The stratagems of war, or, A collection of the most celebrated practices and wise sayings of the great generals in former ages written by Sextus Julius Frontinus, one of the Roman consuls ; now English'd, and enlarged with a new collection of the most noted strategems and brave exploits of famous and modern generals ... by M.D.A.

A Collection of the Brave Exploits and Subtil Stratagems of several famous Generals since the Roman Empire.

CAAP. I. The Exploits of Ardaburius, General to Theodosius the II. Emperor of Con¦stantinople Anno Domini 400.

WHen Baratanes had succeeded his Fa¦ther Isdigerdes in the Kingdom of Persia; * 1.1 and through the persuasion of some Magicians, persecuted the Church of Christ planted in that Country: And for their defence, the Roman Emperor Theodosius the II. sent a famous General of those days, Arda∣burius, with a sufficient Army against the Heathen Prince, and Narsaeus his chief Captain. After the first Battel, where the Roman Soldiers came off with Victory, Narsaeus cunningly retreats, and in∣vades

the Province of Mesopotomia, belonging to the Roman Empire, to make that the Seat of the War. When therefore he had gathered so great a power that he seem'd able to encounter the Romans, he sent a messenger to Ardaburius to de∣sire a parley, that they might appoint between them when and where to fight a Battel. Arda∣burius wisely answered the Embassadors thus: Tell Narsaeus from me, That the Emperors of Rome use not to wage Battel at Narsaeus his plea∣sure. The Persian Prince had then all his Forces together, which exceeding the Romans in num∣ber, caused the Citizens of Constantinople, and the whole Empire, to doubt of the success and fortune of the War. But there happened one thing which much encouraged them and the Sol∣diers to fight valiantly. Certain Travellers go∣ing out of Bythinia towards Constantinople, met, as they reported, with a company of Angels, who desired them to salute and hearten the In∣habitants of Constantinople in their names, advi∣sing them to pray to, and put their trust in God, with this assurance, that they were sent as Cele∣stial Recruits and Auxiliaries to the assistance of the Roman Army against the Persians; and that they should obtain a famous Victory. Whether this report was really so, or whether it was in∣vented on purpose, as it hath bin sometimes practiced to encourage the Soldiers to difficult encounters, it had that good effect, that none doubted afterwards of success; and the Roman Soldiers were more resolute and brave in all their Fights with the Enemy. Insomuch, that at the Siege of Nisibis, a panick fear so seized the Sa∣racens who were came to relieve that City, and assist the Persian King, that only the Alarm and

Dread of the Romans approach, caused them in their Armour to cast themselves into the River Euphrates, and venture over; but the swiftness of the Stream swallowed an hundred thousand, who for fear of the Roman Sword were drowned in the Water. In this Persian War, Ardaburius by Policy alone, overcame seven great Comman∣ders of the Enemies. But notwithstanding these glorious Victories, Theodosius sent one of his Courtiers named Helion, to conclude a Peace with the Persian Monarch; but this motion was at first rejected by the Soldiers of the Regiment called by the Persians Immortal, consisting of 10000 variant Men, who desired their Prince to give them leave to beat up the Roman Quarters, and try whether they might surprise them secure and negligent: But such was the vigilancy and diligence of the Commanders, and courage of the Soldiers, that they encompassed these stout Persians, and cut them all in pieces, though they had divided themselves into two parties, to as∣sault the Roman Camp with more advantage.

CHAP. II. Of Asper a Son of Ardaburius.

AFter the Persian War, and the death of Ho∣norius the Emperor, the Un∣kle of Theodosius the younger, * 1.2 a certain Rebel named John, attemp∣ted to invade the Imperial Crown and Dignity with a considerable number of Sol∣diers, whom he had Listed for that purpose. Ar∣daturius

was sent against him; but it happened, that as he was Sailing from Salonae to Aquileia, through cross winds he fell into the Enemies power. When Aspar his Son and the Roman Army understood it, they made more speed than ordinary to invest Ravenna, whither they had car∣ried their General prisoner, following the conduct and direction of an Angel of God, who being sent in the appearance and garb of a Shepherd, as was then reported, to assist the just cause of the Religious Emperour Theodosius, against the Rebels. Such inventions have often bin pra∣cticed by the politick Wits of all Ages, and such reports have been often spread and encouraged to oblige the ignorant vulgar to more manhood and confidence. However: whe∣ther that report were real or feigned, Aspar suddenly assaulted, and enter'd Ravenna through a Lake joyning to the Walls; which because ne∣ver any had Forded it before, was less Guarded. Whether then by the power of God the Waters were abated to favour the passage of the Soldiers; or whether the boldness and resolution of the Assailants, attempting to go through a place that was believed to be unpassable, gave an occasion to such a report, is uncertain? Though it hath bin always the wisdom and practice of great Generals to endeavour things that seem'd unfea∣zable; and to assault an Enemy on that side where they were most secure, and where they most re∣lied upon a Natural Fortification.

CHAP. III. Of Belissarius the General of the Roman Army in the days of Justinian the Em∣peror, Anno Domini 528.

SEveral Generals were in the days of Martia∣nus Leo. 1. Zeno Anastasius, and Justinus, the former Emperours, but none much renowned for their Policies and Exploits. Belissarius was one of the most remarkable in all History for his brave actions, and for the instability and uncon∣stancy of humane Glory. His excellent conduct, together with his wonderful success in War, raised him to the highest Apex of Honour: but envy, malice, and ingratitude, cast him down to the lowest step of misery, to beg his Bread at the Gates of Sancta Sophia, the chief Church of Constantinople, with this saying, Give a half penny to Belissarius. For the Emperour Justinianus caused his eyes to be put out, and all his Estate to be taken from him: after that he had by his Wisdom and Valour saved and enlarged the Ro∣man Empire, and deliver'd the Emperors person from a strong Conspiracy, headed by one Floria∣nus a Nobleman, and assisted by Hippatius, Pom∣peius, and Probus, Kinsmen of the former Empe∣rour Anastasius. This act of Valour restored him to the Emperors favour, for he had bin in some disgrace through the Envy of the Courtiers. He was of no extraordinary Birth, but raised him∣self through his great skill in Martial Affairs. At that time Gilimerus Raigned over the Vandals in Africa, where that Northern People had erected

a flourishing Empire. Justinian proclaimed War against him, and sent Belissarius as General, with a numerous Fleet; and well furnished Army. After several Encounters he met the Vandals in a pitcht Battel, overthrew and destroyed several Thousands; pursued their King from one King∣dom to another, till at last, he besieged him, and took him by Famine in the City of Carthage. And with him, subdued all that part of Africa which had bin formerly under the Roman Power: and put a period to the Arian Heresie, which had infected all that part of the World. All this was brought to pass, not so much through the Valour and Strength of the Army, as by the Policy and good Government of the noble Ge∣neral, who was excellent in laying of Ambushes, and in besetting an Enemy in an open Field, whereby he was reduced to the necessity ei∣ther of yielding, or of flying away. This Con∣quest of Africa by Belisarius happened about 95 years after the first entrance of the Vandals into Africa, according to the prediction of St. Cypri∣an, who had so long before comforted his Audi∣tors with the assurance of a total extirpation of the cruel Vandals, together with their damna∣ble Heresie. After this Victory, Belisarius leads back his Army to Constantinople, with Gelimerus bound in Chains of Silver. Belisarius was sent next into Sicily, to revenge the murder of Queen Ama∣lasventa. He soon conquered that Island, and passed over into Italy against the Goths, comman∣ded by their King Theodatus, who was slain at Ravenna by his own People. In his stead they made Vitiges King. Against him Belisarius mar∣ched, took Naples and the City of Rome, which he defended against all the Gothick Power, assi∣sted

by the Francs, and slew in one Sally under the Walls of Rome in one day 30000 Goths. Af∣ter the siege was raised, which lasted one whole year, Belisarius relieved Ariminum, and forced the Goths to desire the help of the Burgundians, and took their King Vitiges in the City of Ra∣venna, and carried him to Constantinople. From thence he went against Cosroes King of Persia, and drove him out of the Roman Territories. But Totila the new King of the Goths, having made great progress in Italy against the Empe∣ror in the absence of Belisarius; he was re∣called, and sent thither again. He overcame the Goths again, took all that was lost From thence he went into Persia, to give a stop to the fury of Cosroes, whom he beat in fight, and for∣ced to sue for Peace. After this he repressed the Huns, when he was Old, and drove them out of Greece, having overthrown them in a Bloudy Fight.

CHAP. IV. Of Narses the Eunuch General under Justinianus.

THis Noble Eunuch was not much inferiour to Belisarius in Courage and brave Exploits. When the other was warring against the Persi∣ans, Narses was sent to command in Italy against Totilas, the Valiant and Subtil King of the Goths. He made use of some of the Northern People, whom he called out of Dalmatia, to assist him against

the Gothick Nation. There was a cruel Fight between him and Totila in Tuscany, where the Goths were totally overthrown, their King kil∣led in the Field. After this he recovered all the parts of Italy that had bin lost from the Roman Empire; and when the Francs and Germans in∣vaded the Borders, Narses set upon them unex∣pected, destroyed above 20000 of them, and re∣cover'd all the booty that they had gotten before. This Narses was excellent in chusing a fit time to assault an Enemy, and to give Battel; which made a Learned Historian, Procopius by name, to say, that the Virgin Mary came and appeared to him in his Prayers to God, to assure him of Success, and advise him of the time when he should give an on-set on the barbarous multitude. Certain it is, that outward Devotion hath seldom wanted Success; and it hath been observed, that Hypocrisie and feigned shew of Piety have been often blessed with prosperous Events in War; whereas Impiety, though it may Triumph for a while, continues not long in its Flourishing Condition. So necessary it is that Men should seek the assistance of Heaven in the critical time of War, and take the Directions and Helps of their God, to second their natural Courage and Valour against their Carnal Enemies, as well as Spiritual. Narses it seems is said to have Con∣quered as much by his Prayers as by his Sword. After Totilas was slain, the Goths gathered toge∣ther under Teja their King; but Narses encoun∣tred him near Cumae, overthrew, and utterly rui∣ned their Empire in Italy, restoring it to the Roman Dominion, from which it had been vio∣lently taken, and detained many years. Narses after all these good Successes, was employed in

several Expeditions, wherein he failed not of the same Happiness and Prosperity. But at last, though he had been so Victorious over all his Enemies abroad, he could not prevent the ma∣lice and envy of his Enemies at home. Justi∣nian, though an excellent Law-giver, could not give Laws to his Passions, and to his proud Do∣mesticks and Family. The Empress Sophia cau∣sed Longinus to be sent into Italy in his stead, with this opprobious Message, That he should come home to spin amongst her Maids. He sent her back this Answer, That he would speedily Spin her such a Thred, that neither she, nor her Husband would be ever able to untwist. To make good this Threat, he sends messengers to Al∣banus in Pannonia, King of the Longobards, and invites him into Italy with his People. After this Narses leaves Rome, and departed to Naples, where he dyed in a short time after with Grief, as is suppos'd.

CHAP. V. Of Cosroes King of Persia, and his Un∣fortunate Expedition upon the Roman Empire, Ann. Dom. 570.

COsroes King of Persia, the Son of Cabades, was a mortal Enemy against the Romans all his days. At his first Invasion, Belisarius and Hermogenes were joint Generals together of the Emperors Army; and though Cosroes was both Wise and Valiant, at Nisibis and Daras the Ro∣mans

had the Victory, but because they would not follow the good advice of Belisarins, they were overthrown by the Persian Auxiliaries, and forced to conclude a dishonourable and short∣liv'd Peace. For Cosroes, at the request of To∣tilas, when he was hardly beset by Belisarius in Italy, invaded again the Roman Empire, and would not be intreated by the Embassadours of Justinian to desist from his Enterprize. He took Surus, scituate upon the River Euphrates, more by Policy than by Force: He reduced Beraea to Ashes, destroyed Antioch with Fire and Sword; took Seleucia, Daphne and Apamia, and several other good Towns, because the Roman Army was then employed at a distance off from thence in Italy against the Goths. So that he met with small or no resistance in this first Invasion. Now there was a strong report amongst the Christians of those days, that the City of Edissa, since the time that Agbarus had been King, who lived in our Saviours time, was impregnable, and that no Enemy could possibly take it, not so much through the strength of the Walls, or any other natural Fortification, as through the Power of Christ, who had procured such a priviledge to that Ci∣ty, whereof his Friend Agbarus had been King. Cosroes, to try the Truth of this Report, mar∣ched with a very great Army to besiege Edissa. He sat down before it, and raised a high Mount with Timber and Earth, which over-topped the Walls. The Citizens, sorely gauled from this Mount with the Persian Arrows, resolved to set it on fire, by drawing in the Night a Ditch near to the Foot of the Mount, which they filled with combustible stuff; but when that succeeded not according to their expectation, and the Mount

could not take fire, they brought out the Picture of Christ, which was said to be sent to King Ag∣barus from himself before his Crucifixion. That which before they could not effect, was then ac∣complish'd; for the Pile of Wood was sudden∣ly in a Flame, which the Edisseans encreased, by casting in Tow, Brimstone, Flaggons filled with Pitch and Tar. Cosroes to remedy this, opened the Conduits of Water to quench the Fire, but all in vain; the flame never ceased till the Mount was level'd with the ground. This Story is re∣ported by Procopius and Evagrius, Lib. 4. Cap. 26. with other circumstances. The latter Histo∣rian ascribes the Miracle and deliverance of the City not to the Power of the Image, but to the Citizens Faith. However Cosroes rose from his Siege, and departed with shame and dishonour. Another strange thing, the same Evagrius in the next Chapter reporteth, which happened to Cos∣roes at the Siege of Sergiopolis. He fancyed the Walls of the Town to be furnished with Armed Men, shining in bright Armour, ready to defend them, when there were scarce any Persons in the City. However, true it is that a panick fear caused him to leave that City also; and a Miracle was reported and believed in that cre∣dulous Age.

CHAP. VI. Of Martianus, and Justinianus Generals under Justinus and Tiberius the Empe∣rors, in the Persian War, An. Dom. 575.

WHen as the Persians continued in their Hostile Minds and Endeavours against the Roman Empire. Justin the 2d. a Kinsman of Justinianus, though he were himself but a faint∣hearted and letcherous Prince, appointed a brave and noble Captain over his Eastern Army, named Martianus, whom he sent with new raised Forces against the Persians, and to the Siege of Nisibis. Martianus was but badly provided of necessaries, yet by his extraordinary diligence he came upon an Army of the Persians before the rest were ready to fight, and routed them. The Roman General laid Siege to Nisibis, but Cosroes made all hast to relieve the City, sending Adaarmanes a Captain of the wild Arabians to wast and spoil the Roman Territories, which he performed with less opposition, because at that time Justin the Emperor had sent Acatius, a proud ••••ector, but a cowardly and ignorant Soldier, to be Gene∣neral instead of Martianus. This un-advised Act discontented the Army, that most of them fled and forsook the Siege of Nisibis, and suffered Adaarmanes to spoil the Country with Fire and Sword, to take and burn Apamia, and by the help of Cosroes, to plunder Daras. Much more mischief would have ensued, had not the Em∣press sent an Embassadour in season to Cosroes

to stop his Victorious Army, and revengeful Hands; for no great good can be expected from an Army when Generals want Experience, when Officers and Soldiers have no confidence in one another; when the chief Commander is look'd upon as a Coward, dis-esteem'd for his Fol∣ly, Pride, Cruelty, or any other Imperfections of Body or mind. The Roman Empire was then in a sad Condition, invaded by many Bar∣barous Nations on all its Borders; so that the Empress, to remedy the Evils that threatned the State, perswaded Justin to make Tiberius, a Valiant and Wise Man, Partner with him in the Empire. He immediately listed a Stout and Numerous Army, and the Treasure which formerly had bin converted to Debauchery, he employed to pay his Soldiers. Over them he appointed a discreet General, named Justinianus, and sent him to give a Check to Cosroes, and the Persians proceedings, who were then in Cappa∣docia. The two Armies met; but when Cosroes was loath to venture the hazard of a Battel, because of the Numbers and Stoutness of the Roman Army: Curs, a Scythian Captain of the Right Wing of the Romans, gave such a furious Charge upon the Persians, that they were put to flight, and he pursued them to the place where the Kings Treasure and Carriages were kept, which he brought away with him. The King took the advantage of the next night to fall upon one part of the Roman Army, which he did with some success, but when both parts were united, they pursued him to the River Euphrates, where were killed and drowned most part of his For∣ces. A just reward for his Insolency and Con∣tempt of the Roman Empire, which he had

plagued with continual Wars many years. But at last was overthrown, and his Army cut in pieces by Justinianus, a Worthy General, and the Emperour Tiberius.

CHAP. VII. Of Mauritius, General under Tiberius the Emperour, Ann. Dom. 580. who afterwards was chosen Emperour.

THis General is represented to us a very Va∣liant and Politick Commander, free from Lust and Debauchery, diligent and careful in his Business, watchful over the Enemy, and wa∣ry in all his Undertakings, steady and couragious in all his Resolutions. He had great Success in his Wars against the Persians, for he took from them many Cities and Castles upon the Borders, and enriched the Roman Army with Spoils and Plunder. Famo Cosroes, a Persian General, assi∣sted by Adaarmanes, met him with their Forces, but they were both overthrown by the Wisdom and Policy of Mauritius, and by the Romans Courage and Valour, when they were forsaken by some of their Auxiliary Troops: for such a disappointment, when an Army depends upon the assistance of others, who either run away, or fly to the Enemy to encrease their Power, is a∣ble to give great discouragement, and to dis∣hearten the most Couragious Minds. Now when some Generals have had such Jealousie of any of their Forces, they have by Policy, or some

cunning Invention, clapt a Plaister to the wound, wisely prevented before the mischiefs which such Treachery or Cowardise would other∣wise bring upon the rest of their Army: for a wise General must be furnished against all Casual∣ties, and be ready to meet an Encounter with all the un-expected Accidents which in his rea∣son may possibly happen in a Battel. His un∣daunted Courage alone is able to give life to his dying Army, and snatch from an Enemy the Honour of the Day. Mauritius was a Politick Commander, as may appear by a Stratagem, whereof he was the Author. When he was Emperour, Caganas King of the Avari, a Northern People, invaded the borders of Thracia, and af∣ter many cruel Fights, besieged Priscus the Prae∣tor in a Castle. Mauritius not being able to raise the Siege, because his Army was other∣wise employed, sends a Letter to Priscus to will him to hold out stoutly for some few days, for that his Fleet, which was now destroying the Country of Caganus with Fire and Sword, by his order would speedily return and relieve him. Caganus intercepts this Letter as it was going in∣to the Castle; he believes the Contents to be true, therefore the fear of his own Territories made him in hast to rise from the Siege to save his Country from the supposed Ruine and De∣struction. Caganus return'd again, and in six years time took and burnt about 40 good Towns of Dalmatia belonging to the Emperor Mauriti∣us, whose rare Virtues might have prevented these Mischiefs, had not his neglect of his Ar∣my, and the base Vice of Covetousness, a Vice unbecoming a Prince, procured him the hatred of his stoutest Soldiers.

CHAP. VIII Of Mahomet and his Successes; their first Arts and Policies, beginning A.D. 610.

OF all the Impostors since the Creation of the World, none hath been so successful as Mahomet, and done more mischief to the Humane Race. His damnable Superstition hath bin assi∣sted with so much Policy, Interest and Power, amongst rude and ignorant Nations, that the wonder of its great Successes appears less to a Judicious Eye. Mahomet's Birth was but mean, but having the advantage of serving a Rich Mer∣chant, after his Decease, he marryed his Mi∣stress, and became suddenly very Wealthy. His Mother was a Jew, his Father a Saracen, des∣cended from Ishmael, but by Religion it is repor∣ted by some, that he was an Heathen; his Name was Abdala. This subtile Impostor perceiving how ignorant the Men of his Country were of Religion, the general Debauchery that reign'd amongst Christians, their Feuds, Malice, and continual Quarrels, he took from thence an occasion, and was thereby encouraged to pro∣claim himself a Prophet, and to set up a Reli∣gion of his own. The Mysteries of the Christi∣an Religion he could not well relish, he was therefore opposed, and called in question for his dangerous and hellish Opinions at his first appearance at Medina, and forced to fly, and hide himself in a Cave, where Secgius a Westoni∣an

Monk assisted him to compose the Alcoran, the rule of the Mahometans Faith and Religion, which is politickly and subtilely made up of such Precepts and Doctrines as are most pleasing to the Viciousness and Corruptions of Men, particu∣larly of the Inhabitants of those Eastern Coun∣tries. To his Followers he allows all things grateful to their Appetites, and gives large pro∣mises of future advantages, but such as reject his Doctrines, he threatned with Fire and Sword, and order'd his Disciples to destroy and plun∣der them. The Mahometans are commonly ve∣ry modest in their behaviours, and seemingly devout, and abstain from the most scandalous Sins which disgrace too much the Christian Pro∣fession. Mahomet had not long proclaimed him∣self to be a Prophet before he was chosen Ge∣neral of the Saracen Army that had assisted He∣raelius the Emperor against the Persians. Upon the denyal of their just Wages, they fell upon the Roman Provinces to pay themselves with the Spoils of the Country. Mahomet could not have a better opportunity to settle his Religion; for by his Wit and Successes he wanted not those of his Country that sided with him for the pre∣sent Gain, and help'd him to propagate his Faith with the sharpness of their Swords. He had great prosperity in all his Wars, and when he was dead, Abubecher his Kinsman succeeded him, and within two Years took several Towns from the Roman Empire. Next to him was Omer, and after him Ottoman. They all endea∣vour'd to secure their Interest amongst the ig∣norant People by the same divellish Arts, Hypo∣erisie, and Counterfeits. For Mahomet had a Pidgeon that would come to his Ear, which he

declar'd to be a Divine Message sent to direct and advise him. When he was troubled with the Falling Sickness, he invented, that then the Angel Gabriel did appear to him, and cast him in∣to a Divine Rapture, whereby his Senses were stu∣pified. These three formal Successors of Mahomet reformed the Alcoron, and blotted out a great ma∣ny gross Absurdities which were there before; and left all their Conquests and Honours to Mortis Aly, who could not be contented with the Honour of succeeding Mahomet, but resolved to set up for himself, declaring that he was a greater Pro∣phet than Mahomet had bin. Their wonderful Success in War, and the great progress that they made in a few years, caused the ignorant World to believe that these wicked Impostors were more than ordinary Men. Homar took in Da∣mascus, and all Phaenicia, with Aegypt; Hally con∣quered Persia, and spread his impious Superstiti∣on all over the Eastern Countries. He was slain by Muavias, who enlarged his Dominions as far as the Eastern Sea, conquered Cyprus and Rhodes, and in a notable Sea-Fight beat the Roman Em∣perors Navy, and kill'd so many Christians, that the Sea was dyed with the Roman Bloud. Such terrible executions, together with the vast num∣bers of the Saracen Armies, and their subtile way of Fighting, more by surprize and Ambush, than by plain Valour, struck such a terrour to all the Provinces of the Empire, that as soon as they appeared, the Inhabitants would compound with the Arabian Leaders to save their Lives, and yield unto them what ever else they would require. This wonderful success made them ad∣venture into Italy, Greece, Spain and France, and to run over all the Sea-Coast of Africa, where

their Posterity continues to this very day. These Mahometans are bound, to propagate their Religion, and generally believe that if they kill, or are killed by Christians in the quarrel of their false Prophet, they are undoubtedly saved, and their Souls admitted into Paradise. This Error cau∣seth them to be so Couragious in the greatest Dangers; and the plunder of the Countries invi∣ted a great many Vagabonds to joyn themselves in hopes of Gain, to that Damnable Superstition, and to their numerous Armies. They conque∣red Sicilia, Sardinia, and almost all the most con∣siderable Islands of the Mediteranean Sea, and besieged the Emperour Constantine the IV. in his Imperial City. But their great Navy was set on Fire by an Invention of Callinicus, a Learned Methematician of those days, who with Fire∣balls that would burn in the Water, destroyed all their Ships, with 30000 men in them. By this means the Roman Provinces were quiet for a while, and deliver'd from the fear of their Cruel Neighbours, till they encreased again, and under the leading of Abdimelech their King. He recovered and conquer'd Persia, Mesopotamia, Armenia, Hircania, and several other large Pro∣vinces, with the Destruction of Mustar and Said, his two Potent Enemies. Thus through the Ig∣norance and Cowardise of the Eastern People, through the Divisions amongst Christians; the Cruelty, Diligence, Policy and Power of Maho∣met and his Successors, prevailed in a wonderful manner.

