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

LETTERS Writ by A Spy at PARIS. (Book 2)

VOL. VII. BOOK II. (Book 2)

LETTER I. To Mehement, an Exil'd Eunuch, at Alcair in Egypt.

THY Sufferings pierce my Heart: I owe thee Pity on the Score of Humane Nature; and a more Compassion as thou art a Mussul∣man: But, where's the Tongue or Pen, that can describe the Sympathy of Friends? Canst thou in a desponding Manner cast thy self upon thy Bed, there to exhale, in Me∣lancholy

Sighs, that pungent Sorrow, which can find no other Vent, unless those Vapours of the Spleen condense to Show'rs of Tears? Canst thou do this, and I remain Insensible all the while? No! I in a perfect Eccho to thy saddest Groans. And when thou weep'st, my Heart is not a Stone, that spatters back again the Drops that fall on it; but 'tis like Clay, that softens with the Gentle Solemn Distillation. Believe that I sweat Blood, when thou dissolv'st in Tears. I am not ca∣pable of Moderation toward my Friend. My Love, my Joy, my Grief, and Anger, are all Excessive, when such a one as thou occasion'st them. 'Tis equal Pleasure to live or die, in this Magnetick Point: For, Souls of Friends are perfect Ʋnisons. Then, if thou hast a Spark of Love for Mahmut, do not kill me with thy sad Complaints. For, whilst I hear, that thou art thus abandon'd to Misfortune and Despasr, how can I live without perpetual Deaths, more Terrible than what we all must undergo, by the Course of Nature? Dost thou delight to make a Constant Martyr of me?

Thou 'rt bred a Courtier, and so was I: Our Infant Blood was season'd with the Grand Signior's. Bread and Salt: We equal∣ly imbib'd the Manners, Habits, Customs, Maxims, and the Pride of the Seraill'; with the Pillow, the Milk, Sorbets, and other Nourishment of our Early Years. Since which we have seen the various Revolu∣tions of Mighty Kingdoms, States and Em∣pires.

We have beheld the Invincible Em∣perour of China fall a Victim to the Perfidy of his Slaves, and to the more propitious Fortune of the Tartars. After another Manner was the Glory of the British Mo∣narchy eclips'd. But, no foreign Story can match the Barbarous Massacres of our Ma∣jestick Sultans, Mustapha, Osman, and I∣brahim, all within our Memory.

Oh! Mehemet, we have liv'd too long, after these Spoils of Royal Blood. How can we repine at our own Private Losses and Afflictions, whilst we do but sip the Flat Insipid Reliques of those Tragical, sprightly Potions, brew'd for the Palates of the Grea∣test Princes. Henceforth, let's live, as if we were among the Dead. Let's hear, and see, feel, taste, and smell these Outward Objects en passant, without being sensible what we do or suffer. Let us Anticipate, by a wise Prevention, the last Stroke of Death, in dying every Moment.

Go to the Pyramids, my Mehemet, or would to God I cou'd go thither for thee; there to Contemplate the Fate of Humane Glory, the Mock Grandeur of this World. Consider all the Race of the Egyptian Kings, who built these Costly and Magnificent Stru∣ctures, or their Fathers for 'em: Who fill'd the Hollow Piles with Silver, Gold and Pre∣cious Stones: Whilst, with their Magick Laws, they listed Legions of Spirits, dwel∣ling in the Air, Fire, Earth and Water, obliging them to guard the Wealthy Sepul∣chers:

And tell me then, what thou can'st find in those superannuated Vaults? No∣thing, but Stench and Darkness. Old Time has filch'd away the slighter Glory's of the Place; and his Younger Brother Avarice, has plunder'd all the Rest, which was the more Substantial Part. He cou'd have done no less in Common good Manners, than take the Leavings of the Heir; the Elder of the Two. The Great Al Maimun thought to have the Gleanings of their Harvest; but he found, the Gain wou'd ne'er exceed the Cost.

But, what's become of all the Founders of these Astonishing Fabricks? Look in the Tomb of Cheops, who is suppos'd to build the Greatest of the Pyramids; and thou wilt find, not the least Relique of his Ashes: Or, if thou should'st 'twill be Impossible to distinguish them, from the Common Dust of other Mortals, tho' his Meanest Slaves: So Mutable is Human Glory; So Inconstant all the Smiles of Fortune.

Do but reflect on all the Glorious Con∣quests of Alexander the Great, and on the Triumphant Entry he made in Babylon, when the Chariot which carry'd him, was an Epitome of all the Riches which the Indies cou'd afford; and yet that Chariot ought to be esteem'd but one Degree before his Hearse, which in a very few Days, with an Obscu∣rity beneath the Merits of so great a Victor, convey'd him to his Grave.

Consider Caesar, who after Four and

Twenty Battels, wherein he always got the Day, was drawn in a triumphant Chari∣ot to the Capitol, by Forty Elephants; yet now his Name is hardly thought of.

So Epaminondas thought to outvye the world in his Magnificent Insults; yet all this Glorious Pageantry ended in Dust and Ashes. Aurelian led the Graces Captive with Zenobia; yet he himself at last became the Prisoner of Death. The Pompous Galley of Cleopatra, when she Celebrated the Cilician Triumph, serv'd but to mend the Poop of Charon's Boat, when she was to be ferry'd to Elyzium. So the Proud Sesostris, whose Coach was drawn by Four Van∣quish'd Kings, at last was fain to owe his Uncouth Funeral to Four Sordid Slaves, who stole his Naked Corps away from the Design'd Revenge of Factious Eunuchs, and buryed it in a Heap of Camel's Dung.

But, where's the Pen or Pencil that will to the Life describe the Unmatch'd Cavalcade of Pompey, when by a prosperous Chymistry he had extracted all the Richest Spirits and Essences of Eastern wealth, to grace his Entry into Rome?

The Front of the Procession dazl'd every Eye, with the strange Lustre of Diamonds and Carbuncles mix'd in chequer-wise: An Orental Figure, or rather the Substance of all Asia, in Epitome. Then follow'd the Image of the Crescent Moon in massy Gold, with a Train of Mountains of the same Metal, whereon were Woods of Jet, Vines

whose Grapes were entire Saphires, and Ani∣mals all of Porphyry, Grazing on Fields of verdant Amethysts.

To sanctify this Glorious Shew, the Golden Images of Jupiter, Mars, and Pallas, came next in Sight, with Thirty Crowns of Gold, born up by the Chief Captains of his Ar∣my, as if so many Kingdoms were design'd for their Rewards. And because Gods and Goddesses should not want a Temple, Five Hundred Slaves bore up a Fane, built all of Massy Silver, washed with Gold. And at the Back of this, appear'd the Statue of the Conqueror, on which no Eye cou'd fix, being crusted o'er with Hyacinths and Pearls.

Behold, my Mehmet, an Exuberance of Humane Glory: Yet wonder not to see a Man come after all; a Mortal Man, I say, made Radiant as the Sun, with borrow'd Jewels. And to complete his fading Triumph, read these Letters, all pure Jaspers, on his Cha∣riot-Wheels: Armenia, Cappadocia, Paphlago∣nia, Media, Colchis, Syria, Cilicia, Meso∣potamia, Phoenicia, Paelestine, India, and the Desarts of Arabia. All these were the Con∣quests of this Triumphant Warriour, and yet his Destiny Insulted over him. Poor Pompey thou art gone, and all thy Mighty Territo∣ries in the East, are now possess'd by Sultan Mahomet our Glorious Sovereign.

And what need thou and I repine, after we have seen all this? Let Asdrubal asto∣nish Carthage with the Glory of Four Pub∣lick

Triumphs: Yet that Theatre of his Honour quickly proves the Stage whereon he was degraded, stript stark naked, and in Triumph led away by Death. So Marius, after he had been exalted to the Top of Hu∣man Felicity on Earth, was seen all naked lying in a stinking Ditch.

What is become of Nero's Silver Gallery in the Capitol? Or the pendant Gardens of Semiramis, which cost no less than Twen∣ty Millions of Gold? Where is now the Glit∣tering Hall of Atabalipa, King of Peru, whose Pavement was of Saphires? Or the Gardens of Cyrus, fenc'd round with Pales of Gold? Or Caesar's Fountains garnish'd with Dryads of the same Metal? Where is the Ivory Palace of Melaus, or the Crystal Louvre of Dru∣sus? All these Things are vanish'd with their Founders.

How Wise and Happy then was Saladine, the Great and most Invincible Conquerour of Asia, who Triumph'd o'er himself; and in his Victorious Return, caus'd a Shirt to be carryed before him on the Point of a Spear, with this Proclamation: That after all his Glories, he should carry nothing to the Grave but that poor Shirt? So Adrian a Roman Em∣perour, to qualify the excessive Joys of his High Fortune, Celebrated his own Funeral, and caus'd his Coffin to be born before him, when he was to make a Publick Cavalcade through Rome. This was a sacred Triumph, an Heroick Insult over himself and Death.

Let thou and I, my Friend, imitate these sage Examples, and ever have the Image of Death before our Eyes. Then we shall never mourn, for the vain Trifles we have lost, or covet what we ne'er enjoy'd: But being ever content with what our Destiny allots us, shall pass our Time away in a Divine Tranquility.

Mehemet, thou'lt find this to be a Profi∣table and True Experiment. Try it, and the Issue will convince thee more than a Thousand Counsellors.

Paris, 12th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1668.

LETTER II. To Mohammed, the Illustrious Ere∣mit of Mount Ʋriel in Arabia the Happy.

I Lodge in a House near the Wall of Paris, which gives me a daily Opportunity of surveying out of my Window, the Adja∣sent Fields: These extend themselves in a Plain, for the Space of a League, or therea∣bouts; And then the Eye is arrested by a long Ridge of Rising Ground, a Row of Hills or Hillocks, not meriting the Lofty Name of Mountains, yet high enough to put a Val∣ley out of shape, and make th' Horizon crump∣back'd.

Those Hills are cover'd thick with Woods and Groves; amongst whose verdant, sha∣dy Tops, some Stately Palaces lift up their glittering Crests, and make a Sociable plea∣sant Figure in those Solitudes.

