Ibrahim, or, The illustrious bassa an excellent new romance, the whole work in four parts / written in French by Monsieur de Scudery and now Englished by Henry Cogan, Gent.

IBRAHIM, OR THE ILLUSTRIOUS BASSA. The First Part.

The Third Book.

THe grand Visier was no sooner at home, but he sent the com∣mand of the Grand Signior to the Bassa of the Sea, to return him the Slave, with whom he had talked the day before; but as he was generous and liberall, he caused twelve Watches, the fairest that ever had been found in all the shops of Con∣stantinople, to be carried unto him; for besides the difference of the inventions of them, their cases were so marvellous, as the Emeraulds, Rubies, and Diamonds, made up the least part of their beauty, the art far surpassing the matter: And whereas this curiosity is the greatest with persons of quality amongst the Turks, having met with an hundred of them in a certain shop, Ibrahim could not choose any thing that was more gallant, more beautifull, or more agreeable to him, who was to receive them; but to render this present yet more magnificent, he put these twelve Watches into a little coffer of Nacre, garnished with Gold and Turquieses, and sent them unto him by six Slaves: As for that of Monace, because he was not a man of any great quality, he sent him a thousand Sultanius for his ransom. After which he shut himself up in a lodging apart, that was a good way from his own, which was too much frequented with people, there to receive Doria at more liberty: The Palace of the Bassa of the Sea was not far from Ibrahims, so that it was not long before they brought him his dearest Doria, to whom that Bassa in requitall of that gallantry which had been used towards him, had in exchange of his fetters given him a chain of Diamonds. It was in this interview, that these two friends felt all those joyes and pleasing raptures, which true friendship causeth in the soules of two persons, who for so many years had been in despair of ever seeing one ano∣ther; their hearts were at one instant so replenished with pleasure and admirati∣on, as not able to express together their amazement and their joy, they remained a good while embracing one another, without the ability to speak; but at length, Ibrahims passion being the stronger, it obliged him to open their first discourse by Isabella, in calling Doria his Preserver, in giving him thanks for exposing his life to deliver her, and revenge him; and craving pardon of him for the pains he had suffered in his captivity, as counting himself the innocent cause thereof. Doria answered to all those things with as much kindness as could be; but whereas love is more powerfull than friendship, and as this passion reigns imperiously over all the rest, Ibrahim returned still to Monaco, he would have Doria particularize again that which he had already told him the day before; he demanded of him whether

it were true indeed that the Princess loved him still? He would know of him, whe∣ther the Prince of Masseran was an handsome man? And as if his friend could have divined what was done over all the earth, he conjured him to tell him, whether he did not believe that Isabella would be turned Nun when they should arrive at Genoua? In the end, after he had asked an hundred questions, whereunto Doria had no leisure to answer, he perceived his error, and desired him to pardon him for it with so much earnestness, as he could not choose but smile at it. But amidst all these mutuall caresses, there were some moments wherein Doria was surpr••zed with marvell, and whenas reason began to repossess its place in the mind of Ibrahim, he was aware of it; and seeing his eyes fastened on his habit, he easily apprehended, that he did not express all his thought; wherefore not to leave him any longer in this uncertainty, he said unto him, that for the renewing of their friendship in as strait a manner as formerly it had been, it was fit to tell him in few words, that he was still Justiniano under the name of Ibrahim, and that although he were the servant of Soliman, yet was he for all that the enemy of Mahomet; that he desired him therefore not to suspect him lightly, since he could not do so without wrong∣ing him; that if he had not been too much pressed by the affairs which he vvas to communicate unto him, and which required speed, he would have recounted to him, even at that very instant, the wonderfull progress of his fortune, but he would do that at leisure whilst they vvere in their voyage together; that in the mean time he should firmly believe hovv nothing was able to shake his faith, and that he would live and die in the Religion of his Fathers. Upon this discourse Doria confessed unto him ingenuously, that he had been strangely surprized vvith finding him Grand Visier, and the Sultans Lieutenant-Generall throughout all the extent of his Empire, since to be that and a Christian seemed to be tvvo things incompa∣tible; but in regard of that vvhich he had told him, he vvould aftervvards forbid his reason to judge any more upon apparances: Hovv it vvas notvvithstanding true, that he had believed that he vvas not absolutely culpable, but hovv it vvas certain also, that being unable to conceive this adventure, he had been troubled to think in vvhat terms he should dare to inform and clear himself therein. Ibrahim an∣swered, that he would easily forgive him this injury, seeing he himself could not in a manner conceive by what means, or by what wayes fortune had conducted him to the point wherein he then was: That in the mean space not to lose time, which was to be so precious unto him, it was fit he should tell him, that Soliman had been so good as to permit him to go and see Isabella; and that he might do it with glory and safety, the Sultan had found out an undoubted expedient to cause the Sentences which had been pronounced against them, to be revoked. But whereas Doria could not easily believe that which he heard, Ibrahim recounted e∣very thing unto him from point to point, just as it had been resolved in the Sultans Cabinet; but he did not discover unto him, that he had ingaged his word for his return within six moneths, for fear he should be afflicted at it; for as for his fide∣lity he no way misdoubted it. Doria finding that he purposed to return out of hand to Genoua, told him, that he had lost a very affectionate friend in the person of Sinibaldo, who was dead of sickness, as the Slave of Monaco had informed him, but that he had left a sonne behind him, the heir of all his vertues, and one that promised great matters. Is he not called Giovanni Lodovico, replied Ibrahim, after he had bemoaned the death of Sinibaldo? Yes, said Doria, and he was not above a dozen years old when you went away, and yet then there was great hope of him. Hereupon one brought Ibrahim word, that the Slave of Monaco was come, which made Doria represent unto him, that being to return to Genoua, he held it not fit that this Slave should see him in the habit he wore, because he could not possibly forbear publishing of it, which might prejudice him much, or at leastwise oblige him to make a publick manifestation of his adventures. Ibrahim agreed with him therein, so that he charged him, who brought him that message, to carry this Slave to the quarter where the Officers of his house were lodged, which was a great way off from his own, with order to use him well, and not to let him go

out of his chamber without his express command. That done, he turned him∣self to Doria, and desired him to work in such sort, as he might have the Letter which the Princess had wrote to him by this man, to the end he might be assured of her fidelity. Doria told him that the matter vvas not very difficult, and that to oblige him to deliver it, he need but let him knovv, hovv he vvas still alive; and because also hee vvas to see him during their Voyage, it vvas requisite to tell him, that hee had been a slave as well as they, and freed in the same manner, that he might not be surprised when he should see him a∣bord the vessell. Ibrahim approved of this counsell of his friend, and prayed him to go instantly and labour to bring him that pretious treasure, which was able to make him happy. Doria condiscending thereunto, the Bassa caused him to be con∣ducted by four slaves to the place where that of Monaco was, who a good while would not part with Isabellaes Letter, till he saw Justiniano, because he could not beleeve, that a man whom he had gone to seek for at Naples, should be at Constan∣nople; but Doria swore so seriously unto him, that Justiniano was alive, and that he should see him within a few daies, as at length, knowing him to be a man of great quality, and Justinianoes friend, he suffered himself to be perswaded, and de∣livered him Isabellaes Letter, which he had with much ado preserved all the time of his captivity; presently whereupon Doria returned to Ibrahim, who attended him with extreme impatience; as soon as he perceived him, and that they which conducted him were retired, he lovingly imbraced him, and conjured him no longer to defer his happiness, but Doria without answering him rendred him that precious gage of Isabellaes fidelity, which possessed our Illustrious Bassa with such joy, that he could hardly obtain so much tranquillity from his mind, as to read this Letter: But at last, after he had kissed it with transports that cannot be imagined but by those who know the force of this noble passion, which reigned in his heart, he opened it, and saw that it was thus.

The Letter of Isabella Princess of Monaco to Iustiniano.

SInce it is not enough for the felicity of Isabella to know that you are living, but that she must also know whether she still liveth in your memory, I have sent the Lieute∣nant of my Guard to inform himself thereof, and to clear it unto me, to the end that by his return, and by his answer, I may regulate the rest of my dayes, conserve my self for you if you be faithfull, or punish my self for loving you if you be faulty; being fully re∣solved, if you live no longer for me, to live no longer for the World, and to deprive my self for ever of it, as soon as you shall have deprived me of the hope of seeing you again. I do not undertake to paint forth all the miseries which I have suffered by the persecuti∣ons of my Lovers, and of mine Enemies, by my Parents, and by your absence; since if it be true, that it hath been able to destroy in your soul a love which ought to last eternally, it would but adde more to my confusion, and to your crime; raise up a trophy my self for mine Enemy; follow voluntarily the Chariot of the Conqueror; and serve for an ornament to the triumph of some stranger, who it may be hath vanquished you. But if neverthe∣less it should happen that my fear and suspitions should render me faulty towards you; that you should be alwaies Justiniano, as I am alwayes Isabella; that this so noble, and so pure a passion, which I had given a being unto in your soul, should reign there still, as it doth still reign in mine; I durst beseech you, if Monaco seem too weak to defend you, or too near to Genoua to live there in quiet to let me understand in what place of the earth you will have us live together; for in fine I shall alwaies quit my State without regret for to conserve unto my self the Empire which you have given me over your heart. Let me know then what I am to expect from my fortune, with a promise, if it be so that I have no longer a place in your remembrance, never to murmur more at my misfortune, but accuse my defects for your change, and since I cannot live for you, never to be any bodies, ••ut to dye in a Cloyster. This is all the grant which is demanded of you by

Your ISABELLA.