CHAP. IX. Of Carolus Martellus the French Gene∣ral, and of his Son King Pipin of France.

THE Saracen Armies were in those days not only in Asia and Africa, but in Europe also, they conquered all the plain Countries of Spain, and erected several Kingdoms there. At the In∣vitation of Eudon Duke of Guien, jealous of the Greatness of Charles Martel, they entred France, and passed over the Pyrenian Mountains, under the command of Abdiran their General. Bour∣deaux they took, with several other great Towns that were forced to submit to their vast num∣bers; for they were above 300000 men with all their Families. Charles Martel, the Son of Pi∣pin, Chief Master of the Kings Palace, taking up∣on him the Name of Prince of France, encountred these Foreign Enemies with an Army of French, Germans and Longobards, and to oblige his men to stand to the Fight with more Courage, he pla∣ced behind them certain Troops of Horse, com∣manding them to kill all such as should offer to fly away. This severe course obliged them to be so couragious and resolved, that they cut in pieces, as is recorded in History, near 370000 Saracens, with little loss on the Christians part. This Famous Victory, together with the wonderful deliverance of the French Countries from the danger of these Infidels, made Martel to be both beloved and highly honoured by all that Nation, so that he had no great difficult to set aside the Race of the former Kings, and to make way for his Son Pipin to ascend upon the French Throne instead of Chiperick, who was shut up in

a Monastery. This hath often bin the unhappy Fate of such Princes as have minded more their Pleasures than the Government of their King∣doms, and have left to others that charge which they are, by God's appointment, to take upon themselves. Martel, after the Slaughter of the Saracen Army in the Fields of Aquitania, met with two Generals more of the same Nation, upon the Borders of Navarre, Athimus and Amor∣theus, who brought with them a great Company of the same People. He slew Eudon, the wicked Duke of Aquitania, and drove all the Saracens out of France, and encouraged Pelagius an Earls Son, to endeavour to free the Kingdom of Gallicia and Leon from those troublesome Guests. With a very small Company this Pelagius destroyed vast num∣bers of the Saracens, and was for his good Service and Valour saluted the first King of Gallicia. Pipin the Son of Charles Martel succeeds his Father in the Government of France, and in his ambitious designs; for he confined his Lord and King to to a Covent, and took from him his Regalia, with the Popes approbation: when Pipin sent to him to know who was fittest to Reign, a Stupid prince, or an Active Subject; the Pope under∣standing his meaning, gave orders to the Arch∣bishop of Mentz, to set the Crown of France on Pipins Head. Thus the Popes of Rome have secured their Interest and Authority by obliging Persons of the greatest Valour, Activity and Au∣thority, that they might help to enlarge and de∣fend their Dominions. For Pipin having recei∣ved so great a Courtesie from Pope Stephen, he could do no less than assist him with an Army when he was overpowred by Aistulphus King of the Longobards, from whom he took Ravenna,

Bononia, Imola, Faventia, Ferrara, &c. and be∣stowed them as a Gift on the Church of Rome. And when Aistulphus besieged Rome with an Army at Pipins return into France, the Pope was for∣ced to implore again his Aid, which he easily granted, and forced Aistulphus to purchase his Peace with the yielding of the third part of his Treasures, and a yearly Tribute, which he paid to the French. Afterwards Pipin at his return out of Italy with his Army, conquer'd Aquitania and Goscony. Pipin was a Politick Prince, and be∣cause the Pope and Clergy in those days were in high esteem, he did them all the reverence, shewed them all the favour that was in his Pow∣er, and they to requite his kindness, raised him from the condition of a Subject to that of a Monarch. When Pope Stephen came to implore his Assistance against the Longobards, he met him with his Wife, Children and Nobles, three Miles out of his City, and received him with a knee upon the ground, took the Reins of the Pope's Bridle, and led him to his Pallace, whilst mul∣titudes of the People sung Songs to the Praise, and in honour of the Pope, and the new King. For it concerned him and his Posterity to vindi∣cate and extol that Authority, by which he was established in the Throne, and his lawful Prince thrust out. Therefore both he and his Son Charles did always magnifie the Popes Power, Credit and Dominion, and would never suffer them to be questioned by any other earthly Judges. Pipin sounded the Bishopwricks of Saltsburg, Ratisbone, Aihstrat and Frisinge in Germany, and was very bountiful to other places. He was the first who brought in the use of Or∣gans into the Western Churches, having recei∣ved

one as a present from the Emperour of Constantinople. And 'tis observed of him, that he was sincerely Zealous, and Religious in his perswasion. He endeavour'd to propagate the Christian Faith, and to employ that Power that God gave him, to advance his Glory. He sup∣press'd Heathenism, Judaism, and all manner of Heresies, and established a civil Government for the execution of Justice. The Parliament of Paris was first appointed by him, not to give a check to the Royal Authority, but that the Kings of France might advise with the most ingenious and excellent Men of his Kingdom, who were well acquainted with the conditions and necessi∣ties of the People; that all Resolutions and Roy∣al Acts might be made for the common good, and the preservation of the Grandure and Au∣thority of the Monarchy. This King highly promoted also all those who had bin active to establish him upon the Throne, and was very careful not to suffer Virtue in the meanest person to go unrewarded.

CHAP. X. Of Carolus Magnus the first Northern Emperour.

CHarles the Son of such a wise, successful and Religious Prince as Pipin was, inherits his Fathers Estate, and Zeal for Religion. At his first coming to the Crown, he was solicited by Pope Adrian to relieve the Roman Church, then

likely to be robbed of all St. Peters Patrimony by Desiderius, King of the Lombards. With a strong Army he marches into Italy, and in a nota∣ble Fight overcame Desiderius, and besieges him in Ticinum, took him with the Town, and sent him and his Wife into France. All Italy sub∣mitted to the Victorious Banners of Charles, who enlarged the Dominions of the Romish Church. To the former gift of King Pipin, he added several large and rich Towns. At his return into France, he undertook an expedition against the Saxons, who were Heathens, and with them he overcame the Westphalians, the Huns, the Angarians, the Hestians, but the Sax∣ons kept him in play 33 years before they could be totally subdued. The Christians of Spain de∣sired his Assistance against the Moors to relieve them; he marched with his Army into Spain, where he had wonderful Success; but at his re∣turn over the Pyrenian Mountains, the passages were so beset by the Country People, that he lost his Army, and was forced to fly for his Life, leaving Eginbardus, Roland, Anshelmus, and ma∣ny of his best Officers, dead behind him. Adal∣gisus and Thastilo, the Son and Nephew of De∣siderius, raised some stirs in Italy to recover Lombardy, but them he overcame by his Liefte∣nants; the first he put to Death, and confin'd the second to a Monastery. After all these Victo∣ries and Successes, Charles deserved well the name of Great; and to requite his kindness to the Ro∣man See, Pope Leo the 3d. put upon him the Im∣perial Crown, and made him the first Emperour of the West, in St. Peters Church at Rome, upon Christmas day, in the year 800. From hence the Roman Bishops claim the priviledge of naming

and Crowning the Western Emperors, who have often desired to receive the Imperial Diadem from the hands of the Popes in former ages.

This Charles was a very Wise, Learned, Cou∣ragious, and Fortunate Prince; for he subdued the greatest part of France, Spain, Italy, Saxony, Pannonia, Histria, Ducia, Liburnia and Dalmatia. He was very liberal to the Churches and Clergy of his days. 23 Metropolitan Churches inhe∣rited his Treasures, besides, he built many Re∣ligious Houses and Colledges, and appointed the 12 Peers of France, Six of the Clergy, and Six of the Laity. And it is reported of him, that at Supper time he would have some Godly and Religious Book to be read to him. So careful he was for the preservation of the right Faith in his Kingdoms, that when Nestorianism was re∣ceived by the Corruption and Wickedness of two Bishops, he called together at Franckford a Synod of 300 Bishops to judge and determine that Controversie. Therefore for his care of Re∣ligion, and the regard he had in all his Actions to God's Glory, he was blessed with wonderful Success in all his wars, so that his Fame was spread all about the known World; and he was courted by the remotest Princes, by the Greeks, Saracens, Swedes and Danes, &c.

CHAP. XI. How Telerichus King of the Bulgarians found out those that discovered his Se∣crets to Constantine Copronymus.

WHen Telerichus succeeded in the Govern∣ment of the Bulgarians, to Sabinus, he was resolved to make War against the Roman Emperour, and endeavour'd to assault him sud∣denly, before he could be well provided to re∣sist. An Ambush was laid to catch some of the Emperors Forces: but several of the Bul∣garian Nobility discontented at Telerichus, reveals all the danger to the Emperor, who managed and improved that discovery so well, that he took all that lay in Ambush for him, without shed∣ding a drop of his peoples Bloud. Telerichus understood that some had revealed this plot to the Emperour, but not knowing who they might be, he found them out in this manner. He pre∣tended that he would willingly make peace with the Emperour, and submit to him upon certain Conditions; and to shew that he had such a real and hearty design; he desired him to name some of his Officers and Noble Men, who were most pleasing to him, them he promised to send, and to entrust with the management of this Agreement between them. The Emperour not imagining the Subtilty of Telerichus, named those very Men to be Commissioners, who had re∣vealed all their Princes designs and plots to him. Telerichus, as soon as he knew them, put them all to death, and punished them for their Treason.

CHAP. XII How the Empress Irene overcame such as were of a Faction contrary to hers.

THere was a great stir in the Eastern Empire about the Images of the Church. They had been cast out by Leo Isaurus, and his Suc∣cessors, Constantine, Copronymus, and Leo the 4th. and those who were for Images, were banished, and several punished. But it happened that af∣ter the death of Leo, Irene his Widow appointed to be Governess of the Empire, during the mi∣nority of her Son, re-establishes the Worship of Images, and calls home all that had been banish∣ed. These and other proceedings met with great opposition, as is usual, where two strong Factions are in a Kingdom. She being jealous of the number and power of those that did dis∣like her Actions, resolves to dis-arm them; and to colour her malicious purposes against them, she pretends an expedition against the Saracens, who were broke in upon the Roman Provinces, and that she wanted Arms to furnish her Army, and therefore desires to borrow them from her Citizens. The Officers who were sent, were order'd to take none, but from those who joy∣ned not with her in the worship of Images. As soon as they had yielded up their Arms, which they did the more willingly, because they thought that they should be employed against the Common Enemy, she banished them out of the City, and took away their Goods and Estates.

CHAP. XIII. How Pope Gregory the Fourth betrayed the Emperour into the Hands of his unnatural Sons.

THe Sons of this Emperour were risen in Rebellion against him, and had raised a considerable Army, with a design to fight with their Father near Basil. The Pope, whose Ele∣ction the Emperour had with some difficulty al∣lowed, came to the Armies, with a pretence to make peace between the Father and his Sons, but with a real intent to find some opportunity to be revenged upon the Godly Emperour. At his arrival, he found the Emperours Army the strongest, and ready to give Battel. To prevent the mischief that was like to fall upon the Sons, whom he secretly favoured, and whom he had stirred up against their Father, he went over to the Emperours Army, as if he had intended to reconcile the Father and the Sons together; but as it appeard afterwards, it was to get some time, that the Emperours Army might be prevailed with by his cunning Followers to forsake their Lord, and to join with, the Young Men. This Nego∣tiation was carryed on so subtilely and secretly by rewards and promises, and by sowing the Seeds of discontent in the Army, that when they were drawn out to Fight, they went over to the Sons Army, and forsook the poor Aged Emperour, who was then forced to cast himself in the hands of his wicked and rebellious Sons, who shut him up in Prison. But this unnatural deed stirred

up the Emperours Friends to procure him in a short time his Liberty.

CHAP. XIV. How the Emperour Basil was deceived twice, once by a Monk, next by a Parrot.

THis Emperour was very desirous to see again his Son Constantine, who was lately dead. A Monk, named Theodorus, a reputed Negro∣mancer, undertakes to shew him again alive, which he did in so lively a manner, that the Emperour admired him. But his Son Leo, as soon as he heard of it, accused Theodorus of Witchcraft, but could do him no prejudice, be∣cause of the Emperours extraordinary Favour that he did bear to him. But Theodorus resol∣ved to be revenged on Leo; he perswades there∣fore the Young Man to carry secretly a Dagger in his Boots, as a spell to preserve him from all kind of Wounds. Leo believed Theodorus, who went to the Father, and told him that his Son Leo intended to kill him, and for that purpose he carryed secretly in his Boots a short Dagger. Search was made, and the Dagger found, and Leo was, without further Examination, shut up in Prison; at which the people were much affli∣cted, crying up and down the Streets, Alass! Lord Leo, which words a Parrot, belonging to the Court, heard, and learned to speak. When the Emperour was at Dinner, the Parrot cryed

often, Alass! Lord Leo. These words spoke by the Bird so prevailed upon his mind (for he fancyed the Bird to have spoken them by some Divine Inspiration) that he released, and heard his Son's Justification, being thereunto earnestly intreated also by the common people, who had for him a great respect, and by that means found out the wicked knavery of Theodorus.

CHAP. XV. How the City of Rome was taken casually by the running of a Hare.

ARnulphus, the first Emperour of the Ger∣man Nation, was invited by Pope Formo∣sus into Italy, to assist him against his Enemies, and a contrary Faction. He took many Towns, and besieged the City of Rome, unto which he had given several fierce assaults; but in vain, for it was stoutly defended by the Citizens. At last, when Arnulphus despaired to take it by force, and was going to raise his Siege, it happened that a Hare ran before his Army towards the breach. The Soldiers gave immediately a great shout and hollow, running after the Hare. The Guards upon the Walls thinking they were coming to give an assault to the City, in a panick Fear ha∣sted away, and forsook their stations and charge, which as the Soldiers of Arnulphus perceived, they entred the Town, and took the City. Thus was Rome once surprized by the guidance of a Hare. Such casual accidents have oft-times

been of great moment in times of War, when mens apprehensions are awake, and their minds ready to receive any impression, the least sur∣prize, or strange thing unexpected weakens their Resolutions, and makes them less able to resist an Enemy. Therefore wise Generals have often put in practise things of themselves, ridiculous at other times, which in War have put the stou∣test Enemy to flight, and overcame the bravest Couragious. For then nothing is to be contem∣ned that may either dismay or disorder an Ene∣my. And to prevent such sudden casualties, which cannot be all fore-seen by the most experi∣enced and wise Commanders; or by the most ex∣cellent Soldiers, though never so well acquain∣ted with the Stratagems of War; no precaution can be prescribed, but that of a steady and well resolved mind, not to be daunted at the fight of the greatest dangers; but in such a case, as it becomes a Commander to animate and en∣courage his Men, and to have a Remedy at hand for all misfortunes, and a plaister for every wound, so it becomes a Soldier to stand firm, and act the part of a valorous and brave Courage, not to be terrified with Bug-bears; and though the danger should be real and great, the Resolutions of a good Soldier must master all such sudden and surprizing difficulties, and wade through a Sea of Bloud to the Honour of the Victory, which he ought to value at an equal rate with his own Life, when he hath a good cause.

CHAP. XVI. How a great Army of Danes were defea∣ted by the means of one Hay a Coun∣try Man, and his two Sons, A.D. 964.

THe Danes having invaded Scotland, overpow∣red a Scotch Army in a notable Battel, so that the Scots were all put to flight. At that time one Hay a Ploughman coming out of his Field with his two Sons, meets with the Rout. They being all his Countrymen, he bids them stand for shame, and return to the Fight, and so prevailed upon them by his words and example, that they turned back, and encountred with the Danes again so fiercely, that they were all put to flight, and utterly destroyed. For this good Service the Countryman was rewarded with as much Land as a Falcon could fly over at one flight, which is 6 Miles in length. From this Hay is descended the Noble Family of the Hays, whose chief is the Earl of Arroll.

CHAP. XVII How Tangrolipix the Turkish General was made Sultan of Persia.

TAngrolipix with a party of Turks, was reque∣sted by Mahomet, a Saracen Sultan of Per∣sia, to assist him against Pisasiris Caliphon of Ba∣bylon.

He had the good fortune to bear Caliph's Army of Arabians. After the Victory, he desi∣red liberty to return home, but Mahomet denyed it him; which so discontented the Turks, that they withdrew themselves into the Desarts and Forrests of Caravonitis, from whence they made Incursions upon all the Borders for their Lively∣hood, and Plunder. This obliged the Sultan of Persia, Mahomet, to send against them a pow∣erful Army, which by the skill of Tangrolipiae was defeated. Mahomet inraged at this loss, puts out the eyes of Ten of the chief Com∣manders, and threatens to apparel all the rest of the flying Army in the Garb of Women, and to carry them about his Kingdom as Cowards. These threatnings could not be disgested by those Military Souls, whose mishap, not want of Cou∣rage, had lost the day against the Turks. They therefore, either out of Fear or Revenge, went all away to Tangrolipix, to encrease the number of his Army. When Tangrolipix was thus strength∣ned by this unexpected Recruit, he kept not him∣self any longer in the Desarts and Mountains, but marched with a compleat Army to meet with Mahomet in the Fields of Ispahan, where after a bloudy Fight, Mahomet fell from his Horse, and broke his neck. At his death both Armies sounded a Retreat, and their Chieftains came to a Parley, where it was agreed, that Tangrolipix should be saluted Sultan of Persia. This was the first Kingdom of the Turks in Asia, mentio∣ned in History, after the leaving of their own Country. Tangrolipix conquered Babylon, and warred against the Arabians, and the Emperour of Constantinople, with various success: and at last he conquered many rich Provinces of the

Empire, partly through the covetousness of Constantine Ducas, then Emperour, who taxed all the Borderers, and suffered them to with∣draw their Garrison from the strongest places of the Country, whereas before they were free, for the services they rendred to the Roman Em∣pire; and partly for want of encouraging and entertaining military men. By these ex∣amples a Prince may learn, that it is no point of policy to provoke men of courage by too great severity; nor to suffer his Armies and Captains to want that due regard which they ex∣pect and deserve, when his Dominions are sur∣rounded and endanger'd by powerful and watch∣ful Enemies. By the contempt and neglect of Arms the Greeks have lost their Honour and Em∣pire, and are forced to submit to the Turks Ty∣ranny and Oppression, and are now become the basest of Men in War.

CHAP. XVIII. How the first Christians that adventur'd over into Asia against the Turks were decoyed and cut off by their Ambushes.

THe zeal of our Fore-Fathers stirred them up to the Conquest of the Holy Land. Se∣veral great Princes had crossed themselves with a resolution to undertake that perilous Voyage. Amongst the rest, Gualter de Saint Sanneur, a No∣ble Man, and Peter the Hermit entred Asia be∣fore the rest with forty thousand Men, who drove the Turks before them at first, but they,

to deceive the Christians, made a shew as if they were wonderfully afraid, therefore they for∣sook the Towns. At Exorgum the Christian Army encamped, from whence about 3000 were sent to fetch in Provisions: some few Herds of Cattle ap∣peared at a distance, which the flying Turks suffe∣red them to take quietly; but the next time that they sallyed out to forage, they cut them all in pieces. And when ten thousand more were sent to revenge this loss, they were almost all destroyed by the Turks Ambuscado's; for both they and the Moors of Africa are very subtile in laying them in convenient places; and they seldom fight, but with such advantages and surprises. Sultan Solyman, the Son of Cutla-Moses, was the chief Commander of the Turks in those parts; a warlike Prince, who having got together an Army of 60000 men, engaged in a sharp Fight against the Christians, after the taking of the City of Nice, and had almost destroyed their Army by the sudden assaulting of their Camp be∣hind them, whilst the Christian Army was fight∣ing in the Field. It hath always been obser∣ved, that there is nothing hath been more destructive to an Army, and given the Enemy more advantage, than when Soldiers become in∣solent, proud of their Success, and begin to despise their Enemies, and their Endeavours: for it is an easie matter to surprize such in a Snare, and make them to repent, too late, of their folly. Hundreds of Examples might be produced of the miserable overthrow of those who began to contemn their Enemies too soon.

CHAP. XIX. How Othoman the first, King of the Turks cunningly slew such as intended to have destroyed him.

O Thoman's wonderful Prosperity purchased to him the hatred and envy of many of his Neighbours; so that several Christian Captains of small Castles living round about him, resol∣ved in their Assembly to murder Othoman; and the better to effect their wicked purpose, they designed to invite him to a great Marriage, which was to be solemnized between the Cap∣tain of Belizuga Castle, and a fair Lady, the Daughter of the Captain of Jar-Chiser. This Captain of Belizuga had the management of the Plot left to him. He sent therefore for one Michael Cossi, a neighbour Captain, and an inti∣mate Friend of Othoman, to prevail with him at the day appointed to be present at the Marriage, for then in the midst of their mirth and jollity, it was resolved to kill Othoman. Cossi, when he understood it, reveals the whole design to Otho∣man, who desired him on his part to conceal the Discovery from his Enemies, but to tell the Captain of Bilezuga that he would not fail to wait on him, and that he thought himself much obliged to him for many former Favours, for protecting his Cattle and Subjects, desiring him to continue his good Offices, more particularly in this time of War, which he had undertaken against one Germeanogli, of whom he stood in some fear. Therefore he entreated him that he

would receive into his Castle certain things of greai value, which he would send thither to be secured better than in any other parts of the Country: and to tell him also, that he intended to bring his Mother and Wife to be acquainted with his Lady. When Cossi had deliver'd this message to the Captain, he rejoiced greatly, ho∣ping that his Plot would take effect, willing Cossi to tell Othoman that he should be welcom, with all such Guests as he should please to bring. When the Marriage-day approached, Othoman, as his custom was to pack up his Goods, and send them to Bilezuga, instead of Rich Houshold-stuff, he filled his Packs with Armed Men, and cast over them some homely Coverings, and cau∣sed Young Men to follow the Carriages in the garb of Women, as if they had been his Wife, and Mother-in-law, with their Servants and At∣tendants: All this Train he caused so to march, that they should come to the Castle at the daw∣ning of the day. The Captain was then in the Fields, providing for the Solemnity of his Mar∣riage the next day, which was to be kept at a con∣venient place about Three miles from the Castle. Othoman goeth to meet the Captain; after many Complements, and feigned expressions of Love, Othoman intreats him that his Women might have liberty to enter into his Castle, and retire themselves into some convenient place, which was readily granted. But when these disguised Girls were entred, they played the parts of Men; for being assisted by those who leaped out of the packs, they slew the Guards, and took the Castle. The Captain having notice of this surprize from some that fled out, made hast af∣ter Othoman with his Followers, but he was

so briskly entertain'd, that he was there slain, with many of his men. Othoman pursues his good fortune, and the same night takes the Ca∣stle of Jar-Chisar, with the Captain and his Daughter Lulufer, with all their Company ready for the Marriage. Thus he subtilely turn'd the plot that was intended for his Destruction, to the ruine of his Enemies. After this, Othoman took Nice in Bythinia, Neapolis, Prusia; and in the year 1300. took upon him the Title and Honours of a Sultan, meeting with little opposition, be∣cause, Michael Paleologus, then Emperour of the East, was busie with his own Subjects, who would not yield to that change which he was resolved to bring into the Religion of the Greeks, for he had promis'd the Pope to conform to the Church of Rome. Both Clergy and People were averse to those Alterations; and the Em∣perour to force them, employed all his Soldiers when he should have sent them against the com∣mon Enemy; who in few years got such footing, and by the mildness and easiness of the Turkish Government, made many Christians to prefer a living under them, rather than under such a cruel and barbarous Emperour. So that afterwards it was never in the power of the Greeks to expel them out of their Dominions.

CHAP. XX. How the Catalonians in Greece over∣came the Prince of Athens, and Thebes, by a Stratagem.

ANdrenicus the Son of Michael Paleologus suc∣ceeding to his Father in the Empire, em∣ployed Forein Forces to fight for him against the Turks. The Mastagetes, the Turcopoli, and a party of Catalonians, brought into Greece by Ronzerius and Tenza their Generals. When their Salary was denyed them, and Ronzerius slain by the Emperors command; these Cataloni∣ans became desperate Enemies to the Empire. They took Galliopolis, and in pitcht Battel fought with, and overcame Michael the Emperour. After this they adventur'd into Beotia with 3500 Horse, and 4000 Foot. But hearing of the Duke of Athen's was coming with his Army, they en∣camped upon the sides of a River, in a plain ground, and caused all round about, the Earth to be ploughed up in Furrows, letting in the Water of the River into each Furrow. There they lay expecting the Dukes coming, who in great contempt of these Vagabonds, assaulted them as soon as they could come to them. But when his Horses began to ride over the ploughed ground, which was then over-grown with Grass, they began to stick fast in the Mire: some cast off their Riders, others were not to be recove∣red, and they were most rendred unserviceable by this means; so that the Catalonians shot them with their Arrows at their pleasure, without

any hazard of their own persons, and obtained over the rest a notable Victory. They after∣wards took the Cities of Athens and Thebes, where they seated themselves for a while.

