_The horrible and cruell murder of Soltan Solyman, late the
Emperor of the Turkes and father of Selym that now raigneth,
done vpon his eldest Sonne Mvstapha, by the procurement,
and meanes of Rosa his mother in lawe, and by the speciall
instigation of one of his noble men called Rvstanvs: where
also is remembred the wilful death of one of his Sons named
Giangir, for the griefe he conceiued to see Mvstapha so
miserably strangled._
Twenty two yeares past or thereabouts I translated this present
Hystory out of the Latine tongue. And for the rarenes of the
Fact, and the disnaturall part of that late Furiose Enemy of
God, and his Sonne Christ: I dedicated the same to the right
honorable, my speciall good Lord, with al vertues, and nobility,
fully accomplyshed, the Lord Cobbam Lorde Warden of the cinque
Portes, by the name of Sir VVilliam Cobham Knyght. And bycause I
would haue it continue in man's remembraunce thereby to renue
the auncient detestation, which we haue, and our Progenitors had
against that horrible Termagant, and Persecutor of Christyans,
I haue insinuated the same amongs the rest of these Nouels. For
of one thing I dare make warrantise, that auncient Writers haue
not remembred, nor old Poets reported a more notorious or
horyble Tragedy or fact executed against nature, then that
vnnaturall murder done by the sayd enemy of Christianity,
the late Soltan Solyman, otherwyse called the great Turke.
I remember the description of Nero's Parricide vppon his louynge
Mother, of purpose to behold the place of his byrth. I call to
memory also the wycked Murther of Orestes, on hys Mother
Clytemnestra. I also consider the vnfatherly part of Tantalus,
who wyth the flesh of his owne sonne Pelops, feasted the Gods.
All which are not farre dyfferent from this pestiferous Fury,
and may wyth the same, and the lyke bee comparable by any Man
heeretofore committed. This Hellysh Champyon hys owne Sonne, of
hys owne Seede, Naturally conceaued wythin hys mother's Wombe,
vnnaturally in his owne presence moste Myserably did kill.
O pityfull case, But alas, voyde of pitty to a pyttylesse man.
O cruell fact, but not ouer cruell to him that liued a cruell
Man. What Beast be he neuer so woode, or Sauage, can suffer his
Yonglings to take harme, mutch lesse to doe them hurte himselfe?
What fierce Lyonesse can infeste hir owne Whelpe, which with
Naturall paines brought it into light? But what doe I stand vpon
Lamentation of the case and leaue the brutenesse of this Madman
far bruter then Lyons vnconsidered? The brutenesse of this fury
so farre ecceedeth Beasts, as Reasonable passeth Vnreasonable.
The fury of the Deuill, whom he serueth, so raged in his
tirannous life, as loe, he slue his owne Sonne. The care of God,
and Christe was so farre out of his Sighte as hee subuerted
Nature. The libidonous lustes os this Lecherous Infidell, so
surmounted the bounds of reason, as the fire thereof consumed
his owne flesh. This Enemy of Christe was so bewytched as the
dotage of his infidelity consented to murder. And as tiranny
like a Lord possessed his Brayne in huntinge after the bloud of
Christians, so Tiranny like an Enchaunter with the Sorcery of
Feminine adulation shed the bloud of his owne begotten. Thus as
tiranny was the Regent of his life most wicked, so Tiranny was
the Plague of his owne generation. For as the Wryter of this
Hystory reporteth, it was thoughte that the same was done by
Diuyne Prouydence. And lyke as this vnhappy Father was a deadly
Enemy vnto Chryst and hys Church, so this yonge Whelpe was no
lesse a sheder of Christian Bloud. No doubt a very froward Impe,
and a towarde Champion for the diuel's Theatre: and as it is
sayd hereafter, so goodly a yong man in Stature and other
externe qualities of the body, as Nature could not frame a
better. So excellent, and couragious in Feates of armes as
Bellona hirselfe could not procreate a lustier. This History in
the Latin tongue is written by Nicholas Moffan a Burgonian
borne, a man so well in the warfare of good learning (as it
appeareth) as in the seruice of the warres well expert. Who
being a Souldiour in Hercules warres (the old Champyon of
Christendome, and Pagan Enimy, Charles the fifte) was sore
wounded and taken Prysoner in Bulgaria, in the yeare of our Lord
1552, and continued Captiue till September, 1555, almost three
yeares. Whose Misery, Trouble, Famine, Colde, and other Torments
by him sustayned, during the sayd time if it should bee
declared, perhaps woulde seeme incredible. But when the Turke
had kept him in miserable bandes two yeares, and saw he could
not obtayne the Raunsome, whych he immesurably requyred, at
length sent him to the Castell of Strigon, where for a certayne
time he remayned hampered with double chaynes vpon his Necke,
Handes, and Feete. And within sometime after hys comming thither
he was made to toile in the day, like a common slaue, to hew and
carry Woode, keepe Horse, sweepe Houses, and sutch other
busines. Which Drudgery, he was glad to doe aswell for exercyse
of his Members, which with colde yrons were benommed, as also to
get Breade to relieue his hunger. For when hee had done his
stinte, his Maister gaue him Bread, Onions, Garlicke, Cheese,
and sutch other fare: and at Night he was sent agayne to Pryson,
where he was matched with a Mate, that for Debte was condempned
to perpetual Pryson, of whom he learned many things, aswel of
their Lawes, Religion, warlike Affayres, and other maners of the
Turkes, as also of the order of this horrible Fact don by
Solyman. And by the report of his sayd Companion in pryson, he
digested the same into the forme of this history. And after this
