SIR,
SIR,
IAcknowledge the fresh Proof you give me of Old Friendship, in congratulating my Return; and, as you require an Account of the Residue of my Embassy, and what Occurrences have happened since my last to you, I will remember my Promise to you, and never disoblige so choice a Friend. Take them all in a Medley together, what comes next into my Head, as my Memory suggests things more, or less serious. My beginning is upon the mournful; it is this. I was scarce settled in my Mind, which was troubled forBajazet’s Misfortunes and Death, when, lo! I was struck with another Message as sorrowful as the former. We were all in great Expectation of the Success of theTurkishFleet, which sailed toward the Isle ofMeninge, (now calledGerse,) upon News that theSpaniardshad prevailed there. ForSolyman(being assured that Island was taken by theChristians, and that they had added new Fortifications to the old Castle therein, in which they had yet a very strong Garrison,) could not endure to be thus check’d in the midst of all the Prosperities of his flourishing Empire. Hereupon he equipp’d a Navy with Auxiliaries to relieve those that wereMahometanslike himself; and madePihal BassaCommander of his Fleet. Hefurnish’d his Ships with a select Company of Soldiers, and yet was doubtful of the Event; because the Voyage was long, and they were to engage with a formidable Enemy. For you may please to be inform’d, that theTurks, for a long time, have had a great Opinion of the Valour of theSpaniards, as knowing that they have waged great Wars, and came off with good Success. They had heard of the EmperorCharles, and of his SonPhilip, the Heir of his Valour, as well as of his Kingdoms. The Report of his Power made theTurksvery solicitous; so that those that went the Voyage, made their last Wills, as if they were never to return toConstantinopleagain. Thus the whole City, both those that went, and those that staid at Home, was filled with Anxiety. But, alas! their Fleet sailed with a prosperous Gale, and came upon theChristiansunawares; which struck such a Terror into them, that they knew not how to fight or fly: Some nimble Vessels made their Escape; the rest were either taken by the Enemy, or split and dash’d in pieces on the Sands. The Duke ofMedinathe General, andJohn Andrea Doriathe Admiral, fled to the Castle, from whence they escap’d in a dark Night, undiscovered, through the Enemy’s Fleet toSicily.
Pihalsent hither a Galley to give an account of this Victory, and, as a further Testimony thereof, he caused a Banner, wherein was the Image of our Saviour Christ upon the Cross, to be pulled along the Sea, at the stern of the Vessel. As soon as it arrived in the Haven, the Loss of theChristianswas presently noised abroad, and theTurkscongratulated one another upon their Victory. They came thick and three-fold to my Door, and asked my Servants in a Jeer, whether they had any Brother, or other Friend, in theSpanishFleet? If you had, said they, you may shortly have the opportunity of seeing their Faces here.
Besides, they highly extoll’d their own Valour, and blam’d the Cowardise of theChristians. Who, say they, shall now be able to stand before us, seeing we have conquered theSpaniards? My People were forced to hear this sad News to their great Grief; but God’s Will must be done! Our only Hope was, that the Castle, in which was a strong Garrison, might hold out against theTurkstill the Winter, or some other Accident had rais’d the Siege. And yet our Hopes were mix’d with Fears, that the Conqueror would take that too; and so it fell out, for the Besieged wanted all things, especially Water; so thatDon Alvarez de Sande, the Governor thereof, a courageous Man, and an old Soldier, perceiving that it could be defended no longer, got a Boat, and made his Escape, with a few Companions, towardsSicily, that so he might not behold the Surrender of so important a Place, which he thought would be look’d upon as a Blot in his Escutcheon, though the extreamest Necessity had compelled it. When he was gone, the Soldiers opened the Gates, and let in theTurks, hoping to find them the more merciful, because of their easy Admittance.Don JohnofCastile, however, would by no means leave the Fort which he commanded, but he and his Brother valiantly repulsing the Enemy, were at last wounded and taken. The Castle was stoutly defended by theSpaniardsfor three Month’s Space, though they wanted many Necessaries, and, which was worst of all, had no prospect of Relief. The Weather was hot, and they almost parched with Thirst. They had but one Cistern to hold Water in, which was notbig enough to serve them all; so that they were compelled to weigh out their Water to each Man by Measure, only enough to keep Life and Soul together. This Cistern-Water was increased with a Mixture of Sea-Water, and by some curious Art made fresh. This Secret was very opportunely told them by a certain Alchymist: But all had not the Benefit of it; for you should see some lie parching on the Ground, ready to give up the Ghost for very Thirst, continually crying out, as well as they could speak,Water! Water!and, if a little was brought, they were relieved for the present; but, when that Moisture was spent, they relapsed to their former Drought, and died thereof. Thus many perished, besides the Wounded, who could have no help of Surgery to cure them in that desolate Place.
Inthe Month ofSeptember, the victorious Navy of theTurksreturned toConstantinople, bringing theChristiansCaptives, with their Gallies along with them. A joyful Spectacle to theTurks; but a sad one to theChristiansthat lived amongst them! That Night it lay at Anchor near the Rocks over againstByzantium, that so they might enter the Port the next Day in greater Pomp and Splendor.Solymancame down into an Apartment in his Gardens near the Sea-side, that from thence he might see the Prisoners entring in.Don Alvarez de Sandewas in the stern of his Admiral Galley, and with him,Don Sancho de Leyva, andDon Bellinger de Requesne, one Commander of theSicilianGalleys, the other of theNeapolitan. The Galleys of theChristianswere despoiled of their Ornaments, as Streamers,&c.and hall’d in Barques, that they might appear little and contemptible in the sight of theTurks. They who observ’dSolyman’s Countenance at that time say,that they perceived no sign of insolent Mirth therein. This is certain, that when I saw him go to his Devotion the next day, his Countenance was not altered from its usual Hue, as if that Victory had not concern’d him at all; so well was this cunning old Man able to bear the breath of his smiling Fortune, that he was unmov’d under it.