CHAP. XXI. Of the brave Exploits of Philes Paleo∣logus, who freed his Country from the first Turks that came over into Eu∣rope to the assistance of the Catalonians.

WHen these Catalonians were at open defi∣ance with the Emperour for want of their pay, they requested Aid of the Turks of Asia, who sent unto them Chalel a General, with a good number of stout Soldiers. After they were grown rich with the Plunder and Spoil of Greece, and the Catalonians resolved to stay about Athens, and there maintain themselves: Chalel with his Turks, sent to the Emperor to de∣sire leave to depart, and some Ships to carry him and his Forces over into Asia. The Emperor, to deliver his Country from such troublesom Guests, whom he could not suppress by Arms, promised them all that they desired. But when they came to the Sea-side, in hopes to be trans∣ported over, the treacherous Greeks resolved to cut them off, and to take away all their rich Prey; of which design they having timely no∣tice, they suddenly surprized a Castle therea∣bouts, where they secured themselves with all their plunder, fortifying it so well, that it was

not in the power of their Enemies to do them any mischief. The Greeks certified the Empe∣rour of their own weakness, and the Turks Acti∣ons and Power. But they being beset by multi∣tudes of Enemies, and few in number, they sent over to their Countrymen in Asia to have some Supplies, which came to them before the Empe∣ror besieged the Castle; for the Greeks not pro∣ceeding with that speed as such a business requi∣red, gave a fair opportunity to Chalel to strength∣en himself against the coming of the Emperor; who having gathered together some Country Forces, began to lay close Siege to the Castle, but in such a negligent and careless manner, as if their Enemy had been already overcome. This be∣ing known to Chalel and his Turks within, he sal∣lies out with eight hundred Horse, and directs his course to the Imperial Ensign, where, with∣out any resistance, he put the whole Army with the Emperour, to flight, took all their Bag and Baggage, with the Imperial Crown full of Jew∣els and Pearls, which Chalel put upon his own Head in derision of the Emperor. After this Victory, the Turks spoiled the Country of Thra∣cia, and so distressed the Inhabitants, that they scarce dared to venture out of their Walled Towns to manure their Ground. The two Em∣perors, the Father and the Son, having no Power nor Courage to stop them, sent for foreign Aid out of Servia. In the mean while Philes Faleolgus, a Kinsman of the Emperors, a De∣vout man, pittying the sad condition of his mi∣serable Country, thus spoiled by these barbarous Turks without controul, requested of the Em∣perors, that he might be sent to see what he could do against them. According to his desire

he was furnished with an Army of Greeks and Servians, first he encouraged his Captains and Soldiers, giving them many Gifts, and mon, ytook care of their safety and welfare, and promised to them all great Rewards, according to their brave Actions. This caused Philes to be so well beloved in his Army, that they were willing and resolved to fight, and dye with him. When he understood that Chalel with a thousand Foot, and two hundred Horse was plundring of the Country, he marched forward to meet him. The Turks, at the first appearance of the Christi∣an Army, made ready for Battel, inclosing in their Prisoners bound, and all their booty with∣in their Waggons. Philes encouraged his Men, and with his Eyes and Hands lifted up to Hea∣ven, heartily prayed to the God of Hosts to pity the miseries of his distressed Country∣men. After a furious Fight, and much Gaslan∣try on both sides, the Turks were beaten out of the Field, and forced to fly to their Castle, as their last Refuge; but being there besieged both by Sea and Land, they were all slain and taken Prisoners, and the Country freed from a grie∣vous oppression by this devout Captain.

CHAP. XXII. The Stratagems of Orthanes the II. King of the Turks, at his first coming to the Crown, for the Enlargement of his Dominions.

ORthanes treading the Footsteps of his de∣ceased Father, proceeded by policy in most of his expeditions. There was at the death of his Father a certain strong Castle named Tzuprichiser, situate upon the passage of the River Sangarius, which stopt all the inrodes of the Turks into part of Bythinia, and was a great succour to the City of Nice, lately recovered from the Turks by the Christian Captains. This Castle possessed by the Christians, Orthanes endeavour'd to recover; for that purpose he disguises him∣self and his followers in the Habit of Christian Merchants, with their Weapons concealed about them, and nothing visible but Packs, and such Wares as were usually carryed that way in∣to the Neighbouring Villages. At the Gates of the Castle he desires the Guard that he, and his might have liberty to enter in, and pass through. They without any scruple suffered him to go in, thinking that they had bin Merchants indeed; but as soon as they were within the Gates, they fell upon the Guards, overcame them, and took from them this strong Castle, which gave them an inlet to all the most pleasant Country about Nice. So that the Subjects of the Emperor were continually vexed by their unreasonable plun∣dring, and forced for their security to put them∣selves

under their protection. By this means he got daily ground, and encroached still upon the Borders of the Empire. Andronicus the younger, to stop the progress of the Turks, listed an Ar∣my, and met them in the Field near Philocrene, a Town in Bythinia, where he was defeated and wounded, and for want of good order, his whole Army forced to fly, leaving behind him all his bag and baggage. After this good success, Orthanes commanding all the Country round a∣bout the City of Nice without any opposition, reduced it to great want of Provisions, so that when the Inhabitants complained to the Empe∣rour, he promised to send them 1000 Horse to keep Garrison there, and defend them from the Turks power. Orthanes had intelligence of this promise, and of the coming of this Cavalry: to prevent them, he resolves to take Nice be∣fore their coming, which he readily performed by this Stratagem. He caused about 800 of his stoutest men to take the Habit and Furniture which Christian Horsemen used then to wear, commanding them to take a compass about, and ride directly to the City, in that way that leads from Constantinople to Nice. At the same time he sent about 300 of his own Horsemen in their Turkish Apparrel to spoil the Country round a∣bout in view of the City. At that very instant the 800 Horsemen in the Christians Garb came Travelling towards Nice, and seeing the others plundring the Country, they fell upon them, and overcame them in a Fight, which was all done in sight of the Citizens of Nice. After the supposed Victory, they rid to the Gates with some part of the Spoils of their counterfeit Enemies. The Citizens thinking that their pro∣mised

Succours were come, opened to them their Gates with Joy, and without much examination. But as soon as they were within, the Turks made them feel the sharpness of their Swords; and these 800. with 300 more that fled out of sight, and a strong Ambush that lay near the City, joined all together, took and plundred it, and left it to be possessed by the Turks to this day. After this, and the gaining of all the Sea-ports about the ancient and demolished City of Troy, Accecoza, a Captain of Orthanes, besieged Abydus, a Famous Castle upon the Hellespont, which he took by the Treachery of the Captains Daughter in the Castle. She had seen in a Dream a certain Officer Cavalier, of a very handsome Counte∣nance, who helped her out of a Miery Ditch, and performed several other pleasing Services to her. The Image of this Gallant was so fixed in her mind, when awakened, that she longed to see the reality of the Man that was shewn to her in her sleep. It happened that when the Castle was besieged by the Turks, an Officer did usually ride up and down near to the Walls. She looked out at a Window and saw him, and found that this was the Man whom she had already in her Fancy and Affection; therefore she provided a Letter for him, which she cast over the Wall at his next riding about, tyed to a stone. Abdurach∣man was the name of the Cavalier. He takes it up, and shews it to Accecoza his chief Comman∣der, who there finds that the Amorous Virgin promised to betray to them the Castle, if they would raise the Siege; and if Abdurachman would return to the Castle Walls, with some few Fol∣lowers, and observe her Directions. All things being agreed upon according to her orders, the

Siege was raised: Abdurachman comes to the place appointed with a chosen Company. The young Gentlewoman fails not to meet him at midnight, and brings him into the Castle, shews him the Paters Lodge, where he kill'd him, and let in his Followers, who immediately dispersed them∣selves about, and took the Captain and all the Garrison Prisoners; for they had been very Jovial the day before for the supposed departure of the Turks from before their Castle, and were then most of them secure and asleep, Thus was the strong Castle of Abidas taken by the Infidels, in whose possession it hath remained to this day. Abydus is over against Sestos in Europe, at the Mouth of the Hellespont; and these two Castles are now called Dardanelli, and are maintained by the Turks, as a Bar to hinder the Christian Ships from saying through into the Pontick Sea, or from invadling suddenly their great City of Stambul or Constantinople. For that purpose they are furnished with mighty great Guns. After this surprizal of Abydus, Soliman the Son of Or∣thanes sent over two Captains, Ezes-beg and Fa∣zil-beg with sufficient Forces into Europe. They landed not far from Sessos, where by the directi∣on of a Greek Prisoner, they took the Castles of Coiridocastron and Maditus, and next Callipolis, with many other considerable places.

CHAP. XXIII. How Amurath the Third, King of the Turks took Didymotichum and Adri∣anople by Craft.

AS soon as Amurath came to succeed in his Fathers Kingdom, he concluded a Peace with the Christians. The Governour of Didy∣motichum taking advantage of this time of Peace, resolved to fortifie his City, and for the better carrying on of his Work with speed, entertai∣ned all the Masons, Carpenters and Workmen he could possibly get When Amurath understood his purpose, he secretly caused two hundred lusty Workmen to come over out of Asia, and to offer their service to the Governour. He, tho' he had been forewarned by some to take heed of the Asi∣an Workmen, hired them, but appointed to them their Lodgings out of the Walls every night. When Amurath had intelligence of all particulars, he sent Chasis-Ilbeg with thirty other stout Sol∣diers to desire work of the Governour, and serve as Labourers, to carry Stones and Mortar. The Governour trusting too much to the Faith of the Faithless Turks in that time of Peace, em∣ployed them awhile. At last Chasis steals away to Amurath, gives him an account of all passages, and tells him that if he had any more help, he would endeavour to surprize one of the Gates of the City, to let in a greater number, if they were at hand. Amurath ordered all things ac∣cording to his desire, and sent him back to Didy∣motichum to put his device in execution. Chasis

at his return, watches an opportunity. When the Christians were at dinner, then did he cause the Turkish Workmen and Labourers to counterfeit a Brawl, and to fall from Words to Blows; whilst they were thus quarrelling, one party of them ran suddenly to one of the Gates of the City, where they took hold of the Weapons of the Guard, as if it had been to defend themselves from their pursuing Companions; but they tur∣ned them against the Soldiers keeping Guard, and being assisted by a party of Turks, who waited near the Town for that purpose, they overpow∣red the Citizens, and took Didimotichum, toge∣ther with Rhodestum, by assaulting the Walls of the latter in the night. The Turks generally have had great success by employing such subtile Plots against the Christians, and taking them at an advantage. The same Amurath took the City of Adrianopolis by policy. He sent Chasir-Ilbeg, one of his great Captains, and perswaded him to run away with some other trusty Fugitives to Adrianople, and to complain and exclaim against the cruelty and hard usage of their Lord Amurath. This Chasis-Ilbeg with his Turks, in several Sallies, behaved himself right valiantly against the Soldiers of Amurath, which purchased him a great Esteem, Favour and confidence with the Governour, who trusting too much, whilst they were at a secret appointment with their Lord, when they should betray one of the Gates to him. For Chasis, ac∣cording to his custom, came once at break of day only with ten Followers, as if he had bin going out to hunt; when the Gates were opened, he assaulted the Soldiers that were upon the Guard, and having at hand all his Fugitive Turks, they took possession of the Gates, which they kept till

such as were sent from Amurath came to their as∣sistance; then they fiercely charged the Citizens. The Fight continued from Morning till Night, but the Tarks at last by their continual Recruits, got the Victory, and with it the Noble and Rich City of Adrianople, where the Othoman Empe∣rors have since kept a Seraglio. At this time lived in Amuraths Court, Cara Rustemes, a Doctor of the Mahometan Law. He perswaded his Lord to take every fifth Captive of the Chri∣stian Youth, of about 12 or 15 years old from his Soldiers, when they returned from the plun∣dring of the Christian Countries. These Youths were sent over into Asia, to be bred up in the Houses of the Country Farmers, and employed in hard Labour for two or three years, that they might be instructed in that time in the Turkish Religion and Language. After this, they were sent for, and trained up in the exercise of Arms, that they might serve the great Turk in his Wars, and wait upon his Person, as his Foot Guard, These were named Janizaries, that is, new Sol∣diers, who had thence their first beginning. As the Mamalucks also in Aegypt had their original from Captivity and Bondage; for they were Slaves brought thither by Merchants into Scitia, and o∣ther Countries, and sold to the Sultans of Aegypt, to be brought up in the Art of War. These, as the Janizaries are now to the Turkish Emperours, were the best Soldiers of the Prince, and their Stoutest Men in War. Amurath enlarged his Do∣minions both in Asia and Europe. He invaded Servia, took Appolonia, and many great Cities, conquered Caramania, and in a notable Battel kil∣led Lazarus, Despot of Servia; but it happened after the Fight, when Amurath was taking a view

of the dead Bodies, one Miles Cobelitz, sorely wounded, rose from the ground where he lay, and went staggering towards Amurath. The Turks thought he had been come to kiss Amuraths Feet, and to do him reverence, or to beg his Life; but Cobelitz had another purpose, for with a short Dagger, hid under his Coat, he stabb'd him in the Belly, and kill'd him.

CHAP. XXIV. How Tamerlan overcame Bajazets Army.

TAmerlan understanding that Bajazet was at hand, and with a resolution to fight him, resolved to keep his Army in large Plains, not far from Sebastia, which he had before taken and destroyed, because he had a greater number of Horse and Foot than Bajazet. Some reckon 300000 Horse, and 400000 Foot in Tamerlans Army; whereas in Bajazets Army were 140000 Horse, besides 30000 Mamalucks, and 30000 Ja∣nizaries, and above 100000 other Soldiers, but old and experienced in War. Tamerlan there∣fore resolved to fight on Horseback, and so to draw up his numerous Army, that they might all be serviceable in their order, and weary the va∣liant Enemy with the Assaults of fresh men. This wise and politick manner of Fight, undoubtledly obtained for him the Victory; for having always a fresh Body of men, both of Horse and Foot, ready to fall on instead of such as were either discoura∣ged,

or broken; he kept the Turks so long in play, that they were tired, and sorced to yield to the greater number.

CHAP. XXV. The Stratagems of Alis Bassa, the Great Minister of State, under Sultan Soli∣man, Bajazets Eldest Son, in the War against Mahomet the 5th. King of the Turks.

AFter the departure of Tamerlan out of Natolia, the Children of Bajazet made themselves Masters of much of his Dominions. Soliman took that part which lay in Europe, Isa and Mahomet shared what they could keep from Tamerlans Lievtenants in Asra. But when their common Enemy was retreated, they fell out amongst them∣selves. Isa contended with his Brother Maho∣met three times in Bloudy Fights, and was as of∣ten worsted, and forced to fly for safety into Ca∣ramania, where he lived and dyed in obscurity. Soliman, the other European Brother, made ready a strong Army, and passing over into Asia, took the Royal City of Prusa, but the Castle was de∣fended by Jacub-beg, a stout Captain, who being reduced to the necessity of submitting to Soliman without speedy relief, sent a Messenger to inform Mahomet of his distress. Mahomet dispatched back the Messenger with a Letter to Jacub, and assured him of his Assistance. The Messenger was taken by Solimans Soldiers, and brought to

Alis-beg his Great General. When he had read the Letter, he counterfeited others in the name of Mahomet, wherein he commended the Faith∣fulness and Courage of Jacub, but because he could not yet send him any Succours, he gave him liberty to deliver the Castle upon Honoura∣ble Terms. This counterfeit Letter Alis-beg found means to send secretly to Jacub-beg into the Ca∣stle; when he had read it, he hanged out a Flag of Truce, and desired a Parley with Soliman: and according to the direction of the Letter, he deliver'd up his Castle, to the great Grief of Mahomet, who was within one days Journy of Prusa, ready with a stout Army to fall upon the Besiegers, and force his way to the Castle. Soli∣man, after the surrender of this strong place disper∣sed his Army. As soon as Mahomet heard of it, he made speed to surprize his Brother, who min∣ded more his Pleasure than the War. But Soli∣man being advertized by one of his Commanders of his Brothers coming at that time when he could not well resist him, consulted how to run away, and sail over into Europe: but from such a dis∣graceful flight he was disswaded by Alis-Bassa, his great Councellor, because 'twas like to discourage all his Friends in Asia, and ruine his interest there; but he advised him to make speed, and post himself, with his small Company, about the Streights of Neapolis, there to keep the passages of the Country; which good advice he follow∣ed, and beat off his Brother Mahomet, whom he hindred from passing any further. Whilst he there lay, Alis-beg doubting of his Masters strength, resolved to try what he could do by cunning. He sent one of his Trusty Servants to Mahomet, to inform him, that most of his Great Captains

had designed and agreed amongst themselves to deliver him up to Soliman his elder Brother, and the undoubted Heir of his Father; and therefore willed him to stand upon his Guard. Notwith∣standing this advice, he caused several assaults to be made to the Passages of the Mountains, but was as often repulsed. At last, when one of his menial Servants fled to Soliman, he began to be jealous of the rest; therefore fearing Treachery, and being otherwise incommodated by the Wet Weather, he departed back to Amasia, and de∣liver'd his Brother from a great fear of being ta∣ken by him. This Civil War lasted several years; first, between Isa and Mahomet; next, be∣tween Mahomet and Soliman; then between So∣liman and Musa, who took and strangled Soliman in Europe. At last the contention was between Musa and Mahomet, who after the Death of all his other three Brothers, succeeded to all the Dominions of old Bajazet, deceased in Chains.

CHAP. XXVI. The Brave Exploits of Huniades the Hungarian, in defence of his Country against the Turks.

HƲniades by his Valour and Wisdom raised himself in the esteem and favour of Ʋla∣dislaus, first King of Poland, and afterwards cho∣sen King of Hungary, about the year 1440. so that Ʋladislaus made him Vayvod of Transilva∣nia. At his first coming to the Government, he

secured all the Passages and Borders with good Garrisons, because he had an unquiet and cruel Neighbour, Isa-beg, who commanded in Rascia, and the upper part of Servia, for Amurath. This Isa-beg. had often, by the command of his Prince, invaded the Christians Country, and put all to Fire, Sword, and woful Desolation, the more to distress Belgrade, and other Frontier Cities of Hungary. Huniades, with one Nicholas Vilach, rai∣sed a considerable Army of Horse and Foot, and marched with them into Isa's Government, be∣tween Belgrade and Sinderovia, to requite the Turks Cruelties. Isa met him with such Forces as he had then, not inferiour in number to the Christians. At the first Onset Huniades's Army retreated behind the Men at Arms, whose fierce∣ness and undaunted Courage the Turks could not long endure, but were forced to fly, so that Isa, to save himself, returned to Sinderovia with more speed then he came from thence. Huniades, af∣ter a great slaughter of the Enemies, and much Rich Spoil, and many Prisoners, returned to Belgrade, where Amuraths Displeasure, Isa's Loss and Defeat, would not suffer him to rest long; for this angry Turk having raised a numerous Army of Valiant Soldiers, sent with them Mesites his General, to spoil and subdue Transilvania. Mest∣tes came into the Country on a sudden, before Huniades was well able to oppose him. He put all to the Sword at his first Entrance, and de∣stroyed by Fire the Towns and Villages, to make himself more dreadful to the Inhabitants. Huni∣ades, in this distress, was forced to fly to Alba Jula, to the Bishop of that City, George Lepe, with an intent, by his Assistance, to raise an Ar∣my; but being followed by the Turks speedy

March, before they could be provided, they were both besieged in the City by the Enemies, who spoiled all the Country round about. Huniades and the Bishop sallies out upon them, but were forced by an Ambush to retreat. The Bishop was slain, but Huniades saving himself, went all about his Government, and gathered what Power he could make up, perswading the People to venture themselves in the just Defence of their Country and Families. With this Tumultuary Army he marches after the Bassa, then proud with Success, and laden with Spoils. And for the better carrying on of his purpose, he sent Spies to give him notice of the Turks Motions and de∣signs. From them he understood that Mesites had given a special command to all his Officers and Soldiers to assault the Person of Huniades, up∣on whose Valour and Direction depended the Fortune of the day. In the Army of Huniades was one Simon Kemene, an adventurous Gentle∣man, who knowing of the Turks design and or∣ders, offered to change Horse and Armour with his General for his greater safety; which when Huniades had granted, he pursued the Turks, and skirmished with them every day; at last they came to a Battel, where the counterfeit Huniades, ding his Generals Horse, was beset by the Turks, and after a stout resistance, slain. But the true Huniades in the mean while incouraging his Men, receiving such as were oppressed, rallying such as fled, made a great slaughter of the Infidels, in whose Camp were many Christian Prisoners that broke their Chains, and with such Weapons as came next to hand, charged the Turks in the Rear, whilst Huniades kept them in play, till they were forced to fly. Mesites, with his Son, was

slain, and 20000 Turks. The Christians lost about 3000 Men, but recovered all the Plunder, Spoils and Prisoners. After this notable Victory, he laid the Foundation, and made a preparation far greater, first by returning thanks to the God of Hosts, the Giver of all Success, and causing Solemn Thanksgiving to be made in all the Chur∣ches of his Government; next, by acknowledging the Soldiers Valour and Courage, and giving to every one, both Officers and others, their due Praises; by enriching his Army with the Spoils of his Enemies, which he converted not to his own private use, but made them plentifully share in the enjoyment of that which they had got with the hazard of their Lives; and by conse∣crating to Pious Uses some part of the Spoils, that he might thereby return Thanks to God both in Word and Deed. Never any covetous Com∣mander was ever successful in War. As the pri∣vate Soldier must do the Work, he must not want that encouragement which Military Souls ex∣pect. The best, as well as the meanest, are most willing to venture their Lives with those, by whose Bounty and Liberalities they have been no∣tably obliged. And if Soldiers will be careful to re∣member their God, upon whose pleasure the Lives of Men, and the hazards of War do imme∣diately depend, he will undoubtedly mind them in their greatest distress and dangers. To defie God and his Power by filthy Oaths and Blasphemies, un∣known to our Fore-Fathers, is now the common practise of those, who would seem to be the stou∣test Men. This is a baseness and madness which Atheisme hath much encouraged; and which can never draw upon their Heads (who give them∣selves over to such extravagant Liberties) a Bles∣sing,

but rather a Curse. And those Armies, where such bold Follies are either countenanced or winked at, can never prosper long. The grea∣test Conquerors and most successful Warriors, both in former and latter Ages, have bin care∣ful to encourage Religion, and to take with them the Blessing of Heaven in all their notable de∣signs; and after a prosperous proceeding, to re∣turn unto God his Praises due, by a publick ac∣knowledgment of his Power and Bounty. Huni∣ades is an example of true Valour, which hath always Piety joined with it.

After this Victory Valachia and Moldavia revol∣ted from the Turks. To revenge himself, Amu∣rath raised a very great Army, and sent it under the command of Schech-Aheden-Bassa, who passing through Valachia, destroyed all their Country with Fire and Sword, and entred into Transil∣vania, with an intent to do the like there. But Huniades met him with 15000 chosen Men, at a place called Vascape, where he drew up some Battalions in form of a Wedge, which did him great service, and could not be broken by the Turks Violent Assaults: so that after near five hours continual fight (during which time the Fields were covered with an incredible number of dead Bodies) the Turks fled; and the Hunga∣rians kill'd above one half of the Infidels, recove∣red 190 Ensigns, and all the Bag and Baggage of the Enemy. The next Spring 'twas resolved by the States of Hurgary, that a War against the Turks should be prosecuted with more care and prepa∣ration. An Army was raised, where the King Ʋladislaus adventured in Person to march over the River Tibiscus against a vast Army of the Turks, and Huniades with a party of Horse was

sent to beat up their Quarters in the Night. He came so suddenly upon them, that he slew 30000 Turks, and took 4000 Prisoners, with a great Booty; after which he recovered most of Bulgaria, so that the Turks for their safety were forced to stop up the passages of the great Mountain Hemus, through which the Christian Army was to pass in∣to Thracia, and then being Winter, they powred Water in all the Roads, that neither Man nor Beast might be able to stand or go for the Ice, into which the Water that fell, was immediately frozen. Nevertheless the Christian Army mar∣ched so far, till the difficulty of the way, and the want of all necessaries enforced them to re∣turn back; at whose Heels Carambeg, the Turkish General, followed close, to take them at some advantage. When they came to the Mountain Cynobiza, he sent a strong party of Horse to hin∣der the March of the Hungarian Army, till he could reach them with the rest of his Troops. Huniades and the Despot of Servia encouraged their Men, and sent some loose Companies of Pikemen to stand amongst the Bushes and Thick∣ets, to assault the Turks Horsemen in their pas∣sage. After a very bloudy Fight, and the slaugh∣ter of many Thousand Turks, the Victory incli∣ned to the Hungarians. Carambeg, in his Flight, fell into a Bog, being deceived by the deep Snow, and was taken by a common Soldier, who sold him to Huniades for four hundred Duckets. Out of this Fight fled George Castraot, named Scan∣derbeg, who was afterwards one of the most va∣liant Champions of the Christians against the Turks.