man had payed hys Raunsome, and was set at lyberty, he arriued
into the partes of Chrystedome. The Verity of whych is sutch, as
it is not onely credyble bycause thys Man dyd wryte it, who was
three Yeares there resiaunt, and in manner aforesaid, heard the
truth thereof, but also is warranted, by sundry Marchant Men,
Trauellers into farre Countreyes, faythfully verifiing the same
to bee true. And before I drawe to the dyscourse of the Story,
I will set downe some of the manners of Solyman's greatest
states and fauorites, and the pryncipal offices and honors of
that hellish Monarchy. As Mustapha, Machomet, Baiasith, Selim,
Gianger, Chrustam, and Hibrahim. This Hibrahim was so dearely
beloued with the Emperour Solyman as he exercysed the Office of
Vesiri, whych is nexte to the Emperour, the chyefest in degree
of honor. Who by increase of that Office, became more wealthy in
Treasure then Solyman himselfe, whych when he perceyued, without
any respect of the honorable office, or the honor of the party,
neglecting in respect of richesse (according to the natural
desire of Auarice, wherewith the greedy Appetites of the stocke
are endued) all religion, honour, Parents, countrey, friends or
amity, he caused in his own presence, his head to be striken of,
adding the treasures of the said Hibrahim to his owne Coafers,
and placed one Rustanus to succeede in his office. Besides which
honorable places ther be diuers degrees of honor, as Mutchty,
which is of that honor with them as the chief bishop or Pope in
other Countreies, and of sutch authority with the Emperour, that
aswel in time of Peace, as also in Warres, he determineth vppon
nothing without the counsel of Muchti. Bascha (which we commonly
call VVascha) is the Lieuetenaunt of a Prouince. But forsomutch
as all other offices and dignities, depend only vpon the
Emperor, and are bestowed as he listeth, none of them hauing any
thing proper that he may call his owne: the sayd Baschas in all
Prouinces, euery three yeare are chaunged after the disposition
of the Emperour, and continue no longer Gouernors, than the sayd
terme, without his special decree, and commaundement. And this
chaunge and seueral mutation, is done for two causes. First that
notwithstanding the sayd Offices are bestowed by turnes, yet
they which are most excellente in prowes of Armes, and
Valiaunce, are best in fauour, and are placed in the most
fertile Countreyes. But the maner in the disposition of the same
Office is now degenerated, for where in tyme paste the same were
bestowed vppon the best Captaynes and Souldyers, in these Days,
are through Fauoure and Money, throughly corrupted. So that now
amonges them all thynges for Money are venalia, ready to be
solde, and yet the same vnknowen to the Emperour him selfe. The
other cause, of the alteration and chaunge of the sayd Baschæ,
and the Chyefest cause, as I haue learned is, least through
theyr longe abode in the sayd Prouinces so to them assigned, by
some incydent occasion they myght entre familiarilie wyth the
Christians, and in successe of tyme be conuerted. The Turkes
haue also amonges them certayne Noble Men which in theyr
Language they call Spahy, and it is the first degree of honour,
but it hath no discent or succession to the Posterity, and they
only deserue the tytle thereof, whych in Warrelyke Affayres
behaue them selues moste Manfully, and who at length are
preferred to another degree of honour, and are called Subasche,
which worde so farre as I can vnderstande, may be referred to
the Title of Baron. Next to the same Subaschæ here is another
called Begg. But here is meete to be knowne howe that woorde is
taken amonges them two wayes, for generally all they which
excell other in any promotion are called Beggi. That is to say
Lordes or Maysters: but if it be meant singularly or properly,
then it signifieth not simply a Captaine (for they call a
Captaine Aga) but also an Earle. And if the sayd Begg chaunce to
be endued by the Emperour with the order of Knyghthoode, then
hee is called Sanggakbegg. And they likewise are accustomed to
bee transposed from County to county, as the Baschæ are, and the
same do not descend to the heires, but when the Earle is deade.
And then both the promotion and county, are by the Emperour
giuen to another. And hereby it appeareth that no man hath any
thynge proper or his own, and therfore they cal themselues,
Padiscahumcullari. That is to say, the Emperour's bondmen. Here
also I ought to entreat of the manners of the Turkes in theyr
Warres, and the sundry offices therein. In what sorte they leuy,
and muster their Souldiers, the order of their marching, the
order in putting the same in array, and by what diligence they
vse their Skouts, and Wardes, all which had bene necessary to
haue bene spoken of, but that I might not be tedious. And yet of
one thing for a conclusion I entend to speake of, which is of
the Ianischari. The sayd Ianischari are the whole strength of
the Turkes battell, who neuer obtayne victory, but the same is
astributed to their valiaunce. They bee very expert, and
skilfull in the vse of small shot, and great Ordinaunce, and in
that kinde of defence and munition, they chiefly excell. And as
I haue red, the Turke hath continually in wages thirty
M. of the sayd Ianischari. They haue aboue other many
singuler Pryuiledges, in so mutch as the name of a Ianischarus
is in sutch reuerence amongs them, that notwithstanding any
offence, or crime, done by them worthy capitall death, they in
no wise shalbe punished, except before the committing of the
offence, they be depriued of their estate by their Captaynes.
