Part 1

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

LIFE and DEATH

OF SULTAN

SOLYMAN the Magnificent,

_Emperor of the_ Turks,

And of his Son

_MUSTAPHA._

INSCRIB’D TO

The Spectators of _MUSTAPHA_, a Tragedy: Acted at the _Theatre-Royal_, in _Drury-Lane_.

With a Geographical Description of the Progress of the Emperor Solyman’s Armies in _Hungary_, _Germany_, and several other Parts of _Europe_, _Asia_, and _Africa_.

_LONDON:_

Printed for T. Cooper, at the _Globe_, in _Paternoster-Row._ M.DCC.XXXIX.

THE

HISTORY

OF

Solyman the Magnificent, and Mustapha his Son.

As the Town has been so agreeably entertain’d with the Tragedy of Mustapha, written by the celebrated Author of Eurydice, and other valuable Pieces, I think it will not be amiss to give a short Account of the Life and Actions of _Solyman_, the Father of _Mustapha_, mix’d with those of that unfortunate Prince, who gives Title to the Play.

Solyman the Magnificent, (Father to _Mustapha_, by a beautiful _Circassian_ Slave, and _Tzianger_, by the ambitious _Roxolana_) was one of the most potent Princes of the _Othoman Race_: He was the Son of _Selimus_, who died in the midst of his Victories, upon the Road to Adrianople, of a _Cancer_ in his Reins, in September 1520, when _Charles_ V. was Emperor of _Germany_, _Henry_ VIII. King of _England_, _Francis_ I. King of France, _James_ V. King of _Scotland_, and _Leo_ X. Pope of Rome.

At the Time of his Father’s Death, _Solyman_ was at _Magnesia_[A], and receiving Notice of his Father’s Death from _Ferhates Bassa_, only, (as _Selimus_ his Father had formerly attempted to poison him, fearing his amiable Qualities) gave little Credit to the Information: But when he received the Confirmation from _Pyrrhus_, and _Mustapha_, _Bassas_ at Adrianople, he ventur’d to Scutari[B], where he was met by the _Aga_ of the _Janizaries_[C], and Numbers of the People, (yet ignorant of the Death of _Selimus_) from whence he was conducted over to _Constantinople_[D], where the Body of the _Janizaries_ were prepar’d on the Shore to meet him.

The Moment he landed, the _Aga_ cry’d with a loud Voice, _Behold_ your _Emperor_ Solyman! The _Janizaries_, transported with Joy, reply’d with one Voice, Long live Solyman, our great Emperor!

Solyman was in his Twentieth Year, when he was first seated in the Turkish _Throne_; and for several Years reign’d as a _benign Prince_. But being corrupted by the Artifices of _Roxolana_, and the impious Designs of _Rustan_ his Grand Vizir, who wedded a Daughter of _Roxolana_’s, began to dip his Hands in Blood.

However he perform’d many glorious Actions at the Head of his own Armies.

The first Year of his Reign, he took from _Lewis_ King of _Hungary_, a peaceable Prince, the strong City of _Belgrade_[E].

He afterwards turn’d his Arms against the City of _Rhodes_. I shall be something particular in this Siege, because our Countrymen had a hand in bravely defending the place.

Solyman was not present at the first investing of[F] _Rhodes_; but his Troops being often beat by the Besieged, and losing above forty Thousand of his Soldiers, (tho’ the _Rhodians_ were not six Thousand fighting Men) be repair’d to the Camp to encourage his Troops.

The Emperor’s Arrival gave new life to his fainting Army; and perceiving the _English_ Bulwark annoy’d him most, sprung a Mine, that blew many a brave _Englishman_ to Immortality.

The Turks upon this Success, with loud Shouts attack’d the Breach; but the Grand Master, _Philip Vellinus_, at the Head of the remaining _English_, repuls’d them, with the Loss of two Thousand _Janizaries_.

