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. XVIII. The Life of Achmat the Eighth Emperour of the Turks, and first of that Name.

UPon the death of Mahomet the Third his Son Achmat then but fifteen years of Age, was by the great Bassa's and men of War saluted Emperor, having purchased the good will of the latter at two Millions and a half of Aspers; upon which after he was solemnly Crowned, he sent Ambassadors to the King of Persia, as he likewise did to the Empe∣ror, but according to the proud humour of his Predecessors his demands were so unreasonable, that they would not be accorded to, neither in Europe nor Asia, whereupon the Turks ere the Treaty was ended with the Emperour, under pretence of Friendship indeavoured to surprize Pesth, but by the vigilancy of the Garrison Souldiers were put by their purpose, which Treacherous dealing made ma∣nifest the Treaty was utterly broken off, whereup∣on great preparations were made for War on either side, during which time the Persian King was not idle, prosecuting his Wars had recovered al∣most all that the Turks had taken from his Pre∣decessors. Yet the Turks lessened his victory, and the more to amuse the Christians spread a false re∣port, that near unto Babylon his Army was over∣thrown, and himself taken Prisoner, not forget∣ing to magnifie the Forces of their Emperour, who indeed for his years was very active in the affairs of

Government though cruel withal towards his own Subjects, and farther they gave it out that at once he intended to invade with puissant Armies, both Hungary and Persia; purposing to annex them to the Ottoman Empire: but these great words (though in truth the Christians were more negligent in their preparations then the occasion required) proved but Air.

But leaving the Turks awhile I shall survey the miseries of the once fertile Countrey of Transylva∣nia, which now through civil discord amongst themselves, and Rebellion against the Emperour was so spoiled, that Famine coming fast on them for want of the Earths due increase, it by long continuance reduced them to that extremity that the Peasants and poorer sort of people, having eaten up for dainties all the Dogs, Cats, Mice, Rats, and live Horses, fell to eating such starved Beasts as through want they found to have perished in the Woods and Fields, and at length when nothing was left they fed upon human flesh, men eating men, and Women their Children; yea Thieves and Malefactors hauged for their Villanies, were by the miserable people cut down and eaten, to reme∣dy which the Emperour caused to be assembled the States of the Province, wherein it was accorded that all Hostilities set apart, the Gentlemen of Tran∣silvania having by their Rebellion forfeited their Lives and Lands should be pardoned as to Life, with three fourth parts of their Lands reserved unto them, and that for ready money they might of the Emperour redeem the fourth part, but con∣cerning the moveables of such as were dead in the time of trouble, and already confiscated to the Em∣perour, they should so remain, and that they should pay their tenths of their Wines and Fruits to the

Emperour, and that no other then the Romish Re∣ligion should be exercised in that Province, and that Clausenburg and Cronstad should within three weeks after pay the one Twenty Thousand Dollars, and the other Eight Thousand, and that the Governours of those Towns should put their Keys into the hands of the Emperours Leiutenant. And lastly, That the Gentlemen who would not be accounted in the number of the Rebels, should for the safety of their persons take Letters of Pardon from the said Lieutenant. This pacification gave som•• little hopes to the distressed Transylvanians, but I lasted not long, for the Nobility weary of the German yoke soon revolted from the Emperours o••••••••ence, and again took up Arms, which plunged them into their former miseries; wherein for a while I must leave them and return again to the Turkish af∣faires.

The several Hostilities having banished all hopes of Peace, several skirmishes passed between the Christians and Turks, in which the latter were for the most part put to the worst, and had been more distressed had not the Imperial Souldiers mutined, and for want of pay spoiled the Countrey of Austria even within the sight of Vienna, the Sub∣urbs of which City they had sacked, had not the Governour come against them with a great power, and forced them to lay down their Arms, causing the Ring-leaders to be punished with death and im∣prisonment. But whilst these things were doing Zellaly was driven out of Bosna, by Zeffer Bassa sent in order thereto by the Sultan with a great power, yet the better to calm his high Spirit, and to make the Asian Rebels have a better opinion of the young Emperour, he was made Governour of Temeswar, and so became a mortal Enemy to the Christians,

his first undertaking being to surprize Lippa, but therein found such bad success, that he hardly re∣covered his own Garrison, leaving most of his men dead behind him, and soon after a terrible fire hap∣pening in Canisia layed it almost wast, firing the Magazine of Powder and blowing up the Cittadel, Towers, Houses, and Wall, so that had any forces of the Christians been near in that General conster∣nation, they might easily have surprized it, after which lost the Turks sustained another for Two Hundred of the Garrison of Buda, going abroad to forrage, were by the sallying of the Garrison of Pesth all cut off.

During these stirs the restless Transylvanians hav∣ing called to their assistance divers Turks and Tar∣tars, had seized upon several strong places, driving out the Imperial Garrisons to repress whose inso∣lency Basta sent the Haducks, under the leading of Horwal their Captain, who lying in ambush for them who were but few in number, and easily over∣thrown, as being by Famine bereaved of their strength, they were most of them put to the Sword; after which the Haducks robbed the poor Villagers at their pleasure, killing such as refused to contribute to their greedy desires. So that all was again redu∣ced to the same extremity as before, and when the said Captain was by the Leiutenant Commanded to restrain his men from committing any more such out∣rages, he answered, that it was impossible to keep Souldiers in order amidst extremity of Famine, for that the belly was an inexorable usurer, which took pitty upon nothing but with great rigor exacted that which it thought due for the nourishment of it self.

The Forces of the Christians increasing in Hun∣gary, the Bassa of Buda to retard their proceeding made many fair shews of the great desires his Lord the Emperor had of peace, and the better to make it be believed, he wrote a dissembling letter signifying as much to the Governour of Strigonium, but his fair Glozing was not of force to lull the Christians into a security; which hypocrisie of the Bassa's soon after appeared by his surprising Simnin, a Castle held by the Christians, upon the banks of the Danubius, and setting it on fire.