ThePrisoners were afterwards brought into theSeraglio, but so miserably hunger-starv’d before, that some could hardly stand on their Legs, others fell down in a Swoon for very Feebleness; others had Arms in a Jeer put upon them, in which posture they died; theTurksinsulting over them on every Hand, and promising to themselves the Empire of the whole World; for who now shall be able to stand before us, (said they) since we have overcome theSpaniards? There was a Commander in theTurkishFleet, with whom I had some Acquaintance, who had taken the great Banner of theNeapolitansGalleys, being Imperial Eagles embracing one another; being inform’d that he was about to present it toSolyman, I thought good to prevent him; and sending him two silken Garments, I obtained the Banner, that so the Ensign ofCharlesthe Fifth might not remain in the Hands of Infidels, to the eternal Infamy of the Christian Name.
Therewere amongst the Prisoners, besides those above-mentioned, these two eminent Persons,Don JohnofCordona, the Son in Law ofDon Bellinger, andDon Gasto, the Son of the Duke ofMedina, who, though but a Youth, had an honourable Post in his Father’s Army,Don Johnpromised to give a great Sum of Money to be left Prisoner atChios, (which was inhabited by the oldGenoese) which was accordingly done. AsforDon Gasto, he was concealed byPihal, in hopes to have a large Price for his Redemption; which Project of his had like to have proved his Ruin: ForSolyman, by some means or other, smelt out the Cheat, and was grievously vex’d thatPihalshould serve him such a Trick. He resolv’d, at the Instigation also ofRustan, thatGastoshould be brought to Light, that soPihalmight be punish’d; butGastodied in the Search; some say, of the Plague, others by the procurement ofPihalhimself, that he might tell no Tales. This is certain, that, upon the most diligent Search, he could not be found. However,Pihalwas afraid to come toConstantinopleto appear before his angry Master, lest he might be imprisoned there; but he hovered with a few Galleys about several Islands of theÆgæanSea, pretending divers Excuses for so doing. But at lastSolyman, by the persuasion of the chief Eunuch of his SonSelimusgave him his Pardon in these Words:I, for my part, forgive him his great Offence; but God Almighty, the just Revenger of all Wickedness, inflict just Punishment on him in the Life to come!So strongly are theTurkspersuaded, that no evil Fact should pass unpunished!
Don JohnofCordonafared better; for, by the care ofAdam a Ditrichstein, Baron ofAustria, who married his Sister, and by my engaging for him, he returned safe intoSpain. As forde Sande, he was brought into theDivan, and thereRustandemanded of him, what his Master meant by invading other Men’s Rights, when he could not maintain his own?De Sandeanswered, the Question belonged not to him to answer; ’twas his part only to execute his Master’s Commands as faithfully as he could, wherein Fortune had been against him. However, he begged theBashawsupon his Knees, that, in regard he had a Wife and Children at Home, they would speak a good Word for him toSolyman.Rustananswered, that their Emperor was of a merciful Disposition, and that they would intercede for him. Thus was he sent Prisoner to the Castle calledCaradenis, that is,of the Black Sea: He was not gone far, before he was sent for back again, because the Chief of the Bed-Chamber had not seen him; who, I have find before, is a Man of great Authority with his Prince. Upon this Countermand, some say, that, though otherwise undaunted, he was a little faint-hearted, as fearing he was brought back to his Ruin; but it proved otherwise. As for the other Prisoners, the chief of them, asSancho de Leyvawith his two natural Sons, andDon Bellingerhimself, were sent into the Castle ofPera, orGalata.
Assoon as I was made acquainted with their Condition, and in what want of all Things they were, I thought it my Duty to do my best to relieve them; and thereupon I sent some to comfort them, and to promise them all the good Offices that lay in my power: And, from that Day forward, my House was a common Receptacle for all the Prisoners; and I did them all the Kindness I could. For, you must know, theTurksthink their Prisoners well enough provided for, if they allow them Bread and Water. They have no regard to any Man’s Age or Constitution, or to the time of the Year; whether they be Sick or Well, Strong or Weak, Old or Young, ’tis all one to them; they are all treated after one and the same manner. Hereupon, I was forced to provide several sorts of Relief for several Necessities, different Diseases requiring different Cures. There lay a multitude of sick Persons in a certain TempleofPera, a Town over againstByzantium, whom theTurkscast out as Abjects; and many of them perished for want of convenient Broths to relieve their sick Stomachs, and recover their lost Strength by degrees. When I was told thereof, I dealt with a Friend of mine, a Citizen ofPera, desiring him to buy some Weather-Sheep every day, and boil them at his own House, to distribute the Flesh to some, and the Broth to others, as their Stomachs could bear; which was a great Relief to abundance of them: But those which were in Health, required another sort of Assistance. My House was full from Morning to Night with several Complaints. Some were used to good Diet, and a piece of brown Bread, which was their daily Allowance, would not go down so well with them; some, that used to drink Wine, could not bear the perpetual use of Water only; some wanted Blankets to cover them, having never known what it was to lie on the bare Ground; some wanted Coats, others Shoes; but the most part desired some Footing-Money to gratify their Keepers, that they might deal the more mercifully with them. Money was the only Remedy for these Mischiefs, so that every day some Guilders were expended by me on these Accounts. But these Expences were tolerable, compared with greater Sums which were desired of me; or else they prayed me to be their Surety for payment of their Ransom-Money; and herein every one, was very forward with his Pretences; one alledged Nobleness of Birth; another, that he had great Friends and Alliances; a Third, that he was a Commander in the Army, and had much Pay due to him; a Fourth, that he had Cash enough at Home, and was able to imburse me. Some boasted of their Valour in the Fight; everyone had something to say for himself. When I demanded of them, whether they would be sure to repay me? God forbid, said they! For what is more unjust, than to defraud a Man who hath restored us to our Liberty, even out of the Jaws of Death?
