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. XIII. The Life of Bajazet the second of that Name, and second Emperor of the Turks, his memo∣rial Exploits, Victories, and Death.

MAhomet being dead, and Bajazet and Zemes his two Sons absent (for the Turkish Tyrants will not permit their Sons to remain at Court when they are Men grown, lest they should aspire to Empire before their time) the great Bassas, and Aga of the Ja∣nizaries Conspired together, e'r either of them could ar∣rive, to make Corcutus younger Son to Bajazet Emperor, which accordingly they did; of which Bajazet upon his approaching the City of Constantinople, hearing, horribly Exclaimed against the perfidious dealings of the Bassas, and so laboured that at the Instance of Cherseogles Vice-Roy of Greece, and the Aga, or Cap∣tain of the Janizaries; the young Emperor being of a mild and Courteous Nature, overcome by their In∣treaty, and the Reverence of his Father, resigned un∣to him his Imperial Government, which he took up∣on him, with the general liking of the men of War, the finest token of any Turkish Emperors Establish∣ment; for if they oppose it 'tis in vain for them to hope for Empire, and in lieu of this Resignation, Ba∣jazet made him Governour of Lycia, Caria, Ionia, and all the pleasant Countries adjoyning; where being al∣together

given to study, he Lived quietly all the Reign of Bajazet, but after his Death was strangled by the Command of Selymas his Brothers Son, as will in his Reign more at large appear.

During these Troubles, Ferdinand King of Naples, sent his eldest Son Alphonsus Duke of Calabria, with a great Power to besiege Otranto, which after several sharp Conflicts he had delivered up to him, with all the Country lying about it, which had been by Ach∣metes Bassa taken from the Christians, during the Reign of Mahomet; to recover which an Army was a second time prepared, under the leading of the same Bassa; but e'r he arrived in Italy, he was Countermanded upon notice that Zemes was coming out of Amasia with an powerful Army, to Wrestle with Bajazet for the Empire: In which Expedition Achmetes was made General, who meeting Zemes by plain Force, drove him out of the Field with great slaughter of his Army; insomuch, that not thinking himself safe in his Brothers Dominions, he fled into Syria, and from thence into Egypt, to Caytbeius Sultan of Egypt and Syria, who received him with many great Expre∣ssions of joy, and at his Request sent an Ambassador to Bajazet, to intreat in his behalf, that some part of that so great an Empire might be allotted him; but the Proud Turk having gotten Possession, would not yeild to have so dangerous a Partner: Whereupon the Ambassador effecting nothing, he joyned with the Ca∣ramanian King, who by such a Conjunction hoped to recover his Territory taken from him, by Mahomet, Prince Zemes Father, against whose joynt Forces, but few in number, Bajazet advanced with 200000 Horse and Foot, of which the Princes having notice, and finding themselves too weak by far to oppose so great a Power, not finding as they had been put in hopes, any to revolt from Bajazet to them; they thought it

good to retire before the ways were beset, through the Straights of the Mountain Amanus, which done, they dispersed their little Army, and soon after Ze∣mes went to Rhodes, where of the great Master he was kindly received, with Promise of Protection from the Fury of his Brother, hoping by this means, if Bajazet should die a natural Death, or otherwise misearry, this Prince might be set up Emperor, and by means ever remain a firm Friend to the Christians.

During these Transactions, there wanted not some in the Court of Bajazet, who Envying the Prosperity, Achmetes Counselled the Emperor to put him to Death, falsly insinuating that he held private Correspondence with Zemes: Whereupon at his return from the Wars, Bajazet as in kindness to his Bassas made a Royal Sup∣per, where after they had Drunk plentifully of Wine which by their Laws is forbid, yet frequently amongst the Great ones used at their Feasts; he in token of Honouring them, caused a Rich Garment to be cast over each of them, but when they came to Achmetes, they cast over him a black Velvet Garment, by the Turks called the Mantle of Death; for whosoever that Garment is cast upon, none of the Bassas dare be so hardy as to intreat for his Life, which the other Bassas perceiving, most of them being before privy to the Matter by leave of the Emperor, after having kissed the Ground whereon he stood departed; amongst whom Achmetes would likewise have gone out, but was Commanded to stay for the Emperor, and no sooner were the Bassas gone out, but the Ministers of Death (which are certain strong Men bereaved of Speech, whom the Turkish Tyrants keep as Instru∣ments of their Cruelty) Entered, and were about to strangle the Bassa; when one of the Eunuches in great Favour with the great Emperor, stood up and advised 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not to be too hasty in Executing so great a Man,