Hardly could Ibrahim retain his teares in reading Isabellaes letter, which had made him change colour more than once, according as it was either more or less obliging; and as jealousie and fear are undoubted markes of strong ••ffection, that which the Princess testified unto him gave him at one instant both grief and joy; he was grieved that Isabella should suspect him of infidelity, he was not sorry that she was affraid to lose him; and as if he had not read it well, he began to run it over again, and after he had made an end of reading it, he looked on all sides of the paper, to see if nothing else were there written: He read the superscription of it, he considered it even to the very sea; and in the end he thought he should have committed a crime if he had lost so much as one sillable of that precious pledge of Isabellaes love. This letter so mightily increased his flame, that his unquietness grow to be half so much more than it was. The discourse of the Princess seemed so pressing unto him, as he began to fear in good earnest, lest she should ••ake some extreme resolution before he could get to Monaco; he concluded therefore to for∣ward the matter as much as he could, and for a beginning he left Doria, after he had caused bookes to be given him to entertain the time withall, and commanded some of his servants to wait near unto him for to serve him; the rest of the day he bestowed in giving order for all things necessary for his voyage; he commanded a Christian Slave, in whom he much confided, to cause an habit after the Italian fashion to be secretly made, and gave him more money than need, both to pay for it, and to procure the fidelity of the Jewes, who should sell it unto him; for it is from those kinde of men, that the great diversity of Nations which people Constan∣tinople and Pera, are furni••hed with all things necessary for them, be it household-stuffe, apparell, or jewells. That done, he caused the principall Officers of his house to be called unto him, and having told them, that the Grand Signior sent him upon a secret expedition, from whence he should not return in six monthes, he commanded them that during his absence they should obey, as himself, a man, who was as it were the Steward of his house; and that they should cause all the rest that depended on them, to obey him in like manner; he assigned meanes also for the maintenance of his Train, as it used to be; and after he had promised them re∣compences if they continued in their duty, and chastisements if they did o••herwise, he went to his dear Doria, and being somwhat late, they separated themselves; Ibra∣him, not willing that his people should observe so strict a union betwixt them, got away to bed, after he had made a light supper, though he had eaten nothing all the day before; As for Doria, he was served in private, but with a great deal of magnificence. The next morning, according to the order he had received for it, Ibrahim went to the Seraglio; and whereas he had a particular permission to come thither at all times, whensoever he would, he went into the Sultans chamber, who was not ready. Soliman, seeing him come in, said unto him, how he was glad to observe in his countenance that the remedy, which he had found out for his grief, was not in vain; but to make an end of healing him speedily he had commanded over night that the Ambassador of Genoua whom he had caused to be made a prisoner at Pera, should be brought unto him; the Sultan told him further, how he had gi∣ven order, that the Ambassador should come without ceremony, because if the or∣dinary custom had been observed, Ibrahim then, as the chief Bassa, must have pre∣sented him, which he not thinking fit, for that so he would have known him, he chose rather to hold this course; besides also that sending to have him received at the gate of the City, and causing him to be presented with an horse, and roab of cloath of gold, according to the use, he ingaged himself consequently to give him publique audience, which he would not doe, to the end he might speak more o∣penly to him concerning the matters he desired of him. The Sultan was no sooner ready, but he was advertised by a Capigibassa, who is one of the Captain••s of the Port, that this Ambassador was arrived, whereupon he commanded, that a Bassa should go to receive, and bring him unto him; and that Ibrahim might hear what he said unto him he made him enter into his Cabinet. A little after this Ambassa∣dor appeared with a Turkish roab on, which had been given him without any ce∣remony

at his departure from Pera; for it is the custom of the Sultan to receive no Ambassadors but such as have one of them on, according to the manner of the Coun∣try. He was sustained under the arms by two Capigibassi; the Bassa that conducted him, marched two paces before him to present him to the Sultan, who received him with some civility: when as he had saluted the Grand Signior, he delivered the Letter that the Republique had written to him, which Soliman gave unto a Dragoman, who interpreted it unto him for forms sake only, for he understood it better than he. No sooner had he done hearing him, but he caused the same Interpreter to tell the Am∣bassador, that the injury which he had received in the person of his Chaoux, was so great, that if he had followed his just fury, his head had answered for that vio∣lence; how it was for that he had caused him to be arrested, but that he had since changed his mind at the intercession of a Christian slave, who had been a sutor to him for it, and that had found grace before his Highness; but that for returning him back, as he was going to do, together with all the vessels which he had caused to be stayed in his Ports, and for forgetting also the outrage that he had received from his Republique, they were to accord him one thing, which he desired of them. And when as the Ambassador had answered him, that the thing should be impossi∣ble if they did it not, he told him, how all that he would have was, that the Se∣nate should revoke the Sentence which they had pronounced against Justiniano, and that Doria should be no more troubled for the death of the Prince of Masseran; that it was Justiniano to whom Genoua owed her safety, and to whom he was to render thanks for his life; that he remitted both him and Doria to his conduct, for the putting of that in execution which he desired; but that he should take good heed they fayled not therein, because if that should happen, nothing should be able to keep him from making War upon Genoua it self with all the forces of his Empire. This Ambassador was so surprised with hearing the Sultan speak of Justiniano and Doria, as it had divers times like to have made him forget the respect which he ow∣ed him, for to interrupt him, but at length after Soliman had given over speaking, he answered him, that the thing he desired was so beneficiall to the Republique, as his Highness need not fear to be refused; that the merit of those two excellent men was so generally known, as the Senate had not obeyed the Laws but with grief, and that doubtless they would be extremely joyfull of so just and specious a pre∣text to infringe them. After this Soliman dismissed him, and told him yet once again, how he should remember, that in this occasion they were to satisfie him, or to have him their enemy; howbeit he somewhat caressed him in bidding him fare∣well, and excused the not receiving him with all requisite Ceremonies for some reasons which he might not tell him; that in the mean time he should prepare himself for his departure, and that he should have his dispatch. When he was re∣tired according to the custom, that is, without turning his back to the Sultan, I∣brahim came forth of the Cabinet, and cast himself at his feet, to give him thanks for so many testimonies of the affection which he received every minute from his Highness. But Soliman took him up, and told him, that eight years service well de∣served that acknowledgment; that withall likewise in labouring for his good, he should establish his own felicity, which would never be perfected till he saw him contented; that the impatience he was in for his departure, was occasioned by the desire he had of his return, and that it might no longer be deferred, he was to go and make an end of taking order for his affairs, and that immediately after noon he should come and bid him adieu, and bring Doria with him. Ibra∣him answered to all these things with as much generosity, as kindness; and for a conclusion, he deeply protested never to think himself acquitted of the infinite obligations wherein he was ingaged to his Highness, but in sacrifising his life for his service. He would have proceeded further, but the Sultan interrupted him, and once more commanded him to have no other thought than of going to see the incomparable Isabella, and of giving life again to Soliman. After this the Grand Visier durst not make any reply, but retired homewards to go unto his dear Do∣ria whom he had not seen since the evening before, and he encountred him in the

Hipodrome, so intentive in observing the stately structure of his Palace, as the Bassa was fain to speak to him before he would heed him, or be drawn out of so sweet a contemplation: But when as D••ria seemed to be unwilling to stir from thence, till he had at leasure considered that Master-peece of Architecture, Ibrahim told him he was contented he should, so as he stayd not long about it, for that having goodlier things to shew him, and not having much time to spare, they were to mannage so much as they had, till dinner was made ready, in letting him see all the beauties of the Palace which he had caused to be built: That where∣as he was skilfull in Painting, in Perspective, in Architecture, in rarities, and in all parts of the Mathematicks, he should be glad to know, whether according to his judgement all the rules of those fair Arts, and of those excellent Sciences, were found to be observed there, as according to his they were. But first, sayd Doria to him, I would fain know, how in so little a time you could make up a building, which for its greatness, and for the magnificence of its structure, would require the whole life of a man, and the treasures of a great Prince. This last, replyed Ibrahim, is the only necessary thing, for with it is done in a small time, what whole Ages, and all the industry of man could not do without it; and both to answer you, and to take from you the means of troubling me with new objections, I am to let you know, that having a purpose to build this Pal••••e, I easily found out a way to do it, as well speedily, as magnificently: For dispo••ing of all the Revenue of the Empire, I could want nothing save Artisans to execute my design, but fortune sent me them; for good luck would, that a great Architect, two Painters, and two Sculptors, having put themselves in company together for to pass out of Italy in∣to Spain, from whence they had been sent for to make a stately Palace for the Em∣peror, were taken by Pirates, who afterwards sold them here at Constantinople; and whereas I have alwaies been very carefull to inform my self of places where any Christian slaves were, that I might relieve them, I met with these same, knew what they were, and employed them for two whole years together; after which I sent them back in a vessell laden with riches. You have peradventure heard say, that the Turks do not suffer the image of any living thing to be made, and that the Alcoran seems to forbid it; but as in all Religions heresies do from time to time arise, this same, which is composed of nothing but absurdities, hath not been want∣ing therein; for some remedy whereof they one day cast into the River of Adeze∣lia, that runs by Damascus, two hundred Camels lading of Books of the different opinions of their Religion, retaining but six of them, which since have produced many others, whereof one maintains upon this Article, that the rest have misun∣derstood that passage, where their Prophet had no other meaning, but to forbid them the worshiping the images of men, of beasts, and of plants, and not the ma∣king of them for the ornament of houses: And indeed this opinion hath been fol∣lowed chiefly by the Grandees. The Seraglio hath its Galleries full of Mosaique work, where are seen great store of interlaced foliage, and birds represented by suitable peeces of differing Marble. The Emperor Selim could paint himself, and he sent a Battel, drawn with his own hand, to the Venetians; and Soliman his son hath his Fathers Picture alwaies hanging by his bed-side; so that after such illustri∣ous examples I have adorned this Palace, but with pictures and statues, wherein it may be you will find wherewith to satisfie the knowledge which you have in those excellent arts.

The description of Ibrahims Palace.