Andthe Truth is, it was very grievous to me, to hear a Man come and tell me, unless I can lay down 200 Guilders for my Redemption, I am undone for ever; I shall be sent over intoAsiato be made a Galley-Slave, to tug at the Oar, without any hope to see my own Country again. There is a Merchant, Sir, that will deposit Wares amounting to that Value, provided you will promise Repayment. This was the Allegation of almost all of them; which could not but affect me, as knowing it to be most true, that, if they were not relieved, many of them must needs perish; and none could better do it, nor could they more justly expect it from any Man, than my self. But, you will say, there is no trusting any Body; to which I answer, can any Man be so prodigiously ungrateful, as not to repay what was laid out to save his Life; and, grant that one or two may not have Ability to reimburse me, what’s that to the purpose? ’Tis not lost, that which is laid out to relieve the Oppressed: But sure the greater part of them will perform their Promise. For these Reasons, I was induced to pass my Word for 1000 Ducats, and have thereby run my self so much in Debt, that I know not how to get out; but I fear have freed them from Fetters, and clapp’d them on my own Legs.
Iam the larger upon this Subject, to purge my self from too much Weakness, which I know some will accuse me of, in being ready to trust everybody; and, in some Measure, to take the blame upon my self for the slackness of some, for whom I have undertaken in their Repayments. I foresee I shall be a great loser by the Business; for I must necessarily make Payment on the Day, when my Word was once passed: And besides, I heard that some whom I had released, had laughed at my easy Nature, in believing what they said to be true; so that my Case is bad, if I should judge of the rest by them. But, be it as it will, I thank my God, that I have been able to do so many good Offices to so many distressed Persons. I do not repent it; for Virtue is a sufficient Reward to it self. I covet not, that any Honours should be conferred on me, nor any Statue erected for my Beneficence; I only wish, that they would be so grateful, as to pay me what I am out of Pocket, to save their Lives; of which I despair not from so cordial a Nation as theSpaniardsare. For my part, I rejoice not only that I did them a good turn, but that thereby I gave an Example and Invitation to others to do the same.
Therelive many Merchants inPera,Italiansby Birth, who are very assistant in relieving Christian-Prisoners; but one of them deserves to be particularly mentioned, for the absurdity of his Opinion, differing from all the rest. He was anItalian Greek, that is, one who resembles both those Nations in his Birth and Manners. When his Country-men were mercifully busied in relieving Prisoners, he could never be persuaded to give one Farthing towards so pious a Work; and, being blamed for it, his Answer was, (which he uttered in a barbarous and bluntItalianStyle, theGreekbeing more familiar to him,) I know not, what these Men are; but this I know, that the just Judgment of God hath brought theminto this miserable Condition. For my part, I will not oppose the Will of God; let them abide in that Place God hath allotted them. You, who so boldly withstand what God hath decreed, may pity them if you please; but I will not spare a Doit to release them, though you use never so many Arguments to persuade me: But enough of this vain and foolish Fellow. This Loss at Sea, together with the Misfortune ofBajazet, struck a great Terror into me, that theTurks, made more insolent thereby, would hearken to no Conditions of Peace. This publick Calamity was seconded by a private one; the Plague was got into my House; one of my faithful Servant died of it, and the rest were terribly afraid of the Infection.
But, before I speak of that, there was another Case surprised me, arising on this account.
Solymangrows every Day more and more Superstitious in his Religion. He used to delight himself in Musick, and in the chanting of young Singers; but all this was laid aside, by means of a certain old Sibyl, noted for Sanctity, who told him, that, if he left not off that Sport, he would be severely punished after his Death. He was so moved herewith, that he cast his Musical Instruments, though richly studded with Gold and Jewels, into the Fire and burnt them: And, whereas he formerly eat his Meat out of Silver Dishes, now he was persuaded to use none but Earthen Platters. He was also prevailed upon by her to forbid the use of Wine, wherein she told him too great a liberty was used, which his Prophet would be angry at, if he longer suffered it. Hereupon an Edict was published, that for the future no Wine should be imported intoConstantinople, either forChristiansorJews.
ThisEdict did much concern me and mine, who had never used to drink Water; and whatWine could we have, if it were forbid? Our long absence from our Country, and the uncertain issue of our Embassy, were a sufficient Mortification to us, without this other Inconvenience of change of Diet, which must needs indanger our Health. Hereupon I desired my Interpreters to intercede for me in theDivan, that I might retain my ancient Right. TheBashawsMen were of different Opinions in the Case; some alledged, we ought to be content with Water as well as they; for what would the Neighbourhood say, ifChristiansmay drink Wine, and themselves be strictly forbid the use of it? IfChristiansin the midst ofConstantinople, might guzzle what Wine they please, the stink of it will spread far and near, and profane all; yea, theMussulmenthemselves, when they came to us, would return belching out the smell of Wine.