This Prospect represents so much to th' Life, the Valley of Admoim in Arabia, the Place of my Nativity, that I cou'd as well grasp Coals of Fire with naked Hand, and not be burnt; as cast my Eye out of my Window, on this lovely Landskip, and not be inflam'd with secret passions for my Native Soil, the Place where I first drew the Vital Air. It is a perfect Magnet to my Spirit, wheresoever I am; attracting all my Wishes, Inclinations, and Desires. Methinks, the Eastern Winds

at certain Hours, waft to my ravish'd Ears, the Whispers of my Countrymen. Methinks, sometimes I see the Faces of my Kindred, and their Rural Train; I hear their Voices, and converse familiarly with them, as tho' they were present: Such is the Magick of strong Desire and Sympathy. It steals the Soul a∣way from it self, and with sweet Violence unites it to the belov'd Object, tho' at never so great a Distance. Thus when my wandering Thoughts have taken up their Re∣sidence for a while in that delicious Vale where I was born, a far more powerfull Mag∣net, draws 'em to thy Cave; Mysterious So∣litary, Mirrour of Virtues, Exemplary Guide of such as consecrate themselves to God.

Glory to Him that was before All Time, the Father of Eternal Ages. He changes not, yet is the Source of Indefatigable and unwea∣ried Revolutions. He is the only Independent, True, and self-Existent Being; The Increa∣ted Essence from whom all other Beings derive their Origin and Conservation. He is the Prop and Basis of the Ʋniverse. He is but One, the Primitive Ʋnity, and cannot be di∣vided into Fractions; yet every Species, and Individual Being i'th World participates a Share of his Divinity. Immortal Praises exhale from all his Creatures, and ascend like Clouds of Incense before the Throne of his Adora∣ble Majesty; or like Vapours which the gra∣teful Earth returns in a hot Summers Day, by way of acknowledgment, for the Bene∣fits perpetually flowing on her from the Sun.

So all the Elements respire their Thanks to Him that made 'em. The Firmament expands its selfe, and bows' down to the Brims of this low Globe: Sun Moon and Stars, do stoop and kiss the Floor o'th' Earth in token of profound Humility and Devotion, to the Immortal Source of Light. Onely Ungrateful Man repays, the Bounty of th' Omnipotent with Neglects, Contempts, Affronts, and Blasphemies. I mean the General Part of Humane Race; excepting always from this Charge, the Just, the Innocent and Pious. Were it not for such as these, the Divine Pa∣tience wou'd be tir'd with the continual Pro∣phanations of vain Mortals.

Oh! Venerable Sylvan, thou art the only Pacifick Victim of this sinfull Age. Thy con∣stant Self-denials, Mortifications, Abstinences, and the whole System of thy Accomplish'd Sanctity, stop the Wrath of Heaven from fal∣ling, in large Cataracts, on Mankind. When the Eternal Eye beholds thy Virtues, it drops down Tears of Love and Mercy on the Earth, glad that a Son of Adam yet survives, not stain'd with Vice. Thou art the effectual Propitiation, for the Sinful World. When Storms and Tempests of Impetuous Winds; when Lightning, Thunder, Hail or Rain dis∣turb the Air, or Earthquakes menace more effectual Tragedies to the Earth, I think of thee, the Favourite of Heaven and then re∣pose in full Security: Thy very Idea is my shel∣ter from all evils: I shroud my self under the Shade of thy Inviolated Beard, o'er which the

Razor never pass'd. I take Sanctuary in the Ʋmbrella of thy Arms, when stretch'd in fervent Oraisons. Thy Remembrance is my certain Refuge in Calamity.

I am Impregnated with Sacred Emulati∣ons of thy Vertue; I burn with fervent, passionate Desires to become thy Disciple. I languish to withdraw my self from this vain World; and from the Contagious So∣ciety of Mortals. How Happy is the Life that's led in quiet Solitude? Where the Soul can feel her self, and being awaken'd to a Sense of her Immortal Strength, rouzes and vigorously shakes off the heavy Clogs of Sleep and Death: Whilst the Divine Afflatus gently breathing on the Intellect, and fan∣ning the oppressed Sparks of Reason, which lay smothering under a Heap of Errours, Lusts, Affections, and unlimited Desires; kindles the Mind into a perfect Flame of Light, which soon consumes the Rubbish of Bodily Pleasures, dissipates the Smoak and Mists of Pamper'd Flesh and Blood, and then a Man becomes all Radiant within, shining with Unclouded Splendors.

We Mortals seem to be rank'd in a Mid∣dle State between the Separate Spirits and Beasts: Our Vertues make us like the For∣mer; our Vices, like the Latter. For, when a Man has quite subdu'd his Appetites, and Reason sits Triumphant in her Throne, he's like an Angel, living above the Rate of his Mortality. He does not with the Stagyrite place Vertue in a Medium, or rank the Ex∣cess

of Goodness in the Predicament of Vice; But makes direct and swift Advances to the Zenith of Heroick Generosity; scorning to halt or make lame mungrel Capitulations with himself, as if he were afraid of being too Good.

I wou'd ask a Peripatetick, Whether it be a Vertue or a Vice, in him that stomaching the Enormous Villanies of Wicked Men, boyls up with an Excessive Vehement Anger? Or, Whether a Man, can err in loving God too much, or in conceiving too Violent a Sorrow for his past Offences? Or who can be too Thankful for the Favours of Hea∣ven? No: the farther Distance Vertue keeps from this Cold, Earthly Mediocrity, the brighter is its Splendor. And so on the o∣ther Side, the Greater is the Barbarism, Brutality and Infernal Stamp of Vice, by how much more Remote it is from this In∣difference. In a Word, Vertue and Vice, are Two Contrary Extremes: So Piety is dia∣metrically opposite to Prophaneness: Intem∣perance to Sobriety: Fortitude to Cowardise: Incontinence to Chastity: Avarice to Bounty: Modesty to Impudence: Pride to Humility: Enmity to Friendship, &c.

Now the Mediums between these Ex∣tremes, are Hypocrisy, between Vertue and Vice: Superstition between Piety and Pro∣phaneness: Bashfulness between Modesty and Impudence, and so of the Rest.

Yet, after all, 'tis Necessary to observe a Medium in those Things which pertain to

Mortal Life, and to the Perpetuation of Mankind: Such are Meats, Drinks, Natural Passions of the Body and Mind, proceeding from the alternate Sense of Pleasure and Pain. So when we are press'd with Hunger and Thirst, we ought not presently to covet the Plentiful Tables and Superfluous Banquets of the Great; But rather such a Diet as be∣ing easily prepar'd, may satisfie the Cravings of our Nature, without nauseating and gi∣ving us a Surfeit. To this End the Divine Providence has scatter'd up and down the Sur∣face of this Globe, an Infinite Variety of Roots, Herbs, Fruits, Seeds, with all Sorts of Corn and Pulse: The Cattle afford us Plenty of Milk; the Bees are no Niggards of their Honey: the Fountains, Rivers, and Lakes, abound with ever-springing fresh Supplies of sweet refreshing Water. We also have the Use of Salt, Oyl, Wine and other exhilarating Beverages; That being con∣tent with so many Benefits, and Enjoyments, we might prolong our Lives in this World by Sobriety, as in a most pleasant Garden or Paradise of Health.

But alas, instead of gratefully acknowledg∣ing the Bounty of Heaven, and pregnant Fertility of the Earth; Instead of sitting mannerly down at the Table which God has spread and cover'd for us, with such a Train of Festival Dainties; we break the Rules of Hospitality; and rushing violently on the Creatures under his Protection, we kill and slay at Pleasure, turning the Banquet to a

Cruel Massacre: being transform'd into a Temper wholly Brutal and Voracious, we glut our selves with Flesh and Blood of Slaughter'd Animals. Oh! happy he that can content himself with Herbs and other Genuine Products of the Earth; That sleeps as well in a Solitary Cave, upon a Bed of Moss or Leaves, as in a Palace on a Couch of Down. He never wants, because he ne'er desires what is not in his Power. He is not burden'd with a Crowd of Servants and Flattering Retainers; nor his Repose di∣sturb'd with early and late Addresses of pre∣tended Friends, Officious Sycophants, Im∣portunate Petitioners, and other fretting Business of the World.

Why shou'd I longer then demurr or he∣sitate; what hinders me from presently em∣bracing a Course of Life, that promises so much Happiness? A Discipline that will at once free me from a Thousand Tyrannies of Imperious Lusts and Hostile Passions? I shall then have no Need of Money, or the Help of cross-grain'd Servants. I shall not want a Multitude of Goods, the Needless Pageantry of superfluous Ornaments, to make a dazling Figure, and draw the Eyes of People to a Reverend Admiration. I shall be free from Sottish Drowsiness, and turbulent Dreams. My Lungs will in my Sleep respire the Air with Ease: whilst gen∣tle Slumbers, mix'd with happy Visions, shall transportt my Soul to Unknown Worlds. No Fevers, Gouts or Dysente∣ries

shall invade my Health: Nor magiste∣rical Menaces of Empericks bespeak my cer∣tain Death; unless I'll patiently submit to all the needless Tortures they're contriving for me, and tamely swallow down their new∣invented Poisons, and be rack'd to Death in Hopes of Ease and Life. From all which horrid Circumstances, a slender, innocent Diet, not stain'd with Blood of any Animal, will set me free.

Holy Eremite, the Idea I have of this Man∣ner of Life makes a profound and durable Impression on my Soul. I am ravish'd with the Sentiments of Plato and Pythagoras, and resolutely bent to undergoe the Discipline of their Philosophy. I'll first endeavour to rid my self of vain Affections, Habits, and pro∣phane Negotiations of the Earth: I'll gra∣dually die to all Concupiscence and Bodily Pleasure; that so I may by Equal Steps re∣vive to the Contemplation of Celestial Things. Then being free from every Spot and Stain contracted in the Days of my Security and Carelesness; my Thoughts and Works will be Acceptable to God: Who in Return, will certainly infuse into my defecate Mind, a Se∣cret Virtue, the Magick of this Visible World; which purifying my Soul yet farther, will pre∣pare it for the last and highest Gift of the E∣ternal Bounty to our Race whilst in this Life: To wit, a Power of doing Supernatural Things, and of Foretelling Events to come.