WHilst the Bassa was talking in this sort, he and his friend came still nearer to the Gate, where Doria stayed to consider the superb front of a great Pa∣viglion, which rose up into a Dome over the Gate, and that equally divided a long wall of white Marble, which made the inclosure of that great and marvailous fabrick. Doria could not sufficiently admire three orders of columns of differen•• Marbles, which adorned that Portall, whereof the basis and capitall, were of Brass,

but wrought with so much art, that neither the Greeks nor the Romans have ever shewed any fairer; some were wreathed, some fluted, and others so artificially twined about with fillets, as they seemed to press down the foliage, wherewith it was inriched; over the Corniches and Frizes of half relieve, which were garnished with leaves of Acanthes, were nothing but Chaplets of Triumph, Cornucopiaes, and Trophies of Arms. Finally, the magnificence of the Palace was so great, that the very gates of it were of Ebony, with mouldings so curiously proportioned, as the great silver nails wherewith they were studded all over, made the least part of their beauty. Doria was not yet resolved to quit so rare an object, had not the Bassa forced him to enter, that he might observe the Vaulting which sustained the Paviglion, whose key-stone was an Onix of a prodigious bigness, and whereof the Artist had so well contrived all the colours, and made such use of them, as he had thereof formed a Coronet of flowers, so admirably well done, that it beguiled the sight: The rest of the Vaulting was all of white Marble, the better to set off so fair a work, but so well joyned and polished, as it seemed to be made of one entire stone. After he had sufficiently considered so rare a thing, Ibrahim caused Doria to observe, that opposite to the Paviglion, which he so much admired, was another just like unto it; but before he went further Doria stayed to consider a great low covered Gallery which compass••d the Court about, and whereof the roof served for a Ter∣race, with a rail and ballister of a leaning height; it was sustained with pillars of white and red Marble, and paved as the Court with white and black. But whereas Ibrahim knew that there was somewhat yet more marvellous to be seen, he made his dear Doria to pass along under the second Paviglion, and although the vaulting of it was fairer than the other that he had already seen, yet did he not make any stay there, so much was he ravished with the magnificent Fore-front of Ibrahims Palace, which wholly discovered it self from thence; and truly I must confess, that he had reason so to be, since all that art and materialls can contribute to the beauty of a work, was eminently found in this same. There ap∣peared a great Building that took up the whole bredth of the Court, which was retrenched some thirty paces from the House by a Ballustrade of Jasper and Por∣phirie, and raised on the Palace-side the height of four steps, which formed in the middle an half pace of the same matter. The pavement of this Court was gray and white Marble, and in the midst of it was a Fountain, whereof the bole was of Orientall Alablaster, transparant as Christall, and six foot Diameter, born up by a pillar of divers-coloured Marble; the out-side of the bole was inriched with little Sea-Monsters of half relieve, admirably well done. Round about the pillar were four Harpies of Brass, their paws reaching to the depth of the Cistern, and their backs turned opposite the one to the other to uphold the pillar; the tips of their wings extended also to the bottom of the Alablaster bole, as seeming to bear it up; they had womens faces, but Serpents writhen talls finishing in antick foliage, which met together on the top of the pillar just against the Center of the bole, whereunto likewise it served for an ornament: In the midst of this bole was a Vase reverst, made also of Orientall Alablaster, which on its foot sustained a round basis, whereupon were set the three Graces, almost quite naked, made of Corinthian metall; they stood back to back, ejecting water out their breasts, and each of them holding a Cornucopia, which met all together a little above their heads; out of the flowers and fruits, which were represented there with suitable pieces, made of Agates, Onixes, Turqueises, Carnalines, Topazes, and Emeraulds, issued six spouts of water, which fell down into the hole, and disgorged themselves into the Cistern through the muzzels of six Lions that were seen on the outside thereof. As for the six others, which issued from the breasts of the Graces, and that did not spin out, they fell just into the heads of fix Dragons of brass, which were on the brim of the bole, and that rendred them again through their mouthes: These Dragons seemed to strive to get out of it, holding the brim with their tal∣lons, the rest of their bodies, except their heads, and the tips of their wings, seem∣ing to be hidden therein; so that those twelve spouts of water, comming to cross

one another, made so pleasing an object and murmure, as both sight and hearing found at one and the same time wherewithall to be satisfi••d. The Cistern of this Fountain was of Marble, but vvrought vvith such art in Mosaique vvork, as there appeared in the bottom through the vvater fishes, so admirably vvell represented, that one might be deceived by them at the first fight; this Cistern had also round about it a little Balustrade of Jasper, for one to rest, and meditate upon. After that Doria had well admired this Fountain, he gave his whole mind and attention to observe the beauties of this marvellous frame; he saw then, that from each side there went a vving of building, vvhich extended even to the Balustr••de of Jasper and Porphirie, and whereof the structure and symetrie was suitable to the middle front: Each of these wings, as well as the grand fabrique, had a Co∣pola, covered over with sheetes of brass, whereof the moity having received an impression of fire, it had rendred then of a mixt colour between purple and blew, which the Painters cannot well represent, and which shewed a wonderfull object, being opposed to the other sheetes, whereunto had been gi∣ven a tincture of gold. The rest of the roof vvas covered in the same manner, as well as the Paviglions, whereof I have spoken; but when as Doria came to cast his eye a little lower, and to observe that all the ornaments of this Fabrique were of Jasper, Chalcedonie, Agate, and Onix, he was so surprised, as he could not forbear demanding, whether this which he saw was not inchantment: But though the abundance of Festons, of Trophies of Armes, Arabesques, Vases of in∣cense, Frizes, Corniches interlaced with Drapery, extinct Torches, Cornucopi∣aes, and Chaplets of triumph, gave him a world of admiration, yet was he far more surprised to behold four and twenty Columnes of Touch, which seemed to sustain the first Order, and which were placed by two and two in equall distance, between each window; the basis and capitalls of them were of white and red marble, in correspondencie to the body of the building, which was wholly con∣structed thereof; but to preserve these Columnes, and to render them withall the more magnificent to the eye, they were twyned about with the leaves of Achanthes of brass guilt, which yet was no hindrance, but that one might distinctly discern of what stone they were made, so as the beauty of them might be admired for their prodigious greatness. Over the Entrata was a statue of Soliman on horseback in base relieve; and on each side between those Columnes were six Niches, filled with six great statues of women, habited a L'antipue, and representing the divers Nati∣tions subjected to Solimon, who with one hand seemed to offer him their Crowns, and with the other leaned on the Scutcheons of the armes of the Kingdomes, which they represented. After he had well observed all these marvailes of Art and Na∣ture, Ibrahim told him, that having yet many things to shew him, which it may be deserved his approbation, as well as those he had already viewed, it was requi∣site they should make a turn in the Garden, that all the outside might be conside∣red before he let him see that the inside was not ill understood; he made him pass then under a great Vaulting, which traversed the whole body of the House, from whence one descended to the Garden by a large half pace of Porphirie. This Vault∣ing was all of Mosaique work, composed of different Marbles and Jaspers, upon a ground of Alablaster, but so wonderfully wrought, as an excellent Painter could not with a pencill interlace a foliage more artificially, better observe the lights, and the shadowes, nor make a fairer piece with liquid colours, which by his mix∣ture of them he renders such as he pleaseth, than this excellent Artisan of so beau∣tifull a work had done with suitable pieces, whereof the colours were all simple and naturall, and the joyning of them together imperceptible to he clearest sighted eyes. Jbrahim, whose impatience was extreme, and who imagined, that every moment imployed by him any other way, than in thinking of his departure, was an outrage to his love, and a crime towards Isabella, pressed Doria so much, as he made him descend into the Garden; howbeit he stayed a little on the top of the half pace the better to consider the beauty and extent of it. He saw upon the first sight of it four preat parterres, in the midst whereof was a Round of an extraor∣dinary

bigness, about the which were seen upon the bases of green Jasper fix figures of fisher-men, as big as the life, whereof there were three that held each of them a Trident in his right hand, with the arm lifted up for to dart it; and the other three testified by their action the joy which they felt for having hurled theirs so rightly, as that they had therewith struck a Sea Monster, which was represented in the middle of the Round, lying half along on his side, his head and his tail out of the water, and with so much art, as he seemed to be somwhat pained with the hurts which the three Tridents had given him, and from whence issued three ejects of water, that were in stead of blood to him. Just opposite to the half-pace and the Round was a Grot, admirably fair, both for the matter whereof it was formed, and for the art wherewith it was made, so that Doria, being much ta∣ken with this object, seconded the grand-Visiers design, and went on as fast as he desired him; the Bassa, not to lose time, caused him to observe in going along, that on each side of his Garden was a close arbor, erected vvith porticoes of ver∣dures, where the Gardiner had made it well appear, that he was not ignorant of all the beauties of Architecture, since it had not any ornament there, which was not of the same proportion, and of the same symetry, as was observed over all that stately Palace. He made him also cast his eye to both the sides of the Grot, from whence there ran a Balustrade of Jasper, beyond the which was seen on the right hand a Laberinth, so artificially contrived, that it might be called a prison without a gate; it being most certain, that without at the least a prodigious chance, or be∣ing taught by him that made it, one could not get out of this Dedale, what care soever a man took to mark how he went into it: Doria would fain have gone and made tryall of it; hovvbeit Ibrahim would not suffer him, but obliged him to look toward the left side of the Balustrade, where vvas seen a Grove of Orange, Citron, Pomegranate, and Mirtle trees; and although the prospect of this place was delectable, and the sent of it odoriferous, yet Doria past by them to admire the mervailes of the Grot, whereunto they were then near; but whereas the description of it would be too long, it shall suffice to say, that it was of an Octangular form; that although it was of a just depth, yet it was for all that so lightsom, as all which the Orient hath of most rare was there to be seen: And to conceive a light Idea of it, one must imagine, that he beholds together all the master-pieces, or to say better, all the miracles of Nature; one must then figure unto himself great rocks of Christall, of Emeraulds, and of Rubies, where there was seen in some of them, that the Sun had not leisure to finish his work, being without colour in divers parts; one must also paint forth to his imagination that wonderfull ennamell of Orientall Shells, whereof the diversity is so agreeable, be it for their formes, or for their lively colours, so well mingled, and so well sorted, that of all naturall things they are the fairest, and most perfect; one must likewise conceive that in his mind, which all the Painters cannot represent, I mean those great Conques of Nacre, where the beames of the Sun leave so beautifull an impression of their light, as neither Opales, nor the Rain-bow have any colours that are not surpassed by the luminous Argent whereof they are formed, and which makes me name them with reason the favorites of the Sun. But after all these things one must imagine yet an infinite number of great branches of Corrall, of all colours which Nature hath produced, namely of all the Carnations, white, black, and of the co∣lour of fire. There must be further added to all these mervailes the fairest congela∣tions, and the rarest petrifications, whereof Philosophers, or Historians have ever spoken to us: After this, I say, one may conceive part of those things which Doria beheld in this Grot, vvhere all the artifices of vvater vvere seen admirably vvell executed; there vvas a fall vvhich ran from a rock of Christall, and vvhich lost it self presently under another, whereof the noise vvas so charming, as there is not a heart so light, nor a humor so sullen, in vvhom this murmure vvould not have ex∣cited a pleasing fancie; and that there may no doubt be made of the agreeable∣ness of this inchanted Grot, I will say no more, but that Jbrahim himself, hovvso∣ever he vvas pressed by his passion, could not chuse but be surprised by a thought