Amurath, troubled with so many losses, was re∣solved to conclude a Truce for ten years with Ʋla∣dislaus, which was granted, and solemnly confir∣med by Oath; but by the Popes perswasion, and Cardinal Julians's, this Peace was broken, the King and his Nobles absolved from all obligations of their Oaths. An Army was prepared to invade the Turks Territories, when Amurath was chastizing the King of Caramania for revolting against him. Nevertheless Amurath made speed with a brave Victorious Army to meet the Hungarian King, and at Varna encountred with him, when he had but a small number in his Army; to prevent the Turks inclosing in the Christians with their vast num∣bers, Huniades drew them up in such a manner, that they had a deep Marsh Ground on the Right Wing, on the Left he placed his Carriages, and on the Rear they had a steep Hill. In this unfor∣tunate Battel Huniades put to flight with his Transilvanian and Valachian Horsemen both Wings of the Turks Army, and brought the main Body, where Amurath himself was, in very great danger; so that when he saw the grievous Slaughter and Flight of his Men, he plucked out of his Bosom a Copy of the League made by King Ʋladislaus, and looking upon the Image of Christ Crucified in the Banners of the Voluntary Christians, he cryed aloud, Behold thou Crucified Christ, this is the League thy Christians, in thy Name, have made with me, which they have, without Cause, Violated. If thou be a God; as they say thou art, revenge the Wrong now done unto thy Name, and shew thy Power upon thy Perjurious People. He had no sooner spo∣ken those Words, but the Turks took Courage, made head against the Hungarians, who never∣theless broke in upon the Janizaries, where

a French Knight of Rhodes wounded Amurath in the Thigh, and Ʋladislaus having lost his Horse, was there slain, his Head struck off by Ferises Bas∣sa, and presented to Amurath, who commanded it to be carryed upon a Lance, with Proclamation, That there was the Head of the Christian King. His death discouraged the rest of the Christian Army, so that Huniades, after many couragious endeavours to rally his Men, was forced to yield to the necessity of the day. Julian the Cardinal, with two thirds of the Army, were slain, and a greater number of the Turks, which made Amu∣rath ever after lament his dear bought Victory of Varna. The Hungarians, after the loss of Ʋla∣dislaus, chose Ladislaus, a young Infant, the Son of Albert, and appointed Huniades, during his Minority, to be Governour of the Kingdom. Hu∣niades had another unfortunate Fight with Old Amurath at Cossova, where for three days together the Hungarians notably maintained their Ground against the Turks vast numbers; but at last, op∣pressed with continual and fresh Supplies, they fled, leaving behind him 17000. and almost all the Hungarian Nobility, dead under the heaps of the slain Turks, to the number of 40000. Huniades after much difficulty and danger, returned safe into Hungary, gathered together his Forces, and made another Army, with which he marched to the Relief of the Despot of Servia, who was as∣saulted by Fritze-beg, and Jose-beg, two of Amu∣raths Generals. But as soon as they espied the Ensigns of Huniades in the Field, the Turks fled for fear, and lost many, who were killed in the Retreat, and their General Fritze-beg was taken Prisoner. This Victory was got only by the dreadful name of Huniades. Afterwards, in the

Reign of Mahomet the great, he defended Bel∣grade against the Turks, beat their Fleet upon the River Danubius, and routed the Turks Emperour and Army, with a great slaughter of 40000. and the loss of all his great Ordinance. This hap∣pened in the year 1456. in which Huniades dyed in Peace.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Famous and never to be forgetten Scanderbeg, and his Adventures.

NExt to Huniades, none deserves more to be mentioned than the Noble Scanderbeg, Prince of Egyrus. In his youthful days he lived in the Turks Court of Amurath then King, and for his dexterity in Arms, was highly favoured by the Tyrant, who had poysoned his elder Brethren, and taken away the Inheritance of his Fore-Fa∣thers. At the Battel of Moravia, where Caram∣beg was taken, he was a Commander amongst the Turks. In the general Rout he closely followed aster the Generals chief Secretary, till he found him in a place fit for his purpose, which he had imparted to some of his most trusty Friends and Countrymen, chiefly to Amesa his Kinsman, a stout Soldier. They all together agreed to set upon the Turks, when they found them few in number, and to kill them. The Secretary he car∣ryed aside, and forced him for fear of present Death, to write a Letter in his Masters Name, who (was Grand Vizir) to the Governour of

Croia, the chief City of Epirus, to command him by Amuraths order, to deliver, on sight of the Letter, his Charge and Government to Scanderbeg the new Governour, as appointed by Amurath to succeed him, adding several other things, on pur∣pose to gain more credit to the Letter and Mes∣sengers. As soon as he had thus forced from the Secretary this Letter, he killed him, and as many of the Turks as he could meet with, that they might not give intelligence of his Designs and Proceedings to Old Amurath. And having with him under his Command three thousand Epirots his Countrymen, who resolved to follow his Fortune, and fight for the Honour and Liberty of their Native Country. He marched with all speed towards Epirus; and to the chief City of Croia. He ordered the most part of his Soldiers to go in the night, and by secret ways through the Woods and Mountains, to draw as near to Croia as they could unperceived, until he had an opportunity to bring them into the City to master the Turkish Garrison. In the mean while he took with him a few, only to wait upon him, and went the direct way to Croia, sending before him Amesa with two Servants, to certifie the Governour of his coming. Amesa behaved himself with that Wisdom and Discretion, that the Governour could not perceive any deceit, much less when he saw the great Bassa's Letter, written by his Secretary, but immediate∣ly delivered up the command of the Town, and departed the next day for Adrianople. The same Night Scanderbeg brought into the City his Soldi∣ers, who were appointed to be near at hand: with their assistance he set upon the Turks, and slew them. The recovery of Croia caused all Epi∣rus to yield to Scanderbeg, and the Country Peo∣ple

with great joy gave him their assistance, to kill all the Turks that were left in his Dominions; the Governour also of Croia was overtaken by the Epirots, and murthered with his Retinue. Only some strong places and Garrisons were not so easie to be mastered; but Scanderbeg having called his Subjects to his Assistance, he in few days gathe∣red together 12000 Men, with whom he besieged and took Petrelta, a strong City, by the subtile Tale of a Country Fellow, sent thither on pur∣pose by Scanderbeg, to tell the Garrison, that Amurath had been lately so defeated by the Hunga∣rians, that he could not relieve them, and that they might have any Honourable Terms granted, if they would submit to Scandberbeg. After this he took possession of Petra Alba, Stellusa, and be∣sieged Srifegrade, but could not recover that Ci∣ty: therefore rising from that Siege, he wasted all the Borders of Macedonia, and spoiled the Coun∣try round. Alis Bassa was sent with an Army of forty thousand to punish him, and recover Epirus. Scanderbeg, to defend himself, chose 8000 Horse, and 7000 Foot, and with this small Army he waited upon the Borders near Dibra, for the Bas∣sa's coming; but he had placed three thousand Men with Amesa in Ambush in a Wood, near the great Road where the Bassa was to pass with his Army, commanding them not to stir until such time as they should see that the Fight was begun, and that then they should fall upon the Rear of the Turks. This order was so exactly obeyed, that the Turks having the Enemy before and behind, were beset by a small number; yet they did fight valiantly, until a fresh supply from the Rear came and broke in upon the Turks, for∣ced them to fly, killing in the pursuit and Battel

two and twenty thousand, and two thousand ta∣ken Prisoners, with all the Turks Tents and Rich∣es. After this great Slaughter, Scanderbeg moun∣ted his Footmen upon the Turks Horses, and with all his Army he plundred miserably a great part of Macedonia, and enriched his Soldiers. This great Victory made Scanderbegs Name to be fa∣mous all over the Courts of the Christian Princes, so that in a general Confederacy between them for the opposing of Amurath, Scanderbeg was en∣treated to be one of the party; for that purpose he raised an Army, and intended to assist Ʋla∣dislaus at the great and unhappy Battel at Varna, but his passage was stopt by the faithless Despot of Servia. After that Overthrow, Amurath sent Fe∣rises Bassa to spoil Epirus with 9000 Horse: but Scanderbeg having notice of his speedy coming, he put 1500 stout Footmen in Ambush upon the Mountains and narrow ways that led into the Val∣ley of Mocrea, where the Turks were to pass. These Footmen set upon the Turkish Cavalry in such places where they could not use their Horses, that they were all routed and slain, and pursued by two thousand Horse, which Scander∣beg had there for the purpose. Ferises saved him∣self by Flight with his broken Troops. When Amurath heard of this Overthrow, he sent one Mustapha, another Captain, with a Recruit of 6000 Horse to succeed Ferises in his Government, with orders to burn and spoil as much of Epirus as he could. Mustapha, a wary Captain, came with his Troops into the Valley of Moerea, where he lay strongly encamped in his Trenches every night, having placed Scouts and Sentinels all round upon the Hills, to discover the Enemies coming; with 4000 Horsemen he kept his Camp,

and sent out the rest in parties to spoil the Coun∣try, with express orders, upon pain of death, to repair to him upon the first notice of an Enemy. Scanderbeg being informed by his Spies of Musta∣pha's wariness, resolves to deal with him by plain Force; therefore with 4000 Horse, and a 1000 Foot he speedily marched through the Valley to the Turks Camp, where he kill'd many that were retreating with their plunder, and then as∣saulted the Trenches with that Fury and Resolu∣tion, that the Turks were beaten, 5000 were kil∣led, and 300 taken Prisoners, with the loss only of twenty Horsemen, and fifty Foot. Mustapha fled with the rest of his Forces to his Govern∣ment of Macedonia, to give an account of Scander∣begs Valour, and of his own loss to Old Amurath, who resolved to suffer awhile this dreadful Enemy to live in Peace; therefore he commanded Musta∣pha not to molest the Borders of Epirus, but only to defend his own Government. It happened at that time that there was a Quarrel between Scan∣derbeg and the Venetians, and an open War pro∣claimed: When Mustapha saw that Scanderbeg's Forces were employed against the Venetians, he begg'd leave of Amurath to try once more his Fortune against Scanderbeg. For that purpose with a numerous Army he entred into Epirus, when Scanderbeg was besieging the Town of Dayna, where he left some Forces with Amesa to continue the Siege, and with 500 Horse, and 1500 Foot he went to find out Mustapha, encamped in the upper Country of Dibra. Out of the Garrisons he recruited and encreased his small number to 4000 Horse, and 2000 Foot, all old Soldiers. When both Armies were drawn up in Battalia, a Turk, advantagiously mounted, came out of the

Turks Army to challenge any Christian to fight with him: his name was Caragusa. One Paul Ma∣nessi desired Scanderbeg that he might be the Man to encounter with this Turk, which being granted, at the first blow he wounded him grievously in the Head, and cut it off, which when he had done, he took his Spoils, and return'd with great Acclamations of the Christian Army to Scanderbeg, who seeing how much this had encouraged his Men, set forward against the Turks, and with an invincible Courage beat them out of the Field, took Mustapha Prisoner, killed 12000 Men, whereas of his own Army there was but 300 slain. The Plunder of the Enemies Camp he al∣ways bestowed upon his Soldiers, who met there with great Riches, and according to his Custom, entred again into the Turks Dominions to plunder and burn the Country. Amurath grieved at so ma∣ny losses, resolves, with a mighty Army, to march into Epirus himself, and try his own Fortune a∣gainst this crafty Warriour. Scanderbeg, who ha∣ving notice of his coming, made all things ready: he craved Aid of all his Christian Neighbours; filled his Towns with Food, Provision and Arms, repaired all the decayed Fortifications, and ga∣thered an Army of 10000 Men to attend upon him, leaving sufficient Garrisons in every City. Amurath had in his Army one hundred and fifty thousand Men. He sent forty thousand before him to Stifegrade, to make preparation for his coming. Scanderbeg marched thither with 4000 Horsemen, a thousand Foot, and strongly encamped himself within Seven Miles of the City: from his Camp he went up with some of his Captains to the top of a Hill as near as he could, to see how the Turks lay before Stifegrade; at his return he drew

out his small Army, and placed them in the Woods not far from the City, unto which he sent Moses and Musachi, with about 30 Horsemen, to drive some Horses loaden with Corn, as if they had purposed secretly to get into the City. When the Turks Scouts perceived them, they charged them, but were beaten back, with the loss of five men, which gave the Alarm to the Turks, who marched out to pursue them, in number about 4000. Moses politickly drew them away from their Camp to the place where Scanderbeg lay in Ambush. He rose with his Men, set upon them with that Fury, that he killed 2000. and took a thousand Horse, with the loss of two and twenty of his own Men. Amurath came before Stifegrade in May, 1449. he battered and assaulted the Town with the slaughter of vast numbers of his best Men; during which time Scanderbeg often brake into one part or other of his Camp, making a terrible destruction, and then again retreated with little or no loss. At one time, when Amu∣rath was giving an assault to the City; Scanderbeg was discovered drawing near to the Turks Camp, and, by Amuraths order, was met with by Feri-Bassa, who long desiring to fight with Scanderbeg, was by him slain, and his Army routed, with great loss: but because all the Turks Army were at hand, he speedily retreated from thence with his Victorious Army. Stifegrade was afterwards betrayed and surrendred: but Amurath lost before the City 30000 of his best Men. At his departure Scan∣derbeg followed, and cut off many of his Army assaulting him sometimes in the Rear, sometime, in the Van, as place and occasion would suffes him. The next Spring Amurath returned intr Epirus with an of Army 160000 Men, seading beo

fore Sebali, as a wise Captain, with 40000 Horse to beleagure the City of Croia. After a furious Battery, it was assaulted by the Turks; but Ʋrana∣contes the Governour so encouraged his Soldiers and Citizens, that they stoutly defended it: whilst they were then busie in the assault, Scan∣derbeg with 5000. broke into their Camp, killed 500 Men, and was spoiling of their Tents: This gave an Alarm to the whole Army, so that the Bassa Seremet and Prince Mahomet with his Guard hasted to rescue their Camp, and to deliver it from such troublesome Guests. Scanderbeg in his Retreat being inclosed in by the Turks, broke through several Bodies of them safe, but with great danger of his Life. During this Siege he had strongly encamped himself upon the Mountain Tumenist, not far from the Turks, that he might be more ready to plague his Enemies, and assist his Subjects besieged in Croia. Mahomet, to prevent Scanderbeg for the future, had drawn all the best Soldiers of his Army on that side where he was wont to assault them; but he having good Intel∣ligence, caused an Alarm to be given by Moses there, whilst he, in the mean while, with a strong party of 8000 Men at Midnight entred their Camp at the farther end, and made a very great flaughter of the Turks. Amurath, after many cru∣el Assaults given to the City, and furious Attempts to no purpose, through the Vigilancy of the Go∣vernour, and Courage of the Defendants, dyed for Grief under the Walls of Croia. His Death caused the Siege to be raised by his Son and Suc∣cessor Mahomet, whose Army was followed, and mi∣serably cut off by Scanderbeg in their return home∣wards, at all places of advantage. But to keep him in continual Play, Mahomet sent one Amesa

a Turk, with 12000 Horsemen to wast Epirus. Scanderbeg laid for him an Ambush upon the Moun∣tain Modrissa, where Scanderbeg's Infantry fell upon those Horsemen, and killed 7000 men, with the loss of the Turks General taken Prisoner, who was afterwards ransom'd at 13000 Duckats by Mahomet. The Money was distributed amongst the Christian Soldiers. After this, one Debreas a Valiant Captain, requested Mahomet to be sent against Scanderbeg, who hearing of his coming, went to meet him in the Turks Dominions with 6000 choice men. Debreas had 14000. Scander∣beg thought to have come upon him unawares, but he was prevented and discovered, therefore the two Armies drew up, and after a sharp engagement, Scanderberbeg slew Debreas with his own Hands, as he was riding about to encourage his Men. The whole Army, at the loss of their General, fled, and left behind them 4120. slain by the Chri∣stians. Mahomet endeavour'd next to corrupt some great Man of Scanderbegs Army; Moses Golemus of Dibra was the person pitched upon. He fled to the Turks, and returned with an Army of 15000 men into Epirus, where he was encountred by his late Prince, and 11000 of his Soldiers killed, with the loss of one hundred Epirots. In this Battel Ahemaze, a Turk, challenged Zacharias Groppa a Christian, and was by him killed, and be∣headed before the Fight. Moses, at his return to Constantinople, was so derided by the Turks, that he preferr'd to cast himself upon the mercy of Scanderbeg, who received him again, and pardo∣ned him, restoring to him all his Goods, which had been confiscated. Turks won next Amesa, a Nephew of Scanderbegs, promising him the Crown of Epirus. With him Isaak the Great Bassa was

sent with 50000 men, to proclaim him King of Epirus. Scanderbeg had provided a good Army, but came in sight of the Enemy only with 6000 Horse, with whom he took the way of Lyssa, a Town of the Venetians, as if he had despaired of keeping of Epirus any longer, and had fled thither for the safety of his Person. The Turks rejoiced, as if they had no Enemy to deal with, or to fear. When Scanderbeg saw the Turks secure, and that they had the day before ranged about the Country for Plunder and Spoil, he divided his small Army into three Parties, and came upon them before they expected him, for they had not time to bridle their Horses. Amesa, making Head first, was taken Prisoner, and his Party defeated. The Bassa was overthrown by Moses and Tanusius, two of Scanderbegs Captains, and driven out of Epirus. He lost about 20000 men, and Scanderbeg but 60. All the Bag and Baggage, and Tents of the Ene∣mies were there taken, with great Riches, by the Epirots. Three years after Sinam and Hamur, two other Captains, were ordered by Mahomet to di∣sturb the quiet of Scanderbegs Kingdom; but Si∣nam, with 20000 men, was overthrown, and his Successor Asambeg, with 30000. was defeated next in the Plains of Ocrida, himself wounded and taken Prisoner by Scanderbeg. One Jussembeg, with 18000. entring into Epirus, lost part of his Army, and was glad to save himself by flight with the rest. Their misfortune caused one Caraza-beg, an old Companion of Scanderbegs, to request Ma∣homet to venture an Army with him: He trusted him with 40000 men; but when Carazabeg had near 4000 Horse, who were cut in pieces by an Am∣bush at his first entrance into Epirus, and been wearyed out with continual Alarms by Scanderbeg

in the Night, the weather proving very Tempestu∣ous and full of Rain, he returned back to Maho∣met with less loss than any before him. A Peace afterwards was concluded between Mahomet and Scanderbeg, but it lasted not long, because of In∣juries received on both sides. Mahomet, to defend his Territories bordering upon Epirus, sent Sere∣met Bassa with fourteen thousand Soldiers, but he was routed in the Plains of Ocrida, and 10000 Turks slain. Balabanus Badera, an Epirot born, was the next great Captain, who invaded Epirus with 15000 Horse, and 3000 Foot. He sought to ingratiate himself with Scanderbeg by Messen∣gers and Gifts; but because he was born a Peasant, Scanderbeg sent him a Shovel, a Mattock, and a Flail. This Balabanus was three times overthrown in Battel by Scanderbeg, and his Armies routed and cut in pieces. At his return he perswaded Mahomet to send two Generals with 40000 men against Scanderbeg; so that he, and one Jacub Amauth entred into Epirus. Balabanus was first defeated, and forced to fly, with great slaughter. Jacub next was killed by Scanderbeg himself, and his Army dispersed. Mahomet went into Epirus next, and sent Balabanus with 80000 men to be∣siege Croia before him, but was perswaded to return back Constantinople, and leave the command of the Siege to Balahanus, who riding up to the Gates of Croia, to offer them Honourable conditions, was shot in the Throat, and dyed in his Camp. The Army fled, after the death of their General, out of Epirus, leaving behind them their Tents and Carriages. But Mahomet the next Spring retur∣ned with a vast Army to the Siege of Crota; but when neither by Rewards nor Strength he could prevail upon the Governour nor Garri∣rison,

and Scanderbeg vexing him every night with constant Alarms, by assaulting and cutting off great numbers of his Men, he departed with his Army to Constantinople for fear of other Mishaps. These Adventures of the Noble Scanderbeg are almost incredible; but they are affirmed and recorded to Posterity by Marinus Barletius, a Grave Histori∣an. In this History you may see what Courage and Policy may do, when they are assisting to one another.

CHAP. XXVIII. How Tomanbeius the Sultan of the Ma∣malukes in Aegypt, had almost entrap∣ped Selymus's Army.

Tomanbeius, the last Sultan of the Mamalukes, knowing the Strength and Numbers of Sely∣mus's Army that was marching to the Conquest of Aegypt, resolved to defend himself by Policy. He pitched his Camp not far from Caire, in plain Fields, and drew up his Army ready to receive the Turkish Forces; but before them he caused several deep Ditches to be drawn, hiding them over with Hurdles and Turves, and placed his Great Guns ready charged towards the way that the Turks were coming to him: and infallibly they had fell into the snare, if they had not been fore∣warned, and led round by four Fugitive Mamalukes, who fled from their Companions, and revealed all the danger to Selimus the Emperour of the Turks, that conquered Aegypt.

CHAP. XXIX. A just Answer of Selymus to his Bassa Pyrrhus, about Goods unjustly taken from the Proprietors.

WHen Selymus became very sick, and saw that he must shortly dye, he lamented and complained of his Mortal Condition to his be∣loved Bassa Pyrrhus, who, to comfort him, began to discourse of divers other things, to draw away his thoughts from such an unpleasant Object. And amongst the rest, he asked him how he would be∣stow that great Wealth that had been but a little before taken from some Persian Merchants, and whether he would not build therewith some Fa∣mous Hospital for the relief of the Poor. But Selymus, though a cruel Prince, yet he returned him this just Answer, What Pyrrhus, wouldst thou have me to bestow other Mens Goods, wrong∣fully detained from them, upon Works of Chari∣ty and Devotion, and offer to God what is none of mine own. No, I rather command thee to see that those Goods be restored to their right Owners. This was an excellent saying of that Mahumetan Emperour, which condemns the Unjustice and Op∣pression of many Christians, who are so far from Restitution, that they endeavour, whilst they live, to fill their Coffers with the spoil and plunder of other mens Good, and make no conscience to en∣crease their Childrens Estates with the cursed Rob∣beries of the Poor and Helpless.

CHAP. XXX. A Stratagem of Villerius, Great Master of Rhodes, to get Intelligence of the Turks Camp and Condition.

WHen Solyman caused Rhodes (that Bulwark of Christendom) to be besieged; certain Marriners, well skilled in the Turkish Language, in the Habit of Turks, were sent by Villerius Great Master, in a little Boat full of Apples, Plumbs, Mellons, and such like seasonable Fruits, to sell them to Soldiers that lay in their Trench∣es; and that they might seem to come from the main land, he caused them to sail out of the Har∣bour in the Night, and to land in the Island, at the place where there is but a narrow passage from the Continent. The Turks Soldiers thinking them to be real Turks, came over from the main Land, bought their Fruits, and talked freely to them of their Discontents and Griefs to continue in that dangerous Siege, where they had lost so many brave Men, desiring them secretly to carry some of them over to the Continent. The Marriners see∣med at first very unwilling, because of the dan∣ger; at last they yielded to take in about three of the most considerable of them, whom they could easily master: but instead of carrying them over to the Turks Dominions, they landed them in the Harbour of the City, and deliver'd them to the Great Master, who informed himself of all things concerning the Turks Camp and Losses, and that the Soldiers were ready to mutiny, and loath to continue the Siege.

CHAP. XXXI. How Solyman punished the Garrison Sol∣diers of the Castle of Buda, for betraying their Captain.