Do thou but pray it may be so, and all the Powers of Hell can ne'er prevail against

me: For, thou hast the Ear of the Omni∣potent.

Paris, 3d. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1668.

LETTER III. To Hamet Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire.

IN this Time of Wars with Nazarenes, when the Ottoman Fury is rowz'd and provok'd by Infidels: it will not be amiss to expose the Nakedness of Europe, to the Supreme Di∣van, which is on Earth the Close Commit∣tee of the Court Above.

I chose to address my Letter to thee in Compliance with thy former Orders, where∣in thou seemedst passionately desirous to know the Present State of Christendom. God give thee a perpetual Serenity; Scribe of the Scribes: May'st thou never be troubled with a Run∣ning Eye, a shaking Hand, or the Tooth∣ach. As for me, I'm a perfect Magazine of Diseases; a walking Hospital; The School of Aesculapius. Where the Necessary God has Scope to vent his Skill on all the various kinds of Maladies, which afflict our mortal Race: Gouts, Fevers, Cramps, and Horrid Dysenteries, are as Common with me as my daily Diet.

However, amidst all these Afflictions, I serve the Grand Signior and my Friends with a cor∣dial Alacrity; Never grudging to Sacrifice my Ease and Health to the Interest of True Believers.

The Face of Europe is much chang'd since the Decline of the Roman Empire, and the Usurpations of the Popes. That once Mighty Monarchy, is now shrunk into a very narrow Compass, being shut up within the Confines of Germany, which formerly was but a Pro∣vince of the Ancient Empire. All Italy is revolted. So are the Suisses, and the Ʋnited States of the Low Countries. The Hans-Towns which in Times past paid Homage to the Emperour, have now shaken off the Yoke, and are become Independent Commonwealths. Transylvania plays fast and loose with him, according as their Interest requires. Livonia laughs at his Menaces, as appears by the An∣swer they sent to Charles V. when he de∣manded their Submissions, and that they wou'd return to their Native Allegiance, o∣therwise threatning them with Fire and Sword. For, all the Reply they made, was, That they knew the Emperour's Horse wou'd be founder'd, before he cou'd reach the Fron∣tiers of their Country.

'Tis a General Observation, that since the Reign of Rodolph I. above Two Hundred Principalities and States have fall'n off from the Empire. And those that yet continue in their Obedience, I mean, the Electoral Prin∣ces, claim so many Privileges; stand so much

upon Punctilio's and Prerogatives, that there remains now little more of the Imperial Ma∣jesty and Power, save the bare Title and Outward Pomp. It is Remarkable, That within these Three Hundred Years, no less than Nine German Emperours have been Murder'd, and many more have been depos'd and banish'd. To sum up all in a few Words, If we survey the present State of the German Empire accurately, if we pry nar∣rowly into its true circumstances, we shall find, that after all the Clatter of his Noisy Titles, the Emperour can call nothing pro∣perly his own, but his Hereditary Estate in Austria, which is hardly equivalent to the Territories of some Lords whom he calls his Vassals.

The Germans in general are a Rude Unpo∣lish'd People, greedy of Novelties; Incon∣stant, Rash, Perfidious, and very Phlegma∣tick; much addicted to unnatural Lusts and Incestuous Copulations. It is recorded of Barbara, the Empress, Wife to Sigismund, another Messalina, that after her Husbands Death, her Confessor advising her to reform her Manners, and live more chastly like the Turtle, she answer'd, If I must imitate the Life of Birds, why not of a Sparrow, as well as a Turtle? Her Brother Frederick was much such another: For at Ninety Years of Age, he murder'd his Wife for the Sake of a Strumpet: And being advised to repent and think of his Grave; He said, I am now studying my Epitaph, which I design shall be compriz'd in these Words:

This is my Way to Hell; I know not what I shall find there: What I have left behind me I know. I abounded in all Delights, whereof I carry nothing with me: Neither my dainty Meats or pleasant Wines, or whatsoever my Insatiable Luxury exhausted.

Drunkenness is said to be the Original Sin of Germany, from whence it spread it self into other Countries. They give this Cha∣racter of a German,

"That he is an Animal which drinks more than he can carry: A Tun that contains more than he can vent: And that he understands more than he can ex∣press."

They tell a Story of Four Old Sax∣ons, who at one Sitting, drank as many Healths as they could make up Years amongst them, which amounted to Three Hundred. And 'tis Recorded of a certain German Count, That he us'd to make his Children, whilst yet Infants, drink lustily, to prove whether they were of his own begetting or no: For, if they grew Sick after it, he presently con∣cluded them to be Bastards: But if they cou'd bear the Debauch well, he cherish'd 'em as his own True Off-spring. In a Word, thou mayst have the same Idea of the Ger∣mans at this Day, as Solyman the Magnificent

had in his Time, who us'd to say,

"I slight the Germans above all other People of Europe, because they are always at discord among themselves, nor can they ever be united any more than my Fingers and Toes. They cannot endure Labour; and are the Excessiv'st Gluttons and Drunkards in the World; They always maintain a Regiment of Whores in their Camp. Their Generals take more Pride in their Feathers, than in their Military Arms."

In a Word, the German is so over-run with all Kinds of Vice, that he wants nothing to make him a Complete Devil, but only a little Tincture of the Italian Qualities, ac∣cording to the Proverb, Tudesco Italianato, e un Diabolo Incarnato; A German Italianiz'd, is a Devil Incarnate.

'Tis certain, the French have so weaken'd 'em on one Hand, and the Swedes on the o∣ther; that considering the frequent Troubles they meet with from the Hungarians, Bohe∣mians, and other Tributary Nations, besides the Intestine Feuds of the Electoral Princes; we need not fear the blunted Talons of the Eagle, which are scarce strong enough to sup∣port her tottering State, or prop her from falling into Ruine: So far is she from being able to offend her Neighbours, that she never makes War her Choice, or takes the Field but by Compulsion, in her own Defence.

Illustrious Hamet, I pray God inspire the Victorious Osmans with Prophetick Cou∣rage and Resolution; and the Final Con∣quest

of Germany will soon be the Prize of True Believers.

Paris, 5th. of the 10th. Moon, of the Year 1668.

LETTER IV. To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna.

THE Friendship that has been contracted between thee and me, ever since it was thy Fortune to serve the Grand Signior in that Station, obliges us both to mutual Sin∣cerity. Besides, the Duty and Allegiance we owe our Sovereign, requires Plain-deal∣ing between us. We ought to shun Flattery, as the Bane of all Friendly Engagements, the Pest of the Courts of Princes; and the Ge∣neral Contagion which infects chiefly the most Effeminate Part of Mankind. Such as are these Western Nazarenes; who abound in a Thousand little Complaisances, and false Civilities; thus suffering their own Integrity to be corrupted; their Vertue and Fastness of Spirit, to be surpriz'd and debauch'd; whilst their Friends, by these means, not seldom run on Precipices, and fall into Inevitable Ruine. In a Word, they betray one ano∣ther and themselves, out of pretended Good Nature.

By what I have said, thou wilt comprehend, That I do not reprove thee out of Spight, Envy, Malice or an affected Gravity; when I tell thee, that you took wrong Measures, in endeavouring to set the Emperour's Palace on Fire: Or to poison him at his Dinner. I told thee once before, That these preposte∣rous Methods, will never take Effect. Be∣sides, they will do the Grand Signior no Service.

Tho' thou art seemingly engag'd in the Cause of the Malecontents, remember, that thy Business is different from theirs. What signifies it to thee, whether the Hungarians have their Liberties, Rights and Privileges granted them, or no? Or what Reason hast thou to espouse the Interest of the Evange∣licks, rather than that of the Catholicks, any farther than as an Umbrage to cover the greater Designs thou hast in Hand, as an Agent Incognito for the Grand Signior. Let the Jesuits pursue their own Game, and the Protestants theirs. Stand thou Neuter in the Main, and rather endeavour to keep both Parties in a Counterpoise, than to turn the Scales for either. For, the Sultan will gain by the Divisions of the Nazarenes, let the Case go how it will between themselves. Besides, there are Catholicks engag'd in the Faction, as well as Protestants. 'Tis rather a Civil Quarrel, than a Religious one. The Nobles and Gentry of Hungary and Tran∣sylvania, are concern'd for their Estates, more than for their Churches. They see, the Imperial Court wants Money, and

'tis a Crime for an Hungarian to be Rich. Those that have the Supreme Power, in these Cases, will find Reason enough to condemn a Wealthy Lord, whether he be guilty or not.

'Tis this puts them upon Caballing and entring into Confederacies, that so they may consult the Means of their own Safety, and be in a Posture to defend themselves.

I perceive the Count de Serini has made another Address, for the Government of Ca∣rolstadt, and been repuls'd: Joseph, Earl of Haberstein, and Knight of Malta, being ap∣pointed to succeed the Count d' Aversperg in that Honour. Which is an evident Sign, That the Emperour has no good Opinion of Serini, notwithstanding all his Former good Services. And this is enough to alienate a Man of his great Courage and Merits.

Count Frangipani also has his particular Discontents: So has Tatembach, with many other Potent Lords of Hungary and Croatia. Indeed, the whole Body of those Nations are disoblig'd, and almost wearied out with the continual Oppressions of the Germans.

Nathan, thou wilt find it no hard Matter, to bring 'em to a Necessity of putting them∣selves under the Grand Signior's Protection. 'Tis thy part to cherish their Discontents. As for the Imperial Court, thou mayst per∣ceive, they are resolv'd to mortify these Peo∣ple, and to take from them all Opportuni∣ties and the very Capacity of Rebelling, by not suffering the Natives of Hungary

and Croatia, to possess any Office of Com∣mand.

Every Party pursues its own Interest, and so must we ours. Self-preservation is the Root of all Mutual Society and Justice. Take Case of thy self, thy Friends, and the Cause thou art engag'd in, and then thou need'st not fear any Qualms of Conscience. In fine, I counsel thee to put in Practice the Advice of one of thy own Rabbi's, Jesus Ben Syrach; Be not over just.