so beloved by his Soldiers, and best men of War, but rather to defer the Execution, till he saw how the matter would be digested, and in the mean time by Torture to make him confess what might render his Execution more reasonable, of which Counsel Baja∣zet approving, commanded him immediately to be stripped, and delivered into the Hands of the Tor∣mentors. The which whilst they were doing, his Son having gotten notice in what Extream danger his Father was in, raised the Jannizaries, who up∣on notice that their beloved Captain stood on the Brink of the Grave flowed from all parts, like a Torrent to the Pallace, Thundering at the Gates as if they would have beaten the Pallace about his Ears, whereupon causing the outward Gate to be set open, he shewed himself to 'um through an Iron Window; demanding the cause of that Tumult and Uproar, to which they answered, that they would by and by, teach him as a Drunkard or Beast, and a Rascal to use his great place, and calling with more Sobriety and Descretion, Loading him with many more such like opprobrious Expressions, Command∣in forthwith to deliver Achmetes, or else they would beat the Pallace about his Ears, which demand of the insolent Janizaries he durst not deny, but Com∣manded that he should be forthwith delivered to them, who for hast was brought out half Naked, with the marks of his severe usage on his Body; who had no sooner got him, but they stripped the Emperors Minions, and with their Spoils Cloathing him, carryed him out of the Court on their Shoul∣ders in great Triumph, tho the Bassa did what he could to appease the Tumultuary Joy they conceiv∣ed for his deliverance.

Bajazet knowing by experience how deeply the Bassa was rooted in the affections of the men of War,

durst not presently shew his Anger, tho Burning with the desire of revenge, therefore the better to bring to pass what he had purposed, he took Achmetes into favour again, promoting him more then ever; which the Loyal old man trusting too far, was as he was sitting at Supper, by the command of Bajazet thrust through with a Sword, and Slain after he had Conquered 7 Kingdoms, and Annexed them to the Ottoman Em∣pire, being the most expert Commander, that ever the Turks could Boast off. But Bajazet's Spleen not so satisfied, he purposed to destroy the whole order of the Janizaries, in revenge of the insolency they had offered him, but his design upon their lives coming to their knowledge, and they standing upon their Guard, he found it a matter not to be compassed without great difficulty, tho to execute his pleasure, he had sent for the Acanzii, accounted the best Soldiers next the Ja∣mzaries, throughout all his Dominions; therefore he was forced to forego his Bloody and Tyrannical purpose, and the better to Colour the matter pre∣tended he had sent for those Soldiers to War against Moldavia: But the Janizaries not greatly trusting him, Inbattled by themselves, refusing to receive him into the middle of their Ranks, as was their usual manner, but shaking their Weapons, bid him send his Executioners, for they were ready to receive them; but by the mediation of the Bassas, at length mat∣ters were accorded, and they received Bajazet amongst them, for the Turkish Emperors never marched but in the middle of the Janizaries.

The Tumult pacified, Bajazet with his Army pas∣sed over Danubius, and entering Moldavia besieg∣ed Kele or Achilleia, which after many furious as∣saults was delivered to him, as afterward was Ac-Gimen or Asprocastron, the Turks usually changing the Names of such Cities & Towns, as fall into their hands.

Zemes being at Rhodes, Bajazet was not a little trou∣bled, lest he should prove a Thorn in his side, & there∣fore used many Endeavours, to get him into his pos∣session, but the great Master abhorring Breach of trust, notwithstanding the many Threats and Promises of the Tyrant, would not deliver him, nor was he sought only by his Brother, but by Charles the French King, Matthias King of Hungary, and Pope Innocentius the Eight of that Name Bishop of Rome, all of them thinking to advantage their Affairs, by having a Prince of the Ottoman Blood in their Custody; the King and the Emperor in their Wars, and the Pope of a mind more Ignoble, by getting a yearly Pension from his Brother Bajazet, for the safe keep∣ing him to the last; of which after Reiterated in∣treaties, the great Master delivered him, in lieu of which be was Created Cardinal, nor was the Popes Expectation vain, for he yearly received of Bajazet 40000 Ducats, yearly for the safe keeping him, but of this more hereafter.