Hereuponwe were likely to be cast in our Cause; but at last a more favourable Judgment went for us. That the sudden change would be intolerable, and occasion many Diseases if not Death itself. Whereupon we were allowed the freedom of one Night, to get in what Wine we could, which was brought to the nearest Landing-place, from whence we were furnished with Horse-Carriage to convey it to my Lodging with as little Observation as might be, all being done in the Night. Thus I stor’d myself, and kept my Priviledge.
Someof theGreciansplay’d a pretty prank with the Sultan on this Account. When they knew that he was to pass through a Road full of Vineyards on both sides, they set a great many Labourers at work to root out the Vines; some of them they laid in the Highway; others they loaded on Carts. The Emperor passing by, and demanding the Reason for so doing, they answered, That since by his Edict they were forbid the use of Wine, theywere cutting down their Vines to make Fuel for the Fire. For shame, saysSolyman, forbear! you do not understand my Command aright; though I forbid the use of Wine, yet I allow the eating of Grapes, as one of the best Fruits that God hath allotted to Mankind; only you are not to squeeze out their Juice, and tun it up in Hogsheads, and so you may make a pernicious use of it. What will you cut down Apple-trees also, because they bear not Wine? Get you gone you Buzzards, and spare your Vines! Thus theGreekswere fool’d in their Project.
Butto return to the Story of the Pestilence which was within the Walls of my House. I went toRustanto beg leave for me and my Family to remove into a less contagious Air; this I desired not with any great confidence of obtaining my Request, (for I knew the Rigidness of his Nature,) but only to shew my care for the Health of my Family. He told the Messenger, he would acquaintSolymanwith my Desire, and, if I came the next Day, I should have his Answer. Accordingly I sent and received this from him; that the Emperor wondered what I mean in desiring to move my Habitation; Is not the Pestilence God’s Arrow, which will always hit his Mark? If God would visit me herewith, how could I avoid it? Is not the Plague, said he, in my own palace, and yet I do not think of removing? And so I was forced to stay in a Pestilential and Infected House.
ButRustandied of a Dropsy soon after, andHaly, then Second Vizier succeeded him. He was a prudent and courteous Person as any was among theTurks. I sent him a Present, a large Garment of Silk, by way of Congratulation upon his new Dignity. He returned me this obliging Answer, That he would always be my Friend, and uponany occasion I should not scruple to make my Address to him. And I found him as good as his Word; for, when my House a while after was re-visited with the Plague, which swept away many of my Servants, and amongst others, my chief Physician; I sent the same Message toHalywhich I had done toRustanbefore; who answered me, for his part he was very willing I should remove my Habitation; but that it were better for me to ask leave of the Sultan himself, lest, said he, if he casually light upon any of your Servants walking at random up and down, he should take it very ill that so much liberty was granted them without his knowledge: And yet, proceeded he, I shall propose the matter so cautiously to the Prince, that I do not doubt of his Assent. And accordingly, soon after I received a Message from him, that I might remove whither I pleased. Whereupon I chose an Island calledPrincipo, for my Dwelling, about four Hours Sail fromConstantinople. It was the pleasantest of all the little Isles contiguous to that City, for the rest have no Village at all in them, or but one at most; but this has two.
ThePhysician, I lately told you died at my House of the Plague, was my old Friend Dr.Williams, the Faithful Companion of my long and tedious Pilgrimage. The occasion of the Sickness was this: It seems, among the rest of the Prisoners I had redeemed, one, as the Event declared, who was sick of the Plague. My Physician constantly attended him, till he got the Infection himself. He had that Angularity of Opinion, that there was no more Fear than Danger; for at the same time, said he, there are wont to arise other Diseases, which Men are apt to think is the Pestilence; so that Pestilential Remedies are usually applied to every common Sore or Boyl. Thus he flattered himself, even when he was deeply infected; yet he did notsuspect it to be the Plague, till it was past Remedy, and he was ready to die under the Hands of his Attendance. The Day before he died, he sent me word he was better; and desired to see me, if I pleased to bestow a Visit upon him. I did so, and sat a great while by his Bed-side. He told me how very ill he had been, and that his Sight, as well as his other Senses, had been so weakened, that he knew no body; but now, said he, my Senses are restored, and if I could be freed from a Distillation that almost stops my Breath, I should presently be well; and at my Departure, I told him, I heard he had a Tumour in his Breast. I have so, says he; and thereupon he threw aside his Blanket, and shewed me his Breast: But there is no Danger, says he, in it; for it came from buttoning my Doublet, which I put on too strait. Towards the Evening, according to custom, I sent two of my Servants to watch with him, and while they were putting on him a clean Shirt, he himself espied a Purple Spot in his Breast, which they told him was but a Flea-bite; and by and by he discovered more Spots and larger ones. No, said he, there are not Flea-bites, but Tokens of near approaching Death; and therefore us spend this Night in Prayer and holy Conference preparatory to my latter end; which he did, and in the Morning, with full assurance of God’s Mercy, he departed this Life.
Thuswas I bereaved of my dearest and most useful Friend, and the Common-wealth of Learning had also a great Loss of him; for he had made many curious Observations in his Travels which he intended to publish, and would have been very useful to the World, if Death had not prevented his laudable Designs. His Skill and Faithfulness was so much prized by me, that, if the Times had differed me toreturn, I knew none fitter to leave in my place atConstantinoplethan himself, had he out-lived me.
Afterhis Death, my Cares seemed to be doubled; nay, if I should have left him behind, I had returned but half myself, as it were. Well! his Soul is at Rest, and I erected a Monument, as a due testimony to his Vertue. But to return to our Island.