of Isabella, which gave Doria the more leasure to see all that I have spoken of, and a thousand other rare things, which would be too long to relate. At last, after Doria had cried out an hundred times miracles, miracles, and that Ibrahim wa•• come out of his amorous contemplation, they went out of the Grot to return to the Pa∣lace, but still Doria looked to the place from whence they were parted, and his ima∣gination was so tak••n up with that he had seen, as he was at the Round before he ever thought of considering the front of the Palace on that side; he saw then that it was wholly like the other, unless it were for a Balcone, which projected from the rest of the work, and whereof the Balisters were of Copper gilt. Having seen this they re-entred into the Palace, and ascended by a great stair of white and red Marble, that had a rail and balister of the same; at the top they found a Lobby, whose seeling and walls were adorned with an Arabesque of Gold and Azure, inlayed with little peeces of Christall, like to Mosaique work, which yeelded both a goodly and magnificent object. From thence they went into a spacicus Gallery, which was on the right wing of the Palace, where Ibrahim had made a Library of all the curious Books of the Orientall Languages, and of all the choicest and rarest in the Greek, Latin, Spanish, and Italian; but whereas the grand Visier did al∣waies joyn magnificence to curiosity, all his Books were bound up in plates of Gold, enammelled with white and green, and placed in order upon shelves of E∣bony, which were bordered with a dentile of Goldsmiths-work, enammeled with the same colours. There were also in this Gallery between the windows a great number of Maps, both universall and particular; and upon a Tablet over the Books a many of Globes and Spheres, different from one another, according to the divers opinions of all them which have treated of such matters. In the same or∣der likewise he had placed all sorts of Mathematicall instruments, the fairest and the best made that ever were seen; as concave Mirrors, Clocks, Olomestres, Cir∣cles of proportion, and Astrolabes. But whereas Ibrahim contented not himself with necessary things, but would also have those that were for delight, he had there a number of those paintings, which by opticall reasons do make such excel∣lent and charming illusions; for that purpose then he had Cilinders of severall greatnesses, and to refresh the sight of them which read, he had of those Christall Triangles, which by the effect of a marvailous reflection do take and give all at one time the colours of the Rainbow to all the objects that are seen through them. He had also divers magnificent Desks, Prospective-glasses, and before the middle window a Table of Ebony, garnished with Gold, and enammeled as the shelves, with a Standish upon it covered all over with Emeraulds, some dark, some clear, which made a foliage admirably well represented. At the end of this Gallery that looked upon the first Court, was a door which opened to the Terrace, whereof I have spoken, and which answered to the Paviglion in the middle, where the Grand Visier had made a Cabinet of Arms, which he would needs have his dear friend to see; he led him then by the way which I have noted, but Doria at his entrance into it was exceedingly amazed and surprised; for the very first object that his eye met withall, was a Trophy of Arms, sustained in the air by the prodi∣gious vertue of a great Adamant, which was the Key-stone of the roof of this Ca∣binet, wherein were seen together, and in order, all the different Arms, both an∣tient and modern, of all the Nations of the World; but so fair, so magnificent, and so enriched, each one according to its use, as one would have sayd, that they were the Master-peeces of all the excellent Artisans that ever wrought in Arms: But amongst the rest those of Persia were the richest, and most sumptuous; all the Scymitars had their Hilts and Scabberds of Gold, all covered over with pretious stones; and whereas that Country doth abound with Turq••eyses, there were Tar∣gets and Quivers set all over with them, and Bows and Arrows answerable to the glittering beauty thereof. Now though the sight of all these things were won∣derfully pleasing to Doria, yet gave he over beholding them, as soon as Ibrahim shewed him three Harquebuses of a miraculous artifice; whereof the first, which he caused him to make tryall of, shot off without fire, by the means of an in∣closed

wind which coming to issue forth expelled the bullet with the like impetuo∣sity; the second performed the same thing with water; and the third, but the most marvellous, by the means of that powder which is called white, shot off, not only vvithout fire, but also vvithout noise. If Doria had follovved his humour, he would have stayed a long time in Philosophying on all these secrets, by maintain∣ing, that neither vvater nor vvind, could ever have the same activity vvith fire, and so by consequence that vvhich he savv could not be vvithout inchantment; but I∣brahim told him they vvould speak of it at leisure during the voyage they vvere going to make, and vvithout harkening to him further, he made him go forth at a door opposite to that vvhereby they had entred, and vvhich gave upon the same Terrace that ansvvered to the end of the Gallery on the left vving, vvhere the Illustrious Bassa had caused all the Turkish Emperours to bee dravvn, from Othoman, vvho vvas the first, to Soliman then reigning. But whereas he was not contented with having their faces represented, but would have the Othoman History also painted, there was in this Gallery fourteen great Tables, in each of which was an Emperor as big as the life, and within the same frame all the principall actions of his Reign; but the same so well done so di∣stinctly, and so well ordered, as Doria was ravished therewith, and plainly swore to Ibrahim, that he would not stir out of that Gallery till he had considered all these Pictures attentively, and that he had expounded them unto him. The Bassa decli∣ned it as much as he could, but at length seeing his friend persist in his obstinate curiosity, he resolved to satisfie him, upon condition nevertheless, that he should not stand to particularize all that he saw in those Tables: And when as Doria had shewed him that he was contented therewith, he requested him to pardon him, if in the prosecution of those painted Histories he saw a number of victories gain∣ed over the Christians, which much against his mind he had suffered to be there, but that in the end he durst do no otherwise. This said, making use of an Indian Cane, which he ordinarily carried in his hand, the better to make Doria observe what he was going to shew him, he began to speak in these terms.

The Pourtrait of Othoman the first Emperor of the TURKS.

YOu see, my dear Doria, in this first Table, which you shall not see above once again in all the rest, I mean a Prince repleat with all vertues, and absolutely exempted from all vices, vvho ovved his fortune to his ovvn proper valour, and vvho alone laid the foundations of this great Empire: And indeed his memory hath been so reverenced, that even to this day all his Successors have held it for a glory to carry his name. You may observe in his Physiogminy that he vvas a Prince as prudent, as the rest of the Table vvill shevv him to be couragious. This battell which you see afar off, is that which he obtained against the Teggiur of the Town of Prusia; but mark a little how the industrious Painter hath so done it, as all these figures seem to move, and that in this disorder one may know the victorious party; he hath done it so too, that Othoman is easily discerned there: But if this sight be well represented, this assault of that Town of Prusia, and where he after∣wards established the seat of his Empire, wil not seem less marvellous unto you. This pane of the wall, which you see fallen down, and which lets you perceive them plainly that defended it, is it not admirably well done? These other Towns which you behold so distinctly, are those of Sinopa in Galatia, of Angauri in Phri∣gia, of Sebasta in Capadocia; and these which you see further off towards those Rocks, are the rest which he gained on Mare major. As for this Land-skip, set thick with Towns, which you see beyond Prusia, it is of Natolia, that he wholly conquered; and this Army which seemeth to march, and whereof all the souldiers are laden with booty, is the first that ever passed into Europe, and that made strange havock under this excellent enemy. But without staying to consider the rest, let us pass on to this other Table.

The Pourtrait of Orchan the second Emperor of the TURKS.

THis Prince was the truly worthy sonne of Othoman, continued Ibrahim, infor¦tunate nevertheless in this particular, that he was forced to be the first, who-began to make war on his Brothers, and wholly to exclude them from all preten∣sion to the Empire; but if he were unhappy in this encounter, fortune recompen∣sed him otherwayes; his conquests having extended their limits on the one side to the Helespont, and on the other to Mare major. These Towns which you see neerest hand, are those of Nicea, and Nicomedia; and this Army in disorder, where the Painter hath so well represented fear and amazement, is that of the Emperor Pa∣leologue, which was routed by Orchan neer to Philocratia, as you may discern afar off. As for this great extent of Countrey, and this number of Towns, which take up all the rest of the Table, it is Misia, Lacaonia, Caria, and Phrigia, except the Towns of Gallipolis, and Philopoli, which you see on the right hand, and which were his last conquests, for he died soon after. But let us behold the next.

The Pourtrait of Soliman the third Emperor of the Turks.

IF the life of this Emperor had been longer, he would have yet surpassed his Fa∣ther, both in valor, and in prudence, and we should have seen the Table of his victories filled up more than it is; but whereas his reign indured but two years, he had no more time than to take Andri••ople, conquer a great part of Thrace, and bring also under his subjection the Towns of Pergamas, Edrenuta, Zemeniqua, and some others, as well on this, as on the other side of the Helespout, which you see here running athwart this Table. But this other piece will furnish us with more matter to speak of than this same.

The Pourtrait of Amurath the fourth Emperor of the Turks.

TO describe unto you the humor of this Prince, before I speak of his Triumphs, I must tell you that he had together both force and weakness, curtesie and cru∣elty, and agility in his age; that he was both terrible and loving; that he was in∣satiable in shedding of blood, and that nevertheless he never put any one to death but most justly. It was as well by these according contrarieties that he rendred him∣self admirable to Posterity, as by his valor, which being seconded by fortune ma••e him take Pherea, the capitall Citie of Macedonia, conquer Misia from Dragus, and Mount Rhodope from the Pogdan, two valiant and mighty Princes, and the most part of Armenia from the Greek Emperor. Carathin a great Captain, conquered for him also the Towns of Cherales, Seres, Marolia, and the renowned Thessalonica, which the Painter hath made to be seen more distinctly, than those I have already shewed you, as being of more importance. Doria could not then forbear interrup∣ting Ibrahim, for to pray him to let him know whether those millions of armed and fighting men which he saw in this Table, were not the picture of all the Bat∣tells that were given during the reigns of all the Emperors. You have reason my dear Doria, answered the Illustrious Bassa, to be amazed at the prodigious number of men which this Table doth shew you, where the Art of the Painter hath as well eternized his own glory, as that of Amurath, by representing seven and thirty bat∣tells which he won: And that which is yet more marvellous therein is, that he died triumphing in the last. See you not, continued Ibrahim, this Army discom∣fited?

