COncerning the greatnesse of the Empire of Turky , and the warlike concussions wherewith they haue affrighted both Persia and Europe : you may consider it thus in the generall , that Mahomet , the author of their Religion and Alcaron , enioyned the race of Othoman to two speciall things . First , The one was the propagation of the Empire by some memorable attempt of war . Secondly , The other , the glorification of their Religion , by some remarkeable action of peace , or stupendous structure of amazement .

Touching the first ; It is too apparant , that their territories extend to the Asian and Africane shores , from Trebizond , in the bottome of the blacke Sea , to Argier , neighbouring the Straites of Gibralter , very neere sixe thousand English miles , beside the possession of Greece , and her Ilands , with his intrusion into Hungarie , and dilacerating the peace of many Nations : They haue likewise as an auxiliary friend , the great Tartar Chrim , from whole Ancestors Tamberlaine proceeded , who though himselfe proued a great enemy to Turkes , yet doth Tartar Chrim boast of affinity to the first Scythian Othoman , so that if his direct line should faile , he challengeth the proximity of Succession , and inioying the prosperity of these large Territories of Asia and Europe , for which purpose hee keepeth correspondency with the Turke , and at his appoyntment sendeth 100000. Tartars to assist him in his enterprises , whereby the Turkes haue many times great multitudes of men , and good successe in their attempts : For they haue preuailed both against Iewes and Christians , possessing at this houre the Metropolitan City of Ierusalem in Asia , Grand Cairo in Africa , and Constantinople in Europe , and are indeed transported with an insulting brauery , that they are a people designed of God , to bee the principall Nation of the earth , and a scourge to whip the sinners of the world .

Touching the glorification of their Religion ; who knowes not , that either hath been conuersant in Constantinople , or would be conuersant with the stories of former times , that the Almorata , Solimanna , Sophia , and diuers other Mosques , be not onely oftentous edifices and Churches of admiration , but workes of charity , and obseruant holinesse : yea , as we call it , money laid out ad pios vsus ? I speake not of Iobs Tombe , nor many other sequestred places , wherein these Princes , to demonstrate their opinion of a Deity , and care to maintaine Mahumetan constitutions , imployed their time , and wealth , superstitiously conceiting some merit in their obedience ; and that the ioyes of Paradise should be augmented , as they augmented their piety on earth : nay , you shall reade in that wonderfull history of Soliman the Magnificent ; and the faire , though dangerous Roxalana , that she contriued her manumission , and so obtained to be Empresse , vnder a dissimuled sanctity , and holy addiction to the building of a Church in honour of the Prophet , and glory of Religion . In a word , you shall find , that by this occasion , the principall Mufty , with the Doctors of the Law , haue more accesse to the Emperour , and open a larger heart of secrets , then either Viceer , or Bashaw . Yea the Emperour , be he neuer so warlike , or vicious , standeth more in awe of their prohibitions , then the reuolts or mutinies of the tumultuary Ianisaries , by whom alone , as you reade of Hercules and Atlas supporting the heauens , this great frame of Monarchy is vpheld , and kept secure , from any daring hands to dis-ioynt the same : and thus in generall .

But if you would more particularly be acquainted with the motiues , and actiue terrifying the Kingdome of Poland , and other confederate Christian Prouinces , wee must needs fetch the story a little from the beginning , and so draw it downe to these moderne times , wherein the braue Sigismond and the hopefull Prince his Sonne , haue prooued the sonnes of Mars , and registred their renownes vpon the record of honour , and filled vp the tally of exployts with their worthinesse .

Know then , that while Sir Thomas Glouer was his Maiesties of Englands Embassador at Constantinople , there was resident in his house , one Gasparo Gratiano , in the nature of a Drogaman , who was of Austria , and so a Subiect to Rodulphus , Emperor of Germany , but at last a seruant to the Prince of Moldauia : that Prince , I meane , that came into England , and had gracious intertainement with the King and his Nobles : that Prince , who was dispossessed of his inheritance through the power of Competitors : that Prince , whose Mother I haue seene poorely solliciting the Embassador at Constantinople for reliefe : that Prince , who was with the same Gasparo imprisoned in the seuen Towers , for complayning of the Viceer , who tooke part with his Competitor : that Prince , who yet escaped , and was faine to flee for succour to all the Princes of Europe : that Prince , who returned from England with sufficient reward , and credit for ten thousand Dollers among our Marchants . In a word , that Prince , who couertly came from Venice to Constantinople , and so engaged Sir Thomas Glouer , that hee had reason to complaine of the Viceers opposition , and the neglect of his owne fortune . For as it should seeme , he had taken vp so much money to assist him , that he almost lost himselfe , and made a great vertue vmbragious with the malignity of time .