The Cannon of the Besieged did great Execution among the _Turks_, and their being often repuls’d, gave _Solyman_ but little Hopes of gaining the City by Force; for even the Women of all Degrees threw down Stones from the Battlements on the Heads of the Besiegers, when they came to scale their Walls.

Solyman, after musing alone in his Tent, sent for all his chief Commanders, and told them he would make one general Assault; and if the City was taken, the Troops should be rewarded with the Plunder.

A poor Christian Slave hearing the Proclamation to the Troops, found Means to let the _Rhodians_ know of _Solyman_’s Design for the next Day.

The _Grand Master_ (at this Notice) prepar’d every thing to oppose them.

The next Morning before Break of Day, the _Turks_ attack’d the City with loud _Tecbirs_, or Shouts of _Onset_, in five several Places at once with fifty Thousand Men. The Enemy was repuls’d with great Slaughter from the _English_ and _Italian_ Quarter. But in the mean time _Mustapha_ Bassa, and _Achmetes_ Bassa, attack’d the _Spanish_ Bulwark, (whose Defenders were three parts gone to assist the _Italian_ and _English_) and soon became Masters of it.

But the _Grand Master_, with several Knights of the Order, retook it again, after an obstinate Defence, with the Death of all the _Turks_.

This Success gave new Life to the _Rhodians_, who every where repuls’d their Enemies.

Solyman on a neighbouring Hill saw all with the utmost Vexation of Mind, and seeing no Hope of Success, order’d a Retreat to be sounded: The harrass’d Troops retir’d to their Camp, leaving above twenty Thousand of their Fellows lifeless behind them, as a Token of the Valour of their Enemies.

This ill Success so provok’d _Solyman_, that he gave Orders that _Mustapha Bassa_ should immediately be put to death, tho’ he had done all in the Assault a wise and brave General could do.

Pyrrhus _Bassa_ hearing of this severe Command, notwithstanding _Solyman_’s Rage, went to intercede for him; but his Rage continuing, he order’d _Pyrrhus_ to undergo the same Fate.

The rest of his Council fell at his Feet to hinder so cruel a Command, some begging to suffer with them, vowing never to rise till their honest Suit was granted.

The Emperor’s Passion at last subsiding, he pardon’d _Mustapha_ and _Pyrrhus_.

However, his Admiral, because he could not prevent the Relief that came by Sea into the Town, did not fare quite so well. He was order’d to receive the Bastinado (or Scourging) as a common Slave, on board his own Galley, and had been put to death, but for the Persuasion of _Achmetes Bassa_, who had a great Influence over _Solyman_.

The _Emperor’s_ ill Success began to make him turn his Thoughts from the Siege, tho’ with the utmost Reluctance; to see the Course of his victorious Arms stopp’d by a handful of Men, was what his ambitious Soul could not bear.

He summon’d another Council of War of all his grand Officers, where, after many Debates, he was persuaded to continue the Siege, and by the Strength of their Vows and Promises to conquer, he began to build him a Palace on the Brow of Mount _Philermus_, where from the Battlements he could take a View of what was done in the City of _Rhodes_. But the Gross of the _Turkish_ Army murmur’d at the Continuance of the Siege, shot Letters upon the Heads of Arrows frequently into the Town discovering every thing that was done in Council, with Promise of the Revolt of _Mustapha Bassa_ for the ill Usage he had receiv’d from the Emperor _Solyman_.

But notwithstanding the Valour of the _Rhodians_, (who twice more repuls’d the _Othomans_ with great Slaughter) they began to want every thing that was necessary: And by eager Persuasions of the Inhabitants that had Families in the City, he was prevail’d upon to send an Embassy to _Solyman_, tho’ not before the _Turks_ had gain’d two hundred Paces in Breadth, and a hundred and fifty in Length, within the outward Wall.

When the _Ambassador_ came before _Solyman_, he demanded the immediate Surrender of the City; and if the _Rhodians_ would trust his Clemency, now, without farther Hostilities, their Lives, Estates and Freedoms should be safe.

Solyman imagining these Promises would prevail upon the harrass’d _Rhodians_, sent a Letter to the same purpose to be read in publick to them by a _Genoese_.