Ilived there very pleasantly for three Months. It was a private Place, without any Crowd or Noise. There were only a fewGreeks, with whom I diverted myself; but never aTurkto interrupt my Mirth. As for theTurksof my Houshold, they created no trouble to me; I might go whither I would, and pass from one of these Islands to another at my pleasure, without any molestation from them. There grew several sorts of Plants, asFrenchLavender, sharp-pointed Myrtle, Cotton-weed, and abundance more. The Sea is full of divers sorts of Fishes, which I took sometimes with Net, sometimes with Hook and Line. SeveralGrecianFishers with their Boats attended me, and where we had hopes of the greatest sport, thither we sailed and cast our Nets. Sometimes we played above board, and when we saw a Crab or a Lobster at the bottom, where the Sea was very clear, we ran him through with a Fish-spear, and so halled him up into a Vessel. But our best and most profitable sport, was with a drag-Net; where we thought most Fish were, there we cast it in a round; it took up a great compass, with the long Ropes tied to the ends of it, which were to draw it to Land. To those Ropes the Seamen tied green Boughs very thick, so that the Fish might be frightned, and not seek to escape. Thus we brought great Sholes of trembling Fishes near the Shore. And yet in this danger they were naturally instigated how to save themselves; some would leap overthe Net, others would cover themselves in the Sand, that they might not be taken; others strove to bite the Meashes of the Net, though made of coarse Flax or Hemp, of which kind were theSynodontes, Fish armed with strong Teeth; and if one made way for himself, all would follow him, and so the whole Draught would escape, and not a Fish left for the Fisher. To remedy this Inconvenience, (for I was aware of it) I stood with a Pole in my Hand, beating the Water, that I might keep the Fish from biting the Net. At which my Attendants could not choose but laugh; yet, for all this, many of them escaped: So sagacious are Fishes where they are in extream danger! But notwithstanding the Fugitives, we brought a great many Fishes ashore, a Sea-Bream, Scorpion-Fishes, Dragon-Fishes, Scare-Fish, Jule-Fish, Chane or Ruff-Fish, whose Variety did delight my Eye, and the enquiry into their Nature, did hugely please my Fancy: So that at Night I return’d home with my trimphant Vessel laden with Prey. The next Day I presentedHali Bassa, and his Chief Steward, with Part of what I had taken, who thought it a very acceptable Present.
SometimesI took delight, with an Iron Spear made on purpose, to bring up Shrimps or Cramps, which are there so thick, as if that Sea were stock’d with them. Where I observed the Master-Shrimps lying two by two, the Male and the Female, and sometimes more of them, of whichCicero,Pliny, andAthenæusspeak so much. I confess, I think some of these Relations concerning them are rather fabulous than true: For they say, that this Shell-Fish doth gape in order to catch other small Fishes; and when she hath got them, yet she shuts not her Shell till thePinncphylaxbite it, and by this warning she closes her Shell, and divides the Prey with thePinncphylax. The Figure of thesePinnæyou haveinBellonious. The sharp part of it sticks in the bottom of the Sea, as if it grew there; and by these sticking Fibres, she draws in her Nourishment; as appears by this, that when she is loosed from her hold, she dies for want of Sustenance, as Herbs and Plants do. And it is probable, that thePinnophylaxchose this sort, as a Defence against other ravenous Fishes, where it may lye quiet even in stormy Weather, and go in and out at her pleasure. Yet I speak not this, to detract from the Credit of those worthy Authors I mentioned before; but only to leave the matter to more curious Enquirers. We quickly laded our Boat with thesePinnæ; they are but coarse Fare, like Muscles, of which you would be soon weary; but the Fishermen advised me to keep thePinnophylaxesapart, for they are a grateful and nourishing Food.
Amongstthe rest of the Islands, there is one untilled and uninhabited, whither all sorts of Monsters do resort, Star-Fish, Saw-Fish, Grape-Fish, Sea-Horses, prodigious Cockles, a round yellow Fish like an Orange; no ordinary Fish there, but Thornback, and a certain Fork-Fish, with a terrible Prickle. I remember, we took one of them, who, making at us, ran herself through.
Whentempestuous Weather kept me from Sea, I delighted myself in finding out strange and unusual Plants at Land. I would sometimes go a-foot all ever the Island, having a youngFranciscanMonk in my Company, a jolly Fellow, but very Fat, and not used to travel on Foot. I took him out of a Monastry atPera, to be my Partner in my Walks; he was so corpulent and pursy, that when I went on a-pace to catch myself a Heat, he would follow me at a Distance panting and blowing, with these Words in his Mouth, What need all this haste? Whom do we run from, or whom do we pursue?What are we Carriers or Posts that must make speed to deliver some important Letters? Thus he mutter’d, till the very Sweat pierced through all his Cloaths. In fine, when we came back to our Lodgings, he threw himself upon his Bed, wofully complaining, and crying out, he was undone: What Injury have I done, said he, that you thus hurry on to destroy me? And, in this fretting Posture, we had much ado to persuade him to eat a bit of Dinner.
Nowand then, some Friends visited fromConstantinople, and fromPera; yea, and someGermansalso ofHoly’s own Family; of whom when I asked whether the Plague was abated? Mightily, said they. How many then die in a Day? Scarce Five Hundred, said they. Good God! quoth I, call you that to abate? when then doth it rage? They replied, when about a Thousand or Twelve Hundred die in a Day. TheTurksentertain this Opinion concerning the Pestilence, that every Man’s Destiny is written by God in his Forehead; so that ’tis a foolish thing in them, to think to decline or avoid it. This Opinion makes them fearless of the Plague, but not secure from it: So that, as soon as any Man dies of the Pestilence, they will take off their Cloaths, yet sweaty, and Linnen, and rub their Faces with them. If it be the Will of God, say they, that I shall die this way, it will most certainly come to pass; if not, it will not hurt me. Thus a large Field is open for Infection; so that whole Families are sometimes swept away by that Disease. Whilst I abode in these Islands, I got acquaintance with oneMetrophanes, aMetropolitanwho presided over a Monastry inChalcis, one of those Islands. He was a Learned and a Vertuous Man, very desirous of an Agreement between theLatinand theGreekChurches; so that he differedfrom the Humour of the rest of theGrecians, who esteem theLatinsas Men of an impure and profane Sect. So much doth every Man abound in his own Sense!