Thys Priuiledge also they haue aboue others, that vnlesse they
lye in Campe, they bee neuer compelled to watch nor warde,
without great necessity do force them. And for this they be
hatefull and odious to other Souldiours. It is sayd, that all
they be Christian men's children. And in those countreyes which
he vanquisheth, he chooseth out the Boyes of the same, sutch as
he thinketh meete, and carrieth them away, and bringeth them vp
in his owne trade, and lawes, with exercise of feates in armes,
and being growen to ripe yeares, and man's state, they be
alloted amongs the number of Ianischari. And thus mutch touching
the maners, dignities, and offices of that Turkish broode: Now
to the Hystory. Bee it knowne therefore, that Solyman had of a
certayne bonde Woman this Mustapha, to whom from his Youth hee
gaue in charge the Countrey of Amasia. Who with his Mother
continually resiaunt in the sayd countrey, became so forwards in
Feates of armes, as it was supposed of all men, that hee was
gieuen vnto their countrey by some heauenly prouidence. This
Mustapha, with his Mother being placed in the said Countrey,
it chaunced that the Kynge his Father was beyonde measure wrapt
with the beauty of another of his Concubins called Rosa, of whom
hee begat foure sonnes, and one daughter. The eldest of the
Sonnes was called Machomet, to whom the Prouince of Caramania
was assigned. The second, Baiasith, who enioyed the countrey of
Magnesia. The third called Selymus, to whom after the death of
Machomet the eldest, the sayd Countrey of Caramania was
appoincted. The fourth Iangir, whose surname, by reason hee was
croke backed, notwithstanding his pregnant wit, was Gibbus. And
the daughter he bestowed in mariage vppon Rustanus Bascha, who
when Hibrahim was put to death, exercised the office of Vesiri
as is aforesayd (which office we vse to call the President of
the Counsayle) and according to his natural disposition to
couetousnesse, abusing the sayd office, altered and chaunged all
maner of thinges belonging to the same. He diminished the
Souldiours wages, being by them called Ianischari. He abated the
stipends of the Captayns, whom they nominate Saniachi. Hee also
seassed vpon the Prouinces yearely Taxes and Tributs. And
herewith being not satisfied, he ordayned a stint vpon the
charges of the kings houshold, wherby he sought, but to
accumulate vnto himselfe, infinite treasures, gotten by
deceiptfull extortion, through occasion whereof, he was supposed
to be faythfull, and diligent Seruaunte, and thereby greatly
insinuated himselfe into the king's fauour, little regardinge
the hatred and displeasure of others. In the meane time, this
Rosa of whom mencion is made before, perceyuing hir selfe before
others to be beloued of the Kinge, vnder the Cloake of devotion
declared vnto Muchty (which is the chiefe Bishop of Machomet's
religion) that she was affected with a Godly zeale to builde a
Temple, and Hospitall for straungers, to the chiefe God, and
honor of Machomet: but she was not minded to attempt the same
without his aduice. And therefore shee asked whether the same
would bee acceptable to God, and profitable for the health of
her soule. Whereunto Muchty aunswered: that the worke to God was
acceptable, although to hir soule it was nothing auaileable.
Adding further, that not onely all hir Substance was at the
Kinge's disposition, but hir Life also, being a Bondwoman. And
therefore that worke woulde be more profitable to the Kinge.
With which aunswere the woman in hir mind dayly being troubled,
became very pensiffe, like one that was voyde of all comfort.
The King being aduertised of hir sorrow very gently began to
comfort hir, affirming that shortely he would finde sutch
meanes, as she should enioy the effect of hir desire. And
forthwith manumised hir and made hir free, a writing and
instrument made in that behalfe, according to their custome,
to the intent she might not be at commaundement any more to be
yoked in bondage. Hauinge in this sorte obtayned this fauoure,
the sayd Rosa, with a great Masse of Money determined to
proceede in hir entended purpose. In the meane season, the Kyng
wythout measure being incensed with the desire of the sayd Rosa,
as is aforesayd, sent for hir by a messenger, willing hir to
repayre to the Court. But the crafty Woman, vnskilful of no
pollicy, returned the Messenger with subtile aunswere, which
was, that he should admonish the King hir Lord and Soueraygne,
to call to his remembraunce aswell the lawe of honesty, as also
the precepts of his owne lawes, and to remembre she was no more
a Bondwoman and yet she could not deny but hir life remained at
the disposition of his maiesty, but touching Carnall copulation
to be had agayne with his person, that could in no wise be done,
without committing of sinne most heynous. And to the intent he
should not thinke the same to be fayned or deuised of hir selfe,
she referred it to the iudgement of Muchty. Which aunswere of
repulse, so excited the inflamed affections of the Kyng, as
setting all other businesse a part, he caused the Muchty to be
sent for. And giuing him liberty to aunswere, he demaunded
whether his Bondwomen being once manumised, could not be knowen
carnally without violation of the lawes? Whereunto Muchty
aunswered: that in no wise it was lawfull, vnlesse before he
should with hir contract matrimony. The difficulty of which Lawe
in sutch sorte augmented the Kyng's desires, as being beyond
measure blinded with Concupiscence, at length agreed to the
marriage of the sayd manumysed woman, and after the Nuptial
writinges according to the custome were ratified, and that he
had giuen vnto hir for a Dowry 5000 Soltan Ducats, the marriage
was concluded, not without great admiration of all men,
especially for that it was done contrary to the vse of the
Ottomane Ligneage. For to eschew Society in gouernment, they
marry no free or lawfull Wyues, but in their steades to satisfy
theyr owne pleasures, and libidinous Appetites (wherein most
vily, and filthely aboue any other Nation they chiefly excell)
they chose out of diuers Regions of the World the most
Beautifull, and fayrest Wenches, whom after a Kyngly sorte very
honourably they bring vp in a place of their Courte, which they
call Sarai: and instruct them in honest, and ciuile maners, with
whom also they vse to accompany by turnes, as theyr pleasure
most lyketh. But if any of them do conceyue, and bring forth
childe, then she aboue all other is honoured, and had in
reuerence, and is called the Soltanes most worthy. And sutch
after they haue brought forth childe, are bestowed in marriage
vppon the Pieres and Nobility, called Baschæ, and Sangacæ.
