Part 15

_Solyman_ had presently a Messenger sent him of this Victory, and immediately he posted over into _Asia_. His _Bashaws_ would not let him go before; _But now_ (said they) _you must make haste to press upon ~Bajazet~ in his Misfortune and to prevent his Recruit; for if his secret Favourites should declare for him, they might cut them out further Work. The Report of your Passage over, will both discourage your Son and terrify all his Followers; and, therefore, make haste, lest he serve you as sometime your Father did, who was more formidable after he was conquered than before, so that his very Overthrow at first was the cause of his Victory in the End._ Neither did they thus speak without Cause; for ’tis incredible how much that Fight, though unfortunate, had added to _Bajazet_’s Renown. That he was so hardily valorous, as, with a small handful in comparison, to set upon the well-disciplin’d Army of his Brother, strengthened too with his Father’s Forces; that he was not daunted with the disadvantage of the Place, nor the roaring of the great Ordnance, and that he carried himself in the very Battel, not as a raw Officer, but an expert General. ’Tis true, said they, his Success was not answerable, but his Valour was not inferior; and, therefore, let _Selimus_ boast never so much of his Victory to his Father, this we are sure of, that, of the two, _Bajazet_ deserved to be Conqueror; and that we may attribute his Brother’s being so to any thing rather than to his own Valour. These Discourses concerning _Bajazet_, shew’d him to be Popular, and thereupon they double his Father’s Grief and Pain, and his Desire to ruin him. Resolved he was, none but _Selimus_ should succeed him in the Empire: For, besides that he was his eldest Son, he had been always faithful and obedient to him; but _Bajazet_ had been rebellious, and gaped after the Throne in his Lifetime; and he feared him the more, because he was esteem’d a very valiant Prince, and because also he had openly assisted _Selimus_ against him.

For these Reasons he pass’d the Sea into _Asia_, but with a Resolution not to stir from the Shore, but to assist his Son _Selimus_’s Affairs, only at a distance. For why, thought he, should I run any Hazard to bring my own Forces nearer, lest my Army, not fully settled in their Obedience, should be tempted to a Revolt.

I my self saw _Solyman_ march out of _Constantinople_ in the Year 1559, _June 5th_, tho’ against the Will of my _Chiaux_. Let me here present you with a Scene of Mirth, and like a Braggadocio-soldier, tell you of two Battels I had at once; for why, I have Leisure enough (unless you count my Cares my Study) and the larger I am in my Scribling, the more time do I borrow from my Troubles. Hear then, what were my Quarrels.

When I was certainly inform’d that the _Sultan_ was ready to pass over into _Asia_, and that the Day was fix’d for his Departure, I told my _Chiaux_ that I had a mind to see him march out, and therefore he should come betimes in the Morning and open the Doors, for he used to carry the Keys of my Doors home with him at Night; he promised me courteously, he would do so. Then I order’d my _Janizaries_ and my Interpreters, to take me an upper Room in the way the Emperor was to pass, convenient for my View: They obeyed my Commands. When the Day was come, I rose before ’twas light, and expected that my _Chiaux_ had opened my Doors; but finding them shut, I sent several Messengers to him, to come and let me out, both my _Janizaries_ that waited within Doors, and _Druggermen_ that waited to come in: This I did, through the Chinks of the Gate, which was very old; but the _Chiaux_ still spun Delays, pretending he would come presently. Thus I spent some time, till I heard the noise of the Guns, which the _Janizaries_ use to fire, when their Emperor takes Horse; then I began to fret and fume, seeing my self so deluded. My Disappointment and just Indignation did affect the _Janizaries_ themselves: they told me, that if my People would thrust hard with them, they without would so press upon the Valves, which were loose and old, that the Bars would fall out. I took their Counsel; the Doors flew open accordingly, and out we went, hastening to the Room I had hired.

My _Chiaux_ had a mind to frustrate my Desire, and yet he was no bad Man neither; for having communicated my Request to the _Bashaws_, they were not willing that any Christian should behold their Prince marching with so small Force against his own Son, and therefore, said they to him, do you promise him fair, but be sure to delay him till the _Sultan_ is a Shipboard; then you may think of some Excuse or other to bring you off.