The Persian King having joyned hands with Cara∣cas the chief Leader of the Rebels, a man of great power, in a set Battle overthrew Cicala Bassa, with the loss of almost all his Turks, taking the Bassas son prisoner, by secret Messengers invited the bor∣dering Nations to revolt from the Turkish obedi∣ence, to prevent which, the same Bassa was with ano∣ther huge Army sent into those parts, where in a short space, he received two several overthrows, in which, besides what he lost in the first battle, seven∣ty thousand Turks perished; so that now the Terror the Persian breathed even upon Constantinople it self, having over-run the greatest part of the Turks Do∣minions in Asia, at what time Achmat fell sick of the small Pox at Constantinople, and hardly recovered, when during the time of his sickness it was agreed amongst the Bassas that his brother Mustapha the on∣ly surviver of the Ottoman family if he had dyed, should have been taken out of the Seraglio, where he remained no better then a prisoner, and have been proclaimed Emperor, nor would the Souldiers be∣lieve but that he was dead, till such time as he recover∣ing his strength, rode for their better satisfaction through most of the Principal streets of the Imperial City of Constantinople.

The Persian still prevailing, and it being rumour∣ed, that he advanced apace at the head of one hundred thousand fighting men, to whom Bagages the discontented Bassa had joyned himself, Achmat sent Hassan Bassa his General to maintain the wars in Hungary, and Cicala Bassa (notwithstanding he had been thrice overthrown) against the Persian and Asi∣an Rebels; but amidst his great preparation the Tartarian Cham sent him word that he could not come to his assistance in person, but that he would send his son with a great power into Hungary, (now the rea∣son that this great Monarch is so ready at all times to serve the Turk, is for that they often inter∣change in Marriages, and that if the Ottoman fami∣ly fail, the Empire descends to the Tartar Cham, and lastly, which indeed is the greatest motive, by rea∣son of the large Pension that Prince living in a needy Country receives yearly from the Turkish Emperor.)

To oppose the Turks and Tartars, Rodolphus the Em∣peror sent Maximilian his nephew in the quality of an Ambassador to the Pope and Princes of Italy, to crave aid, who upon his arrival at Rome, was ho∣nourably received, and after having finished his ne∣gotiation, sent back with many presents and a full as∣surance of a speedy supply, the Pope for his part ha∣ving promised out of his Treasury 150000 Crowns, to be paid towards the defraying the charges of the war, in which he was not less then his word; but by this time the Tartars being upontheir march towards Hungary, (where Hassan Bassa was with a great power of Turks arrived) and denyed passage through Polo∣nia, brake violently into Valachia, miserably spoiling and destroying the Country, to abate whose fury the Valachians aided by Bastas Forces still follow∣ing them in the rear, cut off a great number of them, yet at length they passed into Hungary, and there joyned the Bassas Forces, whereupon (after se∣verall

skirmishes, and the taking of some (not im∣portant) places on both sides) he set down with all his power before Strigonium, to prevent whose in∣trenching, the Christians Sallyed out, killing many of them, and driving the rest from their works, upon news of which siege, Basta taking a new oath of the Transylvanians, came with all his Forces to endeavour its Relief, who upon his arrival confront∣ed the enemy, and raising a huge Fort of Earth, not far from their Camp, from thence with several Pieces of Cannon greatly annoyed them, so that what with continual sallyes of the besieged, and the skirmishes Bastas Souldiers had with them after a te∣dious siege, and the loss of twenty thousand men, the haughty Bassa raised his Camp, and departed to∣wards Buda, Basta still following them, and cutting off a great number of such as marched in the rear, and took several prisoners of note, yet such was the fera, that the Turks brought upon Hatvan, during their besieging Strigonium that the Garrison aban∣doned it, carrying with them all their moveables, and several Pieces of Cannon, though the Turks had attempted nothing against it.

During these troubles in Hungary, Bethlem Habor, chief of the Rebels in Transylvania assisted by Beck∣beres Bassa, with four thousand Turks, entered the Province, to have taken possession thereof, in the absence of Basta, but being incountered by Count Tambire, when he suspected no such matter, he was overthrown, and a thousand of his men slain, himself and the Bassa hardly escaping, and three dayes after the said Count, lighting on several Troops of Turks sent to the assistance of the Re∣bels, by the Bassa of Temeswar, put most of them to the sword, yet the Rebellion ceased not so, for one Botscay a discontented German, having drawn a

great number of desperate fellows to take part with him, and countenanced by the Grand Signiour, took the field in the upper Hungary, against whom Belgio∣sia a valiant Captain advanced with such Forces as he in haste could muster up, but such was his ill hap, that joyning battle he was overthrown by the Re∣bels, and most of his Souldiers slain, after which defeat of the imperialists the City of Cassonia was surrendered to the Rebels, upon notice of which Basta having gathered a considerable Army marched against Botscay, to put a stop to his proceedings e'r he possessed himself of any more of the Hungarian Cities, yet the people Generally favouring their causE which wore a mask of Religion and Liberty, the number daily increased, and notwithstanding the diligence of Basta, many strong holds were put into their hands, yet after a tedious march, the re∣nowned Lieutenant, put to flight the forerunners of their Army, and after many difficulties, and the loss of several of his Souldiers, came to a pitched field, of which after a cruel and bloody fight he won, putting Botscay and his Rebel followers to flight, with great slaughter, and by that means recovered many Cities and Castles that had cast off the Empe∣rors obedience, and taken part with the Rebels.

The Turks in Persia fared little otherwise then those in Hungary, for Cicala Bassa, with all his For∣ces were overthrown by the Persian King, and the City of Babylon, now called Bagdat taken, of which he sent to advertize the German Emperor, intreat∣ing him to joyn hands with him for abating the Turks pride, which he was resolutely determined to do, resolving not to give over the war till he had stripped him out of all his Cities in Asia, and there∣fore desired the Emperor to send an Ambassador to

confer with him about a lasting peace, which was accordingly done; nor were they all the trouble the Turkish Empire sustained, for by reason of some differences between the Bassas of Damasco and Aleppo, they wage mortal battle one with the other, wherein the latter was overthrown, and flying to his City, there besieged, till compelled therto by fa∣mine, he yielded to what the Bassa of Damasco demanded; about what time Sultan Achmats first son was born, for which there was great rejoycing at Constantinople.

Anno 1605. The troubles in Hungary and Transyl∣vania more and more increased, the former being occasioned by the Bishops (in their late assembly) passing a decree that all of the reformed Religion should be burnt, or banished, against which wicked Decree, though the Nobility of the Kingdom openly protested against, yet were their Churches seized, and Publick and Private worship forbidden, as also the reading of the Bible; to redress which griev∣ances, Basta promised redress, but Botscay having made them a stirrup to help him into the saddle would hearken to no peace, unless Transylvania might be delivered to him, and that the Lieute∣nant of Hungary might be a Hungarian born, and that all offices might be bestowed upon Hungarians, and the Souldiers of other Nations withdraw ex∣cept such as were in Garrison, and those not to pass their appointed limits; and lastly, that Hungarian Souldiers should receive the Emperors pay, and that when ever an Assembly of the Estates was held at Presburg, the Emperor himself should be there in person. These proposals were sent to Basta by two Hungarians, but without success, whereupon all man∣ner of Hostilities were used, and more spoil made

in a short time, then the Turks had done in many years.