But now to returne to our purpose. This manumised Woman being
aduaunced through Fortune's benefit, was esteemed for the chiefe
Lady of Asia, not without great happinesse succeeding in al hir
affayres. And for the satisfiyng of hir ambicious entents, there
wanted but only a meane and occasion, that after the death of
Solyman, one of hir own children might obtayne the Empire. Where
vnto the generosity and good behauiour of Mustapha was a great
hinderaunce, who in deede was a yong man of great magnanimity,
and of Wit most excellent, whose Stomach was no lesse
couragious, than he was manly in person, and force. For which
qualities he was meruaylously beloued of the Souldiours and Men
of warre, and for his wisedome and iustice very acceptable to
the people. All which things this subtile woman considering,
she priuely vsed the counsayle of Rustanus for the better
accomplishing of hir purpose, knowing that he would rather seeke
th'aduauncement of his kinsman and the brother of his owne Wyfe
as reason was, then the preferment of Mustapha, with whom she
certaynely knew that Rustanus was in displeasure. For in the
beginning, as he sought meanes to extenuate the liuings of all
other (as is aforesayd) so also he went about (but in vayne) to
plucke somewhat from Mustapha. Whereby he thought that if he
should once obtayne the gouernment, he would skarce forget sutch
an iniury, and thereby not only in hazarde of his Office, and
dignity, but also in daunger of losse of his heade. All which
thinges, this wicked woman pondering in hir vngratious Stomacke
went about to insert into the King's mynde, no small suspitions
of Mustapha, saying that he was ambitiouse and bolde vpon the
Fauour and good wil of all men (wherewith in deede he was
greatly endued) and reioysing in his force, let no other thing
to be expected, then oportunity of time to aspire to the
Kingdome, and to attempt the slaughter of his Father. And for
the better cloaking of the matter, she caused Rustanus at
conuenient tyme, more at large to amplifie and set forwards hir
mallice, who alwayes had in charge all principall and weyghty
affayres. In whom also was no lacke of matter to accelerate the
accusation and death of the yong man. Moreouer to sutch as were
appoyncted to the administration of the countrey of Syria, he
priuely declared, that Mustapha was greatly suspected of his
Father, commaunding euery of them dilligently to take heede to
his estate, and of all sutch things as they eyther saw or
perceyued in him, with all expedition to send aduertisement,
affirming that the more spightfully they wrote of him, the more
acceptable it should be to the Kinge. Wherefore diuers time
Rustanus being certified of the kingly Estimation, Magnanimity,
Wysedome, and Fortitude of Mustapha, and of his beneuolence and
liberality towards all men, wherewith he greatly conciled their
fauour, and how the ardent desires of the People, were inclined
to hys election: he therefore durst not take vppon him to be the
first that should sow the seede of that wicked conspiracy, but
deliuering his Letters to the vngratious Woman, left the rest to
the deuise of his vnhappy brayne: But Rosa espying oportunity of
time to succeede hir vnhappy desyre, ceased not to corrupt the
Kyng's mynde, sometimes with promise of the vse of other Women,
and sometimes with sundry other adulations. So that if mention
was made of Mustapha at any time, she woulde take sutch occasion
to open the Letters, as might serue most apt for hir purpose.
And she was not deceyued of hir expectation. For taking a
conuenient time not without teares (which Women neuer want in
cloaked matter) she admonished the Kinge of the pearill wherein
he stoode, remembring amongs other thinges, how his Father
Selymus, by sutch meanes depryued his owne Father both from his
kingdome, and Life, instantly requiringe him by that example to
beware. But these Arguments of suspition, at the first brunt
seemed not probable to the Kyng, and therefore by this meanes
the deuilishe Woman could little preuayle, which when hir
enuious Stomacke perceyued, she began to direct hir mischieuous
mynde to other deuises, seeking meanes with poyson to destroy
the yonge man. And there wanted not also, gracelesse persons,
prompt and ready to accomplish that mischieuous fact, had not
diuine prouidence resisted the same. For Rosa sent vnto Mustapha
a sute of Apparell in the name of his Father, which by
marueylous craft was enuenimed with Poyson. But Mustapha in no
wyse would weare the sayd apparell before one of his slaues had
assayed the same, whereby he preuented the Mischiefe of his
vngratious Stepmother, opening to all men the deceipt of the
poyson. And yet this pestilent Woman ceased not to attempt other
Enterprises. She went about to purchase vnto hir the good will
and familiarity of the Kyng in sutch sort as the like neuer
obtayned in the Courte of Ottoman, (for she vsed certayne
Sorceries through the helpe of a Woman a Jewe borne, which was a
famous Enchauntresse, to wyn the loue of the Kyng, and thereby
perswaded hir selfe to procure greater things at his hands) in
so mutch as she obtayned that hir Children by course should be
resiant in their Father's Courte, that by theyr continuall
presence and assiduall flattering, they might get the loue of
their Father. So that if Mustapha did at any time come to the
Court, by that meane she might haue a better meanes to rid him
of his life, if not, to tary a time, wherein he should be
dispatched by the help of others. But Mustapha not repayring to
the Courte (for the Kyng's chyldren do not vse to go out of
their Countreys assigned vnto them, without their Father's
knowledge, nor to repayre to Constantinople with any number of
men of Warre, to receyue their Inheritance till their Father be
deade) she deuised another mischiefe. For enioying hir former
request, she recouered another, also hauing brought to passe
that not onely in the Citty, but also in the countrey, hir
children should attend vppon theyr Father. Yea, and Giangir the
crokebacked should alwayes attend on his father in his Warres.
