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. XV. The Life of Solyman, the first of that Name, and fourth Emperor of the Turks, who for his many great exploits, or rather Lofty Carriage, was Sirnamed the Magnificent.

SElymus being dead, his Death was Concealed by Fer∣ha••es, the only Bassa present at his Departure, till such time as Solyman came from Magnesia, lest the Souldier but especially the Janizaries should have Spoil'd and Plundered the Merchants-Strangers re∣siding in the great City of Constantinople, as is usual with them in Interregnums, as they call them, which are accounted from the Death of the proceeding Em∣peror, to the time the Succeeding Emperor is present∣ed to be proclaimed by the men of War; but such was the Incredulity of Solyman, that knowing his Fathers cruel Nature, & Jealous apprehension of his intent to As∣pire to Empire, for which he had often been in danger of

his Life, could not believe what he most desired, till he had it certified from all Hands, upon which with more then ordinary speed, he hasted to Constantinople, and there being met by the Great Bassas, and the Aga of the Janizaries he was lead into the mid'st of the men of War, drawn up for that purpose, when as the Aga or chief Captain with a loud Voice said, Be∣hold your emperor, upon which immediately follow∣ed an Universal Shout, succeeded with the Joyful Ac∣clamation of, Longlive the great Emperor Solyman (which consent of the men of War is to the Turkish Emperors, the greatest Assurance of their safe Esta∣blishment in their Empire) and so in great Triumph they brought him into the Royal Pallace, and placed him in his Fathers Seat Anno 1520, at what time Charles the fifth was chosen Emperor of Germany.

The Janizaries by this means disappointed of the Spoil of the Goods, belonging to the Jewish and Chri∣stian Merchants, in Lieu thereof received of the new Emperor great Sums of money, and had during his Reign, their wage Augmented; upon the Death of Se∣lymus, Gazeles whom he had made Governour of Syria, revolted from Solyman, and drew after him the remain∣ing power of the Mamalukes, seizing upon several Ci∣ties, but being Fought with by Ferates Bassa sent against him with a great power, he after a long and Bloody Fight was Slain, and his forces put to Flight; upon which all the Cities of Syria were again reduced to the Turkish obedience: And now Solyman desirous to get himself a Name, by the Counsel of Pyrrhus-Bassa his Tutor resolved to bend his forces against the Christi∣ans, who by Reason of the Dissensions amongst them∣selves, lay open to his Invasion (a fatal over-sight which ever gave the Ottoman Emperors, the oppor∣tunity to inlarge their Dominions on the Borders of Christendom) whereupon raising a great power, and

enteriung Hungaria, he took Belgrade almost without resistance, against which in vain Mahomet the Great, Amurath and Bajazet had lost 500000 Men; Belgrade strongly Garrisoned he dispersed part of his Army, and returned to Constantinople, making great prepara∣tions for Sea against the Spring, as having an Eye up∣on the famous Island of Rhodes, of which the Rhodians not being Ignorant chose for their great Master Philip∣pus Villerius, a man of great Wisdom and Courage, then following the French Court; but upon notice thereof took Shipping at Marcelles, and arrived safe in the Port of the City Rhodes (tho Solyman had sent out Cortug Ogly, a famous Pirate of the Turks, with several Gallies to intercept them) whereupon at his ar∣rival he was installed by the Knights of the Order and Citizens, with great Triumph, and more then ordinary expressions of Joy.

Solyman not a••••ering his Determination, yet desi∣rous to know how the Rhodians stood affected, and to learn all that was possible of their number, and the Strength of the City, sent divers insinuating Letters with Superscriptions of his Thundering Titles to the great Master, of which this is one, viz. Solyman by the Grace of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, greatest Emperor of Constaminople, and Trepezond; most Mighty King of Persia, Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Lord of Asia and Europe, Prince of Mecha and Aleppo, Ruler of Jerusalem and Master of the Universal Sea, to Philippus Villerus Lilladamus great Master of Rhodes, &c. But neither these thumping Titles, nor his Threats and Promises, could move the great Master to hearken to his Request, which was that he would become his Tributary, and to deliver into his possession the City and Island; so that finding his Expectations Frustra∣ted, and that his Name was not so terrible as he sup∣posed, after many Letters had passed and repassed, he

caused a Fleet of 200 Gallies to be furnished with all things necessary, for the siege of that strong city, of which the great Master being Advertised, was not wanting on his part to put all things in order for making a most resolute defence, causing Watch and Ward to be kept in every Street, and the great Artillary to be planted upon the Walls, and Bulwarks, opening all the Armo∣ries of the City, and furnishing every man with Wea∣pons, appointing to each his Station, there to be ready when occasion required his Service, and then taking a General Master of such as were fit for Service, he found about 5000 resolute men, amongst whom were six hundred Knights of the order, each of them ca∣pable of Commanding a vast Army, as likewise 500 Souldiers of Cr••••••; there were come thither for fear of the Turks, a number of Villagers, who served to Sink Sounds to Countermine the Enemy, and to cast up Rampires, &c.

Things thus ordered, the great Master calling toge∣ther his Commanders and Soldiers, incouraged them in a most Christian-like manner, to fight boldly against the Enemies of Christ, and rather to dye in the de∣fence of their Religion, then to submit themselves to the Tyra••my of the Barbarous Infidels, putting them in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Valour of their Ancestors, and of the aid they were to expect from the Christian Princes, &c. Which S••ee••h so Animated the Commanders and Soul∣diers, that they desired nothing more then to shew their prowess to the World.

By this time the Turks Gallies were put to Sea, and about twenty being the forerunners of the Fleet for many Days braved the Rhodians before their own Port, whereupon the Great Master called a Council to know whether they should be Fought with or not, to pro∣cure which the Chancellor a man of Admirable Cou∣rage earnestly Laboured, but the de••andents being but

few, and therefore the smallest loss at Sea, tho they should gain the Victory, might be a means to Weaken the City, yet at length it was resolved upon, that they should be permitted to Land in any part of the Island, ex∣cept the Port without resistance, which they accord∣ingly did, burning up the Corn, and making great Spoil as they passed, yet durst they attempt nothing against the City, but again entering their Galley stood off to Sea, to joyn with the rest of the Fleet, which on the 26 of June, Anno 1322, was from the Watch-Tower standing upon St. Stephens Hill discerned, and notice given thereof to the Great Master, who caused Publick Prayers to be put up to God, that as it was his pleasure, that they at that time should become the Champions of the Christian Religion, that so of his infinite Goodness, it would please him to strength∣en them, and give them Victory over the Enemies of his name, &c.

Prayers ended every man betook him to his charge, when as the fleet sailing by in Triumph, the Vice-Admiral of the Turks in the middle, having a fair Wind, strook Sail directly before the Mouth of the Haven, and caused his Galley to row towards the entrance of the Port, Guarded with two strong Towers, from which he received such a thundering welcom, that he was inforced to retire, and so with the rest of the fleet failing along the coast they came to a Promontory called by the Inhabitants Bow, where thrusting their Gallies into a small Haven, they landed their Artillery, and other necessaries fit for the Siege, the whole Army consisting of 200000 men; and whilst they were pre∣paring to intrench themselves, the Great Master sent Embassadors to Charles the Emperor, and the French King, as likewise to the Pope, and Princes of Italy for aid, but they by reason of the broils amongst them∣selves, returned the Embassadors only with fair pro∣mises in stead of performance.

The City of Rhodes is Situate upon plain ground, every where to be besieged, except towards the North, which is defended with a good Haven, and is incom∣passed about with a strong double Wall, and deep Trenches, threatning the Enemy with 13 stately Towers, 5 Bulwarks, and many strong Gates, and what was more available, within the City was kept a strict and orderly manner of warlike discipline. The defence of the whole City was thus proportioned; From the French Tower the which for its exceeding height seems to kiss the Clouds, stood the Frenchmen with the Lillies in their Ensign, under Johannes Abinus a Knight of the order, from thence to St Georges Gate lay the Germans with their Eagle Ensign, in the third station were placed the French of Avernois with the Spaniards, for that the ditches in that place were neither so deep nor broad as in others, next to them lay the English, commanded by the great Master himself, and lastly were placed they of Narbona and the Italians, under the Command of Petrus Balinus, and Gregorius Morgutus, Valiant Knights of the Order.

Whilst Affaires stood thus, several Turkish Women slaves to the Rhodians, had conspired that when the Assault was given, they would set their Masters houses on fire, thereby to discourage the Souldiers, and draw them from their defences to extinguishing the flame, but this treachery being timely discovered the Conspirators were executed; by this time the Turks had planted several batteries, and began to play upon the English Bulwark, but without doing any considerable damage, when on the other side, the Cannon from the Walls furiously playing upon the Turkish Pioneers, as they were breaking Ground, scattered their dead Bodies all over the Plain, when at the same time a strong party Sallying out, cut off a great number of such as were sent to guard them, du∣ring

their running the trenches, which so discouraged the rest, that they began to Murmur and Mutiny a∣gainst their Commanders, seeming daily more and more unwilling to hazard their lives against so strong a City, and such resolute Enemies, which caused Pyrrhus Bassa General of the Army, to send Letters to Solyman then residing at Constantinople, to inform him: That if he would have the Siege go forward, he must without delay come in person, for that the Souldiers without regard of shame were ready to rise in Mutiny, and to abandon the Siege, refusing to be commanded by their Captains, upon notice of which Solyman caused his Gallies to be made ready. And on the 28 of August came himself to the Camp, where reading in the Coun∣tenances of his Souldiers, the little mind they had to continue the Siege, he was exceeding wroth, when causing them all to be disarmed, he commanded 15000 harquibusiers to incompass them (which Harquibusiers he had brought with him) and Mounting his Pavilion for that purpose erected, he rated with many bitter words, calling them Slaves and Cowards, after which he incouraged them to assume their Pristine courage and fight manfully against the City, till they had sub∣dued it, and thereupon pronounced pardon to all that had offended, and swore them again to his obedience, after which the City was furiously battered, with shot of incredible weight, and huge stones for many days, and was as manfully defended by the Rhodians, so that in 200 shot there were but 10 men slain, though several houses were shattered, with their force, of which the Turks having notice from one Appella a Citizen of Rhodes, who was for the same executed as a Tray∣tor.

The Turks perceiving the former Battery ineffectual, raised a huge Mount, on which they placed 40 great Ordnance with which they played furiously upon the

Tower of St. Nicholas, which was valiantly defended by one Guido a Frenchman, to whom the charge of it was committed, but e'r they had made many shot, most of their Pieces were dismounted by the Cannon from the City, nor durst they, when they had made a Breach, enter it; but used great Diligence to un∣dermine the Wall, thirty two of which Mines were frustrated by Countermines; yet they so plyed it, that on the fourth of September having undermined the English Bulwarks, they blew part of it up, and in it di∣vers of the Defendants; at which Breach the Turks attempti•••• to ••••t••r, were k••••ed in the Breach to the number of 2000. Which the rest observing, betook themselves to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Heels, but being forced thereby to please the Tyrant, they three days after renewed the Assault, but with worse success then before; yet though they did as much as in them were possible, Soly sent them a 〈…〉〈…〉 to enter at the said Breach, in attempting which ••••••0 were slain, amongst whom were many great Commanders, though not without some loss to the besieged; for in expulsing them fifty Knights of the Order, and 100 of lesser Note were slain. These great Losses made the Bassas more wa∣ry, resolving not longer to assail the besieged with plain Force, but to work under ground, and by that means to overthrow the Walls, but therein, for the most part they were unsuccessful, as being frustrated by the Countermines; yet by so weakening the Walls, they rendred it more liable to the Force of their Ar∣tillery, beating down great Pieces thereof, yet stood hovering about, being afraid to enter, and yet not daring to retire, though they were mowed down in abundance by the great Shot, for fear of the Tyrants displeasure; yet at length creeping under the Walls to the Spanish Bulwarks, they surprized it, whilst their Soldiers were drawn off to relieve their Fellows,

