effendi; and therefore, he may be allow'd to take his own Advantages. Perhaps his Reproofs may be Just, and 'tis my own Peevishness that hinders me from discerning it. How∣ever, I cou'd wish he wou'd henceforth express his Resentments with less Obscurity, and not give me Grounds to apprehend the Loss of his Friendship.
For, where I once love, I hate a Changes. And if thou beest of the same Mind, We Two shall continue our Friendship, to the Other Side of the Grave.
Paris, 30th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
IF thou wilt permit me to learn Something from Husbandmen, They say, 'tis not pro∣fitable to plough the Fields whose barren Glebe brings forth Nothing but Briars and Thorns. Such are the Grounds of Passion and Anger among Friends. Let 'em lie Fallow for ever. Perhaps, thou wilt call it Presumption in me, to challenge such a Relation between us. Or, if thou ownest the Title of a Friend, thou wilt claim a Right to reprove me. Be it how it will, Reproofs make the best Impression, when they are given with Mildness and Mo∣deration. Especially they ought not to be founded on a Mistake, or false Apprehension. For they appear like Arrows discharg'd in the Dark, which being shot at Random, may by gi∣ving on undeserved Wound, make an Enemy of a Friend, or at least render a Friend suspected to be an Enemy.
But I tell thee, I will not blow up the Em∣bers of a Fire, whose Flame is extinguish'd long ago, and whereof by this Time, I hope, there remains not the least Smoak. I never lov'd to add Fuel in such Cases: Otherwise, had I return'd an Answer to thy angry Let∣ter, in the Heat of my Resentments, I might
have play'd the Incendiary: For I had both Matter enough, and Passion sufficient, to ven∣tilate the already kindled Sparks. And, of this, I know thou art sensible.
Well! to make the best Construction of it. The Hasnadarbassy was affronted, I believe, at the Freedom I took in advising him; not knowing that I had Positive Orders to do so, even to the First Minister of State, if I saw Occasion. And to vent his Choler, he mis∣represented the Business to thee, hoping by thy Means, to awe me into a fawning Ac∣knowledgment of my supposed Crime. If this was thy Intention in writing that sharp Letter, I smile at his Mistake; but am sorry for thine, because I esteem thee my Friend. 'Twas but an Oversight in you both; and so let it pass.
Thy Friendship I court, and refuse not his, nor that of any Officer of the Seraglio. I ho∣nour all the Bassa's and Ministers of the Im∣perial Port: I shew to every one the Respect that is due to his Quality: But I am com∣manded to write with Freedom to all, and not to speak, as if I had the Bearded Head of a Barly-Stalk on my Tongue, which is apt to slip down a Man's Throat, and threatens to choak him that speaks whilst it is in his Mouth. This Charge I first receiv'd from the late Vizir Azem, Mahomet, and it has been since renew'd with fresh Instructions from others of Great Authority. They all tell me with much Assurance, That one chief End of my being plac'd here, is, that being
out of the Limits of the Ottoman Empire, yet holding a constant Intelligence, I may freely and without Fear, reprove the Vices and en∣courage the Virtues of the Greatest Governors and Princes among the Mussulmans. Nay, I am threat'ned with Punishment and the Sultan's Displeasure, if I neglect any Oppor∣tunity of this Nature, or appear Partial and Timorous in my Reprehensions.
For, it seems, this is judged the most rea∣dy and effectual Method, to reform the Cor∣ruptions that are crept into Court, Camp, and City: Since every Man is oblig'd to commu∣nicate the Letters which he receives from me: And they are all Registred by thy Care: Whereby the Grandees are compell'd, either to live within the Limits of Justice, and their Duty, or else to be the Discoverers of their own Faults: Which will unavoidably bring them into Disgrace, if not to the Loss of their Liberty and Lives; or at least put them to the Expence of costly Presents, to make their Attonement. And, thou knowest, some Men would almost as willingly part with their Lives, as their Money, which is their God.
After all this, I hope thou wilt not be di∣spleased, if I perform my Duty. It is not for me to be frightned with Menaces, or soft∣ned with Bribes. My Integrity is Proof a∣gainst the Pride of the one, and Baseness of the other. Yet I have a great Esteem for the Trea∣surer and thee, with other Ministers who are my Friends. I could, to serve such, freely hazard my Liberty, Fortune, and any Thing
but my Honour, which I value at a far higher Rate than my Life.
Thou may'st Register it for a Truth, That an English Embassador was in the 6th. Moon of this Year, murder'd by Villains in his Chamber at Madrid, the Capital City of Spain. There has been also a Great Battle fought in Scotland, between the Army of that Nation, who maintain their King's Interest, and the Forces of the New English Common-Wealth; wherein the Latter obtain'd a Signal Victory, having kill'd Three Thousand on the Spot, taken Nine Thousand Prisoners, Fifteen Thou∣sand Arms, Two Hundred Ensigns, and all their Cannon and Baggage. These are Pro∣sperous Beginnings of that Republick, and re∣dound much to the Honour of the English General, Oliver, whom every Body extols for a Gallant Man. And I can assure thee, these Western Nations are not barren of He∣ro's.
Principal Scribe of the Mussulmans, I wish thy Heart may be a Transcript of the Best Copies.
Paris, 1st. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1650.
THese Tartars, of whom I spake to thee in my last, are a strange Sort of People in their Manner of Life. But we must not censure 'em, because we are of Kin. I speak not of my self: For, though I am an Arab, yet the greatest part of those who serve in the Armies of the Grand Signior, are descended from the Crims. I mean, the Spahi's and Ti∣mariots. Thou know'st the Originals of these Military Orders, and that they are more Ho∣nourable than the Janizaries; who being Strangers by Blood, are brought up to the Lure of the Seraglio. They know neither Father nor Mother, (I speak of the Tributary Youths) nor have they any Partial Fondness for their Native Country. They are Educa∣ted in a perfect Resignation to the Grand Sig∣nior, and his Chief Ministers: Yet often dis∣obey both, and not seldom put 'em in Ha∣zard of their Lives. How many Vizirs, have been sacrificed to a cunning Janizar-Aga; who to prevent his own Ruine, has tempted those under his Command to Mutiny, and accept of no Attonement for their pretended Grie∣vances,
less than the Life of the First Deputy. The Rigid Fate of Sultan Osman, Uncle to our present Sovereign, will not be forgot by those who love the Ottoman Family better than these Bastard-Hectors. Shall the Empire of True Believers, be ruin'd by Renegades? Besides, their Discipline is extreamly corrup∣ted; they marry, and follow Mechanick Trades, repugnant to the Austere Manners of the Primitive Guards, who were wholly attentive to Martial Exercises.
Were this to come to the Hands of a Jani∣zary, he would curse me to the Pains which have neither Medium nor End. Yet I had once a Friend of that Order, Cassim Hali, the Chief Aga, a brave Man, and of the same Sentiments as my self. He sought to reform that Disor∣derly Militia, but was oppos'd by the Wise Men in Power. He wou'd freely have sacrific'd his own Grandeur and Interest, for the Good of the Mussulman Empire; but was over-aw'd by those, who had no other Interest, but in its Ruine.