But the Stepmother's deuise for certayne yeares hanging as it
were in ballance, at length Fortune throughly fauoured hir
wicked endeuours. For the Bascha which had the protection of
Mustapha, and the gouernment of the Prouince of Amasia, (For
euery one of the Kyng's chyldren haue one Bascha, that is to say
a Liutenaunt, which doe aunswere the people according to the
lawes and gieue orders for the administration of the Warres, and
also euery one of them haue a learned Man to Instruct them in
good dyscipline, and Pryncely qualities) the sayd Bascha I say
deuised Letters wherein was contayned a certayne treatise of
Marriage, betwene Mustapha and the Kyng's Daughter of Persia,
and how he had referred the matter to the Ministers of the
Temple, to the intent that if it had not good successe, he
should be free from all suspition, and sent the same Letters to
Rustanus who greatly reioysed for that he hoped to bring his
desyred purpose to good effect. And fearing the matter no
longer, incontinently he vttered the same to Rosa, who both
togethers, forthwith went into the Pallace, and discouered the
whole matter to the King. And to the intent they might throughly
incense the Kyng's mynde with suspicions, that before was
doubtefull, and deliberatiue in the matter, to put him out of
all doubt, they affyrmed that Mustapha like an ambitiouse man,
sought meanes to conspyre his death being incensed like a Madman
to the gouernment of his large Empyre, contrary to nature, and
Law diuine. And to the intent better creadit might be gieuen to
their subtile Suggestions, they alleaged the Treaty of Marriage
betwene Mustapha and the Kyng of Persia, the deadly and auncient
enimy of the Ottoman Ligneage. For respect whereof, he ought
diligently to take heede least by conioyning the power of the
Persians with the Sangachi, and Ianischari, which are the
Captayns, and Souldiours, whose good willes he had with his
lyberality already tyed to his fauour, in short time, would go
about to depriue him of his Kyngdome and Lyfe. With these
accusations and sutch lyke they had so farre sturred the king,
as he himselfe sought the Death of his owne Sonne, in manner as
foloweth. Therefore in the yere of our Lord 1552, he caused to
be published with al expedition throughout his prouinces, that
the Persians had made their vauntes how they woulde inuade the
Countrey of Syria, win the Cityes there, and carry away the
Captiues, and also would destroy euery place with fier and
Sword, in sutch sort as no man should withstand them. Wherefore
to prouide against the sayd proude and haultie Bragges, hee was
forced to send Rustanus thyther with an Armie. The Souldiours
being leuied, hee pryvily commaunded Rustanus in as secret
manner as hee could and without any Tumulte to lay handes vpon
Mustapha, and to bryng hym bound to Canstantinople. But if he
could not conueniently bryng that to passe, then to dispatch hym
of hys Lyfe by sutch meanes as he could. Rustanus receyuyng thys
wycked and cruell Commaundement, marched towardes Syria wyth a
power. Wher when he arryued Mustapha, hauing knowledge thereof
setting all other businesse a parte, beying accompanyed with the
Lustyest and best appoynted Men of Warre in al Turkey to the
Numbre of seuen Thousande, hee directed his Iorney also towardes
Syria. Whereof when Rustanus had vnderstandynge, and perceyued
hee could not well accomplysh the wycked desire of the Kyng,
immedyately retourned backe agayne to Constantinople in sutch
haste that hee durste not abyde the sight of the Duste rered
into the Ayre by Mustaphae's Horse Men, and mutch lesse hys
commyng. When the Souldyers were retired Rustanus declared to
all Men that the Countrey was in good quyet, and pryuely
repayred to the Kynge, and vttered to hym the cause of hys
retourne, addynge further, that as farre as hee could see by
manyfeste Sygnes, and Coniectures, the good Wylles of all the
Armye were inclyned to Mustapha, and for that cause in so
daungerous an Enterpryse, hee durste not aduenture with open
Warres, but lefte all to the consideration of hys Maiesty. This
reporte bred to the cruell Father (who nothynge degenerated from
the Naturall Tirannye of hys Auncestors) greater Suspicions: for
reuengement whereof he most wickedly toke further aduise. The
yeare folowyng he commaunded an huge Army to be leuied once
againe makyng Proclamation that the Persians with a greater
Power would inuade Syria, and therefore thought it mete that he
himself for the Common sauegarde of them all, ought personally
to repayre thyther with a power to withstande the indeuors of
his Ennimies. The Army being assembled, and al furnitures
prouyded in that behalfe, they marched forwardes, and within
fewe dayes after the cruell Father folowed. Who beynge come into
Syria, addressed a messenger to Mustapha, to commaund him
forthwith to repayre vnto him, then being encamped at Alepes.
