The History of the Turks describing the rise and ruin of their first empire in Persia, the original of their second : containing the lives and reigns of their several kings and emperors from Ottoman its first founder to this present year, 1683, being a succinct series of history, of all their wars (forreign and domestick) policies, customs, religion and manners, with what else is worthy of note in that great empire.

CHAP. XI. The Life of Amurath the Second of that name and Sixth King of the Turks, his Wars, Victo∣ries and Defeats.

A Murath had no sooner taken possession of his King∣dom, and the Death of Mahomet published, but divers Princes revolted from him, and invaded his Territories, as the Prince of Smyrna, Mentesia, and others, and amongst the rest an obscure fellow of Thessalonica, feigning himself to be Mustapha the Eldest Son of Bajazet who was slain in the battle against Tamerlane, all the Turkish Cities in Europe fell to him, whereupon Amurath sent Bajazet Bassa against him with a great Army, which was no sooner landed but it revolted to Mustapha, leaving the Bassa alone to shift for himself, whereupon the Bassa together with his Brother Hamze submitted themselves to this coun∣terfeit Son of Bajazet, but being envyed by the rest of the Captains, they raised such Jealousies of his being treacherous in Mustapha, that he soon after put him to death, and afterward prepared for the Invasion of Amurath's Territories in Asia, of which he having notice, gathered all his forces to oppose him, and after asking Council of a Mahometan Priest, who assured him, he had after two repulses at the hands of the Great Prophet, obtained the favor of making him prosperous in his Wars, and so coming to the North-side of the River Ʋlibad, he found the Bridge broken down, and Mustapha's great Army incamped on the other side, where he so dealt with the great

Captains of Mustapha's Army, that many of them revolted, and at length Mustapha being frighted by forged Letters, importing that his Army intended to deliver him up, fled by night, after which his men submitted to Amurath, and he in his flight being taken in Europe was hanged.

The Rebellion being pacified, and Amurath informed that all this had happened, by the contrivance of the Greek Emperor, besieged Constantinople, which in vain he often attempted to take by storm, but whilst he lay at this siege, news was brought that the King of Caramania had set up another Mustapha, viz. his younger Brother Son to Mahomet, to whom many Countries in the lesser Asia revolted, which made Amurath raise his Siege, and with all hast March to oppose him, and with large gifts to have the sooner done he so corrupted Ilias Beg the young Princes Tutor, that he delivered him up together with the City of Nice, where he was by Amurath's command Strangled.

Amurath having appeased these Rebellious Tumults, Lessened his Council from 5 to 2 Bassas, viz. Ibrahim, and Eivazes, the latter of which being much envyed by those that were outed, they supposing it was done by his perswasion, possessed Amurath that he had a design upon his Life, and after that to seize his King∣dom, and for that purpose went privately armed; to prove the truth of which Amurath one day clasping him in his Arms, as in token of Friendship, found it so indeed, and therefore growing more suspitious, notwithstanding his many excuses for his so doing, caused his Eyes to be put out, and soon after had news of the death of the King of Carramania his Mortal Enemy, who having lay'd Siege to the City of Attalia in Pamphilia, as he was viewing it to see where he might most conveniently make an Assault, was shot

into the Brest, with an Arrow from a Lope-hole, at which Amurath greatly rejoyced, but his joy was soon allayed, by other news of a fierce Invasion of his Ter∣ritories made by Tzunites Prince of Smyrna, but it soon blew over, for the Prince being Vanquished by the Vice-Roy of Anatolia, was together with his Son taken Prison∣er; and contrary to Faith plighted Slain; after this Amurath Marryed the Daughter of Prince Isflendiar, and then on a suddain in revenge of the pretended wrongs done him by the Greeks, besieged and took Thessalonica and dispoiled it of all its Riches, lead∣ing away the Inhabitants into miserable Capti∣vity.