Thou know'st who I mean; Neither am I a Stranger to the Heroick Bravery of the Faith∣ful Solyman, when he bearded the Bostangi A∣ga on that Account. That Gardiner was of the Faction, being the Son of a Janizany, and train'd up in all the Practices of the Seditious. It makes me asham'd, when I hear the Infi∣dels upbraid the Wisest of the Wise, the Su∣preme Monarch on Earth with Folly, for per∣mitting this Insolent and Mutinous Soldiery, to continue in the Empire. And I tremble
to think, That one Time or other, the Re∣nown'd Off-spring of Ertogriel, will owe its Ruine and Catastrophe, to these Disloyal Vi∣pers, whom it cherishes in the Seraglio.
Much more assur'd is the French King, of his Guard of Switzers; whose Fidelity was never stain'd, with the least Infamous Brand of Perfidiousness, in taking up Arms against their Master, whose Bread they eat. These are Mercenary Soldiers, who travel out of their Native Country, to serve Foreign Prin∣ces; and will shed the last drop of their Blood, rather than betray their Trust. Therefore they are admitted into the Palaces, and nigh the Bed Chambers of the Pope, and the King of France, with full Confidence of their Va∣lour and Integrity.
As for their Country, it is barren and poor, consisting chiefly of Rocks and Desarts: Which occasions the Youth, who are generally very strong and hardy, to seek their Subsistence A∣broad, by serving in the Guards and Armies of Neighbouring Monarchs and States.
Some Regiments of the Switzers, now serve in the Wars of Candy, under the Stan∣dard of Venice.
There are Vessels arriv'd lately in some of the French Harbours, which bring News of the Ill Success of our Arms in the Siege of Candia, the Chief City of that Island. They talk, as if above Two Thousand Mussulmans were blown up in the Ninth Moon; and that Chusaein Bassa, discourag'd by this Loss, and with the Inconveniencies of the approach∣ing
Winter, was forc'd to raise the Siege, in the Moon of October.
The French magnify the Valour of the Knights of Malta, who signaliz'd themselves by many brave Actions, during this Siege. And if all be true, that is related of these Christian Champions, we cannot in common Justice deny 'em their due Character, and number some of them at least among the He∣roes.
Otherwise, we shou'd come short of these Western Nazarenes in Generosity, who with no less honourable Expressions, extol the re∣peated Courage, and Invincible Constancy of the Illustrious Chusaein, and the Alacrity of all the Mussulman Soldiers, in the Service of our Great Master.
Yet they cannot forbear reflecting on the Cowardise of the Janizaries; who after that fatal Blow, had they stoutly maintain'd their other Posts, that brave Bassa wou'd not so soon have quitted the Siege of this Important Place.
As for other News, I have little to acquaint thee with, save a seeming Calm at present in this Kingdom of France, which has for the greatest Part of the Year, been harrass'd with Civil Discords and Slaughters. Bourdeaux, the Chief City which held out against the King, is now reduc'd to Obedience, the pa∣cify'd Monarch retir'd, and an Appearance of Peace.
The Queen of Sueden, we hear, was solemn∣ly Crown'd in the Tenth Moon of the last
Year, having declar'd for her Successor, Carolus Gustavus, Prince-Palatine, and her Cou∣sin.
In the same Moon, died the Prince of O∣range; and soon after, the Count d' Avaux, a French Grandee, and Minister of State.
In the mean Time, I rejoice to hear, that my old Friends are Alive and Flourishing; and, that the Knot is not loosen'd, which was ty'd in our Youth. May it continue firm, to the Day of the Earthquake, and to a Term Ʋnlimited.
Paris, 29th. of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1651.
IN the Name of God and his Prophet, what Occasion hadst thou to send me such an an∣gry Letter? Thou that art thy self but a Slave, as I am, to the Slaves of him, whose Throne is above the Flight of the Eagle! Dost thou think to frighten Mahmut into a sordid Com∣pliance with thy Ambition, whom Nothing can terrify, so long as he preserves himself free from any Stain of Disloyalty? I tell thee,
I'm another Achilles, Invulnerable all over, save the Soles of my Feet, which are the Em∣blems of our most tender Affections. There thou may'st wound me, with the soft Ar∣rows of pretended Friendship. But if once thou appearest, with the Naked Face of an Enemy, I'm presently on my Guard.
Thou accusest me of many Crimes, where∣of I was never Guilty; loadest me with a Thousand undeserved Reproaches, and all to vent thy Choler: Threatning me with Revenge, because I once excus'd the Lateness of my Ad∣dress to Minezim Aluph Bassa, then newly Vested by our Munificent Sultan, by laying the Blame on the Badness of the Ways, or the Insolence of Soldiers by whom the Posts are often intercepted in Time of War: or, in Fine, on thy Neglect in not supplying me with more early Intelligence. Wherein 'tis easie to discern, That thou wert the last I wou'd accuse to that Minister, though thou wert Principally in the Fault. For I was after∣wards inform'd, That the Posts were neither retarded by any Impassable Roads, or stopp'd by the Orders of Military Men, but arriv'd here at their accustom'd Seasons. Where∣fore thou hast no Reason to be offended at me, unless it be for the Shortness of my Ac∣cusation, and that it was defective in Malice.
Thou wouldst take it ill, if in my own Defence I shou'd complain to the Vizir Azem, of thy frequent Neglects in this Kind. But I scorn to vindicate my self, at the Price of a∣nother Man's Disgrace and Peril. Onely I
advise thee, to forbear threatning. It is a Re∣flection on thy Prudence, to menace a Man who has no other Resentments of thy Passion, than to own himself oblig'd to thee, for so open a Discovery of it. Woud'st have the very Spleen of my Humour? I smile at thee. Thou hast made me as Jocund as Democritus. If thou know'st not who I mean; He was a pleasant sort of a Philosopher, to whom all Hu∣man Actions, were Objects of Mirth. There was another Whining Sage, that perpetually Wept. The most Comical Passages, and such as mov'd all Men to Laughter, drew Floods of Tears from his Eyes. His Name was He∣raclitus. It is hard to determine, which of these Two was in the Right. But I think I am not much in the Wrong, to be a little pleasant with thee. Perhaps, it may put thee into a better Humour. However, I wou'd not have thee be displeas'd with thy self, for being of so peevish a Disposition. 'Tis observ'd, That Passionate Men are always best Natur'd, and free from secret Malice. Choler is as necessary as our Blood. Without the Lat∣ter, we cou'd not live; and if we were void of the Former, our Lives wou'd be as Ʋna∣ctive, as that of Snails and Oysters. We shou'd be absolute Drones.
Hippocrates, the famous Physician, says, This Complexion is the most Noble of all the Four, transforming Men to Heroes, and re∣fining our Earthly Mold, to a Constitution like that of the Immortal Gods; whose Bodies, according to the Poets, consist wholly of an Ethereal Flame.
Therefore be not discouraged, neither re∣pine at a Temper, which ranks thee among those, to whom Sacrifices are made. On the other Side, take it not amiss from Mahmut, if he tells thee, he has not Devotion enough, to become thy Voluntary Victim.
Yet if I cannot be so Obsequious, as to throw my self away, by acknowledging Crimes where∣in I was never concern'd, and for which I have a Natural Abhorrence; rest satisfy'd at least, That I will serve thee as far as I can, without entrenching on the Duty I owe to the Grand Signior. And be assur'd, I will do thee no Harm, so long as thou observest that Rule.
In fine, I advise thee to order thy Steps, like a Man that is walking in the Bogs of E∣gypt, where if he observe the Track of those who have gone before him, he may be safe; but if his Foot slips, he Sinks in the Mire. Such is the Life of Courtiers.
Paris, 18th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year 1651.