And yet Solymane could not keepe secret the mortall hatred he
bare to hys Sonne from others, although he imployed dilygent
care for that purpose, but that the knowledge thereof came to
the Eares of one of the Baschæ, and others of Honour. Emonges
whome Achmet Bascha pryuily sent Woorde to Mustapha, to the
intent he myght take the better heede to hymself. And it seemed
not without Wonder to Mustapha, that his Father, wythout
necessary cause, shoulde arryue in those partes wyth so great a
Number. Who notwithstanding, knowing hymselfe innocente,
althoughe in extreame sorrow and pensifenes of mynd determyned
to obey hys Father's Commaundement although he shoulde stand in
Daunger of hys Lyfe. For hee esteemed it a more honest and
laudable part to incurre the Peryll of death in Obedience to hys
Father, than to lyue in contumelye by disobedyence. Therefore in
that great anxietye and care of Mynde, debatyng many thinges
wyth hymselfe: At length he demaunded of a learned Man whych
contynually was conuersaunt wyth hym in his House (as is
aforesayde,) whether the Empyre of the whole World or a vertuous
Lyfe ought rather to be wyshed for. To whom this Learned Man
most Godly aunswered. That hee which dilygently weyed the
Gouernement of this Worlde, shall perceiue no other Felycitye
therein then a vayne and foolysh apparence of goodnesse. "For
there is nothyng" (quod he) "more frayle or vnsure then the
Worlde's prosperity. And it bryngeth none other Fruicts but
Feare, sorrow, troubles, suspicions, murders, Wickednesse,
vnrighteousnes, spoyle, Pouerty, Captiuity, and sutch lyke whych
to a man that affecteth a blessed Lyfe, are in no wyse to be
wyshed for. For whose sake who so list to enioy them, leaseth
the happines of that Lyfe. But to whome it is gyuen from aboue
to way and consider the frayltye and shortnes of thys state
(which the Common People deemeth to be a Lyfe) and to resist the
vanityes of the World, at length to embrace vertue, to them
truely in heauen there is a Place assigned and prepared of the
highest GOD, where hee shall inherite perpetuall Ioyes, and
Felicity of the Lyfe to come." Wyth whych aunswer Mustapha beyng
somwhat prycked in conscience wonderfully was satisfied, as
being tolde of him which seemed by a certaine Prophecy to
pronosticate his end. And tarrying vppon no longer disputation,
immedyately dyrected his Iourney towards his cruell Father. And
vsing that expedition he could, arriued at the place where his
Father encamped, and not farre from the same he pitched his
pauilion. But this expedite arriuall of Mustapha did inculcat a
greater suspicion in the wycked Father. And Rustanus was not
behynde wyth lyes, and other subtill informacions to set
forwardes the same. And after he had called together the common
Souldiours and the chiefe men of Warre in the Army, hee sente
them to meete wyth Mustapha, who without any tarrying most
readily obeyed his commaundement, to put themselues in readines.
In the mean time this crafty Verlet, shewing by outward
countenance the hid enuy that lay secrete in his heart,
forthwith repaired into the Kynge's Pauilion, and without shame
or honesty told the King, howe almost euery one of the
principall Souldiours of their owne accorde went to meete
Mustapha. Then the King being troubled in mind, went forth of
his tent, and persuaded with himself that Rustanus Wordes were
true. Now Mustapha lacked not sondry tokens of his vnhappy fate:
For not thre daies before he should take his iorney about the
breake of day in the morning being in slepe, he dreamed that he
saw Machomet clad in gorgious apparel, to take him by the hand,
and lead him into a most pleasant place beutified with sundry
turrets and sumptuous buildinge hauing in it a most delectable
gardein, who shewing him al those things with his finger, spake
these wordes: "Here" (quod he) "doe they rest for euer, which in
the World haue lyued a Godly and iust Life, and haue bene
Aduauncers of Law and Iustice, and contempners of vice." And
turning his face to the other syde, he saw two swifte and broad
Riuers, the one of them boiled more blacke then Pitch. And in
the sayd Riuers many were drowned, whereof some appeared aboue
Water crying with horrible voices, Mercy, Mercy. "And there"
(quod he) "are tormented all sutch, which in the World most
wyckedly haue committed Mischiefe." And the chiefe of them he
sayed were Prynces, Kinges, Emperours, and other great Men. With
that Mustapha awaked and callyng the saied learned Man vnto him,
vttered his dreame. And pausyng a lyttle whyle (for the
supersticious Machometistes attribute mutch Credite to dotage of
dreames) being ful of sorrow and pensifnesse, at length answered
That the vision was very dreadful, for that it pronosticated
extreame peril of his life. Therefore he required him to haue
diligent respect thereunto. But Mustapha beynge of great
valiaunce and fortitude, hauing no regard to the aunswer
aforesaid, couragiously replied with these wordes: "Shall I
suffer my self to be vanquished with vaine and childish feare?
Nay I wil rather take a good heart, and make hast to my Father.
For I am assured that alwayes from time to time I haue honored
his maiesty accordyng to my duety, in so mutch as neyther Fote
trauelled, nor Eye looked, mutch lesse heart thought agaynst his
will to desyre or couet to raigne, except it had pleased the
highe GOD to haue called hys Maiesty from thys Lyfe to a better.