Paris, 17th. of the 11th. Moons, of the Year 1668.

LETTER V. To Pesteli Hali, his Brother, Master of the Grand Signior's Customs at Constantinople.

PRepare thy self for surprizing News, and receive it with a Moderation becoming a Man. Oucoumiche our Mother is dead. One and the same Night lodg'd her in the Apart∣ments of Hymen, and the Chambers of Death. Before the Days of the Nuptial Solemnities were over, the Mournful Rites of her Fune∣ral Commenc'd: She made but one Remove from her Marriage-Bed, to the Grave.

If thou wonderest, that a Woman of her Age, being Seventy Five Years Old; and ha∣ving already had Two Husbands, should marry a Third; Know, that it was not Dotage, but Discretion which prompted her to take this Course. The Integrity, Wis∣dom, and prudent Conduct of Eliachim the Jew, had charm'd her Affections long ago, and improv'd her Acquaintance with him, into a strict and vertuous Friendship. As a Mo∣ther, she ow'd him Respect and Love, for his constant Fidelity to me: And on her own Account, she cou'd not but entertain Senti∣ments of Esteem and Gratitude for a Man, who had been so nicely careful to preserve her

Person and Honour from Injury and Vio∣lence, ever since she came to Paris. For, he alone, among the many Myriads of People inhabiting this City, was the onely Confi∣dent, both of her Secrets and mine. In a Word, these Regards, with some others of Piety, Zeal, and Good Nature, made her willing to become his Wife, who in all Things had perform'd the Part of a Friend, and a Person of Honour.

Besides all this, it was really her Interest, thus to dispose of her later Days in a Fo∣reign Country, where she knew no body but Eliachim and me. As for me, she consider'd that my Life was not onely subject to the same Casualties with other Mortals, and that I might be snatch'd away by a Thousand Deaths; but that my Station here was very Precarious, and I might be suddenly recall'd by my Superiours to Constantinople, or at least be remov'd to some other Post, whither she cou'd not accompany me, being Incapa∣ble of bearing, at these Years, the Hardships and Fatigues of Travel: That after my De∣parture, she shou'd be neglected, contemn'd, and abandon'd by all, but those who wou'd desire her Death, for the Sake of her Money and Jewels.

In these Circumstances, to remain a Wi∣dow, professing the Faith of Mahomet, and believing the Alcoran, in a Region and City swarming with Infidels; wou'd have been but an uncomfortable as well as a dangerous Condition. Wherefore having had Experi∣ence

of Eliachim's Vertue, and incorrupt Manners, he also making Addresses of Love to her, and giving her Encouragement to hope, that he wou'd become a Mussulman; she yielded at last to the Thoughts of taking him for her Husband, and they were mar∣ried on the 7th. of this Moon, in a private Synagogue of the Jews: For, they are not allow'd a Publick One in this City, as they are in many other Cities of Europe.

My Mother appear'd neither too deje∣ctedly sad, nor profusely merry, during the Nuptial Feast. But comporting her self with a chearful Reservedness, seem'd to have her Thoughts rather fix'd on something else, than the vain Ceremonies, Noise, and Mirth of the Company. It looks as if her Prophetick Soul was sensible of its approach∣ing Release: For, to be Brief, she was found Dead in her Bed next Morning.

Brother, she is now in her Sepulchre, at Rest from all the Toils of Humane Life. Let not this News affect thee with fruitless Me∣lancholy; since Death is the Common Fate of all Mortals. Rather advance the Bliss of our deceas'd Parent, with devout Oraisons for her Soul; Remembring, that e'er long, we shall be in the same Condition. For tho' Man, like a Moth, be passionately enamour'd with the Light of this World; tho' he flutter and dance about it for a while, basking in the Splendor and Warmth of his good For∣tune; yet at length he is consum'd by the very Flame, which gave him Nou∣rishment,

and falls a Victim to his own Pleasure.

Paris, 9th. of the 1st. Moon, of the Year 1669.

LETTER VI. To Hamet Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Empire.

I Sent thee a Letter some Days agoe, where∣in I expos'd the General Nakedness, Im∣becillity, and languishing State of the Ger∣man Empire in this Age. My Dispatch a∣bounded with Characters of their Vices: It describ'd exactly the present Eclipse of An∣cient Imperial Majesty, Power and Strength, the Revolt of many Principalities and States, the Feuds and Discord of those that yet re∣main in Obedience, and pay a seeming Ho∣mage to Caesar; with many other Things, which being well consider'd, may for the Future prevent, or at least, diminish that Consternation and Panick Terror, which uses to seize the Hearts of Mussulmans, when we are in War with the Emperour.

Now as a farther Incentive and Encou∣ragement to take up Arms against the In∣fidels; as a Spur to certain Victory and Conquest, I will unlock the Treasures

of the Country, without taking Notice of the Inhabitants. And, since nothing more excites the Resolution and Valour of Military Men, than the Hopes of Plunder, and pas∣sing away a Campaign in Plenty of all ne∣cessary Comforts. I will give thee a true Account of the Natural Dowry of these Re∣gions, the Riches of the Soil, and the Wealth, which Commerce with other Nations, toge∣ther with the Spoils of former Wars, the In∣dustry of the People, and the Benevolence of Fortune have added to their Store.

Germany abounds in Generous Wines, and those more lasting than any other in Europe. The Rhenish Wines will keep above Fifty Years. The Wines of the Neckar are whol∣some, and clear as Water from the Rock: Those of Franconia are strong and operative: The Austrian Grape is sweet and luscious. Several Roman Emperours have preferr'd the Fruits of the German Vintage, to those of Italy and Greece. And such is the superabun∣dant Plenty of Vineyards, that at a Place call'd Stutgard, there is a Proverb currant, That they have more Wine than Water. If our Janizaries knew this, they wou'd be for an Expedition into Germany. Nay they tem∣per their Mortar with Wine in some Places, and slack their Lime with it.

They have strong Beverages also made of Barley, Wheat, and other Grain, which they transport from Brumswick, Breslaw, Delph, Dantzick, Lubeck, and other Places, to most Countries in the North and West of

Europe. They likewise make a Sort of Wine of Honey, as strong and Sweet as the Wine of Candy.

There is abundance of Frankincense and Myrrh in Moravia, of Saffron in Austria, of Licorice in Franconia, of Madder for Dyers in Silesia, of Amber in Thuringia.

There are Innumerable Orchards full of all delectable Fruits, the Fields stand thick with Corn, the Pastures are throng'd with Cattel, and they have a Breed of the stoutest Horses in the World. They have Timber enough to serve all the Nations in the World for Shipping. But that which is most inviting is, the Variety of Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Lead, Tin and Iron. Before Ame∣rica was discover'd, Germany was the Peru and Potosi of all Europe. They have also Plenty of Marble as bright as Crystal.

Besides their Native and Domestick Riches, they have mightily improv'd their Stock, by Foreign Commerce; exchanging their Super∣fluities for things more precious and of grea∣ter Value: Which in a constant Course of Bartering, brings into the German Coffers ma∣ny Hundred Millions of Crowns in a Year. In a Word, their Cities are so Rich, that when they have been pillag'd by an Enemy, the booty of one City, has been valu'd at Two Millions of Crowns, in ready Money, besides Plate and Jewels. The Common Souldiers have made Hilts for their Swords and Dag∣gers of Gold and Silver; nay, some would have their very Helmets of the same Metals.

Publick Gaming Tables have been set up in the Streets, and it has been Common for a private Trooper to win or lose Five or Ten Thousand Crowns at a Time. This would be rare Sport for our Janizaries and Spahi's.

I tell thee, Serene Minister, considering the Immense Wealth of Germany, and the Degeneracy of its Inhabitants; Providence seems to invite our Arms to make a Conquest of those Fertile Regions, and take from the Ʋncircumcis'd the Goods which surfeit them. They abuse the Gifts of Nature, and Fortune, by employing them to the Ends of Vice; whereas the True Believers were they once possess'd of them, wou'd turn them to Ver∣tuous Purposes, the Publick Advantage, the Encrease of the Empire, Glory of God, and Propagation of the Faith Ʋndefiled.

Paris, of 13th. the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1669.

LETTER VII. To Hebatolla Mir Argun, Superi∣our of the Convent of Derviches at Cogni in Natolia.

'TWas with a Specifick Kind of Joy, not easie to be desin'd, that I receiv'd thy Venerable Dispatch. I perus'd the Welcome Orders therein contain'd with a Delight not in the least Inferiour to his, who being abandon'd to Distress and miserable Poverty, has, by good Luck, discover'd a hidden Wealthy Treasure: For so my Spirit is ravish'd, to find in this degenerate Age, a Rich Reserve of Piety and Devotion to the Ancient Prophets of God.

I'm glad to hear the Character of John the Baptist, which I sent thee formerly, was so well accepted by thee, and all the Religi∣ous under thy Charge, That thou vouchsafest only to accuse the shortness of the Relation, desiring a more particular Account of that Prophet's Manner of living, especially of his Abstinences, and what may be the most proper Interpretation of the Graecian Word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, mention'd in the History of his Life?

Praise be to God, who has inspir'd thee with this Critical Regard to one of his most

Holy Messengers. I revere thy Learned Soul, and that accomplish'd Intellect, which is ever busie, prying into Weighty and Impor∣tant Matters. I honour thy Impartial Mind, which scruples not to pay th' Attach that's due to a Saint, tho' of the Christian Calen∣dar. If we should reject all that the Fol∣lowers of Jesus do, we should neither Fast, Pray, give Alms, or perform any other Good Works. Therefore in this, thou art an Exemplary Pattern to the Rigid, Super∣stitious Sort of Mussulman Phanaticks, who bear an endless Grudge against all those that are not of their Narrow Faith, and Dark Opinion.

Glory be to God, with whom the WORD was present from the Dawning of Eternal Light, before the Morning of his Works had peep'd o'er the Mountains of the Ancient Chaos, or penetrated the Dark Abyss, and Misty Vale of Nothing, and painted the Tops of the Creation, the Highest Ranks of Beings, with Splendors of the Early Day. Before the Sun had drank th' Immortal Halo in, and spong'd up all the Visible Beams to squeeze them out again upon the Moon, the Stars, and on this Lower World. That WORD remains for Ever, and at a de∣termin'd Hour became Incarnate, in the Person of Jesus the Son of Mary, as the Holy Alcoran informs us.