Bajazet being frequently troubled by the suddain Invasions of the Caramanian King, resolved to sub∣due the remaining part of his Country, the which with a great Army out of Europe he invaded, spoiling all before him, but the wary Prince knowing him∣self far too Weak, to meet so powerful an Enemy in the Field, kept himself with his few forces in the Fastnesses of the Mountain, whereupon Bajazet besieg∣ed Tarsus in Cilicia, and had it delivered to him, up∣on condition that the Citizens might depart thence with their Goods, and not be further prejudiced, ei∣ther in their Lives or Liberties; but by this time Abraham, Aliàs, Pyramet King of Caramania having obtained considerable forces of Caytbeius Sultan of Egypt, he was resolved to try his fortune in the Field, and put all to the Hazard of a Battle, which being

begun the 10th. of May Anno 1486, was Fought with great obstinancy on either side, for the space of a whole day, when the Turks by Reason of their Multitude prevailed, in which Battle the King and the greatest part of his Army were Slain, and afterward his Country totally subdued by Bajazet, who like∣wise at that time took into his possession all Asia the less, becoming Lord of the Sea Coast from the Straights of Bosphorus to the Confines of Syria.

By this means the Ambitious Emperor Stretching the borders of his Empire, to the bounders of the Egyptian Sultans Territories, resolved to have no peace with him, by Reason he had not only assisted his Brother Zames against him, but likewise the Carra∣manian King in the last Battle, so that raising a great Power, he sent them under the Leading of Ishender-Bassa, Michael-Beg, and Jaxis-Beg his two Sons to wast the Sultans Dominions in Syria; but passing the Great Mountain Taurus, they were intraped by Ala∣dules the Mountain King, who had lay'd an Ambush of his Savage people for that purpose, where most of the Turks were together with Michael-Beg were Slain, the Bassa his other Son, and the remaining part taken Prisoners; the news of which defeat being known to Carragoses Bassa, who was following with more forces, it so discouraged him that he would ad∣vance no further, yet the next Year passing into the confines of Egypt, he was Fought with, and over∣thrown by the Sultans power: But these ill haps so little discouraged Bajazet, that he more inraged then ever, resolved to invade Egypt by Sea and Land, which the Sultan understanding resolved to Transport the Seat of War into the Turks Dominions, and so with a great Army, he Commanded Ʋsbeg to pass into Ci∣licia, where not far from Tarsus, he found the Turks incamped under the command of Chersogles Vice-Roy

of Greece, a most Valiant Captain, whereupon a mor∣tal Battle begun, and many thousands Slain, for the Sultans Army consisting mostly of Mamalukes, such an obstinate Fight was fiercly maintained between them, and the Turkish Jannizaries, that Victory stood doubtful for the space of 2 days, at the end of which the Turkish General having lost 60000 of his men, in the Night left his Camp and fled, nor was the loss in the Sultans Army much inferiour, but the Turks loss still proved greater; for Flying through Aladules Country, that King had so beset the way, that most of the remaining part were Slain, and the General taken prisoner, nor fared Bajazet's Fleet at Sea bet∣ter, for Anchoring in the mouth of Orentes within sight of Antioch, it was by a Tempest beaten to pieces, all which losses coming one upon the Neck of ano∣ther, caused Bajazet to send his Ambassadors to the Sultan to require peace, which was accorded to, and all the Prisoners set at liberty, when shortly after the Sultan, who of a Circassian Slave, by the favour of the Mamaluke's his Fellows become a mighty Mo∣narch dyed.

Peace being concluded in Asia, the Christian Princes stirred up thereto by Pope Alexander the Sixth, that Firebrand of discord, all Christendom was in a Flame, at what time Charles the French King seized upon the Kingdom of Naples, taken from his Father by Ferdinand the first, whereupon the Pope and Alphon∣sus the exiled King of Naples, solicited Bajazet to send them 6000 Horse, and as many Foot for the reco∣very of the same, laying before him (like special Christi∣ans) what danger the Mahometan Religion would be in, if the French prevailed; the Pope promising him also to Poyson Zemes his Brother, if he would pay him well for so doing; these Admonitions and large overtures so prevailed with the Infidel, that he had