hardly Charged by Achmetes Bassa, but e'r they had kept it two hours it was again recovered, and all the Turks either put to the Sword, or thrown over into the Ditch, where they miserably perished: And the Bassa sore Gauled by the Flankers was forced to re∣tire, though not without great slaughter of his Men, who lay on heaps in the Ditch and Breaches, which So∣lyman perceiving caused the retreat to be sounded; in this Assault, by the Valour of the Christians, 20000 Turks fell, which so grieved Solyman, that in a great rage he Commanded Mustapha Bassa, the first mover of the War to be slain, as likewise Pyrrhus Bassa, for daring to intreat for him; but upon the humble Sup∣plication of his Men of War on their behalf, he re∣mitted the Execution of the Sentence, but would not for a long time receive them into Favour. He also Commanded the Admiral of his Gallies to be put to Death, for suffering Provision to be carried by Sea in∣to the City; but at the intreaty of Achmetes his Life was spared, but he not absolutely pardoned; for being set upon the Stern of his Ship, he there as a Slave by the Commandment of Solyman received 100 Stripes, and so much was the Tyrant grieved for the re-ite-rated losses sustained in that Siege, that he was about to have raised his Camp and returned to Constantino∣ple, the which he had done, had not Achmetes Bassa perswaded him to the contrary, by Promsing to make him speedily a way into the City; at which he taking Courage again heartned his Men to continue the Siege, whose Resolutions had long before fainted; upon which Achmetes to make good his Promise, assailed with all the Forces under his Command, the Vamu∣res of the Avergnon Station, the which although they were not high, were valiantly defended by the Rho∣dians; yet the Turks Power increasing, they were at last taken, and a great Pent-House claped to the Wall,

to secure the besiegers from the Shot of the besieged, notwithstanding Persanes a notable Engineer caused such abundance of Wild-Fire, Pitch, Tar, Lead, hot Ashes, and Water to be thrown on them, that they were forced to retire; but such was the miserable Condition of the Turkish Soldiers, that they were forced back again by their Commanders, even into the mouth of Slaughter, or else by them slain as Cowards, or Flyers; yet for all they could do, the Rhodians forced them to retire in great disorder, which inraged Solyman even to Mad∣ness, but perceiving that his Honour lay at Stake, he again by many perswasive Arguments prevailed with them, to give another Assault, promising them great Rewards if they prevailed, and threatning those with Death, that should be remiss in the performance of their Duty, which either, through Hopes or Fear Animated them to another Assault, but with no better success then before; for being miserably rent by the murthering Shot from the Flankers and Countermu∣rers, they were forced to retire leaving Piles of their Dead in the Breach and Ditch; and now being alto∣gether heartless, yet extreamly vexed that they should be foiled with a handful of Men, they resolved for the futere to be the more wary, and rather to tire the Rhodians with continual Alarums then venture upon them, when in the mean time they set their Pioneers at work, to make way through the Breach deep in the Ground, and for their defence turned their great Artillery upon it, to prevent the Rhodians Sallying, and with their multitude proved therein so successful, that in a short time they had gained within the City 200 paces in breadth, and 150 in length; yet durst not Sally out to Scale the Countermurers, which the Rho∣dians had made of the Houses beaten down by the Turks Shot, which Solyman perceiving at the instance of Ach∣metes, caused a parley to be offered; offering many

reasonable Conditions, if the Rhodians would at length surrender the almost ruined City; but, and in Or∣der thereto sent Hieronymus Monelia a Genoway, who having procured safe Conduct, would not deliver his Message but to some particular men, which so incensed the Knights of the Order, who now had set down a Resolution to dye in defence of the City; that one Franciscus Farnovius a French Knight of singular Valour, bent his Piece against him, and would not suffer him to do his Message; but the Citizens hearing there were Terms of Life and Liberty offered by the insulting Tyrant, came to the House of the great Master, and beseeched him to take pitty on them, their Wives and Children, and that since he well saw that the City was not long tenable, he would in time provide for their safety, and not expose them to the Fury of their Merciless Enemies; whereat the great Master, a man of singular Piety, as well as Warlike Ardour, being moved to Compassion sent Antonius Groleus, and Robar∣tus Barusinus his Ambassadors to Solyman, having first received Pledges for their safe return, who coming into the Emperors Presence, told him that they were sent to know for what cause he had sent to require Parly, who in a fuming heat as if he had been Igno∣rant of the matter said, there was no such thing offer∣ed, and thereupon Commanding them presently to avoid his Camp, sent them away with Letters to the great Master and Citizens to this Effect.

If I had not Compassion of human Infirmities, which often times tumbleth Head-long mens Ambiti∣ons, and haughty minds into most dangerous and un∣necessary Mischiefs; truly I would not have directed to you these Letters at this time, but as you have well deserved, persecute you with Death, and most Mise∣rable Servitude, which how easie a thing it were for me to do, you your selves know, but having now

sufficiently tryed my force, if you be wise make proof of my Clemency, you have already satisfyed your own fury, your own mad humour: Therefore now advise your selves, lay your Hands upon your Hearts, and without delay yield your selves, as I command your Lives, I give you your Wealth, and more then that your choice to tarry there still or depart, refuse not the Grace freely Offered, which was of you to have been most heartily desired; it shall not be always Law∣ful (as at this present) to make choice of both, &c.

Upon the return of the Ambassadors, the Citizens of all sorts flocked together, to the Great Masters House, standing near the Breach to implore him to accept of any Reasonable terms, who after he had dismissed the Multitude, calling to him the Knights of the Order, and chief Citizens, after the Letters read, he expressed himself after this manner.

You heard (sacred Fellows in Arms, and Valiant Citizens of Rhodes) these imperious and sorrowful Letters, whereunto how we are to answer, requi∣reth no great deliberation; we must as resolute men either yield or dye, all hopes of Victory is gone, ex∣cept forrain aid come speedily to our Succour; where∣fore if you will follow my Counsel, let us with Wea∣pons in our Hands until the last Gasp and spending the last drop of our Blood like Valiant men, defend our Faith and Nobility, received from our Ancestors, and the honour which we have of long time gotten, both at home and abroad, and let it never be said that our honour dyed but with our selves.

This Speech was approved of by all the Knights of the Order, and most of the Soldiers, but the Citi∣zens looking back upon their Wives, Children, and Wealth, stood mute for a good while, but at length Pity working in their Brest, they humbly besought

the Great Master; that he would yet have Compas∣sion on them, and accept of the Tyrants reasonable Conditions, since Fame sufficient had been won by their doing all that men were capable of performing, and that they would yet hazard their Lives to the utmost, if they perceived any hopes of defending the City, or that any forain aid in time would come to their assi∣stance, but since neither of them were to be expected it was but reasonable to yield to inevitable necessity. Af∣ter these and many the like Arguments, and others of the resolute Soldiers, and Commanders on the con∣trary, it was concluded that the City was not capa∣ble of being defended by so small a Power, against such a numerous Army, whereupon Messengers were sent to require a Truce for 4 Days, which was ac∣cordingly granted, during which time the Turks pre∣suming on the Truce, came in great number to View the Works, at which Fornovius a French man being greatly offended, in a great heat without any command from the Great Master, caused a Fire of Artillery to be discharged amongst the thickest of them; whereup∣on they pretending a Breach of Truce on the part of the Rhodians, thrust in at the Breach in great Troops, but after a sharp Skirmish were forced to retire, in revenge whereof one of the Turks Fencers having ta∣ken 3 Christians, cut off their Hands, Noses and Ears, and in that posture sent them into the City, threat∣ning within 4 Days to serve the Great Master after the same manner; yet Solyman dissembling the matter, sign∣ed and swore to the Articles of Peace brought to him for that purpose by Nicholas Vergotus, and Georgius Sandriticus, which were to this Effect; That the Chur∣ches should remain unto the Christians inviolate, that no Children should be taken from their Parents, or any Christians be inforced to imbrace the Mahometan Superstition: That such Christians as were Contented to

remain in the City, might so do at their Pleasure, and that such as would depart, might have Liberty so to do with all their Substance, to be furnished with Convenient Shipping, Provision, and Ordnance as far as Creet, that the Christians should appoint a reasonable Day for their Departure, and that in Consideration thereof, the City to be delivered up to such as Soly∣man should appoint to take Possession thereof.

Upon the afore-mentioned Articles, though they were not all observed by the Turks; the City was de∣livered up Anno 1522. after it had indured six Months Siege, and cost Solyman the Lives of 80000 of his Soldi∣ers, having been in the Possession of the Knights of the Order 214 years: Upon which the great Master being for his Gravity, Virtue, and Valour highly Ho∣noured, and applauded by the Conqueror imbarked (together with the Knights of his Order, and such o∣thers as would accompany him) and the Gallies for that purpose ready in the Port, and sailed to Mesina, where he was joyfully received, and after invited to the Courts of most of the Christian Princes, having with Indignation refused Solyman's great Offer made to him, provided he would have accompanied him to Constantinople, and have spent the remainder of his Days in his Service.

And thus for want of Relief (the Christian Princes at that time being at Variance amongst themselves) the famous Rhodes was lost, where Solyman having stayed awhile to settle his Affairs appointed a Go∣vernour, and so breaking up his Army returned to Constantinople, where for the space of three years he lived Peaceably, giving himself up to all manner of Pleasures; but at the end thereof perceiving the Di∣scord amongst the Christian Princes, managed by Pope Adrian the sixth to grow hot (a fatal over-sight that ever gave the Ottoman Kings and Emperors oppor∣tunity

of extending their Dominions) he conceived it best to fish in troubled waters, and thereupon raising an Army of 200000 Horse and Foot; he fell like a Tempest upon Hungary, subduing all before him till he came within sight of the Walls of their chief City, at what time Lewis the young King perswaded thereto by Tomoreus a Fryer, who assured him of the Victory, and several other rash Counsellors, not regarding those of more Gravity, that diswaded him from so rash an At∣tempt; with an Army of scarce 30000 raw Soldiers gave him Battle, but was overthrown with miserable Slaughter of his men, and himself seeking to escape, pa∣ssing over a Fenny Ditch his Horse fell backwards, upon which, he was loaden with his Armor, and none coming to his Relief, he was smothered in the Wa∣ter and Mud: In this Battle fought on the 29. of October Anno 1526. perished most of the Hungarian Nobility, and well near all the Common Soldiers.

After this great great Victory obtained, Solyman having most of the strong Cities delivered into his Possession; gave the Kingdom to Joannes Sepusius Ʋayvod of Transilvania, and taking with him such things of Price as he thought convenient, leaving two of his Bassas with flying Armies on the Frontiers, he returned to Constantinople, but he was no sooner departed and John Crowned by the Consent of the remainder of the Hungarian Nobility (who durst do no other for fear of the Turks) but Ferdinand King of Bohemia laid Claim to the Kingdom, and to make his Title more apparent, sent his Ambassadors to the Courts of divers Christian Princes, to declare from whom he derived his Claim; when aided by Charles the Emperor his Brother, he entered Hungary with a great Army, and without any considerable Resi∣stance took the strong City of Buda; at what time ma∣ny of the Hungarians joyned with him, as not in the

least favouring John; so that fearing delays might be dangerous, he caused his Army under the leading of his expert Captains to pass over the River Tibis∣cus upon a Bridge of Boats, and marched directly to the Cattle of Tocai, where King John lay with his Army; where the Battle being joyned after a sharp Dispute, the Victory fell to Ferdinand; when as King John seeing all lost and past recovery, fled with seve∣ral of his trusty Followers into Polonia; upon whose departure Ferdinand by the advice of such Hungarians as favoured his Cause, was Crowned King at Alba-Regalis the usual place for the Coronation of the Hungarian Kings: Whereupon having disposed all things to the best advantage, and appointing Stephanus Bator his Vice-Roy, hereturned into Bohemia.

King John by the means aforesaid thrust of his King∣dom, grew extreme impatient, and often consulted with Sigismond King of Polonia to re-in-throne him in his Kingdom, offering to bear the Charge of the War; but the Pole being already in League with Ferdinand, would not seem unless underhand to favour John, but wished him to take counsel with Hieronymus Lascus a great Politician, what was best to be done in his Affairs, the which Lascus advised him to crave Aid of Solyman now at Leasure to assist him; and urged so many Reasons for it, that he was content to send him his Ambassador to Constantinople, who there with Treasure and fair Speeches, so allured the Bassas of the Court to second him in his Request, that Solyman pro∣mised again to enter Hungaria with a puissant Army, and by the Insinuation of this sly Councellor, that when King Ferdinand sent Ambassadors to him, to make out his Title, by which he laid Claim to the Kingdom, he would scarcely give them Audience; and when he did, instead of an Answer to their Ambassy, he Herauld-like denounced against their King, all the

Calamities that attend on War, and so commanded speedily to depart the City; all which upon their Ar∣rival at Vienna, they made known to the Kings Lieu∣tenant, who was so far from believing them, that he looked upon them as vain and idle Tale-bearers, which they perceiving hasted to the King at Spires, who then was Labouring to get himself chosen King of the Romans, and declared to him all they had in Charge: Whereupon he well knowing, that the Turk de∣sirous of Glory, and the inlarging of his Dominions, seldom broke his Word on such occasions; he put all his Forces in a readiness, earnestly, both in Person and by his Ambassadours, craved Aid of the German Prin∣ces for the Defence of his Kingdom of Hungary, against the common Enemy; but his Brother Charles having his hands full of his Wars in Italy, and he wanting Money to raise a sufficient Army to fight so powerful an Enemy, was forced to suffer him without Controul to enter Hungaria, for fear of whom the Citizens of Buda mostly fled to Strigonium, Alba-Regalis, and Posso∣nium: So that marching from Belgrade (where King John came to wait upon him, and received a Confirma∣tion of the Promise he had made to Lascus, of restoring him to the Kingdom of Hungary) he came before it, and had it yeilded with little or no Resistance, as like∣wise the strong Castle, though contrary to the Will of the Captain, yet contrary to his Promise, he caused all that were found in the latter to be put to the Sword, except the Captain, whom the Soldiers had cast in Bonds, for refusing to joyn with them in their trea∣cherous delivery of that strong Piece.

