as far as the River _Drave_; they are reputed to be a fudling sort of
People, and not very faithful to Strangers. Whence they had their Name
and Original, I do not certainly know; but truly they were kind enough
to us; we passed through some Villages of theirs of less Note, and at
last arrived at _Esseck_, which is almost inclosed with muddy Marshes,
and is famous for the slaughter of _Catzianerus_, and the overthrow
of the _Christians_. Here I was taken with a _Tertian Ague_, I was so
parch’d with Heat, in travelling the open Fields of _Hungary_; and at
_Esseck_ we passed the _Drave_, and came to _Lasque_, where being weary
with the Heat of my Journey, and my Ague, I laid me down to Rest. There
the chiefest of the Place came to me to bid me welcome; and presented me
with large Melons, Pears, and Plumbs of several Sorts, besides Wine, and
other Provisions, all of them very good; the noted Country of _Campania_
in _Italy_ hardly bears better. In the Room where I lodged, there was
a long Table all furnished with these Viands: My Servants desired the
_Hungarians_ to stay to Supper, excusing my Absence, because of my
Sickness. As soon as I awoke, and saw such a full-spread Table before my
Eyes, I thought verily I had been in a Dream, and ask’d my Physician,
how that came about? He told me plainly, that he himself had caused the
Table to be furnished, that so the very Sight of it might refresh me.
But must I not taste of it, said I? Yes, said he, but you must only
taste; and so I eat a little of it, and seem’d to be much the better for
it. The Day after the _Hungarians_ came to me again to present their
Service, desiring me to represent their Condition to the Emperor, in
regard of the Wrongs they received from some of their Neighbours. From
thence we came to _Mohatz_, noted for the Overthrow and Death of _Lewis_
King of _Hungary_; not far from that Town, I saw a River whose Water was
deep, and its Banks very steep; here that unhappy Prince leapt in with
his Horse, and was drown’d, being for his Fall as much to be lamented,
as for his Imprudence, in venturing with a small and newly rais’d
Army of his Country-Men, to cope with the more numerous, veteran, and
well-disciplin’d Forces of _Solyman_.
From _Mohatz_, we travelled on to _Tulna_, and from thence to _Felduar_.
There I passed over the _Danube_, into an Island, pretty large, called
_Cophis_, inhabited by _Rascians_; and so repassing the _Danube_, I
arrived at _Buda_ twelve Days after I left _Belgrade_, _August_ the 4th,
having lost many of my Horses by the way, who were choaked with eating
new Barley, and drinking over-cold Water. Besides, I narrowly escaped
Robbers, which these Countries are much infested with, especially by
those they call _Heydukes_, some of which were afterwards taken, and
put to death at _Buda_, where they confessed to the _Bashaw_ thereof,
that they lay in wait for me and my Train, under a broken Bridge we
were to pass, that so they might assault us unawares. The Truth is, a
few may very easily circumvent and destroy a great many Passengers on
such Bridges; for the Bridges are ill-built, and the Planks are set so
wide, and gaping one from another, that you can scarce go over them safe
on Horseback, without danger of falling, if you are never so careful;
and if some meet you before, others will fall on your Rear, and others
start out from the Reeds and Sedges below, where they hide themselves,
and so accost you in the Flank, and you can hardly manage your Horse for
Self-defence, by reason of the badness of the Bridge: No doubt you may
be treated as the _Romans_ were in the _Caudine Streights_; be either
taken, or killed, at Pleasure. I know not what it was that deterred them
from assaulting us; whether it were our Numbers, or the Sight of the
_Hungarians_ with us; or because we were in a long Train, and all were
not on the Bridge at once; or whatever else it was that withheld them,
by God’s Blessing, we got safe to _Buda_. The _Bashaw_ of the Town was
not then at home; he was gone to _Pest_, on the other side of the River,
where they had a Council of War, after the manner of the _Hungarians_,
they call them _Rachi_. Many _Sanziacks_ were already come thither, but
more were expected; for which Cause, when I desired Audience, ’twas put
off for three Days, that the _Janizaries_ and military Persons might make
a greater Show. Then I was sent for over, and conveyed to his Tent, where
he made Complaints to me of the Injuries that some _Hungarians_ had done
him. It is usual, in those frontier Garrisons, both for _Hungarians_ and
_Turks_, mutually to complain of one another; yea, sometimes they, that
are most in Fault, begin to complain first. The _Turkish_ Bashaw also
added some threatning Expressions of Revenge. It may be, he thought that
the Sight of his Army would terrify me; but he was mistaken. I answered
him roundly, that the _Hungarians_ might rather find Fault with the
_Turks_, than on the contrary; for I my self, in my Travels, had seen
some of his Soldiers plunder some _Hungarians_, Subjects of his Imperial
Majesty, and carry away their Goods. He answered me, he had indeed put
some contumacious _Christians_ under military Execution; but they were
such as were under his Master, not the Emperor. Thus, after a mutual
Altercation, I was dismissed, being in very bad plight, for my Ague-Fit
was strong upon me all that Day.