great store of treasure, but as it was designed for evil purposes, it prospered accordingly; for the Vessell in the Adriatick Sea, being boarded by John Roverius, a Venetian, he seized the cash before it came to the Popes fingering, yet his Holyness loath to break his Word, nevertheless, contrary to his Oath made to the Ambassadors, from the great Master of Rhodes, Poisoned Zemes, by putting Poison amongst the Sugar which he was wont to mix with his Water, to the great Scandal of the Christian Religion, and reproach of St. Peter's pretended Successors: nor was God slow in revenging the dishonor done to his name, for Alexander having a Bastard Son, named Caesar Borgia, a Profligate Wretch, who after many Outrages and Murthers committed, being about to Poison seve∣ral of the Cardinals, at a Supper in the Vattican, by a lucky mistake of the waiter, in taking up the wrong flaggon poisoned his Father, who notwithstanding his infallibility, was not Poison proof, nor did this ungracious Son long escape, for fighting under the standard of the King of Navar, he was slain with a hargubus shot.

Notwithstanding the death of Pope Alexander, yet he left Christendom in such a blaze, that the flame of discord, was not in a long while after quenched, for whilst the Emperor of Germany, and Princes of Italy, were Bandising against the French King and shedding Christian Blood, the Turks invaded Podolia and Rassia, spoiling the Country and sacking several walled Towns, but by reason of the Excessiveness of the Win∣ter, through Hunger and Cold, most of the Army Perished, yet not dismayed by the Loss sustained, he the next year sent Cadumes Bassa into Illyria, who spoiling the Country was incountred by 9000 Croats and Hungarians near the River Morava, under the leading of Count Bernard Francopain, where after a

cruel and Bloody fight, the Christians were put to the worst, and 7000 of them slain, and drowned in passing the River, the noses of which being cut off, and hung upon strings, were sent to Bajazet as a Bar∣barous present.

Charles the French King being dead, Lewis the 12 Succeeded him in the Kingdom of France, who laying claim to the Dukedom of Millain made a league with the Venetians, whereupon Sfortia the Duke in posse∣ssion sent to crave aid of Bajazet, laying before him the danger his Empire was in daily to be invaded, if the French grew strong in Italy, preferring Ambition and revenge, before the advancement of the Christian Religion; Bajazet by this means stirred up, resolved to render the Venetians unserviceable to the French, by keeping them busie nearer home, whereupon he com∣manded Scander Bassa his Lievetenant in Illyria, to break in upon the Fruitful Country of Friuli, part of the Venetians Territories on the borders of Italy, the which he did with 12000 Horse, destroying all before him as far as Liquentia, driving before him a great number of Captives, the which when he came to the Banks of Tiliaventum, and understanding that the French and Venetians had driven the Duke of Millan out of his Territories, he barbarously caused to be put to the Sword.

After the Seisure of Millan, the Venetians set out a great Fleet under the charge of Anthony Grimani, who set upon the Turks Fleet (far Superior in number) as it was coming out of the Bay or Haven of Sapientia, in the Island of Sphraga, but through the Cowardice of the Admiral, in not permitting half his Fleet to come up, those that were ingaged retired after a sharp dispute, and the Turks kept their course to Naupactum, now called Lepanto, where they found Ba∣jazet already arrived with his Land Army, so that after

a few days Siege, the Citizens dispairing of Succour Surrendred the City, wherefore the Venetian Admiral upon his return was Banished by a decree of the Senate, to one of the Absytidies Islands, upon the Coast of Li∣burnia.

Bajazet by this means having got firm footing in the Venetian Territories, the year following viz. 1500 entered the straights of Corinth with an Army of 150000, and passing through Peloponnesus, lay'd Siege to the strong City of Menthon, now called Modon, and took it by surprize, putting all the Inhabitants to the Sword, upon which several other Cities belong∣ing to the Venetians, yielded by composition, but after the taking of many Cities on either side, with great Blood-shed both by Sea and Land. A peace between Bajazet and the Senate of Venice was treated, and finally accorded upon consideration, first that the Venetians should deliver up the Islands of Neritos and Lucadia (the which during these Wars they had taken from the Turks) reserving to themselves only the Island of Cephalenia: And that in consideration thereof, Bajazet should restore all such goods as had been taken from the Venetian Merchants in the late Wars, and that it should be lawful for them (as they were wonted, safely to trade and traffique into the Euxine Sea, and to Constantinople, and there to have their Conful or Governour, as they had in former time, and lastly that the Venetian Territories should be certainly known and seperated from the Turks, by certain Bounds or Limits. These conditions were Solemnly concluded on, and confirmed, both by Bajazet and the Senate of Venice, and so affirmed: Peace con∣cluded in Anno 1503, after the Wars had continued between them for the space of 5 years.