Buda taken most of the other Cities of Hungary sur∣rendred; whereupon he resolved to invade Austria, a part of King Ferdinands other Dominions, in Order to which he sent Achometes Bassa with the voluntary Horsemen, who running through the Heart of Hunga∣ry,

entring into Austria with Fire and Sword passed by Vienna, miserably burning and destroying the Coun∣try before them, even as far as Lyntz, driving the Country People like Sheep, deflowring Vigins, riping up Women alive, dashing Infants against the Rocks, with all other imaginable Cruelties; after whom So∣lyman followed with the gross of his Army, consist∣ing of 500000 Horse and Foot, as many Writers affirm, who by the way having taken the Castle of Al∣tenbury, and in vain assaulted Neapolis; he came before the great City of Vienna, and incamped about it in five places, covering the Ground with his Tents, and the multitude of his People 8 miles in Circumference. So that Fredrick Count Palatine of the Rhine, and Duke of Bavaria General of King Ferdinand's Forces, not being able to get into the City with his Army sent for that purpose, was forced to stay at Chremse; yet was his Nephew Philip the Palsgrave, a little before the coming of Solyman to the great joy of the Citizens, entered with several Troops of valiant Horsemen, as likewise Nicholas Count of Salma, the Lord William Regendorf Steward of the Kings houshold, Johannes Cazzianer, Nicholaus Turianus, Johannes Hardecus, Leo∣nardus Vels••••s, Hector Ramsack with divers others, all men of great Experience and Valour, and daring Re∣solution; yet was the City but badly defended with a Brick Wall, without Grafts or Flankers, the Ditch al∣together dry, and although at that time there were found 400 Pieces of Ordnance, yet they could find means to mount no more then a 100, notwithstanding the Citizens and Soldiers used all diligence, in raising Rampires, and Barocading the Gates, unless those they reserved to Sally at, and by the Command of the Governour every man was assigned his Quarter, keep∣ing strict Watch upon the Walls, to prevent the E∣nemies approach, for that the Bulwarks were not

of Considerable strength: The Count of Salma, and the Lord Regendorf, walking hourly from one place to another, to see all things put in a posture of de∣fence, the Citizens laboured continually in strengthen∣ing the Fortifications, and raising Batteries, where∣on to plant such Pieces as lay useless, for want of where to mount them: they made likewise divers Fire-works, and continually kept Coppers of Tar, Pitch, Rosin, Oyl, and scalding Water, in a readiness to pour upon the Enemy, by that means to prevent their Scaling the Walls, every one from the greatest to the least, expressing a Cheerfulness for the defence of this place, the Metropolis of Austria, and chief Hope of the German Empire, which the Turks conceived so Considerable, that they doubted not, but it won, all Austria, Stiria, and Corinthia, would be soon at their Devotion.

The City by this time strengthened and provided, of many necessary for a strenuous Defence; Messen∣geres were sent to Count Fredrick to draw near with his Army, the more to terrifie and amaze the Enemy, whose numerous Camp could not long subsist, if sup∣plies of Provision were cut off; upon the Arrival of the Messenger, the Count highly approved of the Re∣solution of the besieged, and declared he would be al∣ways at hand, and omit no Indeavours to succour them, admonishing the Messenger to remember him to his fellow Soldiers, and in his Name intreat them to play the Men, for the defence of the Christian Religion, and Glory of the German Nation, whose Ruin the Infidels sought; and so with several presents, he dismissed the Messenger, who returning related what he had in Charge: Whereupon the Lord Regendorf assembled all the chief Commanders, and principal Citizens, and with an undaunted Courage, made this short Oration.

Christians and fellow Soldiers, the time is now

come, wherein we are to fight under the Banner of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom these barbarous Nations have defied, let us then shew forth our Courage to the utmost, even in the Mouth of Slaughter; let not Death nor Danger terrifie us, since we fight in a good Cause, even for our Religion, our Lives, our Wives, Children, and all that we hold dear, for what it can be but Ambition, and thirst of Christian Blood, that drew this Bloody Monster with his numerous Host, from such remote Countries: Therefore I say, rather let us dye like Men, fighting it out to the last Drop of Blood, then yield our selves to these Barbarous Infidels, who know not how to shew Mercy, whose Leagues, Vows, and Solemn Protestations are all but Wind, kept no longer then they prove Advantagious to themselves; I for my part, have fixed my unalterable Reso∣lution to defend this Place to the last Gasp, resolving not to survive its loss.

This Oration spoken with great Earnestness, plainly Demon∣strating the Zeal of a brave General, was seconded with loud shouts, every one promising to Live and Dye with him in the defence of the City: Whereupon it was resolved, that the next Morning a Sally should be made upon the Enemies, to give them a Taste of Christian Valour, and how little they valued their Lives fighting in so good a Cause; whereupon every one being dismissed went to his Quarters, to give necessary Or∣ders, and take a View how the Turks lay incamped, whose multitude covered all the Hills and Plains before the City. The Watch being set, the General went round the City, at∣tended by several Officers; Carefully to survey each Quarter, and to see that none neglected his Duty; so that all things being in good Order, about Midnight six Reigments drew up with a Resolution to fall upon the Enemies Camp, but whilst Orders were in giving, in what manner they should make their approach, a Christian Captive having made his escape from the Turks, came running almost breathless, and begged to be re∣ceived into the City: Whereupon the Soldiers drew him up with a Pike, who being questioned about the state of the Turkish Camp declared, that every night since they came forty thousand men were driven up in Battalia, to Guard the Camp; which was not as yet well intrenched, upon notice of which the General changed his Resolution as to the Sally.

During the preparation within Solyman was not idle, (having sworn to carry the City by force e're he departed, if he could not have it otherwise) but appointed to every man his station, dividing his Army under Ibrahim the Great Bassa, Michael Ogli and Becrambeius, so that all things being in a readi∣ness, many salleys were made by the Christians with great slaughter of the Enemies though the Asapi and Janizaries from their Trenches poured showers of Arrows into the City, for as yet the Turks great Artillery were not come up the Danubius, but were dayly expected; of which Wolfgangus Hoder a Va∣liant Captain understanding by several Turkish Pri∣soners sailed out of the Bay of Possonium, and meet∣ing with the Turks Galleys, sunk those in which the Ordinance were, taking a great Booty, of which Solyman having notice, was greatly inraged, and finding that his small pieces did little other damage than beat down the battlements, and over-jets made of wood in stead of Flankers, he caused the Miners to be set to the Wall, but this their chief hope which with wonderful labour attempted in thirteen places at once, was not so secretly done, but that it was by Drums layed upon the Ground, Basons fil∣led with Water, and deep sounds perceived by the defendants, who with Countermines not only defea∣ted many of them, but destroyed in them by Wild∣fire, and other Combustible matter Eight Thousand Turks, when to prevent such discovery, Solyman com∣manded continual Alarums should be given, that so the Christians being imployed in defending the Walls, might not regard the Miners which succee∣ded so to his wish, that a great part of the Wall near the Gate that leadeth towards Carinthia was thrown down by the springing of a Mine; at which the Turks in great numbers indeavouring to

enter, were miserably cut off with the Murthering shot bent against the breach for the purpose; which no sooner ceased, but they were furiously charged by the Germans; and in despite of all resistance bea∣ten back with incredible slaughter: Not long after, the Wall being blown up in two other places, they again attempted to enter; but were repulsed as be∣fore, leaving heaps of slain in the Breaches, and Ditch; nor was their third Assault any more suc∣cessful; so that after three hours withstanding the fury of the resolute Defendants, they retired to the Camp Ten Thousand less than they came. A while after, the Lord Regendorfe perceiving the Turks by parties scatter from their Camp, came with a Com∣pany of German Horse, set upon a Party of Five Thousand Three Hundred with such slaughter, that not above One Hundred and Forty of them retur∣ned to tell the News: Nor did other Commanders of the besieged less indamage the Enemies by frequent Salleys, which so inraged the Tyrant, that he ani∣mated to a fourth Assault, promising them great rewards if they prevailed, which so far prevailed with them, that they resolved amongst themselves either to win the City, or dye in the undertaking; but when they felt the shot from the besieged like a tempest fall on them, they were of a different opinion, so that leaving many Thousands of the slain and wounded behind them, they retire to the Camp; which Solyman perceiving, and fretting that his Honour had so much suffered by so great a loss of his Men, and so many Repulses, dissembled the matter as well as he could, and that the Ger∣mans should not suppose he raised his siege, because he despaired of winning it; he caused several Priso∣ners to be richly cloathed, and giving them store of Money, sent them into the City to inform the

Commanders that he came not to take the City of Vienna, but to fight King Ferdinand, and restore the Kingdom of Hungaria to King John: therefore since he could not draw his Enemy into the Field to give him Battle, he would remove thence to seek him, wherefore they should do well to yield themselves; the which if they would, he promised not to enter into the City, but to receive both the Citizens and Souldiers into his protection, reserving unto 'um their Lives and Goods with perpetual freedom, which offer coming to the knowledge of the Princes and great Captains of the Christians scornfully re∣fused, whereupon the Imperious Turk perceiving his desires not answered as he expected, having caused all the Prisoners to be murthered, in a great heat raised his siege and departed, not staying till he came to Buda, where having restored the Kingdom to John in consideration of his becoming his Tributary, he returned to Constantinople, yet plotting in his mind to disturb the Christians, and revenge the disgrace he had received before at Vienna, the next year, viz, 1530, he leavyed an Army greater than the former, purposing with himself to over-run Austria, Carinthia, Styria, and most part of the German Em∣pire; to effect which, he allowed three years, but was altogether deceived in his expectation: for Charles the Emperor having ended his Wars in Italy, was now at leisure to attend upon the Insolent Turk; who calling together his Valiant Captains, sent them into Spain, Italy, Flanders, and other Countreys to leavy Forces, which they did in such abundance to oppose the common Enemy, that upon the Muster of the Army there were found Ninety Thousand old ex∣perienced Foot Souldiers, and Thirty Thousand Horsemen well appointed, all the flower ••••••erma∣ny, Italy, Bohemia, and Hungaria, as likewise One

Hundred and Forty Thousand of less experience, the whole Army consisting of One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Men; the approach of which so terrified Solyman, that after he had in vain besieged Gonza, and harazed the Countrey, though with the loss of Ten Tousand of his Men, he returned to Constantinople, car∣rying with him into miserable Captivity Thir∣ty Thousand poor Christians taken in divers Coun∣tries through which he passed, and to appease his fury, put no less a number to the Sword. And now had the Christian Army, composed of divers Na∣tions, pursued the Turk by Land and Sea, as the Em∣perour earnestly desired they might have driven him quite out of Europe; but Emulation arising amongst the Commanders and the Soldiers, frequently mu∣tining this great Army, effected nothing more than to oblige Solyman to retire.