Yet doth that Prince aduenture to Moldauia , determining to re-integrate his fortune , by raising of factions . But it should seeme still Nemesis in Tergo . For his aduersaries were so strengthened by the Viceers fauour at Constantinople , that there went out a strange Edict from the Grand signieur , both to haue a cessation of the warre , and to establish the Vsurper in the possession . Thus fled the Prince once againe into Poland , and was promised reliefe , yea , so forward in returning home , that some companies of foote , and troopes of Horse were ready to march in his behalfe .

While these things were thus acted on the stage of variety in Moldauia , Signieur Gasparo Gratiano imployed in Venice by Sir Thomas Glouer , returnes to Constantinople ; but finding that the Embassadors fortunes were , as it were obscured with some cloud of disturbance , he went another way to worke to winde vp the pullies of his owne aduancement , either by force , or policy , in which resolution all things were so auspicious vnto him , that he was suddenly sent with letters to the Emperor of Germany from the Grand signieur , which was somewhat wondred at in respect of his meannesse and former seruile imployment , till it was publikely knowne that his owne brother was a Renegado Chawse , and in good account with the Viceer , yea , one of his sisters ( as he told me himselfe ) was taken prisoner comming as a Pilgrime to Ierusalem , and so brought to Constantinople , but whether reserued for the Turkes vse , or some Bashaw , he could not tell .

In the meane while , Sir Thomas Glouer is recalled into England , and Master Paul Pindar , who had been Consull at Petrasse and Aleppo , as many yeeres commorant in those parts , was confirmed his Maiesties Embassadour in Constantinople , in whose time the former Gasparo Gratiano returnes againe to the great Citty , and was imployed into Moldauia by the Viceer , either as an ouerseer of the actions of that Prouince , or as a new aduersary to the vnfortunate Prince his Master , who at last was there mischieuously poysoned amongst them , or as some will haue it , absolute gouernour , till the true titles might appeare , and the controuersies be determined .

How he behaued himselfe , I will not dispute , not constantly maintaine , that he dealt treacherously with the King of Poland , certifying vnder hand , that contrary to the peace contracted with the Grand signieur , he supported the pirats of the black Sea , and the inhabitants of Bugdonia , the intestine broyles of Moldauia , the incursions of many Cossacks , whereby the Turke was then much exasperated against Poland , and a manifest cloud of mischiefe hung ouer all those Countries apparantly . But this I am sure of , that his Maiesties Embassador of Poland , Leigier at Constantinople , had neither so gracious audience as he was wont , not such security as the priuiledges of Embassadors presumed on . For presently the Grand signieur exclaymed against them all in fury and displeasure , and when there was forcible intimation indeed concerning the busines of Moldauia , and the many claymes to the Principality by factious Lords , he not onely gaue commaundement to ouer-runne that Countrey , but to teach Poland it selfe a new lesson of obedience , that durst be auxiliary to a petty Prouince , against so mighty a Monarke and greatest Prince in the world : nor ended it thus in a kinde of slender inuectiue , but the threatnings had tearmes of ostentation , besides the exprobrating their perfidiousnesse , yea , the letters had wonderfull titles , and far-fetcht denominations , the Embassies , mixture of profanenesse , and presumption of ouer-running Europe ; and all this was done in the life of Achmate , though for the time the whole frame of this conceiued displeasure proued a Babylonish Tower , and ended onely in confusion of Languages : For as yet more then the customary breaking out of the Cossacks of Bogdonia , and the territories about the blacke Sea , there was no mayne Army on foote , but onely certaine preparatiues to a following warre . For as if hee would leaue his rage hereditary , he commanded the principall Mufti and Doctors of the Law to remember this charge to his Sonne , and put him in minde of the prosecution : which accordingly with filiall obedience he performed indeed , and brought out the furies of his vengeance to act that part , which they haue now played in those Countries . But because many remarkeable things happened in the death of Achmate , before this young Phaeton came to guide and manage the Horses of this Monarchies Chariot , giue mee leaue to insist a little vpon them , and modell out this relation to some forme of pleasure and contentment .