THomas Nadastus was lest in that Castle to de∣fend it for Ferdinand, who had lately been crowned King of Hungary. When Solyman with a vast Army had taken the Town, and was be∣sieging this Castle, the German Soldiers there in Garrison, would not be perswaded to hold out against the Eney, but fancyed that the Castle had Bin undermined by the Turks, and that they did smell the Gunpowder: so strangely fear had pos∣sessed their Minds, that no perswasion of the Governour could oblige them to a stout defence. When they saw that he by no means would con∣sent to a surrender, they bound him, and then capitulated with Solyman to yield up this strong Fort, together with their Captain Prisoner. But when this couragious Prince understood the lazi∣ness of the Garrison Soldiers, and the Faithful∣ness and Valour of the Governour, he set him at liberty, but caused his unworthy Germans to be cut in pieces by his Janizaries; a just reward of Traytors and base Cowards, who betray their Trust by their fearful dispositions.

CHAP. XXXII. The Valour of Nicholas Jureschitz, in de∣fending the little Town of Gunza in Hungary against 500000 Men in Se∣lymus's Army.

THis Town of Gunza was but small and weak, but stoutly defended by Nicholas Jureschits the Governour, against Solymans vast Army. Abra∣ham the great Bassa had a particular kindness for this Nicholas, because he knew him to be a brave Soldier, and had been intiamtely acquainted with him when he was Embassadour at Constantinople. As a Token therefore of his kindness, he sent him a Messenger at his arrival, to wish him to de∣liver up the Town, with large promises and threatnings: but when he saw nothing would work upon the couragious Governour, he caused the Town to be undermined, and the Walls to be blown up in three places; after this he gave se∣veral furious Assaults, but was still beaten back by the Defendants: and to trouble them the more, the Bassa had placed a Battery on the North-side of the Town upon a high Hill, from whence he did kill the Besieged as they were standing to de∣send their Breaches. But the Governour raised speedily a Curtain behind his Soldiers to keep off the Turks Shot. After this two great Mounts were cast up with Earth and Faggots, and the Town Ditch level'd, to facilitate their next As∣saults; but the Turks were again several times driven back with great loss and shame. At last

the Soldiers within being for the most part either wounded or killed, the Turks had set up eight Ensigns upon the Walls, and the besieged began to shrink away, when suddenly the Women and Children in the Town gave a very great shout and cry, which so dismayed the Turks, who thought that the Town had been yet full of Soldiers, that they began to look back, and retreat apace. At this sight the Governour and Soldiers took Cou∣rage, and charged them so furiously, that they for∣sook the Walls, and could not be perswaded, nor threatned, by their Leaders to another Assault. When the Great Turk saw the numbers of his men slain, and that his Army had given no less than thirteen Assaults, with great loss and disho∣nour, in his rage he threatned not to leave a stone standing in the Town. But Ibrahim Bassa, desi∣rous to save the Governour, when Solymans anger was over, perswaded him not to dishonour him∣self any longer about such an inconsiderable Town, telling him, that there was no man but would think him able to take and destroy such a small place in time, but that it were more Wisdom to preserve his Soldiers for greater designs, and to depart from before this mean Village: and there∣fore he would call the Governour to him, to ac∣quaint him, that out of his generosity and love that he did bear to men of Valour, he would give him the Town, and all that was therein. When Solyman had suffered himself to be perswa∣ded, the Governour was sent for, and Hostages deliver'd into the Town instead of him. The Bassa discoursed with him, and asked him, why he would offer to resist his Great Masters Power, when every one else yielded, and depend upon the relief of King Ferdinand, not likely to come

to his Assistance. The Governour answered, that he had done nothing but what became a Man of Cou∣rage; and that for his part, he knew King Ferdinand would assist him as soon as he could, but that his chief dependance was upon his God, who would not be wanting to his Endeavours. The Bassa in conclusion told him, that Solyman might easily destroy him and his Town, but that he was so courteous, and so great a savourer of Va∣liant Men, that for his sake the Town should be spared, but that he must receive into the Town a Captain and ten Janizaries in sign of submission. Thus was the little Town of Gunza saved from the hands of the cruel Turks by the good providence of God, and the Valour, Policy and Faithfulness of the brave Governour.

CHAP. XXXIII. How the Island and City of Curzola was defended by the Women, when the Men had forsaken it.

IN the Adriatick Sea there is an Island belonging to the Venetians, named Curzola. The Turks, commanded by Perteau Bassa, Admiral to Selimns the 2d. landed in that Island, with an intent to plunder and spoil it. Anthonius Catarenus, the Venetian Governour, distrusting his own strength, in the dead of the night fled up into the Mountains, and left the City to the pleasure of the invading Enemy. The Townsmen followed their Gover∣nour, and left behind about 20 Men and 80 Wo∣men,

besides Children. When this weak compa∣ny saw how they were betrayed, they took cou∣rage, and rather than they would fall into the hands of the cruel Turks, they resosved all to dye fighting. For that purpose they armed them∣selves with such Weapons as they had, and stood to defend their Walls; when the Turks the next day drew near, they received them so briskly, animated by despair, that they were driven back. And it happened, by the mercy of God, that a Tempest began to rise, whilst the assault was gi∣ving; so that the Turkish Captains discouraged thereby from any longer stay, shipped aboard their men, and sailed away to a Haven more secure. Thus was this Town and Island saved by the good Providence of God, and the stoutness of the Women.

CHAP. XXXIV. The Great and Famous Battel of Lepanto, between the Christian and the Turkish Fleets, Ann. Dom. 1571.

THe Turks Fleet was commanded by Perteau and Haly two Bassa's, by Cassaues the Son of Barbarussa Ʋluzales, and Chiroche Governour of Alexandria; by Carabuzes, Governour of Cilicia, and Mahomet Governour of Eubaea, and many other Sea-Captains of great Experience, and known Va∣lour. The Turks Fleet consisted of two hundred and fifty Gallies, fifty Galliots, and twenty Bri∣gandines, with other small Vessels; they had on

board, besides Seamen and other Soldiers, twelve thousand Janizaries and Saphies. The Christians were Venerius, the Venetian Admiral, with 180 Gallies, 6 Galeasses, and two tall Ships. Don John of Austria commanded 81 Gallies of Spani∣ards and Malteses. Columnius was Admiral over 12 Gallies of the Pope. They had on board besides Seamen 20000 Fighting Men. These two Fleets met over against the Gulph of Lepanto the 7th of October in the Afternoon, 1571. The Turks failed out in four Squadrons, and came in the same order as they saw the Christians observe. Before the Christians, lay at Anchor, six Galeasses full of Great Guns, which sunk many of the Turks Gallies, and disordered their Fleet; they had two other disadvantages in the Fight, the Sun and the Wind were against them, so that the smoak of the Guns much troubled them. But notwithstanding this discouragement, they fell into their order, and with hideous cries, came fiercely on against the Christians. Haly grapled with the Admiral of the Christians, commanded by Don John; but being assisted with the stoutest men of the Fleet, he boarded the Turks, and after a great slaughter, and new supplies from both sides, was forced to receive back his men; after three hours continu∣al fighting, when he saw the Turks to be wearyed out, then did he command up 400 stout men, which he had kept as a reserve for a time of most need. As soon as these unexpected supplies be∣gan to charge the Enemy, the Turks were discou∣raged. Hali being wounded in the Head, was brought to Don John, and his Head cut off, was shewed to the Turks near by, and a Flag with the Cross hang'd out upon his Gally, with a joyful Acclamation, which ran through all the Fleet,

Victoria, Victoria, Victoria. Venerius encountred with Perteau, took his Gally after a fierce fight, and forced him to fly away in his Long Boat. Chiroche the Turk, had some advantage over Barba∣dicus the Venetian, who being mortally wounded; the Turks being thereby encouraged, had mastered his Gally, had not two Venetian Captains come in to their Relief, who beat off the Turks, and took their Gallies. As soon as Chiroche was slain, with Haly, and Perteau fled, the Turks were thereby much disheartned, and after a cruel and doubtful fight many hours, the main Battel and the left Wing of the Turks were totally overthrown. In the right Wing was Auria the Spanish Admiral against Ʋluzales, who endeavour'd to encompass in the Christians small number; therefore in ex∣pectation of some advantage, he retreated farther in the Sea, and enclosed in 12 Venetian Gallies on a sudden, and carryed them, after he had slain the Defendants, only Benedictus Superantius, a No∣ble Venetian, seeing himself mortally wounded, his men almost all slain, and his Gally taken, went speedily to the Powder, and set fire to it, blowing himself up with the Turks. When Ʋluzales un∣derstood that the Christians were victorious in the other parts of the Fleet, and were coming to as∣sist their Fellows, he left the Gallies that he had taken, and sayled away for fear. Cardonius, a Spanish Captain, coming then in to the rescue of his Fellows, pursued him, but was set upon by 15 Turks Gallies that turned back upon him, slew him and most part of his Soldiers and Marriners, and had undoubtedly taken his Gally, had not Don John, Columnius and Venerius been near at hand. This Fight lasted five hours, in which about 20000 Turks were slain, amongst which

were Haly Bassa the General, Chiroche, Cassanes, Mala∣mur, Gider, Cassambeius, Proni, Aga, Mustapha, Zelibi, Caracoza, a Famous Pyrat, were chief. 3500 were taken Prisoners, the chief were Ach∣mat and Mahomet, the Sons of Haly, and Nephews to Sultan Selimus, with others of great account. There were 161 Gallies taken, and about 40 sunk: of other Vessels were taken about 60. The Admiral Gally of the Turks was the most beautiful. The Christians lost 7566. who were killed, and about 7000 wounded. This great Vi∣ctory recovered about 12000 Christians out of Captivity, and caused great rejoycing in Italy, in Spain, and all over the Christian Countries. It was the greatest overthrow that the Turks have ever had at Sea. But one of the Turkish Prisoners hearing some compare it to the loss of Cyprus, which had been but a little before taken from the Venetians, he affirmed, that it was not so great as the Venetians loss: for, said he, by the taking of Cyprus from them, they have lost a Limb of their State, which will never be recovered; but this loss at Sea is like the shaving of the Sultans Beard, which will grow again in a little while. This overthrow so troubled Selimus, that he com∣manded all the Christians of his Dominions to be flain, but was disswaded from this barbarous Cruelty by Mahomet Bassa.

CHAP. XXXV. The Brave Exploits of Sigismundus Ba∣tor against the Turks in Transilvania.

THis Prince was one of the Noblest and most Fortunate Generals of our late years. When the Turks, his unquiet neighbours, together with the Tartars invaded his Dominions: he set upon them, and made a great slaughter of them. He recovered Valachia and Moldavia from the Turks, with the assistance of the two Princes of that Coun∣try. Sinan was sent with a vast Army into Valachia, where the Prince met him, and in a great Battel, which lasted from morning till night, overthrew the Turks Army with a wonderful slaughter. Sinan fled, and left all his Tents and Great Guns, with Rich Spoils, to the Christian Army. To revenge this great Loss, Sinan Bassa the Turks chief Gene∣ral, raised 70000 men to drive the Prince out of Valachia. He came to Tergovista, where he en∣camped with his Army, but at the report of the Princes coming, the Turks were so terrified, that they fled, and Sinan himself dreaded a second Encounter with so successful and valiant a General, who pursued him from place to place as far as Tergovista, where the Prince cut in pieces 4000 Turks, who had bin plundring the Country, and recovered 60000 Head of Cattle, which they had taken out of Valachia. The Castle of Tergovista, which was secured by Sinan with a Guard of 4000 Turks, commanded by Hassan Bassa, was taken, and all the Soldiers put to the Sword. The Prince following the chase, took Bucaresta, forsaken by

the Turks, and overtook the Rear of their Army at a Bridge made over the Danubius. Sinan, who to stop the Princes course, burnt the farther end of the Bridge, and exposed many of his men to the fury of the Christian Army, or to the unmer∣ciful Waves of the River. He marched next to a Castle which defended another passage over the same River, where 700 Turks were in Garrison. The Castle he took, and put them all to the Sword, for refusing to yield upon Summons. This Prince blasted the Glory of Sinan Bassa, which he had many years gotten by his skill in War, and recovered three fruitful Provinces from the Turks, Transilvania, Valachia, and Moldavia: a greater loss they never received at one time by Land.

CHAP. XXXVI. How Zellaly the Turkish Rebel, overcame the Bassa of Bosna by Craft.

MAhomet the 3d. was grievously troubled by his Rebellious Subjects in Asia, who had got together in such considerable numbers, and had such brave Generals to command them, that all his Forces were not able to subdue them. They overcame and cut in pieces several of his best Captains. At last he was advised to circumvent them, and by fair means to draw them into his Service, and into such places as he might take them off at his pleasure. Zellaly was one of the most considerable; to him he caused the Govern∣ment

of Bosna, a rich Province, to be offered, if he would come over with 12000 men, which he had under his command, into Europe, to assist in the Wars of Hungary. Zellaly suffered himself to be perswaded by this great Preferment, and to satisfie the expectation of his Lord, did him won∣derful service in Hungary. But when the Great Bassa was departed towards Constantinople, Zellaly withdrew himself into his promised Government, to take possession of it, and came to the chief Town of that Province, named Bagualue, only with 3000 men, and encamped in a meadow be∣fore the Town. Zeffer Bassa being then Governour, and having no orders from Mahomet to depart from his Government, fretted to see the boldness of the Rebel, and resolved to correct him. He called therefore together his Soldiers, and mar∣ched out against Zellaly, in hopes to cut him in pieces with his Slender and weak Company. When Zellaly understood his purpose, and saw how unable he was to withstand him, he in the night caused several Fires to be made round about his Camp, and then departed with his Forces. Zeffer hearing of his Flight, imagined that fear had obliged him to withdraw himself, therefore he hasted to Zellalies Camp, which he gave to be plundred by his Soldiers; whilst they were plun∣dring and carrying away the Spoils, Zellaly re∣turns with his 3000 stout and valiant Horsemen, who finding them in disorder, and secure, slew 6000 of the Bassa's men, and obliged him to fly away with many of his Followers. After this Vi∣ctory, to improve it to his best advantage, he marched speedily to all the chief places of the Province, and forced the Inhabitants to swear unto him Allegiance: from every corner he ga∣thered

many brave Horses, Armour and Money to serve him in time of need. All this he secured in the strong Town of Balnaluc: and though he had been often sent for to Constantinople by the Sultan with promises of great Honour and Advantage; he would never suffer himself to be perswaded to go so near his offended Lord, or within his reach, but excused himself in the best manner he could.

CHAP. XXXVIII. Of the Battel of Crescy, between King Edward the 3d. of England, and King Philip of France, Ann. Dom. 1343.

IN the English Army were 4000 men at Arms, 10000 Archers, with some Welsh and Irish Auxiliaries. All commanded by the King in per∣son, and Edward Prince of Wales. The whole Army consisted of 30000 Men. He landed in Normandy, and dividing his Forces into three Bodies, he marched into the Country, and took several considerable Towns. In the French Army were 60000 men, of whom 3000 were Barons, Knights and Gentlemen. The Duke d'Alanson led the Van: The Earl of Savoy commanded the Rear: and the King of France himself was in the main Battel. But the English Army was brought up, the Vanguard by the Prince, the main Body by King Edward, and the Rear by the Earls of Arundel and Northampton, the Lords Ross, Willoughby, St. Al∣bans and Multon. In the French Army some re∣markable passages happened in the beginning of

the Fight, which gave a great discouragement to the French Forces. They had in their Army 1500 Cross-Bows, Genoueses, stout and valiant Men. These had beeen placed in the front of the Duke of Alansoas Battel by a wise Commander in the Army; but the Duke envying the Honour of that place to those Strangers, caused them to be removed to another. This discontented these Italians, and made some disorder to be in that Battel; which being taken notice of by King Edward, he immediately commanded the Prince to advance, and charge, which was performed with that resolution, that the French were routed. King Philip seeing his Brother worsted by the En∣glish, came into his Assistance with his Body. The Fight was fierce, bloudy and doubtful a great while, till Philips Horse being killed under him, he was conveyed out of the Battel. This dis∣discouraged all the rest, and put them to a retreat. When the Prince was engaged in the midst of his Enemies, he sent to King Edward to come in, but the King refused, and bid him expect no help, which made the English fight more desperately, so that 30000 French were killed, of which a∣bout 12000 were of great quality, with the King of Bohemia and the Earl of Flanders. After this great Victory, King Edward besieged Chalice, and took it. In the same year the Queen obtained a great Victory over the Scots, commanded by King David; 15000 Scots were there slain, with many Earls and Lords of Scotland. After the winning of Chalice, the King understanding the Gover∣nour intended to betray the Town for a great sum of Money, goes over, receives the Money, and marched out to encounter with the French Forces in a disguise. He was twice dismounted by one

Ribomount, who being taken Prisoner, the King, for his Valour, released him without ransom.

CHAP. XXXIX. Of the Famous Battel of Poictiers.

THe English Skill and Courage in War never appeared more in any Fight than in this of Poictiers. The Prince had in his Army 2000 Horse, and 8000 Archers, with some Auxiliaries, drawn out of the French Provinces; with these Forces he marched out of Bourdeaux towards Poicton and Berry, to draw King John out of Nor∣mandy: When he heard of the Princes March, he went to meet him with 30000 Horse and Foot. The English wisely entrenched themselves amongst the Vineyards, and might have been in time star∣ved there by the French, who with their numbers were able to inclose and besiege them round: but the Kings Courage, and the French fury could not suffer the sight of so small a party, without a present Assault. 300 of the ablest men of the French Army were ordered to begin, and draw the English to a Battel; but their defeat encoura∣ged the English to encounter with three Bodies of the French Army; the right Wing was commanded by the Constable; the left, by the Dolphin; the main Battle was conducted by King John of France. All three Battels were overthrown one after ano∣ther; 5000 were slain. The King himself and his Son Philip were taken Prisoners, honourably entertain'd, and carryed to Bourdeaux, and from

thence into England. The Wisdom and Courage of the Prince was here very remarkable in chu∣sing such a ground to fight, as rendred the French's chief strength of Horse useless; in sending seaso∣nable Supplies to such as were overpowred; and in the disorder of the French Army, in falling on with his whole strength. How Glorious did the English Valour appear to all Foreign Nations, when our Princes and our Gentry were so nobly em∣ployed in Foreign Countries; and with such won∣derful success, that two of the greatest Monarchs of Europe, commanding over the most Warlike Peo∣ple, were at one time taken Prisoners, and forced to submit to the Crown of England!

CHAP. XL. The brave Exploits of Robert Bruce, King of Scotland.

AFter the death of Alexander King of Scot∣land, Baliol and Bruce were Competitors for the Crown. To save the Christian Blood, the difference was left to the Arbitration of King Edward of England, lately returned from the Holy Land. Edward minding the encrease of the Honour of the English Crown more than the just∣ness of the Cause, grants the Royal Dignity of Scotland to King Baliol, upon condition that he would do him homage for it. When Baliol had yielded to this, he was Crowned at Scone. But Bruce, with his Party, held out in opposition to him, and would by no perswasion quit his claim.

Baliol, after his Coronation, being discontented with King Edward, upon an affront offered to him, revolts from the English, and takes up Arms, but being overcome and taken Prisoner, King Edward subdues most part of Scotland, and resolves to unite it to the Crown of England. The Scotch were soon weary of a Foreign Government; they joyn themselves therefore with Bruce, and en∣courage his Title, that they might shake off the English Yoak. Bruce begins with a small Party, but finds Victory and Success, which quickly drew to him all his discontented Countrymen. John Cuinin, Earl of Buchan, first gathered an Army to oppose him, but durst not venture a Battel, which made him desire a Truce: shortly after Bruce fell sick, and Earl Cuinin taking this oppor∣tunity, resolved to recover from him what was lost, and to fall upon his Army. Bruce, though so weak, that he could not sit on Horseback, with∣out being supported by two Servants, encourageth his Men by his presence and Conduct: for the sight and courage of a chief Commander is of great moment in War. Bruce's Forces were so animated by the Kings presence, though sick and weak, that fearing no danger, they fought despe∣rately, and routed their Enemies at Ennerury. After this Victory Bruce recovered the Country of Arguile, and all Galloway, with all the Forts held by the English in Scotland, and then invaded En∣gland, from whence he carryed away much plun∣der and spoil. King Edward, to be revenged, provided an Army of 100000 Men, with which he marched into Scotland, and at Bannocharn, two Miles from Sterling, met King Bruce with 30000 Scots. The English had some discouragement the day before the Battel; for they sent 800 Horse

to Sterling, but 500 Scots, commanded by James Dowglass, met with them, and overthrew them. The night before the Battel the Scots digged ma∣ny pits and holes in the even ground, which was design'd for the Field where they were to fight; and in the Pits fixed sharp stakes headed with Irons, covered them over with Turves and Hur∣dles. This Policy was very useful to them, for the English Horse, ignorant of this Stratagem, sell into these Pits, where the Scots encountred them in a great disorder. The English were forced to retreat, though the Scots pursued the Victory fu∣riously, the English had rallyed, and were again going to try their fortune; but the sight of the Scotch Carriages left upon the Hills, with their Cattle and Servants, making a great noise, and shewing the appearance of another Army coming down to the assistance of their Fellows, discou∣raged, and put them to flight. 10000 were here killed, 700 Knights and Gentlemen, and many Prisoners taken: but King Edward escaped to York. After this the Scots subdued and plundred all the Northern Countries as far as York, and rou∣ted 10000 English in another Battel, with the loss of 3000. there slain. The King returned toward Scotland with another Army, but King Bruce forced him to retreat with the loss of all his Treasure. Edward Bruce, the Kings Brother, was likewise sent over into Ireland, and subdued almost all that Kingdom to the Crown of Scotland. This Robert Bruce enjoyed Scotland many years, and then bequeathed it to his Son David; and if he dyed without Issue, to Robert Stuart his Sisters Son, who was Granchild to Alexander Stuart, who about the year 1255. defeared Atho King of Nor∣way, who had invaded the West part of Scotland with

20000 Danes, and 120 Ships. He killed 16000 in the Field, and freed his Country from the cru∣elty and oppression of these Northern People, and forced them to sue to the Scots for peace.

CHAP. XLI. Of some of the most remarkable Persons for their Valour, of that most Honourable, and most Noble Family of the Stuarts.

THis Family for Antiquity may contend with any in Europe, being derived from some of the most Antient British Kings of this Island. And I am certain that in all Ages since, it hath been taken notice of in History: none hath been more fruitful of excellent Men for their Wisdom, Va∣loua, and other Abilities of Body and Mind. Besides the fore-named Alexander Stuart, who, by his wise Conduct and Courage, deliver'd his Native Country from a dangerous Invasion; his Granchild Robert Suart, who succeeded to the Crown of Scotland, after David Bruce his Unkle, and was the first of his name King of that Warlike People; became one of the most famous Princes of his time for his Victories over his English Enemies. He was no sooner pro∣moted, but a War broke out between England and Scotland for the killing of a Friend of George Dunbar by the English at a Fair. Dunbar, to be revenged, plundred the Fair, and burnt the Town, with the slaughter of all Opposers. The Gentle∣men Borderers on both sides invaded the Lands

of one another. At last Henry Pierce, Earl of Northumberland, gathers together 7000 Soldiers, with whom he marched into Scotland as far as Dunce. The Scots in the night, instead of their Swords, made use of their Rattles, with which they commonly drive away the Deer from their Corn, to encounter with their English Enemies; and having the advantage of the Hills and Vallies to receive and increase the sound. The noise was so great, that the Eearls Horse turned back and fled, and the rest of the Army fearing more dan∣ger than there was, followed after, leaving their Baggage to the Scots, who got an easie Victory without drawing a Sword. At the same time one Gordon lay in Ambush, and defeated Thomas Musgrave, Governour of Berwick, and his Troops, and took him Prisoner. The English entred Scot∣land again under the Lord Talbot with fifteen thou∣sand, but in their return, only 500 Horse in the Night assaulted and overthrew them, because they imagined them to be a greater number. King Richard of England invaded Scotland with 60000 men, and a great Fleet; but King Robert, by en∣tring and spoiling England, dispersed this great Tempest without much loss to his own Kingdom. In this Kings time the Scots took part of Ireland, and the Isle of Man, and had many notable Victories over the English: so that after he had governed his Kingdom, and defended it against all Invasi∣ons, he left it to his eldest Son John, who was perswaded by his Parliament to change his name into the fortunate name of Robert; he had two Sons, David and Robert, the first was created Duke of Rothsay; the second, Duke of Albany. David incurr'd his Fathers displeasure by his youthful pranks, and was confin'd to the keeping and in∣spection

of his younger Brother Robert, who made him a close Prisoner, and resolved to starve him to death; but a Country Maid found means to pre∣serve his Life for a while with thin Oat Cakes, which she gave him through a Window; and a certain Nurse caused him to suck her Breasts at a distance, by a long Cane. To King Robert succee∣ded his youngest Son James, after a long Captivi∣vity in England. He deliver'd his Kingdom from many intestine Enemies. Alexander, Lord of the Isles, was by him subdued; and all the little Tyrants that plundred and robbed his People. He commissioned several Judges to make a Circuit about his Kingdom, and to hear the Complaints of his Subjects. He was as great a Lover of Lear∣ning as of Justice, and as careful to promote the publick good, by inviting many skilful Persons in Manufactures. His reputation was so great, that he was earnestly courted by the Embassadours of the Kings of England and France, to joyn with them in League and Affinity: but at last he was so unhappy, that a Conspiracy being made against him, he was basely murthered at Perth by the Earl of Athol, and his wicked Associates, who within forty days after were deservedly tortured to death. The Earl was Crowned with a burning Crown of Iron, his Joynts dislocated by the Strapado, the next day he was drawn through the streets of Edinburg upon a hurdle, and execu∣ted for High Treason.