The Empire mindful of the damage sustained by the Turks in Austria, Hungary, and other Countries to revenge the same early the spring following, set forth a Fleet consisting of Thirty Five great Ships, and Forty Eight Galleys, under the Conduct of Andreas Aurea, a most expert Captain, who sailing to the Bay of Ambracia, thought there to have met with the Turks Admiral, who had under his Com∣mand Sixty Galleys, but he having notice of his coming from the Venetians, who stood Newters, was sailed to the strong Haven of Calcide; where∣upon Auria directed his course to Corone, a strong City upon the Coast of Peloponesus, and had it yiel∣ded unto him upon condition that the Garison might depart with bag and baggage; where leaving a Garrison of Spaniards, he sailed to Patras another City in the same Tract; took it, and ransacked it, permitting the Garrison nevertheleless to march out in safety; after which, he took all the Castles that

guarded the straight of Naupactum without any hindrance, which gave Saluiatus General of the Mal∣ta Galleys opportunity to waste the Coast of Co∣rinth, and take great booties; which done, he re∣turned loaden with spoils to Naples, and from thence to Genoa the place of his birth and resi∣dence.

The Turks grieving at their great loss, early in the Spring, Anno 1533, lay'd siege to Corone both by Sea and Land; of which Mendoza the Governour by Letters advised the Vice-Roy of Naples, craving speedy aid, with all, assuring him, he would defend the Town to the utmost extremity; upon which, Auria was sent with a well appointed Fleet; the terror of whose coming so frighted the Turks, that they left the siege, having lost many Men before it, and for haste left all their heavy Carriages, which became a Prey to the Garrison Soldiers, which ex∣alted their courage to that degree, that they re∣quested Macicaus the Governour to lead them forth to the siege of Andrusa a Garrison of the Turks not far distant from Corone, but their coming being dis∣covered, they could not surprize it as they inten∣ded, yet ransacked the Suburbs, and made great slaughter of the Turk, Horsemen, quartering there∣in, though with the loss of Macicaus the Governour, and divers others; yet not long after they took the City, being abandoned by the Garrison as not te∣nable; but upon their return to Corone, the Plague began to rage so fearfully, that fearing if they stay, they should all perish, and fit opportunity offering it self by reason of the Arrival of several Galleys from Sicily with Corn, all the Spaniards, together with as many Greeks as would imbarqued with the Cannon, and what else they thought convenient; leaving the Town to be again possessed by the

Turks, though not without the consent of the Em∣peror. Anno 1534 Aloysus Grittus, Son to the Duke of Venice, and Solymans great Favourite, being by him ••ade Leiutenant of Hungary inwardly envying at Ameri••us Vayvod of Transylvania at the instance of one Docia, caused him to be murthered in his Tent, which so incensed the Transylvanians, that they Arming themselves to the number of Forty Thousand, under the Leading Maylat, a Valiant Gentleman, and Kinsman to the Vayvod, pursued the Murtherer, who sled to Mega, which the Tran∣sylvanians besieged, and not without great difficulty took, and in it Aloysus and Docia; the former of which they beheaded, and the latter tore in pieces, taking the spoil of their Goods, which was very great; for about Aloysus were found as many pre∣cious stones as were esteemed worth Forty Mil∣lions.

Solyman thirsting after Glory, and resolving not to let his Soldiers lye idle, resolved to invade at once both Africk and Persia: the charge of the first he committed to Barbarusa, (who of a poor Fisher-Boy became a Pirate, and afterward King of Argire, and then travelling to Constantinople, was upon the recommendation of Achometes the Great Bassa, made one of the Bassas of Solymans Council.) Whereup∣on he cansed all his Galleys to be in a readiness, ap∣pointing the aforesaid Barbarusa Admiral of all his Sea Forces; who had no sooner taken upon him the Command, but sailing out of Hellespontus with Eighty Galleys, (leaving Amurath with twelve to transport Solymans Army in to Asia,) he shaped his course for Italy, when passing the Straights between Italy and Sicily, he brought such a fear upon the Inhabitants on either shoar, that they fled with all their sub∣stance further into the Countrey; after which, he

layed siege to Saint Lucidius, formerly called Tempsas which he took, putting most of the Inhabitants to the Sword, from whence with a rich booty, and many Prisoners, he marched to Citrarium, which he took and burnt, together with Seven Galleys that lay in the Port; and so sailing by Naples, he seized upon Spelunca, from which he marched over Land to Fundi, ten miles from Spelunca, on purpose as was thought to have seized on Jula Gonzaga, a Lady of incomparable Beauty, whom he intended to have presented to Solyman, but she though half naked getting on Horseback, fled to the Mountains, yet he took the City, and put most of the Inhabitants to the Sword; and so coasting along Italy, and ta∣king many Cities, Towns, and Castles, he brought such a fear upon Rome (once Mistress of the World) that many conjectured that if he went directly thi∣ther with his Fleet, the Romans would have forsa∣ken the City; but then contrary to the expectation of most, he shaped his Course for Africk, resolving to invade the Kingdom of Tunes, over which Reig∣ned one Muleasses, having a little before stepped in∣to the Throne, by treacherously causing to be Murthered all his Brethren, except Roscetes and Ab∣demelech; the former of which having tryed his ut∣most fortune for the recovery of the Kingdom, in right appertaining to him as Elder Brother to Mueasses, he for his safety was fled to Constantino∣ple, which opportunity Solyman laying hold on, to advantage his Wars in Africk, kept him as a Pri∣soner at large, so that Babarussa landing, and every where proclaiming the Name of Roscetes, whom the Moors and Numidians greatly favoured, hating Mu∣leasses for his extraordinary Tyranny; he had Bi∣ferta immediately pat into his possession, the Moors thinking, as indeed the Turks gave it out, that

Roscetes was in the Fleet, and that the Turks had made so great a Preparation to restore him to his Fathers Kingdom.

Barbarussa having secured Biserta with a strong Garrison, doubling the Promontorie where old Car∣thage stood, came to Gulletta, a strong Castle stand∣ing within the Bay of Tunis, where in token of Friendship he saluted it, and had the like retur∣ned; but upon the requesting the surrender there∣of, he was answered, that it should be alwaies at his Command, who ruled the City of Tunes, so that returning from thence, he came before the Ci∣ty, upon which by the perswasion of such as affe∣cted Roscetes, Muleasses fled with a small number of his Favourites, and for haste left behind him most of his Treasure, which afterwards became a prey to the Enemy; Muleasses fled, the people joyfully re∣ceived Barbarussa into Tunes, and with eager Eyes, and longing expectations, flockt into the high streets to have a sight of their new King, but when they perceived him not, and heard the Soldiers in their Acclamations name none but Solyman and Bar∣barussa, they began to doubt as the truth was that, instead of their new King, whom they so much de∣sired, thay had received the Turkish Government, which above all things they utterly abhorred; which suspicion once confirmed by several of Roscet's Friends, whom Barbarussa had brought with him on purpose to delude the people, who grieved to see the ruine of their Countrey at hand, for fear of present danger did not spare to tell their Friends and Acquaintance, that in vain they expected Rosce∣tes, who remained in Bonds at Constantinople, which wrought so sudden an alteration in the minds of the Citizens, that perceiving themselves deceived at the instance of Abdahar the Mesuar, or chief Ma∣gistrate,

who had before perswaded Muleasses to fly, in hopes of bringing in Roscetes, they every where run to their Arms, and from all parts of the City assai∣led the Turks, but for the most part being slightly Armed, and in a tumultuary disorder they were not able to stand the fury of the Harquebusiers; but af∣ter a long and obstinate Fight, wherein a great number were killed on both sides, they submitted themselves; of which Muleasses having notice, fled to Constantina, the Regal City of Dorax, a Numi∣dian Prince his Kinsman, where he remained in safe∣ty till the coming of Charles the Emperor into Africk, as will appear in the sequel of this History.

Tunes thus taken, or rather surprized by Barba∣russa, all the other Cities thereto appertaining, were won with little difficulty, and annexed to the Turkish Empire, till they were again sundred by the Germans, and Muleasses the Exil'd King restored by the Emperor: And in this posture, leaving the Af∣fairs of Africk, I shall take a view of Solyman's pro∣ceeding against the Persians.

Hismael being dead, and Tamas his Son succeeding him, Ibrahim the Great Bassa, who could do all with Solyman, perswaded him that now a fit opportunity offered to be revenged on the Persians, and the ra∣ther by the revolt of Ʋlemus, a Noble Man of Per∣sia, who had Espoused King Tama's Sister, who ha∣ving Imbesled the Revenues of the Crown, for fear of being called to account for so doing, was fled to Constantinople: But Solyman's Mother, and fair Con∣cubine Roxolan greatly desirous of his Company, much opposed the Motion of the Bassa, laying before Solyman the danger and inconveniency of so tedious and dangerous an Expedition; but not being able to prevail, they ever after became Ibrahim's Mor∣tal Enemies, not leaving to urge Solyman, till at

last he gave command that he should be mur∣thered.

Solyman resolved upon an expedition against the Persian, to revenge, as he pretended, the manifold injuries done to his Grandfather, Father, and him∣self, raised a great Army, part of which he sent be∣fore him, under the Command of Ibrahim the Great Bassa, and Ʋlemas the Fugitive Persian, who by hasty Marches over the Mountains, and along the Banks of Euphrates, that setting down before the great City Taurus, and the Citizens despairing to be relieved by their King, he had the City delivered into his possession, of which King Tames having notice, ha∣sted thither with his Army, but e're he attempt any thing for the recovery thereof, Solyman with a great multitude of Soldiers had joyned the Bassa, whereupon he thought it not good to give Battle to so powerful an Enemy, but to hover about his Camp, and take all advantages, well knowing such a World of people could not subsist, without ex∣ceeding store of Provisions and other necessaries; which device of the Persian, Solyman well perceiving, left a strong Garrison in Taurus, and marched against him, who still retired before the Turks, even to the Walls of Sultania; near to which, Solyman pitch∣ing his Camp, lay many dayes to expect him; du∣ring which time, such a horrible Tempest arose, that the Winds driving the Snow off from the steep Hills, buryed many Thousands of the Turks alive, overthrowing most of their Tents, and although it was but the middle of September, froze so hard, that many were froze to Death, others lost the use of their Limbs, and most of the Camels and Horses perished; which bad Omen, together with their Ap∣prehensions they had of the approach of the Ene∣my, and the horrible darkness of the Night, so dis∣couraged

the Soldiers that they would all have fled, had they known which way. This Tempest they concluded to be raised by the Persian Magicians to destroy them, but whether so, or not, it greatly discouraged Solyman, so that raising his Camp, he marched into Assyria, and set down before Babylon now Bagdat, which being altogether unprovided, upon the flight of the Governour, fell into his hands, as likewise did most of the Cities, both of Assyria and Mesopotamia; and so far extended the terror of his Name; that most of the Countreys round about, sent their Embassadors to tender their subjection; and in Babylon he Wintered his Army, placing Go∣vernours in the adjacent Cities. And a Beglerbeg, as they proudly term him, that is, a Lord of Lords. In Babylon, and under him, divers Sanzacks, or pet∣ty Lords, during his aboad here, he also caused his chief Treasurer to be executed for Imbesling his Re∣venues.

Tamas the Persian King having by this time rai∣sed a considerable Army, marched to Tauris, at whose approach the Garrison fled; of which Soly∣man having notice, and being strengthned with new supply out of Egypt, Syria, Judea, and Comagena; he left Babylon, resolving to provoke the Persian to Battle, or to sack his regal City Tauris before his face, but Tames knowing himself too weak to give him Battle, at his approach drew out his Army, and fled into the Mountains of Hyrcania, destroying all before him, to prevent its falling into the hands of his Enemies; upon whose departure, the Citizens opened their Gates to the Turks, whom they were no wayes able to resist: yet notwithstanding, at the Commandment of Solyman, the City was sack∣ed, the Kings Palace, and other stately Buildings levelled with the Ground, and a great number of

the Citizens lead into miserable Captivity, and thinking himself sufficiently revenged, he resolved to return with his Army into Mesopotamia; but having notice that the Persian was following, even at his heels, he divided his Forces, leaving the Bassas of Cair and Syria with Ʋlemus the Fugitive Persian, with Eighteen Thousand to follow in the rere of his Army, to repel the assaults of the Fore-runners of Tamas's Army; he marched with the rest by speedy Jour∣neys to Amida, now called Caraemida: In the mean while Tamas coming to Tauris with his Army, be∣ing the flowr of Parthia, Media, Iberia, and Arme∣nia; and beholding what desolation the Turks had made in that famous City, was so inraged thereat, that he would have pursued them with all his Army to revenge the injury at the hazard of a Battle, but being perswaded they were gone too far to be over∣taken, and the Gentlemen of which his Army chiefly consisted, seemed altogether unwilling to undertake so tedious a march, he was content to stay at Tauris, and send Delimeuthes, a Noble Man of Persia, (who freely offered himself to undertake it) with Five Thousand swift Horse to follow them; and as he saw his advantage to cut off the Enemies rear, the which he so speedily performed, that surprizing the Eighteen Thousand under the Command of the two Bassas, and Ʋlemas, as they lay securely near the Castle of Belthis, that being assisted with the Garrison Soldiers, he put them almost all to the Sword,, the Bassas and Ʋlemas hardly escaping up∣on their swift Horse to tell the news, for which service he was highly rewarded by Tamas.