These intestine troubles gave the Turks opportu∣nity to possess themselves of the Cities of Vacia and Vicegrade, and committed great outrages in ma∣ny places, and what was more to the disadvantage of the Emperor, the Haducks his chief strength fa∣vouring the Rebels, revolted from him, which Basta perceiving, and finding his Forces daily to decrease, procured of the Emperor a General pardon for all offences past, as well Temporal as Ecclesiastical, promising upon their submission to restore them to their Liberties, priviledges, and Religious wor∣ship as formerly exercised, and that no man should be molested, by vertue of any Decree made by the Bishops, &c. this pardon was proclaimed with the beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet in several pla∣ces upon which some of the Nobility, whose Estates lay in danger to be spoiled by the Souldiers, came in and submitted themselves, yet the Rebels Army was no whit lessened, but rather increased, insomuch that the Haducks drawing themselves apart besieged Sacinar, in which was an Imperial Garrison, and after divers assaults took it, and marching from thence indeavoured to have surprised the strong Ca∣stle of Tocay, but their design was frustrated by the stout resistance of those in Garrison; but that which had like to have proved worst of all to Basta was the mutiny of his own Souldiers, which he hardly ap∣peased with a great sum of mony.

The Haducks still roaming about as men greedy of prey, lay siege to Fileck, which after some loss they took, and placed a strong Garrison therein; upon which Ambassadors were sent to Boscay the head of the Rebels, to treat with him in the Emperors name, about a peace, but without receiving any satisfaction,

they were forced to return, the Rebel declaring that if they came from the Estates of Hungary he would give them Audience, but if from the Empe∣ror the Articles of peace he had proposed, he ex∣pected to be confirmed without delay, if the Em∣peror expected any, and after the departure of the Ambassadors; he sent forth his Letters mandatory to Assemble the Nobility at Serentium, on the seven∣teenth of April to settle the affairs of the King∣dom, many of which accordingly met, but con∣cluded on nothing material, the Rebel and such as were of his faction still over-ruling them in all their consultations, as well knowing the Emperors Forces for the most part had their hearts with him, which caused them frequently to mutiny and re∣proach their Commanders, under pretence of want∣ing their pay. The Haducks now increased in num∣ber possessed themselves of Newhawsel, Cibinium, Dort. feld and Schemnitze.

Thus whilst all Hungary, Austria, and Stira were as it were in a flame. The Turks again besieged se∣veral Castles which at that time were governed by valiant Captains, so that they prevailed not greatly yet the General confusion made the Emperour desi∣rous of Peace, in order to which he sent Sigismund Forgat with full instructions to Kyrpa where the Estates of Hungary were to assemble, thither like∣wise came several Commissioners from Botscay and the Turkish Bassa's of Buda, Pesth, &c. when as in the mean time other Imperial Ministers were sent to Comara, to Treat only with the Turks, they having so required but the demands of the Turks and Rebels were so unreasonable, that many believed they only set that treaty on foot to protract the preparations of the Imperialists, so that all hopes

of an amicable conclusion vanishing, fierce War be∣gan to rage more terrible then before, all the Coun∣treys round being covered with the smoak of flam∣ing Villages by day, and illuminated with shining ••ires by night, nor did the Rebels spare to sell the poor Christians like beasts to the merciless Turk, by them to be carryed into perpetual slavery, nor desisted from comitting such cruelties as even ama∣zed the Infidels to see themselves out done. To prevent which outrages the Imperialists drawing to∣gether in a body, set upon a strong power of the Turks and Rebels, who thought to have surprized them in their Camp, and after a sharp dispute drove them with great slaughter to the Walls of Canusia, and afterwards put strong Garrisons into most of the important towns and Castles, which bad success made the Rebels again bethink themselves of a timely peace so that Botscay their Ringleader having received Letters of safe conduct from Matthias the Arch-Duke, came with his Wife and Children to Vienna, and there by frequent by conferring with the Imperi∣al Commissioners, matters were so ordered that peace was concluded between the Emperour and his Rebel Subjects of Hungary according to the Tenour of these Articles.

Articles of Peace agreed upon Anno 1606. between the Emperor and his discontented Subjects of Hungary.

1. That from thenceforth it should be lawful for every man throughout the Kingdom of Hungary, to have the free use of his Religion and believe what he would.

2. That if the Hungarians so thought good, they might chuse a Palatine for their Governor, and that in the mean time the Arch-Duke Matthias should no more use the Title of Governour but Vice-Roy.

3. That the Crown of Hungary should still be left in the Emperors keeping.

4. That the Bishops that were nobly descended in Hungary and had Lands of their own, should be forthwith admitted into the Council but the other Bishops not to be so received.

5. That Botscay for himself and his heirs male should ever hold Transilvania.

6. That the same Countrey of Transilvania should be still subject to the Kingdom of Hungary.

7 That for his Arms he should bear three Royal Crowns, and three open Helmets.

8. That he should not more stile himself Prince but Lord of part of Hungary.

9. That they should pay the Heyducks their wages who had leavyed them.

10. That the harms done on both sides should for ever be forgotten.

11. That Bohemia, Moravia, Lansnisium and A••∣stria should not only with their Letters and Seals confirm the Articles, but also swear at Vienna to keep the same, so far as they conerned them.

12. That the Hungarians likewise should send some to Vienna, who in their behalfs should with their Letters, Seals and Oaths, Confirm and Ra∣tifie these Articles.

13. That the assembly of the States of Hungary should be referred unto a more convenient time for their meeting.

14. That these things being done this Agreement should be publickly confirmed and inrolled in the Records of the Kingdom of Hungary.

15. That it should be lawful for the Hungarians by their Ambassadors, to invite the Princes of the Empire to the Approving and Confirming of these Articles.

Peace thus concluded with the Hungarians, the Treaty of Peace between the Turkish Sultan and

the Emperour went on, and with such good suc∣cess that a Peace was soon after concluded to the joy of all the Emperors Subjects, who weary with the continual toils and miseries of War, were now desirous of nothing more then to repose themselves in the downy armes of Peace. After which Botscay called an assembly of the Estates of Hungary recom∣mending to them the care of preserving inviolable the Articles, and the speedy Election of a Palatine, and that above all things they would maintain and incourage the Reformed Religion, and in the next Assembly labour to have the Articles for burning He∣reticks repealed, and as much as in them lay to re∣store the lost Trade of the spoiled Provinces.

These things done Botscay fell sick, which sickness increasing he greatly bewailed his late Rebellion, and the blood therein shed, wishing nothing more then that before he died, he could beg pardon for the same of the whole Roman Empire, yet had not his wish, but of that sickness died at Cossovia, on the 30th. of December, 1606. perswading in the time of his sickness such as had been his followers to ad∣here to the Emperours interest, yet his Counsel was not so well observed, but that after his death (not∣withstanding Matthias the Arch-Duke had caused himself to be Crowned King of Hungary, including the Principality of Transivania) there wanted not some who aspired to the Title of Prince, which caused new discontents, but with relinquishing of that Title they vanished.

Achmat having made Peace with the Emperour, resolved to turn his arms against the Persian King and Asian Rebels, against whom Anno 16••7. early in the Spring he sent the Vizar Bassa, who by Po∣licy more then strength appeased the latter, when upon notice that the Bassa of Aleppo had over∣thrown

the Bassa's of Tripolis and Daucasco, and that at the request of the Sultan he refused to lay down his arms, he marched against him with One Hundred Thirty Thousand men, which puissant Ar∣my the Bassa of Aleppo incountered with Fourty Thousand, and in three Battles remained victor; but upon notice that the Bassa's of Damasco and Tri∣polis, were coming to the Aid of the Vizar Bassa with great Forces, and he by reason of the loss he had sustained not able to withstand their united power fled, with most of his Friends to the Moun∣tains. Yet at the intercession of the Vizar Bassa but more for fear he should revolt t the Persian, he was afterwards pardoned and received into fa∣vour: upon which the King of Persia wrote to the King of Spain, intreating him to joyn Forces with him against the common Enemy, but more especially to send his Ships of War into the Gulf, and the ra∣ther to induce him so to do he sent him several rich presents.

Whilst these things passed the Turkish Garri∣sons, who for the most part lived by spoiles, im∣patient of Peace with the Christians committed some outrages, and secretly incouraged the Heyducks to commit more, of which Achmat having notice sent strictly to charge the Bassa of Buda, not (upon pain of his head) to infringe the Capitulation, where∣upon Six Hundred Heyducks being abroad, and not assisted by the Turks as they expected, were inter∣cepted by Humanoius an Imperial Captain and almost all of them slain; yet soon after the kind of proling men assembling to the number of Fifteen Thousand laid siege to Tilesk, having for their incouragement received Three Hundred Thousand Duccates, by the order of the Turkish Sultan, and great Ordnance

(the better to inable them to take the Town, which they were to deliver to the Turks) from Agria, upon notice whereof the Hungarian Estates Assem∣bled at Presburg, but by reason of the absence of the Arch-Duke, who by the Emperours appoint∣ment was to have sat as President, there was no∣thing worthy of mention transacted, whereupon an Imperial Diet was assembled at Ratisbon, where after debating many matters the Deputies of the several Princes fell at variance amongst themselves, which still increasing notwithstanding the indea∣vours used to prevent it, the Arch-Duke then Pre∣sident dismissed the assembly.

These great Councils proving fruitless, Trou∣bles and Discontent in the unsettled Provinces of Hungary, Austria, &c. arose, to alay which the Arch-Duke came to Presburg and assembled the Estates, who out of themselves chuse Commissioners to appease the Tumults on foot, to hear and deter∣mine all Grievances, who so well performed their trusts that Peace for a while insued.

Affairs Anno 1608. standing thus in Hungary, &c. about the beginning of Spring Jerome Prince of Vala∣chia died leaving behind him a Son about 13 years of Age whom the Emperour admitted (as yet not be∣ing capable to manage the affairs of Government under Tutors) unto the Succession of the Principa∣lity, which thing the Valachians not being willing to endure, and bearing themselves upon the Turks, went about to Elect another Prince, for which cause the Princess, Widow to the deceased Vayvod, by Letters certified Polloscie her Son-in-Law of the in∣tended outrage of her Subjects, and having received of him a great summ of money, Leavied Ten Thou∣sand good Souldiers to secure her Sons right, who

in a great Battle overthrew such forces of Valachi∣ans, Turks and Tartars as the Nobility had raised to oppose the Succession of the young Prince, and by that means preserved the Principality to the behoof of her Son, but what had like to have proved fatal to Christendom, was the difference arising between the Em∣perour nad the Arch-Duke Matthias upon the ••atters laying absolute claim to the Crown of Hungary, without acknowledging to hold it of the Empire, but when both parties had armed and matters had like to have come to extremity, several Princes labour∣ed so far therein that a Pacification was made, and the Arch-Duke having received the Insigns of Royalty, from the Emperours Ambassadors upon acknow∣ledging him his Soveraign, broke up his Camp and returned to Vienna, where he was joyfull received. Yet the Protestant Estates of Austria, refused to swear Allegiance to him, till he had confirmed the Article of free exercise in matters of Religion, which he for a considerable time refusing to do, great Troubles had thereupon like to have arisen; for the Protestant Estates not regarding his Regal Authority further then stood with the Articles of Pacification, for non performance thereof betook themselves to Arms, but the Estates of Bohemia and Moravia interposing, all was for a while quiet, the King promising that although for fear of displeasing the Pope and King of Spain, he could not tolerate the Reformed Religion, yet he would wink at the free exercise throughout his Dominions, and that as to the disposal of Offices and places of Trust, he them according to the merits of his Subejcts: Up∣on which the Estates proceeded to the Election of a Palatine, which honourable Dignity they bestowed on Illishascius, a Noble man of Hungary, who faithfully

discharged his trust for the space of one year and then died to the great grief of the Hungarians, of whom for his great Wisdom and Uprightness he was generally beloved, in whose stead the Nobility elected George Turson, who got a good esteem a∣mongst them, by his pacifying the Troubles that immediately upon the death of Illishascius arose in Bohemia about Religion.

Anno 1608 on the 19 of October, the Turkish Am∣bassador came to the Emperors Pallace at Prague, having by the way visited the new King of Hungary, where being received with the respect due to his Character, he delivered the present sent by his Ma∣ster the Grand Signeor, which were principally a Rich Tent of divers Colours most curiously wrought with Pearls of great value, four couragious horses trapped with Gold and precious Stones, certain Turkish weapons set and garnished with precious Stones, a Princely Turkish Robe, such as they use at their Marriages, Glistering with Gold and pre∣tious stones, with divers other rarities of lesser va∣lue, together with which he delivered Achmats Let∣ters, and withall desired the confirmation of the Peace before made for twenty years, to be again re∣newed; after which he was honourably treated and dismissed with the Emperors Letters to the Sultan, and many rare presents, no whit inferiour to those he brought, and with a train of two hundred horse conducted him to the Turkish Frontiers.

In the year 1609, nothing worthy of mention happened, but the year following, the King of Per∣sia having overthrown the Turks Forces, sent to stay the current of his Victories, entred into the Pro∣vince of Babylon, with an intent to annext it to his other Conquests, which so alarmed Achmet, that Leavying a great power he sent them under the Leading of Nassut Bassa, to secure his Territories on

that side, but such was the evil fortune of the Bassa, that joyning battle, he was overthrown, and twen∣ty thousand of his men slain; after which good suc∣cess the Persian King sent other Ambassadors to the Roman Emperor, with many rich presents to incite him to break his League with the Turks, but notwithstanding the many pregnant arguments used by the Amassador, the Emperor could not be indu∣ced to break his faith, but dismissed him with a re∣turn of presents, and many thanks to his master, for the respect he had towards him, and his care for the Christian Commonwealth.

About the same time the Knights of Malta putting several Galleys to sea, fought the Turks Galleys with various success, sometimes one prevailing, and some∣times the other; nor did the Duke of Tuscany less annoy them with a squadron of Gallies, under the command of Admiral Jughiraim, who running along, the coast of Barbary took many Turkish Gallyes, and landing his men in divers places, spoiled the Country and took greate booties; nor fared the Morisques or new Christians in Spain this year to their contents, for the Spanish King upon a Capricio Banished them out of his Dominions to the number of 900 thousand persons, most Moores and Jews, who for profits sake had suffered themselves to be baptized, but now upon the Publication of the Kings Edict, they were forced to wander like vagabonds over the face of the earth to seek new places to reside in; at what time there happened a contest between Muley Xequy King of Fess, and Muley Sidan his younger brother, which increased to that height that mortal wars arose, when after many fields fought, the latter prevailed, and pos∣sessed himself of the Kingdom, which caused the for∣mer to flye into Spain, there to crave aid of King Phil∣lip, who in consideration of the Barbarians promise to

deliver Alarache a strong Town seated on the mouth of the River Lucus, in the Kingdom of Fess, into his possession, furnished him with 100 thousand Duccates, therewith to leavy Souldiers in his own Countrey, and sent with him likewise his ships of war, under the conduct of the Marquess of St. Germaines, manned with ten thousand Spaniards, who coming before the Town, landed the King, who was receiv∣ed by several of his friends into a strong Castle that guards the mouth of the River, which he put into the hands of the Spaniard, but it was no sooner known that he had so done, but the Mores from all parts run to their Arms, so that e'r they could possess themselves of the Town, an obstinate fight was maintained for the space of three hours, in which space five hundred Spaniards and three thousand Moores were slain, but in the end the former pre∣vailed, and possessed themselves of that strong place, which had by them been so often desired, the news of which caused great rejoycing in Spain. This year was fought a great battle between the Son of the late deceased Cham of Tartary, and his uncle, upon the latters usurping the Imperial dignity, during the formers remaining a hostage at Constantinople, in which 40000 men were slain, and the Victory rested upon the rightful Heir.

Anno 1611, such a Contagion happened in Con∣stantinople that it ingendring a Pestilence, which ra∣ged so vehemently that thirty thousand died in one month, and amongst the rest, one of Achmats sons, nor did the Barron of Salignac the French Kings Ambas∣sador escape, to succeed whom as soon as the Morta∣lity ceased, the Barron of Mole was sent, who up∣on his arrival, after having visited the Mufti or chief Mahometan Priest, and the great Bassa's of the Court, himself and his retinue were attired in

Turkish habit (no Ambassadors being permitted in the proper habit of their own Countrey to approach the Sultan) was conducted to have his Audience of the Grand Seigneour, through a litte Court paved with Marble; after which, he entred the Royal Chamber, which was inriched on one side with many Pillars of Marble, and square stones of the same, beautified with two Fountains, on either side the planchers were gilt with Gold, and the Walls In∣ameled with flowers, and the flour covered with cloath of Gold and silver, at the entery of which stood six Capigi or Royal Porters, two of which took the Ambassador by either arm to lead him to the Grand Seigneor (a Ceremony pretended for ho∣nours sake, but indeed to prevent any violence, that upon such near access may be offered, and has been in use ever since Amurath the first was stabbed in the fields of Coss••via) and the rest carryed the presents; so that the Ambassador having kissed the hem of the imperious Turks Garment, was carry∣ed out another way backward, because it should not be said that the Minister of any Forrein Prince turn∣ed his back upon the Emperor, in like manner his at∣tendants fared, being obliged to withdraw till the Infidel was more at leisure, for as then he stood peeping out at a window to view some disports that were made below for his diversion and a while after being admitted, he delivered his letters written in the Turkish Language, and in a pithy Oration, delivered what else he had in charge.

Notwithstanding the Peace between the Imperia∣lists and the Turks, the latter ceased not covertly to stir up dissensions, by which means they procu∣red the revolt of Gabriel Battori Vayvod of Transilva∣nia, who raising a great power, chased Raduille

Prince of Valachia out of his Principality, who there∣upon fled to Constantine Vayvod of Moldavia, when re∣inforced by the Moldavian, he returned again, and in a great battle overthrew Gabriel, forcing him to flye with his scatered Troops to Hermstad, where he com∣mitted many Cruelties under pretence that the Ci∣tizens went about to deliver him into the hands of his mortal enemies. The division stirred up Fort∣ga••sie the King of Hungary to pass into Transylvania, to reduce the revolted Cities to the Kings obedience, but being waylaid, he was forced to travel through desart places, where through famine and diseases that raged in his Camp, most of his men dyed; so that fearing to fall into the hands of those he intended to oppress, he fled into Polonia with a slender Train, yet ended not the trouble, for by this time the Turks had stirred up discontents in Moldavia, by sending thither a Competitor to wrestle with Con∣stantine for his Principality, but finding himself too weak, and not assisted as he expected, fled to Constanti∣nople, there to crave aid of Achmet, but finding ma∣ny delays he travelled to the Courts of many Chri∣stian Princes, and amongst others came into England, and made his application to King James, who moved with his heavy complaints, and specious pretences of just claim to the Principality of Moldavia, that his Majesty was pleased bountifully to relieve him, and by his Letters to recommend him to the care of Sir Thomas Glover, his Ambassador then residing at Constantinople, who recommended him to the Grand Signeur, but such were the counterplots of Constan∣tine, that by bribing the great Bassa's he not only prevented him in his purpose but greatly indangered his being made away, which had certainly happened had not Sir Thomas sheltered him under his protecti∣on, and by fortifying his house, daunted the blood∣thirsty

Janizaries, whom the Grand Visier had im∣ployed to take him thence by Force, but Sir Thomas being soon after recalled; The Moldavian despairing to obtain the Principality he so much desired, in a rage renounced the Lord that bought him, and im∣braced the Turkish superstition, whereupon he was made Bey of Bursia in Asia, but enjoyed not that dignity long e'r Nassuf Bassa returning from the Per∣sian war, dispossessed him.

This year the Gallyes of Florence, Malta and Na∣ples, greatly endamaged the Turkish Dominions on the Sea-Coasts, taking likewise several rich prizes, and amongst the rest the Carravan Gally coming from Egypt, to Constantinople, with the Tribute of that rich Kingdom, sinking at the same time five others, and descending upon the Isle of Lango, and took the Town from which the Island takes its name, putting a number of Turks to the sword, and taking a great spoil, and soon after entered the Bay of Co∣rinth so secretly, that Landing they surprized the City, sacked it and carryed away, besides a rich booty five hundred slaves.

These things made the Turkish Sultan wish for peace with the Persian, that he might be at leasure to turn his Arms upon the Christians, especially upon the Knights of Malta, who greatly obstruct∣ed his Navigation, and that which furthered his purpose was the arrival of the Persian Ambassador at Constantinople, whereupon to welcom him he con∣cluded a Marriage between Mehemet Bassa, son to Cicula, late deceased, and his Sister, and another between Mechmet Bassa his great Admiral, and his Eldest daughter, which were cellebrated with all imaginable splendor, but soon after the Pestilence began again to rage in that great City, whereupon

Achmat withdrew himself to his rural Palace at Durat Bassa, where whilst he was viewing the Mosque that he had caused to be built, a Dariveler or Turkish Monk, cast at him a stone with such force that it over∣threw him; whereupon the Traytor was seized, and ordered by Torture to be constrained to confess what moved him to that outrage; but the officers of the Port with out further examination the next day executed him, which made some conjecture, that either they or some great men whom they favoured, set him on work.

During these Passages Moldavia groaned under Clan∣destine Tumults, the Turks still endeavouring to de∣pose Constantine, and he with all his power on the contrary, labouring to support his dignity, so that the Villages in all places went to Rack, the Countrey for the most part being laid wast; to calm which differences the Polonian Ambassador came to the Court of Constantinople, expecting a sudden Audi∣ence, but was contrary to his expectation, after six weeks attendance clapt up in prison, with notice that he could not be delivered till such time as the two Capigis which Constantine carryed Captive into Polonia, nor was Transylvania free from fraction and civil dissension occasioned by one Giezy set up by the Bassa of Buda, to oppose the Palatine of Hungary, to whom that Province, according to the late Arti∣cles of peace does appertain, but the upstart finding his Forces too weak too grasp the Government soon after relinquished his claime.

Achmat the more to amuse the Persian Ambassador, and oblige him to wonder at his greatness, resolved to shew himself in all his pomp, and thereupon ma∣king as if he went to Darut Bassa to take the air, after a dayes stay, returned in this manner. Before him a great number of men at Arms marched on

horse-back, and after them some Troops of Foot; The Cadies of Constantinople, or his chief Justicers; Then all the Talismans, or those of Mahomets Law in great number; then the Vizar Bassas in great splendor; after whom followed ten of the Sultans houshold, leading ten goodly horses in rich Capari∣sons, the last of which had a Bridle and Saddle pondered with precious stones, and unto the saddle was fastned the Sultans Target, and upon it were fastened Tassels of Pearls, hanging almost with the ground, and over these a horse-cloth richly imbroidered with Pearl, after which follow∣ed the rest of the Sultans houshold in divers Troops, first fifty Janizaries on foot, every one of them leading dogs in Leshes, for the most part Irish-grey∣hounds, presented to him a little before by the French Ambassador, next to whom in order succeeded the Sultans Footmen called Pelks, who were Persi∣ans born, all well attired, wearing on their heads bonets of Silver, after the Indian fashion, Then sixty Archers, in the midst of whom came Sultan Achmat attired in a rich robe of Cloath of Gold, imbroidered with Pearls and Diamonds, and his slave clad in the same manner, his Turbant was covered with a Plume of black Feathers, inriched with great Diamonds, and a chain of the same stones, about the lower part of it upon his fingers he had Diamonds of such largeness, as they cast admira∣ble light; his horse had Caparisons imbroidered with Diamonds, Pearls, and other precious stones, the Ground being Gold, and the stirrups of beaten Gold set with Diamonds, and from his Horses neck hung great Tassels of Pearl, of a more than ordi∣nary size; after him there followed three men on Horseback, the one carrying his Cloak, the other his arms, and the third his Imperial Turbant, and these were attended on by certain Esquires on horse∣back.

Then came the Musick after the Turkish manner, consisting of sixty men on Horseback, which played upon Fiets, Chardons and Trum∣pets; next followed one hundred of the Sultans Pa∣ges bravely mounted, followed by as many Eu∣nuches, fifty of which carryed each of them a Fal∣con upon his fist, having their heads inriched with Diamonds; after them came thirty Guards of the Port, and fifty Falconers and Huntsmen, richly at∣tired, each of them carrying upon his saddle bow a Leopard covered all but the head with a Cloath of Gold attended on by an other train of Pages, very beautiful, chosen from amongst the Tribute infants, having their Garments beset with pretious stones, the ground being Cloath of Gold curled, and after these followed a Troop of youths in plain attire, who were appointed to serve the pages; The rear of which procession was closed with all the great Officers of the Turkish Empire, that were then resident at Constantinople, and to make the Magnificence more compleat, as the Archers passed by the Sultans lodg∣ing 100 pieces of Silk, were cast amongst them.