At this time amongst other distressed Princes, John Castriot Prince of Epirus, perceiving the Turks ready to invade him, and being no ways Capable to withstand so powerful an Army, resolved to avoid the Miseries of War by a timely accord with the Turkish Tyrant, promising to become his Tributa∣ry, and for confirmation thereof, as Hostages deliver∣ed his 4 Sons, viz. George, Stanisius, Reposuis, and Constan∣tine; Amurath promising well and honourably to in∣treat them, but as soon as they were within his pow∣er, he caused them to be Circumcised, and brought up in the Superstition of the Mahumetan Religion, and after the Death of their Father, seized upon his Kingdom, and Poysoned all but George, whom he Named Scanderbeg; who afterwards became the Mawl and terror of the Turks, as will in the Sequel appear.

Amurath being busie in Europe, the Carramanian King and the other Mahumetan Princes invaded his Domini∣ons in Asia, which caused him to pass over to repress that dangerous Enemy, which done he returned into Europe, and with Fire and Sword fell upon Hungary, and turning thence upon the Prince of Servia's refusing to come to his Court seized Servia, tho he had Sworn to the contrary.

The Hungarians being at Variance amongst them∣selves, and likewise at Wars with the King of Po∣land; upon the breaking off of the Match, between their Queen and the King of Poland, Amurath re∣solved upon the Conquest of that Kingdom, invaded Hungary, laying close Siege to Belgrade, often in vain assaulting it; and now the Queen of Hungary being Dead, leaving Ladislans a Child in the Cra∣dle to succeed her, who not able to take any Mea∣sures about opposing the Turk, and the Kingdom in likely hood to be overrun; the Nobility concluded to Elect Ʋldislaus King of Poland, a man of great Fame and no less courage their King, which done Ambas∣sadors were sent to Amurath, still lying at the Siege of Belgrade, but they were nothing more able to prevail as to his raising the Siege nor procuring a peace, till such time as in divers assaults half his Army were lost, overwhelmed with Wild-Fire, and strangled in the mines, nor then tho he raised the Siege, would his haughty mind condescend to a Peace; in his re∣turn, hegreatly troubled the Countries of Servia and Bo∣san, causing the Princes in lien of saving them from the Spoil, to pay a yearly tribute of 25000 Ducats. Ʋldislaus being setled in his new Kingdom, and hav∣ing frequently intelligence of the incursions of the Turks into Transylvania; the better to resist them on that side Created John Hunides Vayvod or his Vicegerent in that Country, who putting all things in order, gathered such an Army as he might, and upon news that Isa the great Bassa, and one of A∣muraths most Renowned Captains, was returned with a great power and spoiled the Country; he went against him incouraging his Soldiers to Fight Cou∣ragiously for their Lives, Country, Wives and Chil∣dren; and then setting upon the proud Bassa after a hard foughten Battle, put him to Flight with the loss of 20000 of his men.

This Victory nothing daunted Amurath, but push∣ed him forward more eagerly to revenge the dis∣grace; whereupon early in the Spring he sent Meli∣tes Bassa his Viceroy in Asia, with a great Army, who spoiling the Country, took a great Booty and many Prisoners, but in his return being pursued by Huniades, he overthrew him, & Slew the Bassa & his Son. By that means recovering all the Prisoners and Rich∣es, together with the Turkish Camp, and many Turkish Prisoners of note, which caused the Hun∣garians and Transilvanians greatly to rejoyce; part of the Spoiles with the Head of the Bassa and his Son, he sent to King Ʋldislaus, the other part he con∣verted to religious uses, and what remained freely bestowed it amongst his Soldiers, not reserving any part to himself.

Upon Bruit of this Victory, and the Fame of the Valiant Huniades, Moldavia and Valachia, before Tri∣butary to the Turks, revolted, which so inraged A∣murath that he sent yet another great Army to reduce them to their former obedience, which with great pride (under the leading of Schech Abedin, Bassa, consist∣ing of 80000 Fighting men, amongst which were a great number of Janizaries) came on wasting the Country with Fire and Sword as they passed, to op∣pose which the great Huniades marched with 15000 Hungarians and Transilvanians, and finding them still Plundering near Vascape bid them Battle, where af∣ter both Armies were put in order, and both Gene∣rals by moving-Oration had incited their Souldiers to Fight to the utmost Extremity, a dreadful Fight began, where after six Hours dealing Death on every side, the Turkish Army broken and disordered by the Christians were put to Flight, with the loss of 30000 Horse and Foot: And their rich Camp which became an acceptable Prey to the Souldiers.