In those Days John the Baptist went into the Wilderness, and preach'd Repentance to the Jews foretelling the near Approach of

the Messias. The Sacred Hero made a Cave his Residence; and at first, to wean his Body from all Softness, he wore a Vest or Shirt of Camel's Hair, which was girt about him with a Belt made of that Painful and Reli∣gious Creatures Skin, to put him in Mind, that he was born for Holy Labours, Toils, and Mortifications. He had no Table spread with far-fetch'd costly Dainties; no Dishes cramm'd with bloody and large Inventories of Birds, Four-footed Beasts, and Fish. His Diet was Simple, Cheap, and Innocent; easie to be got in every Wood or Field, without the Detriment of his Fellow-Animals. For he either contented himself with a Repast on Honey, which he found in Hollow Trees; or on a Kind of Manna, a sweet Dew fal∣ling on their Leaves, and there condens'd by Heavenly Influence: Or else it was a kind of luscious Moisture, which he suck'd from certain Plants, perhaps not much unlike our Sugar-Canes: For thus Interpreters do differ about the Words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Whatever it was, we may conclude it to be some slender, light and easie Nourishment. And when this Diet fail'd him, or his Sto∣mach requir'd a little more Variety, he ban∣queted on what the Graecians call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Some will have these to be a Kind of Locusts or Grass-hoppers, a Meat indulg'd the Jews by Moses in the Law. The Syrians also coun∣ted them a Dainty; so did the Ancient Par∣thians, as Aristotle and Pliny tell us. And my Country-men, the Arabians, eat of them to

this Day. Others are of Opinion, that these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 were a sort of little Shell-Fish, such as Crabs, Crawfish, or Shrimps, which Nature has generally lodg'd in Holes along the banks of Rivers. A pleasant, tem∣perate Sort of Diet, commended for their Virtues in expelling Poyson, and being Re∣medies for the Strangury, and Antidotes to cure the Biting of Mad Dogs.

The Divine Prophet therefore oft frequen∣ting the Waters of the River Jordan, where∣in he us'd to wash his Converts and Disciples; these Men suppose, he took Occasion to allay his Hunger with these little Shell-fish, which he might easily take in mighty Num∣bers from their watry Nests. And they en∣deavour to strengthen this Opinion, by as∣serting, That the Food which the Waters afford us, is much more Pure and Holy than what the Earth brings forth; in regard the Earth lies under the Malediction of God, ever since Noah's Flood, whereas the Waters ne'er were Curs'd. Hence, say they, it is very probable. That the consecrated Hero, wou'd not defile his Spotless Life with cursed Banquets from the Earth, but rather chose to appease his Hunger with the harmless, bless'd, and wholsome Product of the Wa∣ters.

If thou wilt have my Opinion after all, I'm apt to think these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 were nothing else but the tender Tops of Plants, such as we call Asparagus, or perhaps they were wild Apples of the Wood; and then we may

suppose there's some Mistake in the Greek Copy. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Or, it may be the Holy Prophet, in the proper Season of the Year, did use to crop and eat the Ears of Barly, and then the Word shou'd be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. For, what cou'd be more sweet and pleasant to an Abstemious Man, than to sustain his Life with fruits, Grain, Herbs, or Roots? Nor did the Malediction reach the Vegetables, but only the Animal Generations, from which a perfect Man abstains.

Certainly, those, who out of an Aversion for Purity, Prayer, and Fasting, turn them∣selves from Humane Bodies to Swine; and from Religious Abstinence to Salvage Gur∣mundizing on Flesh, seem to derive their Pedigree from a Race of Devils: Especially such as after the manner of Spiders, gathe∣ring Poison from the Flowers of Piety, Blaspheme this Sacred Vertue of Abstinence, and call it by the Infamous Name of Super∣stition.

For, if the Veneration we pay to God con∣sist in the Knowledge, Love and Fear of his Divine Majesty, with Adoration and Praise of his Eternal Attributes; it follows, That we ought to worship him with the most Fervent Application of our Spirits. But this Religious Ardour cannot subsist in any Soul, whose Body is not mortified; nor can the Body be mortified without Austerity, which always is accompany'd with Rigorous Fasting and Abstinence from Flesh. Where∣fore if we ascend to God, by the very same

Degrees as we fall from him, it follows, That Abstinence is the First Step to Immor∣tality and Supreme Happiness.

I do not mean by Abstinence, that Natu∣ral Aversion which some Men have for Flesh, who never durst to taste of any in their Lives, compell'd to this by some Occult Antipathy in their Stomachs. For such a Necessity cannot make a Vertue, it being common to Men and Brutes; there being many Animals, who fast from all Provender at certain Seasons of the Year, and others that taste not some Kinds of Food, during their Lives. So there are some Men, to whom Wine, Flesh, Cheese, Apples, Herbs and other Things, are an Abomination from their Cradles. There have been others, who, by a Prae∣ternatural Necessity, have lived some Days, VVeeks, Months and Years without either Meat or Drink. So Plato records, That Herus Pamphylius lay Ten whole Days among the Dead Carcases of Soldiers slain in Battel; and, when he was taken up to be laid on the Funeral Pile, they perceiv'd him to be alive. Laertius tells us, That Pythago∣ras fasted Forty Days and Forty Nights from Meat and Drink. From whom Apollonius Thyanaeus learn'd the Art of keeping almost a perpetual Fast. And these Modern Times afford us the Example of a Spaniard, whom they call Alcantaro, who every Moon us'd to Fast for Seven or Eight Days together. So a famous German Maid was diligently ob∣serv'd and watch'd, whilst she pass'd away

full Seven Years Time without Meat, Drink, Sleep or Excrements. France also boasts of another Virgin, who fasted above Three Years together.

Such Abstinences as these, are not to be put to the Account of Vertue, in regard they were not the Effects of Humane Choice, but the Decrees of Fate. So wou'd our Ab∣stinence be deprav'd, if we shou'd only pra∣ctise it, as the old Gentiles did, who forbore to kill or eat some certain Beasts, because they held them consecrated to their Gods. As the Dog to Diana; the Tyger to Bacchus; the Horse to Neptune; the Woolf to Mars; the Eagle to Jupiter; the Peacock to Juno; the Swan to Apollo; the Dove to Venus; the Owl to Minerva. Nor need we abstain on the Account of the Soul's Transmigration; for, so we ought to forbear the Vegetable Products of the Earth, as well as Animals, since the Soul is Indifferent to all Bodies, in its separate State.

But our Reason in this Point, ought to take its Rise from the Fundamental Law of Nature, the Original Justice of the World, which teaches us, Not to do that to another, which we wou'd not have another do to us. Now, since 'tis evident, That no Man wou'd willingly become the Food of Beasts; there∣fore, by the same Rule, he ought not to prey on them. Next to this Foundation of our Abstinence, we ought to build our Aims at the Perfection of our Nature, which cannot be acquir'd but by Degrees: We must en∣deavour

to abate the Aliment of our Con∣cupiscences, by exhaling the superfluous and grosser Vapours of our Blood in Sacred Fasts and Oraisons. Then we shou'd re∣fresh our fainting Bodies, with Food affor∣ding little Nourishment and Pleasure. That so our vain Affections, Appetites and Lusts, may gradually die: Whilst the pure Mind revives, and being free from the gross Va∣pours arising from too much, and too fat∣ning Meats and Drinks, the Films which darken'd her Sight, fall off; and she can better now discern the Naked Forms of Things, by her own simple Intuition, than before she cou'd through all the borrow'd Spectacles and other Opticks of Book-Philoso∣phy. Also she will more easily raise her self to the Contemplation and Science of Divine Eternal Things. He therefore that in Ear∣nest will apply himself to the Study of ac∣complish'd Sanctity, must first by Fasting exhaust the Marrow from his Bones, the Fat∣ness from his Flesh, the Wild and Rampant Spirits from his Nerves, and then he must purge the Words and Actions of his Life from Vice. When this is done, the Soul becoming a pure Tabula Rasa, is fit for the Impressions of Celestial Vertue.

Those who labour under acute Diseases, run great Hazard of their Lives, according to Hippocrates, unless their Diet be accom∣modated with proportionate Regard to the Quality and Time of the Critical Fits or Paroxisms. But, those who are entangl'd

with Vice, do labour under far more dange∣rous Distempers, than such as afflict the Body. Wherefore the Prophet, our Holy Law-giver, like a Wise Physician, appoin∣ted certain Seasons of the Year, for Sacred Abstinences, Fastings, Pilgrimages, Vigils, and other Holy Exercises, especially the Mighty Fast and Vigil of Ramezan, where∣in, tho' it be not forbid to eat of Flesh after the Stars appear at Night, yet none but loose and indevout Believers, take that Li∣berty; whereas the better Sort content them∣selves with an Ascetick Diet. The Hebrews fasted with Unleaven'd Bread, and a little Salad; the Christians also taste no Flesh, on their prohibited Days: And shall the Mussulmans be greater Libertines than these Infidels?

O Hebatolla! how radiant is the Lustre of a Lamp, when shining through a clean, and fine, defaecate Chrystal? So does the Soul display the Rays of her Immortal Ver∣tue round about, when she inhabits in a well purifi'd, chaste, and almost pervious Body. VVherefore, it is absolutely necessa∣ry for him to attenuate his Body with per∣petual Temperance and Abstinence, who consecrates himself to Vertue and Devotion. He will not be ensnar'd or catch'd by any Baits of Luxury or Voluptuousness; not yet affrighted from his constant, sober Course of Life, by any Pain, or thwarting Accident. No Frowns or Menaces shall di∣vert him from his Noble Purpose: But he

will so nourish his Body all his Life, that it shall never be Surfeited, or over-fill'd with Meats. And such is the Magick of this Sa∣cred Vertue, That it can never be hurt, much less subverted by all the Machinations of Evil Daemons; or the Malicious At∣tempts of Men. But it proceeds from Strength to Strength, and fights the Combat valiantly, till having overcome at last, it Triumphs for ever, and receives the Palm, the Crown and Chaplet of Divine Reward in Paradise.