WhenI had lived about two Months in those Islands, some of theBashawsbegan to suspect my long Absence, and toldHaly, that perhaps I might make my escape, for I had Ships ready at my command, and other Conveniences might easily be procured; and therefore it was more advisable I should return into the City. He answered them, he had that Confidence in my Word, that he believed I designed no such thing: Nevertheless he sent aChiauxto advertise me thereof. TheChiauxvery cunningly pried about, to see if he could discover the least Preparation for an Escape but finding none, after I had made him a Present, he returned to his Master with his Message from me, that he might rest secure, for I never intended to break my Word. Thus I continued three Months in my Retirement, and returned of my own accord into the City without any Compulsion.
Fromthat time forward l had a Familiarity withHaly, and our Discourse was still of Peace. He is aDalmatianby Birth, and only Courteous Man I found in that barbarous Country: His Nature, mild and gentle; his Person of easy Access; he is of a deep Understanding, capable of managing the greatest Affairs, having much skill in Military as well as Political Matters, for he is an old Man, and hath passed through the greatest Offices of that Common-wealth. His Stature is tall, and his Countenance filled with a lovely Gravity. He hath a mighty Love for his Master, and consults by all means imaginable his Repose in his Old and Sickly Age. WhatRustanthought to do by Austerity,Severeness and menacing Expressions,Halyendeavours to compass by Mildness, Moderation and Friendship.Rustanwas always severe, fierce, self-will’d; his Word must pass for a Law. ’Tis true, he knew well enough his own Circumstances, and what the Times did exact of him, and what the Old Age of his Prince required; but he was afraid, that, if he shew’d any Indulgence, either by Word or Deed, it would be said he did it out of Covetousness, of which his Prince did much suspect him: And therefore, though he was desirous of a Peace, he would abate nothing of his usual Stiffness; but if Propositions were offered to him, not pleasing to his Fancy, he was ready to thrust a Man out of Doors; so that I scarce ever parted from him but in an angry Mood. One time, when I was treating with him of Peace, if I had nothing else to say, he bid mebe gone: I presently rose up and went my way, only telling him,That I could propose no other Conditions than what my Master commanded me to do. Which Words I pronouncing with more Fervour and Passion than I was wont to do, he called back my Interpreter and asked him, whether I were angry? He answered,No: What, said he,if I should obtain what he desires of theSultan, dost thou think he will perform his Word to me, in presenting me with the Sum he promised me?No question, said theDrugger-man,but he will be as good as his Word to a Tittle.Then, saysRustan,go home and ask him.I had then 5000 Ducats, which make 6000 Crowns, lying by me for any sudden Emergency; I loaded my Interpreter with them, and bid him carry that toRustanand tell him, that this Sum was only an Earnest of what I had promised him; but the rest would follow, if my Negotiation were brought to an happy Issue,for by no means would I be worse than my Word. He seem’d to be pleased with the sight of the Money, but returned it again to me, bidding myDrugger-mantell me, that he no ways doubted of my Faithfulness, but the matter of the Peace stood yet on ambiguous Terms; neither could he certainly promise a good Issue, for he did not fully know his Master’s Mind.But let the Ambassador, said he,keep it for me, as my Treasurer, till he sees the Event.Thus was the Money brought me back again, andRustandied soon after.
Heregive me leave to acquaint you with the Bounty of my Master, the best of Emperors; for that Money lying dead by me, I acquainted his Imperial Majesty, that I would lay it out for one Year’s Expence (which amounted to just so much) in my Embassy. But I repented afterwards of this my Frankness; especially considering what Pains I had taken in my Employment for so many Years together. My Mind gave me I was deficient to my self, in not desiring that Sum for my self, since I knew I serv’d a liberal Master, who put a just Value upon every Man’s Service, and rewarded him accordingly; and therefore I might have desired that Money (which was snatch’d, as it were, out of the Fire) for my own use; for I knew some Courtiers would have asked greater Sums for less Merit and Service. Upon second Thoughts, I put my Master in mind of my over-sight, and desired his Favour, that the said Sum might be returned entire to me. He was graciously pleased to grant my Request, and commanded so many Ducats to be told out for me from his own Exchequer: Which Bounty of his, so freely bestowed, if I should be unmindful of, I were not worthy to live aDay longer: But to return from whence I digressed.