When the Letter was read, the Grand Master was of the opinion to hold out the Siege to the last: But a _Greek Priest_, with Tears running down his Cheeks, begg’d he would prevent the final Destruction of so many innocent People; at the same time praising the Clemency of _Solyman_ to those that yielded to his Arms.

He was constrain’d to comply with their Desires, and surrender’d the City to the Emperor, who enter’d in Triumph on the 25th of _December_ 1522.

In the Year 1526, _Solyman_ turn’d his Arms against _Hungary_, with an Army of two hundred thousand Men, and advanc’d as far as _Sophia_[G], before the indolent _Lewis_ King of _Hungary_ heard of his March.

At _Mohatz_[H] the young King met _Solyman_’s Army with twenty-five thousand Men, and by ill Persuasion gave Battle on the 29th of _October_ 1528, and his Army was defeated. _Lewis_ endeavouring to make his Escape, was smother’d in a Ditch where his Horse had plung’d him.

Solyman did nothing extraordinary in the military Way till the Spring 1529, When the Fame of his Arms made the strong City _Buda_[I] an easy Conquest; for the Inhabitants, struck with in universal Terror, abandon’d the Place, and he enter’d the empty _City_ in _Triumph_. But the _Citadel_ Was bravely defended by the Governor, _Thomas Nadasti_, till the Garrison was reduc’d to three hundred; who seiz’d the Governor, to deliver him up to _Solyman_, upon Condition they were to march out with Bag and Baggage. But _Solyman_ despising their Trachery, order’d his _Janizaries_ to put the Soldiers to Death, and dismiss’d the _Governor_ with magnificent Presents, for the Revard of his Valour, and Integrity to his Prince.

After the taking of _Buda_, _Solyman_ was resolv’d to penetrate into the Heart of _Germany_, and lay siege to the City of[K] _Vienna_, the capital City of _Austria_.

In his March he suffer’d his Troops to commit all Sorts of Outrages, destroying all the Country with Fire and Sword, even beyond _Vienna_, as far as _Lintz_[L]. He encamp’d before the City, _September_ the 26th, 1529, and invested it, that no Succour could be sent into the Town.

He sent word by several Prisoners he had taken, that it was in vain to defend their _Walls_ against the vindictive Force that had conquer’d _Rhodes_, _Belgrade_ and _Buda_. But receiving no Answer, but _Sallies_ from the city, he began to plant his _Cannon_, and batter the _Walls_, tho’ without Success; for his heavy Cannon, with the Vessels that bore them, were sunk in the _Danube_ by the brave _Wolfgang Hoder_, Commander of the Grand Duke’s Galleys. This unexpected Misfortune gave _Solyman_, not only Uneasiness, but Terror, which was augmented by Reports, that all the Powers of _Germany_ were marching to protect _Vienna_.

In every Assault he seem’d to have the worst; all his _Mines_ were _countermined_, and blown up, with considerable _Bodies_ of his best _Troops_.

He therefore rais’d the Siege, with this Pretence, That _he did not come to besiege_ Vienna, _but to meet with_ Ferdinand _King of_ Hungary, _to fight with him for his Dominions_.

The following Year he _circumcised_[M] his three Sons, _Mustapha_, that he had by a _Circassian_[N] Slave, _Mahomet_ and _Selimus_, by two other Slaves of the _Seraglio_[O].

In the Year 1532 _Solyman_ made another Expedition into _Hungary_: He invested[P] _Guntz_; but it was so well defended by its Governor, the valiant _Nicholas Turischitz_, that Solyman abandon’d the Siege.

Solyman by long Marches, sate down before _Gratz_[Q], but hearing of a powerful Army headed by _Charles_ V, and _Ferdinand_ his Brother, he thought fit to march back to _Constantinople_, after the Loss of a great Number of Troops, commanded by _Bassa Fereses_, and _Cæsan_.