And this great heap of armes in the midst of the place of battail, upon the which a dead man appeares, holding nevertheless a scymitar still in his hand, and upon whom Victory, which you may see here represented in the air, throws down Crownes; it is the body of Victorious Amurath, whose death was worthy of envy, and whose life would have defaced the glory of all them that preceded him, had it not been blemished with cruelty: But if the death of Amurath deserved to be envyed, that of Bajazet will give you cause of pitty.

The Pourtrait of Bajazet, the fifth Emperor of the TURKS.

THe nature of this prince cannot be well represented but by the lightning, which terrifieth universally, which ravageth indifferently, passeth in a momant, and perisheth in an instant; all of them qualities admirably befitting Bajazet, sur∣named by his subjects Guilderum, that is to say, the lightning of Heaven. But whereas the remembrance of his life strikes me with horror, by reason of the un∣heard-of cruelties which he exercised, it shall suffise to tell you, that after he had gotten some battailes, which you see presented in this Table, taken the Town of Eritza, and those of Hisipolis, Iconium, Casura, Migdia, and Assara from the Ca∣raman; and gained also by armes from a Greek, named Theodorus, the Town of Damacia, and that of Delphos, which you see here near hand; after he had, I say, sacked all Hungaria, Bossina, and Croatia; defeated the French, Burgingnians, and Hungarians, in that memorable battail of Nicopolis; after he had, I say, filled the whole Universe with terror, put all the Provinces where he passed to fire and sword, he lost in one onely battel his Empire, and his glory, serving Tamerlan, who had vanquished him, all the rest of his daies; and at last was constrained, for his geting out of misery, to make his tomb of his prison, by beating out his braines as against the iron barres of the cage, wherein he was inclosed; An action so strange, it is impossible not to be moved with it. But let us see how the eldest of his children began to reestablish the disorders of his father.

The Pourtrait of Iosue, the sixth Emperor of the TURKS.

IT is easier to conquer, than to reestablish; to increase ones felicity, than to retire from a misfortune; of a petty Soveraign to become a mighty Monarch, than to re∣mount into a Throne from whence one is descended. It is no little glory to Josue, after the utter dissipation of his fathers Sate, to have been the first in raising up a∣gain that mighty Empire, by regaining from Tamerlan the City of Prusia, which you have already seen, as having been before the chief seat of their Empire, and very near all that his Predecessors had possessed in Asia. He did the like in Europe, as you may see in this Table; and when he was returned into Asia, his brother Musulman, fortified with the succor of the Greeks, incountred him in Cappadocia, gave him battail, which he w••n, and taking him prisoner caused him to be strangled, after he had reigned four yeares. But this cruelty was repaid unto him, as you will quickly understand.

The Pourtrait of Musulman, the seaventh Emperor of the TURKS.

ALthough that Musulman shewed himself exceedingly couragious before he vanquished his brother, yet shall you see but two battailes in this Table:

That which you see a far off is the same, whereof I have spoken; and the other which you see near hand, is one that he obtained against a brother of his, called Moyses, who had established himself in Greece: And truely the History doth declare, that Musulman did in his own person perform miracles at that battel, whereof he had all the glory, and all the advantage; but as soon as he saw that he was peace∣able in his State, he abandoned himself in such sort to voluptuousness, as he be∣came more cowardly, than he was valiant before, so that Moyses having rallied his forces, which were dispersed by his deafeat, gave battel again to Musulman, who shamefully fled, was taken, and brought to his brother, that quickly revenged the death of Josue by taking away his life. But let us behold the sequel of the History of this third Sonne of Bajazet, which will not be long.

The Pourtrait of Moyses, the eighth Empe∣ror of the TURKS.

MOyses having reigned but three years, you may not expect the sight of many conquests, in this Table; all that he could doe was to give some rest unto Asia, to spoil the Country of the Bulgarians, take the Town of Spenderovia, reduce the Pogdan to his obedience, and win the battel which his Nephew Mahomet pre∣sented him with, who not long after rallied his forces, and came upon him with a fresh charge, where Moyses had the worst, by being abandoned of his Souldiers in this sight, so that he was taken in a marish with one of his hands cut off, whereof they soon cured him by putting him to death. Now though this Table be not much filled, yet certainly it is none of the meanest; the colours of it are so Vive, the digesting of it so beautifull, this order of the Architecture so well understood, as it may be said in viewing this piece, that the art of the Painter hath supplyed the defect of the matter.

The Pourtrait of Mahomet the ninth Emperor of the TURKS.

AT length after so many Losses, Captivities, Sackings, Massacres, Fratricides, and civill dissentions, the Turkish Empire began to reassume its antient lustre under the conduct of Mahomet, who after he had repulsed all them that had atttacqued him, conquered Pontus, Cappadocia, and all those other Provinces, which the Painter hath so well represented a far off; his armes were also victorious in divers incounters under the leading of Amurath his Eldest sonne. Mahomet subdu∣ed likewise Servia, Valachia, a great part of Sclavonia, and Macedonia; chaced all the petty Kings out of the lesser Asia to establish a Beglierbey there, which is as much to say, as a Vice-Roy; at last, after he had performed a thousand brave ex∣ploits, for a recompence of his vertue, he reigned a long time, and dyed peaceably in his State of a naturall death, exceedingly regretted of all his Subjects. But be∣fore we pass on I must cause you to mark one address of the Painter, that perad∣venture you have not heeded, which is, that to make one know the diversity of Provinces, and Armies, which you have seen throughout all these Tables, he hath alwaies observed the attire, armes, standarts, and briefly all the particular things of every Nation: After this advertisement the rest of these pieces will give you more contentment yet, than the other have done. Let us see then, whether A∣murath was the worthy successor of his father.

The Pourtrait of Amurath the second, the tenth Empe∣ror of the TURKS.

THe Physiognimy of this Prince is not deceiving, and although it doth promise us much, wee shall yet find more: After then that this Prince had defeated Mustapha, the last sonne of Bajazet, whom the Greeks had made to rise up against him, as also another Mustapha his brother, whom the same Greeks had likewise protected, he turned the fury of his armes against them; taking from them the Ci∣ty of Thessalonica, which the Painter hath represented unto us as fair as the Historians have described it, and whereof the perspective is so marvellous, as one hath much adoe to believe that the running in of this gate is not effective. But let us return to the Victories of this Prince, who spoiled the higher Misia, took the Town of Senderovia, conquered the Countries of Sarmian, and of Sarcan, two mighty Princes of the lesse Asia, and the Town of Coni from the Caraman: The Hungarians having in the mean time broken the peace which they had con∣tracted with him, he returned into Europe, and was so fortunate, that the Christi∣an Gallies, which lay at the streight of Helespont to hinder his passage, were con∣strained by foul weather to retire; he in the mean while came to that memorable plain, which gave name to the famousest battel that ever was heard spoken of. And see you not how the Painter hath been pleased to represent it? Mark this Squadron a little which gives ground, and this other which is broken; consider the left wing which is routed; observe this close Battalion, which is going to attacque this other that is ready to fly: As for the body of the Battail, where you see so great a disor∣der, and such a confusion of dead horses, men overthrown, blood spilt, and armes broken, it is here in this place, where the Painter would represent the death of Ladislaus, which arrived in this battel, with the loss very near of all the Nobili∣ty of Hungary; some fighting to revenge the death of their Prince, and others to recover his body; but to shew clearly that the victory was on Amuraths side, the Painter hath represented Renown, which seemes to fly over his Troopes for to advertise them of it. Howbeit not to stand longer hereupon, it shall suffise to say, that after the battel of Varnes he conquered Peloponnesus; that he dismissed himself absolutely from his Empire, which to took upon him again soon after, for to ob∣tain a battel against the valiant Huniades; he made the King of Bosnia also his Tributary, which was his last victory: For the couragious George Scanderbeg Castriot, King of Albania, who had been his Slave, and that had acquired unto him∣self with so much justice the glorious title of the Buckler of Christendom, opo∣sed all his enterprises with such valour, as this great Prince, seeing him self forced so raise his siege from before Croya, dyed with grief and spight at it.

The Pourtrait of Mahomet the second, the eleventh Emperor of the Turks.

IT was not without some cause that this Prince would be surnamed Bovi, which is to say, Great, or the Terror of the World, seeing all his actions have been so great, and high, that if his excellent qualities had been without blemish, this Prince had been incomparable. He was great in his enterprises, great in courage, great in conduct, great in prudence, a great Politician, great in conquest, great in beauty, and in subtilty of wit; but he was also great in impiety, in dissoluteness, in revenge, in perfidiousness, and in ambition. The greatness of his courage, and of his enterprises, carried him against the Greeks, Hungarians, Trebisondians, Mifi∣ans, Valachians, Transilvanians, Bosniaus, Albanians, Rhodians, Venetians, and divers other people. In conclusion, my dear Doria, this Prince had to do with all the Warlike Nations of the World; but this Table contains too many things to be

explaned particularly unto you, wherefore it shall suffice, that you only do admire the exquisite ordering of it, and that I tell you in generall, how Mahomet conquer∣ed, in two and thirty years that he reigned, twelve Kingdoms, and two Empires, that of Trebisond, and that of the Greeks, together with this mighty and renow∣ned City of Constantinople; as also that of Croya, and all Albania, Valachia, Bosnia, Scodra, Peloponesus, and the Town of Otranto. He reduced the Caraman under his obedience, Stiria, Carinthia, Synope, the Iland of Metelin; and after the battell which he gained against Usuncassan, he constrained him to seek his amity. Howbeit he was not equally fortunate, for the valiant Huniades, and the valorous Scander∣beg, vanquished sometimes in him the Vanquisher of all others. And whereas am∣bition was the predominant passion in the heart of Mahomet, it followed him even to death, ordaining that upon his Tomb there should be set, after a long nar∣ration of all his Victories, in the Turkish tongue, this subscription in Latin,

He had a purpose to ruin Rhodes, and superb Italy.

But the divine justice extinguished his desires with his dayes.

The Pourtrait of Bajazet the second, the twelfth Emperor of the Turks.

THe life of this Prince is so replenished with divers adventures, as it cannot be defined certainly, whether he had more good than bad fortune. The begin∣ing of his Reign was established by three Battels which he obtained against a Brother of his, who was constrained to fly unto Rhodes. When he was at peace he conquered Caramania, did great spoyl in Moldavia, took the Town of Chilliem, together with the Castle, and that of Moncastro, the chief of the Province; he took also Lepanto, Modon, Coron, and Junqua from the Christians, whom he defeated i•• a Navall-fight, as you may behold in this Table, where the Painter verily hath done prodigies. See you not, continued Ibrahim, these two vessels grapled to∣gether? consider a little with what ardour the assailants seem to go to the fight, and how one of these Janizaries striving to leap aboord this small vessel is repulsed by this Christian, how in falling he hath seized on his enemy, whom he drags a∣long with him. Behold also on the left hand this vessel, which the Turks had in∣vested, and how that rather than they would yeeld, they have blown up them∣selves; observe withall these flakes of fire, which light upon this other vessell, whose tackle and sayles already begin to burn; and how this great cloud of smoak, which steals away the rest of the Army from our eyes, is an address of the Pain∣ter, who wanting room hath repaired that defect by this invention. But without standing on the last disorders of this Prince, which were strange, whether for the violent deaths that he caused, or for that which he received, let us pass on to thi•• o∣ther piece.

The Pourtrait of Selim, the thirteenth Emperor of the Turks.

THis gloomy physiognomy, and this haughty look, do not ill paint forth unto, us the ambition and cruelty of Selim, but they conceal from us his vertues which certainly were very great. He was prudent, and advised amidst dangers, prompt and vigilant in his enterprises, indefatigable in War, of an invincible courage, a reasonable Justicer manger his cruelty, extremely liberall; and that which is of most marvail in this Prince is, that he was never vanquished after he

was Emperor. He loved the reading of History, he made verses in his own tongue, was very skilfull in Painting, and even to the point, that he sent, as I have already delared, the Battell which he obtained against the Sophy, drawn with his own hand, unto the Venetians, who conserve it still unto this day in their Treasurie. There is also a great number of his works to be seen in the Seraglio: He was very Elo∣quent, and nothing curious of the magnificence of Apparell; and that which I most admire in him, is, that he alwayes refused those adorations which are accu∣stomed to be rendred to the Turkish Emperors, never suffering any to cast them∣selves on the ground in speaking to him, nor to do him reverence on their knees. And truly if this Emperor had not blemished his glory by that prodigious desire of reigning, which carried him to take away the life of him, from whom he had received his; to cause two of his Brothers, eight of his Nephews, and as many of his Bassaes to be strangled, he had been excellent in all things. But to pass o∣ver his Victories lightly, because time doth press us, I will onely tell you in few words, that he won a famous Battle of the Sophy at Zaleran; that he took Tau∣ris, which he kept not long; and Keman at his return; he rendred himself Master of Aladulia, after he had vanquished King Ustagelu; he passed into Siria, where he defeated Campson Gauri, Sultan of Cairo, in a battel neer to Aleppo, which was rendred unto him, as well as Damascus, and all the rest of Siria; from thence go∣ing to Jerusalem, he conquered all Palestina by the valour of Sinan Bassa, who ob∣tained a Battel neer to Gaza; whereupon Selim, having passed the deserts of Egypt, fought a battel vvith Thomombey hard by Matharea, and constrained him to retire to Cairo, where was given the most memorable battel of our Age, for it lasted three dayes and three nights in continuall fight; but in the end Selim was victorious, and forced the Mamelucks to abandon the City unto him; and having recovered new forces, they were utterly defeated, and Thomombey taken prisoner. After he had given the pillage of Cairo to his souldiers, as you may see in this Table, where this dreadfull disorder is so well exprest, he went and took also Alexan∣dria, Dan••ietta, Tripoli, and all the rest of Egypt and Arabia: One of his Bassaes obtained likewise a great Victory against the Persians. But at last, after he had been in so many fights, won so many battails, and conquered so many Provinces, in less than two years, as he thought to return triumphant to the seat of his Empire, he dyed at Chiourli, in the very same place where before he had given battel to his fa••her, after he had reigned only eight years.

The Pourtrait of Soliman the second, the fourteenth Emperor of the Turks.

THe Victories of great Soliman are so universally known of all the World, that upon the least considering of this Table, you will bring them unto your me∣mory again, it being impossible but that fame hath acquainted you with them: You will easily then knovv Belgrade and the Isle of Rhodes, where this Emperor stood in need of all his conduct, and of all his valour. This Battel which you see a far off, is that of Mohacs vvhich he gained against the Hungarians, wherein dyed Lewis King of Hungary. This City, which here I shew you (continued Ibrahim) is Bagadet, vvhere Soliman vvas crovvned King of Persia; but though I have some share in this War, as well as in that of Natolia, vvhich you may see also in this Table, I will refer this narration to another time, that may be more opportune for us. I know, my dear Doria, that this proposition displeases you, but you must obey me, for you vvill not be the strongest at Constantinople; and though you may absolutely command Justiniano, yet must you at this time follovv the pleasure of I∣brahim. Let us make an end then of running over the Victories of Soliman again, and without particularising every one, it shall suffice me to tell you, that Assyria, and Mesopotamia do obey him; that he hath taken Strigonia, and Alba Regalis; that he hath made six expeditions into Hungary; that he hath subdued Aladulia,

and the Kingdom of Aden, with many other Towns on the red sea; that he hath rendred Argier Tributary; that he hath also subjected Pialli, Tripoli, and Gerbes: But after all these things, that which I find to be most excellent in the life of this Prince is, that he conquered a Kingdom for to restore it unto him to whom it ap∣pertained, by rendring unto him again all the strong places that he had in his hands, which he performed in the person of John King of Hungary; and I more esteem of him for having surmounted this ambition, vvhich is naturall to all Mo∣narchs, than I commend him for all his Victories: And whereas I make more ac∣count of the gifts of Nature than of the presents of Fortune, I had rather make you an Elogium of his person in particular, than speak further to you of his Con∣quests, which are already but too great on Christendom side. Behold then, my dear Doria, this Majesticall face, and this vertuous physiognomy; did you ever see a more goodly man? or one of a better aspect? There appears in his eyes a vivacity of spirit, and a sweetness vvhich charmeth hearts, and in the air of his face a certain tranquillity, which sufficiently shevvs that this Prince is master of his passions, and that without doubt he hath no interior trouble; I know not whe∣ther my affection to him doth blind or dazle me, but I see something of such state in his port, and of so much majesty over all his person, as I hold it impossible for one to look upon him, and not to love him: Furthermore this goodly apparance is not deceitfull, and the qualities of this Princes soul are so noble and vertuous, that if he were a Christian he would be of all men the most perfect. He hath to∣gether, both much valour, and much conduct; he is infinitely just towards his own people, and exceeding clement towards his enemies; he is so rigorous an observer of his vvord, as he vvould resolve rather to lose his Empire, than not to keep it, when once he hath given it: He is great in spirit, great in judge∣ment, and great in memory; he understands the Mathematicks, and the uni∣versall History, so admirably, as nothing can be propounded to him to••••hing those matters which he resolves not upon the place. Finally, he is a Prince that possesseth all vertues, and that hath never been vanquished save by one only passi∣on; but whereas it is the noblest of all others, I think you will pardon him this weakness; he hath been then passionately amorous of divers women, but amongst the rest of the Sultana Roxelana, whom he would needs espouse, to the end she might partake with him in that supreme greatness which the Othoman Princes do not lightly bestow, and which to conserve wholly to themselves, they never, or seldom marry; howbeit love was stronger in Soliman, than either reason of State, or the example of his Predecessors. Behold, my dear Doria, a simple draught of this great Emperor, whom ere it be long you may compare with the originall, that so you may judge, whether I have robbed him of any thing, or flattered him; for this great Prince hath commanded me to bring you to the Seraglio, when as I go thither to take my leave of him; in the mean space, since we are pressed with time, let us make an end of viewing this house.

In saying so, Ibrahim opened a door, which gave upon the Lobbey, whereof I have already spoken, but before they past on, Doria testified to Ibrahim hovv glad he was of the hope he had given him that he should present himself to the Grand Signior; he rendred him thanks also for having so punctually explaned all those peeces, by abridging unto him the History of so great an Empire, which he had never understood but very confusedly before. He would have said more, if our il∣lustrious Bassa would have suffered him, but his impatience appeared so visibly in his eyes, that Doria without further stay went out of the Gallery smiling into the Lobbey, from whence they past through three outward chambers, which were all of a floor, before they came to Ibrahims: the feeling of them were very magnificent, and the meanest of the Hangings were of cloth of Gold, of Tinsell, or Persian Ta∣pestry; the floors, as of all the rest, vvere made of suitable peeces of severall Mar∣bles, and in proportionable divisions. After he had stayed a vvhile to consider all these things, they entred into the Bassaes chamber, vvhere Doria vvas surprised vvith the furniture of it, both for the richness, and fashion thereof; for it was

hanged with black Velvet, set all over with tears and flames imbroidered in pearl: Here it was where Ibrahim desired his dear Doria to remember the things which he should see in this chamber, more particularly than all the rest of the Palace, to the end he might testifie to the incomparable Isabella, that she had always reigned in his heart, and that to conserve the memory of her, he would never open his eys in waking, without beholding some marks of his love; he caused him then to observe, that in the feeling of this chamber were five great Ovals, in each of which was a Ta∣ble, & between every of them hung festons of flowers and fruits, all gilt; the rest of the feeling being done with cornishments, whereof some were of azure, some of burnish∣ed gold. In the middle piece, which was greater than the rest, was a woman represen∣ted, whom Doria presently knew, because she had somthing of Isabella in her, although it was a very imperfect resemblance; for Ibrahim having lost her picture, could do no more but instruct the Painter with the colour of her hair, with the form of her face, with all the features of it in particular, with the vivacity of her com∣plexion, with her stature, and with her bosome; for as for the air and graceful∣ness, which cannot be exprest, but in calling it the soul of beauty, it is a thing that cannot pass from our imagination to that of another, and that consequently did not permit Ibrahim's Painter to make any marvellous picture of Isabella; but in conclusion it was resembling enough for to cause them, who knew her, to judge that she was thought of when this piece was made. This imperfect resemblance having entertained them a while, Doria considered all this Table, and saw (as I have already declared) a woman sumptuously apparelled, who trampled under her feet honor, vertue, and love, which were seen represented with the marks whereby they are known; and that with her right hand, lifted up on high, she took from for∣tune, who appeared over her in the air, a little Crown, which she seemed to re∣ceive very contentedly, with this Motto, All for her. Doria easily comprehended this Embleme, and no way doubted, but that the Bassa had caused it to be made out of the opinion he had, that Isabella had despised her love, her promises, and her constancy, to espouse the Prince of Masseran, who was but a petty Soveraign. After he had commended the art of the Painter, and the invention of the design, the Bassa leading him towards one of the corners of the chamber, the better to view the second Ovall, demanded of him whether this other Table would be as intelligible to him as the first? Doria approaching to it, and considering it, beheld a Love, in whose face choler and fury were so well painted, as it was easie to imagine that he himself had burst his bow, broken his arrows, thrown away his quiver, and torn his head-band, which were seen scattered about him; and that which better expressed his despair, was, that having nothing left him of all the marks of his Divinity but his torch, he plunged it, all flaming as it was, into a fountain to extinguish it, with this Motto, I cannot. Doria vvas so ravished with this Table, as he could not forbear considering all the beauties of it, and vvhereas the explication of it vvas easie, he told the Bassa, that he vvould pardon him for that he vvould have extinguished so fair a fire as that vvherevvith he vvas inflamed, at such a time as he thought it to be unjust, but that he held him happy for that he could not do it, and for having conserved a flame, vvhich he could not put out vvithout a crime: After this he admired the Art of the Painter, and principally of the torch, vvhich this Love plunged into the fountain, vvhere the excellent Workman had so vvell represented that naturall antipathy betvvixt vvater and fire, as never did any one behold a thing better imitated: This fountain seemed to boil vvith choler to see her enemy so neer her; and this flame desiring to eloign it self from that which would destroy it, seemed exceedingly to strive to get from it, and rising up on high in wreathing about the torch, melted so great a quantity of wax, as all the fountain seemed to be covered over vvith it. Ibrahim not suffering Doria to admire this piece any longer, constrained him to look upon the third, de∣siring him hovvsoever not to bestovv much time in it, because that Table did out∣rage Isabella, as vvell as another vvhich he should see aftervvards: He shevved him then the same vvoman he had seen before, but in a different habit; for here the

Painter had given her a robe of changeable Taffeta, vvhere all colours reigned e∣qually; this vvoman vvas on the brink of the Sea, the agitation vvhereof she be∣held vvith delight; in one hand she held a Crescent, vvith the other she seemed to point at a Camelion, vvhich vvas at her feet, and that leaning his body on a part of her robe had assumed all the colours of it; the rest of that creature vvas grayish like to the earth vvhereon it stood, vvith this Motto, Yet more.

After that Doria had seen this piece, he told the Bassa, that he had reason to say it did outrage Isabella, in accusing her of inconstancy, but since this crime had been committed through the malice of fortune, he should one day obtain his grace for it: This said, they passed to the other end of the chamber, and beheld in the fourth Table, a proper man, and of a good aspect, that seemed very sad; he had on the one side the same Isabella, whom they had seen before, and on the other, death, with this Motto, The one, or the other.

Now although this piece was admirably well done, yet would not Doria stay to consider it, but onely told the Bassa, that the noble despair which he had shevved in this Table, rendred him vvorhy to be put, at his return to Genoua, into the possession of an happiness, which he could never lose again but by death alone; hovvbeit in the mean time he vvas most assured, that albeit this picture did not fill the imaginination vvith a fair Idea, yet vvould it be more pleasing to Isabella, than that other, vvhere the Painter had given her a roab of all the colours of the Rain-bovv. The Bassa then pushing him to the other side of the chamber, told him, that this, vvhich he was novv going to shevv him, vvould not like enough please her ere a vvhit more, if she had not the goodness to consider, that his love had hovvsoever been so strong, as to make him conserve vvith some delight the very marks of her contempt, and inconstancie, vvhich he had believed to be true; he caused Doria then to behold the last picture of this seeling. It vvas a Land-skip, vvhere the Princes vvas seen again holding an heart in her hand, that vvas all of a flame, and not far from her a great fire of stravv, vvhere the Painter had so vvell imitated nature, as it vvas easie to perceive, that hovv vive soever this flame vvas, yet could it not long indure: There vvere also flashes of lightning seen darting at her head, vvith his Motto, Less durable.

Doria then accused Ibrahim of injustice, and told him, that if this piece had been less excellent, he should hardly have pardoned him the wrong he did Isabella, but he vvas so ravished to see those vvaving flames, vvvhich came out of a cloud, and that spread themselves over all the piece, leaving an impression of fire and light, vvhich seemed even to redouble, and lessen, as if the cloud had opened, and shut i•• self, that he ceased to accuse him, for to praise the Painter, vvhich he did vvith so ••uch aggregation, as Ibrahim vvas constrained to urge him more than once to view a picture, which he had caused to be set over his Chimney: Now he had no sooner cast his eye upon it, but he vowed it was the best of them all; the orde∣ring of it was rare, the design extraordinary and new, the colours most agree∣able, the prospective excellent; in conclusion this Table was drawn with so bold an hand, as it might well be called a Master-piece of this art. A rock was seen there in the midst of an inraged Sea, which the Painter had done so well, as those foaming waves, that brok themselves against the rock, seemed to have some mo∣tion: There was seen also a little from thence the wrack of a Vessell, whereon the thunder fell, which was seen to issue like a torrent of fire out of the cloud, that seemed to rive asunder with such violence, as little lacked but that one sense delu∣ded did not deceive the other, in making it to imagine that it heard that, which was seen so well represented. This mervailous Artisan had likewise so well pain∣ted that confused mixture, which is seen in the air during a great tempest, where rain, wind, snow, hail, flashes of lightning, and obscurity, reign all at once, that one could not behold it without some terror: Vpon the top of this rock was an open tomb seen, whereunto a man, weary, and wet all over, advanced in great hast, holding a Love in one hand, and with the other pointing to the to••b, vvith this Motto, Let us save our selves there.

You will without doubt find another sanctuary, said Doria to the illustrious Bassa, who, answering him no otherwise than with a sigh, made him enter into his Cabinet, the door whereof was on the right hand of the chimney, not far from his bed, which after the custom of the Country was rolled up in a great Persian ta∣pestry Counterpoint of silke and gold. But if Doria had admired all that he had seen in this Palace, he beheld with astonishment the magnificence of this Cabinet, whereof the embowed roof and walles were inriched with a foliage of pretious stones, upon a ground of black marble, where birds, flowers, and fruites, were seen so admirably well done, that the art surmounted the matter, although Topazes, Jacints, Opales, Emeraulds, Rubies, Diamonds, and Carbuncles were the colours wherewith all these things were represented. Round about this Cabinet were shelves of Ebony, sustained by curtroses of gold, which projected out of the wall wall by equall distances, the edges, and uper part of these shelves, were enriched with Orpheury, enammeled onely with white and black, the better to set off those things which were upon them; but to speak that in few words, and confusedly, which would be too long to describe in order, one might see there Caskets of different Ambers, great Vases of Christall of the rock, of Cornaline, and Agate, with branches of Corrall, which might rather be called trees, by reason of their prodigious greatness: Finally, all that Persia, China, Japon, and all the Orientall Countries do produce of most rare, rich, and beautifull, were found amassed to∣gether in this place. After that Doria had said all, that admiration, and amazement can make them say, who love, and know rarities, they repassed through the cham∣ber, to go unto a door that was opposite to that of the Cabinet, whereby one en∣tred into Ibrahims Bath, who, being accommodated with all exterior things, ac∣cording to the custom of the Country where he lived, did not fail in having a goodly and magnificent one. It was a place spacious enough, in form Octangular, invironed about with seates, whereunto one ascended by four steps of Jasper, and Chalcedony, whereof the two lovvermost vvere covered vvith vvater even up to the brim of the third, the fourth being vvholly out of the vvater: At each of the eight angles vvas a Colum, after the Corinthian manner, of Jasper mingled vvith divers colours; the Columnes were planted on the fourth step, which served them for a pedestall, with their Bases, Capitalls, Frizes, and Corniches; the Frize was carved in half relieve, where naked children were seen, who seemed to combat in the water with little Sea Monsters, and to wrastle with them, with efforts so a∣greeable to their yeares, as the workman deserved no little glory for the same. All these figures were so lively set forth, as they seemed to move, so easily may the imagination be deceived by things that are well represented; over the Frize was the Cornish, and above that just perpendicular to every Column rose up a twy∣ning wreath of Oaken leaves, laid one upon another, made of green Jasper, and bound with filets of gold, mounting up on the ribbs of the vaulting, and meeting the middle in the form of a Chaplet of Triumph. All the walls were overlaid with a compound stone, called Aventurina, and whereof they seemed to be framed, so ex∣cellently was this work contrived. But amongst all the beauties of the place the grea∣test was, that between those eight Columns, whereof I have already spoken, there were as many Niches, four of which were filled with great Vases of gold, that served to lay the perfumes in, and other things necessary to the Bath; the other four, which separated those former, were filled with four Nimphes of white mar∣ble, so admirably fair, as Nature hath never made any thing more beautifull, than the Idea of this excellent workman: These figures were all in different actions; some of them seemed to uncloth themselves for to enter into the Bath; others to come out of it, putting on their cloathes again; but all with such art, as Doria confessed, that Sculpture had never shewed any thing more perfect. He considered also that the water, which was seen in the Bath, fell into it through two Vases of Christall, which were held by two men, laid along on the brim of the Bath, and represented as Rivers use to to be painted: Out of one the Vases issued hot water, and out of the other cold, to the end one might by that mixture find

that just mediocrity requisite for those that bath. After he had seen all these things, the grand Visier made Doria go forth at a secret door, and pass down by a back stair to one of the doores of the Hall; and though it be the custom of the Turkes in generall not to be very costly in their dyet, yet as the Grandes do not use to fol∣low the common fashion, so Ibrahim left not to be in that particular, as in all other things. Doria saw in the middle of the Hall a great Persian Carpet extended on the ground, with a Table-cloth after the manner of the Country, upon which were set a many of silver Chargers, where in each of them were seen twelve great dishes of that which we call the essence of porcelain, replenished with divers sortes of meates; for it is the custom of the Turkes never to eat in any mettall; howbeit they are not without great store of silver vessell, onely for magnificence; and indeed the grand Visiers Cubbord of plate was so sumptuous, as Europe hath not a King that can shew so fair a one. Doria then beholding that prodigious amass of Basons of gold engraven, great Vases of sundry formes and of divers bignesses, Flaggons, vvater Pots, and Cisternes of gold, vvith Lions muzles and Dolphins, half imbost, could not forbear telling Ibrahim that Isabella vvould dye for joy, if she certainly knew at what rate he bought the possession of her; but the Bassa returning him no other answer thereunto than a sigh, told Doria it was time to dine, that they might afterwards go and take their leave of Soliman; that in the mean space, whereas their exterior ceremonies were different, although their minds were not, he had given order that he should be served in his chamber. Doria went out then of this Hall, after he had observed, that the Persian Carpet was set all about with great Cushions of cloth of Gold, upon Carpets of the same stuff, for Ibrahim and the Officers of the Empire which did eat with him, to sit upon. The Bassa would have conducted his dear Doria to his lodging, but he would not suffer him, so that he was constrained to leave him in the hands of an Italian slave, in whom he confided for all things. These two friends were not long at meat, for at this time love and friendship produced the same impatiency in them both; the Bassa came into Doriaes chamber just as he was going out, having taken a resolution together to go immediately to the Seraglio, that they might part away the night ensu∣ing. The Italian slave assured the Bassa, that in the evening he should have such an habit as Doria wore; for Ibrahim had caused him to quit that of a slave, as soon as he was at liberty, and by the means of those Jews, of vvhom I have already spoken, procured him one of the Italian fashion. They vvent avvay then to the Seraglio, where being arrived, Ibrahim made Doria put on a Turkish robe, no stranger being permitted to speak to the Sultan but with this ceremony. The Bassa entred in first, to let his Highness know, that according to his order he had brought his dear Doria; Soliman shevved himself much sa∣tisfied therewith, hovvbeit though he vvere somewhat impatient to see him, yet would he for all that speak once more to Ibrahim without witnesses, wherefore he caused him to pass along with him into his Cabinet, vvhither he vvas no sooner come, but looking on our illustrious Bassa with eyes where generosity combatted grief, and retaining the tears which kindness and amity would have shed in this hard separation, he spake unto him with such obliging terms, as Ibrahim was not long without partaking with him in his melancholy, so certain it is that passions do easily pass from one spirit to another, as well in friendship, as in love. The Sultan having observed by the change of the Bassaes countenance, that his soul was moved, desired his pardon for having troubled his pleasure, and accused him∣self of inhumanity for not letting him part without shewing his grief, to the end he might not have excited his; but to excuse him in this incounter he was onely to consider, that the love he bare him was so strong, as he would with less pain divide with him his Empire, than be separated from him; that nevertheless he was generous enough not to repent him of the grace which he had granted him, al∣beit the execution of it was more difficult than he had thought it to be; but to comfort him in his absence, he prayed him not to take it ill, if he desired one oath more from him, which might assure him he would within six moneths re∣turn to Constantinople. Soliman had no sooner done speaking, but the Grand Visier,

who never gave place to any man in generosity, cast himself at his feet, and pro∣tested unto him, that he would not depart before his Highness had testified that he would rely on the word he had given him to return precisely with in the time prefixed; that he esteemed himself very unhappy in not being known to his High∣ness for that which he was, and that being neither base, ingratefull, nor a lyar, he vvas for all that suspected of those three crimes by a Prince, for whom he would sacrifice his life with joy, who reigned in his heart far more absolutely, than over his people, and who touched his soul with so much tenderness, as he plainly felt that he could not turn his steps towards Isabella, without turning his eyes towards Soliman. Ibrahim pronounced these last words with such ear∣nestness, as the Sultan no way doubted but that he had truly expressed his heart; he raised him up then in imbracing him, and promised him that he would live in some quiet of this assurance of seeing him again; that in the mean time it was not just to let Doria stay any longer without, and that therefore he should go and fetch him in. Ibrahim obeying this commandement, called him at the door of the Cabinet; as soon as he appeared Soliman spake to him in his own language, for, as I have already said, this Prince understood it perfectly, and made him such an Elogium of our Illustrious Bassa, as caused him to blush more than once; he spake of his valour, of his prudence, and of his conduct in great matters; finally he as∣sured him, that he was as good a Generall of an Army, as he was a good and faith∣full friend; he told him further, that he desired him to receive his friendship, as he already possessed his, having begun to love him as soon as Ibrahim had made known to him, by the recitall of his adventures, what his merit was, and the af∣fection which he bore him; moreover, that as all the interests of Ibrahim were his, so he gave him thanks not only for all the services he had rendred him, but for all those which he should render him in time to come; and for a mark of the ob∣ligation wherein he would stand ingaged to him for it, he conjured him to ac∣cept of a Scymitar which he gave him, whereof the hilt and scabberd were all covered over with Diamonds. Doria answered to all these things with all the re∣spect that he owed to so great a Prince, and being fallen on his knees to receive that precious gage of Solimans liberality, he was vvith a great deal of sweetness and civility taken up by the Sultan, who prayed him to assure Isabella, that the constancy of her Justiniano had been so firm during the time that he beleeved her to be unfaithfull, as he durst swear for him, that he had never sought after, nor affect∣ed glory, but out of the hope of dying more nobly; he entreated him also to pre∣sent her from him with a box of Gold, set with Emeraulds, which was filled with two Chains, the first vvas of Diamonds of an excessive greatness, and the se∣cond of Pearls, so big, so round, so even, and so clear, that the Orient hath never shewed us fairer. Ibrahim would have spoken to render Soliman thanks, and to have made himself the bearer of that Treasure, but he imposed silence on him, and sayd, that it would be enongh for him to entertain Isabella with his own af∣fairs, without charging himself with a complement from another. But at last the Sultan being unwilling that Doria should see him capable of any weakness, and feeling that this conversation could not long endure without his falling again in∣to melancholy, he told the Bassa that he had given order unto the Tesqueregi∣bassi, who is the Grand Signiors principall Secretary, to make up the Ambassador of Genouaes dispatch; that his Letter was conceived in such pressing terms, as that Republique durst not refuse what he desired of it; that in the mean time, since he must resolve to see him depart, he thought it fit that he should go and give order to his affairs, to the end he might as soon as it was night repair to the Ambassa∣dor of Genouaes vessell, which he had caused to come from Pera to Constantinople, and would attend for them at the Port. This sayd, he dismissed Doria, after he had testified much affection unto him, and retained Ibrahim for one moment more to take his last farewell of him; it was at this instant that Soliman shewed the greatest marks of his good-will to the Grand Visier, since it is most certain, that silent sorrows, though they be not so eloquent as others, yet are they at the least more perswasive. When Doria was gone the Sultan imbraced Ibrahim, but

howsoever he forced himself, he could say no more, than go my dear Ibrahim, re∣store Isabella to life again, but when you shall have revived her, come and preserve mine. This discourse touched the Bassa so vively, as all the answer he could make was, that his return should quickly justifie his departure; after which Soliman made a sign to him to be gone. He went avvay then to his dear Doria, who stayed for him in another chamber; in their way back they talked of nothing but great Soliman; Doria was so satisfied of him, as he was constrained to confess, that he should want common sense if he were not charmed by the rare qualities of so ex∣cellent a Prince. Ibrahim answered hereunto with so much melancholy, as Doria was fain to speak of the Princess to him for to draw him out of it; wherefore he dextrously told him, that Isabella would be astonished at the present which she should receive from him. At this sweet name Ibrahim began to take heart again, and somewhat dissipating his heavyness, he turned all his thoughts to his departure. As soon as he vvas at his Palace, he entred with Doria into his chamber, where ha∣ving sent for the Italian slave, he understood by him, that his habit was ready; whereupon he called the principall Officers of his house once more before him, and told them that he was going to depart away upon that occasion wherewith he had acquainted them before, and therefore they should give order to the Porter of his Palace, that he might not be troubled for the rest of the day, but to send such as came about generall affairs to the Bassa of the Sea, who during his absence was to deal for him: After this he commanded them to withdravv, and remained alone with Doria, and the slave that had brought him his habit. Now the night be∣ginning to approach, he held it time to think of parting, and this slave being of counsell with them, was appointed by him to go and take that other of Mona∣co, and conduct him to the Port, whether they would come to them. Ibrahim having put on his habit, took some Jewels with him, in case hee should stand in any need upon the way by some unexpected incounter, and percei∣ving it to be dark enough for them to go forth without discovery, he caused Doria to descend by a back-stair, which brought them to a door that opened into the Garden, the passage out of the which not being far distant from the Port, gave them the commodity to get thither easily without being seen. And whereas I∣brahim knew precisely whereabout the Christian vessels lay, and especially those of Ambassadors, he went directly to the place, where he was attended for by the order of the Tesqueregibassi, who when he gave the Ambassador his dispatch, had or∣dained him to be as soon as it was night at the Key, there to receive the two slaves of whom he had been spoken unto him at such time as he had audience from his Highness: According hereunto, Ibrahim (whom we will hereafter call Justiniano) after he had overtaken the slave of Monaco, found out the Ambassador, who wait∣ing for him, received him and Doria with transports of joy that cannot be exprest; he could not comprehend how two men, who were beleeved to be dead so long before, should be met withall at Constantinople: But if his joy were excessive, that of our two friends was not less, for they knew him exceeding well, as being of the Illustrious family of the Lomelines. Justiniano thought then that he began already to breath the air of his country; but the place being nothing commodious to com∣plement in, they embarqued themselves, and a little after, when the Moon was up they weighed Anchor, and hoisting up their sayls, they made towards the West, with so favourable a wind as the Art of the Pilot was almost unprofitable in this encounter. This prosperous beginning of Navigation made the Mariners to shout for joy, and gave them hope, that they should see the coast of Genoua ere it were long. But amidst the common gladness, Justiniano could not forget that he went from Constantinople without quitting it utterly, and that by an invisible chain, which retained him there, he was to return unto it a slave from Isabella; this trou∣blesome thought for all that lasted not long, and his imaginations flattered him so sweetly, in making him see that he was every minute drawing near unto the Princess, as losing the sight of Constantinople, he also lost the remembrance of all his misfortunes, and abandoned himself wholly to joy.