HalyandRustanwere of quite different Humours and Dispositions:Halylived a blameless Life, free from Sordidness, and never feared that his courteous Deportment would procure him theSultan’s Ill-will; butRustan, on the contrary, was a Money-monger, Avaritious, and his Conscience hing’d at his Purse-strings.Rustan’s Conferences with me were very short and concise; butHalywould spin out Time on purpose; and, that he might entertain me the longer, he would season his Discourse with a great deal of Facetiousness; insomuch that theTurks, who attended on the account of Business or otherwise, would murmur and grumble that he spent so much Time with me, thereby they had not convenient Opportunity to transact their own Concerns with him. And the Truth is, there was somewhat of Mortification to my self in it too; for I usually was sent for to him in the Afternoon, and I went Fasting, that I might be readier to deal with so acute a Man. In our Conferences he pressed this as a principal Point, that each of us would propose that which we thought most conducive to the service of our respective Masters. He knew his Master desired Repose in his old Age, which was sated with Success and Victory; and he thought my Master also desired Peace and Quietness; and therefore, if he studied the Tranquillity of his Realm, he should by no means rouse a sleeping Lion.The minds of Princes, says he,are like Looking-glasses having no innate Shape, yet the Shapes of all Objects pass through them; so Princes Souls, free of themselves, are impress’d by the Images of all Things, as they are represented; and therefore we must lay nothing before them, but what stands to their Reason: For as good Cooks temper their Sauces, not tothis or that Man’s Palate, But for the Relish of all the Guests; so we, in Propositions of Peace, must weigh Circumstances on either side.This, and much more, did he frankly communicate to me; yea, at all times he shewed himself courteous, and when I required his Courtesy with any extraordinary piece of Respect, he thought himself doubly oblig’d. Once, as he was returning from theDivan, and came to a cross way where he was wont to salute his FellowBashawsat parting, turning his Horse too nimbly, and leaning on his Neck, both Horse and Man fell to the Ground: When I heard of his Mischance, I sent to know whether he had got any hurt by his Fall? He returned me Thanks, and told me, he got no hurt, but ’twas usual for an old Soldier to be apt to stumble and fall. Then, turning to the By-standers,This Christian Agent, says he,has, I thank him, a mighty Love for me.Sometimes in Discourse he would tell me, that he had got Wealth and Honour enough; so that now he studied only to leave a savoury Memory behind him, by doing good to Posterity.
Whenour Treaty of Peace had proceeded on fairly a long time, and I was in good Hopes of a happy Conclusion, an unlucky Accident happened, which might have embarrassed the whole Affair: A certainGreek Despote, by the help ofCæsar’s Soldiers which guarded the Frontiers ofHungary, had broke intoMoldavia, and driven out theVaivodethereof, possessing it for himself. This Business gave a great Alarm to theTurks, as not knowing but such Beginnings might end in greater Mischief; and indeed the Danger was considerable, though theTurksthought it Prudence to dissemble their Forces.Halyintended to speak with me about it, as I understood by one of his Domesticks;and accordingly he sent for me a few Hours after. I confess I was somewhat startled at the Message; I was afraid, that, my Negotiation being in a promising way to a good Issue, this Matter would spoil all. When I came, he entertain’d me with his usual Courtesy, and after much Discourse tending to a conclusion of the Peace, he shew’d no sign of Discontent at all in his Words or Looks, till I was just going to take my leave of him, and then he bid me sit down again, for something was come to his Memory which he had forgot:Don’t you hear, said he,that yourGermanshave made an Inroad intoMoldavia?No, said I,neither do I believe it; for how should theGermanscome to a Place so very remote from them asMoldavia?’Tis most certainly true, said he;I have it by several Expresses, and I will send one of your own Countrymen to convince you.This Onset gave me occasion to tell him, that, if any of this were true, I was sure it was not done by the command or consent of my MasterCæsar.TheGermans, said I,are a free People, and used to serve other Nations in their War; and perhaps some of them had taken Pay under Foreigners: But, in my Judgment, the cause of these Commotions arises from theHungarianNobles of that Neighbourhood, who being provoked by the daily Injuries of theTurks, resolve to be even with them. And, to speak the Truth, I think they are not much to be blamed, if upon so great Provocations, they labour to revenge themselves. Do not your Soldiers take the same Liberties on the Borders ofHungary? What Plunderings and Devastations have they not made in the Emperor’s Territories there! Here we talk of Peace; there is nothing but War and Bloodshed: And, for my own part, I am held as a Prisoner, neither domy Friends know whether I am alive or dead? And truly they that have long suffered so much Damage from you, are worthy rather of Praise than Blame, if they take any opportunity of Revenge.Let them retaliate, saidHaly,provided it be withinHungary, and the Borders of it; but ’tis intolerable they should range as far asMoldavia, which is but ten day’s Journey fromAdrianople.To which I replied,Men of the Sword do not much study points of the Law or Civility, but use to take the first Opportunity to revenge themselves where-ever it was offered.Thus I departed from him, neither did he seem at all to be angry, nor was a jot more morose in my After-addresses to him.
Duringthese Transactions with the Vizier, theFrenchAmbassador did me a great Favour; there were thirteen young Gentlemen (some of whom wereGermans, and someHollanders) in prison at Constantinople upon this remarkable occasion. They took Ship atVenice, in a Vessel every Year carried Pilgrims toJerusalem, under Protection; some of them travelled on the account of Religion, others to see foreign Countries: but they all met with an unlucky Omen; for just at the time they landed inSyria, the Knights ofMaltahad landed some Soldiers, and plunder’d the Sea-Coast ofPhœnicia, carrying away some of the Inhabitants Prisoners: Whereupon thoseSyrianswho had lost Parents, Children and Friends, having no other visible way of Satisfaction, seiz’d on these Gentlemen in theVenetianVessel, pretending they were some of the Pyrates; and if they did not procure their Friends to be released, they should be kept in Slavery themselves: And though they were shewed the Privilege from the Government ofVenice, and were put in mind ofthe Public Faith, and the League betwixt them, yet all was one, away they must be sent Prisoners toConstantinople: And their Youth was a great Prejudice to them, for theBashawsthought such young Striplings would never undertake so long a Voyage on the account of Religion, for theTurksnever begin their Pilgrimage till they are well in Years.