Achmate comming to the Empire at 15. yeeres old , remained in the same , till he was almost thirty , in which time pleasure surfetted on ease , and ease had such changes of wantonnesse , that hee seemed weary with the continuance of delight : for Sardanapalus came short of him for abundance of Concubines , and variety of luxurie : so that if it bee true , that Voluptates commendat rarior vsus , it must needs follow , that to play thus continually , proued as tedious to him as to worke ; and to gurmandize thus without cessation , must needs raise rather a lothsomenesse then satisfaction . In briefe , he had so many wiues & children , that , in a maner , he forgot the the glory of his Family , & the prosecution of glorious enterprises , giuing himselfe ouer to the Syrens incantation of Lust and lasciuiousnesse : in the heate of which outrage , he determined to kill his brother Mustapha , a Prince of great expectation , whom , as yet , some supernaturall prouidence had preserued from death : But now to colour his pretences , such was the law , such was the custome , nay , such was the necessity of preseruation , that as Nature teacheth all creatures the way of security ; so had Policy instructed these Princes by this one Machiauelian trick to preuent mischiefes , insurrections , factions , competitions , murthers , and all such affrightings that make Princes vnhappy , if they be once put in feare indeed . This made Damocles that he could eate no meate , when hee saw the sword ready to fall vpon him , that hung ouer his head by a horse haire . This made the Emperour tell his flatterer , that if he knew what cares were the Companions of his Crowne , he would not take it vp , though it lay in his way as a donation of Fortune . This made Dionysius trust none but his daughter , to burne off his haire with nutshels : and this made Achmate to continue the custome of his Progenitors , by remouing all the causes of terrour and suspition , though the life of his brethren payed for it .

But what sayes the Poet ? Multa cadunt inter calicem supremáque labra . So as this iolly Prince was running away with the apprehension of his happinesse , setting downe a determinate houre for the strangling of Prince Mustapha his brother , the night before the period of his Catastrophe , a fearfull Vision diuerted him from the enterprise , and a fearfull voyce ecchoed in his eares , that there could bee no Religion in murther ; and those sacrifices which the Tyrants made in former times , of blood and humane flesh , were the causes of the ruine and deuastation of their Monarchies ; yea , vtter losse of body and soule to the Princes themselues .

Little thought the great Turke to haue found a greater Greatnesse in his sleepe , and lesse did hee suspect that there was such a God aboue to countermand the gods on the earth . But so predominant was his ouer-ruling Genius at this time , and so tractable his obedience , that the very ●ext day hee sent for the principall Mufty , some Doctors of the Law , and Scander Bashaw , who was delegated Generall against the Polonians : To whom hee imparted the apparition , and of whom hee receiued something sortable to the flattering of Princes ; but altogether vnseasonable , because his soule was touched with some rough hands , & he wisely considered there was more to bee looked after , then a present greatnesse , or flourishing tyranny : whereupon euen in their presence he sends for his brother , dischargeth his Mutes , who were the officers of death , alloweth him a Gard of Capogies , appoynteth him a Caska , or Banqueting-house by himselfe , and at last preuaileth thus with his owne great heart , that he venteth out these speeches :

Brother , arise , ( for you must know , that all men comming to tractate with the Emperour , vse a kind of slauish prostitution , till , out of his free Princelinesse , he grace them with a new fauour . ) You are not , I am sure , ignorant of this secret of State , this law of Mahomet , this policy of gouernment , this meanes of our security , that when wee haue children of our owne , no brothers must liue to disquiet them , nor any blockes bee cast in their way to the race of Soueraignty , which may either startle vs in our resolutions , or bee vmbragious to their tendernesse by any attempt , or suspition of treason : therefore was I resolued to wrap you vp into the Cypresse chests of your predecessors ; not so much in imitation of custome , to which in a manner our fathers chained their liues and actions , as confirmation of my owne iudgement , not to commit such a sollecisme in my Soueraignty , as to leaue a hand vncut off , which might , by way of audaciousnesse , cast defiance in the face of an Emperour , or sow the seeds of turbulency , to choke vp the good corne of peace and quietnesse : but sure , thou hast found some friend , whom none can finde , but by the purity of life , and deuotion of prayer : he hath told me in thy behalfe , There is no Religion in blood . For as that stone-building cannot stand , which is set vp with vntempered morter : so cannot their liues prosper , who carowse the receits that are mingled with death , or reuenge .