In the Year 1514, _Solyman_ sent _Barbarossa_ the _Pyrate_, then in league with him, to invade _Africa_, where he did much mischief both in Africa, and the Sea-coasts of _Italy_, and the _Islands_ of the _Mediterranean_. He after conquer’d the Kingdom of[R] _Tunis_ and by his Arts as well as Arms caus’d himself to be proclaim’d King.

Solyman, by the Persuasion of _Ibrahim Bassa_, this Year undertook his War against _Persia_, attended by his Son _Mustapha_, now about thirteen Years of Age, where he first trod in the Paths of War. The Rendezvous of the Army was at the City of _Nice_[S]

From thence he dispatch’d _Ibrahim_ and _Ulemas_ with a strong Army to ravage _Syria_, where they took _Tauris_[T] from King _Damas_ But these Generals being advertiz’d of great Preparations against them, inform’d _Solyman_ of it, who came to their Relief with the utmost Expedition.

As _Solyman_ was in his March to meet the Enemy, being encamp’d in a vast Plain, there rose such a violent Storm in the Night of Rain, Hail and Snow, from the adjacent Mountains, that Men and Beasts of Carriage were smother’d, many of the Soldiers perish’d to death in their Tents, even _Solyman_’s Pavilion was near being wash’d away. The superstitious Soldiers imagin’d it was a Storm rais’d by the _Magicians_ of _Persia_, and murmur’d at a War as waged against Heaven, expeding in the Dark (for the Storm had extinguish’d all their Fires) the Enemy would come upon them, and destroy them all; but the approaching Day dissipated that Fear with the End of the Storm.

The next Day _Solyman_ march’d towards _Babylon_[U], whose Governor being fled for Fear, (not being provided for a Siege) the City was peaceably surrender’d to him.

He then proceeded to retake _Tauris_, that _Damas_ had recover’d from the _Turks_; but _Damas_ fled at the Approach of _Solyman_, which so much enrag’d him (because he could not bring him to a Battle) that he gave that opulent City to the Plunder of his Soldiers.

As _Solyman_ was continuing his March to destroy the Country, a Party of _Damas_’s Horse, commanded by _Delimonthes_, one of his Generals, set upon the Rear of _Solyman_’s Army (who was some Leagues before ’em) in the Night, and made a prodigious Slaughter.

This Overthrow grieved _Solyman_ sorely, insomuch that he order’d his Army to return, very much disgusted with _Ibrahim Bassa_, that advis’d him to this Expedition.

This Disgust was heighten’d by _Roxolana_, because _Ibrahim_ was in _Mustapha_’s Interest, which was contrary to her own.

Solyman had given his Oath and Promise to _Ibrahim_, he should never be kill’d while he liv’d. But inviting him to a solemn Supper, he that Night had his Throat cut while he slept; _Solyman_ pretending he had not broke his Oath, because he was kill’d while he slept.

Now _Mustapha_ began to be a Follower of _Mars_, and perform’d so many noble Acts, that he was the only Joy of his Father, who intended him his Successor.

The ambitious _Roxolana_, alarm’d at the tender Love _Solyman_ bore _Mustapha_, was resolv’d to ruin him in his favour; she therefore by an Over-praise first made the _Sultan_ believe, she had an entire Affection for him, that she might better work her Design upon him.

She would by a vile Insinuation, tell the Sultan, how happy he was in a Son, so brave and valiant, that had gain’d the Hearts of all the prime Men in the Empire, as well as the entire Love of the Soldiers; hinting that it was well _Mustapha_’s Duty, and Love to his Father, would prevent his making a wrong use of it, throwing in by-the-by, that many Sons had murder’d their Fathers to get their Thrones.

These Speeches, often back’d by _Rustan_, the Grand Vizir, and the Mufti, (the Pope of the Turks) began to alarm _Solyman_, whose Weakness made him forget by Degrees the amiable Qualities of _Mustapha_. This Opinion was strengthen’d by his secret League with the _Persian_, whom the _Turks_ esteem as _Hereticks_, preferring _Hali_ before _Mahomet_ their Prophet, which Difference may be compar’d to the _Protestant_ and _Catholick_ Religions.