The Day after, I went to _Gran_, having a _Turkish_ Guard of Horse along
with me. I had a mind to be wafted over the _Danube_, and for one Night
to lodge in a Village over against the Castle of _Gran_, that the Day
after I might come the sooner to _Commara_, and be better able to endure
my Ague-Fit, which I expected that Day; and therefore I entreated that
Favour of my Guide, that he would send some body over, to bring the
Ferry-Boat, that was on the other Side, that so our Passage might be
the easier. I found some Difficulty in having my Request granted; yet,
partly to gratify me, and partly to acquaint the _Sanziacks_ with my
Arrival there, he sent over two Persons. When they were gone an Hour
before, they spied four Horsemen standing under a Tree, a little from
the High-way-side. They judged them, by their Habits, to be _Turks_,
and therefore turned aside to accost them; and, as they drew near, they
ask’d them, What News? They answered not a Word; but made at them with
their drawn Swords, and gave one of them such a Blow, athwart his Face,
that he made the greatest Part of his Nose to hang down over his Chin;
and then catching at his Horse, which he held by the Bridle, he left his
own Beast, and mounting it, set Spurs, and away. The _Turks_ presently
came back to us, especially he with the maim’d Face, and, with a woful
Lamentation, bid us prepare for the Combat, for we were Way-laid. I, to
encourage my Men, got presently on Horse-back; but we came too late,
when the Scuffle was over; for they had more mind to preserve the Prey
they had got, than to fight; and thereupon fled speedily to _Javarin_,
a Garrison of ours, to which they did belong: The _Turks_ shewed them
to us, as they were scouring over the neighbouring Hills that led to
_Javarin_. Thus we came to _Gran_; the _Sanziack_ very friendly gave me
a Visit, and, among other Discourse, he put me in mind of the Insolency
of the _Hungarian_ Soldiers, who could not be kept from Thieving (said
he) though you, the Emperor’s Ambassador, were in company of those they
robbed; and therefore he desired of me, that the Horse they took away
yesterday might be restored. In the mean Time, the _Turk_, that was
wounded the Day before, stood without in the Entry, with his Nose sewed
together, through which he made a lamentable Moan, desiring me to pity
his Condition. I told him, I would give him what was enough for his Cure,
and so I bestowed two Duckets upon him. He would have had more; but the
_Sanziack_ told him, ’twas enough; his Misfortune was not to be charged
upon me.
Being thus dismissed by the _Sanziack_, I came the same Day to _Commara_,
where I expected my Ague-Fit; but when the usual Period of it drew
near, I found it had left me, as if a Fever, got in _Turkey_, durst
not accompany me into the _Christian_ Territories. Hereupon I gave God
thanks, who had both freed me of my Ague, and had also brought me safe to
the end of my long and tedious Journey.