To King James the I. succeeded his Son James the II. yet a Minor, Anno 1537 The Regency of the King and Kingdom was committed to Alexan∣der Leviston. The Queen, a subtile Woman, see∣ing distempers of the Kingdom encrease through the imperiousness and ill government of the Chan∣cellour

Chrichton, resolved to get the King out of his Custody by this Invention. She obtained leave to lodge with her Son in Edinburg Castle: at last she found a means to convey him out of the Castle to Leith in her Trunk, where her Linen was used to be kept. This King, when he came to be of Age, obtained a notable Victory over the English at a place called Sarc, and killed 3000 of his Enemies, with the loss of 600 Scots. The Earl Douglass was then too Potent for the King and Kingdom, and too haughty for a Subject. The King therefore weakens that powerful Family, brought them upon their knees, after many sierce Skirmishes and Battels; and such as continued in their Rebellion, he banished out of the King∣dom. At last he raised an Army to assist the Duke of York against King Henry the VI. of England. After this Kings overthrow, the Lords sent to King James to desire him to disband his Army, and not to molest the English Borders, threarning him, that if he did otherwise, they would meet him in the Field. He answered the Messengers, That he was resolved to take the Town and Castle of Roxburg, which he had besieged; and that he was not to be driven away from thence by Words. As King James was storming the Castle of Roxburg, he gave fire to one of the great Guns himself, and was suddenly struck dead. The Queen, then in the Army, desired the Lords not to be dejected by the Kings death, nor to forsake the Siege; and told them, that she would provide another King for them; her Son James, then about nine years old, who was brought into the Camp, and saluted King by the Army, who never left off till they had taken the Castle, and demolished it. Thus this Couragious Queen, undaunted at the unexpe∣cted

death of her Husband, continued in the Field to hearten the Soldiers, and force the Ene∣my to surrender this strong Castle to the Scots.

King James the III. succeeding to his Father, wanted not his Courage, though he suffered him∣self to be too much govern'd by his passions, which brought him at last to an untimely end. To him succeeded James the IV. who in the year 1500 proclaimed a War against England, in favour of the French, and sent a great Fleet to their Assistance. He was so resolved, that when he was disswaded from a Battel with the English, because of his small and weak number, he declared to the Earl of Angus, he would fight them, if they were one hundred thousand strong. The Scots, according to the example of their King, fought stoutly, and though there were 5000 of them killed, they slew as many of the English. But the King lost his life in this Battel of Fluddon Field. He was so zealous for the Christian Religion, that he ob∣tained from the Pope, the stile of Protector of the Faith.

James the V. a Child, succeeds his Father un∣der several Regents. At last the distractions of the Kingdom forced the Nobility to invite over from France John Stuart, Duke of Albany, 1514. to take upon him the Government of the King and Kingdom. He was a wise and moderate man, but much addicted to the French faction and interest. He was a Nephew of King James the III. by his Brother Alexander. It was the unhappiness of this, and several of the former Kings, to come to their Crown before they had knowledge and ability to bear them: therefore divisions and factions in the State, between great and Ambitious Men, did miserably tear, that poor Kingdom of Scotland,

and caused many calamities to fall upon the inno∣cent Inhabitants. When King James the V. came to be of Age, he visited, with a fleet, all the Islands, and punished such disorderly Rebels as regarded not his Predecessors commands. He went over into France, and marryed first Magdalen, the French Kings Daughter; but she dyed suddenly. He marryed next with Mary, of the House of Guise, of whom was born that excellent Queen Mary of Scotland, whose Rebellious Subjects, and over-jealous Kinswoman, brought her after much affliction, and a long imprisonment, to an undeserved Death. She was conveyed into France, and marryed to the Dolphin, and her mother de∣clared Regent in Scotland. About this time happened great troubles all over that Kingdom, by the bringing in of the Protestant Reformation, which was opposed by the Queen Regent and her French Faction, with the Roman Clergy; but much encouraged by the People, the Gentry and Nobility; and especially by James, a Bastard Son of James the V. who leaving the command of his Cloyster, was created by his Sister Queen Mary, Earl of Murrey. Queen Elizabeth of England was not wanting to the Protestant party in Scot∣land; she sent them both Men and Money, and by the assistance of the English, the French were driven out of Scotland.

Queen Mary, after the death of her Husband, the French King, returns, by shipping, to Scotland, where she found the Religion of the Country changed by an Act of Parliament, and the Roman Faith abolished. Though the Queen had the li∣berty of the Mass in her own Chappel, the furi∣ous Zeal of the reformed party was scandalous and unsufferable, for they offered many af∣fronts

to the Queens Domesticks of the Roman persuasion. Therefore to strengthen her self a∣gainst a contrary faction, she calls home Mathew Stuart, Earl of Lenox out of England, where he had lived in Exile. This Noble Man brought with him a Son, named Henry, commonly called the Lord Darly, to the Court of Scotland, where as soon as the Queen fixed her Eyes upon him, she chose him for her Husband, and dignified him with the Dukedom of Rothesay, and Earldom of Ross, to make him a fitter match for a Queen. He was a person of admirable and comely presence, and a zealous Roman Catholick. After he was marryed, and proclaimed King, many of the No∣bility grew discontented, and fell into several parties, labouring to breed a difference between the King and Queen, which they found means to effect, after the King had caused David Riz, her French Secretary, to be violently carryed away from the Queens presence, and murdered, she be∣ing then big with Child. Afterwards she was brought to bed in Edinburg Castle of a Son, named James, who, after the decease of Queen Elizabeth, united both Kingdoms, and put an end to the quarrels of both Nations. The Queens Husband was afterwards inhumanely murdered by Earl Bothwel and other Conspirators. The distressed Queen, after many hazards and troubles, flies for shelter into England, where, instead of a Sanctu∣ary, she finds a Prison and Death. King James, though Crowned young, and governed by his Un∣kle Murrey, proved one of the most excellent Princes for Wisdom, Learning, and all other Princely Endowments that ever any Nation was blessed with. He was first govern'd by his Unkle Murrey, but he being shot by one Hamilton in the

Streets of Lithgo, and killed; Mathew Lenox, the young Kings Grandfather, was made Regent of Scotland during his Minority; but he being also killed at Sterlin, the Earls Morton and Mar were appointed to succeed But when the King was twelve years of Age, he took upon him the Govern∣ment, and was assisted by twelve Noble Men, as Councellours. Then his Kinsman Esmerus Stuart the Son of John, the Brother of Mathew, late Earl of Lenox, came over from France to visit his Cousin King James, and was by him highly advan∣ced, made Lord Chamberlain of Scotland, Cap∣tain of Dunbritton, and Duke of Lenox. His Fa∣ther, for his extraordinary Valour at the Battel of Baugy against the English, had the Noble seat of Aubigny bestowed upon him by the French King Charles the VII.

King James met with many difficulties and snares, out of which Providence, and his own discretion led him safe to the Crown of England, to the great Joy and Happiness of both Kingdoms. He marryed with Anne, Daughter to the King of Denmark; and by her had two Sons. Prince Henry, who was the great expectation of the En∣lish Nation, but suddenly snatcht away by death. Prince Charles, and the Lady Elizabeth marryed to the Prince Palatine of the Rhine. Prince Charles, Successour to his Father, and Heir of three flourishing Kingdoms, after many Battels, where he shewed his undaunted Courage, as well as Piety, in his Afflictions, was by a most unnatu∣ral, most devillish and unparalell'd Rebellion mur∣dered by his Subjects. Never any Prince was better qualified for a Crown, never any more pa∣tient in distress. Instead of the Imperial Crown of these Realms, Providence bestowed upon him

the Crown of Martyrdom, and his memory will ever continue precious in the remembrance of all his Loyal Subjects. He was too much a Christian to continue long in Peace, Governour over such a tumultuous People. This Nation hath been hap∣py many years in excellent, wise and valiant Princes, who have protected us and our Estates from forrein and intestine Enemies. Our late King Charles the II. of ever blessed Memory, was drawn into the Field betimes to contend with Cruelty, Rebellion and Tyranny: when to the loss of his Patrimony, was added the loss of so good a Father, and the Banishment of his Friends, his excellent Courage was not dejected, but un∣der so many aggravations of Sorrow, under so many pressing and grievous Afflictions as were sent to welcom him into the World, he endea∣vour'd to recover, by his Valour and Conduct, his Kingdoms and Crowns. In Scotland, when he was to struggle with a seditious and troublesome Generation, and was to encounter with a Victo∣rious Army of Enemies; his Wisdom preserved his divided party from that ruine, into which they were falling by their needless Factions; and at the unhappy Battel of Worcester, King Charles shewed himself to be a wise and diligent Commander, and an undaunted Soldier, by the confession of his greatest Enemies. But that which this brave Prince attempted to obtain by his just Arms, Providence procured to him by a Miracle; I mean, the Restauration of the Royal Family to their Dignities and Estates, without any effusion of Bloud, when there were so many Enemies both at home and abroad to oppose them.

In this short summary of the Heroes of the Royal Family, I cannot but mention our present

King James the II. whose great Courage, undaun∣ted Spirit, and Noble Mind, hath been sufficient∣ly tryed both at at home and abroad, both by Sea and Land, against Foreign Enemies in the Field, and furious and unreasonable Combitations of sa∣ctious Spirits within the Kingdom. Victory and success hath always attended upon him; and may this most Excellent Prince long continue over us in all prosperity and happiness, and may his Ene∣mies lick the dust.

CHAP. XLIV. Of the Conquest of France by King Hen∣ry the V. and several other Remarkable Passages in that famous War.

KIng Henry the V. for the recovering of his Right to the Crown of France, which was denyed to him upon the pretence of the Salick Law, sent over the Duke of Exeter, his Unkle, with several Noble Men, and 500 Horse, to Charles the VI. of France, to demand the Crown, and with it the Princess Catherine, the French Kings Daughter. The Dolphin, in contempt of King Henry's youthful days, sent him, in scorn, a Tunn of Tennis Balls to play with. The King was so sensible of this scornful present, that he swore, That he would toss so many Iron Balls in France, that the strongest Rackets in that Kingdom should not be able to return them back. It is no Wis∣dom to provoke the weakest Enemy, nor safe to contemn the meanest Power, for that which is

wanting in Ability, may be made good by dili∣gence and policy. King Henry, for the obtaining of his purpose, transported over an Army into France. Harflew was besieged, and within six Weeks taken. The Soldiers had liberty to plun∣der it. A sudden distemper happened in the English Army, which destroyed many of the stou∣test Soldiers, who are as much subject to death in their Tents, as in the midst of the Enemies Swords, and the showres of shot. The King left a Garrison in Harflew, and resolved by land to march to Chalice with Two Thousand Horse, and Thirteen Thousand Archers. The Dolphin with above Thirty Thousand at Rohan resolved in Coun∣cil to sight the English. At Agencourt the Consta∣ble of France came to the Dolphin with Ten Thou∣sand Horse, and some Foot. The French, as their manner is, boasted of the Victory before they had got it; but they presumed so much upon their numbers, that they thought to swallow up the English. King Henry had wisely provided all things for a Fight. He had got a number of Stakes, strengthned with sharp Irons at each end; with them he fences in his Foot, that they might find, in case of necessity, some defence against the multitudes of the Enemies Horse. The French Army was divided into three Battalions, the first consisting of 16000. was lead by the Constable; the second, by the Dukes of Alanson and Barr; the third was commanded by the Earls of Mark and Damp. The English Vanguard was brought up by the Duke of York, the main Battel, in which were the strongest Bill-men, by the King, assisted by the Duke of Glocester, the Earls of Oxford and Suffolk. The Rear was marshalled by the Duke of Exeter, the Kings Unkle. An Ambush of English

Archers was placed within a new hedge, to re∣ceive and surprize the French at their first ap∣proach. They did such good service with their showres of Arrows, which fell upon the Van of the French Army, consisting for the most part of Horse, that they were overthrown, and helped to trample upon, and disorder their Foot. In that hurly burly the English Bill-men fell upon them with such fury, that they were forced to fly: but at the coming in of the French main Bat∣tel, the English retreated in order within their Stakes, and where then followed by the French Horse with more hast than discretion, for they found themselves so entangled, that many of the most furious lost their Lives. Here the King fought hand to hand with the Duke of Alanson, and beat him down, and would have spared his Life, had not his Guard killed him before he was aware. When the two first Battalions were overthrown, the third had no stomack to go on to the charge; and though they were the greater number, they fled, and craved quarter, which was granted: but when a dreadful noise was heard from the En∣glish Camp, occasioned by 600 Horse that fell in to plunder the English behind their Backs; the King imagining that another Army was coming on to assault him, and that so many thousand Priso∣ners might rise up, and endanger his Army in the Rear, commanded them all to be flain, for which he ever after was heartily sorry. In this Bat∣tel sell the Constable and Admiral of France, the Dukes of Alanson, Brabant and Barre, many Earls, 25 Barons, 8000 Knights, Esquires, and Gentle∣men, and many thousand common Soldiers. Though the Enemy was fled, the King, for the publick safety, commanded his Army to stand in

Array; for the Earl of Faulconbridge suddenly ap∣peared with 600 Horse, to take the English upon an advantage, but they were soon routed. Af∣ter this, Solemn thanks was given there to God; and the Soldiers had then liberty to take the Plunder of the Field. From thence King Henry marched to Chalice, loaden with Riches and Ho∣nour. The next year, with a new Army, he lan∣ded in Normandy, besieged and took Caen, and all the chief Towns, invited by the Kings promises, yielded without resistance; only Rohan, being well manned and fortified, held out so long, till Famine scal'd the Walls, and deliver'd it to the English, Bedford and the Earl of Huntington returned like∣wise with Victory over the French Fleet.

In the beginning of this War, the English had no assistance, but from their own Skill and Valour, and from the divided State of France, and the discontent of the Grandees, who commonly find fault with one another in an unsuccessful War. But there happened an Action which mightily in∣creased the strength of the English. The Duke of Burgundy, the Dolphins Enemy, sought to be re∣conciled to him for the publick good. The Dol∣phin, though he professed much kindness, took his advantage, and murdered the Duke. The Earl of Carolois; the Dukes eldest Son, sought to be re∣venged on the Murderers, and therefore from thence favoured King Henry's Claim. A peace was concluded, by which King Henry was proclai∣med Regent, and Heir apparent of France, and he marryed with Catherine, the French Kings Daugh∣ter. All these sudden successes of the English were owing to the young Duke of Burgundy's re∣venge, the French Kings weakness, and the Dol∣phins unjust dealing; for he had purchased to him∣self

many Enemies by the illegal murdering of great men, chiefly the Duke of Burgundy. A Fo∣reign Enemy hath a great advantage in a strange Country, when a Potent Person, or a considerable Party joins with; or assists them in their Conquest. The Dolphin, though he was discouraged by the French Kings rejection, and the defection of many Towns, he gathered his Forces, and put a period to the English Victories and Joys, by the gain of a Battel, wherein 2000 English were surprized and slain, with the Duke of Clarence, the Kings Bro∣ther, the Earls of Tankerville and Kent, and the Lord Ross, only for want of a right intelligence of the Enemies state and numbers. The Duke being perswaded by a deceitful Scout to leave behind him the strength of his Army, and engage the French Army only with his Horse. Too much Confidence and Valour hath been the ruine of the stoutest and best Generals of former Ages. The Dolphin, to be revenged upon Burgundy, employs Fire and Sword to destroy his Country; but the King of England pursued him from one City to ano∣ther, till he fell sick by the way, in marching to∣wards Burgundy, which caused him to be carryed back to Bois d'Ʋnicermes, where, after he had gi∣ven order for the preservation of his Kingdom, and returned thanks to God for his Conquests, he departed this troublesome life; leaving by his Queen a young Henry born at Windsor, whom he committed to the Protection of his good Brother Humfrey Duke of Glocester; but the Regency of France was left to his Brother John, Duke of Bed∣ford. After the Kings Death, Montacute, Earl of Salisbury, and the Lord Talbot, were the most no∣ted Champions, and the most successful Com∣manders for the English. Salisbury surprised the

Town of Pont-Melance, and raised the Siege of Cravant in Burgundy, with the destruction of 8000 of the Enemy. He took several other Towns, and at the Battel of Vernoyle, between the Regent and the Duke of Alanson, who was assisted by Wil∣liam Stuart, and a strong party of Scots; this brave Commander routed the French Army, kill'd 7000 French, 2700 Scots, with many of the chief Nobility; so dreadful was his name to the French Nation, that when St. James in Benyon was besie∣ged by the Constable of France with 40000 men, about 600 English sallying out of the Town, and crying out, St. George, a Salisbury, put the whole French Army to flight, and took 14 great Guns, with much of their Baggage and Ammunition. In the prosecution of this War many Towns were lost and taken on both sides; several sharp encounters happened between the English and the French Garrisons. The French King was Crow∣ned at Rheims, and young King Henry at Paris, where he received the Homages from the Nobili∣ty and Citizens The English Affairs prospered mighty well whilst there was a good agreement be∣tween the chief Commanders, whilst they hu∣moured the Duke of Burgundy, and treated the French with Civility and kindness; but when dis∣cord happened to be between the English Lords, and they suffered the the Soldiers to oppress the Natives of France; the Cities fell away from them apace: Yet Lord John Clifford took Pouthois when the English Interest began to decay. In a Snowy and Frosty Night he caused all his party to cloath themselves in White, and in that colour he scal'd the Walls undiscover'd, put most part of the Inha∣bitants to the Sword, and plundered the Town. Yet for all the brave Exploits, and couragious en∣deavours

of several English Commanders, within a few years all France was lost, with Aquitain and Normandy, through the division of the En∣glish, the cruelty of the Soldiers, the Falshood and Treachery of the Natives, and the presump∣tion and negligence of some great Captains.

CHAP. XLIII. Of Alexander Duke of Parma, and his successful Stratagems.

WHen this excellent General came first to the Government of the Netherlands, the King of Spain, of the Seventeen Provinces, was in possession but of three of the least, but in a few years Parma, by his industry and skill in Arms, recovered almost all, Holland and Zealand excep∣ted. This Prince had given the first Specimen of his Courage and Understanding in War in the Famous Battel of Lepanto against the Turks, where he adventur'd to board a great Commanders Ves∣sel, named Mustapha, the Treasurer of the Turks, and after a bloudy Fight, he took that Gally, and another that came in to assist the former, with un∣known Riches in both. But when John of Austriae was sent Governour into the netherlands, he invited Alexander, the young Duke of Parma, into the Low Countries. At the Battel of Gemblack between John of Austria and the States, Alexander per∣ceiving the Enemies Horse to march in a crooked and uneven way, gave notice of it to the Gene∣ral, and without expecting any return, caused

some Spanish Commanders to assault them in the Front, and upon the Flanks, which was perfor∣med with that Gallantry, that they were put to flight, and run back upon their Foot, which they broke and disorder'd, so that 10000 were there slain and taken in half an Hours time, and but nine of the Spanish Army were found wan∣ting. All their Carriages and Guns were there taken, with their General, and several Noblemen. This great Victory procured the Duke of Parma the favour and esteem of all the Spanish Army. But as the chief skill of a General consists not only in knowing when, and how to overcome an Enemy; but also in understanding how to pre∣serve his Army, and saving it from a dangerous post, or drawing it out of the unexpected Am∣bushes of a powerful Enemy; this was perfor∣med by the Duke of Parma at the Battel of Me∣chlin: for John of Austria, the Spanish General, having suffered a considerable part of his Army to fall upon the Enemies, they retreated to their great Guns, and had encompassed the Spaniards round, so that they had been all cut in pieces, had not Parma secured their Retreat, which he did, by placing behind the Hedges some Companies of Musketiers to stop the pursuing Enemy, and cau∣sing some Troops of Horse furiously to charge, whilst he gave a private sign for a Retreat, and drew away the Body of Foot, in danger to be lost, into the narrow ways, lined with his Mus∣keteers. In the mean while orders were given to the rest of the Army to keep their Ranks, and to stand ready to shelter their Fellows at their re∣turn, for fear the Enemy, following close at the Rear, should disorder and rout the whole Army, as it hath often happened in such like cases.

When John of Austria was dead, Alexander succeeded him in the Government of the Nether∣lands, and in the chief command of the Army. Maestricht was first besieged by him, where he so cunningly enclosed in the Town with Forts and Works by Land, and two Bridges over the River Mosa, that it was not in the power of the Prince of Orange, and of his Army, either to relieve the Town, or force him in his Trenches. At last, after a notable Siege, the City was taken, and mi∣serably plundred by the Dukes Army. By his Policy and Valour he recover'd the most part of the Netherlands, defeated the Troops of Casimi∣rus the Saxon Prince, who, with his German Forces, assisted the Prince of Orange and the States. He compelled several great Towns to yield to him, Tourney, Aldenard, Dunkirk, &c. He drove the Duke of Alanson out of the Nether∣lands, and often beat the French Auxiliaries, af∣ter their unhappy endeavour to surprize Antwerp, and the chief Towns, which they assaulted at noon day, by the orders of the Duke of Alanson, who attempted to take and plunder Antwerp by Treach∣ery. But Parma's excellent skill in War never appeared more than in the famous Siege of Ant∣werp: With ten or eleven thousand men he be∣leagur'd that great City full of People, defeated all the Auxiliary Forces sent to relieve the Town, and at the same time compelled Five other strong Cities to yield to him, Gant, Brussels, Mechlin, Nimeguen, and Teneramund. In this Siege he built a Famous and most Ingenious Bridge over the River of Scala. This Bridge was in part blown up and broken by Ships let down the Stream from Antwerp by a notable Ingenier; but such was the diligence and Courage of the Duke of Parma, that he cau∣sed

some Beams, Planks and Vessels to be laid in that Breach, and Drums and Trumpets there to sound, to blind and deceive the Holland Vessels that were coming up the River the next morning to relieve Antwerp with Provisions: so that, not∣withstanding this discouragement, and the loss of his Soldiers, killed in the blowing up of the Bridge, he continued the Siege, until the Citizens were forced by Famine to yield up their City. He reduced the States of Holland to the necessity of imploring Queen Elizabeth's Aid. She sent sent the Earl of Leicester with a brave Army; but the Duke of Parma proceeded on in the Conquest of the Netherlands, and the taking of several Towns both from the Dutch and English. But no Action of this Prince deserves more the admirati∣on of Men, than his expeditions into France. The first was for the relief of Paris, besieged by Henry the IV. The Duke was ordered by the King of Spain to march thither with his Army. Henry was forced to call together all his Troops, and rise from the Siege, to meet the Duke, with an intent to fight him. But when he understood that Paris was supplyed with Provisions, he en∣trenched himself in such an advantagious Post, that the King did not dare to beat him from thence. He afterwards retreated back into the Low Countries, and in view of the French Army (far more numerous than his) stormed and took the Town of Lagny; and though the French fol∣lowed him close at the Heels, yet he ordered his Retreat so subtilely, that they could never fight him. The next expedition was for the Relief of Rohan, besieged by same King Henry the IV. The Duke of Parma, with an Army of about 15000 Old Soldiers, Spaniards and Walloons, and 8000

French, under the Duke of Mayenne, went to Rohan, and obliged King Henry to depart with his Army. Parma, at the request of the Citizens, assaulted Caudebeck, and took it. In the mean while King Henry had gathered together his dis∣persed Forces, and finding himself as strong as his Enemies, resolved to pursue, and fight them. They were then about Tuepot in the Chalky Coun∣try of Normandy, having the great River of Seine between them both. The Dukes Army was much distressed for want of Victuals, and had re∣ceived some loss by the French Army in Skir∣mishes; and King Henry had taken great care to cut off all provisions from them. But the Duke of Parma, in one night, deliver'd his Army from the danger both of the Enemy and of Fa∣mine. He caused great Boats, covered over with Beams and Planks, to fall down the River from Rohan to his Camp, where he caused two Forts to be raised, with some Redoubts, to favour and defend his passage over the River, which in this place is half a League over. Upon these Boats he conveyed over all his Cannon and Carriages, his Bag and Baggage, with Horse and Foot; so that the next day, when the French Army was preparing to assault the Spaniards in their Tents, they saw only Prince Ranuse Farnese with 1500 Men, with the rest of their Canon, going over to the Dukes Army on the other side; and it was not in the Kings power to follow him for want of Boats, or a Bridge. By this means the Duke returned back with leisure into the Low Countries, relieved two great Cities against a powerful King; and without venturing his Ar∣my, to the great wonder of all Europe, perfor∣med what he had undertaken.