When I came to the House where a Room was hired for me, the Door was shut, so that I could no more enter into that, than I could go out of my own; when I knock’d, no body answered. Hereupon the _Janizaries_ again told me, that, if I commanded them, they would either break open the Doors, or get in at Window and open them. I told them, they should not break open any thing; but if they would go up to the Windows, they might: they presently did so, and opened the Door. When I went up Stairs, I found the House full of _Jews_, a whole _Synagogue_ of them. They looked upon it as a Miracle, that I should enter, when the Doors were shut; but being informed of the Truth, an old grave Matron, in comely Habit, address’d herself, and complained to me, in _Spanish_, of the Violence I had offered to the House; I told her, she had done me wrong, in not keeping her Word, and that I was not a Man to be thus deluded; she seem’d dissatisfied, and the Time would not admit of further Discourse. In short, I was allowed one Window, which on the back side looked out into the Street, and from thence, with a great deal of Pleasure, I saw all the grand Procession.

The _Gulupagi_ and _Ulufagi_ marched two by two; the _Selchers_ one by one, and _Spahi’s_ (which are the Names of the _Grand Seignior_’s Horse-Guards) distinguished by their Ranks and Troops; they were about 6000, besides a vast number of the Domesticks of the Prime _Vizier_, and of other _Bashaws_. The _Turkish_ Horsemen make a gallant Show; the best Breed of Horses is from _Cappadocia_ and _Syria_, and the adjacent Countries; he is set out with Silver Trappings, studded with Gold and Jewels. His Rider is clad with a Coat or Vest made of Silk Velvet, or other fine Cloth of Scarlet, Purple or dark blue Colour, intermixed with Gold and Silver. He hath two Cases hanging by his sides, one holds his Bow, the other his Arrows, both of neat _Babylonian_ Workmanship; and so is his Buckler which he bears on his Left Arm, and is Proof against Arrows, Clubs, or Swords. In his Right Hand, unless he desire to have it free, he carries a light Spear, for the most part painted with Green. His Scimiter is studded with Jewels, and made of steel, and it hangs down from his Saddle. What need so much Armour, say you? I’ll tell you. They use them all; and that dextrously too. You’ll reply, how can he use that Spear and the Bow too? What! will he take up his Spear when he hath broken, or thrown away, his Bow? Not so neither; for he keeps his Spear, as long as he can: But, when he hath occasion to use his Bow, the Spear, being light and easily manag’d, he puts between his Saddle and his Thigh; so that the Point of it sticks out backward; and thus he presses it down with his Knee, as long as he pleases. But, if he fights only with the Spear, then he puts up his Bow into his Case, or else with his left Hand places it behind his Shield. It is not however my present Design to acquaint you with the _Turks_ Expertness at Arms; they have obtain’d it by long Use and Experience in War. Their Heads are covered with very fine white Cotton-Linnen, in the midst whereof stands up a Tuft made of Purple Silk, plaighted; some of them wear black Feathers a-top.

After the Horse, a large Body of _Janizaries_ followed, being Foot, and seldom taking any other Arms than Muskets. The Make and Colour of their Cloaths are almost the same, so that you would judge them all to be the Servants of one Man. They have no ungainly Habit among them, nor any thing rent or torn; their Cloaths will wear out soon enough, they say, without their tearing them; yet, in their Feathers, Crests, and such-like military Ornaments, they are over-curious, or rather proud; especially, the _Veterans_ in the Rear, you would think a whole Wood of walking Feathers were in their Fire-stars and Frontals; after them their Officer and Commanders follow on Horseback, distinguished each by his proper Ensign. In the last Place marches their _Aga_, or General. Then succeed the chief Courtiers, amongst whom are the _Bashaws_; then the Foot of their Prince’s Life-Guard in a particular Habit, carrying their Bows bent in their Hands, for they are all Archers; next the Prince’s Led-Horses, all with curious Trappings. He himself rode on a stately Prancer, looking sour, with his Brows bent, as if he had been angry; behind him came three Youths, one carrying a Flagon of Water, another his Cloak, another his Bow. Then followed some Eunuchs of the Bed-Chamber; and, at last, a Troop of about Two Hundred Horse closed the Procession.