Therefore liue , nay therefore raigne , and when the thred of my life is spun , which is now a winding on the wheele of Destiny , looke you step into the chaire of controll . Remember the Othoman glory , and let my abhorred course of life be a warning vnto thee , that surquedry and effeminatenesse be the onely clogs to a generous minde , and barre vp the gates euen in the inside , to keepe Princes out of the Palace of Honour and renowne . Remember , that though Monarkes would liue without controll ; yet there are no such enemies to the flourishings of Gouernment , as to sport before them with the tripping Faeries of flattery , and priuate respect , whereby they shall either looke with ouer-big countenances , or speake with ouer-big voyces to the subiect , or else giue way to such by-wayes of authority , that if they may bee brought backe to looke wheron they haue trod , they would stop their noses at the filthy ordure of mud and owse , when yet they might haue gone in the smooth and sweete tract of a more pleasant and safer walke . Remember my children , that are Princes by blood , and should haue beene thy Masters by birth-right : but they are too young to rule themselues , and too great to bee ouer-ruled by others : nay , the Othoman glory must not be shared amongst a troope of dependants , nor the Chariot wheeles of our Maiesty be dashed with the daring approches of such horses , as must needs be dirty vs more then our owne flingings or wantonnesse . Remember thy selfe , that art , as it were pulled out of the iawes of death ; and if it be a benefit to liue , or a blessing to liue gloriously , let it be thy vertue to be thankfull , and my good Fortune , that I imparted this benefit to so worthy a man . To conclude , remember our God , and let not policy , like Prometheus his Vulture , gnaw vpon the heart of religion ; but when thou seest any start aside from honest obedience , be sure he is either an hypocrite , or factious . Keepe thy selfe therefore as close to purity as thou canst , and neither neglect publike meetings , nor priuate sequestration , but take heed of seruing of God for priuate respects : For that God which doth giue vs bread , will giue vs stones , and turne our heauen into brasse , and earth into iron , if wee doe not serue him for loue , and come to him with cheerfulnesse .

When he had made an end , hee sent for the other Viceers and Bashawes , and adiured them to the ratification of his will : so his brother was dismissed to his Palace designed , and they discharged till they were recalled : but hee neuer troubled them more : for very shortly after , he yeelded to the summons of the great Commander of Princes , and gaue way to the alteration that followed in the State , yet for the time , with one generall consent and vnanimity they inuested the Princely Mustapha with the Diadem , in which he remained quietly a while , as if they made a conscience of infringing the will of the dead , and were resolued to admit of his vertue , that must needs adde glory to the Empire .

But Scander Bashaw perceiuing his owne authority much diminished by this translation , and proiecting another manner of greatnesse , if hee might be aduanced to be Viceer vnder a younger Prince , intimated against the new Emperour , that hee was too much addicted to peace and sobriety , and his coole spirit must needs draw on strange inconueniences vpon the Empire ; but in truth , he watched all opportunity to conuerse with the children of Achmate , and found the liuely Osman , or Othoman , being eight or nine yeeres old , so forward , and sprightfull , that he durst aske him , to his amaze , if he were not his fathers eldest sonne : yea , he interiected such strange questions and demands , that the Bashawes were already afraid they had done something vniustifiable , and which must be answered with no lesse then the losse of their liues .

Whereupon he resolued on an alteration , and so conferred with the Viceer and principall Mufty , about the towardlinesse of the young Prince , and saw no remedy for their security , but to depose Mustapha againe , & make Osman Emperour : to which , when none of that Councell and faction durst oppose , they presently gaue the Ianisaries a donatiue in the name of young Osman , stored the Hellespont with many Gallies , dismissed certaine Tartarians , which were to goe into Bogdonia , and were not to be tolerated till the tumult was appeased , sent for diuers Sansacks and Timatriots to attend the young Emperour , and vnder hand filled the great City with souldiers , ere Mustapha could coniecture that they intended so waighty a businesse , as the deposing of a Prince .