Solyman had four Sons by _Roxolana_, _Mahomet_, _Selimus_, (who after succeeded his Father) _Bajazet_ and _Tzianger_, (whom our Author calls Zanger).

Zanger had contracted a strict Union of Love and Friendship with _Mustapha_, and _Roxolana_ lov’d _Zanger_ beyond her other Sons.

But not being the _Sultana Queen_[W], that is, not wedded to the _Sultan_, she fear’d the more, that at the Death of _Solyman_, _Mustapha_ would be Emperor, and then, as the Custom was among the _Turks_, when they a ascend the Throne, the whole Blood that were Males would he put to Death.

Mustapha was by her Desire sent to _Caramania_[X], that she might pursue her Designs to his Ruin.

The first thing she had to do was to prevail on the Emperor to wed her; for being his Queen, would effectually disinherit (as we say) _Mustapha_.

To bring this about, she took it in her head to be very religious, built an Hospital, and a Church. When these were finih’d, she ask’d the _Mufti_ if such Acts of Charity would not be grateful to Heaven! and be a Means to save her precious Soul! The good Mufti (receiving a Bribe before-hand, for there is Bribery and Corruption in _Turkey_ as well as other Places) reply’d, her Soul would not be a Grain the better for it, because she was a Slave.

This afflicted the good _Roxolana_ in a surprising manner; She would not take any Nourishment; her Eyes were ever in Tears, and her Heart heav’d with Sighs every Moment (I mean when she was in the Presence of _Solyman_.)

The good Emperor (for he lov’d her sincerely) could not bear to see her Tears, therefore order’d her to be made free.

When this Part of her Plot had succeded she put on all her Charms again, and seem’d the most satisfy’d happy Lady in the World.

In a few Days after her Manumission, the _Emperor_ sent his chief _Eunuch_, to fetch her to his _Bed-Chamber_: The pious Lady came, but with Hands up-lifted, with an _Alcoran_ held fast between them, told the Emperor, she could not be so happy to partake of the Honour of his Bed now she was no more a Slave, but she would consult the Mufti, and if he could dispense with it, she would with the utmost Joy comply.

The _Mufti_, who knew what he was to do, declar’d she could never enter _Mahomet_’s _Paradise_, if she yielded to the Emperor’s Desires without being his Wife.

The Emperor, well satisfy’d with the _Mufti_’s Answer, had the Marriage-Rites perform’d, and gave her 5000 _Sultana_’s for her pearly Dowry.

Being satisfy’d so far, she now proceeded to procure the Death of _Mustapha_. She got counterfeit Letters convey’d to the Sultan, that shew’d that _innocent_ Prince in a _false_ and _guilty_ Light.

But this not having the quick Effect she wish’d, she endeavour’d to cut him off by Poison, but to no purpose, for he escap’d the Trap. She at last procur’d a Letter that _Mustapha_ was contracted to the Daughter of the King of _Persia_.

This wrought so much upon _Solyman_, that he dwelt no longer upon the Ruin of his Son.

In order to this he sent _Ruftan_ with an Army to fetch his Son. But finding the Prince prepar’d for him, he return’d, told _Solyman_, he was so belov’d by the Army he commanded, that he thought it Prudence to return as he went.

This so inrag’d the Emperor, that he went in Person with an Army to _Aleppo_[Y], where he sent for the _unfortunate Prince_; and notwithstanding he was forewarn’d of his Danger, yet he resolv’d to pay Obedience to his Father’s Commands. When he was near the City the crafty _Rustan_ sent several great Officers with the _Janizaries_ to meet him, and then insinuated to the Emperor the Love the People bore him in going in Crouds to meet him.

Mustapha approach’d his Father’s Tent with few of his Followers: At the Entrance he threw by his Dagger, as the Custom is when any Person enters the Tent of the _Sultan_.