The many Victories gained by Humiades over the Turks, made Amurath more inclinable to peace then before; yet in his pride he demanded in considerati∣on thereof, the delivery of Bellgrade and many other places in Servia; upon which King Vldislaus called an Assembly of the Estates of his Kingdom, where after many had given their opinions, it was resolved that the Pious War should be carryed on with all Vigor Imgainable, and that the Christians following their good Fortune should invade the Turkish Countries, whereupon a great Army was raised, and passing the Danubius lead by the King and Humiades, they wast∣ed all the Kingdom of Bulgaria, and having intelli∣gence that the Turks were with a great Army com∣ing down against them; Humiades drawing out 10000 of the most expert Horsemen, having notice where they lay incamped in the Night: Broke in amongst them, and put 'um almost all the Sword; return∣ing the next Day with great Spoil, where the King lay incamped, where he was received with great Joy.

This easie Victory wherein there fell 30000 Turks, and not past 300 of the Christians, so lightned the Souldiers, that they desired nothing more then to be lead forward, but coming to the great Mountain He∣mus, and finding all the passages stopped, and being greatly afflicted with Hungar and Cold; their Cou∣rages began to abate, and they to conceive a desire of returning home: the which whilst they were about to do, the Turks under the leading of Caramby Bassa, Amuraths Brother in Law came down from the Moun∣tains, and fell furiously upon the Rear of the Army commanded by Humiades, and the Despot of Servia, the King with the Van being a Days march before; but after a sharp Incounter were overthrown, and the Great Bassaw taken by a common Souldier, who

being demanded of Humiades what he would have for his Prisoner, he asked only 10 Ducats; yet Humia∣des ordered him 400, and the same Night sold him again to the Despot for 40000 Ducats.

In this Battle, but, as some say, in that Fought near Moravia, the famous Scanderbeg found means to fly the Turkish Servitude, and leading Amurath's Se∣cretary with him, commanded him in the Name of Amurath to Write to the Governour of Croia, to de∣liver him the City, that being the Metropolis of Epi∣rus, the which when he had done, he slew him and as many Turks as were with him to prevent its coming to the knowledge of Amurath, before he had accom∣plished his design. And thereupon with several of his trusty Friends Posting away, had the City as he wish∣ed for put into his possession, whither he sent for Prince Amaza his Kinsman, and many other of his acquaintance informing them what he intended, viz. that he resolved to recover his Rightful inheritance, and deliver his Subjects from the Tyranny of the Turks, which made them not a little rejoyce, and greatly incourage him to proceed in so honourable an under∣taking.

Things being at this pass, and the design known; great was the resort of the Epirots to their Lawful Prince, who for the delivery of his Country from Ser∣vitude had set up his Standard: Such Cities as conve∣niently could daily revolting to him, as Petrella, Pe∣tra, Alba and Stelusa; other he reduced by force, and having possession of the greatest part of Epirus, he raised what forces he could, and the more to pro∣voke the Turk, passed into Macedonia, spoiling the Country before him, and putting the Turks to the Sword.

Amurath hearing this unexpected news, sent 40000 select Souldiers under the leading of Alis Bassa, of