But when all things were ready , and all men prepared , that were acquainted with the conspiracy , Scander Bashaw brought out the young Osman in publike ; whose manly countenance , and Princely towardlinesse amazed them more , then if they had seene some Meteor or portentous Comet : What should I insist on circumstances ? By a wonderfull applause they gaue him notice of their liking , and a quicke dispatch of his inuesture assurance of their approbation : so they made no more adoe , but proclaimed him Emperour , and allowed him all his prerogatiues , as if hee had beene of mature iudgement to challenge their prostitution indeed . The next worke was the imprisoning of his Vnkle , or , if you will , sequestring him into the former Palace where his brother appoynted him to remaine before his death , with a Gard of Capogies . Here he was confined , well attended , and better obserued : For such was his Fortune , that then Scander Bashaw excused his deposure from the necessity of their owne preseruation , and feare of the tumultuary Ianisaries , who still cryed after the sonne of Achmate , and euer after ( as it still continues ) the Viceers deale in no cause without his priuity and aduice ; in so much , that when the ambitious Bashaw proposed the war against Poland , as a continuation of some glorious action for the honour of the Othoman Family , and renouation of Achmates charge to his sonne in reuenge of their darings to defend Moldauia : hee interceded , vrging , The former contract was not determined betweene the Emperour Mathias , or the House of Austria and his brother , and that the Princes of Europe were more war-like , and better prouided then in times past : to which againe Scander Bashaw replied , as much incensed against the Polonians , that there were many reasons to moue the warre , and inferences of inforcement to set forward the enterprize .

First , the fleshing ( as it were ) of the young Emperor with noble beginnings in a plentifull Country , and delightsome fields , where there would bee neither Anachims nor Giants to terrifie them , nor asperity of weather or wants to exanimate the souldier . Secondly , the Countrey consorted to their military manner of fighting , as being a kinde of Champion and vberant soyle , whereby their Archers might haue the more roome , and their carriages easinesse of trauell . Thirdly , it would keepe other Princes in awe , from assuming a liberty to offend their great Lord , or presuming that any power on earth should be able to withstand the Mahumetane Army . Fourthly , if Princes did not reuenge exasperating wrongs , they would bee vilipended and quickly made a scorne to inferiours . Fifthly , opportunity was not to be dallied withall , according to the saying of Fronte capillata pòst est occasio calua : and now the Emperours of Germany , Rodolphus and Mathias being dead , the Princes of Germany would repine against the house of Austria , and bandy themselues to set the peace of Europe in combustion . Last of all , their owne Empire began to grow populous , and the Prouinces had need of exonerating their people , or else some plague and dearth would deuoure them , without further good or profit to the Common-wealth , then choking the ayre with the stench of their carcasses , or spoyling one another with thefts and robberies .

To all these the noble Mustapha punctually answered : First , concerning the leading the Emperor to the martiall Theater , hee being so young , and not apprehensiue either of glory , or reuenge ; it would be imputed to the priuate humour or couetousnesse of some priuate men . As for security in the warre , opinion might bee deceiued , and presumption abused : for the Masters of Pole were as good horse as themselues : and though they had not such numbers , yet were they better furnished & appoynted ; and though there were not so many strong Cities to batter or surprize , yet had they learned the cunning of trenches , with the vse of great Ordnance and fortification , yea , they knew the discipline of a Campe , and the effect of stratagems . Secondly , concerning the commodiousnesse of the Countrey , to their Military discipline , what should arrowes doe against strong Corslets , and Targets of defence ? Besides , they had Harquebuze on Horsebacke , as well as themselues , and what they wanted in number , was supplied with discipline and armour : as for the valour of our nation , and their obedience to their Commanders , who peraduenture were carelesse to lose such whom they were willing to spare , the times were altered , and nature had taught all creatures the lawe of preseruation . Thirdly , concerning the terrifying of other Princes , they would be deceiued . For Rota fortuna in gyro , and the Turkes had not successe in a string ; nay , what Monarchy was euer so established , but came at last to a period , subiect in the same manner to diminution , as it began with augmentation ? Not that I would extenuate the glory of our Ianisaries , but from modest coniecture of alteration , not to bee too confident of our greatnesse : For by experience we haue found many interceptions both at Strigonium , Vienna , and Malta : wee lost the battaile of Lepanto , hazarded Tauris and other Cities to the Persian , were turmoyled with the rebels at Aleppo , and at this houre are affronted by the Pyrats and robberies of the blacke Sea . Fourthly , concerning reuenges , whereunto the Empire was engaged for feare of being slighted by others , it was questionlesse in many cases a worthy worke , and a tricke to deserue as much as might be at Honours hands , but in this particular it was too too true , that from the yeere 1608. to 1620. many vsurpers had started vp in Moldauia from the supportation , I will not say corruption of the Viceers of Constantinople , and therefore hee saw no reason vpon so slender motiues , as the relieuing of one another , either for religion , or neighbourhood to raise so great a warre against Poland , or breake the peace , which had been so long continued , though the vnruly Cossacks still remayne refractary , both against vs and their owne Lords . Fifthly , concerning the dissentions of the Europian Princes , the mayne businesse lay remote from them , and if there should be such occasion as the Triumuiri of Ierusalem serued the Romanes , the neighbour Princes would quickely vnite together against a publike enemy ; nay , what know we , if our forces be this way gathered against Poland , whether those mighty Nauies of Europe would not muster themselues and come into the Leuant , and then what could a few Gallies doe against so many goodly Ships ? Last of all , concerning the losse of men , what Prince could answere for the soules of his Subiects , except the cause were warrantable , and the warre allowable ? Ambition was no plea in Paradise , nor Reuenge a iustifiable excuse before their God . Againe , if in the opposition they found as many men , and as much as enraged , what would then be the issue and finall effect ?