CHAP. XLIII. How the Marquis de Monte defeated five Companies of Foot, and Seven Hun∣dred Horse, with Seventy Lances, and Twenty Five Carabins.

THis excellent Commander, by the Duke of Parma's order, marched out of Lovain, where he was Governour, towards Maestricht, to discover the Enemy, and by chance met with five Companies of Foot, and Seven Hundred Horse. At the first sight his men began to fear the in-equality of the number; but the Marquiss finding himself too far advanced, and so near that he could not well escape by flight, resolved, to encourage his small party to stand the encoun∣ter. For that purpose he caused his Carabines to march up to the top of the Hill in sight of the Enemy, and there to stand ready for a charge, whilst he divided his Lances into three parts, which he caused, at a signal given, to ride from three several places furiously towards the Ene∣my. When they saw from divers places several Troops of Horse riding up to charge them, and hearing the sound of the Trumpets, which the Marquiss caused to be sounded in the Vallies, as if there were a greater Body of Men coming up to charge them, they all run away, and gave an easie Victory to the Marquiss, who in half an hours time killed a great many in the pursuit, took three Colours, two hundred Horses, and and one hundred Prisoners. Thus, by the mi∣stake

and deceit of the eye-sight, was this party routed; and when fear causeth Men to fly away, a small number is sufficient to continue the chase, and hinder them from rallying.

CHAP. XLIV. Of Henry de Lorain, Duke of Guise, and how he defeated the great Army of Germans in France.

THe Protestant Princes of Germany being solli∣cited by the King of Navar, sent abouut five and twenty thousand men, under the command of the Baron de Dona and the Duke of Boillion to his assistance. The Duke of Guise, with a flying Army of four or five thousand men, waited upon them from the borders of Lorain, to cut off Provisions, and at all advantages to ruine and destroy them. In their march towards the fruitful Country of Beauste, the Germans came near Mountargis, and the Baron with a strong party of Horse, quarte∣red at a small Town called Vimory. The Duke having intelligence of the disposition of the Ene∣mies Army, marched out of Montargis by night with his small party through a long Plain, and arrived at Vimory before day. The Duke of Guise having divided his Infantry into three Battalions of about a thousand men apiece, un∣der the command of these Captains, St. Paul Joannes, Cheurers, and Pontsenac, and his Ca∣valry into four Squadrons, led by the Dukes of Mayenne, de Elbeut, and Aumale. The Duke of

Guise led the fourth, which consisted of 300 Horse. When they were near to Vimory, they sent four Horsemen to discover the entry in of the Village, and found neither Scouts, nor Guards, nor Perdues, nor any Baricado to hin∣der the Assault of an Enemy, so secure these Germans lay. Therefore the Duke of Guise en∣tring the great Street of the Town, which was full of Carts and Waggons belonging to the Ger∣man Army, soon overpowred those that first made resistance, and then setting Fire to the Houses, burnt and killed above a thousand Germans, and took from them a great deal of Plunder, with 1200 Horse. But when the Baron de Dona had rallyed his Troops to make resi∣stance, the Duke of Guise fearing to be surroun∣ded, retreated back to Montagis with rich Spoils and much Honour. This Loss, though it was not great, yet destroyed the whole German Ar∣my, by breeding a discontent between Officers and Soldiers, and causing them to distrust the capacity of their General, who from Vimory led them into Beauste, to the Town of Anneau, where there was a Castle, which a certain Cap∣tain had undertaken to defend against all the German Army. The Duke of Guise, with a ve∣ry small party, pursues them, and resolves to beat up their Quarters once more. And for that purpose having agreed with the Captain of the Castle to receive in by Night his Infantry, he, with all his Cavalry round about the Town, stood ready to cut in pieces those that should offer to save themselves by Flight. The Infantry at break of day sallying out of the Castle into the Town, surprized the Germans unprovided, kill'd about 3000 of them, took five hundred Prise∣ners

with their Bag and Baggage, and their Wag∣gons and Plate. The rest of the Army that quar∣tered in the Neighbouring Villages were so dis∣couraged, that they sent to agree with King Henry the 3d. to suffer them to return home into their own Country. So that of this great Army scarce 4000 were left alive; for in their return they were destroyed by the Country People.

CHAP. XLV. Of Gustavus Adolphus King of Swede∣land, and his brave Actions in Ger∣many and Poland.

THis Prince has been successful in all his Wars, first against the Muscovite and Polan∣der; for the King of Poland claimed the Crown of Swedes as his natural Inheritance. The War continued very fierce many years, but the Swedes for the most part had the Victory, and took se∣veral Towns from the Poles. Newburg and Strais∣burg were taken by a new Invention of a certain Ingineer, named Elias Tripus, who shewed the King how to shoot great Shot with Leathern Guns, to batter the Enemies Walls. During this War between the two Kinsmen, the Kings of Sweden and Poland, the Emperor of Germany gave Assistance to the Poles, and made War a∣gainst the Swedes, from whom he took divers Towns. Therefore as soon as the peace was con∣cluded with the Polander, the Swedish King proclaims a War, by his Manifesto, against Coe∣sar,

who, in Favour of the Roman Bishops, had abridged the Protestant Liberties all over Germany, taken from the Prince Palatine his ancient Inheri∣tance, plundred the Lutheran Cities, invaded the Countries of Saxony, and other reformed Terri∣tories, and joining with the Spaniard, resolved to promote and advance the Popish perswasion with Fire and Sword. The King of Sweden, a rigid Lutheran, as he found himself engaged by many Obligations in this War against Germany, he met with great Assistance and Encouragements from divers Princes and Cities, who had been harassed and plundred upon the account of Reli∣gion. In the year 1630. he entred the Isle of Rugia. Stetin, the chief City of Pomerania, yielded to the Swedes, so did the Castles of Wol∣gasten and Damgart, and the Towns of Ribbenitza, Winshem, Colberg, Griffenhage, and all Pomerania. Gustavus proceeded on in his Conquests, and re∣stored several exiled Princes to their Patrimo∣nies in Saxony. The Elector himself being grie∣vously impoverished by the Imperial Army, en∣treated Assistance from the King, who at Lip∣sick joins with the Duke against Count Tilly. A furious Battel was here fought. The King had the leading of the Right Wing, the Duke of Sax∣ony governed the Left. At the first encounter the Imperialists had the Advantage of the Sun and Wind, but the King of Sweden cunningly wheel'd about, and got that benefit from them, and to strengthen his Troops of Horse, he caused some Ranks of Musketeers to be mingled amongst them, which did notable service in that Station. The new raised Forces of Saxony gave ground, but they were soon relieved by General Horns Foot, who were placed in Ambush in a little

Wood. The Fight was obstinate and bloudy; fifteen thousand lay dead upon the place; but the Victory inclined to the Swedes and Saxons, who, the next day, prepar'd again to Fight; but when they understood that the Imperialists were fled, and had left behind them their Ordi∣nance, Bag and Baggage, they took the plunder of the Field. This great Victory obtained at Po∣delvitza, near Lipsick, caused many Towns of Franconia to yield to the Conqueror. Another Battel was sought at Rottenburg, but the Imperia∣lists were worsted. Then did the King take all the Towns between the Baltick Sea and Mentz in one year. The distressed Prince Palatine of the Rhine embraceth this favourable opportunity to recover his forfeited Estate, and begs the Assi∣stance of Gustavus, who employs all his Forces to relieve him, and by this means he got possessi∣on again of his Countries, which could never be obtained by all the Treaties, Leagues, and Correspondencies of his Friends in Europe. Francfort, Ausburg, Monachium, and many of the chief Cities of Germany were surrendred to the King, who met with no resistance, till Wallenstein Duke of Fridland, and the Duke of Bavaria with a great Army, encamped near the Swedes about Noremburg. The Kings Army was 50000 strong, the Imperialists more; but the Swedes wanted Provisions, which they took by intercepting such Convoys as were going to the Emperours Army, and by surprizing Friestad, a Magazine. The King sends Tupatelius, a Swedish Collonel, with a party of Dragoons in the Night. They clapt a Petard to the Gates, and entred the Town, took the Corn and the Cattle that were there; and because the Enemies Army lay not far off, the King sent a strong party

to relieve his Men, placing an Ambush for the Imperialists, who failed not to fall into it, to their great loss. Both Armies thundred one a∣gainst another many days with frequent Skir∣mishes, but the want of Provisions forced them to part after a hot Encounter. The Imperialists marched towards Saxony, to be revenged on that Duke. With the Dread and Terror of Fire and Sword they opened the Gates of many strong Towns, till the King, hasting to the Assistance of that miserable Country, at the fatal Town of Lutzen, the 6th. of November, 1632. he meets with the Imperial Army, and resolves to fight them. As soon as the Sun was up, he implored the Assistance of the Almighty, and set his Army in order; he himself led the Right Wing, the Duke Bernard of Saxon Weymar had the Left. The King was desired to put on his Armour, but he refused to incumber himself with so great a Weight. In the heat of the Battel, a certain person, belonging to the Regiment of Piccollo∣mini, sees him at a distance; he rid furiously up to him, and as he was turning about his Horse, he shot him with a Brace of Bullets in the Back, to the great grief of all his Army, but not to their Discouragement; for when they heard of his Death, they fell so resolutely on, that they beat off the Imperialists, and recovered the Royal Body. In the Left Wing Duke Bernard had put the Enemy to a Retreat, but at that In∣stant Papenheim, an Imperial General, came into the Field, rallyed the disordered Troops, and with his own Forces endeavoured to snatch the Victory from the Swedes, but he sound them ready to receive him. The day was too short for that Fight, it continued some part of the

night; but Papenheim ended there his days in the Bed of Honour, leaving the Swedes to rejoice for a dear bought Victory, with the loss of an excellent King, who dyed in the 38th. year of his Age. When he saw how fond and confident his People were in him, he desired them not to trust in him, whose Breath was in his Nostrils, but in the Lord Jesus, who had promised to be with his Church till the end of the World. Though the Swedes here lost their King, they prosecuted the War under the command of Duke Bernard, Kniphus and Horn, being assisted by the Dukes of Saxony, Brandenburg, the Lantgrave of Hesse, the Duke of Lunenburg.

CHAP. XLVI. How Prince Maurice got into his Power the Town of Grolle in Gelderland.

GRolle was a well fortified Town, possessed by the Spaniard: Prince Maurice had laid Siege to it, but was forced to depart without his purpose. He studied therefore how to obtain by subtilty what he could not get by force. Sometime after he calls together his Troops, and declares, that his design was to sit before Guelders, a Town not far distant from Grolle. As soon as the Spaniards understood it, they furnish∣ed Guelders with all manner of provisions and Ammunition for its defence, and took out of other Towns Soldiers and all necessaries to supply that, but chiefly out of the Town of

Grolle. The Prince having notice how naked they had left it, suddenly surrounded it the second time, and by reason of its want of the Ammunitions and Provisions sent to furnish Guel∣ders, he quickly became Master of it. Such pretences are very useful to deceive an Enemy, and to surprize him unawares and unfurnished for a defence. This policy was often practised by the Renowned Duke of Parma in the taking of several Towns in the Netherlands. If there∣fore a Commander be free to discover his design upon any place, the Enemy may understand there∣by, that this is only to deceive him, and that the real intent is kept secret: for Wise Gene∣rals will not suffer their inferiour Soldiers, and sometimes their greatest Officers, to know their purposes.

CHAP. XLVII. How Scanderbeg with a Handful of Horse and Foot, overcame the Turks numerous Forces of Cavalry and In∣fantry.

SCanderbeg, that Renowned General, and Cham∣pion of the Christian Faith, in a certain Bat∣tel, in which he was forced to engage and fight with the Turkish Army, which exceeded him much in number of men, made use of this poli∣cy. He drew up his Army in such Streights and places, as that he could not easily be surrounded. And to strengthen his Horse against the fury of

the Turkish, he lined them with some of his best Foor, commanding them at the first onset to charge in the distances between the Horse, which was performed with that Gallantry and Courage, that the Turkish Horse having both Foot and Horse to encounter with at once, gave back, and were forced to retire in disorder upon their Foot; so that without any great Loss, he routed and defeared that vast Army with a small num∣ber of Men.

CHAP. XLVIII. How the Duke d'Alve was wont to strengthen his Army in a Camp against the sudden Attempts of the Prince of Oranges Horse.

THe Duke d'Alve was a subtile Commander of his days, and so renowned a General, that his Prince, Philip the 2d. pitcht upon him to lead his Army to conquer the Kingdom of Por∣tugal, though he was then in disgrace, and ban∣nished the Spanish Court. When the Prince of Orange entred Brabant with a brave Army, well provided with German Horse, this Duke d'Alve had in his Army almost all Foot: therefore to prevent any surprize, d'Alve used to fortifie himself round with Waggons and Carts chained together, and beyond them to cast up a Trench round his Army. He caused also his Carts to be lined with Musketeers; so that the Prince was never able to force him to a Fight. And when all his Forage and Provisions were spent, he was

driven by that means, to the necessity of depar∣ting out of the Country into Germany again.

CHAP. XLIX. Of certain times convenient to fight an Enemy, and other times, wherein it is Wisdom to refuse a Battel.

IF an Armies Reputation depends wholly upon a speedy success, as in many cases. If the Enemy be gathering together greater Forces, and expects a speedy supply of Horse or Foot: If the Country be so at his devotion, that the longer he delays, the stronger he grows; or if Victuals or Money begin to fail, then a General should seek all fit opportunities for a speedy En∣counter, while the Enemy is not too strong, and his own party in a condition and resolution to give Battel. But if a General hath more Forces coming into him, or if he knows, that by de∣laying he may shorten or cut off his Enemies Provisions; or if Sickness and Diseases do daily lessen the number of his Enemies, then, by de∣laying, he may do as much service, as by ventu∣ring a Battel. At the Isle of Rhee, the Freuch Army would never offer to fight with the En∣glish, till they perceived them in a confusion, by reason of their orders to Embark. But they al∣ways followed them close at the Heels, till this opportunity was offered to them, and then with all their Forces of Horse and Foot, they fell fu∣riously upon the English, and cut off a great ma∣ny. Likewise in the War between Don John of

Austria and the Estates of the Netherlands; he endeavour'd to fight the Army commanded by Count Bossute, because he understood that Duke Cassimire with 5000 Horse, and 6000 Foot, with other Forces, were coming into the Earls Camp within a few days. But the Earl would by no means suffer his Men to venture out of their Trenches.

CHAP. L. How Lewis King of France stopt the Assistance which the Dukes of Burgun∣dy and Britany, were going to send to the Duke of Normandy.

THe French King understanding that these three Dukes had made a League Offensive and Defensive against him, their common Ene∣my, and having an intent to assault and fight them single. When he led his Army into Nor∣mandy, he feigned Letters from that Duke to the Duke of Burgundy, signifying, that he was loath to run the hazard of a War, that he had accep∣ted of the Kings offers, and concluded an agree∣ment with him for 60000 Franks, and therefore he desired him to forbear sending of his Forces to his Assistance, as had been formerly promised. These Letters the King caused to be sent by an Herald to the Dukes of Burgundy and Brittany, who, though they suspected them to be false, yet because they received a confirmation from the Contents from other hands (but by the procure∣ment

of the King) they caused their Armies to be speedily disbanded. By this means the King ob∣tained by policy what otherwise he could not well get by Force, without the hazard of his Ar∣my; for he having thus weakned his Enemies, made with them what agreement he thought convenient, and they were forced to yield to his Terms of peace.

CHAP. LI. A Policy used by a French General to de∣stroy the Neapolitan Army strongly En∣camped.

WHen there was a dispute between Ferand King of Naples, and Charles, King of France, about the Crown of that Kingdom; Fe∣rand understanding that the French Army was too potent for him to encounter with, only with his faint-hearted Neapolitans, resolved to entrench himself between certain Hills. The French Ge∣neral finding him in that advantagious Post, that he did not dare to meddle with him, divi∣ded his Army secretly in the night, and sent a strong Party round about to assault King Ferand behind, whilst he in the Interim with small Par∣ties skirmished and kept them in continual play. At last, when the party of Men, which were to surround the Neapolitan Army, and to fall upon their Backs, were come to the appointed place; the French assaulted the Enemy behind and be∣fore, entred their Trenches, and routed them.

Xerxes in the same manner recovered the Streights of Thermopyle in Greece, defended by a handful of Lacedemonians, under Leonidas their Captain.

CHAP. LII. How Prince Maurice took the Town of Gertrudenberg.

WHen the Prince of Orange besieged Gertru∣denberg by Sea and Land, he understood by a Prisoner taken from the Enemy, that once every day the Governour, with the chief Ma∣gistrates, were wont to go up privately to take a view of the Hollanders Trenches, and of the Country round about, that they might see for an opportunity to sally out upon them; immediately he took advantage of this Information, and se∣cretly ordered a Gentleman of his Army to run away to the Town, under pretence, that he had murdered a Man, and therefore fled to save his Life. The Gentleman, according to appoint∣ment, discover'd to the Princes Army, by playing upon a Pipe, when the Governour was in the Steeple. The great Guns being then ready, and waiting for the purpose, were all immediately discharged at one time, and battered down the Steeple, killed the Governour with the Magi∣strates, which as soon as the Prince suspected, he caused a sudden assault to be made, and carried the Town, for want of a Governour and Orders to defend it. For such a Consternation that must needs happen at the unexpected destruction of a Chieftain, either in an Army, or in a Gar∣rison,

the Soldiers Hearts must needs be broken, and before orders can be given to supply his place by another, the Enemy hath a great advantage upon the party that he commands.

CHAP. LIII. How the States of Holland took the Town of Breda by surprize.

THey hired a certain Master of a Boat, who was wont to carry into the City Provisions of Bread and Beer, and other necessaries, for maintenance of the Garrison. In this Boat they stored a Company of Stout and Valiant Gentle∣men, and covered them over with Turves and other things. The Boatsman, according to his custom, brings strong Liquors upon the Guard, makes them all drink plentifully, till they were drunk, whilst they were in that Condition, he passeth the Guard, and enters into the Town with his Company of Men, who immediately gave notice to their Friends without, by casting up a Ball of Wild-fire, to fall on. A Gate was broken open for them; then did they disperse themselves about the Town, killed all that resi∣sted, and mastered the Guard. Such surprizes have been made with Carts full of Corn, Hay, &c. wherein have been hid Soldiers; and some∣times a Cart hath been purposely broken, and out of order at the Gate of a Town, to hinder the shutting of it, and a party of the Enemy hath then set upon, and entred the Town.

CHAP. LIV. How the Garrison of the Skonse at Zut∣phen was surprized.

THe Spaniards, to strengthen the more the City of Zutphen in Gelderland, had built a very strong Skonse in such a place, as hindred any Enemy from making their approaches to be∣siege or annoy the Town; for it was erected on the Banks of the River Issell. When therefore Prince Maurice had a design upon that place, he procured a dozen young Gentlemen of a Femi∣nine Gountenance, to be apparelled as Country Maids, and to carry thither Butter, Eggs, Poul∣try, and other such Country-Commodities to be sold to the Garrison Soldiers. They coming to the Walls to buy these Provisions, sound the Dis∣guised Virgins very tractable, and judging them fit for their Lust, they received them into the Fort, and offered them drink, to make them more pliable for their purpose. As the Soldiers were busie in their Courtship, these young and stout Soldiers drew from under their Petticoats a long Knife, made for the purpose, and stabb'd the Soldiers who sat next to them; then ri∣sing together with such Arms us they siezed next to thems they encountred with the rest of the Guard, and cut them all off, delivering the strong Port to their Companions, who waited near at hand to give them their ready Assistance. The taking of this Skonse so discouraged the Garrison of the Town; that they yielded in few days after to the States of Holland. Such Dis∣guises

have often proved successful, when the bu∣siness and design hath been managed with care and discretion, wariness and Courage. Another Town in the Low-Countries was taken by a party of Sol∣diers apparalled as Country Maids, and by them the Guard was suddenly overpowred, and a Gate seized to let in the Enemy at hand: but the least disappointment spoils all the Design, and destroys the bold Adventurers, who must expect no pardon or Quarter after such a dangerous Hipocrisie.

CHAP. LV. How Spinola's Army was like to be routed when they first sat down before the Walls of Bergen-op-Zone.

THe Governour of the City, a politick Com∣mander, resolved to sally out upon the Spaniards at their first coming to besiege the Town; and to terrifie them the more, he en∣creased the appearance of his Army with a shew of Armed Troops, besides those that he had real. His Horse and Foot were to attack the Enemy out of one Gate, and out of Another he caused all the Weak Jades of the Town, be∣ing mounted by Boys and useless Fellows, to march leisurely out, and shew the appearance of other Forces. These were to discover them∣selves at a distance, after the first or second Charge, when the Enemy was weary. The Spaniards had beaten back the Defendants, but the unexpected sight of these deceitful Forces so troubled them, that they suddenly left the

Chase, and retired behind their Trenches in some disorder; and had the States Soldiers been pro∣vided with Ammunition and Bullets, to have gi∣ven at that instant another Charge, Spinola's Ar∣my had been then totally routed, and the City freed from a troublesom Siege.

CAAP. LVI. How an Army hath been discouraged in the midst of a Fight.

AT Muscleborough Field, when both Armies were fiercely engaged, there was cunningly a rumour spread amongst the Enemies, that their General was slain in the other Wing, and part of their Forces cut off and routed, which Report so terrified them, that they immediately gave Ground, and began to run. This Policy hath been often used, when it was known that the General was not present. And sometimes after the first Charge, an Army hath cryed out, Look how they run in the Rear. Such Words, and false Reports have disordered and defeated the best and most resolute Armies: for the least sear dis∣courages Soldiers in such a critical time, and dis∣inables them from pursuing the Victory. So that as it hath always been the practice of well advi∣sed Generals, by sudden Attempts, Stratagems, Rumours, and other Arts, to terrifie their Ene∣mies, it hath been the endeavour of wise Com∣manders to prevent fear from discouraging their Forces, and to secure their minds against all sud∣dain Accidents, which they could foresee by their

advice and command, and by the steadiness of their own Resolutions and wise Orders.

CHAP. LVII. How the States of Holland got the Possession of a piece of Ground which they knew was fit for them to build a Fort, to distress the Enemies Towns, and stop the passage of two great Rivers.

THere is between the Wale and the Leck two great Rivers, a piece of ground advancing into the Sea. The Hollanders perceiving that it might be beneficial to them and their designs against the Spaniards, if they could get it, resolved by policy to gain possession of it. Round about were the Enemies Castles and Garrisons, which would in∣fallibly oppose any such motion, if they came to understand it. Therefore to conceal their in∣tent from them, they dealt with a Country Fel∣low named Skinks, to hire that piece of ground for some years to feed his Colts, and to secure them the better, they ordered him to raise a Wall, and dig a deep Ditch from one River to the other, which was about 400 Rod, being the only passage by Land to that place. When this was finished, the Hollanders came by night, sai∣ling up the River, and landed such Forces as were able to defend the place, until they had builded a strong Fort or Skonse to secure it from the Spaniards, who finding themselves outwitted,

and perceiving the Importance of the place, they labour'd to re-take it again. This was that Fort named Skinks Skonse, so famous for a long Siege in the late Holland War.

CHAP. LVIII. How the Town of Manheim was surpriz'd by Duke Bernard of Saxonweymar.