Peace concluded with the Venetians, Bajazet raised a great Army intending to invade Hungary, but having

been often foiled by that warlike Nation, he changed his mind, and Marched to suppress the insurrection in Albania a part of his Territory, which done as he was returning, a Derviller which is a Phantastical kind of a beggarly Turkish Monk, using no other apparel but two Sheep Skins, the one hanging before, and the other behind, who coming up to him as if he would have asked an Almes, with a short Cimiter, strock at him, and beat him from his Horse, and being about to re∣double his blow, had certainly dispatched him, had not Ishender Bassa come in, and with his Horsemans Mace, struck the Varlet dead, who afterwards by the Soldiers was hewn in pieces; this treacherous and desperate act so moved Bajazet, that he proscribed all them of that Superstitious order, and banished them out of his Empire.

Bajazet after the incessant toiles of War, resolving to repose himself, committed the Management of his great Affairs to his 3 Bassa's, viz. Alis, Achmetes, Kins∣man to him that was slain, and Jachia, who having got the Reins of Empire in their hands for the space of 5 years, suffered things to run into such disorder, by regarding their private profit, more then the pub∣lick good, that a great part of the Lesser Asia was in an uproar by the means of Chasan Chelife, and Schach Culi, or Techellis, two Persian Imposters, who set the Multitude a madding, by spreading a new fangled Doctrine, more wicked then that of Mahomet their pretended Prophet. To quench this Flame that began dreadfully to blaze into a Rebellion, Bajazet was forced to rouse from his Lair, yet the Doctrine could not, nor is it, to this day extirprated, for being persecuted by Bajazet, they fled into Persia, and there pretend∣ing themselves to be the true Successor of Mahomet the Imposter, and that none but they knew his Will, and that those that believed not in their Doctrine, should

never Injoy any happiness after this Life, with a deal of such ridiculous Cant they so besotted Asymbeiu•• Ʋsun Cassanes the Persian King, that he had to the first Author of this Doctrine, viz. one Haider, who was Master of these Disciples, given his Daughter Mar∣tha in Marriage; but he dying, and his Son Jacup suc∣ceeding him in the Kingdom, began to have his Bro∣ther-in-Law in suspition, by reason of the multitude that followed him, upon the account of his pretended Sanctity: Insomuch that he caused him secretly to be murthered, and raised a great Persecution against those that imbraced his Doctrine; yet this Haider left a Son which he had by Martha his Wife named Hysmael, who afterward became a Sophy of Persia, as will ap∣pear in his Wars with Selymus Bajazet's Son, and Suc∣cessor, but upon the Persecution raised by Jacup Son to Ʋsun Cassanes, the two aforesaid Disciples of Haider fled to Armenia, and there dwelling in Rocks began to tell Fortunes, and other strange things which made the Rusticks suppose them men more then ordinarily inspired; Insomuch that they gathered about them in great numbers, insomuch that they came out of their Iurking Holes into walled Towns, and taught boldly.

During the spreading of this Doctrine, Hysmael the Son of Haider being grown to mans Estate, and his Un∣cle Jacup dead, he by the Aid of such as favoured his Fathers Doctrine, won the Kingdom of Armenia, and after that overthrowing Eluan the Persian King, Son to his Uncle Jacup in a pitched Battle, wherein the said King was slain, he took Possession of all his Grand-fathers Dominions, and from that time was called the great Sophy of Persia, being afterward exceedingly beloved of his Subjects.

This Hysmale was no sooner Established in his King∣dom, but he Established to his Power his Fathers Do∣ctrine, which Chusan, Chelife, and Techellis, perceiving,