Two Days after, I came to _Vienna_, where the Emperor _Ferdinand_, my
most gracious Master, was not at present, only I found _Maximilian_,
King of _Bohemia_, there in his Room; whole courteous Reception of me
made me almost forget the Toil of my Journey. But I must tell you, I
was so emaciated with my Sickness, and the Inconveniences of my Journey
together, that many thought the _Turks_ had given me a poisonous
Dose; for, truly, when I went lately to pay my Duty to the Arch-Duke
_Ferdinand_, he asked one of his Domesticks, who I was? who answered,
I was one that came lately from _Turkey_, and that it was no wonder I
looked so ill, for they, who returned from those Parts, usually did so.
Perhaps he was willing to have it believed, that I had taken the Emperor
_Claudius_’s Dose; but, for my part, I know of no such thing; neither do
I question, but after resting a while, to recover the tediousness of my
Journey, I shall look as well as ever I did: I find my self something
mended already.
In the mean time, I acquainted the Emperor with my Return, by Letter,
and of the half Year’s Truce I had obtained; and the sum of my whole
Negotiation; and that, when he came home from the _Diet_, I would inform
him of all Particulars more punctually and distinctly.
One thing more I shall acquaint you with. There were many Persons who
refused to accompany me to _Constantinople_, either for Fear, or I know
not what other Motive, who wished they had given me any Money to go along
with me, now they saw me return in safety. But what says he in _Plautus_?
_If you will eat the Kernel, you must take the Pains to break the Nut_:
He does himself Wrong, that thinks to reap part of the Fruit, who took no
part of the Pains.
Thus, Sir, I have given you an account of my Journey, both to
_Constantinople_, and also to _Amasia_. I have not dress’d up my
Narrative with Flowers of Rhetoric, but have presented you with it, just
as I would have related it to you by Word of Mouth. I know you will bear
with the Coarseness of my Style, it being occasioned by my over-eager
Desire to gratify you; nor can you well expect Elegancy from me now in my
Heat and Throng of Business, which I was never Master of in my greatest
Retirements. This I assure you, both for your Information and my own
Content, that I am not conscious to myself of any Falshood in the whole
Narration, which is the principal Ornament of such Relations as these.
Thus I bid you Farewell.
_Vienna, September 1st._
_SIR_,
I received your Letter, wherein you acquaint me, that you have heard
of my second Voyage into _Turkey_; on which Account you express your
Wonderment, that I would venture to visit that uncouth and barbarous
Country, once more. And withal, you desire to know the Issue of my
Journey: How I found Matters at my Return to _Constantinople_; what
Entertainment I met with there; what proportion of Health I enjoy;
whether my Life be pleasant to me, or not; and, in fine, what Hopes there
may be of my speedy return to _Germany_. To all which you oblige me,
upon the score of our ancient Friendship, to give particular and express
Answers; which, to gratify you, I shall accordingly do.
Know then, in the first Place, that you were not mis-informed as to my
Return into _Turkey_; the thing is most true: Neither could I avoid the
Journey, as being oblig’d thereunto by Promise; and you know every honest
Man is as good as his Word. My Case was this: The Emperor _Ferdinand_,
my most gracious Lord and Master, designed me as his Lieger Ambassador
to _Constantinople_; but his Design was grounded on this Supposition,
that a Peace would be first settled betwixt the two Empires. Articles
of Agreement, however, being not yet fully accorded to, nor wholly
rejected, there was no reason I should slip my Neck out of the Collar,
till the Matter was brought to some certain Issue; either a firm Peace,
or a perfect Rupture. And therefore, when I foresaw what a Bushel of
Troubles I should run my self into, by my Return, I had much rather
a fitter Person had been substituted for the Employment; but no body
being willing to accept the Charge, I was, in a manner, forced into
the Service; it being my Duty to comply with, and obey, the Will and
Pleasure of my gracious Master: For as soon as ever he return’d from the
Imperial Diet to _Vienna_, and was informed by me of my Transactions
with _Solyman_, the _Ottoman_ Emperor, he immediately laid his Commands
upon me to prepare my self to return, and to carry back his Answer to
_Solyman_’s Letters. ’Tis true, it was the depth of Winter, when I was
commanded to return to _Constantinople_; and, besides, ’twas a very
rainy, cold and tempestuous Season; and my Message too was so severe,
that I was like to have no Thanks for my Labour. Here, perhaps, you may
twit me in the Teeth, what! Twice to the same Place? To which I answer,
twice, and oftner, if there be need; for commendable Enterprizes, the
mere hazardous, the more Praise-worthy.