IN the Beginning of the last Year I sent thee a Dispatch, wherein I acquainted thee with the Imprisonment of Three Princes of the Roy∣al Blood of France. Now thou shalt receive the News of their Liberty.
They were releas'd by an Order from the King, on the 13th. Day of this Moon, and arriv'd in this City on the 16th, which was Yesterday, attended by a numerous Cavalcade, consisting of some Princes, divers of the No∣bility and Gentry, and one wou'd think, of Half the Citizens of Paris. Even those who triumph'd last Year, and made Bonfires for their Confinement; Yesterday throng'd out of the City, to welcome them Home with Acclamations of Joy, and to congratulate their Release. So fickle and inconstant a Thing is the Multitude, driven hither and thither, with every Artificial Declaration of Statesmen or Pretence of Faction.
But there were divers Princes and Noble∣men, who from the First Hour of their being seiz'd, resolv'd not to leave a Stone unturn'd, to procure their Freedom. The Grandees that were their Friends, retir'd to their Go∣vernments, and rais'd Rebellions in the Provin∣ces. All the Kingdom was harass'd with Ci∣vil Wars. The Parliaments decreed against
the Court: And there wanted not Cabals of Seditious Courtiers, even in the Palace of the King, to undermine the Royal Authority; which the Cardinal Minister thought to esta∣blish, by the Imprisonment of the Princes. In all Places, the King's Interest ran Retro∣grade.
Thou wilt not wonder at this when thou shalt know, that the Princes of France are not Slaves to the King, like the Bassa's of the most Serene Empire, who owe all their Great∣ness, to the sole Favour of our Munificent Sultans. These Princes, enjoy all that and more by Inheritance, which our Grandees acquire only by their Merits, and the Smiles of their Sovereign. Hence it is, that their In∣terest is rivetted in the Hearts of the People, who revere the Blood Royal, in whatsoever Channels it runs.
Therefore thinking Men blame the Car∣dinal's Conduct in this Affair; saying, There was neither Justice nor Policy in it. Indeed, if a Mans Wit is to be measur'd by the Success of his Contrivances, the Censure of these People is true. For the Cardinal seems to have made a Trap for himself.
As soon as he perceived the King was prevail'd on by the Importunity of his Uncle, the Duke of Orleans, and the Parliament of Paris, to release the Princes, and that they had at the same Time earnestly begg'd of him, that this Mi∣nister might be remov'd from the Court; he sud∣denly pack'd up his Moveables, and with-drew privately towards the Place, where the Prin∣ces
were Confin'd: Hoping, that though he had lost his First Point, yet he might make an indifferent After-Game, by going in Person to the Royal Prisoners, and assuring them, 'twas to him they ow'd their Release; since it was in his Power to carry 'em away with him, as also those who brought 'em the King's Mandate. For, he travell'd not without a considerable Guard.
'Tis said, the Princes receiv'd him with seeming Compliments and Addresses of Ci∣vility; promising their Friendship to the Cardinal, now a Voluntary Exile, and in a worse Condition than themselves.
It is very strange that so great a Minister, who Inherited all that Absolute Power, which his Predecessor Richlieu had at this Court, should thus on a sudden abandon his Fortune. But it is thought, he is not gone to pick Straws.
However, he has by this timely Flight, a∣voided the Displeasure of seeing himself com∣pell'd to depart by an Arrest of Parliament, which was publish'd within Two Days after he was gone; commanding him to depart the Kingdom, within Fifteen Days.
The Wise Minister, foresaw this Disgrace approaching, and therefore thought it more becoming his Honour, to depart of his own Accord: Having still the Advantage, to re∣proach the State with Ingratitude, in that they have reduced to such Streights, the Man by whose Auspicious Conduct, France had been elevated to an Extraordinary Grandeur in Europe.
By this thou mayst comprehend, Illustrious Bassa, that there is no Stability in Human Greatness; but that the Wheels of a Courtier's Life, run through Ʋnequal Tracks, often sticking in the Mire of the Valley, and not seldom threatning to overthrow a Man, and cast him Headlong from the Precipice of a Mountain. Against these Inconstant Turns of Fortune, I advise thee to be arm'd with Moderation; since no Man can avoid his Destiny.
Paris, 14th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1651.
I Am glad to hear thou art alive. Thy Let∣ter came in a good Hour; for I bear a true Affection to those of my Blood, and have been particularly anxious for thee these many Years. The Sun has Nine Times measur'd the Twelve Signs of the Zodiack, since I received thy last Letter before this, or heard any News of thee. It seems, thou hast travell'd a great Part of the Earth, during that Time.
'Twas kindly done of thee, to remember thy Sick Ʋncle's Request, when thou wert at Aleppo, in making Oblations for his Health
to Sheigh Bonbac, the Santone; and distri∣buting Corban to the Poor, in Honour of Syn∣tana Fissa.
Thou hast sent me a large and satisfactory Account of thy Observations in Asia: Yet I am sorry, thou hadst not Time to penetrate into the Religion and Secrets of the Indian Bramins. I am more ambitious, to pry into the Wisdom and Learning of those Philosophers, than into any other Species of Knowledge what∣soever. Methinks, 'tis pity the Records of so vast an Antiquity, shou'd be conceal'd from the Rest of the World, and onely known to those Happy Priests. I protest, 'tis impossi∣ble for me to think of it without Envy. But perhaps, it is the Will of Heaven, to lock up those Mysteries in the Remotest Provinces of the East, as a Reward of their Constancy, in adhering to the Traditions of their Fathers, which know no Origin; and as a Reproach to all other Nations, who in Matters of Reli∣gion, have been Mutable as the Winds.
I have convers'd with several Jesuits and others, who have been in the Indies; but they seem to relate all Things Partially, out of a Natural Aversion for the Manners of the East: And I knew not how to disprove 'em, till my Brother Pestelihali undeceived me. He has al∣so visited those Parts, and resided a conside∣rable Time in China. It is a difficult Thing for a Traveller, to keep himself within the Bounds of Truth in his Relations; but, I be∣lieve, he has not exceeded. Thy Journal, touches but lightly the Indian Affairs, not
having Leisure, as thou tellest me, to observe much. However, thou hast made Amends in thy Relations of Persia, Tartary, and the Land of the Curds.
I depend much on thy Promise of sending me a Journal of thy Travels in Africk. To that Quarter of the World, I am much a Stran∣ger; not having met with any Authentick Relation, of the Regions in the South.
It seems, thou hast been in Aethiopia, Ly∣bia, Egypt; and, in Fine, all over the Tor∣rid Zone.
Historians tell Wonderful Things of these Parts. Herodotus mentions a Sort of People in Africk, whose Bodies were more Venomous than Serpents. These affronted once at the Winds, for driving the Sands of Lybia into their Country, and filling up all their Wells and Streams, enter'd into a War against the Kingdom of Aeolus; but the South Wind met 'em in their March, and bury'd 'em under Mountains of Dust.
I do not represent this to thee as a Truth, though related by that Learn'd Grecian. Thou mayst repute it for a Fable, as I do. But let this Passage be a Hint, that I expect from thee none but Solid Remarks.
It wou'd please me to be assur'd of one Thing, which perhaps thou hast heard of when thou wast in Barbary. Very credible Authors report, that when the Phoenicians were ex∣pell'd by the Israelites, and driven into this Corner of Africk, they set up Two Pillars of Marble, whereon they Engrav'd these Words,
as a Lasting Monument of their Expulsion,
WE ARE A REMNANT OF THOSE, WHO FLED FROM THE FACE OF JOSHUA, THE ROBBER, THE SON OF NUN.