And besydes that my Mynde was neuer bente after hys Death to
beare rule, excepte Generall Electyon of all the Army, to the
intent I myghte entre the Imperiall Seate wythout slaughter,
Bloudshed, or any other cruell fact, and thereby preserue the
friendship of my Brethren inuiolat, and free from any spot of
hatred. For I alwayes determyned, and chose rather (since my
Father's pleasure is so) to end my Life like an obedyent Child,
than continually to raigne, and be counted of al men, obstinate
and disobedient, especially of mine enimies." When he had spoken
those wordes, he made hast to his father. And at his arriual to
the Campe, so sone as he had pitched his Tent he apparelled
himself al in white, and putting certain letters into his
bosome, which the Turkes vse to do, when they go to any place
(for in supersticions they vse maruailous dotage) he proceded
towards his father, entending wyth reuerence (as the manner is)
to kisse his hand. But when hee was come to the entry of the
tent, he rememberd himself of his Dagger which he wore about
him, and therefore vngirding himself he put it of for auoiding
of al suspicion. Which don, when he was entred the Tent, he was
very curteously (with sutch reuerence as behoued) welcomed of
his father's Eunuches. And when he saw no man else, but the seat
royal, where his father was wont to sitte readye furnished, with
a sorrowful heart stode stil, and at length demaunded where his
Father was. Who answered that forthwith hee would come in
presence. In the meane season he saw seuen dombe men (which the
Turke vseth as Instruments to kepe his secrets, and priuily to
do sutch murthers as he commaundeth) and therewith immediately
was wonderfully mased saying: "Beholde my present Death." And
therewith stepped aside to auoide them, but it was in vaine, For
being apprehended of the Eunuches and garde, was by force drawen
to the place appointed for him to loose hys Lyfe, and sodainly
the domb Men fastened a Bowstryng about his Necke. But Mustapha,
some what striuing, requyred to speak but two Wordes with his
Father. Which when the wicked parricide his Father hearde,
beholding the Cruell Spectacle on the other side of the Tente,
rebuked the dombe Men, saying: "Wil you neuer execute my
Commaundement, and doe as I bid you? Wyll you not kyll the
Traitor, which these ten years space would not suffer me to
slepe one quyet Night?" Who when they harde him speake those
cruell Woordes, the Eunuches and dombe Men threw him prostrate
vpon the ground, and cording the string with a double knot most
pitifully strangled him. Which wycked and cruell facte being
done, the Bascha that was Lieuetenaunt of Amasia was also
apprehended by the Kynge's Commaundement, and likewyse beheaded
in hys owne Presence. This Facte also commytted, he caused to be
called before hym Gianger the Crokebacke, who was Ignoraunte of
that was done, and Iestynge wyth hym as though hee had done a
thynge worthie commendation, bad him to go and meete his Brother
Mustapha: who with a ioyful cheere made hast to meete him. But
when he came to the place and saw his infortunate Brother ly
strangled and dead vpon the earth, it is impossible to tell with
what sorrow he was affected. And he was scasce come to the
place, but his wicked Father sent Messengers after him, to tell
him that the Kyng had giuen him all Mustapha, his Treasures,
Horsemen, Bondmen, Pauilions, Apparell: Yea, and moreouer the
Prouince of Amasia. But Giangir conceyuing extreme sorrow for
the cruell murder of his deere brother, with lamentable teares
spake these words. "Oh cruell and wicked Dogge: yea, and if I
may so call my father, Oh Traytor most pestilent, do thou enioy
Mustapha, his Treasures, his Horses, Furnitures, and the sayd
Countrey to. Is thy heart so vnnaturall, cruell, and wicked,
to kill a yongue man so notable as Mustapha was, so good a
Warriour, and so worthy a Gentleman as the Ottoman house neuer
had or shall haue the like, without any respect of Humanity or
Zeale naturall? By Saynct Mary I neede to take heede least
hereafter in like maner thou as impudently do triumph of my
death, being but a crokebacke and deformed man." When hee had
spoken theese wordes, plucking out his Dagger, he slew himselfe.
Whereof when the Emperor had aduertisement, he conceyued
inspeakable sorrow. But for al that, his sorrowfull heart
vanquished not his couetouse minde. For he commaunded all
Mustaphe's Treasure, and other Furnitures to bee brought into
his Tent. And the Souldiours thincking the same should be gieuen
amongs them made as mutch haste to dispatche his commaundement.
In the meane tyme Mustaphe's Souldiours (not knowing what was
become of their Mayster) seeing sutch a number runne in heapes
without order came forth of their Camp to withstande their
foolishe tumult, who very manfully, not without mutch slaughter
withstoode the same. And when the Fame of that Tragicall tumult
was bruted amongs the King's souldiers, (who perceyuing the same
more and more to waxe hot,) they went forth to succour their
fellowes, but the Onset being gieuen on all sides, the fight on
both parts was so fierce, as in short space there were slayne
very neere the number of two thousande men besides the hurt and
wounded, whereof the number was greater. Howbeit this Broyle had
not bene thus ended, had not Achmat Bascha, a graue and wise
man, and for his experimentes in the Warres of great aucthority
amongs the souldiers driuen them back, and repressed their fury.
Who turning himself towards Mustaphe's souldiers with smiling
countenaunce and milde words appeasing their furious stomacks
spake these wordes: "Why my deere brethren and freends wil yee
now degenerate from your olde accustomed wisedome, sufficiently
tried in you these many yeares past, and will now resist the
commaundment of the great Soltan the lord and soueraigne of vs
all? I cannot chuse (as God shal help me) but meruayle what
should mooue you whom hitherto I haue proued to be so notable
and valiant men, and in this ciuile conflict, you should bende
your force vpon your own frends, and raise vp sutch a spectacle
to the Ottoman enemy, against whom heretofore you haue very
prosperously and manfully fought, and therewith by mutuall
slaughter to make them reioyse whom heretofore with the like,
you haue made heauy and pensive. Therefore my fellowes as you
tender your own valiaunce and Magnanimity, take heede, that by
your own folly you do not lese the estimation of your wonted
fortitude and wisedome, wherein hitherto you haue excelled all
men. And reserue your force, which you now more than inough haue
vsed amongs your owne Fellowes till you come against your
Enemies, where you shall haue a more laudable, and better
occasion to vse it." With these woordes and the like spoken by
Achamat Basca, the Souldiours were somewhat appeased, and all
thinges were franckely suffered to bee carried out of Mustapha
hys Pavylion to the Kynge's. But when the death of Mustapha came
to the knowledge of the Ianischari, and the rest of the Army,
forthwith began another sedition. And after the Trumpets had
blowen the onset, there was sutch a Tumult and styrre amongs the
Souldiours, mixte wyth sundry Lamentations, and Teares, that
like Madmen with great violence, they ran into the Courte, with
theyr Swords naked in theyr hands ready bent to strike. And this
renued and sudden styrre so terrified the Kyng, that hee wiste
not what to do who for all the dampes would needes haue fled.