Holy President, pray that I may practise what I so admire, and not be self-condemn'd for living contrary to my Knowledge. For God neither loves a double Tongue or Heart, neither delights he in Feet or Hands that are swift and nimble to do Mischief.

Paris, 13th. of the 4th. Moon, of the Year 1669.

LETTER VIII. To Hamet, Reis Effendi, Principal Secretary of the Ottoman Em∣pire.

NOw the Christians are in a general Con∣sternation for Candy: The Pope has sent Letters to all the Princes that are in his Communion; inviting and pressing them to succour that Distress'd Island. Levies are making every where; and the King of France, who seeks all Occasions of Glory, appears the most forward of any to assist the Repub∣lick in this Fatal Juncture. The Duke of Beaufort, and the Chevalier de Vendosm, are appointed to lead the Forces design'd for that Service. They are gone to Toulon, in Or∣der to embarque. The Pope has sent the Duke of Beaufort a Breve, declaring him General of the Troops Ecclesiastick that are to serve in Candy; and for his greater En∣couragement, he has sent him the Pontifical Standard.

In the mean while, there is a Triple League concluded between the Emperour, the King of Spain, the King of England, the King of Swedeland, and the States of Holland.

There is great Joy in Portugal for the Birth of the Infanta, who is call'd Elizabe∣tha-Maria-Louisa, She was Born the 6th.

of the 1st. Moon; and on the 18th. the Empress of Germany was also deliver'd of a Daughter. These Western Queens are very pregnant. Not a Year passes without the Birth, or Baptism, of some Royal Infant.

This is all the News at present; but to oblige thee I will say something of Italy, which is esteem'd the Garden of Europe. Nay, Constantine Paleologus, Emperor of Greece, was wont to say, Ʋnless I had been assur'd by very Learned and Holy Men, that Paradise was seated in Asia, I shou'd have sworn that Italy had been the Place.

It is most certain Italy is a delectable Country, abounding in Riches and Plea∣sures. The Eye is not satisfi'd with seeing the infinite Variety of Beauties, which grace this happy Region. Such is the lovely In∣termixture of Hills and Valleys, Groves and Plains, Palaces and Gardens, that a Traveller is ravish'd as he passes on the Road. But this is not all: She is as rich as fair. No Country in the World can match Italy for the Plenty and Variety of excellent Wines; only they are of no long Continu∣ance. Above all the rest, Travellers com∣mend that Sort which they call Lachrymae Christi, or, the Tears of Christ, for its deli∣cious Taste. Which when a Dutch-man once tasted, he burst forth into this Excla∣mation; O Christ! why didst thou not weep in my Country? At Papia, there are a Kind of Aromatick Grapes, which leave a fragrant Odour in the Mouth of him that eats them.

It is recorded of a certain Roman Lord, That when he was in Prison half dead with Me∣lancholy, he drank a Glass or Two of this generous Wine, which so reviv'd his Spirits, that instead of Despairing, as he was ready to do before, he wrote a Treatise entituled [de Consolatione.]

Besides, Italy abounds in Cattle, Sheep, Fowls, Mines, Rocks of Alabaster, Marble, Porphyry, Coral, Ophits, Agats, Chalce∣donies, Azures, and innumerable other pre∣cious Stones. Hence it comes, that in this Country are seen the most Glorious and Mag∣nificent Temples of the World.

But, this so fair and wealthy a Spot of Ground is Inhabited by a very wicked Sort of People. They are quite degenerated from the Vertues of their Ancestors. They are a Base, Effeminate, Sly, Sodomitical Race of Men, Covetous, Revengeful, and Inexora∣ble. I have heard a Story of Two Italian Brothers that were walking one Night in the Fields, it being a very serene Sky; when one of them looking steadfastly on the Heavens, wish'd, he had as many Oxen as there were Stars. The other wish'd, he had a Field as large as the Firmament. What wou'd you do with it? said the First. Let your Oxen graze there, reply'd he. But, as they proceeded in this Kind of foolish, loose Discourse, they kindled each others Anger; and at length, falling from. Words to Blows, kill'd one another on the Spot. Behold, the Conse∣quence of their Covetous Desires. They

are extremely addicted to Revenge, and are as dextrous at poysoning as the Indian Prin∣ces. A certain French Author gives us a very Compendious Account of the Benefits a Stranger gets by travelling into Italy, in these Words: We go into Italy, says he, with Incredible Charges, only to purchase the mere Shadow of Civility, and we bring back from thence the whole System of Vices. The Mila∣nese teach us how to Cheat. From the Ve∣netians we learn Hypocrisie. Rome trans∣forms us into perfect Atheists and Libertines. Naples turns us to Satyres. Florence in∣structs us in the Artificial Methods of Poy∣soning. There is not one City, which does not tincture us with some Specifick Ill Qua∣lities.

Sage Hamet, In all my Letters to thee, I studiously insert some Remarks on these Western Nations, that so I may gratifie thy Wishes. Pardon the want of Order: For, I write Things as they present themselves to my Memory. Accept all in good Part from Mahmut, who obeys thy Commands chearfully, and honours thee without Flat∣tery.

Paris, 12th. of the 5th. Moon, of the Year 1669.

LETTER IX. To Hamet, Reis Effendi, Principal Se∣cretary of the Ottoman Empire.

THou may'st Register in the Archives of the Sacred Empire; That Dom John of Austria, is made perpetual Governour of the Low-Countries, under the Spanish King's Obedience. He is also Viceroy, and Vicar-General of Arragon, Catalonia, and Valenciae. But it is fit for thee to know also, That this is so far from being esteem'd by that Prince a Happiness, that he counts it his Greatest Misfortune, in Regard 'tis no better than an Honourable and Irrevocable Banishment from the Court of Spain; where his Royal Blood and Merits, are out-master'd by the Genius of a certain Priest, whom they call Father Nitard. This Man is very Ambitious, always aiming at High Matters; yet admir'd by no body for his Learning, Beauty, or any other good Qualities. Only the Queen of Spain, is pleas'd to make him her Favourite.

He cou'd never buckle to the Humour of Dom John; and hence arose a secret Envy be∣tween 'em; which afterwards burst forth in∣to open Animosities, Feuds and Quarrels. So that at last, the Favourite got the Day, and Dom John was forc'd to quit the Field.

It is impossible to trace the Sovereigns of the Earth in the Foot-steps of their Royal Conduct: Or else, one wou'd of Course

conclude, That tho' so great a Prince as this, of the same Lineage as the Queen her self, shou'd have easily eclips'd the borrow'd Lustre of an Upstart Minion. But Mo∣narchs have Specifick Reasons to themselves, which others cannot penetrate.

Perhaps this cunning Priest used a Trick like that of a Soldier in the Army of Alex∣ander the Great: Who being of an Ambiti∣ous Spirit, and coveting to make some grea∣ter Figure than that of a Private Sentinel, consider'd Alexander's Humour, and how to hit it. He knew, that his Heroick Ma∣ster took Delight in any Thing was bold and brave. But how to come into his Pre∣sence, he was Ignorant. At length, he pitch'd upon this Method. One Day, as Alexander was debauching with his beloved Parmenio, Haepheston, Lysimachus, and other Officers. This Fellow (whose Name was Clytus) put himself into a Mimick Dress of War, counterfeiting himself Mad, and dancing the Pyrrhick Measures, with his brandish'd Sword, kill'd Five new-listed Sol∣diers lately come from Colchis. The Guards soon siez'd upon him; and it being a Tra∣gical Novelty, the News was carried to the King; who caus'd the Fellow to be brought before him. And examining him on the Point, Clytus answer'd,

"Great King, those Five Men whom I have kill'd, had conspir'd to take away thy Life this Day, being hir'd thereto by the King of Colchis, and therefore sent into thy Army. Their

Tent being next to mine, I had an Acci∣dental Opportunity last Night, of over∣hearing their Discourse, when they were plotting together the Time, the Place, and Manner of thy Death. I kept a Watch upon them, and observ'd their Motions from that Moment. For, tho' I knew the Hour appointed by them for this Execrable Regicide, yet I was solli∣citous, lest some ill Fate shou'd prompt the Ruffians to antedate their own Re∣solves, and hasten a Murder, whose De∣lay might else discover their Designs, or at least prevent 'em. Therefore I took this mad Disguise, to execute the Sober∣est and most Important Purpose that e'er I fram'd in all my Days; which was at once to save the Life of the World's Con∣queror, and get my self Immortal Ho∣nour by the Happy Deed."

After profound Deliberation of the Drunken Cabinet-Council, Alexander ap∣prov'd the Fact, and order'd Publick Ho∣nours to be done to his Deliverer. According to the Macedonian Custom, he vested him with Purple Robes, and gave him a Chain of Gold, admitting him to the latter End o'th' Banquet, and afterwards esteeming him above his most Familiar Friends. Till such another Debauch as this, but more Un∣fortunate to Clytus, at once depriv'd him of the King's Favour and his own Life: So Inconstant is the State of Humane Great∣ness.

Sage Hamet, the Favour of Princes is like a Reed of Egypt, which either trans∣pierces him that leans upon it; or flinches from the Burden, and so gives him a Fall, which most Times plunges him o'er Head and Ears, in the choaking Mire of Popular Hatred.

God grant thou may'st never be crush'd to Death from Above, by the Weight of the Sultan's Displeasure, or undermin'd from Beneath, and swallow'd up in an Earthquake rais'd by the Multitude.

Paris, 18th. of the 7th. Moon, of the Year 1669.

LETTER X. To Hebatolla Mir Argun, Supe∣ior of the Convent of Derviches at Cogni in Natolia.

THou wilt not be displeas'd to hear of a Mighty King, that laying aside his Dia∣dem and Scepter, and abandoning the Height of Humane Glory, has consecrated himself to a Private Religious Life, vowing Perpe∣tual Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience.