The First Invention of Ships, is by some ascrib'd to these People, whom Necessity taught to seek Rest on the Unquiet Ocean; since the more Turbulent Sons of Jacob, wou'd not permit them to enjoy any Repose on the Land, having harass'd 'em from one Place to another, till at length they drove 'em to the very Borders of the Earth. But, thou know'st, the Chineses pretend to the Ʋse of Ships, ma∣ny Thousand Years before this Depredation of the Israelites. Every Nation aims to be esteem'd the most Ancient. And when there was formerly a Dispute between the Egypti∣ans and Scythians on this Point, it was ad∣justed in Favour of the Latter; but the Chro∣nologies of the Chinese and Indians, far oxceed all others in the World. For they seem to out-strip Time it self in Antiquity; at least, they transcend the Common Date of the World's Creation.
I have heard a Traveller assert, That as he was journeying through the Desarts of Lybia, he discover'd an Altar of Stone, with this In∣scription on it, in Grecian Characters,
I PO∣LYSTRATUS OF ATHENS, HAVE CONSECRATED THIS ALTAR, TO ALL THAT IS GOOD IN HE AVEN; AND IF THAT ALL BE BƲT ONE, AS SOME SAY,
MAY THAT ONE ACCEPT MY VOWS.
I desire thee to inform me, Whether thou hast ever seen or heard of such an Altar, when thou wert in those Parts. You Travellers, must expect this Kind of Trouble from your Friends. Every Body is Naturally Inquisi∣tive, and Desirous of Knowledge.
'Twill be acceptable also, to send me an Ab∣stract of the Present State of Fez. I should be glad to hear of the Health of Abdel Melee Muli Omar, the Superiour of the Magnifi∣cent Colledge in that City, built by Al' Habu Ennor, King of the Country. They say, it cost him Two Hundred and Forty Thousand Sequins.
'Tis added, That in Fez there is a Mosque, near Half a League in Circuit: In which are as many Gates, as there be Days in the Revo∣lution of a Moon. And that the Number of the Pillars which support it, is equal to the Year of the Hegira wherein it was Founded; being encompass'd also, by Seventeen High Minarets; besides Innumerable Domes and Te∣rasses. Having also 900 Lamps burning in it by Night, and 300 Windows to let in the Light of the Day. The Revenue of this fa∣mous Mosque, is said to be 36500 Sequins a Year. They relate many other things of Fez, and the Provinces belonging to it. Of all which, I desire thee to send me a Distinct Account.
I had almost forgot one Passage, which I have read in the Ancients, concerning a cer∣tain
subtle African, whose Name was Psa∣phon. This Man had train'd up a Parrot, to repeat very frequently these Words, Psa∣phon is a Great God. When the Bird had per∣fectly learn'd his Lesson, he let it loose; which being accustom'd to a Domestick Life in a Cage, fled not presently to the Fields, but perch'd on the Temple of the Town, where it was heard by the People, to utter the afore∣said Sentence aloud, and very often. They Ignorant of the Quality of Parrots, and led with Native Superstition, esteem'd it an Oracle from Heaven. Wherefore immedi∣ately flocking to the House of Psaphon, they offer'd Sacrifice to him, and in all Respects treated him as a Divinity.
Whether this Story be true or no, 'tis cer∣tain, Idolatry had no better Foundation, than Artifice and Lyes: Unless we shall conclude with the Poet, That Fear made the First Gods in the World. Cousin, let there be a frequent Intercourse between us. It will be profitable to thee and me.
Paris, 5th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1651.
'TIS a Custom in the Court of Rome, that every Nation of the West, has a Protector among the Cardinals there, who are Princes of the Roman Church. Such I esteem thee, in the most Exalted Court of the East.
Arabia gave thee thy first Breath: But thy own Merits have lifted thee up to the Dignity of a Bassa, a Prince of the Ottoman Empire, whose Limits far exceed those of Modern, or even of Ancient Rome.
'Tis from hence, our Countrymen address to thee, as to their Patron; using thy Power and Mediation with the Grand Signior, in all their Necessities.
Among the Rest, wonder not that the humblest of thy Slaves, Mahmut, the Son of thy Father's Neighbour, falls at thy Feet, in a Time of great Distress; in the Agonies of his Spirit, the Hazard of his Fortune, and Peril of his Honour, which he values more than his Life.
I complain not of the many repeated A∣buses and Contempts I have receiv'd from some in the Seraglio, to whom it belongs not, to meddle with Things out of their Sphere, much less to discourage the Faithful Agents and Missioners of the Grand Signior. Yet the Persecutions I have felt from their Hands, are such as wou'd drive another Man, less patient of Injuries, either to Revenge or Despair.
They have vilify'd all my Conduct in this Station; reproach'd my best Actions, with the odious Characters of Imprudence and Dis∣loyalty; and misrepresented the smallest Pec∣cadillo's (for which also, I have the Mufti's Dispensation) under the Ignominious Title of Infidelity and Atheism. In a Word, they thirst after my Blood: Nothing will satisfy their greedy Malice, but my Life.
I never was afraid to die, since I perfect∣ly understood what it is to live. Nor can I be fond of protracting my Breath, when my Great Master shall please to call for a Surrender of it, for whose Service onely it was given me. But it would render the Scene of my Death Tragical, and strew my Passage into the Other World with Thorns, to be sent out of This, under the Notion of a Traytor, who have acted my Part, without a real Blemish.
Ikingi, that Learn'd Tutor of the Royal Pages, was the first that broach'd this Enmity against me; (for I have forgot the Prevarica∣tion of Shashim Istham, the Black Eunuch, since the Time he acknowledg'd his Fault with much Candor and Ingenuity.) 'Twas that Athenian Sophist, who debauch'd the Integrity of my Cousin Solyman; and perswa∣ded the Unwary Youth, to enter into a Con∣spiracy against his Uncle. But I reprehended my Kinsman's Folly in one Letter; and his Answer, though late, convinc'd me, That he was not guilty of Malice, so much as of Rashness and Credulity. I was extream∣ly oblig'd to the Kaimacham, for his Be∣nignity
and Friendship in this Affair. The good old Minister had a real Kindness for me, and took no small Pains to penetrate into the Causes of my Cousin's eager Passion, and Ma∣lice against me. At length he found it to be only the Practices of Ikingi, who took Ad∣vantage of Solyman's Temper, equally Loyal and Flexible; insinuated into his Youthful Mind, Monstrous Idea's of me; and, in fine, set him a railing at me with a fierce kind of Liberty, wherever he came. The wise Bassa soon open'd my Kinsman's Eyes; brought him to his Sense; and the Issue of all was, that Solyman writ me a Letter of Apolo∣gy.
But since this, the Master of the Pages has laid new Trains for me, and drawn a great many more to his Party. He has corrupted Mustapha Guir, an Eunuch, and Page to the Old Queen; with whom I once held a Cor∣respondence, and, as I thought, had contra∣cted a Familiarity and Friendship. But, it seems, it was only an Appearance, without Reality. I could give thee a long List of those, whom this Academick has taught to slander Mahmut: But I will not appear so Revenge∣ful. Besides, this is not the only Grievance of which I complain.