These reiterated losses greatly perplexed Solyman, so that calling to mind the presages his Mother had made of his evil success in that expedition of that he was wholly lead thereto by the Council Ibrahim, Bassa,

he therefore conceived such a displeasure against him, as ended in his destruction: for upon his Arrival to Constantinople, he gave such countenance to those that brought complaints, against which before they durst not do; that at the earnest Request of Roxo••ana•• whose Son Bajazet the Bassa hindred from aspiring to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Empire, and rather favouring Mustapha, So∣lym•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 another Woman, that he consented to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made away; and by reason he had sworn never to injure his person whilst he lived; he caused for the saving of his Oath, an Eunuch to cut his Throat whilst he slept; which Jesuitical Evasion he learned of the Musti, or Chief Maho∣metan Priest, who being consulted on the matter, gave his opinion that Men only are alive, when they Move, Act, and Enjoy their perfect Sences: and that sleep depriving them of their reasonable Faculties, rendered them as dead Men. Some there are that report the fall of this great Man, who whilst he stood high in his Masters favour, in ef∣fect ruled the Turkish Empire to be caused by his too much favouring the Christians, who having in his younger years been brought up in that profes∣sion, still continued a Christian in his heart; and that to spare the shedding of Christian Blood as much as in him lay: He turned the Emperors For∣ces against the Infidels; yet, however it happened, his Body with a great weight fixed to it, was cast into the Sea, and all his Wealth, which was inesti∣mable, except a small portion alotted for the main∣tenance of his Wife and Children, was seized to the behoof of Solyman.

Tunes as aforesaid being taken by Barbarussa, and all the other Cities obliged to submit to the Tur∣kish obedience, Charles the Emperor, who was like∣wise King of Spain, not liking so potent a Neigh∣bour,

leavyed great Forces, solicited thereto by Muleasses the Exil'd King; and in revenge of the In∣juries sustained by Barbarussa, resolved to drive him out of that part of Africk, when appointing Al∣phonsus, D'valus, Vastius, General of the Footmen; he with Seven Hundred Sail of great and small Ships and Galleys, stood with the African Coast, when dubling the Promontory of Carthage came to an Anchor before a Castle, which by reason of a great Well beneath, is it called by the name of Aquaria, or the Water Castle; whose unexpected arrival so terrified Barbarussa, dreaming of nothing less that he was about to have fled with all his Turks; but then fearing to fall into Solymans displeasure, which to do, he knew was certain death; upon se∣cond thoughts, though he resolved to make all the defence he was able against so powerful an Army as the Emperor lead after him, and thereby get him the name of a valiant Soldier, though he despaired with the Forces he had to keep either the Cities or Castles; whereupon he did what he could to in∣courage his men with many vain-glorious-speeches; and into the strong Castle of Guletta, standing upon the bottom of the Bay of Carthage upon a point of Land incompassed almost round with the Sea, and the great Lake; he thrust his most resolute Captains and Janizaries, himself remaining in Tunis to expect supplyes out of Numidia; at what time the Empe∣ror having with his great and small shot obliged those that guarded the shoar to retire. He landed his men, and intrenched them every Nation by themselves, during which, they had ••equent skir∣mishes with the Numidian Horsemen, nor were they less molested by the Garrison, who sallyed as often as they saw their advantage; when one dayes sally∣ing under the Command of Salacia•• Arch-Pirate,

they came up to the Mount, near the Castle, com∣manded by Count Serney, a man famous both for the Honour of his House, and great Exploits in War; who not using to be so braved, descended with the Italians under his Command to drive them back by force; but the Enemy being far superiour in num∣ber, and the Spaniards who were intrenched next him, looking on, and not coming out to succour him, he there fighting valiantly, was slain; but the Spaniards, though they secretly rejoyced at the overthrow of the Count, who had so often eclipsed their Glory, fared not better; for the next day Tobacches ano∣ther of the Turks Captains sallying out, charged them in their Trenches, killing many of them, and taking what they found therein.

These Losses made the General sharply reprove the Captains of their neglect of duty, in watching to prevent the dangerous attempts of so politique an Enemy; which so wrought with the Captains and Soldiers, that to regain their credit, they vowed to shun no danger, nor were they inferiour to their promise; for Giaffer, Captain of the Janizaries sal∣lying out against the Spaniards, was himself slain to∣gether with most of his Men whom the Christians pursued, even to the Gate of the Castle, and had entered with those that fled, had not those that were entered, shut out a great number of their Fel∣lows to prevent it, who were all slain or taken Prisoners: after which, the Emperor caused his Batteries to be mounted, whilst Auria with the Fleet blocked up the Castle to the Sea-ward, so that what from the Ships and the Mounts, the great Ordnance in manner of an Earthquake so terribly roated, that their continual 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made it seem as if the Earth would have ••ent in sunder,

and caused the Sea, which before was calm, to mount, as if it had been inraged with a Tempest; the Air likewise became thick, and the Sky was darkned with smoak, so that after ten hours inces∣sant battery, the Vamures, and Walls of the Castle were in many places beaten down: the Turks Ca∣non and Canoneers lying buried together in the Rubbish, so that the defendants utterly despairing longer to hold it, fled over a wooden Bridge layed for that purpose, who being fiercely pursued by the Christians, were most of them slain; insomuch, that the Surface of the Lake was well nigh covered with dead bodies.

The strong Castle thus taken, and most of the Turks Fleet of Galleys at A••••hor in the Lake, yiel∣ded to the Conqueror; upon notice of which, Mu∣leasses the Moorish King came to the Emperors Tent, and humbled himself at his Feet, promising to be∣come his tributary, desiring as his Vassal to be re∣ceived into his protection, swearing never to forget so great a Benefit, with many the like expressions; which so moved the Emperour, that he promised to restore him without any other Tribute, than yearly paying a brace of Falcons, and a brace of Barbary Horses; as likewise to maintain a Thousand Christian Soldiers to keep for him the Castle of Guletta, and ever after to be kind to all Christians either Inhabiting, or that should have occasion to pass through his Countrey, telling him further, that if he failed in any point, those Armes that re∣stored him, could again depose him.

Matters thus concluded, the Emperour marched against Tunis, where Barbarussa, with the remain∣der of his Forces were in Garrison, who upon the

approach of the Christians, drew out his Forces, consisting for the most part of Numidian Horse∣men, but scarcely endured the first charge, e're he betook himself to flight, and again entered the City of Tunis, where in his mad mood, he determined to kill all the Christian Prisoners; and had put his bloody intent into practise, had he not been disswa∣ded therefrom by Sinan a Jew, one of his chief Cap∣tains, which turned to his great disadvantage; for the Captives, to the number of Six Thousand, hear∣ing in what danger they were in, burst out of the Dungeons in the Castle where they lay in Irons, and killing such Turks as they found therein, barracaded the doors, seizing on such Armour as came first to hand, made signs to the Emperor, from the Battle∣ments, that they kept the Castle to his behoof; which Barbarussa perceiving, and that all his in∣treaties for the rendition of it was in vain: he in a great rage abandoned the City with such of his followers as would attend him, and fled by Sea in Fourteen Galleys to the City of Bona.

The Turks having deserted Tunis, the Magi∣strates came forth with the Keyes to meet the Emperor, who without any resistance entered the City, which he laboured to save from the spoil, but such was the fury of the Soldiers, that they could not be restrained neither by the Emperor, nor Vastius the General, but seizing upon all they found, killed such of the Moors as resisted them; so that in a short time all was in a confusion, and great riches carryed to the Ships and Galleys, to∣gether with many Captives: most of which the Emperor caused to be restored, and the rest were redeeme•• by Muleasses.

Barbarussa not thinking himself safe at Hippona, upon the coming of Auria with the Fleet, fled to

Argier, of which the Emperor having notice, he placing Muleasses in the Kingdom of Tunesses, and furnishing Guletta with all manner of Warlike Provision, with a Thousand Spaniards to secure it, returned in Triumph to Naples, Anno 1537; when the same year Solyman envying at the Portugals trade in the East-Indies, sent Solyman Bassa, accompanied with Asau Beg, a famous Pirate, commonly called the Moor of Alexandria, with a Fleet to molest them, who sailing through the Red-Sea, came as far as the River Indus, where with all their power they assaulted Dium a Castle of the Portugals, sci∣tuate upon the mouth of that great River; but af∣ter many dayes siege, both by Sea and Land having tryed their utmost force, they were glad to retire, leaving behind them for hast most of their great Ordnance: when coming to Aden, a rich City in Arabia Foelix, they allured the King thereof on board their Galleys, with promise of safe conduct, but having him in their power contrary to their Oaths, they hanged him up at the Yards Arm of the Admirals Galley, and plundered the City; the like they did to another City in the same Tract cal∣led Zibith, and returned to Constantinople, one by Sea, and the other by Land; at what time Solyman solicited thereto by John Forrest the French Kings Ambassador, was preparing for the Invasion of Italy, and having for that purpose raised Two Hun∣dred Thousand Men, sending before him Lutzis Bas∣sa, and Barbarussa, with a great Fleet, who landing at Otranto, and conducted by one Troilus Pignatellus, a Fugitive Italian, seized on Castrum, which contra∣ry to their Faith given, they plundered; carrying most of the people Prisoners, at what time Solyman had by night sent over several Troops of Light-Horsemen in great Palendars, who running all along

the Sea Coast from Tarentum to Brundusium, for the space of Forty miles, rummaged the Countrey, car∣rying away a great booty, and had been likely enough, had Solyman, as he intended, seconded them with his great power to have overrun all Italy; but providence so ordered it, that by the wilfulness of Alexander Contarenus a Venetian Captain, who meet∣ing with the Admiral of Callipolis, and he not vail∣ing his top-sail, nor in token of Reverence and Friendship discharge his great Ordnance, offended with his proud insolency, fiercely assailed the Squa∣dron of Galleys under his command, of which he sunk two, the Admiral himself perishing in one of them, and not long after, for the like insolency, the Venetian Admiral caused Junusbeus, Solymans chief Interpreter, passing by Coreyrae to be assailed, when to save himself and his Turks, he forceing his Galleys on shoar near unto the Mountains, called Acroceraunii, he fell into a worse danger, for being taken by the Mountainiers, most of his people were slain, and himself hardly released for a great sum of money.

These Breaches of Peace, as the Turks termed them, so much incensed Solyman, that he recalled his Forces then in Puglia, resolving to turn his whole power upon the Venetians, upon whose re∣turn Auria falling in with Twelve Galleys laden with Janizaries, and chosen Horsemen of the Court after a sharp conflict to them all, which proved a great weakning to the Tyrants Fleet, yet he despe∣rately bent against the Venetians, resolving to take from them the rich Island of Corcyra, but by the way himself had like to have been slain in his Tent by a Mountainier, which had been effected, had he not been discovered by the cracking of a bough; to revenge which, he sent his Janizaries, and other

his approved Soldiers, who hunting the people in∣habiting the high and rough Mountains of Chimera, like wild Beasts killed many of them, and returned with such spoil, as they found, after which, he with a great Fleet landed on the Isle of Corcyra, now cal∣led Corfu, (for fear of whom, the Venetian Admiral ••••thdrew with his Galleys into the Adriatick Gulf, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to expect the other part of his Fleet) yet 〈…〉〈…〉 long while battered the chief City, in vain 〈…〉〈…〉 himself with the spoil of the Villages, 〈…〉〈…〉 Thousand Christian Prisoners departed; 〈…〉〈…〉 return landing on the Isle of Naxos, 〈…〉〈…〉 the City, which not being furnished to 〈…〉〈…〉 so powerful an Army, consented to pay the T••••ant Five thousand Duckates a year Tribute, and to hold the Seigniorie of him, whereupon, with∣out doing further harm, he departed to Constantino∣ple; at whose return Lutzis Bassa was accused by his Wife, Solymans Sister of Sodomy, and for that she ha∣ving in private reproved him thereof, he had struck her a box on the Ear, and confined her as a Prisoner to her Chamber; which complaint so in∣censed Solyman, who for his Sisters sake had raised him from a low Degree, to the highest Honour next himself, that he banished him into Macedonia, where he spent the remainder of his dayes in a poor and private life.