and understanding the unlooked for success of their Masters Son, they resolved not to be Idle, but to try their Fortune likewise: Whereupon gathering a great number of their Proselytes in Arms, they wasted a∣gain the Countries in the lesser Asia, and being incou∣raged thereto by Hysmale with Promise of great Suc∣cours, they set down before the City of Iconium; sending out their Proclamations strictly to injoyn all the People thereabout to imbrace their Doctrine, threatning them otherwise with Death, and Confisca∣tion of Goods; which wrought such Terror in the Peasants, that they had many of them joyned with them; so that within a while their number was in∣creased, from 10 to 50000. Whereupon Orchanes and Mahomites, two of Bajazets Nephews gathering what Forces they could Sallyed out of the City against them, but were put to flight with the loss of most of their Men: Corcutus also one of Bajazets Sons, and then Governour of Thyatria, Sypilus, Magnesia, and Phocia, having leavyed a great Army, durst not nevertheless to give them Battle, but waited the coming of Caragoses Bassa, who was raising great For∣ces in Cappadocia and Pontus; having sent his Com∣mand to Achmetes one of Bajazets Sons to do the like, but e'r he had gathered a sufficient Power, the pre∣tended Prophets came upon him, put such Forces as he had to the Rout, and forced Caragoses then Vice-Roy of Asia, for his safety to fly into the City of Cutaie, near unto the Mountain Horminius, situate in the middle of the lesser Asia; which City they besieg∣ed, took by force, and in it the Vice-Roy his Wife and Children, putting most of the Citizens to the Sword, and from thence marched to besiege the great City of Prusa; but in their way hearing that Alis Bassa was come out of Europe with great Power, and fol∣lowed hard upon them, they retreated and passed an∣other

way to avoid joyning with the Turks in the plain Ground, of which the Bassa having Notice, and dispairing to overtake them with his Footmen, chose out 8000 of his swiftest Horse, leaving Achmetes with the rest of the Army, after a tedious March he fell in with their Rear: Whereupon Techellis, who was cho∣sen General of the Rebels, put his men in Battle Array; when taking the most advantagious Ground, he stay∣ed the coming of the Turkish Horse, who charged him in the Front with great Fury, but wanting Foot to se∣cond them in so Hilly a Country were driven back, which the Bassa perceiving drew forth 1000 Harquebusiers, who served as Foot to oppose the Front, whilst the Horse Charged on the right and left Wings of the Enemies Army, which was performed with such Bravery, that Techellis's Men gave Ground, and in the Rear broke and disordered their own Ranks; when Chelife one of the Impostors fighting desperately was slain. But Techellis coming with fresh supplies, restored the Battle, to break which Alis Bassa Charging furiously with fresh Troops of Horse, & entering too far amongst the Squa∣drons of his Enemies was slain, which so discouraged his men (then at the point to have prevailed) that they first fainted, and afterwards betook themselves to plain flight; so that in passing the Mountains ma∣ny of them were slain, and more taken Prisoners.

Bajazet hearing of the Success of the Rebels, sent Jonuses Bassa against them with 40000 Horse and Foot, upon whose approach they retired into the Mountains, but being driven thence they fled into Armenia: Whereupon the Bassa fretting that he had not beset the ways, caused all that he found to imbrace the new Religion, or to have born Arms against Bajazet on the behalf of Techellis, either to be put to Death, Burnt in the Forehead with a hot Iron, or Transport∣ed into Europe, to prevent any future Insurrection;

and upon his return to Constantinople had Notice, that Techellis and his scattered Forces in their flight, light∣ing upon a Caravan of Silks and other Rich Merchan∣dize took the spoil thereof, for which outrage com∣ing to Tauris, the Captains were all by the Command of Hysmael hanged upon Gibbits, and Techellis for a Terror to others burnt alive.

The Astan Rebellion suppressed by the means afore∣said, the year following, viz. Anno 1509. a dread∣ful Earthquake happened in Constantinople, and the Countries adjacent, which lasted with very little In∣termission for the space of eighteen days, or as the Turks affirm a Month; in which time •••• t••ew to the ground many stately Buildings in Constantinople, Ha∣drianople and other Cities of Greece, and in their Ruins overwhelmed 13000 People; after which a great Mor∣tality happened, which dispeopled many Cities in the Turks Dominions; but both being past, Bajazet set 80000 to repair the mischief Constantinople had sustained by the Earthquake, which they performed in four Months, Beautifying the City more then ever.

Bajazet had by his many Wives eight Sons, and six Daughters, who lived to be Men and Women grown, and the Sons all Governours in divers Provin∣ces of his large Empire, whom the Turkish History af∣ter this manner reckons up, viz. Abdullah Zelebi, A∣lem Scach, Tzihan Scach, Achmet, Machmut, Corcut Se∣lim, and Mahomet; yet as Antonius Ʋtrius, Genois, who long time lived in Bajazet's Court, accounts, they were only six, whose Names he recites thus; Scienisci∣a, Alemscia, Achometes, Mahometes, Selymus, and Cor∣cutus, and that the two former dyed long before their Father, and were by him greatly lamented; now as for Tizhan, and Abdula Zelebi, the Turks report they were put to Death by their Fathers Command, up∣on: Suspition that they aspired too high in Conceit of Empire.