Shall I remonstrate to thee, most Excellent and Serene Bassa, the true Cause of my Un∣easiness? I am weary of living among Infi∣dels. Favour me with thy Assistance and In∣tercession, that I may have leave to retire from this Place, and vindicate my self before the
Faces of my Enemies. And having had that Honour, rend'ring also a just Account of the Affairs wherewith I am entrusted, I may visit my Native Country, and spend the Residue of my Days in Arabia, the Scene of all our Prophet's Great Actions; the Place where I first drew my Breath. I languish for the A∣romatick Air of Admoim, the Crystal Foun∣tains, and Cooler Shades of that Happy Pro∣vince. I long to see the Groves which encom∣pass the Village of my Nativity, the Turrets of thy Father's House, and the Mosque of Hasen the Prophet. For, tho' I took no No∣tice of these Things in my Infancy; yet ha∣ving once seen 'em in my Riper Years, when I were able to make more lasting Reflections, I shall never forget these delightful Objects, so long as I live.
If this be an Infirmity, pardon it, Illu∣strious Arab, since it is Natural to all Men. Thou thy self, hast enjoy'd the Pleasure of revisiting that sweet Region: Pity Mah∣mut, who burns with Desire to taste the same.
Or, if this shall be thought too great an In∣dulgence, to the poor Exil'd Mahmut; yet it will be easy for thee, who art a Favourite, to obtain of the Grand Signior, that I may at least be recall'd from this Employ∣ment, and some body else substituted in my Place. There are those among my Enemies, who are Ambitious of the Fatigue; and I∣kingi, my Old Friend, would exchange all the Honours he is possess'd of in the Seraglio,
for this Obscure, yet Hazardous Post. 'Tis Pity but such a Man's Thirst of Perils, should be gratify'd.
But if after all that I have said, my Supe∣riours shall think it expedient to continue me here, I am resign'd: Only desiring, that from henceforth my Slanderers may be su∣spected, as Men ill affected to the Sublime Port, for traducing a Man that has waded through a Thousand Difficulties, Temptati∣ons and Perils; and serv'd the Ottoman Em∣pire in this Station, fourteen Years, without making a false Step, or Transgressing the least Point of his Instructions.
I hear that Chusaein Bassa, is made Vizir Azem. The French have a very great Opini∣on of his Valour. They are generally Impar∣tial Criticks in Martial Affairs, scorning to deny a Brave Enemy his Due Character.
We are at present barren of other News, save a New Arrest of Parliament against Cardinal Mazarini, and all his Kindred and Creatures; whereby they are declared Enemies to the State, and charg'd with a long Ca∣talogue of Crimes, whereof perhaps they were never Guilty.
Here are also some flying Reports of the Cardinal's Death: who, they say, has poy∣son'd himself for Grief of his ill Success in this Court. But I esteem this, only as the Froth of his Enemies Malice, who really wish him Dead; and, to discourage his Friends, give it out that he is so.
Serene Bassa, I commit my Affairs to thy Protection, beseeching thee, to do the Office of a Countryman and a Friend, to the be∣tray'd for God.
Paris, 26th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1651.
I Am not much above Forty Three Years Old, yet have seen Great Changes in the World, mighty Revolutions in Kingdoms and States, and the Death of many Sovereign Mo∣narchs, Illustrious Generals, and Wise States∣men. Doubtless, all Sublunary Things, are subject to Vicissitude. There appears Nothing Constant and Settled, but the Heavens and Stars. They indeed persevere in their Immu∣table Courses, never change their Orbs, nor start from their Eternal Posts. The Sun rises and sets at his accustom'd Hours, and the Moon exactly observes the determin'd Periods of her Encrease and Wane; These vary on∣ly, as the Seasons of the Year, with Exqui∣site
Regularity, and Constant Returns.
But here below, there is an Universal Trans∣migration and Metempsychosis of States, and Forms of Things: A Perpetual Flux and Re∣flux of Human Events. Men die hourly, and others are hourly born to supply their Places. One Age treads close upon the Heels of ano∣ther. And we who live at present, as we walk in the Steps of our Fathers, so shall we follow them down to the Grave, where our Flesh by a new Metamorphosis, shall be turn'd into the Bodies of Worms, Insects and Serpents: And what shall become of our Souls, is Uncertain.
I was born in the Reign of Sultan Achmet, from whom our present Sovereign is the Sixth Emperour, that has ascended the Glorious Throne of the Ottomans. May God grant him a Long Life, and a Series of Years bless'd with Continual Health, and Victory over his Ene∣mies. I pray Heaven also, to perpetuate thy New Office, to the last Period of the Sultan's Life; and in wishing this, I say all that can be expected.
But when I reflect on the frequent and bloody Tragedies, that have been acted in the Seraglio since I can remember, and the many Sacrifices that have been made of Sul∣tan's, Vizir's, Bassa's, and Principal Mini∣sters of State, besides the Massacres and But∣cheries of Meaner Persons; It makes me me∣lancholy, amidst the Joys I conceive for thy late Exaltation; and fills me with Fears, lest my good Wishes to the Grand Signior and Thee, who art his Right Hand, shou'd by
some sinister Decree of Fate, be almost as soon disannull'd as pronounc'd. I pray Hea∣ven avert my melancholy Presages.
The Death of the Old Queen (the News of which is lately arriv'd at this Court) does but revive and encrease my Apprehension, of Greater Tragedies to come: Because one Act of Cruelty, still propagates another. Re∣venge is Prolifick, and Mischief is never at a Stand. 'Tis true indeed, as it is not decent to insult o'er the Ashes of Illustrious Persons; so neither has a Loyal Mussulman, any great Reason to mourn for the Fall of a Woman, by whose Connivance her Royal Son, and our late Great Master, Sultan Ibrahim, fell a Sa∣crifice to the Mufti's Indignation. 'Twas an Unnatural Part in a Mother: And we may say, the Divine Justice has overtaken her, in making her Grandson sign the Warrant for her Death, with the Consent of that very Mufti, at whose Instigation she had con∣sented to the Murder of his Father.
Yet after all, may not she have left behind her a Party in the Seraglio, or at least in the State, who will study to revenge her Fall; or, however, do some Mischief to prevent their own? Let me not seem to contradict my own Arguments; and whilst I plead against Revenge and Cruelty, appear an Advocate for those Inhuman Passions. I do not men∣tion the surviving Creatures of this Unhappy Queen, to excite in thee, false Sentiments of Justice, suspicious Chimaera's of a possible Con∣spiracy, and so stimulate thee to punish them
by Anticipation, for Crimes of which per∣haps they never will be Guilty. I rather sug∣gest these Things, that after so many Trage∣dies in the Royal Family, a Stop may be now put to future Mischiefs; lest, whilst Men pur∣sue a particular and self-Interess'd Revenge, the Contagion shou'd spread, and Cruelty be∣come Universal, and Infinite.
Let it suffice, that no less than Three of our Sultans, have been Depos'd and Strangl'd within these Thirty Years: Not to mention the Deluge of Royal Blood, that has over∣flow'd the Private Chambers of the Seraglio, the Prisons of the Ottoman Princes Brothers, or Sons to the Emperours formerly Reigning.