’Twas in _November_ when I left _Vienna_, to undertake my second Voyage
to unhospitable _Pontus_. I will not grate your Ears with the Relation of
the Enterprizes of my _second_ Journey: I was too vexatious, I fear, in
giving you an Account of my _first_.
It may suffice to tell you, that I went the same Stages, in a manner,
that I did at first. So then, to _Constantinople_ I came, in the
beginning of _January_, having lost one of my Retinue, who died of a
Fever in the way. There I found my Collegues in good Health; but a
mighty Change was made in the _Turkish_ Affairs: _Bajazet_, _Solyman_’s
youngest Son, had escap’d a great Danger, and was reconciled to his
Father: _Achmet Bassa_, the _Grand Vizier_, had been strangled,
and _Rustan_, his Predecessor, was restored to his Place of _Grand
Viziership_, of whom more hereafter. But, at present, I shall acquaint
you what coarse Entertainment I met with from their _Emperor_, his
Bashaws, and other great Men among them. For their Bashaws (as the
manner is, before they introduce an Ambassador to their Prince) being
desirous to hear of me, in general, the purport of my Message; as soon
as they understood, that my Master _Cæsar_ would not recede a jot from
his Right, but did punctually insist upon it, as just and equal, that the
Transactions with the Widow of _John_ late _Vaivode_ of _Transylvania_
and her Son (being made without Fraud, Force or Covin,) should be
strictly observed, they were in a mighty Chafe: For you must know, that
a long Series of happy Success, hath so elevated the Minds of this
People, that they make their own Wills, forsooth, the sole Rule of all
Reason, Right or Wrong. On which presumptuous Principle, they carried it
very haughtily towards us; and told us the extream Danger we should run
into, if we offer’d to appear before that Prince with such an imperious
Message. When such menacing Words could not deter us from demanding
Audience, they gave us to understand, that they would have no hand in our
Admittance; for do ye think, (said they) that we are such brazen-fac’d
Fellows as to bring you, with such sawcy Answers, to our King? No, said
they; it will be a plain Mockery to him, which he will never take well at
your Hands. Do you not know, proceeded they, that he is come back from
_Persia_ with a victorious Army; where, his Successes have so exalted
him, that he hath put his own Son to death, as emulous of the Empire?
Whereby you may guess at the severity of his Passion. He longs for, and
courts, a fair Occasion to send his hardy and well-disciplin’d Army into
_Hungary_, to enrich them with the Spoils of that Country, and to add the
residue thereof to his Empire. And therefore, if you be wife, don’t rouze
a sleeping _Lyon_; for thereby you will but hasten your own Miseries,
which are coming on fast enough of themselves. Such were the Harangues of
the Bashaws to us; and the rest of the _Turks_ were of the same Mind. The
mildest Punishment they denounced against us, was, that two of us would
be cast into a nasty Dungeon; and the third (which was to be my share)
would have his Nose and Ears cut off, and so sent back to his Master.