Four days after this pompous shew Achmat gave Au∣dience to the Persian Ambassador, who presented him on the behalf of the King his Master, with 100 Bales of Silk, a Beazor stone, as big as a mans fist, 9 bags of Turquoises of a foot and half long, and above a finger broad, several rich pieces of Tapistry, interwoven with Silk and Gold, with some other things of great price, amongst which he delivered his masters Letters; whereupon they began to treat of peace, which soon after was accorded principally upon these Articles: First, That the Persian King should pay unto the Turkish Sultan yearly by way of Tribute two hundred Camells Loads of Silk, That the King of Persia's Son should be called Bassa of Iauris, and that

the Cadi or Soveraign Judge of that City should be sent from Constantinople.

The Peace thus concluded to the advantage of the Turks and dishonour of the Persians, the Ambassador with many rich presents, was dismissed, leaving all∣most all his Retinue behind him dead of the plague; nor did he long survive them, for upon his arrival at Tauris, his master understanding upon what dis∣honourable Terms he had concluded the peace, caused his head to be cut off, and sent back the Chiaus that was come with his Ambassador to see him swear the peace, so that not long after all vanished into no∣thing.

During these Transactions, Rodolphus the Emperor died, to succeed whom the Electoral Princes made choice of his brother Matthias King of Hungary, who upon his taking upon him the Imperial sway, sent his Ambassadors to Constantinople to intreat a confirma∣tion of the peace made between his brother deceased, and the Sultan, and to complain of the daily out∣rages committed in his Province of Transylvania, but the Turk who keep no League any longer then it turns to their advantage, not only refused to re∣dress the grievances in Tansylvania, but denyed the Emperor to have any right to that Province, al∣though in the League it was expresly mentioned, that Botscay dying with out Heirs male, the Principality should totally remain a member of the Roman Em∣pire, but after all was said that could be said, the Ambassador was dismissed without the satisfaction he expected.

About the end of September, Anno 1612, great trou∣bles arose in the Kingdoms of Fess and Morocco oc∣casioned by a quarrel between the Prince Xerif-Mu∣ley-Cidan and Xerif-Muley-Achet-Ben-Abdula his ne∣phew, when after many, battles fought between

them, the latter was overthrown, and in his flight slain, having drawn the people into Rebellion against his uncle under the pretence of a Prophesie that foretold his rise, and the flourishing State of Barbary under his Government, which Prophecy himself not long before invented, yet many imagi∣ned that he dealt by inchantment, and often would he boast that no Bullet could hurt him, and indeed many were the Victories he gained over Cidan, even with a handful of men in comparison to the great Armies which Cidan lead against him, his Allegation was that he was sent from Heaven to purge the world of wicked men.

About this time the Estates of the United Provinces under Prince Maurice, sent Cornelius Hage their Ambassador to Constantinople with Commission to treat of the deliverance of the captive Hollanders, that had bin taken by the Turkish Gallies, and to require free Traffick in all the Ports of the Ottoman Empire in consideration of which to propose perpetual Amity with the Sultan, in all which he succeeded so well, that the Spanish King was not a little grieved thereat, though himself was afterward obliged to enter into League with the Turk.

Transilvania altogether disquieted, and weakned by civil discord, the Sultan thought it a fit time to reduce that Province to his obedience, and there∣fore raised a mighty Army and marched directly thi∣ther but whilst he was on his way Fortifying all the important places in his passage, Cosmo d' Medicis the great Duke of Tuscany, setting out a Fleet of Gallies spoiled the Sea Coasts in the Mediterranean, and took many places from the Turks and amongst the rest the strong City of Agliman, with 2 Gallies that lay in the Port putting a number of Turks to the Sword by whose example an. 1613. the Gallies of Sicily set out and destroyed the Turks Gallies in the Levant, making terrible spoil on the Sea-Coast landing several times on the Islands of Chios, Samos and Cyprus, taking rich spoils and freeing many Christian Captives, to oppose whom Ten

Turkish Gallies came but after a terrible engagement, seven of them fell into the Christians hands, and one was sunk, the other two hardly escaping under the shelter of the night.

Achmats Army arriving in Transilvania committed many outrages, but upon notice that Bethlem Gabor was acknowledged Prince under the protection of the Sultan, and had sent his submission to him, the Tempest fo War grew calm, and the Turkish pow∣er dreadful to the German Empire returned to Constan∣tinople, at what time S••gismund Battor the Warlike Prince of Transilvania, who had deposed himself and was retired to Prague, there to lead a private Life died; but the Turks upon their arrival at Constan∣tinople found the City almost desolate by reason the Plague raged there so, that Achmat and all his fol∣lowers retired themselves to Darut Bassa, till the Contagion ceased, and then in great pomp entered the City, publishing an Edict that all the Dogs therein should be transported to Scutary in Asia, formerly called Chirsopolis, but the Inhabitants of that place, not willing to be trouble with such Guests, although provision was allowed them, hum∣bly besought the Emperor to dispose of them else∣where, so that they were to the number of Fifty Thousand put on shoar in a desolate Island where they all perished. The reason why they were not killed was for that the Mufti had told Achmat it was not lawful, alledging that Dogs had Souls.

To conclude this year 1613 the Persian King up∣on a suspicion that the Armenians were about to reconcile themselves to the Pope, and yield obedi∣ence to the See of Rome, which suspicion was ground∣ed upon forged Letters, he caused Twelve Hundred of them to be put to death, and kept straightly

imprisoned double that number which made the Grcassians, Georgians, and Armenians with other Eastern Christians send their Ambassadors to Ach∣mat imploring Aid to protect them from the rage of the Persians, to counterpoise which the Persian King sent likewise his Ambassador, but the Sultan would not admit him to Audience, till such time as he heard his Master had stayed the Persecu∣tion.

Anno 1614. divers direful Prodigies were seen in Hungary, Silesia, Austria, and other parts of Chri∣stendom, which greatly amazed most people, who supposed them to be the forerunners of great cala∣mities but nothing followed except the downfal and death of the Nassuf the grand Vizar, who fell from the top of Honour into the depth of misery by offending his soon offended Master, and by the Sultans Command was by Bestanges Bassa slain in his own house, and that Head which during the time he stood high in the Sultans favour, had Governed the whole Ottoman Empire, stricken off and carried as a present to Achmat, and in his stead Mechmet who had Marryed the Sultans Daughter was made chief Vizar.