After I had the Satisfaction of viewing all this, my only care was now to appease my Hostess, she that at my entrance spake to me in _Spanish_, for I heard she was very familiar with _Rustan_’s Wife, and therefore I was afraid she would represent things unhandsomely against me; to prevent which, I sent for her, and told her she should have remembered her Bargain, and not have shut her Door against me who had hired a Room; but, though you, said I, don’t remember your Promise, I’ll perform mine; yea, I will be better than my word: I promis’d you but seven Pistoles, but here’s ten for you, that so you may not repent your Admittance of me into your House. When the Woman thus unexpectedly saw her Hand fill’d with Gold, she was presently melted down into a Compliance, and the whole Synagogue of them fell to Compliments and giving me thanks; and the Woman that was Crony to _Rustan_’s Wife, made one in the Consort, for she always, in my Landlady’s name, gave me great Thanks. They offered me _Grecian_ Wine and a Banquet, which I refused, but with great Acclamations of all the _Jews_, made haste to be gone, that I might manage a new Dispute with my _Chiaux_, for keeping my Doors fasten’d, when I should have come forth.

I found him sitting mournfully in my Porch, where he began a long Complaint, that I ought not to have gone abroad without his Consent, nor have broke open the Door: that I had violated the Law of Nations thereby, and such like stuff. I replied, in short, that, if he had come betimes in the Morning as he promised, he had prevented all this; his breach of Promise had occasioned it, for his Intent was only to deceive me. I demanded also of him, whether he look’d upon me as an Ambassador, or a Prisoner? As an Ambassador, says he. If you think me a Prisoner, said I, then I am not an fit Instrument to make a Peace, for a Prisoner is not his own Man; but if an Ambassador, as you confess, then why am I not a Free-man? Why can’t I go abroad when I will? Captives use to be shut up, not Ambassadors: Liberty is granted to such in all Nations; they may claim it as their publick due: He ought to know, that he was not appointed to be my Serjeant, or Keeper, but to assist me, (as he himself used to say) with his good Offices, that so no other Man might do any Injury to me or mine.

Hereupon he turns to the _Janizaries_, and quarrels with them, for giving me Advice, and helping my Servants, to break open the Doors. They said, I had no need of their Advice: I commanded them to open them, and they obeyed; there was no great Difficulty in it, the Doors were old, and flew open presently; there was nothing either lost or broken. Thus the _Chiaux_ was forced to hold his Peace, and I never heard any more of the matter.

A while after, I had also leave to pass over the Sea, for the _Turks_ judged it conducing to their Affairs, to treat me nobly in their Camp, as the Ambassador of a Prince in Alliance with them; and to that end, I had a handsome Lodging provided for me near their Camp, where I had all the Conveniences imaginable. I lived there three Months, and had the opportunity to view the Camp of the _Turks_, which was extended all over the neighbouring Fields, and to discover some parts of their Discipline: You will not find fault with me, if I acquaint you with something thereof. Know then, that I cloathed myself as _Christians_ do in that Country, and with one or two Attendants walked up and down their Camp _incognito_. The first thing I saw, was, the Soldiers of each Body quartered with great Order in their several Ranks, and that with a great deal of Silence, (’tis far otherwise in _Christian_ Camps) all hush; not a Quarrel, nor the least Disorder or Noise amongst them in their Jollities. Besides, they are wonderfully cleanly; no Dung-hill or Noisom smell to offend the Eye or Ear; all their Ordure they bury under Ground, or throw it far enough off. When they have occasion to ease Nature, they dig a Pit with a Spade, and there bury their Excrements; so that there is no ill smell at all. Besides, there are no Drinking-matches amongst them, no playing with Cards or Dice, (the Bane of the _Christian_ Army!) I only heard one _Hungarian_ common Soldier playing a doleful Ditty on a ill-tuned Harp, and his Companions were howling rather than singing to it; it was the last Words of a Fellow-Soldier, who died of his Wounds on the grassy Bank of the _Danow_; he adjured that River, as her Streams were gliding to his own Country, to commend him to his Friends there, and tell them that he died no ignoble, nor unrevenged Death for the glory of their Nation, and encrease of their Religion. His Fellows groaned out, _Thrice happy he! O that our Case were like his!_ For you must know, the _Turks_ are of opinion, That no Souls go more directly to Heaven, than those of valiant Men, who lost their lives in the Field; and that Virgins do pour out daily Prayers to God for their Safety.

I had a mind to pass through the Shambles, that I might see what Flesh was sold there; I saw only four or five Weathers at most, hung up dress’d; they were the Shambles of the _Janizaries_, who were at least 4000. I wondred so little Flesh could suffice so many; and was answered, They used but little Flesh, but great part of their Diet was brought from _Constantinople_. When I demanded, _What that was_, they shewed me a _Janizary_ near at hand, who was lying down, and boiling Turnips, Leeks, Garlick, Parsnips, and Cucumbers. He seasoned them with Salt and Vinegar, and, Hunger being his best Sauce, eat them as heartily, as if they had been Partridge or Pheasant.

Their Drink was that which is common to all Animals, _viz._ _Water_; by this frugality, they consult the Health of their Bodies, and also the saving of their Money. And the very time wherein they did this, caused me to admire the more; it was their Fast, (or, as we call it, _Lent_) at which time among _Christians_, even in well-govern’d Cities, as well as in Camps, there is nothing but Sporting, Dancing, Singing, Revelling, Drunkenness, and such like Madness; insomuch, that a _Turkish_ Envoy coming once, at that time of the Year, reported at his return, That the _Christians_ at certain times grew mad and raging, but sprinkling themselves with a sort of Ashes in their Temples, they recovered their Wits again, so that they did not seem the same Men; thereby denoting _Ash-Wednesday_, and its Eve. The _Turks_, hearing this, were struck with a great Amazement, because they have many Medicines amongst them which cause Madness, but very few that procure a speedy recovery from it.

For the Days immediately preceding their Fasts, they do not alter their private way of living in their Worshipping; rather on the contrary, they abridge themselves of some of their daily Commons, that they may prepare for their Fasts, lest a sudden Abstinence might be prejudicial to their Healths.

The time of their Fast is so appointed, that every Year it comes fifteen Days sooner than the former; the reason is, because they fill not the twelve yearly spaces of the Moon: Hence it comes to pass, that their Fast kept in the early Spring, after six Years, happens at the beginning of Summer; for they measure their Fasts by the course of the Moon, and there are none more irksom to them, than those which fall out in the long Summer-days; for, while they Fast, not a bit, nor so much as a drop of Water, goes down (neither dare they so much as wash their Mouths therewith) before the Star appear in the Evening, the longest Day of Abstinence, being hot, and of course dusty, must needs be very tedious, especially to the poorer sort, who live by their Labour: Yet, before Sun-rise (though not after) while yet the Stars shine in the Firmament, it is lawful for them to eat; and therefore they better endure their Winter Fasts. And that they may not be deceived by the darkness of the Weather, their Priests hang out Lights in Paper-Lanthorns from the top of their _Mosque_, (from whence they are wont, by sound of Voice to call them to the Prayers, as we do by Bells): And this shews that their Eating-time is come; whereupon entring presently into their Temples, and worshipping God in their way, they return to Supper.

In the close of their Summer-Falls, I once saw a great many of them go into a Tavern over-against my Lodging, (where Ice from Mount _Olympus_ in _Asia_ was always to be sold) and there they ask’d for Icy water, which they drank jetting strangely backwards; for the _Turks_ count it profane either to Eat, Drink or Piss in a standing posture, unless in case of Necessity; but they do it bending their Bodies, as Women do with us when they make Water. And whereas in the dusk of the Evening I could not well discern the meaning of that Posture, I was told that most of them drank a draught of cold Water, to make way for their Meat, for otherwise it would stick to their Jaws and they could not swallow it; and, besides, this moisture of their Palate did quicken their Appetites.

In their Diet they are not choice, and after their Fasts they may eat any Meat which was lawful for them to do at other Times. If they fall sick, they omit their Fasts, but with this condition, that when they recover they must fast so many Days over, as they neglected before. But when they are near an Enemy, and ready to fight, lest Fasting should weaken their Bodies, they are allowed to eat; and if a blind Superstition restrains some of them, then their Emperor, at Noon, in the sight of his whole Army eats his Dinner, and by his Example they are all encouraged to do the same.

They use Wine at no time of the Year, they count it profane and irreligious so to do; especially, they abhor it on their Fasts; then no Man is so much as to smell to it, much less to taste it.

I often ask’d, why _Mahomet_ was so strict, as to forbid his Followers the use of Wine? In answer to my demand, they told me this Story, that _Mahomet_ making a Journey to his Friend, at Noon entred into a House where there was a Marriage-Feast, and setting down with the Guests, he observed them to be very merry and jovial, kissing and embracing one another, which was attributed to the chearfulness of their Spirits raised by the Wine; so that he blessed the sacred Juice, as being an Inspirer of much Love amongst Men: But returning to the same House the next Day, he beheld another face of Things; as Gore-blood on the ground, a Hand cut off, an Arm, Foot, and other Limbs dismember’d; and these, he was told, were the effects of the Brawls and Fightings occasioned by the Wine, which made them mad, and destroy one another: Whereupon he changed his Mind, turning his former _Blessing_ into a _Curse_, and forbidding it, as an Abomination, to all his Disciples for ever.

For this Reason all was quiet in the Camp, and the greatest Composure imaginable, especially at their Feast-time: So much did Camp-Discipline, and a Strictness received from their Ancestors prevail upon them!

The _Turks_ punish all Vice and Wickedness very severely; their Punishments are, loss of their Places, sale of their Goods, basting with Clubs, Death: But Club-basting is most common, from which the _Janizaries_ themselves are not free; though they may not, as such, be put to death. Their lighter Offences are chastised by the Club; their more heinous by cashiering or degrading, which they count worse than Death, because commonly they are put to Death afterwards; for being stripp’d of the Ensigns of _Janizaries_, they are banish’d to the farthest Garrison of the Empire, where they live contemptible and inglorious, till, upon any light Occasion, they are put to Death; yet not as _Janizaries_, but as common Soldiers only.

And here let me acquaint you with the Patience of the _Turks_ in receiving that Punishment; they’ll receive sometimes an hundred Blows on their Legs, their Feet and Buttocks, with wonderful Patience; so that diver’s Clubs are broke, and the Executioner cries out, _Give me another!_ Yea, sometimes the Chastisement is so severe, that several pieces of torn Flesh must be cut off from the wounded Parts, before any thing can be applied to cure them. Yet for all this, they must go to their Officer, who commanded them to be punish’d; they must kiss his Hand, and give him Thanks; nay, they must also give the Executioner a Reward for beating them. The Club they are beaten with, they count _sacred_, and that it fell down from Heaven, as the _Romans_ counted their _Shield_ to do; and, as some Relief to their Misery, they count those Parts wounded with the Rod or Club, to be free from any Purgations, and Expiations after this Life.

When I told you, that the _Turk_’s Camps were free from Broils and Tumults, I must except one, which was made by my own Men: The occasion of it was this. Some of my Servants had a mind to ramble out of the Camp, without any _Janizaries_ to attend them; only taking some _Italian_ Renegadoes that professed the _Turk’s Religion_. Let me tell you, by the way, that these _Italians_ are of good use in that Country, especially in redeeming Captives; for they come to their Masters, and pretend they are either their Kinsmen, or their Countrymen, and therefore, out of Compassion to them, they desire to buy them as their Patrons, for a Price agreed, and so they set them free: But if a _Christian_ should make the same proffer to them, they would either refuse, or hold him to a far higher Rate.