And, to strike the greater Terror into us, the _Turks_, who passed by
our Lodgings, gave us many a sour Look; which was an Argument, that they
intended some cruel Deportment towards us. And the truth is, from that
Day forward, they used us more coarsely than ever; they kept us up close
as Prisoners rather than Ambassadors: They suffer’d no body to come to
us, nor permitted any of us to go forth, and the rest of their Carriage
was as intolerable. Thus have they treated us these six Months past; and
I know not how long they will continue these Severities; but, come what
will, we submit to the Will of God, our Cause is just and honourable, and
that gives us Relief against their vigorous Extremities. But leaving the
Narration of our own Misfortunes, I shall answer your Desire, in giving
you an Account of the Story of _Bajazet_. For the clearer Explication
thereof, I must acquaint you, that _Solyman_ had five Sons; the
Eldest, begot by him on a Concubine, near the _Bosphorus_, was called
_Mustapha_, of whose unhappy End you have heard before; but by another
Wife, named _Roxolana_, he had four, _Mahomet_, _Selimus_, _Bajazet_
and _Giangir_. _Mahomet_ liv’d till he was married, (for the _Turks_
call their Concubines, Wives) but died soon after; so that _Selimus_ and
_Bajazet_ of this latter Venter only remain’d alive. As for _Giangir_,
he came thus to his end: When News was brought to _Constantinople_,
that his Half-brother _Mustapha_ was put to death, the Youth, being of
a timorous Mind and infirm Body (for he was crook-back’d) fell into a
grievous Passion, upon the Imagination that the like Fate did hang over
his own Head; for he could promise safety to himself no longer than his
Father liv’d. If his Head were once laid, he that was his Successor,
would certainly kill all his Brethren, as emulous of the Kingdom; not one
of them would be excepted, and himself, being among the Number, must look
for the same Fate. This Thought struck him into a Disease, even as if the
Bow-string had been already about his Neck, which cost him his Life; so
that now only _Selimus_ and _Bajazet_ remained. _Selimus_ was the Elder,
and ’twas known to all, that his Father design’d him for the Empire; but
_Bajazet_ was most favoured and doted upon by his Mother. Whether it
were out of Commiseration to prevent his inevitable Ruin, or else out of
motherly Indulgence, or whatever else the Reason was; this is certain, if
her Vote could have carried it, _Bajazet_ had certainly succeeded in the
Empire after his Father’s Death. But she must give way to his Father’s
Will, who was fully resolv’d, come what would, that _Selimus_, and
none else, should succeed him. _Bajazet_ was not ignorant thereof, and
therefore he turned every Stone to stave off his impending Fate, and, if
possible, to prevent his Ruin by grasping at the Throne. And his Hopes
were encreased by the favour of his Mother, and of _Rustan_ the _Grand
Vizier_, who was thought to have espoused his Interests. Having two such
Pillars to support him, he thought with himself, ’twas far more glorious
to hazard his Life in contending with his Brother for the Empire, than to
die obscurely by the Bow-string, as a Victim to his Cruelty.
_Bajazet_ having this Project in his Head, began to pick Quarrels with
his Brother, and to maintain a Faction against him; neither was it long
before a proper Occasion offered itself for him to begin his design’d
Enterprize, of rising in Arms upon the account of _Mustapha_’s Death, and
the Disgust of many thereupon. For the Truth is, _Mustapha_ was so well
belov’d in his Life-time, and so much lamented at his Death, that those
who had placed all their Hopes of Advancement in him alone, were almost
unwilling to live after him; so that they did but wait for an Opportunity
to revenge his Death, or to die as he did. Others, who were conscious to
themselves that they had favoured his Party, and therefore were obnoxious
to the present Power, did not care what Hurley-burlies they made; ready
they were for any Innovation, only they wanted a Leader. In this case,
they did not well know what to do. As for _Mustapha_ himself, they knew
he could not be recalled from the Dead; yet it was in their power to
suborn and set up a feigned _Mustapha_ in his head, as if the true one
had been yet alive. This Design pleased _Bajazet_ (who was the contriver
of the Plot) best of all, as most conducing to the accomplishment of
his Purpose. Hereupon, by his Emissaries, he procures a mean Fellow,
but bold and ready witted, to counterfeit himself to be _Mustapha_; and