whose coming Scanderbeg having notice retired into Epirus, and putting all things in order, raised what forces he could to oppose the Turks, comforting his People in the best wise; who upon the Bassa's approach were filled with fear, and then marching against him, set upon him as he was wasting his Country of Ʋp∣per Dibra, and overthrew him with the Slaughter of 22000 of his men, with the loss of Scarce 300 of his own, the news of which raised such dispair in Amu∣rath, that he was glad to accord a peace with the Hungarian King, by renouncing his claim to Molda∣via, Transilvania and Bulgaria; and then turning his Arms against the Carramanian King, his Brother-in Law seized upon the greatest part of his Country, but upon his Submission and giving in Hostage his Eldest Son, for the performance of paying double tri∣bute he restored him again to his former dignity, and then as a man weary of the World, sent for his Youngest Son Mahomet, his Eldest Son Aladine be∣ing killed at the Siege of Iconium, by a fall from his Horse, and appointing Caly Bassa his Tutor, and Chosore a learned Doctor of the Law his Counsel∣lors, he resigned to him the Kingdom being as yet but 15 Years of Age, and retiring into Asia entered into a Cloister of Turkish Monks, there intending to spend the remainder of his Days. But he had no sooner resigned his Government, 'ere Ʋldislaus King of Hungary perswaded thereto by Julian the Popes Legate who absolved him of his Oath broke the 10 Years League made with the Turks. But God let not so heinous an Offence against his divine Majesty pass long unrevenged. For Amurath roused with this un∣expected news, leaving his Cloister, passed over in∣to Europe with an Army of 100000 Turks, and ad∣vancing with all speed against the Christians, who had ••u••dued most of his Countries in Europe near the

City of Varna, both Armies meeting a cruel Fight began with an infinite Slaughter of the Turks, whom Huniades and the King charged with such fury, that all the Fields lay covered with the Slain, which A∣murath perceiving and finding his Battle to Swerve, and his men at the point to Fly; pull'd the Writ∣ing containing the League he had made with Ʋldislaus out of his Bosom, and holding it up, with his Eyes lifted towards Heaven with a loud Voice said, Be∣hold thou Crucified Christ, this is the League they Christians in thy name made with me, which they have without any cause Violated, now if thou be a God as they say thou art, and we deem, revenge the wrong now done unto they name, and shew thy pow∣er upon thy perjured People, who in their deeds deny thee their God.

Upon this Speech of Amurath's, the Christians who before were well nigh Conquerers began to give Ground, which the Hungarian King perceiving charg∣ing into the Thickest of the Turkish Army, in hopes to restore the Battle was there Slain, which so dis∣couraged the Hungarians, that Huniades not being a∣ble to stay their Flight giving place to necessity, and reserving himself for better fortune fled with them, and left the Turks the Victory, but so dearly bought, that only thinking the Christians had retired to their Camp, they durst not venture upon it for two Days space, till by the profound silence they perceived it was abandoned. In this Fight, most of the Hungarian Nobility were slain, and amongst the rest Julian the Popes Legate, the Author of the perjurous Expedi∣tion, who being wounded and slying out of the Bat∣tle fainted for loss of Blood, & dyed in a Ditch. And thus we may see how just the Almighty is in punishing those that dishonour him, and little Availes the Popes dispensation.

This great and mortal Battle in which perished on both sides 60000 men, was Fought Anno 1444, af∣ter which Amurath glad of the Victory, tho much dismayed with his great loss returned to Adria∣nople, and again resigned his Kingdom to his Son; but soon after being weary of the Melancholy Life, he a∣gain assumed his kingly Dignity.

At this great Battle of Varna, Scanderbeg should have been present; being on his way with 30000 Horse and Foot in order to have joyned King Ʋla∣dislaus. But God prevented his ingaging in so bad a Quarrel, by permitting both Armies to ingage 'ere he could arrive, of which intention of Scanderbeg's Amurath having notice sent sharply to reprove him of Ingratitude, to which the Valiant Prince as sharply reply'd, upbraiding the Turk with the Poysoning his; Brothers, seizing upon his Kingdom, and often deter∣mining to take his Life whilst he remain'd in his Court, which so throughly netled the old Turk, that he raised great forces to invade Epirus, sending of Ferises and Mustapha his chief Bassas, with promise of great reward if they could take Scanderbeg, and subdue the Country: but on the contrary they were both overthrown by the Invincible Prince, and forced to return with great dishonour, yet the Prince of Peloponnesus had not the like good Fortune, but for the preservation of his Country was obliged to become tri∣butary to the Turk.