When Prince Mustapha had concluded , al was misconstred , and imputed rather to pusillanimity then courage , or the resolution of an Heroicke spirit : wherefore they resolued to dash out these incombrances , and suppresse his allegations from the knowledge of the Army , and indeed to take a cleane contrary course , so that by the consent of the Mufty , and the principall Doctors of the Law , the war was determined , & Scander Bashaw prostituted himselfe before the young Osman with humble intercession , that he would be reuenged : who presently bade him rise , and as if he thought it a pastime , cried out , To the war : and that hee would in person , though not twelue yeeres olde , goe into the field : whereupon the Tartars were sent for , the Cammels prouided , the Artillery appoynted , the bridges prepared , the pioners mustered , the munition set out , the Ianisaries rewarded , and all things ordered to the best purpose , that might set forward the enterprize , and belonged to so great an Army , and formidable a preparation .

But because I am willing to touch the praises of the Polonians , and in no sort to obumbrate their glory , that haue deserued so well , not only for their valiant enterprizes , and successefull victories , but for their religious care to retribute thankesgiuing to God , that hath giuen them such wonderfull meanes of preuayling : I will now tell you how others tell the story , or adde as a supplyment this , which is yet vntold . About the yeere 1609. one Stephen liuing with the Viceer at Constantinople , pretended a right to the Principate of Moldauia , and either by fauour or presents , had the assistance of 20000. Turkes , whereby he preuayled in the proiect : yet others impute the occasion of sending these men to Mehemet Bashaw , who fayling in gathering vp the taxes and tallages of the Countrey , so incensed the Viceer , that he mustered a great Army against the Sonnes of the Prince of Moldauia , whom they barbarously defeated and slew with their Vnkle Simeon : and because the Sonnes of Ieremy were reputed Bastards , the King of Poland , by a contract from the Turkes , had the naming of a successor amongst them , who chose Constantine the younger Sonne to bee Vaiuod : which so displeased Mehemet Bashaw , who was designed to rectifie the disorders of this Countrey , that by force of Armes he spoyled whom he list , and as it should seeme , in despite of the King of Poland , killed Constantine , and set vp one of his owne faction ; which indignity not to be indured amongst Princes , caused the Polonians still to helpe and assist these distressed people ; so that incited by the lawes of Christianity and neighbourhood , besides those high motiues of princelinesse and royalty , they thought it meritorious and a duty of renowne , and so accordingly supplied their wants , and tooke vp armes in their defence .

These warres and contentions lasted till Sigismond King of Sweden was chosen King of Poland , a warlike Prince , and one that had many contentions with the Muscouites , and some Competitors of his owne Nation : but taking vpon him this gouernment , hee also tooke vpon him the protection of Moldauia , so that as you haue heard , about the yeere 1618. the youthfull Osman , Emperour of Turks , by the instigation of Siander Bashaw , and the Viceers , gaue order for the mustring vp of a wonderfull Army , consisting of many Tartars , the onely enemy to the Europae●ns , to whom were vnited the Countreys of Dacia , Seruia , Bulgaria , Illyria , Thracia , Epyrus , and the tributary Prouinces of Christians themselues , who durst not gainesay the Turks officers , for feare of slauery , bondage , and ouer-running their Countreys , vpon the least drawing back or murmuring , to bee made instruments of their brethrens blood .