Though Solyman was returned to Constantinople, yet his Wars with the Venetians ended not, for he sent strict command to his Governours and Lieute∣nants bordering upon their frontiers, to vex them them with all manner Hostilities; who were not wanting to satisfie him therein, nor the Venetians on their part to revenge the injuries; but the fierce∣ness of the Turks were somewhat restrained by a War undertaken by King Ferdinand against them,

to revenge former injuries, who raising a great po∣wer of gallant Soldiers of divers Nations, sent them under the leading of Cazzianer, by whose Cowar∣dize in leading them through Woods, and by-wayes, many of them perished for hunger; others to avoid that calamity, deserted him, and in fine, the Gene∣ral forsaking his Army (for which he was after∣ward executed) It was overthrown near Exek, and all the Soldiers either slain, or taken Prisoners.

The news of this great overthrow much trou∣bled the Christian Princes to repair; which dis∣grace the Emperor, the Venetians, and the Pope set out a great Fleet of Galleys, which meeting at Corcy∣ra, the Admirals consulted what was best to be done, when upon notice that Barbarussa lay with the Turkish Galleys in the Bay of Ambracia, they resol∣ved to sail thither, where having a while braved him, the bold Turk incited thereto by one of Soly∣mans Eun••chs, came forth to give them battle, which Auria perceiving contrary to the minds of the Captains, stood away to Corcyra, in the rear of whom the Turks fall, took several of the stragling Galleys: This retreat, or rather flight, much eclip∣sed the fame of Auria, who before was accounted a second Neptune; but being still followed by Barba∣russa, he returned into Italy, to the great dislike of the Venetians, without effecting any thing worthy of memory; which gave the proud Turk opportu∣nity to make great spoil on the Sea Coast, and on the Islands of the Sea, yet held by the Venetians, and to recover Castronovum, a little before taken by the Christians, though not without infinite slaugh∣ter on either side; it being for a long time manfully defended by Sarmentus a Valiant Spanish Captain, who amongst heaps of slain expired in the bed of Honour.

Things being at this pass, the Emperor made a peace with the French King, both which Potentates solicited the Venetians by their Embassadors to con∣tinue the War against Solyman, but they weary thereof, as lying most obnoxious to his fury, could not be perswaded thereto, but laboured to procure a peace, which with much difficulty they obtained. In consideration whereof they yield unto him Nau∣plium and Epidaurus, two Cities of Peloponesus, to∣gether with Nadium and Labrania, two Castles of Dalmatia, which happened by reason the secrets of their Embassey was beforehand discovered to Soly∣man by several treacherous Venetians, bribed by him for that purpose; some of which being after∣ward taken, were worthily executed at the same time; a secret consideration between John King of Hungary, and Ferdinand King of Bohemia (including that upon the decease of the former, the latter should enjoy his Kingdom) was discovered to Soly∣man, which grievously incensed him against the Hun∣garian King, whom by his Armes he had restored to his Kingdom to appease, which he was content to marry Isabella, Daughter to Sigismund, King of Polonia, by whom he had Issue a Son, who after his Fathers Death was crowned King of Hungary, and taken into Solymans protection, by that means berea∣ving King Ferdinand of his hope of a peaceable pos∣session; whereupon after having requested it by his Embassadors of Solyman, and despairing that way to obtain it, he with a great Army entered the King∣dom, and seized upon Vicegrade, Pesth, Vacia, and Alba Regalis: To oppose which sudden Tempest e're it had swept away all her Cities; the Queen sent her Embassadors to Solyman to crave Aid against King Ferdinand, whereupon he not only sent the young King her Son several Rich Presents, but his

Letters Mandatory to his Lieutenants on the Fron∣tiers, with all their Forces to assist her, threatning that if by their neglect she received any dammage, their heads should make satisfaction; and withal, caused Lascus, King Ferdinands Embassador at that time residing at Constantinople to be imprisoned.

This news was joyful to the Queen, whereupon she drawing together all her Forces, joyned them with those Mahometes, and Ʋstref, two of Solymans Bassas had brought into the field, and immediately layed siege to Vacia which they took, and to pre∣vent its again falling into the hands of the Bohe∣mians, set it on fire; Vacia thus layed waste, they removed to Pesth, to which they layed straight siege, but after many unsuccessful attempts to carry it by storm, raised their Camp, and returned over Danu∣bius, upon which King Ferdinand sent a great Army under the Leading of the Lord William Regendorff, who entring the Kingdom, layed siege to Buda, and sent Messengers to summon the Queen to surren∣der the City to his Master, and that in lieu there∣of, and of the other Cities, she should have be∣stowed on her freely the Seignory of Sepusia, to which George, Bishop of Veradium, who altogether governed the Queen, answered that she should accept no such proffer, and with many opprobrious words dismissed the Messengers, whereupon Regendorff ha∣ving mounted his Canon, furiously battered the Ci∣ty, making several wide breaches, but they were so notably defended, that the Germans nor Spaniards could not enter, which they perceiving, so dealt with one Bornemissa a great man in the City, that he promised to deliver them a Gate in the night to enter by, which accordingly he performed, but ha∣ving agreed that none but Hungarians should enter, the better to prevent the effusion of blood; and Re∣gendorff

contrary to that agreement, sending in Ger∣mans under the Leading of their Captains, to be more sure of the City, the Traitor repenting of what he had undertaken, refused to lead them to the Market place, and they still remaining in the narrow streets, and not knowing which way to go, a sufficient number could not enter e're the Alarum was taken, upon which the Citizens, and Garrison Souldiers running to their Armes, assaulted them on every side, who being in a strange place, and their fear augmented by the terror of the night, fled back faster than they advanced.

Spring being come, Solyman sent a great Army un∣der the Leading of Mahometes Bassa, to the Assistance of the Queen; which passing, the Danubius intren∣ched within half a mile of the Bohemians, Germans, and Italians, under the command of the Lord Regen∣dorff, and dayly with skirmishes perplexed him, ha∣ving likewise fortified an Island lying in the River, called Ceppelia, as the General of the Christians had done another opposite to his Camp, between which passed likewise many skirmishes, but at length the Turks pouring a great number of their men on shoar in the Island held by the Christians, caused them to leave the Fortifications, and flie over the Bridge layed to pass, and repass to the Camp, but by the valour of the German Soldiers all was quick∣ly regained, and the City furiously assaulted, though without success, for that a great number of the be∣sieged continually kept such breaches as the Canon had made, and the Besiegers, by reason of the nearness of the Turks Army, durst not go to the assault in such number as otherwise they might have done, yet they had so battered the Walls, that they despaired not to win it in a short time; but in the height of their Expectation, news came, that Soly∣man

with a great power, was near at hand to joyn the Bassa already incamped, which infused such a fear into the Christians that the Soldiers whether their General would or no, resolved to raise the Seige and pass the Danubius. So that he was constrain∣ed to accord to the resolves, and in the dead of the night raised the Siege, but not so secretly but the Turks had notice sent them of what had happened, by those in the City: Whereupon bursting out of their Camp, and the Citizens at the same time sal∣lying by the light of a stack of straw, and pursued them with great slaughter; insomuch that most part of the Army was either drowned in the hasty pas∣sage, or fell by the Sword, not above a third part of them escaping to Comora. So that a great booty by that means fell into the hands of the Turks.

Upon this defeat Pesih being deserted of her Gar∣rison, was taken without resistance by Cason, the Turks Fleet then in the Danubius, and most that were found therein put to the Sword. The Lord Regendorf as a man not desirous to outlive so foul a dishonour brought upon him by the wilfulness of his unruly Souldiers, would have died fighting amongst the thickest of his Enemy, had he not against his will by strong hand been forced into a Pinace, and so carryed by his Captains to Comora, within five days after Solyman came to Buda, and according to his wonted cruelty caused all the Prisoners to be put to death, and one amongst the rest a German Soul∣dier being of wonderous height, he appointed to be slain by his Dwarff, whose head reached not past his knees, which he ordered to be done in derision of the German Nation.

Solyman having pitched his Camp near Buda, sent his Ambassadors with Presents to the Young King, viz. Three beautiful Horses, with their Bridles of

Gold, and their Trapings set with precious stones, and three Robes of cloth of Gold, and unto every one of the chief Nobility a chain of Gold, and rich Gowns; upon the delivery of these presents, as they had it in charge, they requested that the Queen would cause the young King to be sent to the Camp to Solyman, who was greatly desirous to see him and that he was resolved to take him and his Kingdom into protection, until such time as he should of him∣self be able to defend it against his potent Adversary. This request of the Ambassadors (though not with∣out some scruple) was granted, and the young King being then in his swadling Cloths, was sent in a rich Chariot, together with his Nurse and several great Ladies, attended on by such of the Nobility, to whom Solyman had sent presents; upon whose Arrival the Tyrant took him in his arms, and looked upon him commanding his sons then present, viz. Selymus and Bajazet begotten on the fair Ro••colana to kiss him, in token of there love to him: from thence forward yet notwithstanding these fair shews, he consulted with his Bassa's whether he should retain the King and seize on the Kingdom of Hungary, having before caused his Soldiers to possess themselves of one of the Gates of Buda, called Sabatina, it was likewise deba∣ted whether all the Nobility then in his possession should be put to death, or carried into bondage; of all which opinions were some of his Bassa's, and others of a far more mild opinion. So that Solyman, when he well considered what had been argued, re∣solved upon a method between the one and the o∣ther, when entering Buda on the 30th. of August, anno 1541. after he had sacrificed to his vain Pro∣phet, in the Cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, he published a Decree (the fatal doom of that flourishing Kingdom, under which it at this day

groans.) That Buda should from that day be kept with a Garrison of Turks, and the Kingdom be con∣verted into a Province of the Turkish Empire, that the Queen with her son, the young King should pre∣sently depart the City and live in Lippa, a fertil and quiet Countrey beyond the River Tibiscus near to the borders of her fathers Kingdom, and to be safe∣ly conducted thither with all her Wealth and Jewels by the Janizaries; of which hard conditions the Queen was glad to accept upon which the Hungari∣an Nobility, all but Valentinus her General were set at Liberty, having before been retained as Prisoners in the Turkish Camp.

King Ferdinand residing at Vienna, upon notice of what had passed, and that Solyman was purposed to invade his Territories; first sending to collect his dispersed Forces, afterwards he sent Count Salma and Sigismund Lethestaine, noble and grave Coun∣cellors his Ambassadors to Solyman with rich presents which were a standing cup of Gold after the German fashion, richly beset with pearls and pretious stones, and a wonderful Silver Globe of most rare and cu∣rious device, daily expressing the hourly passing of the time, the motion of the Planets, the Change and Full of the Moon, the motion of the Superiour Orbs, ever moving by certain wheels or weights curiously conveyed within the same, exactly keeping due time and motion, lively expressing the wonderful motion and conversion of the celestial frame, a curious and strange peice of work devised and perfected by the most cunning Astronomers of Maximilian the Empe∣rour, whose noble mind never spared for any cost to obtain things rare of strange device.

The Ambassadors arriving at Solymans Camp, af∣ter they had been feasted by the Bassa's with Mutton and Rice onely, and delivered their Presents, they

made it their request that he would deliver Hungary to their Master, to whom of right it appertained, and that in lien thereof he would become his tributary; but were so far from having their desires granted, that the proud Turk demanded tribute for Austria, the which being refused with disdaign he sent the Governour of Belgrade to spoil that Country, as likewise Moravia, to whom he joyned Cason the Ad∣miral of his Fleet; but by reason of the overflow∣ing of the Rivers and great Rains, it being now Autumn they were forced to return without doing any considerable dammage: after which Solyman ap∣pointing a Hungarian of his own name Governour of Buda returned to Constantinople, having first set Las∣cus King Ferdinand's former Ambassador (whom he held Prisoner) at Liberty, and within a while af∣ter having caused Mayle Vayvod of Transilvania to be apprehended, and imprisoned contrary to his pro∣mise, by Mahometes his great Bassa; he to recom∣pence the Queen of Hungary and her son for what he had taken from them, gave the young King the Pro∣vince of Transilvania.