Transylvania now rent from the German Empire, the Emperour laboured to recover it, and for that purpose sent several trusty Councelors to deal with the Nobility to cast off the Turkish yoke, and to return to their former obedience; of which the Turkish Sultan getting notice, sent to the Emperor to admonish him to keep inviolate the peace con∣cluded between them, and not to meddle in the af∣fairs of Transylvania, though at the same time, by his Hostilities in Hungary he had manisestly broke it, to which the Emperor replyed he was on his part

resolved to keep the peace inviolate though the Sul∣tan had already broken the Articles of the League, but as to his tamely parting with his Province of Transylvania confirmed to him by the same League, he would resolve nothing therein till he had consulted Princes of the Empire, with which answer the Chiaus returning to Constantinople.

The Emperor Assembling the Estates, laid before them the just Grievances of his Subjects, and the in∣dignities offered to himself, with the manifest breach of the League on the part of the Turks, in not only assisting his Rebels, but with great Companies of themselves, making great spoil in his Hereditary Countries. To which the Estates answered, that with all their power they would maintain the Digni∣ty of the Emperor, and defend the Empire, of which resolve Achmat was no sooner advertized, but the better to encourage Bethlem Gabor, to invade the Emperors Frontiers, he sent him a strong power un∣der the command of Sander Bassa, with which he besieged Lippa, and had it delivered to him, as he had also had several other places of less importance, which places were put into the possession of the Turks, but to remain part of the Transylvanian Principa∣lity.

Affairs standing thus in Transylvania, Moldavia, was at the same afflicted, and brought low by the Tyranny of Stephano their Vayvod, who the better to secure him in his Estate, had caused most of the No∣bility to be cruelly and shamefully murthered, upon which the Moldavians disdaining the Tyrants rule, who was wont to say, that he valued not his Subjects love, so they feared him, rose in Arms against him, choosing for their Prince Alexander son to Jeremy their former Vayvod, who with a great power en∣tering the Countrey, had many strong places put in∣to

his possession, which the Tyrant understanding, and finding the hatred of his Subjects generally bent against him, he fled, till strengthened by a supply of Turks and Tartars, he again returned, and gave the Prince Battle, but was therein over∣thrown; after which Alexander was proclaimed with the consent of all the Nobility Vayvod of Moldavia, whereupon he sent Ambassadors to the Grand Seigni∣our, to inform him that he would do nothing pre∣judicial to his Imperial Majesty, but that what he had done was at the instance of the Nobility, to free the Countrey from a Tyrant, but e'r these Ambas∣sadors could arrive at Constantinople they were im∣prisoned, at the commandment of the Bassa of Buda, and being afterward put into the power of Stephano, he caused their heads to be cut off and their bodies to be cast into the Danube, and then having re∣cruited his Forces, returned again into Moldavia, where in a second battle he was overthrown, and most of his Army slain, himself hardly escaping to Michna Prince of Valachia; but soon after Alexan∣der, having notice that the said Michna and Hebra∣im a Turkish Bassa were raising great Forces to assist Stephano, he sent Boyartsk ye his Ambassador to Michna to make him his friend, or at least to perswade him to desist from taking part with the Tyrant, but the proud Bassa, contrary to the will of the Vayvod Mich∣na, caused the Ambassador to be clapped in Irons, and sent prisoner to Constantinople, where upon his arrival, contrary to the Law of Nations he was con∣demned to the Gallies, to excuse which, the Vay∣vod sent an Ambassador to Prince Alexander, pro∣mising him that unless it were by the absolute com∣mand of the Grand Siegniour, which he durst not disobey, he would not assist his Competitor, and at the same time it being rumoured that Bethlem Gaber

was likewise raising Forces to invade Moldavia, the Prince sent an other Ambassador to him, who to the Ambassador protested his innocency therein, and that he intended no harm to Alexander his master, but on the contrary greatly desired his friendship, and for his fathers sake would assist him in what lay in his power, but that which caused a great trouble in Moldavia was the death of Prince Visnouviskie, who was poisoned by a Greek Priest in receiving the Sa∣crament, for which the impious actor was fryed to death in a wyer chair, having first confessed that he was induced to commit that hellish exploite, at the instance of the Princes enemy, who upon the Priests detection were fled.

Anno 161.. at the incessant intreaty of Stephano the Sultan sent Skinder Bassa with a powerful Army to to restore him to the Vayvod-ship of Moldavia, whereupon Prince Alexander sent to his friends as well in Polonia as in other parts of Christendom, to Aid him against the Common Enemy, and there∣upon received great Aid, especially out of Polonia, under the leading of Prince Coreski, who shortly af∣ter Marryed the Princess Alexandrina, Sister to Prince Alexander, and having refreshed the Army, the two Princes as joynt Commanders, marched against the Bassa, and in a set battle overthrew him near unto Cochona, together with the Forces of Ste∣phano, and pursuing their Victory entered Valachia, where entering Bonza without resistance, he was by the Estates of that Province, intreated to take up∣on him the Vayvodship; for that they being weary of the Turkish thraldom, from which Michna their Vayvod had absolutely refused to free them, they resolved for that reason to chuse an other, but the Prince refused the charge, he would not deprive his friend of his possession, yet consented that

Prince Cherbanne son to the late Vayvod should take the charge upon him, but whilst these things were in agitation Shindar Bassa had gathered a great power; and proclaimed Michna Vayvod of Moldavia, Stephano by reason of his frequent overthrows, being now fal∣len into disgrace with the Sultan, and on a sudden the said Bassa with his multitude invironed the Princes Camp, where he together with his mother, Prince Coreskie, and his fair Princess Alexandrina were ta∣ken prisoners, as were all the Camp, except five hun∣dred Polonians, who under the leading of the Lord Tischevish cut their way through the Army of the Turks, yet for a long time the Princes remained dis∣guised amongst the common prisoners, in hopes of being admitted to their ransoms, but at length all except the Princess Alexandrina were carryed to Con∣stantinople; but she falling into the hands of a Tarta∣rian Captain, was carryed into Tartary, where she was hardly dealt with, till at length she was ransom∣ed for 3000 Chequins, having during her Captivity been delivered of a fair son.

The year following the Turks spoiled the Seacoast Towns of Italy, taking many rich prizes, and had the like repayed them by the Christian Gallies in the Mediterranean, and greater mischiefs had insued had not Achmet the Turkish Sultan died, having lived thirty years, and reigned fifteen, appointed by rea∣son of his sons minority, his brother Mustapha whom he had a long time kept prisoner, to succeed him in the Ottoman Empire.