In this manner was a warlike body composed of 200000. who marched into the fields of Dacia and Bulgaria , where the Polacks incountred them with some auxiliaries out of Russia , and the borders of the blacke Sea , and although they came not neere them in numbers , yet God be thanked , they surpassed them in valour , and noble performances : For to speake without ostentation , such was the fortune of the noble Sigismond , and the brauery of the yong Prince his sonne , that they neuer came to any forcible incounter , but the Polonians went away with a present successe , and further hope of preuailing : for which , they euer added thankesgiuing to God , and solemne Procession for their victories : Yet you must thinke , their fortune neuer grew to that height , of such numbers as is reported to be slaine on the Turks side , but that they receiued reciprocall damages , and saw some of their owne men made the stuffings of graues , and the furniture of a slaughter-house : onely this is certaine , that in the yeere 1620. they gaue the Tartars an ouerthrow , as they were transporting their men at the nether riuers to passe into firmer ground , that their bodies stopped the streame , and 20000. at least were slaine at three seuerall incounters , which so inraged the yong Emperour , that he sware to goe in person into the field with all his forces , and then it may be , there might haue beene pulled on more fearefull ruines on the heads of Christians , and their fields must needes haue beene heaped vp with many slaughtered carkasses .

But the God of mercy and compassion , one way tooke pitty of these innocents and Christian Souldiers , and another way put a hooke in the nose of this Leuiathan , or if you will , abated the strength of Behemoth , and that by meere accident , as by these particulars may appeare : while the youthfull Osman full of heate and rage , prepared to goe in person into Bogdonia , and so resolued without interception to passe into Poland : the first yeere he was intercepted by a plague in the Army , and so they thought it vnmeet to hazard his person to such contagion and affrighting diseases . The next yeere they will haue an earth-quake to be so formidable at Constantinople , that beside the shaking of the ground , ouerthrow of houses , and deuastation of Churches ; certaine fearefull stormes terrified them more than the hand-writing , that knockt Belshazzars knees together . At another time , the Emperour hauing diuers Bashawes sonnes appoynted to attend him , would needs , in a wanton iollity , goe sport himselfe in the Sacra porta at Constantinople , and out of his Gally threw wild-fire and squibs amongst the ships , which sure would haue done much harme , but that the sailors , acquainted with the same , by wetting their sailes , and other deuices , preuented the mischiefe , offering no violence vnto his owne Gally ; yet did they returne some stones and squibs into the rest : but passing by a lime-boat , whose smoke hindred them from descrying , or discouering the Emperor , they threw their hot stones amongst the Gallies , whereof one hit him full on the brest to his ouer-turning , as hee was laughing at the tacklings set on fire , and the poore slaues stripping themselues for feare of burning . Another time as he was riding on hawking , he receiued so sore a fall , that the blood gushed out of his nose , and the company were amazed at his carelesnesse . Another time sporting himselfe in the passage to the blacke sea , where the riuer ( as I call it ) is a narrow streame of 20. miles in length , beset on each side of the banke with Bashawes houses , like the pretty fabricks betweene Padoa and Venice , he would needs attempt to throw a handsome stripling ouer-boord , which he did with that violence , that hee had like to haue followed him into the water , had not the Steers-man left the helme , and tooke hold of his crimson satten skirts , and so stayed him ; yet his Turband fell into the water , and the youth swamme to another Galley .

These and some other detained him a while from his first speedinesse of going in person into the field , or augmenting his army to such a greatnes , as was euer allowed to the presence of an Emperor . But neither these , nor any thing else could coole the heat of his fury and displeasure , but that hee must needs send both defiance , and threatning into Poland , that though his reuenges were procrastinated by diuers occasions , yet would he come vpon them like a whirle-wind , and take a backward race , to runne the more speedily forward : nor was this message performed sportiuely , as a custome of vnkindnesse and ill conceiued displeasure between Princes , but with protestation and vowes , inuocacation to Mahomet , and fearefull execration and othes to doe something memorable for the glory of the Othoman Family : whereupon , as an introduction to a more and greater mischiefe , hee sent Scander Bashaw before , with a new army into Bogdonia of 200000. Turkes and Tartars .