his Pretence was the more plausible, because his Stature, Physiognomy
and Meen of his Body did somewhat resemble _Mustapha_’s. This Man
began first, to shew himself in that part of _Thrace_ which was above
_Constantinople_, towards the _Danube_, _Moldavia_, and _Valachia_. This
Place he thought the most opportune to raise a Party, because it was
full of Horse; and that part of the _Turkish Militia_ did most favour
_Mustapha_. Here he starts up, as if he had fled in Post-haste from some
remote Place, with a few in his Company; which he pretended were for his
own Security. His Followers being asked by the Country, who he was? They
answered, at first, whisperingly, that he was _Mustapha_. Hereupon they
were more desirous to know the Truth; and then he was forced to declare
himself, that he was _Mustapha_, indeed. Having made this prosperous
Beginning, he goes on to congratulate his Safety among them, and to give
God thanks. _First_, he told them, _That, when he was sent for by his
angry Father, he durst not trust himself to come into his Presence; but,
by his Friend’s Advice, suborned one, somewhat like him, to represent
his Person, that, by another Man’s Hazard rather than his own, he might
make Trial of his incensed Father’s Inclination towards him. This Man
he hired with great Promises of Reward; but as soon as he came to his
Father, he was strangled at his Tent-door, before he had any opportunity
to make his Defence; and his dead Body was exposed to the View of the
Soldiery. At which time_, said he, _there were some few that smelt out
the Project; but most part was deceived by the disguised Lineaments of
the deceased Body, and thought it was he himself that was slain. As soon
as I heard of this_, said he, _I saw there was no Stay for me, but I must
consult my Safety by a speedy Flight. I took but few in my Company, that
I might be the less taken notice of and thus passing over ~Pontus~ and
the ~Bosphoran~ Country, I am_, said he, _come hither; where I promise my
self much Aid from your Fidelity, and, therefore, I beseech you lend me
your helping Hand; and, seeing I am oppress’d by a wretched Step-mother,
be you as forward to help me in my Affliction, as you were all ready to
do so in my Prosperity. For my part, I am resolved to revenge my Wrongs,
and to maintain my Life by force of Arms. For what other Course, pray,
can I take? I owe my Life to my Father’s Mistake, who killed another
Man instead of me; so that I plainly see, what Fate attends me, if
ever I come into his Power. The miserable old Man is imposed on by the
enchanting Passions of a Step-mother, whom he doats upon, and by the
Ministry of ~Rustan~, to whatsoever Attempt they please. But, thanks be
to God_, said he, _I have got some Friends left to revenge my Wrongs, and
to punish my Enemies. And, besides, I am not quite daunted, but have a
great stock yet of Courage left; for I know that the ~Janizaries~, and
most of all my Father’s Court are on my side; and, then, upon hearing of
my Name, I know all those who lamented me, when dead (as they thought),
will joyn me, now they hear I am alive; only be you pleased to vouchsafe
me a favourable Reception, and to protect me till sufficient Aid come
in to me._ These were his private, and also his public Harangues,
where-ever he came; and his instructed Followers ecchoed forth the same
Report; yea, some Men of Note whom _Bajazet_ had suborned, sung Notes
to the same Tune. Thus a great party of Men, unknown to _Bajazet_, were
brought into the Noose. For the Matter was carried on so cunningly, that
those who knew _Mustapha_, and saw him lie dead before his Father’s
Tent, yet were afraid to believe their own Eyes, but suffered themselves
to be persuaded, that this was the true _Mustapha_ indeed: Yea, some
of _Mustapha_’s Intimates, who knew this was but a Cheat, were yet so
overfond of his Memory, that, blinded either with Fear, Grief, or Anger,
they were the first that listed themselves under this _Pseudo-Mustapha_,
as being weary of their Lives without him; which made others certainly
think, that this was the true _Mustapha_ indeed, whom Report had falsely
given out to be slain. And, besides, the Impostor himself, by large
Promises and great Presents, which he said were the Relicks of his former
Acquisitions, (but indeed were the Supplies that _Bajazet_ had provided
under-hand) did not cease to cajole and engage his Followers. So that in
a very few Days he got a handsome body of Men together, fit for a little
Army; and they encreased every day.