Whilst these things passed, the Emperour Charles at the earnest request of his Subjects of Spain, to whose Trade the Pirates of Argier had put a stop, prepared a great Fleet to invade the Kingdom, and take the City, at that time commanded by Asan Aga, or Asan the Eunuch, whom Barbarossa in his absence had appointed his Lieutenant, when as the Emperour after considerable dammage by shipwrack coming before the City of Argier; sent a Herald on shore to demand the City, and upon the refusal of its delivery landed his men, who with great courage beating the Turks, Moors, and Numidians from their defences, leaped on shore, where after divers skir∣mishes they encamped in three Battles, being in all

60000 Men but long they had not considered which way to make their approaches, e're by a horrible Tempest (supposed to be raised by Inchantment) which continued for the space of two dayes, the greatest part of the Fleet consisting of 280 Ships and Gallies was beaten, and such as by swimming escaped the danger of the Sea, were kill'd by the Numidians and Moors, who came down from the Mountains to enrich themselves by the misery of the Christians. In this storm which was accompa∣nied with prodigious Rain, Thunder and Lighten∣ing almost all the Prevision, and great Ordnance were lost: nor fared they on shoar much better, for there three parts of the Tents were torn up, and all things in them spoiled by the deluges of Water, so that Famine within three dayes sorely vexed the Camp; yet the Emperour, a man of invincible Courage, comforted his men in the best wise, cau∣sing such Horses as were on shoar to be killed, and their Flesh distributed amongst the Souldiers, which at than time proved excellent fare; but finding he could not subsist, by the perswasion of the Duke of Alva his General, he resolved to imbark on those few Ships and Gallies that were left, and return in∣to Italy, whereupon to make room for the Souldiers he caused all the Horses to be thrown overboard, but such was his hard fortune, that he was no soon∣er imbarked but another Tempest terrible as the former, arose and scattering his Fleet, drove two Ships loaden with Spaniards into the Port of Argier, who by reason of the departure of the other Gallies had been there slain by the Moors and Numidians, had not Asan Aga at their earnest request taken them into mercy, and driven away the barbarous people, who like ravening Wolves sought eagerly to prey upon their Lives: Many ships in their return were like∣wise

swallowed up of the Sea, but Heaven so ordered it that at length the Emperour with the remainder of his shattered ships arrived at the Port of New Carthage in Spain, not being overcome by the Enemy but by the Tempest, his sad disaster being at the beginning of his Expedition foretold, by a Witch then living in the City of Argiers.

Frances the French King being greatly offended with the Emperor, for that Antonius Rinuo his Am∣bassador, upon his negotiation to Constantinople, was by some of the Emperors Captains slain, for that it being reported that he there discovered all the Em∣perours intentions, and incensed Solyman to take up Arms against him, being the principal occasion of his last Expedition into Hungary; whereupon he having sent Polinus in the stead of Rinuo, he incited Solyman to revenge the indignity as well offered to him as to himfelf, by sending Barbarus with a squa∣dron of Gallies to molest the coast of Spain, and the Emperours Territories in Italy, whilst his Master warred on his Countries in Flanders and other places. To undertake the like he solicited the Venetians, but at that time both his negotiation proved ineffectu∣al, for the Venetians utterly refused to intermeddle, and the Turk at that time being but slenderly provi∣ded with shipping, and those was inforced to use on the Danube for the defence of Hungary, which King Ferdinando in confederation with the German Princes invaded with a great Army, under the leading of Joachimus Marquess of Brandenburgh, who passing the Damibius encamped before Pesth, which they batter∣ed for several dayes, making divers large breaches, but upon notice that Mahometes Bassa was coming from Belgrade, with a great Army to relieve the Ci∣ty, though the story was altogether feigned, the cowardly General raised the siege, and returned to

Vienna where that great Army consisting of 50000 Horse and Foot was broke up, without doing any thing worthy of name.

Solyman being rid of this fear began to hearken to the request of the French Ambassador, and having Commanded Rustan Bassa his Son-in-law to Feast him, he gave order for the making ready his Fleet of Gallies, which he sent under the command of Bar∣barossa to the Aid of the French, who to wreck his private revenge called in the common Enemy, too prone of himself to lay Christendom wast. In their way when once dispatched they took Rhegium, burnt it, and carried away the Garrison, and Citizens, at which time Solyman with a great Army entered Hun∣gary, to revenge himself upon the Authors of the late Hostilities, and had the strong City and Castle of Walpo delivered to him by the Souldiers, contra∣ry to the will of the Governour, but he was no sooner possessed thereof then he gave them the due Reward of their Treachery, by causing them all to be put to the Sword; and then having left there a sufficient Garrison, he marched to Strigonium, send∣ing Amurathes Bassa with a part of the Army to take in Soclosia, which he having won, put most of the Inhabitants to the Sword.

Solyman having layed siege in the mean while to Strigonium, in which commanded as Governours Liscanus and Salamanca, two proud and covetous Spaniards, with a Garrison of 1300 Souldiers, but e're Solyman began to batter the City, he sent to promise them Life, Liberty, and whatever Goods they were possessed of if they would surrender; or upon refusal to denounce against them all the mise∣ries that attend on stormed Cities, yet this nothing daunted the Souldiers, who returned for answer, that they reposed their last hope in their Arms,

and were not to be won by gifts, nor terrified with threats, upon notice of which their stout resoluti∣on he commanded his Cannon already mounted to play from several Batteries, the which was put in Execution with such fury, that the Walls were bea∣ten down in several places, at which breaches the Turks in great number attempting to enter were bea∣ten back three times successively, with great loss and slaughter, and amongst the slain fell Bultaces Sanzack of Selymbria, a man of great account amongst the Turks, but in the end the weakness of the City being discovered to the enemy, by a fugitive Calabrian, the two aforesaid Governours consulting for their own safety, intended secretly to leave the City, and carry with them all their Riches; but their purpose being discovered to the Captains and Soldiers, they proposed a parly, perswading the defendants that the City was not to be held against so powerful an Enemy; upon which the City was yielded, and the Garrison such as would marched to Possonium, where the two cowardly Governours (who notwithstanding the promise of safe conduct had been robbed by the Turks) were by Count Salme committed to safe custo∣dy, to answer for their cowardly yielding up the City.

Strigonium being thus obtained on the 10th. of August, Anno 1543. and the Christian Churches con∣verted to the Mahometan superstition, he marched to∣wards Alba regalis, taking in his way the Castle of Tatta antiently called Theodota, which he utterly ra∣sed; after which coming before Alba regalis, a City famous for the Coronation of the Hungarian kings, s••ituate in a Marsh, and incompassed with a Lake. He caused the said Lake with infinite labour to be fil∣led up and thereafter many terrible Assaules, in which he lost 20000 of his men, took the Suburbs, putting

all he found therein to the sword, and afterward had the City delivered into his possession, where en∣tering, he contrary to his faith plighted, he caused the most wealthy Citizens to be slain; after which, leaving Ballabanus Governour thereof, and placing Governours in other places by him subdued; in this Expedition he returned to Constantinople.

By this time Barbarussa and Polinus were arrived at Marselles, where having refreshed themselves, they departed to Province, where they laid siege to Nice, a City belonging to the Emperour, which af∣ter a long siege they took, but the Castle being de∣fended with a strong Garrison, they in vain assaulted it, which so enraged Barbarussa, that he threatened to imprison Polinus for not performing his promise made at Constantinople to furnish his Army with all ne∣cessaries, when as he said Powder and shot were want∣ing even in the Country of France, which division be∣tween the French and the Turks was ended, by the raising the seige, upon notice that Alphonsus Vastus the Emperors General was coming out of Italy with a great Army, when as the French Forces retiring, Bar∣barussa sent most part of his Fleet to Argeir, with a command to return early the next spring to Marselles.

The great preparations of Barbarussa to aid the French King gave Muleasses suspition that they were intended against him; whereupon leaving the man∣agement of the Affaires of his kingdom of Tunes in the hand of his trusty Counsellors, as he supposed, and the management of his men of war, his son Amida, he went to Naples to wait upon Charles the Emperor, and of him to crave aid, when in the mean time by the perswasion of such as hated Mule∣asses his son usurped his kingdom, who upon no∣tice thereof returning with such Forces as he could gather in Italy, was overthrown, taken prisoner,

and by his unnatural Son deprived of his sight, deal∣ing to him therein the same measure that he had dealt. Yet the unnatural Son escaped not altoge∣ther scotfree, for Tovarres Governour of Gullet for the Emperour, sending for Abdamelech brother to Muleasses, of whom I have before spoken, he in the absence of Amida surprized the City and Castle of Tunis, but injoyed no more then 26 dayes e're he died when leaving his Son Mahometes a Child his Successor, he was soon thrust out and Amida resto∣red, whereupon Muleasses fled first to Guletta, and afterward into Sicily, where at the Emperours com∣mand he was maintained at the common charge of the Islanders.

The French King being by this time weary of his new come Guest, the Turks having first largely re∣warded them sent them away, who in their return spoil'd the Island of Elba belonging to the Duke of Florence, upon the Governours refusing to deliver the Son of Sinan the Jew, held Prisoner there, since his being taken at Tunis, and after that committed many outrages upon the Coast of Italy; burning ma∣ny Towns, and carrying away the people into mi∣serable Captivity, but he long enjoyed not his Triumph ere himself was by death lead into Capti∣vity, viz. anno 1547. In which year died Mahomet, Solyman's Eldest Son, Frances the French King, and Alphonsus-Daualus-Valtius the Emperours renowned General.

Solyman having now not made any personal Expe∣dition for the space of three years resolved to in∣vade the Persian King, being solicited thereto by Erca∣ses Imirza King of Sirnan, and that Kings Brother, but after great toil to little or no purpose for the space of 1 year and 9 Months, he returned with his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to Constantinople, Imirza in the mean while being

delivered to his brother Tamas the Persian King by Treachery was put to death, during which Trans∣action one Dugat a notable Pirate, having taken Africa a City in Tunis, formerly called Aprodise, he greatly troubled the Moors by Land and the Christi∣ans by Sea, when to remove so troublesome a man, the Knights of Malta passed over with a considerable power, and after a furious assault possessed them∣selves of the said City, the which by reason it was not tenable without excessive charge they razed, carrying away a rich booty, and 7000 Captives, whereupon the Pirate fled to Constantinople, craving aid of Solyman, who sent with him Sinan the Jew made Admiral in the stead of Barbarossa, with a great Fleet; who in revenge of what had happened to Africa, landed on the Island of Malta, and at∣tempted (though in vain) the winning that strong City. Yet sailing into Africk, they after great slaughter of their men took Tripolis in Barbary, at that time possessed by certain of the Malta Knights, for which Sinan Bassa having as it were Triumphed, left Drugat Governour thereof, by the Title of San∣sack returned to Constantinople.

Anno 1551. Solyman, notwithstanding the five years peace made with King Ferdinand, sent Ach∣metes his Lieutenant in Europe, to invade several Towns in Hungary, who upon his Arrival took Temeswar and Zolnock, which Queen Isabel perceiv∣ing, and that the Turk contrary to his Faith plight∣ed, daily incroach upon her Territories, whose power she was not in a capacity to repel by force, she agreed with King Ferdinand to resign her and her Sons Title to the Kingdom of Hungary in considera∣tion of Cassovia, and a yearly pension of 100000 Ducats. After which the King recovered most part of the Kingdom from the Turks, and for the better

keeping thereof as some say caused George Bishop of Veradium, a great favorite of Solymans though by Birth a Hungarian to be murthered, in his own House. Upon which the Bassa of Buda drawing to∣gether what Forces be could Besieged Agria, but after the loss of many of his best Souldiers he gave over the siege.