These were Barbarous Cures of untimely Jea∣lousies; and it is Pity that such Royal Massa∣cres, shou'd ever be repeated again. Why shou'd the Posterity of Ottoman, be in this Regard the only Ʋnfortunate Princes on Earth? Were it not much more Noble, and equally Wise, to take the Measures of Aethi∣opian Policy, where, to prevent Sedition and Discords about Succession, the Princes of the Blood are confin'd indeed, but to a very Plea∣sing Liberty: Whilst they have Palaces, Parks, and Large Fields at Command; are serv'd by a Princely Train, and deny'd no Lawful Pleasures, within the Pale of their Restraint: For there is an exceeding high Mountain in the Country, the Top of which is very Spacious, containing large Tracts of Ground, many beau∣tiful Seraglio's, furnish'd with whatsoever can contribute to the Enjoyment of these Princes, or
at least to compensate for their Want of grea∣ter Liberty. This Mountain, is environ'd with a high and strong Wall, having but one En∣trance, and that guarded by Soldiers; so that no Man can go in or out, who has not the Emperor's Warrant, or at least a Permission from the Prime Minister of State: For he, upon the Death of the Emperor, immediate∣ly calls a Council of the Supreme Officers, who from among these Imprison'd Princes, chuse him whom they think most worthy to suc∣ceed. The rest, who never felt the Appetite to Reign (for they are carry'd to this Place in their Infancy, and kept in perpetual Igno∣rance of State-Affairs) pass away their Time without Envy, or repining at the Exaltation of their Brother. Addicting themselves whol∣ly to the Innocent Delights of that Rural Life, or to the Study of Books, whereof they have great Plenty in their Libraries, and those al∣together treating of Matters of Divine or Na∣tural Speculation. Whereby, though they know nothing of State-Artifices, and Intrigues of Courts, yet they become able Philosophers, and vers'd in all the Liberal Sciences.
Wou'd to God our Ottoman Princes (I mean the Younger Brothers) had but half this Liberty granted them. Then the Infidels wou'd have no reason to call the Exalted Port, a Nest of Vulturs.
But we must not find Fault with the Acti∣ons of our Sovereigns, though they tend to the Scandal and Ruine of the Mussulman Em∣pire. Yet I know to whom I write these Things; having often heard thee declaim a∣gainst
this Barbarous Custom, of shutting up the Royal Off-spring in a Dungeon, without Light or Comfort during their Lives; which many Times are also Cruelly shorten'd, by the Hands of the Executioner.
But, turning our Eyes from the Tragedies of the East, let us fix 'em on the Affairs of the Nazarenes in the West.
The chief Discourse at present is, about a Marriage lately solemniz'd between the Em∣perour of Germany, and the Dutchess of Man∣tua. She is his Third Wife successively; for Polygamy is not allow'd, even to the Sove∣reigns, in these Parts, where the Priests bear all the Sway.
The Posts from Sueden inform us, of the Death of General Torstenson, of whose Exploits in Germany thou hast often heard. That Em∣pire is very Unfortunate, spending its Time and Vitals, in Unprofitable Assemblies and Con∣sults, whilst her Active Enemies, take whole Provinces from her with Ease: But this need not grieve Us.
Great Atlas of the Mussulman Empire, I wish thee the Continence of Scipio, the For∣tune of Alexander, and the Temperance of Ca∣to; who when he was marching through the Sands of Lybia with his Army, all ready to expire with Thirst, and one of his Soldiers brought him his Helmet full of Water, as a rare present in that General Distress gratify'd the Soldier for his Gift, but spilt the Water on the Ground, saying, That since there was not enough to satisfy the Whole Army, he
wou'd not taste a Drop, and that he was Un∣worthy to be a General, who wou'd not en∣dure as much Hardship as the meanest Soldier.
Paris, 26th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1651.
PRaise be to God, Lord of the Seven Hea∣vens, and of all that is within their Cir∣cumference: These Western Nazarenes, are always a quarrelling. They are resolved to do their Parts toward the fulfilling the Mus∣sulman Predictions, and those of their own Prophets. It makes me smile, to see these Infidels employing their Arms against each other, contending about Petty Rights and Possessions, whilst they neglect the General Conservation and Defence of Christendom, from the Impetuous Torrents of our Invincible Armies.
The Elector of Brandenburgh, is enter'd in∣to the Dutchy of Mons with considerable Forces, pretending to adjust, I know not what Differences, between those whom they call Catholicks and Protestants.
'Twould be too tedious for a Letter, to run back to the First Original of this War,
and trace it down from above a Hundred Years ago to the present Time. Besides, 'tis of no Import to a Mussulman, to hear a long Story of the Marriages, Deaths, Heirs, and Law-Disputes of these Petty Infidel-Princes. Yet, that thou may'st know something of it, I will relate the whole Business as briefly as I can.
In the Year 1546. William Duke of Mons, Juliers and Cleves, marry'd Mary the Daughter of Ferdinand I. Emperour of Germany, and by this March obtain'd of the Emperour (whom they call Caesar, as they did the Ancient Emperours of Rome, whose Successor he pretends to be) some Privileges, touching the Succession of his Children, and their Right to his Dominions: and particular∣ly, that this vast Estate should not be Divided, but rest in the entire Possession of One Heir-Male, or in Default of that, it should de∣scend to the next Female, which, as I am told, is a Custom in Germany; that so the Grandezza and Authority of Princely Fa∣milies, may be supported.
I will not trouble thee with the Particu∣lars, which would take up a Volume. But in short, it appears, that notwithstanding all the strict Provision that was, or could be made; this great Estate, after it had remain'd Sixty Years Ʋnited, was at Length Divi∣ded between Two Princes, both claiming an Equal Right to the Whole; Yet to pre∣vent Wars, and Effusion of Blood, each was contented with Half. These were Wolf∣gang,
Duke of Newburgh; and Ernest, Mar∣quess of Brandenburgh. In whose Families, the Parted Succession has continued to this Day.
The Occasion of the present Quarrel, is their Difference of Religion; the Duke of Newburgh being a Catholick, and he of Bran∣denburgh a Protestant. It seems, the Branden∣burghers had formerly made Inrodes on those of Mons and Juliers, carrying away Cap∣tive their Priests and Dervises from their Altars and Convents, and detaining them in Servitude, for many Years, contrary to cer∣tain Articles that had been drawn up be∣tween 'em. They also used them with great Cruelty, and committed a Thousand Insolen∣ces on the Roman Imaums, wherever they got 'em in their Power.
Thus their Affairs continu'd, till the late Agreement at Munster. Since which Time, the Duke of Newburgh endeavoured to free his Subjects from their former Calamities, and restore things to their Ancient State.
The Elector of Brandenburgh, making this an Occasion of War, has now invaded the Dominions of the said Duke. He is not gone in Person, but has sent a good Soldier, whom they call Otho Sparr, with Four Thousand Men to begin the Campaign; who, 'tis said, will be follow'd by a greater Army.
But before he took the Field, the Elector of Brandenburgh had an Interview and Con∣ference with the Duke of Saxony about this Affair, who is also a Protestant: So that 'tis
thought, no small Disturbance will arise in the Empire. All Joy and Peace to True Be∣lievers!
He of Brandenburgh, has caus'd a Decla∣ration to be spread abroad full of Specious Pretences, that so his Conquests may be the more easy. He talks of nothing, but resto∣ring the People of Juliers and Mons to their Ancient Liberties and Rights, both in Civil and Religious Matters; promising the fairest Things in the World, to those that obey him, and receive his Armies with Friendship: On the other side, threatning to treat those who resist him, with the utmost Severity that is due to Traytors and Rebels. And all this, for the Sake of Two or Three Insignificant Ceremonies and Opinions, wherein they differ; mere Trifles, Litteral Whimsies, the Sport of their Doctors, the Spawn of Wanton and Luxuri∣ant Brains. For, no greater was the Original Difference between the Lutherans, and those of the Roman Church. One will be sav'd by the Strength of his Phancy, which he calls Faith, without doing any Good Work toward it: The Other toils all his Life-Time to me∣rit Heaven, and thinks he can never do enough to obtain his End. He wears out the Pave∣ment of Churches, and makes the Skin of his Knees like that of a Camel, with perpetual Kneeling, and Praying to Images and Pictures. And after all, they may be both damn'd, for ought I know, for their Ill Lives. They tear and devour one another like Wild Beasts, and think to gain Paradise by their Unnatural Zeal.