WhenI heard of this Disaster, I did what I could to release them, but all to no purpose. TheBailoofVenicewas applied to, because under the Protection of that Republick they fell into this Danger: He granted there was all the reason in the World they should be released;But what Justice, said he,can we obtain among such an inhuman and barbarous People?In the mean time I applied all the Relief I was able, to their distressed Condition: But one day, far beyond my Expectation, they all came to my House, and told me, they were sent as a Present to me by theFrenchAmbassador, who had obtained their Liberty. I was mighty glad of their Releasement, and sent great Thanks to the Ambassador, whose Name wasLa Vigne. The manner was thus; when he was about to take his leave of the Sultan, and to kiss his Hand, as the Custom is, he thrust a piece of Paper into it, wherein he desired that the Gentlemen might be released in favour to his Prince, because their Voyage was occasioned upon the account of a Pilgrimage for Religion.Solymangranted his Request, and released them presently: Whereupon I supplied them with Accommodations for their Voyage, and sent them first toVienna, and then home into their own Country.
ThisLa Vigneat first was very strict and vexatious to me, and used all his Arts to bring me into theBashawsDislike without any Fault ofmine: He told them, I was a Subject to the King ofSpain, born in theLow-Countries, and that I served theSpaniardmore than the Emperor; that I acquainted him with every thing that was done atConstantinople, and had Emissaries in Pay, who related to me the very Secrets of that Empire, amongst whom wasEbrahimthe chiefDruggermanofTurkey. This he did, before the Peace was made betweenSpainandFrance; but, when those two Princes were agreed, he took the first opportunity to retract what he had spoken.
La Vignewas a Man of a prodigious Liberty of Speech; he would tell all he knew, let it be taken how it would. This madeRustanhimself to avoid his Company; whilst at the same time others were backward to converse withRustan, because of the sourness of his Humour. He sent once toRustanto desire Audience: He told the Messengers, his Interpreters, that he might send his Errand by them, for his Business might be as well done in his Absence as in his Presence. YetLa Vignewould needs come himself, where he spoke that which gratedRustan’s Ears.What do you think, says he,that you have gotBuda,Gran,Alba Regalis, and otherHungarianTowns, from the Christians by Force? No, I deny it utterly; ’tis our Dissention that gave you Opportunity to take them: If there had not been continual Wars between the Kings ofFranceandSpain, you would have been so far from possessing those Towns, thatCharles V.would hardly have suffered you to live quiet atConstantinopleit self.At which SpeechRustanwas so provoked, that he told him,What dost thou tell me of the Kings ofSpainandFrance? If all the Christian Princes join their Arms togetheragainst my Master, he cares not a Rush; he will easily conquer them all.And thereupon he withdrew himself into his Bed-chamber, and bid the Ambassador be gone. I must needs acquaint you, in this place, with the Relations I have heard concerning that People which inhabit theTauric Chersonese, who are reported to have been originallyGermans, as their Speech, Manners and Countenances seem to declare. I had a great desire to meet with any body of that Nation, from whom I might procure some Tracts written in that Language, but I could not obtain it; yet at last I met with an Accident which in part satisfied my Desires. There came two Envoys from that Nation to the Sultan, to make some Complaint or other; and my Interpreters lighting upon them, did (as I had desired them, if ever they had Opportunity) invite them to Dinner to my House. One was a tall Man, carrying an ingenuous Simplicity in his Countenance, so that he seemed either aFlemmingor aBatavian: The other was shorter, of a well-set Body, and browner Colour, aGreekby Birth, but by frequent Commerce with that People, he had got much of their Language, and seemed to forget his own. Being asked concerning the Nature and Manners of that People, he answered very pertinently, that they were a warlike Nation, that inhabited many Towns thereabouts, from whence the Cham ofTartary, when he pleased, used to draw forth 800 Musketeers, the chief Prop of his Army. Their chief Cities were two, one calledMancupthe otherScivarin. He added much more concerning the Tartars and their Barbarity; yet he confessed that there was some very ingenious Men amongst them. If you asked of the highest Affairs, they would answerbriefly, yet very much to the purpose. Insomuch, that theTurkssaid frequently and justly of them, thatother Nations had their Learning in their Books, but theTartarshad eaten their Books, and had their Wisdom in their Breasts, from whence they could draw it out as they had occasion, as Divine Oracles.
Theyare slovenly in their Deportment; for, if you set any Soop before them, they eat it not with a Spoon, but with the hollow of their Hands. Their Meat is Horse-flesh; not roasted, but heated under the Saddles of their Horses, to which Hunger was their best Sauce.
TheirPrince is served in Silver, his first and last Dish being a Horse’s Head, as Butter is served up first and last with us. He repeated manyGermanWords, amongst others, which were unintelligible to us; perhaps his Memory fail’d him, so that he mix’d home-bred and foreign Words together; to every Word he added the ArticleThoorThe. The Words which were ours, or little different from them, were these:
Knauen TagwasGood-daywith him;KnauenwasGood; and several such Words he used, not well agreeing with ours, as,
Whenhe was desired to number, he said thus,Ita, tua, tria, fyder, fyuf, seis, sevene, just as weFlemmings; for youBrabanters, who speakGerman-like, do highly value your selves, and laugh at us, as if we pronouncedSevenmore coarsely: He went on reckoningAthe, nyne, thiine, thiinita, thiinetua, thiinetria, &c.Twentyhe calledStega, ThirtyTreithyen, FortyFurdeithien, an HundredSada, a ThousandHazer. He also sung us a Song in that Language, which began thus: