Part 14

Ever since that time, the _Turks_ have indulged their Suspicions, that the Christian Agents deal but partially with them; and, therefore, they must humble them to get out all the Truth. Upon this they imprisoned _Velduvic_, the Emperor _Charles_’s Ambassador, 18 Months, and my Collegues more than three Years, and at last sent them away, without doing any thing. As for my self, I know not how long I shall be kept in this Durance; for my part, I see no end of it.

When _Baldus_, that ancient Man of whom I spake before, came to me, they suspected that he had brought me new Commands, which allowed me to yield to harder Conditions of Peace; and they feared that I would conceal them, because I knew well enough their intestine Discords; so that, by dealing harshly with me, they thought to extort the whole Truth from me. Upon the same Design, _Rustan_ once sent a large Gourd, called by the _Germans Wasser-plutzer_. They ripen to a delicious Sweetness at _Constantinople_; their Seeds are red within, and they came originally from _Rhodes_. By this Present, sent to me by my Secretary, _Rustan_ did jestingly insinuate the fear of a War; it was brought me when the Weather was very hot, and the Juice is good to cool inward Heat. He sent this Compliment with it, that I should make use of the Fruit suitable to the hot Season, for it is an excellent Cooler; but I should know, withal, that a great number of those Plants did grow about _Buda_ and _Belgrade_, of a much larger size than that which he sent me, meaning thereby _Cannon-Balls_. I returned Thanks for my Present, and told him, I should make use of it; but, for _Buda_ and _Belgrade_, ’twas no great wonder they grew there, since there was Plenty of them, even of a larger size, at _Vienna_. It was a pleasure to me, to let _Rustan_ know by my Answer, that I could retort Quibble for Quibble.

But to return to the Affairs of _Bajazet_, which you desired to be further informed in.

You may remember that his Father dismissed him some Years ago, upon this Condition, That he should never hereafter affront his Brother, nor raise new Tumults in the Empire, but live quietly and peaceably, as a Brother ought to do. He should remember his Promise made to himself, and not vex him in his old Age; if he did, woe be to him! These Threats had weight with _Bajazet_, as long as his Mother lived; he kept his Word, rather to retain her good Will and Indulgence towards him, than as having any Consideration either for his Brother’s Love or Father’s good Will. However, quiet he was, for his Mother’s sake: But two Years after her Death, looking upon himself as desperate, he cut the Cords of all filial Obedience, and began to resume his former Designs against his Brother, and to execute his Animosity with great spight: Sometimes he laid Ambushes for his Life; at other times he attempted it by open force, and now and then he sent Parties of Men into his Brother’s Province, (their Provinces being contiguous one to the other) and if he could catch any of his Domesticks, he used them ill for their Master’s sake; in fine, he left no Stone unturned, to lessen his Brother’s Credit, finding he was not able to reach his Life.

Besides, he had several Partisans at _Constantinople_, who endeavoured to draw over the _Grand Seignior_’s Guard to his side; and he did not doubt but, as his Design ripened, to come privately to _Constantinople_, and there to abscond among his Friends, till he could have a fair opportunity to make his appearance in public. _Solyman_ was soon let into all his Designs, particularly by Letters from his Son _Selimus_, who warned him to take care of his Life; and that, if he did not look upon these Villainous Attempts of _Bajazet_, as pointed at himself, he was much mistaken: For he cared not what he did either against God or Man, provided he might gain the Kingdom. Your Life, Sir, said he, is aimed at as well as mine, and he would wound you through my sides. His Design was contrived long ago, but now he only seeks an opportunity to execute it; and, therefore, pray prevent his Wickedness before you are circumvented by him too late to find any Help: As for myself, I can easily bear all his Injuries; but the greatness of your Danger doth more nearly concern me.

These Informations from _Selimus_ did more and more incense _Solyman_ against _Bajazet_; so that he put him in mind of his Duty, by Letter, telling him what great Clemency he had used towards him, and what Promises he had reciprocally made to him. Call to mind, said he, those Ancient things, ’tis not so easie for you to get a new Pardon. Leave off wronging your Brother, and creating trouble to me. I have but a little time to live; when I am gone, God will shew which of you shall Reign; in the mean time, don’t you disturb the public Peace, nor the Tranquillity of my grey Hairs.

But these Expostulations wrought little upon _Bajazet_, who was fully determin’d to do his utmost, rather than to yield his Neck tamely to his Brother’s Sword; for he saw plainly, that would be his Fate, if ever _Selimus_ mounted the Throne. However, he answered his Father’s Letters submissively enough; but his Words and his Deeds did not agree, neither did he drop the prosecution of his intended Design.

When _Solyman_ saw this, he resolved to try another Course, and to remove his two Sons to a greater Distance one from the other; and, therefore, he commands each of them, on a prefix’d Day, to leave his Province (_Chiuta_ was _Bajazet_’s, and _Magnetia_ _Selimus_’s) _Bajazet_ to go to _Amasia_, and _Selimus_ to _Iconium_. This was done, not out of any disfavour to _Selimus_, but only to please _Bajazet_, lest he should break out into Extremes, when he was removed from his Government, and not his Brother from his. Withal, he laid his Commands on them, that, the more they were severed by distance of Place, the more they should be united by Concord of Mind. For (said he) Vicinity of Habitation doth often breed Discord betwixt Brethren, and Servants on both sides do ill Offices to enrage and exasperate the Minds of their Masters, one against the other; and, therefore, obey my Commands: Him that refuses, I shall count a rebellious Son. _Selimus_ immediately left his Province, as being confident of his Father’s Favour; but _Bajazet_ made many Hesitations, and when he was gone a little way he stopt his Journey, complaining that the unlucky Province of _Amasia_ was allotted, as a bad Omen to him; because his Brother was slain there. I should rather, said he, go to any other Province besides, than where the miserable End of my Relations will constantly come to my Mind, and wound my very Soul; and, therefore he desired his Father to suffer him to winter at least where he was, or else in his Brother’s Province: But _Solyman_ would grant neither of those Requests. By this Time, _Selimus_ was marched with an Army which was augmented with some Forces from his Father _Solyman_, (for they were both afraid of _Bajazet_’s Plots) against his Brother, who yet made many Halts and Delays; when, on a sudden, he fetch’d a compass about, and appeared with his Army on the Rear of his Brother, going towards _Prusias_, a City of _Bithynia_ over against _Constantinople_ on the _Asiatic_ Shore; his Father gave consent to his March, as not well pleased with the Delays of _Bajazet_. For they thought thus with themselves, that, if _Bajazet_ could win over the Guards to himself, and march to _Prusias_, or even to _Constantinople_ itself, their Matters, as to _Solyman_ and _Selimus_, would be in great hazard; and, therefore, out of a common fear, ’twas thought most adviseable for _Selimus_ to stay there, where he might expect most Aid, in case of Necessity, from the Nearness of the capital Cities. For _Selimus_ had not yet Forces enough to encounter his Brother in open Field, with any hopes of Success.

When _Bajazet_ saw his Brother’s Army in his Rear, and that he got nothing by his Delay, but the certain Knowledge, that _Selimus_ should Reign if his Father died, as his Fear added to his Sickness gave some Likelihood thereof; hereupon, he wrote Letters to his Father, wherein he laid grievous Things to the Charge of his Brother _Selimus_, as, that his present March did plainly declare, what a wicked Intent he had towards his Father, who was come so near the _Metropolis_, that he might treacherously compass the Empire, and that he might have but a short Passage over, if his Father died. But, if his Father’s Life should balk his desire, then he would suborn some Parricide or other to take it away; and yet, this is the Son, forsooth, said he, that you have in your Bosom; as if he were a very Nonsuch for filial Obedience; whereas I, who never entertained a bad Thought against you in all my Life, but was always observant of your very Becks, am rejected and call out of Favour; and yet the Sum of my Demands is only this, that an unlucky Province may not be designed for my Government; either that which my Brother left, or any other more fortunate one than that of _Amasia_; and, says he, I shall expect an Answer in the Place where I now abide, lest, if my Suit be granted, I be forced to march a great way back; but if your Ears be deaf to my Request, then I will march to what Province you shall command me.

And the truth is, _Bajazet_ had reason to be averse from _Amasia_; for ’tis a Custom among them to build much on Auguries and ill Omens, even in the smallest Matters.

But these Letters were otherwise understood by _Solyman_, who was well acquainted with his Son’s Fears, and knew that he affected a Government not so remote, but nearer to _Constantinople_, that thereby he might have the better opportunity for Innovations.

Thus _Bajazet_ made one Excuse after another for his Delay, and seemed to retard his Father’s Pleasure; he listed Soldiers, increased his Army, rais’d Money, and provided all things necessary for his own Defence, and the Conquest of his Brother. _Solyman_ looked upon his Design as against himself, yet the crafty old Man dissembled it what he could; for he was unwilling to make _Bajazet_ quite desperate. He was now grieved that the Eyes of all Nations were fix’d on that Dissention between his Sons, and therefore he design’d to use some Delay, that the Matter, if possible, might be composed with as little Noise as possible. He answered _Bajazet_’s Letters mildly, telling him, that, as for the Change of Provinces, he was fully resolved to be obey’d therein; and, therefore, he and his Brother would do well immediately to repair to their respective Armies.

As for other Concerns, he need not take care of them, for he himself would so order Matters, that neither his Brother nor he should have any Cause to complain. _Solyman_ chose _Pertau_, the Fourth Vizier _Bashaw_, to carry those Letters to _Bajazet_; and, that he might seem to deal impartially between them both, he sent _Mehemet_, the third Vizier _Bashaw_, to _Selimus_. He also laid a Charge on both those _Bashaws_, not to stir a step from either of his Sons, till they had both entred on their respective Governments. This was wisely done by _Solyman_ to leave such faithful Moniters with his Children, which would daily put them in Mind of their Duties.

Accordingly, _Selimus_ did willingly admit his Father’s _Bashaw_; but _Bajazet_, whose Mind was wholly set upon imbroiling the State, could not endure to have one of his Father’s Counsellors obtruded upon him, to be a Witness of his Designs, and to be a Tell-tale to his Father. And, therefore, he dismissed the _Bashaw_, who was willing to have staid, having first courteously treated and presented him with Gifts, according to his present Ability; and he did it with this Pretence, that he had none else to represent his Cause impartially to his Father, but only himself; and, if he would do him so good Offices, he promised not to be ungrateful to him. He desir’d him also to tell his Father, that his Commands should always be to him as a Law, but that he was forced to do what he did, for fear of his Brother _Selimus_, whose Injuries and Affronts he could no longer endure. By this Message of _Pertau_, _Solyman_ was assured of _Bajazet_’s Design, though, to colour the Matter, and to put a Blind on his Father’s Embassy, he pretended he would hasten to _Amasia_. However, _Solyman_ was not slow in his Preparations against _Bajazet_, for he commanded the _Beglerbeg_ of _Asia_, though sick of the Gout, to assist his Son _Selimus_ with a Body of Horse; and he sent also the most faithful of his Guards to accompany _Mehemet Bassa_, (who was also returned from his Embassies) into _Asia_ on the same Errand; and he himself pretended he would gird on his Sword and follow them. But, alas! the Guards shew’d themselves very unwilling to the Service; for they abominated the War betwixt Brothers, as an impious Thing. For against whom should they draw their Sword? Was not _Bajazet_ Heir of the Crown too? This unnecessary Discussion (said they) may be compass’d without Blood; neither are we to be forc’d to sheath our Swords in one another’s Bowels: As for _Bajazet_, he is forced to do what he doth, in a way of Self-preservation.

When these Rumours came to _Solyman_’s Ears, he sent for the _Mufti_ (the High-Priest of the _Turks_, from whom, as from an Oracle, they expect Answers to their Doubts) and puts a Case to him in these Terms.

“How ought that Man to be dealt with, who durst disturb the Peace of the Empire, by taking Towns, and raising Men and Money, while he was alive? As also, What he thought of those, who were assistant to him in that Design, and fought under his Ensigns? and, lastly, what was to be done with those who refused to engage against him, but rather justified his Practises?”

The _Mufti_’s Answer was, “That such a Person with all his Followers were worthy of Death; and they that refused to Fight against him were to be abominated, as Prophane, and Deserters of their Religion.”

This Answer was divulged among the Commonalty, and by the Chief of the _Chiauxes_ was transmitted to _Bajazet_.

A while after there came a _Chiaux_ to _Constantinople_, who had been sent by _Solyman_ to _Selimus_, but had been intercepted by _Bajazet_; by whom he sent a Message to their Father, to this effect; that he would never fail in expressing his Duty to his Father, and that he never took up Arms against him, but was resolved to be obedient to him in all Things. The Dispute was only between his Brother and himself, who sought his Life, so that he must fall by his Brother’s Sword, or his Brother by his. This difference might be decided in his Father’s Life; and, therefore, he desired him not to interpose or assist his Brother, but to carry himself in an exact Neutrality; but if (said he) you pass over into _Asia_, (as Report says you will) to assist _Selimus_, don’t think I shall be speedily reduced, for I know whither to retreat; and, let me tell you, the first Day you set Foot in _Asia_, I will destroy all by Fire and Sword, and make it as desolate, as _Tamerlane_, or any of our fiercest Enemies, ever did.

When this Message was delivered to _Solyman_, it did much disturb him, especially when Word was brought to him, that the Town of _Axuar_, which _Selimus_, his Son, was _Sanziach_ of, was taken by _Bajazet_; who, after he had exacted a great Sum of Money from the Inhabitants, plundered and sack’d it shamefully.

But _Selimus_, when he heard that his Brother march’d towards _Amasia_, and was already come as far as _Ancyra_, being now freed from the Suspicion of Treachery, which he fear’d in his March, hastened towards _Iconium_, where a Garrison was kept for his Arrival.

’Twas none of the least of _Solyman_’s Cares, which distracted his Mind, lest _Bajazet_ should seize on _Iconium_, and so march into _Syria_, from whence there is a large Passage into _Egypt_, a Province not fully settled in Subjection to the _Turks_, and somewhat mindful of the ancient Governors of the _Circassians_ or _Mamalukes_, longed for a Change. And if _Bajazet_ once got thither, he foresaw it would be a very hard Matter to beat him out, should the neighbouring _Arabians_ assist him; who, in hopes of Booty, were ready to take any side. And if, with much ado, he could have been driven out of _Egypt_, yet from thence he might easily be wafted over into any of the _Christian_ Countries; whereupon _Solyman_, by all means, sought to stop his March thither, because he thought it would be _Bajazet_’s last Shift; and to that end he had written to most of the Governors of lesser _Asia_, to be watchful, ever and to assist _Selimus_, when he called for their Aid. Accordingly _Selimus_ formed a Camp before the Walls of _Iconium_: For he thought it best to wait there for the Auxiliaries of his Father, and not to hazard his All on the doubtful Issue of a Battel.

On the other side, _Bajazet_, knowing what a hazardous Enterprize he had undertaken, was as vigorous to support his Cause. He hired a great body of Horse, called _Chiurts_, perhaps formerly _Gordianes_, Men noted for Valour, in whom he put Confidence.

They, as soon as ever they came to this Army, began their Representation of a Battel on Horseback, which had so much of Reality in it, that many of them were slain, but more wounded.

His Camp was pitch’d in the plain and open Fields of _Ancyra_, from which City he was supplied with many Necessaries; and at the Castle thereof he placed his Concubines and Children. From those Merchants, that were rich, he borrowed Money, upon Terms of Re-payment with Interest, if God gave him Success. From thence, also, he was furnished with Arms for his Soldiers.

Besides his own Family (consisting of very many among the higher sort of _Turks_) and the _Chiurts_ before-mentioned, those that were of his Mother’s, or his Sister’s, or of _Rustan_’s Faction, came in to him; so did very many of _Mustapha_’s and _Achmet_’s Favourites, fierce and skilful Warriors; for they grudging at the undeserved Deaths of their Masters; were resolved to revenge them with the hazard of their Blood: some also came under his Banner out of Commiseration of the depressed Condition of _Bajazet_, as being necessitated to fly to Arms, his last and only Refuge.

A great many favoured _Bajazet_, because he was like his Father; whereas _Selimus_ had not one Feature in his Face resembling him. ’Tis true, he was very like his Mother, a Woman hated while she was alive. He was a big-bellied Man, with swoln Cheeks, and his Face of a deep and uncomely Redness; insomuch, that the Soldiers would seemingly say, _He was cramm’d with Barley-Pudding_. Besides, he liv’d a slothful, banquetting, idle Life; neither was he courteous, or of easy Access, nor did he oblige by any act of Generosity. The Reason he gave, was, that he would not offend his Father, by aiming at popular Applause. Thus he became dear to his Father only, but odious to every body else; yea, those Persons did most disdain him, who coveted a munificent and an active Emperor. The same Soldiers that were wont to call _Bajazet_, _Softi_ (a sedentary Man, and given up to his Studies) when they saw that he took up Arms, and ventured his All to defend himself and his Children, now extolled him to the Skies, as a Man of extraordinary Valour. Why (said they, reasoning among themselves) should his Father abdicate a Son that is his express Image? Why should he prefer his slothful, pot-bellied Brother, that has nothing of his Father’s Disposition in him? As for _Bajazet_’s taking Arms, Necessity forces him to it, and therefore, he is not to be blamed; for did not _Selimus_, his Grandfather, do the same? What great Precedent could there be? For he did not only arm against his Brother, but Necessity also compelled him to hasten his Father’s Death; and yet by this Procedure he established the Kingdom to himself and his Posterity. Now, if _Solyman_ did rightfully possess that Kingdom, so gotten, why should his Son be denied to take the same Course? Why should that Fact be thought so heinous in him, which was accounted lawful in his Grandfather? And yet the Case is much different (said they); for _Bajazet_ did not take up Arms against his Father, but wishes him a long Life; nay, he would not hurt an Hair of his Brother’s Head, if he could be sure of his own Life, against him: But ’tis always lawful to resist Force by Force, and, if possible, to prevent one’s own certain Ruin. These Discourses caused many to fly to _Bajazet_, and his Army being now of a moderate Size, without delay, he marches towards his Brother, putting his Life, Fortune, and the hope of his Empire, upon the Event of the Battel; for thus, thought he, my Valour (at least) will be commended, if it be not prosperous; I will endeavour if I can, to break my way into _Syria_, and, if I succeed therein, my Business is done.

_Selimus_ waited for him under the Walls of _Iconium_, having a vast Army, encreased by Forces sent him from his Father, and well furnished with skilful Commanders; and, besides all other Necessaries, secured with great Ordnance on every side. _Bajazet_ was nothing terrified at all those Disadvantages, but as soon as he came in sight of his Brother’s Army, he exhorted his Own, though inferior in Number, in this manner.

_Now, ~says he~, the long wished for Hour is come, wherein you may shew your Valour; do you act as Men, and let me alone to reward you. All my Fortune is in your Hands; my Misfortunes have been irksome some time, but now here is an open Campaign, wherein I may change them for the better, and forget all the Miseries of my former Life. If you conquer, you may expect from me Honour, Dignity, and all kinds of Rewards, befitting Men of Valour. One Victory will crown all our Hopes, though never so vast, and that you may get by your superabounding Valour. As for my Brother’s Troops before your Eyes, they are a Company of ~Buffoons~ under a slothful General; you may easily make way through them with your Swords; what Forces he hath with him of my Father’s, though they are his in Body, yet they are mine at Heart. ’Tis ~Selimus~ alone that stands in the way, both of my Vassals, and of your Happiness too, and therefore, let us both revenge our selves on a common Enemy. And for their Multitude, don’t fear them; Conquest is got by Valour, not by Number. God Almighty uses to assist the ~Best~, not the ~Most~. Certainly, if you consider how the savage Enemy thirsts after your Blood, you will preserve yours, by shedding theirs. In fine, ~said he~, I will not only speak, but do. Let me be your Pattern. Do you fight but as valiantly for my Safety, as I shall do for your Advancement, and I’ll warrant you the Battel is our own._

Having finished his Oration, he made towards the Enemy with an undaunted Courage, and in the Front of his Army shew’d himself both a brave Soldier and a skilful Commander, so that he was renowned also by his very Enemies. The Battel was bloody, and many fell on both Sides, and Victory seem’d to hover with doubtful Wings; but at last she inclin’d to that side, where was more Force, a juster Cause, and better Counsel. Just in the nick, there arose such a Wind that it carried the smoke of the Ordnance into the very Faces of _Bajazet_’s Army, so that they fought blindfold, as it were; whereupon _Bajazet_, after much Blood-shed on both sides, was forced to sound a Retreat; but he made it with so little Disorder, and so leisurely, that he seemed a Conqueror, rather than to have lost the Day. Neither did _Selimus_ move out of his Camp to pursue him, being well contented to see his Enemies turn their Backs.

After this, _Bajazet_, considering he had disobeyed his Father’s Commands, by indulging his own Humour, and being cut off from his March into _Syria_, which he had design’d, resolved to move in good earnest towards _Amasia_.