The Duke of Newburgh has publish'd a Manifesto against the Proceedings of Bran∣denburgh, and sollicited the Duke of Lorrain's Aid, as also that of Leopold, Arch-Duke of Austria. What will be the Issue, no Man knows; but oft-times, a small Spark kindles great Fires: And it is not impossible, that this little Feud, may set the whole Empire in a Flame.
Mighty Bassa, I pray Heaven bless thee with Peace, Health, and thy due Revenue. If these be not enough to make thee Happy, I wish thee an Encrease of Honours, and all the Glorious Fatigues which Mortals court as their Way to Bliss.
Paris, 20th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1651.
SUspect me not: I have an equal Esteem for thee, as I have for the other Bassa's and Ministers of the Divan. But I find it difficult to please any. They are Captious, and every one wou'd have all my Letters address'd to himself: As if I were plac'd here to serve Particular Interests, and not the Publick. However, I cannot but acknow∣ledge the tacit Honour they do me, in be∣ing so covetous of poor Mahmut's Corre∣spondence. I wish I were in a Condition to be more Partial: Then I would quickly make thee and some others sensible, which are the Persons, for whom I have a peculi∣ar Regard.
But as the Case is at present, I must ob∣serve the Instructions I have receiv'd; and, by Turns, write to All.
Wherein, if I fail of Arithmetical Proporti∣ons, I will make Amends by the Rules of Geometry: If I write but seldom to some, I desire that the Length of my Letters, and Solidity of the Matter, may be accepted as a proper Supplement.
But, thou hast no Reason to complain on this Score, unless it be of thy self, for tra∣velling into Remote Countries, whither I knew not how to follow thee with Letters, or any
other Way. Besides, the former Friendship that has been between us, is a sufficient Counterscarp against all Suspicion of Neglect on my Part, who am a Thousand Times obliged to thee for so many repeated Favours. For the sake of God therefore, and All that is Good, wound my Heart no more with these Undeserv'd Reproaches: But believe stedfastly, That Mahmut can never be un∣grateful and false.
Thy Letter is a Miscellany, of Friendly Complaints and Compliments. Thou gi∣vest me a Character, to which I do not pretend. 'Tis true, indeed, and I thank God and my Good Stars for it, that I was not born Blind, Deaf, or Dumb. Nature gave me my Senses free from any Manifest Defect; and I have an Indifferent good Memory. When I was Young, I had an Inclination to read Books; and Fortune has since fa∣vour'd me, with many Opportunities for that Purpose. But I found the most profita∣ble Study to be, that of MY SELF, to which all the Laborious Pains of the Schools and Academies, serve only as a certain Gra∣dation and Discipline. Nay, without these, a Man may attain all the Knowledge that is Necessary to the Accomplishment of his Na∣ture; For so did the First Philosophers, be∣fore Books or Letters were extant. If thou wilt be perfectly Wise, read the ALCO∣RAN, and the ƲNIVERSE; After that, peruse THYSELF. Thou wilt find, Matter of Wonder and Improvement in
Each; but most of all, in the Last: For, Man is a Medley of all Things.
Were this Lesson well learn'd and practis'd in the Court of France, there wou'd not be so many little Quarrels among these Infidels; or at least, such Petty Originals, wou'd not produce so many Fatal Consequences.
From the first Time the Prince of Conde with his Brothers, were releas'd from their Imprisonment (whereof I have given an Ac∣count to Minezim Aluph) there appear'd much Coldness in the Queen's Reception of 'em, and their Addresses to her. On both sides they were at a Loss, how to behave themselves: For, all their Civilities were forc'd. 'Tis true, there was a Splendid Um∣brage of Reconciliation; but it soon vanish'd. Their suppress'd Passions, discover'd themselves by Degrees, and at length broke out into open Enmity.
The Queen appear'd full of Condescensi∣ons, and Favours: But Young Conde, is as full of his Merits and brave Exploits; remem∣bring what Services, he has done to this Crown. Besides, he is not void of Suspicion and Jealousie, lest all those Excesses of Roy∣al Kindness are strain'd, only to render him more secure, and so entrap him a second Time with greater Advantage. The Horror of his First Imprisonment, is yet fix'd in his Mind; from whence it will not be easy to efface it. Three Principal Servants of the Queen, were Banish'd, to remove his Fears: For, he ima∣gin'd them to be Instruments of Correspon∣dence between the Queen and his old Ene∣my,
Cardinal Mazarini. Yet she publish'd a Declaration, signifying, That the Cardinal should be for ever Banish'd, not only from the Court, but from the Kingdom.
And this Moon, the King being come of Age, invited the Prince to the Ceremonies u∣sual on such Occasions: Which Conde appre∣hended as a Snare, and so fled out of Paris.
The Event of these Emergencies, is yet in the Secret Pages of Destiny: But in all Like∣lyhood, a Civil War will follow. People are whispering, caballing and making Parties on both Sides. All the Powder in Paris, is engrossed and gone; but no body knows by whom. Some say, the Prince is posted into Flanders; others report, that he is retir'd to his own Government, there to raise an Army. The most knowing averr, That wherever he is, he has Two Hundred Thousand Sequins in Bank, to give Life to his New Designs, let them be what they will.
Think not this News of small Importance, Serene Bassa: But when thou hearest of the Civil Wars among Christians, especially in the Realm of France, the First and most Victo∣rious Empire of the West, look on thy Right Hand and on thy Left; for our Holy Prophet, or his Herald, is near at Hand.
Paris, 22d. of the 9th. Moon, the Year 1651.
THou seest, what thy Libertinism has brought on thee. For my Part, I am Sick in reading thy Letter, full of Melancholy, and the worst Kind of Enthusiasm.
Hadst thou follow'd my Advice, or if that be contemn'd, hadst thou but obey'd the Pre∣cepts of thy Father, an honest Man, and one that went down to the Grave in Peace, thou would'st have Liv'd as happily as other Men; but now thou art overwhelm'd with Hypochon∣driack Vapours, and Dreams of a sickly Brain. I counsel thee, to purge thy self with Helle∣bor; for thou hast more Need of that, than of Books. In all my Life, I never heard such Religious Nonsence from a Mussulman, as thy last Letter is stuff'd with.
I have not Patience to make Repetitions, or answer every Particular Whimsie of thine. But in God's Name, what makes thee fright thy self with such a Wrong Notion of Hell? It is a Common Maxim in Nature, That Nothing Violent, is Permanent. Either there∣fore, the Pains of the Damn'd are not Infi∣nitely Intense, or else they are not Eternal in their Duration. Thou wilt say, The Al∣coran it self asserts the Eternity of those Tor∣ments.
But dost thou understand the Figura∣tive Manner of Speech us'd in that Divine Book, and in all our Eastern Writings? Is it not Common to call a very High Mountain, the Mountain of God? As if all the Moun∣tains and Valleys of the Earth, were not e∣qually his. So, to express an Uncertain Length of Time, 'tis Customary to use the Epithet [Eternal.] Thus, we in ordinary Conversation say in Arabia, I love You Eter∣nally, I will serve You, fight for You, &c. E∣ternally; and the same of the Contrary Passions: And yet we all know, we shall live but a few Years.