Ʋladislaus being Slain, as aforesaid, Humiades was made Governour by the general cousent of the Hun∣garian Nobility; during the Minority of the Young King, Son to the deceased Queen, who having setled the necessary Affairs of the Kingdom with great di∣scretion, and finding the Turks since the late drea∣ful overthrow at Varna, greatly to have incroached up∣on the Hungarian Territories, he raised a great power

and marched against them, when in the Territories of his Country near the River Schichniza, meeting Amurath with a vast Army, he couragiously charged upon his formost Battle, so that within a while, new Succors being sent the whole Armies were ingaged, which Battle without any other pausing then what Night obliged them to, Fought for the space of 3 Days, at the end of which the Christians being rather over∣powred by number then true valour, having done all that men were capable of doing, Fled disorder∣ly, and were Slain in great abundance: Humiades him∣self Flying after, having Incountered and overcome two sturdy Thieves who set upon him to Rob him, was taken Prisoner by the ungrateful Despot of Ser∣via, whose Country he had a little before rescued out of the Hands of the Turks: And forced to deli∣ver up several strong Towns, which the Despot pre∣tended belonged to his Territories for his Ransom. In this Battle were Slain of the Turks 40000, and of the Christians 17000.

The Year following Amurath invaded the Despot's, for not delivering into his power Humiades his Capital Enemy; whereupon he was constrained to send his humble Supplication to Humiades, whom he not long before had so evil intreated, for aid; who notwithstanding leavyed a great Army, and passing through Servia, where tho false Despot to curry Fa∣vour with Amurath, taking an account of his Army, secretly sent the Turk notice what number the Chri∣stians were, and what they intended; yet this great Captain marched on to the Plains of Cassova, famous for the many Battles there Fought between the Turks and the Christians, where finding Amurath incamped with a huge Army he bid him Battel, which as the former with great Slaughter continued for the space of 3 Days, but with better Success, for in the end Vi∣ctory

declared for the Christians, all the Plains be∣ing covered with the Body of the Slain, most of the Turkish Commanders, either Perished in the Fight, or fell into the Hands of Huniades, who having re∣covered many Towns, delivered the Prisoners to the Despot, and returned with Triumph to Buda.

And now a quarrel arising between Scanderbeg, and the Duke of Venice, about one Lech Zachery, a No∣bleman of Epirus; who being shamefully Murther∣ed by Lech Duchagne his Kinsman, and having great Territories on the Frontiers of the Kingdom; the Duke claimed it as belonging to his Signory, seiz∣ing upon the City of Dayna part thereof, of which trouble Mustapha the Great Bassa, who lay in Ma∣cedonia with a great Army, being advertised by the command of Amurath entered Epirus, of which Scan∣derbeg having notice gathered all his forces, and finding him Burning the Country in the upper Di∣bria, where both Armies confronting each other, a Turk named Caragusa stepping forth, Challenged any in the Christian Camp to Fight him Hand to Hand; which bold Challenge being accepted by Manessi one of Scanderbeg's Captains, he at the first Incounter slew the Challenger, which did not a little dismay the Turks, who highly relyed upon the Strength of their Cham∣pion; for the Battle immediately joyning, the Turks were overthrown with great Slaughter, and the Bas∣sa taken Prisoner, who was afterwards Ransomed by Amurath for 25000 Ducats.

This overthrow so inraged the Tyrant, that raising a mighty Power, he came in Person to invade Epirus; promising great rewards to those that could bring Scanderbeg's Head; of which more then ordinary pre∣parations Scanderbeg having timely notice, furnished his Cities with all things necessary, providing them with strong Garrisons, himself resolving to keep the

Field with his Army, and by Ambushes and frequent Assaults, to weaken and cut off the Enemy, which upon the arrival of the Turkish Army he so effectu∣ally performed, that seldom a Day or Night past that he intrapped not some or other of the Vauntcuri∣ers, or broke into their Camp; insomuch that they were obliged to be continually in Arms; whereup∣on Amurath designing to win some strong City, there to leave a Garrison, and so to depart, besieged Sfe∣tigrade with all his power, continually thundering a∣gainst it with his great Ordnance. But one Prelat a Valiant Captain being Governour, right Manfully defended it, insomuch that in the frequent Assaults made he lost 20000 of his best men, yet being ashamed to raise his Siege 'ere he had won the City, sent to of∣fer terms of Peace with great Priviledges and im∣munities, if they surrender'd the place, as likewise by secret means indeavoured to corrupt the Captains with great promises; but they detesting his offer re∣garded more their Loyalty to their Prince then his Gold, yet at the same time there wanted not one base minded Vallain, who for a Sum in Hand and other large offers, when he had performed his promise, undertook to deliver the City into the Hands of A∣murath; which by this means he effected.