Of all these Sons Mahometes was of greatest hope who was by his Father made Governour of Magnesia, but being by reason of his Youth, somewhat Frolicksome, he often went disguised, to take a view of his Bro∣thers Courts, how therein they behaved themselves &c. And at last came with two others in the habit o•• Sea-faring men to the Court of Bajazet, where not at first finding Admittance to the Emperors Presence they went and bought a fair Christian Captive, and then pretending they had a Present to deliver, were by the Warders permitted to enter, and having delivered the Present found means to depart; being first reward∣ed with three rich Garments, but e'r they were got∣ten on Ship-board, they were met by a Courtier that knew Mahometes, who allighting would have done him Reverence, but he forbad it, as not being willing to be discovered, yet it was not kept so close but it came to Bajazet's Ear, who jealous (as always Tyrants are) that under such like Intreagues might be hid some secret Conspiracy against his Life, or Empire, he wrote to one Asmehemides a Courtier highly in Favour with Mahometes to poison him, sending withal a poisonous Powder to effect it; which this perfidious Courtier, in hopes to succeed him in his Government performed, but long it was not e'r the Tyrant repenting him of his inhumane and unnatural Command, cast the said Cour∣tier in Prison where he miserably perished.

Bajazet having caused Mahometes to be poisoned, whom he need not to have feared: Selymus the Gover∣nour of Trepezond, one whom he intirely Loved, im∣mediately Conspired against him, and having Corrupt∣ed most of the great Bassas of the Court, the better to strengthen himself, married the Daughter of Maho∣metes the Tartarian King, who Aiding him with 15000 Tartarian Horse, he left his Government and passed o∣ver the Euxine into Europe, under pretence of invading

Hungary, where haivng notice that his Father intend∣ed to declare Achometes his Successor; leaving the Coast of Hungary, he marched directly towards Ha∣drianople, where Bajazet lay with his Army, and in∣camping within sight of the City, sent a feigned Message to excuse his coming in a Hostile manner; the which was as he said, only that he might gain Access to his Presence, to shew him such Reasons as he doubted not but he would approve of, why Achometes should not succeed him; but Bajazet not trusting to his fawning, sent him word that if he did not immediately return to his Government in Asia and disband his Army, he would not fail to chastise him with the Scourge of War. But this Speech did not at all dismay the Head-strong Youth, nor could all the Presents, and fair Words Bajazet could devise avert him; but raising his Camp marched directly towards Constantinople, which Baja∣zet perceiving drew his Army out of Hadrianople, and marched to prevent his surprizing the Imperial City, at whose Departure out of Hadrianople Selymus en∣tered it, and having there refreshed his Army, fol∣lowed hard upon his Father, cutting off the straglers of his Army, and part of his Rear, which caused the Old man to Face about and bid him Battle, though all the Bassas except Cherseogles disswaded him from it, as secretly favouring Selymus, which Selymus as willing to accept, after both Armies were put into Order, and Bajazet with a moving Oration had incouraged his Men, a cruel Fight began, which continued from Noon, till the setting of the Sun; at what time the Tartarian Horse sore Gauled with the shot of the Harquebusses, and terrified with the Thundering noise, disranked and fled in spite of their Rider, after which the Foot being Charged by the Janizaries were most of them slain, Selymus himself upon a swift Horse hardly scaping.

In this Battle fought, Anno 1511. near Chiurlus, 30000 of Selymus his Men were slain and taken Priso∣ners, with the loss only of 7000 of Bajazet's Soldi∣ers, after which Bajazet kept on his way to Constan∣tinople, where he no sooner arrived, but he bountiful∣ly rewarded his Men: Achometes Bajazet's eldest Son be∣ing at Amasia, and hearing what had passed, raised an Army of 20000 Horse and Foot, and by speedy marches came to Scutari, Antiently called Christophorus, situate upon the Straights of Bosphorus, over against Constantinople, where incamping he sent Messengers to his Father, requesting him as he had frequently de∣termined to declare him his Successor, as by Seniority he ought, and to resign him the Empire, all which Bajazet intended to do, and proposed such his Inten∣tions to his Captains; but they bribed by Selymus, opposed him therein, saying they would acknowledge no other Emperor but himself, and as the Captains said, so said the Soldiers: Whereupon he sent to Acho∣metes, to inform him of the Obstinacy of the Soldiers, and desired him to return to his Government of Amasa, till he could mold them into a better Temper by his Bounty; but he impatient of delay, not only abused the Messenger, but greatly reproached his Father, rose with his Army and marching through the Coun∣try spoiled Bythinia, and growing daily more and more inflamed, from being barred of his Expecta∣tion, purposed to have seized upon Asia the less; upon which calling to him his two Sons, Amurath and Aladine young Princes of great hope, he admonished them to take up Arms against their Grand-father, who prone enough thereto of themselves, and now incited by their Father, in a short time raised a great Army, and joyn∣ing with the standing Forces; Achometes had before in pay over-run a great part of Asia, Achometes causing himself every where to be proclaimed King.