Henry succeeding his Brother Francis in the King∣dom of France, and desirous to molest the Emperor, sent the Lord Avomont to incite Solyman, to wast the Coast of Italy; whereupon he sending a great Fleet in the Tyrrenan and Tuscan Seas, wasted the Coast of Calabria, S••cilia, Majorca, Sardinia, Elba, Corsica and Cerbe, the Frontiers of the Emperours Dominions, and the same year, viz. anno 1554. So∣lyman incited thereto by Roxolana, once his Slave and Concubine, but now his imperious Wife, and by the Treacherous insinuation of Rustan Bassa, who had Married Chameria her Daughter by Solyman, caused his Son Mustapha the chief hope of the Oth••∣man Family, begot on a S••yrcassian Woman to be strangled in his Pavilion, without suffering him to clear himself of what had been falsly laid to his charge during his absence, the which barbarous cru∣elty when Tzihunger, Roxolana's Son by Solyman, whom she purposed to raise to the Empire after his decease, and for that purpose had procured the death of Mustapha, came to know he had detested his Fa∣thers cruelty, with his Dagger killed himself, and fell down dead upon his Brothers dead body; nor was Solyman in safety when the matter came to be once known, for the inraged Souldiers with their drawn Swords (after they had killed a great number of those that came thither to fetch the Riches in Mustaphaes Tent) came to his Pavilion Threatning him with present Death, and after ma∣ny

reproaches were hardly appeased, swearing at their departure if the Accusers of Mustapha were not brought to light they would nevertheless kill him, when to satisfie them in their demands, he depriv∣ed Rustan Bassa of all his Honours, taking from him the seal whereof he had the keeping, and delivered it to Achomates Bassa, and Rustan commanded to leave the Camp upon pain of Death, but not long after by the means of his Mother-in-Law, who had by the means of a Jew, bewitched Solyman with her charms he was again restored, and to make way for him Achomates who had stept up into his places of Honour by Solyman's command, in the Divano cause∣lesly was strangled. Whilest these things were do∣ing Haly Bassa having for a long time besieged Zi∣geth, defended by Marcus Horworth, a valiant Cap∣tain was beaten off, by Polviller and Serineus two of King Ferdinandoes Captains with the loss of half of his Army. Nor fared the Turks better at Sea, for Guise Lord Prior of the Knights of St. John in France, took six Ships and Gallies richly laden, and now God intending to punish the Tyrant for so many Murthers suffered his Son Bajazet gotten up∣on Roxolana, to rise up against him Arms under pre∣tence of supplanting his Brother Selymus, all the re∣mainder of the aforesaid wicked stock, who by setting up a counterfeit Mustapha (and pretending he that was killed was no other, but one much re∣sembling the true Mustapha, sent for great rewards to try his Fathers fury) drew after him a World of people being secretly encouraged thereto by his mo∣ther, who preferred him before his Elder Brother whom Solyman would have his Successor, and such was her power with Solyman, that after the Plot was discovered the counterfeit taken and executed, she made Bajazets peace and restored to favour as

much as ever; yet such was the fiery nature of the head strong youth, that knowing his Life was dat∣ed with his Fathers, if his Brother succeeded him he again took up Arms, being generally favoured of the Soldiers, against whom Selymus was sent with a great Army, between whom was fought a dreadful Battle, in which 300 Turks were slain, and Bajazet put to the worst, who after much adverse fortune flying to the Persian King, was by the procurement of Solyman contrary to Faith given by the Persian, he together with his four Sons was mur••••••••ed.

Anno 1558 Charles the Fifth, and warlike Empe∣rour of Germany, stricken in years, and worn out with the toils of tedious War, resigned the Empire to his Brother Ferdinand, having before put his son Philip in possession of all Hereditary Kingdoms, and then retiring lead a private Life, and shortly after changed it for Life Eternal; after he had with great reverence and integrity Reigned 39 years, after whose death at the earnest request of the Knights of Malta, the Christian Princes set out a Fleet for the recovery of Tripolis in Barbary, when coming to the Island of Zerbi belonging to the Turks they spoiled it, and after a small battery to the Castle in which the Islanders put their cheif hope, but this Expedition proved unfortunate to the Christians: for Pial Bassa Solymans Admiral, com∣ing upon them with a great Fleet, suddainly sur∣prized many of the Ships and Gallies out of order, and unable to make resistance, took them and put most of those he found therein to the Sword, and such as could stand off to Sea fled, leaving Don Al∣varus De Sandee a valiant Gentleman of great Spirit, and long Experience, General of the Christian Forces on shoar, who together with such as were sied from the Fleet entered the Castle, which was

most resolutely defended till such time as hunger and thirst compell him to surrender, not less then 18000 Christians by one means or other being lost, from the setting out of the Fleet to the time the Castle was delivered to the Turks, the which by the Bassa being strongly Garrisoned, he with the Christian Captives there taken returned in Triumph to Con∣stantinople, and long was ere the Spanish and Italian Nobility there taken could be ransomed; and to make up this unluckly year, viz. 1560. on the 25th. day of November, Auria the great Sea Captain died being 94 years old, to the great Rejoycing of the Turkish Pirates whose terror he had been for more then Thirty years, nor was the following year fortunate, for King Philip of Spain sending out his Fleet under Mendoza his Admiral, Five and Twen∣ty Ships and Gallies by stress of Weather were bro∣ken on the Coast of Sicily, on one of which the Ad∣miral perished, little or nothing being saved in that dismal and unexpected Calamity.

Anno 1562. The Emperour Ferdinand so laboured with the Electoral Princes, that he procured his son Maximillian then King of Bchemia, a Prince of great hope to be chosen K. of the Romans, who likewise the year following, on the 8th. of September with all so∣lemnity Crowned at Presburg King of Hungaria, to confirm which choice Solyman sent Ibrahim Bassa as his Ambassador, to the Emperour, as likewise to conclude in his name an eight years peace, and the better to gain credit, he sent his Letters of credence not usually done by the Turkish Emperors, whose proud stile therein, I think not amiss to insert which take as followeth.

I the Lord of Lords, Ruler of the East and West, who am of power to do and not to do whatsoever pleaseth me, Lord of all Grecia, Persia, and Arabia, Comman∣der

of all things which can be subject to King and Command, the great worthy of these times, and strong Champion of the wide World, Lord of all the white and black Seas, and of the Holy City of Mecha, shining with the bright∣ness of God, of the City of Medina, and of the Holy and Chast City of Jerusalem, King of the most noble King∣dom of Egypt, Lord of Jovia and of the City of Athens, Senan, of the Sacred Temple of God, Zabilon, and Bas∣sio, Rethsans and Magodini, the Seat and Throne of the great King of Nashin Rettam, and Lord of the Island of Argiers, Prince of the Kingdom of Tartary, Mesopotamia, Media of the Georgians, Morea, Anato∣lia, Asia, Armenia, Valachia, Moldavia, and of all Hunga∣ry, and many other Kingdoms and Territories whereof I am Emperour. The most mighty Monarch Sultan Solyman, Son of the great Emperour Sultan Selym, who hath power from God to rule all People with a bridle, and strength to break open the Gates and Bars of all Cities, and strong places, into whose mighty hand are delivered all the ends of the World, none excepted, I Ruler of the East, from the Island of Tsein unto the farthest bounds of Africa, whom God hath appointed a mighty Warrior in the edge of Sword, amongst whose most mighty Kingdoms the impregnable Castle of Caesarie, is reputed the least, and in whose Hereditary Do∣minions the Kingdom or Empire of Alexander the Great is accounted of us a trifle, with me is the strength of the whole World, and Virtue of the Firmament. For as much as thou King Ferdinand, &c.

Their audacious stile being read in the German Court, moved some to indignation, and others to secret laughter, yet the necessity requiring it, peace was concluded, but kept no longer then the Empe∣rour lived; for upon his Death which happened two years after, viz. 1564. new troubles arose in Hun∣gary, and several Towns and Castles were won and lost on either side, whereupon Solyman resolved in

person to come into Hungary, but upon second thoughts he changed his mind, and bent his Forces against the Island of Malta lying between Africa and Sicilia, in length twenty and in breadth twelve miles, exceeding fruitful and pleansantly scituate were it not in Summer time too much scorched by the Sun, which deprives the inhabitants of their fresh water, before which the Turks coming with a Fleet of Two Hundred Ships and Gallies, after some loss sustain∣ed both by the Sea and Islanders, Landed and layed siege to St. Michaels Castle, which they furiously battered, but it being defended by several Knights of the Order, they received great loss before it, whereupon they consulted amongst themselves to leave the siege of St. Michael and besiege the Castle of St. Elmo, the which with the loss of 18000 of their men they took, when in the mean while Va∣letta, the Great Master fortified St. Michael both City and Castle sending to the Viceroy of Sicilia for aid, but the Turks incouraged by the comming of the King of Argier, with his Ships and a great sup∣ply of Victuals besieged St. Michaels Castle a second time, as also the City Thundering against it for the space of eight days without intermission, but such was the courage of the besieged, that they either re∣paired the breaches, or beat back the Assailants who made such slaughter of those that attempted to enter, that their dead bodies filling the breaches served as a Rampire to keep out the rest, and thus they con∣tinued furious to assault the City almost every day, till upon notice of the Viceroy of Sicily's approach with a great power both by Sea and Land, they raised their siege and departed to meet him near Melita, where in a set Battle they were overthrown, and most of them slain with the loss of 5000 Christians onely, yet those that escaped in their return landed

on the Island Chios and took it, it being before al∣most deserted of its inhabitants, by reason it lay al∣ways obnoxious to the fury of the barbarous Infi∣dels.

Solyman inraged at this defeat resolved to re∣venge himself upon the Christian Princes, and therefore with a great Army undertook his before determined War against Hungary, solicited thereto by the Vayvod of Tra••sylvania, who hoped to be made King thereof; but Maximilian being Crowned Emperour, he railed a great power being aided by the German Princes, and sent them under the leading of several valiant Captains, but especially Count Serenus, and Count Helffeustin whose good Fortunes proved such, that within a short time the Turks were stripped out of most of their Garrisons, and a great number of them slain, for Maximillian the Em∣perour, long before advertised of Solymans purpose had raised as is said, a gallant Army, consisting of 40000 Horse and Foot, the flower of all Christian Nations, besides a Fleet upon the River Danubius, which hindered the Turks Provisions and other ne∣cessaries from being brought by water.

By this time Solyman coming to the River Dromus, over which with infinite labour he caused a Bridge to be made for the passage of his Army, which done he encamped before Sigeth, of which Count Serenus was made Governour, a valiant man, and mortal Enemy to the Turks attended on by a Garrison of 2300 resolute Germans and Hungarians, who like a brave Souldier with a most Christian Oration incou∣raged his men, not to be dismaid at the multitude of their Enemies, but to trust in God, and be of good courage, for he by his Almighty power was able by a few to confound the Armies of the proud. Con∣cluding that as for himself, as he was a Christian

and free born so he would by the Grace of God, in the same Faith and Freedom end his dayes, and that no proud Turk so long as he could hold up his hand should have power to command over him, or the ground whereon he stood, nor failed he in his re∣solves, for after he had done all that man was capa∣ble of doing, killing such numbers of Turks, that the Plains lay scattered with the dead, the Walls being for the most part beaten down, and the Town fired about his Eares, the Turks in great number en∣tring every where, and no relief coming to his as∣sistance, he called the poor remainder of his Souldi∣ers about him, with whom he was retired into the Castle and with an undaunted resolution, spake these his last words.

The hard fortune of this sinful Kingdom, hath together with our own overtaken us, but let us, noble Hearts, indure with Patience whatsoever is by God to us assigned, you know what we have before promised, which hitherto God be thanked, we have accordingly performed, and now let us with like resolutions perform this last, the place you see is not longer to be kept, the devouring fire grows fast upon us and we in number are but few; wherefore let us as becometh valiant men break out into the utter Castle, and there dye fighting in the midst of our Enemies to live afterwards with God for ever, I will be the first that will go out follow me like men.

Thus having said, the Heroick Count worthy of Eternal fame, or a name greater then ever Ro∣man yet could boast, with his Sword in his hand charged the thickest of his foes, laying them round him on heaps, even till the Rampart of the dead hemmed him in, nor durst the Turks with their multi∣tude incounter him long at close fight, but cowardly at a distance shot him through the head upon which he fell dead amongst the heaps of his Enemies, in token

of whose matchless prowess the Turks buryed his bo∣dy and sent his head as a token of his being slain to Count Salma his kinsman in the Emperours camp with this following Letter.

Muhamet Bassa to Eccius Salma, gree••ing.

In token of my Love, behold here I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee the head of a most resolute and valiant Captain, thy Friend, the re∣mainder of his body I have honestly buryed, as became such a man, &c.

That which lightened the Christians sadness for the loss of so brave a Captain, and the taking of Sigeth, was the Death of Solyman, who far spent with years and distempers died at Quinque Ecclesiae of the Bloody Flux, on the 4th. of September, anno 1566. when he had lived 76 years, and reigned 46, not living to see the end of the siege; his death was by the Bassa kept secret to prevent disorder in the Army, who according to their wonted policy satisfied the inquisitive Janizaries by shewing them his dead body sitting in his Horse-litter, giving it out that he was extream ill when after Sigeth having by Treason taken Gyula, for which the Traytor was afterward deservedly put to death by Selymus Solymans successor, the Bassa's with the Army returned to Constantinople where they published the death of Solyman, and pro∣claimed Selymus his now onely remaining Son Em∣perour in his stead.