Yet this is true of John Casimir, late King of Poland, who from a Sovereign Monarch is become an Humble Subject, and having forsaken the Pleasures and Magnificences of

his Royal Palace, voluntarily confines him∣self to the Narrow Circumstances and Au∣sterities of a Monastick Life.

He chose France for the Place of his Re∣treat from his own Kingdom; and the Abby of St. Germains near Paris, as his Sanctuary from all Worldly Affairs. He was magni∣ficently receiv'd and entertain'd in every Ci∣ty through which he pass'd. And on the 4th. of the 11th. Moon, he made his first Entry into the Mosque or Church of the Convent, where he made his Vows, in Quality of Abbot, or Superior of that House: For which they solemnly sung their Te Deum, or a Song of Praise to God. And the Court of France seems to be proud of the Honour this Prince has done it, in retiring hither, and making it the Theatre of such Pious Resolves, the last Stage of his Pilgrimage on Earth, where he will bid Adieu to the vain Pageantries of Honour, Wealth and Empire; and having shaken off the Glittering Burden of a Crown, with all the other Clogs of elevated Mortality, he will the easier climb to Paradise.

Abstracting from the Particular Super∣stitions of the Nazarenes, I cannot but commend the Sage Undertaking of King Casimir; who, in this, seem to outgoe the noisie ostentous Action of Adrian, one of the Roman Emperors: For he only once cele∣brated in outward Pomp his own Funerals, by way of Type or Figure; making a splen∣did Cavalcade, before which his Coffin was

carried in a kind of Mock-Triumph: As if after all his other Victories, at last he had lead Death himself Captive: Whereas this hinder'd not, but that he return'd again to the Vanities which in this Publick Emblem he seem'd to despise; And from a Drama∣tick Conqueror, he became a real Slave. His personated Mortification in the Streets, en∣ded in his ordinary Passions at Home. And he had a stronger Inclination to the Bed of Voluptuousness at Night, than he seem'd to have by Day to his Grave.

But this Heroick King of the Poles, is really gone into his Sepulchre. (For no bet∣ter is a Monastery in my Opinion.) He has translated the Seat and Throne of his King∣dom, to a Tomb; not for Three or Four Hours, to make a shew, but there really to lead a dying Life, or living Death; and reign in Funeral Majesty all the Rest of his Days. For, to be thus Recluse from the World, is to be buried alive.

O Venerable and Benign Dervich, pardon the Favourable Opinion I have of this Chri∣stian Monarch. I do not patronize his Er∣rors in applauding his Vertue. Besides, it is the General Faith of Mussulmans, That, let a Man be a Christian, a Jew, or Pagan, provided he lives up to the best Light he has, he shall be saved. And the Holy Prophet himself gave us Encouragement to believe so.

Thou wilt at least conclude this King to be more Pious and worthy of Praise, than

one of his Predecessors, who usurp'd the Polish Crown. This was Ʋladislaus V. who having enter'd into a solemn League with one of our Former Sultans, living in his Time, and taken an Oath thereupon, giving also the Eucharist (or, that which they esteem the Body of Christ) in Hostage; yet soon after broke the Articles that he had Sign'd, Seal'd, and Sworn to, and for the Performance of which he had pawn'd his God.

This so provok'd the Grand Signior, that he had recourse to his Arms for Justice, and invaded Poland with a Mighty Force: To repell which, Ʋladislaus also levied an Army, and met him in the Field. But, just as they were going to give Battel, the Sultan took out of his Bosom, the paw∣ned Eucharist, with the Capitulations agreed upon, and sworn to between 'em. Then holding the Wafer in One Hand, and the Articles in the Other, he cryed out, in the Hearing of both Armies;

"O thou Cruci∣fy'd God of the Christians, behold thy Per∣fidious Adorers, who have given thee to me as a Pledge of their Faith and Truth in what they have sworn; yet in a most Impious Manner they have violated their Oath. If thou art a God chastise them now by my means, for their Abominable Perjury, and Prophanation of thy Name."

His Prayer was heard of Heaven: For the Victorious Osmans gave a Total Overthrow to the Infidels; and that Blasphemous Prince was himself kill'd in the Battel.

Whatever various Forms of Religion there be in the World; we know there is but One True God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, Conservator and Governour of Men. He connives at the Invincible Ignorances, Frail∣ties and Infirmities of our Mortal Race. He accepts the Good Works and Sincere Vows of Pagans, and the Ʋncircumcised, as well as those of the True Believers, and Followers of the Prophet. But he abhorrs and punishes all Injustice, Perjury, and Treason, both in the One and the Other. For he has no Partial Regards for This Nation or Person, more than for That. They are all equally the Works of his Hands; and his Care is alike over them.

The Sun runs from the East to the West: In his daily Circuit he Illuminates and Warms this Hemisphere; and by Night, our Anti∣podes enjoy his Favours, and welcome In∣fluence. At one Time of the Year he com∣forts the North, at another he revives the South. There is no Part of the Globe, which in due Season does not rejoyce in his all-chearing Beams.

The Moon never slacks or deviates from her wonted Course; but from the Cresent to the Wane, observes the Laws of him that made her. She is exact in timing the Flux and Reflux of the Sea. And she guides the wan∣dring Mariners by Night. The Inhabitants of the Artick and Antartick Circles, wait for her Light, when the Sun absents himself for Half the Year. As soon as they see the

Chariot of Diana appear on the Road of their Heaven, every Man claps his Hands for Joy. They rouze from their Domestick Dulness and Melancholy; they come out of their Dens and Caves. VVith Dances and Songs, they welcom the Approach of the Beautiful Goddess; Knowing that She is but a Second Remove from the Eternal Light: The Mirrour of the Sun, in which that Glorious Planet may see his Face; in whose, by Reflection, we see the Face of God.

So do the Stars keep on their various Tra∣verses through the Heavens. Each Constel∣lation faithfully maintaining its Post; each Planet pursuing its Road. VVhilst all toge∣ther, at so vast a Distance, appear a flying Camp, ne'er setting up their bright Pavili∣ons but by Night, and in the Morning ta∣king 'em down again. This may be call'd the Army of Heaven, the Host of God, embattel'd in the Firmament, to guard his Friends on Earth, and to chastise his Ene∣mies.

To descend lower yet into our Sublunary Elements; we find the Rain, Hail, Snow, VVinds, Thunder, Lightning and other Meteors, are impartially scatter'd up and down the Climates of the Earth; I do not mean by Chance, but by the Universal Providence which governs all Things. As the Alcoran expresses it:

"'Tis he directs the Seminal and Prolifick Showers, to Barren and Desart Places: Doubtless, this is a Sign of his Divine Ʋnity."

In fine, all Provinces and Corners of the Earth bring forth their proper Fruits in Sea∣son. And the Negro's of Africk, and Ame∣rica, tho' gross Idolaters, and some of them worshipping Infernal Daemons, yet enjoy God's Blessings; and live as Plentifully, with as much Content and Joy, as we that Adore his Eternal Ʋnity.

Every Nation takes up their Religion on the Credit of their Priests; and so long as they observe the Natural and Moral Law imprinted in their Hearts: The Indulgent Judge and Father of Men, will dispense with those that Err, in Obedience to the Po∣sitive Laws of their Nation: for Sedition is like Magick, odious to God and Man, and equally liable to Universal Punishment.

Once more, O Pious Father of the Der∣viches, I beg of thee to pardon the Freedom I take, in discoursing of Religious Matters in thy Presence, who art a Light to the Blind, a Guide to those that Err; a Resol∣ver of Doubts, an Arbitrator of difficult Questions; The Onely Oracle of thy Pro∣vince.

I endeavour not to inform thee, but to dis-entangle my self from Error; and testi∣fie, that tho' I Honour God and his Pro∣phet; yet I think there is no need of a False∣hood to defend the Truth.

Paris, 7th. of the 2d. Moon, of the Year, 1670.

LETTER XII. To Useph, Bassa.

DEath has of late Celebrated a Triple Triumph in the Court of France; ha∣ving lead away Captives to the Invisible World, The Cardinal Duke of Vendôme, a Dutchess of the same Title, and Henrietta Maria, late Queen of Great Britain, being the Relict of King Charles I. and Youngest Daughter to Henry IV. of France.

Thou may'st also report to the Divan, that Casimir, late King of Poland, is now at this Court; Having left Poland, as soon as he saw Prince Wiesnowiski elected his Suc∣cessor. The Dukes of Lorrain and New∣burgh had severally laid Claim to that Crown, and levied Armies a-part, in order to make good their Pretentions. But the Polanders, being aware of it, were resolv'd not to bring themselves under the Jurisdicti∣on of any Foreigner, so long as there was a Prince of their own Nation capable of the Dignity, and one who being the Son of King Casimir, seems to have the best Title to his Father's Throne, whose Vertues he inhe∣rits.

Here is also arriv'd the Prince of Tuscany, who has travell'd through all Europe, and

takes France, as the last Kingdom, in his Return Homewards: Protesting, That he does this in good Manners, as preferring France to all the Nations in Christendom. Indeed, he cou'd do no less in Good Man∣ners, than make this Apology, which yet sounds very Flat toa Court so refin'd as this; which might have expected his First Visit as a Token of his Regard; since, tho' in Domestick Processions, Entries, and Caval∣cades, those of highest Dignity take the last Place; yet in Foreign Embassies, and Voyages, it is usual for Princes to address to those first, for whom they have the Greatest Esteem.

The Politicians here keep very secret the News that comes from Candy, which makes all Men conclude, 'tis none of the most Pro∣sperous. 'Tis generally reported for a Truth, That Admiral Beaufort is either Kill'd, or taken Prisoner by the Ottomans; and that the French have lost near Two thousand Men in this Undertaking.

I wonder why the Painters always de∣scribe Death in the Form of a Naked Ske∣leton, a Starv'd System of dry Bones: where∣as one would think, he ought to be pour∣tray'd as a Monster, a Miracle of Fatness; since he is the greatest Glutton in the World, hourly gurmundizing on all manner of Flesh, and is the very Original, Universal Cannibal of Nature, who from the Begin∣ning of the World has feasted himself with

Humane Bodies. But, perhaps, he has a bad Digestion, and none of all his raw and bloody Diet, will afford Nutriment enough to form so much as a poor Skin to cover his Nakedness. And, therefore 'tis he's al∣ways drawn in this lean Figure.