But being persuaded of his Counselloures to tarry, hauing
throughe Necessity, gotten occasion to attempt that whych in the
tyme of hys most security he durst scarce haue enterprysed, went
forth, and with sterne Countenaunce, spake to hys Souldyers in
this manner. "What rumors, what tumultes, and what mad partes
are these, wherewith so proudely in this sort ye disquiet me?
What meane these enflamed countenances? What signify these
haulty gestures, these proude and angry lokes? Doe you not
remembre that I am your King that hath Power and Authority to
gouerne and rule you? Are you determyned in this sort to spot
your Auncyent and inuincible valiaunce, and the notable
Warrefare of your predecessours, with the bloud of your
Emperour?" And while the King was speaking these Words, the
souldiers boldly answered, how they confessed him to be the
same, whome many yeares ago they chose to be their Kinge, and
for that hee alleaged how they had with their good seruice in
the Warres acquired vnto him many great conquests and had
diligently kepte the same: all that they did of purpose that he
should vse towards them againe a godly Authority and iust
Gouernment, and not vnaduisedly should lay his bloudy handes
vppon euery iuste Man, and so to staine and defile himselfe with
the Bloud of Innocents. And againe, where he laide to their
charge, that they were issued from their Cabanes armed with
Weapon, they affirmed the same to be done in a iust quarell,
euen to reuenge the slaughter of innocent Mustapha, and for that
they ought not to haue sutch a Kynge as should worke his anger
vppon them that had not deserued it. Further they required that
they might cleare themselues openly of the offence of Treason,
whereof falsly they were accused by Mustapha, his Enimies, and
to haue their accuser to be brought forth in open presence. And
sayde more that before he personally did appeare before the
Indgement Seat Face to Face to giue euidence, _sub talionis
poena_, accordinge to the Law, they would not vnarme nor yet
disasemble themselues. [And whiles these things were debated
betwene the emperor and the souldiers, the cruelty of the fact,
so moued] all men to teares, that the Kyng him selfe seemed to
take great repentaunce for his horrible deede, and promysed the
Souldiours that they should haue their requests, and went about
with fayre perswasions to mittigate (as mutch as lay in him)
their furious stomakes. Howbeit the Souldiours gaue diligent
heede to their watch and warde euery man in his place appoynted,
that the king might not secretly conuey himselfe away, and so
deceyue theym of his promisses, and the expectation of their
requests. In the meane time the Kyng depriued Rustanus of all
his offices, and promotions, and tooke away from him the priuy
Signet whereof he had the keeping, and deliuered it to Achmat
Bascha. Rustanus amased with the terror and feare of the
Souldiours, thinking himselfe scarce in good security amongs his
owne men, secretly conueyed himselfe to Achmat Bascha his
Pauilyon, and asked counsell of him what was best to be done in
so doubtfull, and daungerous a case. Who aduised him therein to
haue the kyng's aduice, and as he commaunded him so in any wyse
to doe. Which counsayle marueylously satisfied the mynde of
Rustanus. And without any longer delay by certaine Messengers
which were his faythfull, and familier Freends required the
King's aduise. Whereunto the King aunswered that forthwith
without longer tariaunce he should auoyde his syght, and absent
himselfe from his Campe. Who replied that without Money and
other furnitures, he could not conueniently execute hys
commaundement. But the King had hym to do what hee list, for he
woulde in no wise gieue hym leaue to haue any longer time or
space to deliberate the matter. At length Rustanus without
further stay, as guilty of his cursed deuises, accompanied with
eyght of his trustiest Frends directed his Iorney to
Constantinople, and vsing mutch expedition (as feare in
fearefull matters putteth spurres to the horse) came to
Constantinople: and there with Rosa and other the Conspiratours
expected the euents of Fortune not without daunger of their
liues. Moreouer it was sayd that Solyman, whose Conscience
bewrayed the beastlynes of his abhominable facte, being pricked
with a supersticious repentance, determined to trauel on
pilgrimage to Mecha, and proceding in his voiage, he was driuen
by meanes of the Persians force to go to Hierusalem there to
offer sacrifice for the death of his Sonne, which they call
Corba. But now to conclude, and somewhat to speake of Mustapha
or rather by way of admonition this one thing to say of him,
that the sayde Mustapha was so acceptable and well beloued of
all men for his warlike experience, and for his redinesse to
sheade Christian bloud, that they supposed the like would neuer
be in the Ottoman house more towards to enlarge, and amplyfie
their Empyre, or promysed greatter thinges for the perfourmance
thereof. In so mutch as then they dispayred so of their
Enterprises, as this Prouerbe rose vp amongs them, Gietti Soltan
Mustapha, which signifieth an vtter dispayre in thinges which
they thought before to goe about. Therefore we haue good cause
to reioyce for the death of thys cruell enimy that should haue
raygned, and to thinck the slaughter of him not to be done
without God's speciall prouidence, who in this sorte hath
prouided for vs. And at length to be wise, and abstayne from
ciuile Warre and dissencions. And with common Force to set vppon
this wicked Tarmegant, considering that he is not only a
generall Ennimy to our Countrey and Lyfe, but also to our
Soules. Which thing if we do, it will not be so hard a matter to
withstand the force of this enemy of Christendome, as if we doe
not, it wyll be daungerous through our continuall discorde to
gieue him occasion to inuade the rest of Europe, and so with his
tiranny bring the same to vtter destruction, which God that is
omnipotent forbid, who bring vs to vnity through his Sonne Iesus
Christe, Amen.