When he had enter’d the inmost Part of the Pavilion, he found but a single _Sofa_ to sit on, which he took for an ill Omen. An Attendant coming in, he ask’d where the Emperor was, who reply’d he would see him presently. The _Prince_ was melancholy, well knowing his Death was approaching; and a few Moments after, the Mutes enter’d and strangled him. The Emperor himself, through another Part of the Tent, beheld the fatal Spectacle.

He was so hopeful a Prince, that the Turks, even to this Day, often say, _Gietti Sultan Mustapha_, that is, _Our Hope is lost in_ Mustapha.

When the cruel Murder was perform’d, the Emperor met _Zanger_ at the Door of the Pavilion, enquiring for his dear _Mustapha_! The Emperor bid him enter to the inward Tent, and he would find him.

But when the noble _Zanger_ saw him breathless, he cry’d out to hit unnatural _Father_; _How could it enter into thy cruel Heart to murder so sweet a Prince!_ Then drawing a Ponyard from his Side, plung’d it in his Heart, and expir’d upon the breathless Body of his dear Brother.

Thus fell two worthy Princes, that might have grac’d with their Virtue and Courage (had they liv’d) the Annals of the _Turkish_ Empire.

When the Troops were acquainted with the Death of _Mustapha_ and _Zanger_, they assembled in a tumultuous Manner to avenge his Death: _Achmetes_ the Tutor to _Mustapha_ led them on. _Solyman_, to appease their Rage, disgrac’d _Rustan_, turn’d him out of all his Posts, and conferr’d them on _Achmetes_, with a Promise never to displace him; but _Rustan_, assisted by the artful _Roxolana_, procur’d the Death of _Achmetes_, and was by the Emperor restor’d to all his former Honours, and by him more esteem’d than ever.

Mustapha was so well beloved, that a false _Mustapha_ appear’d, and was follow’d by the Malecontents till he had gather’d a powerful Army, But the Threats of _Solyman_ intimidated his Troops to such a Degree, that they forsook their false General, who was taken Prisoner, and carry’d to _Constantinople_, where the Emperor by torture made him confess that _Bajazet_, his Son by _Roxolana_, had put him upon the false and fatal Enterprize. _Roxolana_ had _Selimus_, another Son, by _Solyman_; and after the Death of the two unfortunate Princes _Mustapha_ and _Zanger_, the Sultan seem’d most to favour _Selimus_, but _Roxolana_, _Bajazet_. But it was with much Difficulty she gain’d his Pardon from the Emperor his Father, for his promoting a false _Mustapha_.

Solyman to the last of his Life regretted the Loss of his _Mustapha_ and _Zanger_. He died of a Consumption after gaining many Victories, in the Year 1566, the 14th of _September_, in the 76th Year of his Age, and the 46th Year of his Reign. As to his Person; he was of an advantageous Height, well made, but pale, his Nose long and hooked, more faithful to his Promise than most of his Predecessors, and wanted not many Virtues to form a good Prince.

I can’t help ending the Trifle, with congratulating the Author of the Play with his Success, which is owing to his Conduct in the Story, the many beautiful Sentiments, and the Correctness of his Poetry. I was pleas’d the first Night not to find those _Goths_ and _Vandals_, that (like stabbing Men in the Dark) assassinate without the least Mercy.

FOOTNOTES:

[A] _Magnesia_ a City in _Asia_ the Less, _Capital_ of _Caria_, by some Authors called _Mangresia_ situated near the celebrated River Mæander, from whence it was called Magnesia ad Mæendrum to distinguish it from other Cities of the same name. It is situate about a Degree (or twenty Leagues) north-east from Symirna and half a Degree from the ancient City of Ephesus, famous for the _Temple of Diana_, The great General Themistocles was banish’d to _Magnesia_ and died there in his Banishment.

[B] _Scutari_, a Town in the _Lesser Asia_, over-agaist _Constantinople_, as Southwark is to London, only the _Bosphorus_ is thrice at broad between _Scutary_ and _Constantinople_; by some Authors supposed to be built out of the Ruins of the ancient Chalcedon.