This great City standing upon a Rock, had in it but one Well, which served both the Soldiers and Citizens plentifully with Water, into this Well did the Villain by occupation a Smith cast the Carkas of a stinking Dog, which the next Morning found by some of the Soldiers, and drawn thence the rumour thereof was quickly spread throughout, whereupon the Soldiers notwithstanding all the intreaties of the Governour and chief Citizens, the Soldiers would not be perswaded to Drink thereof, resolving rather to indure the worst Extremity; and by this means the

City not being tenable, the Governor to prevent a mutiny amongst his Soldiers, and the danger the Ci∣ty was in to be sacked, sent to Amurath to acquaint him, that upon condition the Garrison might pass with Bag and Baggage to Scanderbeg, and the Citizens live peaceably, he would deliver him the City; who being glad of this offer freely granted their demand, only with this condition, that the Citizens should build their Houses without the City.

These Articles agreed on, the City was delivered to Amurath, and the Traytor by whose means it was surrendered, was rewarded with three rich Suits of Apparel, 50000 Aspers, and the promise of a yearly Pension of 2000 Ducats; but long he had not enjoyed his riches 'ere he received a juster re∣ward of his Treason; being, as 'tis said, secretly made away by the command of Amurath, who tho he loved the Treason, abhorred the Traytor.

The City being thus gained, Amurath having furnished it with a Garrison of his best men, de∣parted with the rest of his Army to Hadrianople, upon the Rear of which Scanderbeg setting with 8000 Horse and 3000 Foot, cut off a great part of his Army. And having followed quite out of his Territories, re∣turned to Croia, and fortified it, upon notice that Amurath intended to return with his Army in the Spring, in which he was not deceived; for the old Turk desirous to subdue the Country of Epirus, to obliterate the disgrace he had received by the many overthrows he had there received, he sent Sebahyas one of his Bassas before with part of his Army; himself following slowly with the rest, and upon his arrival sat down before the great City of Croia, where having cast 10 Pieces of Cannon, he began to batter it, the which with great fury he continued to do for the space of 4 Days in two places, beating down part

of the Wall, upon which he commanded the Assault to be given, thrusting his men desperately into the Breach, giving order that such as Shrunk should be killed by their Fellows, and on the other side pro∣mising them great reward, if they entered the City, and Mahomet his Son being then in the Camp, and com∣manding as General promised 100000 Aspers to him that should first advance his Ensign upon the Wall; but neither prevailed, for Ʋranacontes the Governour, a Valiant man incouraging his Soldiers, gave the Turks such a Welcome, that they left 8000 of their dead Bodies in the Breach, Ditches and Plains adjacent; which Amurath perceiving and understanding the in∣vincible courage of the Epirots, caused the retreat to be sounded, and after many repulses and no hopes of prevailing, he fell to his old practice, endeavouring to corrupt the Governour, and chief Captains with large Gifts, and to that end sent a Crafty Bassa, with two Servants Loaded with Treasure; which the Go∣vernour with disdain rejected, Vowing that if the like were attempted again, that he would cause the Hands, Noses and Ears of the Messengers to be cut off, and they so returned to their Master.

During this Siege, Scanderbeg was not Idle but still hovered about the Turks Camp, frequently Alarum∣ing 'um, and breaking into one Quarter, or other, killing those that Guarded it, and taking great Booties, insomuch that after several Months Siege, and the loss of 30000 men, Amurath through Grief and despair Dyed in his Tent Anno 1450, in the 85 Year of his Age, and of his Reign the 28, or as some say, the thir∣tieth, leaving Mahomet his Son to succeed him in his troublesome Kingdom, charging him to revenge his Death upon Scanderbeg, and so having his Corps con∣veyed to Prusa, he was there interred by his Ancestors.