These proceedings greatly troubled Bajazet, inso∣much that to prevent Blood-shed, he sent to him his Ambassadors to reprove him for his Disloyalty, and to command him forthwith to set at Liberty his Ne∣phews Mahometes, and his Brother whom he had tak∣en Prisoners, for refusing to aid him against their Grand-Father Bajazet; but instead of performing what his Father Commanded, he caused the chief Ambassador to be Slain in his presence, and strictly enjoyned the other on Pain of their Lives, to depart his Camp 'ere Sun set, of which strange and Hein∣ous Fact, when Bajazet had knowledge, he was great∣ly inraged, and caused him to be proclaimed a Tray∣tor against his Person, and Empire, commanding that the European Horse-men should immediately march against him. But the Bassas that favoured Selymus, thinking it now a fit time to procure his being called home, and entring again into Favour, insinuated in∣to the old Emperor, that if he designed to destroy both his Rebellious Sons, he could do it by no better means, then by calling home Selymus, and making him General of the Army designed, to march against A∣chometes, and that by such means one of them was sure to Perish, and then getting the other into his power, he might destroy him at his pleasure; to this motion of the Bassas Bajazet hearkened, adn commanded that Selymus should be fetched to Court, whither now Cor∣cutus was come to claim his Fathers promise, as hav∣ing heard that contrary thereto, he meant to give the Empire from him; to whom Bajazet again made ma∣ny promises only willing him to be content, whilst this new Rebellion was suppressed, when in the mean while Selymus arrived, and prostrating himself at his Fathers Feet, was received into favour, and preferred to the leading of the Army; who no sooner he d••d it, but as it was before contrived by the Bassas, he

by the General Voice was saluted Emperor, and Mu∣stapha Bassa sent to Bajazet peremptorily to demand him to surrender the Empire, to his Son Selymus, whom as he said the Soldiers had saluted Emperor, and that if he refused so to do, they were resolved to spoil the Pallace, if not commit an out-rage upon his Person, upon which Bajazet finding himself betrayed by those he most relyed on, after having expressed Indigna∣tion and Grief, finding that would, or would he not all was one, with many curses and Execra∣tions upon his unnatural Son, and the rest of the Tray∣tors he delivered the Insigns of Majesty, of which unexpected news Corcutus having notice fled for his Life to Magnesia.

Selymus having by the means aforesaid Grasped the Empire, could not suppose himself safe whilst his Father lived, and therefore with great rewards tempted Ha∣mon a Jew, and Bajazet's chief Physitian to make him away by Poyson, who in order to his Hellish pur∣pose went to Hadrianople, whither Bajazet was retir∣ed, and there through Melancholy and infirmities in∣cident to Age, he found him indisposed; he offered him Physick, the which the old man not doubting to be of fatal Consequence, when delivered by the Hand of his old approved Physitian, at the time appointed took, which he had not long done 'ere he felt a grievous pain in his Stomack, and plain Symptoms of his being Poysoned appeared, so that amidst Groans and Tor∣turing Pangs, within 24 Hours he gave up the Ghost, Anno 1512, and his Reign the thirtieth.

Bajazet thus Poysoned, the Jew hasted to Constan∣tinople to receive his reward, which he had accord∣ingly, for not long after his Arrival his Head was stricken off by the Commandment of Selymus, who afterward Buryed his Father in a most stately Tomb, near to the Great Mahometan Temple, that

himself had built, and by Reason two of his Pages mourned for him, he caused them to be put to Death, but Heavens Vengeance was not long delayed, as will appear in the next Chapter, in his woful and unusu∣al Death.