When Sigismond perceiued it would be worse and worse , considering they resolued to be reuenged for their former losses , hee acquainted all the Princes of Europe with the perill he stood in , recalled some of his Cossacks out of Hungary , placed them in the borders of Moldauia , fortified the frontiers , and stopped the passages with new Ramparts and Barricados . Thus was an Embassadour sent to Vienna to the Emperour , by way of intercession of a peace , or truce betweene Bethlehem Gabor , and his Imperiall Maiesty , especially betweene the Princes of Germany and him , that so their forces might be conuerted to the assistance of Poland , and repelling this common enemy of Christendome . Thus was the Lord George Ossolinski , Count Palatine of Sendomiria , sent as Embassadour to the Maiesty of Great Britaine , and with him Sir Arthur Ashton Knight and Colonell , an English man , dwelling in Poland , who had audience about the 11. of May 1621. and gracious admission of his Embassy , deliuered in the Latine tongue , both in a high phrase , and so noble a demeanour , that the King with extraordinary willingnesse accorded to afford him a certaine summe of money for the leuying of 2000. Volentiers for a Gard to the King of Poles body . And thus were the Turkes insolent letters published , and many Christian hearts opened the dores of Charity , and not onely offered themselues to so good a worke , but bewailed the troubles of Europe , that kept the Princes within the circle of their owne vnkindnesse , from a better and more religious care for the generall prosperity of Europe .

But God be thanked , in the meane time , the noble Sigismond , with the hopefull Prince his sonne , had so brauely demeaned themselues , that in foure seuerall incounters they shewed the Turkes the effect of so strong an arme , that 40000. at the least shrunke vnder the fury of a iustifiable anger , and these Infidels saw plainly , that the God of Christianity would propagate his Church and Religion in despight of mis-beleeuers . Nor were these victories passed ouer so slightly : but the King of Poland commanded generall Procession by way of thanksgiuing thorow his Prouinces : and by way of glory and well-deserued triumphs , made the bonefires in Cracouia testifie to the world , that the God of battels had lighted them the way to successe & victory : nor ended it so , but a Captain was sent with letters to Vienna , to participate the good newes to the Emperour , who likewise dined with my Lord Digby ( his Maiesties extraordinary Embassadour to the Emperour ) not two dayes ( being about the third of September ) before hee tooke his leaue of Caesar to returne toward England .

Since which time , rumour hath had such vnequall passage amongst vs , that many men haue bin startled againe with a strange amazement , that euer so glorious a Prince , and well deseruing an army should be ouer-clouded with a tempest of formidable distresse . For many men will haue it , that vpon the last preuailing of the noble Prince , who was in person in the fields of Bogdonia , the Turkes were so exasperated , and the Tartars ashamed of some demissenesse imputed vnto them , that they made head againe about the beginning of September , and were againe repulsed with an Heroike violence and successe , in so much that a greater computation of their numbers slaine then euer before , reioyced the Polonians , that they grew ouer-presumptuous , and in a manner disranked themselues with a carelesnesse , which was neither so effectually done , nor couertly performed , but some valiant Ianisaries of the Turkes , and certaine Spahies which are horsemen , and were here fresh , as not being in the former battell , rallyed the discomfited Tartars , and out of their great numbers brought a new battell in forme , and so gaue a fresh assault , with fearfull impetuosity , vpon the ouer-confident Polonians , who , you must consider , for all their former preuailings , had much diminished their troups , and weakened their Batalions ; in so much that they gaue ground ; and these Fry of Tartars , with their accustomed outcry and clamours , tooke the aduantage of their retreat , and put them pitifully to rowt , if not to a lamentable flight , following them as farre as Podolia , with the terrour and bloody effects of a strange execution , which hath raised stranger reports amongst vs , as farre as the slaughter of 30000. men , besides other cruelties and monstrous barbarousnesse .

In this estate stand these Easterne Countries at this houre , and feare and mischiefe houer ouer them like a thickened cloud , ready to powre down horrid showres of deuastation and misery : But that God , I hope , which holdeth the windes in his hands , and rolleth vp the heauens like a scroll , which is so glorious in his workes and wonders for Israel , which sent his Angell to destroy the Host of Sennacherib , and which will preserue the woman in the Wildernesse , in despight of the Dragons watching her , will auert his Iudgements from penitent sinners , and turne these threatnings into Balaams blessings , though he came of purpose to curse the people of God : but if againe the corrupt body of our sinnes must needs haue a purging , for the procuring of new health , and sauing of our soules in the day of vengeance : let vs submit to his cunning for the cure , who knowes what is better for o●● wounds then our selues , and ( if need be ) can powre in the balme of Gilead for our perfect recouery : otherwise , if they bee festered and rankled with wanton dalliance , surquedry , gurmundize , couetousnes , pleasure and ease , gentle Cataplasmes will not serue the turne , but they must be cut , seared and cauterized : all which God grant we may patiently endure , and put into the true Christians hearts and mouthes , to thinke and say , Neither life nor death , warre nor peace , things present or to come , threatnings , nor mischiefe , shall keepe or detaine vs from the hope , and future possession of eternall happinesse .