But, granting that the Alcoran speaks in a Literal Sence; it does not follow, That those Pains are without Intervals of Rest. We read of the Tree Zacon, which grows in the Center of Hell: But who will interpret, what is understood by this Plant?
Cousin, make use of thy Reason; and pra∣ctise the best Things. As for our Condition after this Life, trouble not thy self; for no Man knows, what will become of him when he goes Hence. However, we cannot believe, the Supremely Merciful Delights in Cruelty.
There is a Path, which the Eagle has not winged, nor the Serpent trac'd, though 'tis obvious to both. But their own Rashness blinds them, and they cannot discern the Way of the Wise. There are Men of towring Speculations, and others very Crafty; yet nei∣ther one or 'tother, can grope out the Direct Road to Bliss. If I may advise thee, let Na∣ture
be thy Guide. Do nothing, but what Humanity prompts thee to: 'Tis this alone, distinguishes thee from other Animals. Ho∣nour the Memory of thy deceas'd Parents, love thy Friends, and be generous to thy Enemies: Do Justice to all Men: Observe the Purifi∣cations and Prayers prescrib'd by the Law: But give no Credit to the Fables of Infidels. It is common here among the Christians, to paint Hell with Horrid Flames, and Devils flying up and down with red-hot Prongs, to toss the Damn'd from Fire to Fire. And their Preachers make long and direful Harangues, on the same Subject: When all the while, neither they nor we know, What or Where Hell is, or after what Manner the Wicked shall be Chastis'd.
Only the Illuminated of God have this Standard of Truth; That both our Pains and Pleasures after this Life, shall be Exactly pro∣portion'd to our Vertues and Vices. There is no Malice or Injustice, in the Good Creator of All Things.
Cousin, once again, let thy Sences be a∣wake, and suffer not thy Reason to dream of Things, which have no Existence. For as∣suredly, God is the most Impartial Judge of the Ʋniverse.
Paris, the 22d. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1651.
I Have not the Honour to know thee in Person, but have heard of thy Fame. So Mortals are unacquainted with the Secrets of the Fixed Stars; yet we observe their Lu∣stre and Rank, and the Figure they make in those Remote Worlds.
Thy Exploits among the Curds and Georgians, are not unknown in these Parts. The Franks that travel in the East, have transported hither such a Character of thy Magnanimous Actions, as makes all Men of Honour in Love with thee: And I have conceiv'd a particular Veneration for thy Vertues. May God encrease them with thy Hours, and grant thee a Monopoly of Bliss.
Thou art plac'd in an Eminent Seat, and may'st with Reason be call'd Lord of Lords, as thy Title imports; for thou art Possessor of the Terrestrial Paradise, if we may give. Credit to the Tradition of the Ancients. They tell us, that for a Time Adam dwelt there, with his Second Wife, and that the particular Place of his Abode was an Island, encompass'd with the Rivers Euphrates, Ty∣gris, Pison, and Gihon. From whence it was call'd Mesopotamia by the Greeks; Which
signifies, A Region environ'd with Rivers.
All the West of Asia, have a profound Re∣spect for this Country. And the Jews relate strange Stories of a Tree in Dierbekir, which grew Five Hundred Miles high, in the Days of Adam; which they say, was cut down by an Angel, lest Man, should climb to Heaven by it before his Time. For, it seems, Ambition was a Vice, early as our Nature; and Adam was no sooner sensible that he was a Man, but he aspir'd to be a God, or something like One: So great a Charm there is in Honour and Authority.
They say also, that Abraham was born in this Region. However, 'tis certain, if there be any Certainty in Records and Histories, that he resided there a considerable Time. But thou knowest best, what Traditions thy Subjects have of these Things.
The Chinese and Indians laugh at all this, as a Romance of Later Date, than their Chro∣nicles; which make those Extremities of the East, to be the Stage of the first Mortals. Instead of Adam and Eve, or Alileth, they assert the Names of the Original Parents of Mankind, to be Panzon and Panzona: Whose Off-spring, they say, continu'd Ten Millions of Years; but at length, were all destroy'd from the Earth, by a Tempest from Heaven. After whom, they tell us, God created Lon∣tizam, a Man with Two Horns, each as big and tall as a Tree in that Country, which they call the Plant of God, being the Largest and First of all Vegetables. This Man's
Horns being Prolifick, according to their Tradition; out of the Right, sprang a Thou∣sand Men every Day for a Hundred Years; and as many Women out of the Left, in the same Space. From whom descended all Mortals of both Sexes to this Day; tho' we are much diminish'd in Bulk, through the General Decay of Human Nature. For, these People affirm, That the First Race of Men, were all Gyants: But that through Intem∣perance and other Vices, their Off-spring shrunk by degrees into smaller Dimensions, till at Length they arriv'd at the present Stature, and appear'd like Pigmies in Compa∣rison of the Primitive Sons of Loutizam. In Confirmation of this the Indians shew to Tra∣vellers, some of their Temples hewn out of vast Rocks, with the Images of those Gigantick Men, who they say, were employ'd in the Work. These they honour, as Hero's or Demi-Gods.
I do not relate this for Truth, but only to divert thee, in representing the different O∣pinions of Men. God only knows, how to separate the Truth from Falshood in Histo∣ries.
But to return to Dierbekir: This Country is Famous for the Tower of Babel, built by Nimrod and his Followers; at what Time, the Languages were confounded, as Moses relates. 'Tis Remarkable also, for the Battel fought between the Parthians and Ro∣mans at Harran, and for the Death of Ca∣racalla, the Son of Severus, Emperour of
Rome, who was Murdered by Macrinus, the Roman General. These Emperors were all call'd Caesars, as the Kings of Egypt were call'd Pharaoh's and Ptolomies▪ It seems, the Word Caesar, was first apply'd to Julius the Roman Dictator, for that his Mother dying under the Pains which were to give him Life, her Belly was ript up, and he drawn forth from her Womb by the Hands of a Surgeon. In Memory of which, he and all his Successors were call'd Caesars; that Word signifying [drawn forth by Violence] But, whatsoever the Manner of his Birth was, this is Certain, that he and Forty of his Successors, were hur∣ri'd out of the World, by untimely Death: For, they either laid Violent Hands on them∣selves, or were Murder'd by Traytors.
If thou wou'dst have any News out of these Parts, the Chief Discourse at Present is, of a great Victory obtain'd by the Polanders a∣gainst the Cossacks and Tartars. And I cou'd wish this were all: But the Nazarenes are continually made joyful, with the Success of the Venetians against the Arms of the Invin∣cible Empire. They beat us by Sea, and baffle all our Attempts by Land. We have not got an Inch of Ground in Candia, during the last Campaigne, but lost many Thousands of Men, and brought the Name of the Sublime Port and Victorious Mussulmans, into Contempt and Scorn. Where the Fault lies, God knows. 'Tis too Melancholy a Theme, to insist on Particulars.
Don Juan of Austria, has also besieged Bar∣celona by Sea and Land.
Several Arrests of Parliament, are here publish'd against the Prince of Conde and his Adherents; and, 'tis reported, the King will recall Cardinal Mazarini from his Banish∣ment.
Illustrious Prince, and Governour of a Hap∣py Region, I beg thy favourable Construction of this Address. And thus in Reverence I desist, full of Dutiful and Affectionate Vows for thy Prosperity.
Paris, 19th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1651.