The rarities of Turkey, gathered by one that was sold seven times a slave in the Turkish Empire, and now exposed to view for the benefit of his native countrey:.

Concerning War.

THe Turks have all one Empe∣ror or King of the Race of Otto∣man; who hath next to himself in Authority two Sangiachs, or Vice∣roys, chief Governours, th' one of Europe, th' other of Asia; and these have under them Lieutenants of les∣ser quality, who command the or∣dinary Souldiery; and if they fail, being call'd to any expedition, are presently punished with death. He hath others always following him; as Councellors, Guardians of his body, ever neer him; chamberlains, chancellors, & exactors of tribute, for monies and young people; with certain numbers of light-horse, mes∣sengers, & divers others that conti∣nually follow the court. His greatest strength is in his Slaves; Children (for the most part) torn from Chri∣stian Parents, with Tribute-Chil∣dren

bred and educated in several Seraglio's, Captives taken in War, and Renegado's. Of these, some are trained up, and serve on horse; who have a double stipend to the Foot, and alwayes ready at com∣mand, in stables keeping four hun∣dred horse together. The great body of Foot-Souldiery are the Janizaries, all commanded by a Chief, called their Aga, a person of mighty trust, and like importance; who hath under him divers inferi∣our Commanders, and have Sera∣glio's apart. Of these, and Auxi∣liary Forces, the Turk can draw three hundred thousand to the Field. A great part of these Jani∣zaries attend the Court, Ambassa∣dors houses, and protect all Chri∣stian Inhabitants and Travellers, for rewards; and are faithful in those imployments. Their Standard in the Field, is an Horse-Tail tied upon a pole; an Emblem of their

first barbarity and rudeness. His strength at Sea is not considerable, consisting most in Gallies, and those not equal to some Italian Princes; nor hath he many, for want of Slaves, whom he im∣ployes more for Land-services. The best of Shipping, is under the Bassa's of Algier and Tunis, whom he manageth with much po∣licy; sometime as Rebels, and some∣time as good Subjects, to his best advantage against Christians: for if they complain of loss, the Turk then sayes, He cannot rule them. If th' other do the like, he'll take tre∣ble damages.