THis Town is scituate upon the great River of Rhine, and one of the strongest of the Pallatinate. Duke Bernard desired earnestly to have it in his possession, but was loath to venture his Reputation with his Army in besieging it, knowing the Strength of the Town and the Reso∣lution of the Garrison; he therefore endeavoured to get it by policy. He took with him five hun∣dred men in the night, and so ordered his march, that he came before the Gates of the Town in the morning, an hour or two before day, and sent in word to the Governour, that he was a Commander of a neighbouring Garrison of their side, (naming his name) and that, having ad∣ventur'd out with a party upon some important design, he was overpowred, and beaten in by a stronger party of Swedes, who followed him, and therefore forced to seek a Refuge within the Walls of Manheim, from the Swedish Violence, desiring him earnestly to cause his Gates to be opened, to let him and his Soldiers in with speed, because the Swedes were then at hand, ready to fall upon, and cut off his Rear. Maravelli, the Governour, believed all this to be true, and

commanded the Gates to be opened, and a passage to enter into the Town. As soon as the Duke was within, he cut off the Main Guard with three hundred Soldiers, took the Governour Prisoner, and the chief Officers, and won the Town, which could not have been otherwise taken without a chargeable and long Siege.

CHAP. LIX. Tamerlan's Policy to oblige the Towns to yield to him with speed.

IT was his common custom, as soon as he had pitched his Tents, to cause a white Banner to be displayed on the top of his Pavillion, and there to remain two or three days. If the Town or City did yield whilst that was up, the Inha∣bitants were to expect good Quarter, and the preservation of their Lives and Estates without the least Injury; but if they resisted obstinately his offers of Grace, and would try his Strength, he did then put up a Red Banner, which did threaten them with Death, and the loss of many Lives. After that, if they did not open to him their Gates, he commanded his Black Banner to be hung out; after which he would never admit of any parley, nor conditions of a surrender, but was wont to command that Town, with all its Inhabitants, to be destroyed with Fire and Sword. This custom of his struck such a Terror into the minds of all his Enemies, that after one or two Towns had experienced this Severi∣ty, none had the confidence to withstand him, but readily yielded at his first Summons.

CHAP. LX. How the Governour of Croizon obliged his Soldiers to defend themselves and their Fort, when they were ready to yield.

THis Fort was hardly besieged by General Nor∣rice, and several Breaches being made in the Walls, the Soldiers within began to talk of a surrender. The Governour, a very stout and ingenious Man, to prevent the dishonour of a base and cowardly yielding, caused a Post to be set in every breach made by the Enemies Canon, and to it chained all such persons as were willing to yield, or had behaved themselves cowardly, but with their Weapons in their hands, that they might, if they pleased, defend themselves and their Castle. By this Policy he forced all the rest to stand stoutly to their Arms, and saved both himself and Fort from the Enemies Power.

CHAP. LXI. How the Lord Willoughby prevented the Siege of Bergen-op-Zone, whereof he was Governour, when the Duke of Parma began to besiege it.

AFter the loss of the Spanish Fleet in 1588. the Duke of Parma, who was ready with a numerous Army for the Invasion of England,

but being hindred from that design by the unex∣pected ruine of the Invincible Armado, he em∣ployed all his Forces against the Towns of the Ne∣therlands. This of Bergen was one of the first that he endeavour'd to win. As he was conside∣ring of the method to be used, because the Town was fortified both by Art and Nature, and was guarded by a strong Castle, which was first to be mastered before the City could be taken, secret Letters were brought to him, to give him to un∣derstand, that a certain Spaniard, kept a Priso∣ner in the City, had contracted Friendship with two English Men, a Captain and an Ensign, and perswaded them, for a Sum of Money, to be∣tray the Castle and City to the Spaniards. They, according to their Duty, discovered the whole plot to the Lord Willougby, who designing to make advantage of this business for the de∣struction of the Spanish Army, ordered them to proceed on, and promise the accomplishment of the Treason, which was to be effected in this manner; they were to perswade, for a sum of Money, some of the chief Captains to open the Gates at night for them, and a party of Spanish Soldiers, who should secure the strongest and most considerable part of the Town. The Spa∣niards being come according to appointment, one of the Officers went out to them, and offered himself to be bound hand and foot for their greater assurance. At his approach before the Gates, they were instantly opened, and when so many were entred that the Guards could easi∣ly Master, the Lord Willougby let down the Port-Cullisses, and gave such as were hastning in, such a Volley of small and great Shot, that several hundreds were killed of the Spaniards. The

Treacherous Officer escaped in the hurly burly, and saved himself from such as guarded him; for they were more sollicitous how to save thir own lives, than to destroy his. At the re∣turn of the Spanish Army, which was come to take the Town, the Sea being high, and the Air very dark, there were a great many, that for want of knowing the right way, fell into the Water, and were found drowned the next mor∣ning. There were so many killed of the Dukes Army, that he was forced the next day to raise his Siege, and depart for that time.

CHAP. LXII. How Ferand King of Naples won a Gi∣ty and Castle from the French.

FErand understanding that the King of France had fought a great Battel with the Venetians and Millanoys near Fernon, considered with him∣self how he might make an advantage of the Kings absence, and hazard for the re-taking of his lost Kingdom. He had some Troops on foot ready at command, with them he marches to the City of Naples, at such a time as the Issue of the Fight could not well be known, and sent his Summons to the Governour of the Castle, to deli∣ver it to him, together with this false news, That there had been a Battel fought at Fernon, where∣in their King was killed, and the French utterly routed. The credulous Governour believing the Messenger, because he knew that there had been a Fight, but never had any certain Intelli∣gence

before, and fearing lest he should anger the King, and make him less willing to grant Honourable Conditions to him and his party, if he should obstinately hold out, and oblige him by Compulsion, he yielded up his Castle and City into the Kings power, which occasioned the loss of the whole Realm from the French.

CHAP. LXIII. How Mahomet Bassa concealed the Death of Soliman, at the Siege of Sigeth in Hungary, from his Army near Two Months, until his Successor was come into the Camp, and the Town taken.

WHen Soliman the Magnificent was dead before Sigeth in Hungary, the great Bassa caused him to be put in a Horse-Litter, as if he had been only troubled with the Gout, and obliged the Phisitians to go to and fro with their Physick, as if they had him in cure, to hide his Death from the mutenous Janizaries, who would have taken advantage of the Inter∣regnum to have plundred the Christians and Jews, and perhaps have broken up the Siege. Yet he could not conceal this death long, but they had a Jealousie that the Bassa dealt not fair∣ly with them; therefore to satisfie them, he promised the next day that they should see their Emperour himself alive; for that purpose he cloathed the Corps in its Imperial Robes, and placed it in a Chair of State at the end of a long

Gallery, with a little Boy behind him, who was to move secretly the Emperours hand, and to lift it up to his Head, as if he had therewith stroakt his Beard, as it seems was his usual cu∣stom. The Soldiers, seeing this at a distance off, imagined him to be yet alive, and departed very well satisfied for that time. Thus the sub∣tile Bassa concealed his death from his Army and Guards about Forty days more.

CHAP. LXIV. How the Duke of Bourbon made his dis∣mayed Troops stand another Charge.

AT the Famous Battel of Agincourt, where our English got so much Honour of the French Nation, Lewis of Bourbon seeing his Left Wing routed, and resolved to try the hazard of another Charge, rallied some of his Troops that were broken, and entreated them to follow him, for he declared, that the English were mi∣serably shattered, and would never abide one Charge more, and that undoubtedly they would run away, if they would but face them once more. At that instant he had appointed a Soldi∣er to run to him in hast before these Troops, and to assure them; that the English were yiel∣ding apace, and crying for Quarter; and that King Henry was ready to fly away, desiring them to give their Assistance. This Policy obliged the French to endure another Charge; but King Henry having then taken twice as many Prisoners as were men in his Army, commanded them to be

killed upon a rumour, that the French had ralli∣ed again, taken the Kings Tents, and were re∣cruited with fresh Supplies, so that being strengthned with a new Army, they were ready to fall upon him again. This obliged the King, for the safety of himself and Army, to com∣mand the Prisoners to be slain, contrary to the Law of Arms, after that he had granted and promised to them good Quarter.

CHAP. LXV. How the Scots surprized the Town of Fast Castle from the English.

IN the days of Edward the Sixth, one of his Generals took several Towns from the King of Scots; amongst the rest, he forced Fast Castle to yield to the English. A Governour was ap∣pointed to command there in Chief, and for the supplying of the Town with Provisions conve∣nient for the Garrison, he ordered the Neigh∣bouring Villages and Country Farmers to bring in Contribution Corn: When the Scots heard of it, they resolved to take hold on this oppor∣tunity, and to send Soldiers in the Garb of Scotch Peasants, witth private Arms about them, the appointed time, with Sacks of Corn up∣on their Horses. At the Gate they alighted, and carryed into the Town their Corn upon their backs, and fell upon the Guard, which suspected no such attempt, and cut them off, taking possessi∣on of the Gate, which they secured until more Forces came to their Assistance, which took

the Town, and mastered the English there in Garrison.

CHAP. LXVI. How the Island of Sarke, a strong place near Guernezey, was taken from the French.

THis Island is scituated near Guernezey, having on all sides round high and steep Rocks to defend it, and its Inhabitants from all sudden Invasions of a Foreign Enemy, and but one nar∣row passage that leads up to the Island, which few may defend against the greatest Forces. The Island is of that Compass and Fruitfulness, that several hundreds may subsist, and be maintained there, without any Provision from elsewhere. The French were once possessed of this impregna∣ble Island, which lies very convenient for Pyracy in the Road of all the Northern Trade. It was therefore thought convenient to take it out of their hands. A Gentleman of the Netherlands undertook to surprize it, and performed his En∣terprize in this manner; He Anchored in the Harbour with a small Ship, and sent a Messenger to the Islanders, to tell them, That his Merchant, a very Wealthy Man, was lately dead a shipboard, and desired to be buried in a Coffin in Hallowed Ground, and that he entreated them that they might have the liberty to bring him ashore, and lay him according to his Will. The Islanders granted the Request, upon condition they should all come without Arms. The Seamen according∣ly

landed, but instead of a Dead Corps, they filled the Coffin with Arms, and brought it up into the Church-yard, whilst many of the Islan∣ders went aboard to buy some Commodities, but they were all secured. When the Coffin was at the place appointed, they, who carryed it, laid it down, opened it, and took their Weapons, slew the Guards, and mastered the rest of the Islanders. By this means this little, but strong Island, was taken from the Enemy.

CHAP. LXVII. How Count Peter Navaresse raised the Siege of a Town where he was besieged.

THis subtile Warriour was besieged in a Town, where the Enemy had made a considerable breach, and was ready to storm the Walls: to prevent the approaching danger, he caused a countermure to be made, with other Works, and undermined the breach, where he placed several Firkins of Gunpowder, stopping them up with Stones and Timber. At the Time of the As∣sault he was ready with all his Garrison, to re∣ceive the Enemy, but suffered a considerable number to enter in, as many as he was well able to master, then he gave Fire to the Train, blew up the Mine about the Ears of them that were hastening into the Breach, and so discouraged and disordered the rest of the Army, that they gave back, when they saw the Arms, the Legs, the Heads, and other Limbs of their Fellows, fly, and sall round about them. In this disorder

he sallied out upon them with part of his For∣ces, and with another part he cut in pieces them that were already got within the Walls. By this means the whole Army was routed, and for∣ced to raise the Siege with great loss. This same policy was practised at Montalban in France, when it was besieged by Lewis the 13th. One thing remarkable happened there, that a Regi∣ment of Women, led by a stout Virago, with long Knives made for the purpose, sallied out at the time of the blowing up the Mine, and fell so nimbly upon the dismayed Soldiers, and such as had bin knock'd down with the Stones and Timber, whilst the Men were otherwise busily employed in fighting with the disorder'd Army, that the Siege was thereby raised, and the Kings Forces routed.

CHAP. LXVIII. How the Prince of Orange relieved a Town besieged by the Spaniards.

A Town of the Low Countries being besieged by the Spaniards, who had so well fortified themselves, that the Prince of Orange thought it not safe to make any attempt upon their Works, and the besieged being in great want of Provisi∣ons, he contrives a way how to drown'd all the Country round, by digging through the Banks that kept off the Sea and the neighbouring Ri∣vers from overflowing the Land. As soon as the Water found a Passage, it broke into the Spanish Camp, overflowed all their Works, and forced

them to retire upon the higher ground, and give liberty to the Princes Boats to carry into the Town what Relief they thought needful; by this means the Siege was raised, and the Spani∣ards forced to depart with great Loss.

CHAP. LXIX. How a Spanish Army, consisting of almost all Foot, routed French Forces both of Horse and Foot.

AT Lyrignola a Battel was fought between the Spaniards and the French. The Spanish General considering his weakness in Horse, and the French numbers and strength, resolved to fight them in such ground, that they could not well make use of thir numerous Cavalry. He drew up his Army amongst the Vines and broken ground, where the Horse could not well ride up and down. And having a stout Infantry, he charged the French Forces so bravely, that they retreated and fled. In such like cases others have fixed Stakes, sharpned at both ends, in the ground; others have digged holes, covered over with Turves; others have encompassed in their Foot with Craw-Feet, a Swedish Inven∣tion, good to stop the Cavalry; for there is al∣ways a sharp Iron that stands above ground about three Inches, which way soever you fling it: Others have marched with a Wall of Pikes round their Body, and a party of Foot in the middle, to line and secure them against the fury of the Shot of the Cavalry. Many other Inventions there

are to be used to defend the Foot against the Horse; so that many times a small party of Foot, by Art, have routed a considerable Body of Horse.

CHAP. LXX. How the Lord Poynings took at Samer∣dubois, in France, a Castle, which was thought to be impregnable.

THe Lord Poynings, at his first coming before the Castle, summons it, but finding it very strongly scituated upon a Hill, that was encom∣passed round with deep Marish Ground, and that the Governour and Garrison had such confidence in its inaccessible Scituation, that they would not hearken to a Surrender. He caused a great Cannon to be made of Wood, and drew it over the wet ground with many Horses, as if it had been of Metal, and of a great Weight, so near the Castle, that it must needs do execution, if had been as they lookt upon it to be. Then again the Lord Poynings, when his Battery was made, sent another Summons to the Governour, with this Threatning, That if he suffered the Canon to be discharged, they should all be put to the Sword; but if he would yet hearken to a Composition, he might have fair and Ho∣nourable Terms granted. The Captain being de∣ceived by this Policy, yielded up his strong hold upon Articles, and departed out, when it was not in the Power of the Lord Poynings to have forced him.

CHAP. LXXI. How Monsieur Lawtreck, in the Nea∣politan War, forced all his Auxiliary Troops, which were of other Nations, to fight valiantly.

IN the Neapolitan War, Lawtreck was General of the French Army, unto whose assistance came several other People of Italy, who were in League with their King. Lawtreck, to oblige them all to be valiant, separates them, and draws them all up in distinct Battalions in the Fight, and when the two Armies were engaged, he rode about to those whom he saw most backward, tel∣ling them, that such and such Battalions, had al∣ready got the Victory; they therefore, out of emulation, were forced to fight; by this means he put the Enemy to Flight.

CHAP. LXXII. How a Scottish King obliged his discom∣fited Army to fight against the Picts.

THe Annals of Scotland make mention of a certain King of Scots, who having been often beaten, and lost many Battels against the Picts, saw that his people were altogether discouraged, and unwilling to try again the hazard of another Fight; and that he could not, by any persuasion, oblige them to it, until he had made use of this

Imposture; He apparell'd certain of his Men in Scales and Seals Skins, which shine very bright in the Dark, and put into their hands Truncheons of rotten Ash Wood, causing them in that Garb to awaken his Chief Officers at mid∣night, and to tell them, That they were Messen∣gers sent from Heaven, to advise them to sight once more against their Enemies, assuring them of a notable Victory. The Captains, the next Morning, came to their King, and related to him and the whole Army what they had seen and and heard, and that 'twas their opinion to fight couragiously, for that God would assist them, seeing he had sent them such a comfortable Mes∣sage. The Scotch Army upon this considence, engaged with the Picts, and beat them out of their Country.

CHAP. LXXIII. How the Marquis of Spinola had Intelli∣gence of all the Passages of the Prince of Oranges Army, and of the Town of Breda, then besieged by Spinola.

SPinola besieged the Town of Breda, but not knowing in what condition the Garrison was, he perswaded a subtile Country-Fellow to carry Butter and Cheese, and other necessary things into the Town. The Fellow pretended that he had narrowly escaped the Guards and Sentinels, and was very welcom to the Soldiers, and to the Governour, in hopes, by his means, to send a Letter to the Prince of Orange. The Country

Fellow at first shewed himself unwilling, because of the danger, but at last suffered himself to be wrought upon by rewards and promises to carry a Letter, which he deliver'd to Spinola, who sealed it up, and gave it to the same Country. Fellow to carry to the Prince. The Fellow informed him of all passages, and told him how he had escaped through the Guard. The Prince judged that he could not employ a fitter Man to carry back an answer to the Town, which he undertook to perform for a Sum of Money; but when he had the Princes Answer, he carryed it to the Marquis to peruse, and received from him a good reward. When Prince Maurice was dead, Henry his Brother succeeded him in his Employment; and when the Marquis could not understand of the Enemies Condition, he sent for his Country Fellow, and caused him to coun∣terfeit a Sickness, which he pretended he had got by travelling in Winter and Frost to serve the Prince of Orange. The Countrymans Wife goes to Prince Henry, and complains of her Huf∣bands sad condition, desiring him to pay him that stipend which his Brother had promis'd for his former Services. The Prince was well pleased to find the Man that could carry Intelligence to the besieged Town, and willed her to fetch him, promising to pay not only that Money, but much more, if he would serve him as he had served his Brother. After many great promises, the Peasant was brought to the Prince, and charged with a Letter to the Governour of Breda, but instead of carrying it to the Town, he brought it to the Marquis; by this means he understood his Enemies purposes and conditions, and knew how to prevent their Designs.

CHAP. LXXIV. How the Duke of Alanson was like to have surprized Mons.

THe plot was laid in this manner, That a thousand Horse, having with them a thou∣sand Musketeers behind them, should in the night hide themselves in the Woods near to the City to be ready to hasten to the Gates at the first call. About thirty young Soldiers, without Beards, were to be apparelled like Country Girls, with their Weapons privately hid about them: to these some old Soldiers were added, to ac∣company them, in the garb of Country Clowns, carrying with them Provisions for the Market, for that day was chosen to surprize the City. They were to have a Cart with them, loaden with Country Commodities, which some Wal∣loons were to drive, the better to procure an en∣trance without suspicion. The Cart was to be driven to the second Gate, and there to be dis∣ordered, by letting fall the Wheel; whilst the Carter was to be busie about his Cart, the dis∣guised Soldiers were to take the first and second Gate, to kill the Watch, and to give a sign to the Ambushes in the Wood to come speedily to their Assistance, which being let into the City, would easily take and keep it for the French. But this plot was discovered, and by that means preven∣ted.

CHAP. LXXV. How Prince Maurice endeavour'd to take Antwerp Gastle by surprize.

PRince Maurice, without dispute, was one of the most successful Generals of his time; at the Battel of Newport he obtained a great Vi∣ctory over the Spaniards, and being bread up amongst Armies and Soldiers, he proved a most wise and subtile Commander. Antwerp Castle was attempted by him in this manner; He be∣ing at Breda with his Army, commanded all the passages of his Camp to be narrowly watched, and secretly drew some Companies of Foot from some Neighbouring Garrisons, putting them un∣der the command of a discreet Collonel, in whom he could conside. The Soldiers knew no∣thing of his purpose, only the Officers; and that he might the better conceal his March from the Country, he ordered his Men to take off their Orange Colours and change them for Red, such as the King of Spains Soldiers used to wear, and his Waggons likewise had a Burgundian Cross, as Spinola's. And as his Soldiers passed through the Country, they were to say, That they belonged to the King of Spain, and were marching to Antwerp for Provisions. By this dis∣guise and invention a party of a 1000 Foot, and 200 Horse went undiscovered in the dark night to the Walls of Antwerp Castle, where they got as far as the Bridge, and were ready to blow open the Gates, had they not bin perceived by the

Vigilancy of a Spanish old Soldier, named An∣dreas Cea, who gave the Alarm to the Garrison, and prevented their entrance.

CHAP. LXXVI. Of the Battel of Diep, between Henry the Fourth of France, and the Army of the Ligne, commanded by the Duke of Mayenne.

THe King had in his Army about eight or nine thousand Men. The Duke had twenty five thousand Foot, and eight thousand Horse, the King intrenched himself about three Miles from Diep, at a Village called Arques with his small number, but he gave such wise Orders, that he secured both his Camp and the Suburbs of the City from the invading Enemy, who, on the 16th. of September, 1589. gave a furious assault to the Kings Forces, but were beaten back with great loss. The Duke of Mayenne having conti∣nued quiet in his Camp three days, gave another Assault, but to as little purpose, only the Regi∣ments of Colalt and Tremblecour called to the Kings Forces, that they would be of their side, at which offer they were received within the Trenches, and they promised to serve the King faithfully, if they might have any assurance of their pay, which was promised by the King; but whilst this brave Prince was busily employed in looking to every quarter, these Treacherous Vil∣lains turned their Weapons against them who had taken them in, let in more of the Dukes

Forces into that part of the Camp; so that if the Duke, in that consternation that the Kings Army was then in by the unexpected Treachery, had speedily fallen upon them, and seconded with all his Forces these two Regiments, he had undoubtedly carryed and mastered the Trenches; but whilst the Duke delayed, the Count de Ca∣stillon, the Duke of Montpensier and La Nove, excellent Commanders of the Kings Army, ran with their Men to assist the Kings discouraged party, and charged the Enemy within the Trenches so briskly, that they were forced to fly out, and leave that great advantage they had gai∣ned by a Stratagem. After this good success, the King with his small party gave so many Alarms to the Dukes Camp, that he found him∣self with his great Army besieged by the Kings small numbers, and reduced to many Wants, and to the necessity at last, of departing to a more secure and commodious Neighbourhood.

CHAP. LXXVII. Of the Famous Battel of Jury, between Henry the 4th. and the Duke of May∣enne.

THe Duke designed to relieve the Town of Dreux, besieged by the Kings Army, which as soon as the Duke began to draw near, they were ordered to retreat, as if they had been in fear. This dissimulation so encouraged the Commanders of the Dukes Army, that they would not be quiet, till they had forced him

against his Judgement to a Battel. Both Armies were drawn up in Battalia in an even Plain, near the Tillage of Jury. The Kings Army had about ten thousand Foot, and three thousand Horse, drawn up in this manner, The King appeared first at the Head of a Squa∣dron of six hundred Horse, most Lords and Gentlemen, which was flanked on the right hand with a Battalion of two Regiments of Switzers, and on the left by two other Regiments of the same Country. These Battalions were followed by the Regiments of the Guards, and three other Regiments. The Duke of Montpensier marched next on the Left, with a Squadron of six huu∣dred Horse, between two Regiments of Germany and Switzerland, seconded by two other Bodies of Foot, chosen out of the French Infantry. The Marshal d'Aumount closed up the Left Wing with three hundred Horse, and two Regiments of French Infantry at his sides, and two Troops before him of Light Horsemen, commanded by the great Prior, and by Giury Mareschal de Camp. These were assisted on the Right by the Baron of Biron, who had the charge to protect four Canons and some Field Pieces: on the other side mar∣ched the Marshal of Biron with another Squadron of Horse, between two Regiments of French Foot, next to the Regiments of Guards, but a little behind, that they might be as a reserve to that Body, which was commanded by the King in person: next to them, on the right hand, shew∣ing the appearance of a Cressant, was a Squadron of German Horse, slanked by two small Bodies of French Infantry, led by the Count Scomberg. This excellent order of the Kings Army, toge∣ther with the Judicious management of the

Artillery by the Master of the Ordinance, con∣tributed much to the Victory; for the several Bodies, into which the Kings Army was drawn up, found a means to inclose in a body of Dutch Horse, whom they charged so furiously on the Flanks, that they were routed, and forced to fall back upon the Infantry of the Ligne. The King himself acted the part of an excellent Comman∣mander and a stout Soldier; for when he was to encounter with eighteen hundred Lances, com∣manded by the Duke of Mayenne, he, with his Pistol and Sword in his hand, was engaged in the midst of that great Squadron, and totally defeated it with a small party that followed him close by his sides. The King took all the Bag and Baggage, Canon and Ammunition. By this Battel Henry the 4th. secured the Crown of France to him and his Posterity of the House of Bourbon, for the Ligenrs were never after in power to meet him in a Field.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Socrat. Schol. lib. 7. cap. 18.
• * 1.2

  Socrat. Schol lib. 7. cap 23.