Courteous Bassa, suffer me from this vain Jest, to fall into a serious Reflection on our Mortality, and the frail Estate of Hu∣mane Race.

Man's but a fetid Vapour, first exhal'd from the Earth, and afterwards advancing, is condens'd into a Cloud, that so his Fil∣thiness may be conceal'd under the Covert of a Skin, there in Secret to engender a Thousand Meteors of Fiery Passions, Lusts, Concupiscences, and Extravagant Thoughts. Which in time burst forth, and trouble all the World: Yet end at last in empty Smoak, Rain, Hail, or Wind, and are extinct al∣most as soon as they were form'd.

The Elements of which we are compoun∣ded, may serve as Mirrours to represent the constant Mutability of our Nature. So the devouring Fire, when all its Fuel is spent, decays and dies. Earth, Air, and Water, all are subject to Corruption, and from thence our Generation takes its Rise: like∣wise thither we return again. This is the Eternal Circle of Natural Products. The Trees, the Flowers, with all the Vegetable Race; the Birds, the Beasts, and Fishes, with every Species of Animals, are so many

Remembrancers of our Mortality. Which way soe'er we turn our Eyes, they are pre∣sented with fresh Images of Humane Weak∣ness. And the very Breath, which does prolong our Life, helps equally to shorten it, since every Respiration carries away some Portion of our Substance. Our finer Par∣ticles gradually vanish into Smoak, and Air, whilst the more gross Remainder scums off in noisome Excrements. And if there appear a Shew of any thing solid in us at our Death, 'tis soon reduc'd to Ashes, Dirt, or Worms. Our Bodies, of which we make so great Account whilst living, are lost in the Abyss of Universal Matter, soon after Death.

What were the greatest Prince the hap∣pier, tho' he possess'd the whole Circumfe∣rence of this Globe? 'Tis but a Mighty Heap of Dirt, or Dung, perpetually exha∣ling or crumbling away. 'Tis one of the Dishes which compose the Banquet of All-devouring Time. And whilst the insulting Monarchs of the Earth trample on it in Disdain, spreading their Armies far and wide, and boasting that their Empires have no Bounds; each do's but hasten to be shut up himself within a little, obscure and putrid Hole, not much surpassing the Li∣mits of a Mole-Hill.

Great Bassa, Let not the Honours and Dignities thou possessest, make thee forget

the Miseries to which thou art liable each Hour: But, remember thou art a Man.

Paris, the 6th. of the 11th. Moon, of the Year 1669.

LETTER XIII. To the Kaimacham.

HEre is arriv'd a Muta-faraca, call'd Solyman Ismael, with Expresses from the Grand Signior. 'Twas no small Refresh∣ment to see his publick Entry, which ap∣pear'd like a little Epitome of the Mussulman Grandeur and Magnificence. The Young Rabble were as curious to be Spectators of this Eastern Cavalcade, as the Romans were fond of beholding the Secular Plays, which were exhibited but once in an Age. Nay, People of all Ranks, Ages, and Qualities, fill'd the Streets, the Windows, and Battle∣ments of their Houses: Some, because they never saw such a fight before; others, de∣spairing that they should live long e∣nough to be Witnesses of such another.

Yet with all their Curiosity, none but the Ministers of State are able to dive into the least Secret of his Instructions. These wil∣ling

communicate the Titles which the Great Arbiter of the Earth, gives the French King. That so not only his Subjects, but Neighbouring Nations may conceive the profounder Veneration for him, without pe∣netrating the Measures he takes. This is an Artifice common to all States, to turn the best Side outermost; only the Hollanders excepted, who, in the Days of their Revolt from the King of Spain, cou'd not so much as put a good Face on a bad Matter: But were forc'd to expose their Poverty and Na∣kedness, as well as suffer under it; addres∣sing themselves to Elizabeth, then Queen of England, in the Character of, The Poor Distressed States of Holland, and so begging her Assistance.

However, Solyman has faithfully imparted to me his Affairs, as I have reason to believe. He's too well born, and bred, possesses more Reason and Wit, than to amuse the Old Man in the Cassock, (so they call me here in the Streets, who know me not by any other Character; so Private is Mahmut in Paris, at this Hour, notwithstanding all his publick Sufferings.)

I esteem Ismael as one fit to represent the Grand Signior's Person among better Peo∣ple than Infidels: Yet, I tell thee, the French are the most refin'd of all the We∣stern Giafers.

Ismael understands the Force of the Civil Laws, which he learn'd from Justinian's

Code, and other Books: For he is perfect in Greek and Latin, and has bestow'd some Years in reading their Book, both Prints and Manuscripts.

He makes a very Personable Figure, be∣ing Tall, Full-body'd, Well-shap'd, and not of an ugly Face; which is enough to be said of a Man, design'd for Business, and not only for Love. He's never in dan∣ger of falling under Cato's Censure, who seeing Two Embassadors sent from Rome to a Foreign State, one of which had his Head so little, that it could hardly be distinguish'd from that of an Owl; and the other such a Cripple, that he cou'd not walk without a Cripple, that he cou'd not walk without Stilts; cry'd out, Here's an Embassy which has neither Head nor Tail.

And then, our Muta-faraca is rich: He supports the Charges of his Commissi∣on, with extraordinary Munificence. His House is already become the Sanctuary of all the distress'd Levantines, whether Greeks, Armenians, or Followers of the Prophet: and he speaks French as readily as a Native. Yet he Dissembles his Expertness in that Language, to keep up the State and Reser∣vedness of the Ottoman Empire, which dis∣dains to condescend to any other Speech, than Turkish, or Arabick. Besides, he has the Advantage, by thus artificially shut∣ting his Ears, that he can at one time both hear and be deaf; understand and be igno∣rant of whatsoever is said by the Spies of

the French King. And this is no small Gift in a Man of his Character and Trust. For he had need of an Angel, or a Devil at's Elbow, that thinks to over-reach this Court.

Above all, I believe our Solyman will never be guilty of the Error committed by the Embassadors sent from Tenedos to one of the Roman Emperors. I'm sure he is not yet. For, those Gentlemen had seen the Death of the Emperor's Son, Eleven Moons, and Fourteen Days, as the Story says, be∣fore they knew 'twas their Duty to make an Address of Condolence: Or, at least, before they call'd it to mind; for, they were drown'd in the Roman Luxury. So that, when they came to perform that Devoir, the Emperor cou'd not forbear to Scoff at them in these Terms: I much lament, said he, the Fate of the Renowned Hector, your Country-Man, and Champion, whom Achilles the Grecian kill'd above a Thousand Years agoe.

I speak this in a particular Regard to So∣lyman's Deportment here. For, when he first came to this Court, he found them all in Mourning for the Death of the King's Aunt, the late Queen of England, and of other High Personages (particularly those that were slain in the late Action at Candia) whereof I have already given an Account to the Sublime Port, in another Letter. Without Instructions he very demurely accosted the

King, and told him,

"There cou'd be no Dunalma in the Ottoman Empire, for the late Success at Candia, so long as the French Court were Mourners."

This was a sensible Touch to those that understood it; and from that Moment the Grandees and Ministers of State have made a Difference in their Entertainment of this Ingenious Muta-faraca, and that which they us'd to give to the Chiauses formerly sent from the Port.

I can assure thee, he is, at the same time, very Blunt, and very Elegant, in his Discourse. There's Fire in every word he utters, to warm and refresh, if they take it at a due Distance; but, if they approach too near, he scorches their Spirits, and puts them into a Choler, they dare not shew. They consume inwardly in their own De∣spight: yet cannot help themselves.

Doubtless, the King of France is the Great∣est Monarch, the most Powerful and Victo∣rious Prince in Christendom, the only Invinci∣ble Emperor of the Western Franks. Yet he veils to our Majestick Sovereign, Lord of the whole Earth. And our Eunuch will not part with a Tittle of his Master's Honour, or give any Advantage by an Easiness wor∣thy of Blame, in a case that may be turn'd to a Precedent. He is very happy in his Repartees, as thou wilt perceive by the Answer he gave to a French Lord yesterday, when he ask'd him, Whether he thought it

not a Violation of the Civil Law, for Em∣bassadors to be Imprison'd, as they often are at the Ottoman Port? No, (says Solyman) it is not, where the Embassador is guilty of Treason, or Crimen laesae Majestatis. But, if it were, you French-men have the least Reason to accuse us of it, since we first learn'd this Maxim from the Back-side of your Sa∣lick Law, where 'tis Endors'd. And then he produc'd Twenty several Instances of this Kind in the Court of France.

In a word, Solyman has hitherto acquitted himself with Marvellous Success, in every thing; tho' the French Grandees often set upon him to try what Metal he is made of, having generally a mean Opinion of Mus∣sulmans, because Learning is so little coun∣tenanc'd among us.

I have no Matter of News to acquaint thee with, save that a violent Plague broke forth not long agoe at Soissons; and a terri∣ble Earthquake in Sicily, frighted the Inha∣bitants of Catanea, and the adjacent Towns, from their Habitations; After one whole Village had been swallow'd up.

Those who were curious to pry into the Cause of these particular Convul∣sions, and that affrighting Overthrow, perceiv'd, after diligent Search, that it pro∣ceeded from a new Eruption, or Breach, in Mount Gibell, about Two Miles from Cata∣nea: Where the Horrid Chasm vomited forth Floods of Fire, with Flaming Stones;

which being carried violently through the Air, for the space of near a League round about, at last fell down in Flaming Showers, or Cataracts, producing sad, and Calamitous Effects in the Neighbouring Country.

Serene Minister, it is evident that the Judgments of God are upon these Infidels: Yet, they will not be converted from their Errors, and Vices. They have felt the same Tempest of Fire which overwhelm'd the Nine Cities of the Lake Asphaltites. Yet, they remain Insensible and Obdurate. Surely, they will be exterminated from the Earth.

Paris, 4th. of the 12th. Moon, of the Year 1669.

The End of the SECOND BOOK.