Part 16

But to return: Some of my People, as I told you, gadding abroad, they happened to meet some _Janizaries_, who came from Swimming and Washing themselves in the Sea, without the Badges of their Order on their Heads, only some Linnen being very slightly wrapped about them. These _Janizaries_ revil’d my People, knowing them to be _Christians_; for that’s the way of the _Turks_, to reproach _Christians_; ’tis a Principle of their Religion, and they think thereby to incline us to exchange our Religion for a better, as they count theirs to be. My Folks being thus provoked, return Jeer for Jeer, from Words they came to Blows, the _Italians_ assisting my Men. The cause of the Scuffle was, that one of the _Janizaries_ lost the Linnen Covering off his Head, which was thrown I know not whither: Hereupon the _Janizaries_ hurry away to their General, complaining of their Wrongs and Damage received by my Servants; for they watch’d them, and found them return’d to my House. Their General presently sent for my Interpreter, who was present at the Conflict: He was seiz’d upon sitting at my Door, and they were pulling him away. I beheld it from a Gallery above, and was much concern’d, that any of my Family should be taken forcibly from me without my Consent, to be carried to the _Bastinado_, (for I understood something of the Matter before); and I could not imagine he would be return’d to me without being well beaten, he being one of the _Turk_’s Subjects. Whereupon I ran down, and laid hold on him, commanding them to let him go. They quitted him with much ado, but hasted immediately with far more grievous Complaints to their General, who commanded more of their Company to go and seize those _Italians_, who of _Christians_ are said to have become _Turks_; yet he charged them to offer no Violence to me, or to the House where I lodged. They came back presently, and with a great Noise and many Threats, demanded those _Italians_; but they, foreseeing what would come to pass, had sailed back to _Constantinople_. Much Clamour there was on both sides; at last my _Chiaux_ at that time, who was an old decrepid Man, out of a jeer thrust some Pistoles into their Hands unknown to me, to buy a new Bonnet in the room of that which was lost; and thus the Dispute ended.

I have been the more punctual in relating this Story, because, on this occasion, I understood from _Rustan_’s own Mouth, what Opinion the _Sultan_ had of the _Janizaries_: For he, hearing of this Scuffle, sent a Messenger to me, to desire me to cut off all occasion of Dispute with the _Janizaries_ as the worst of Men. You know, said he, ’tis a time of War, whereby _they_ may be said to reign, rather than the _Sultan_, who himself stands in fear of them. This he spake, as being well acquainted with the Sentiments of _Solyman_, who always suspected some Men of their own to lie in wait against their _Militia_, who would break out when he had no Opportunity to prevent them.

And the Truth is, though there may be some use of a standing Guard and _Militia_, yet there are also many Inconveniences attending it, of which this is the chief. Their Emperor is very fearful of them, lest, having the Sword in their Hands, they should alter the Government as they pleas’d, of which there had been many Precedents; yet, there are ways also, whereby this may be prevented.

While I was in their Camp, there came _Albertus de Ubiis_, a worthy and learned Person, born I think at _Amsterdam_, as an Envoy from my Master _Cæsar_. He brought with him some Presents for their _Sultan_, as some Goblets gilt with Gold, with a Clock neatly made, and carried like a Tower on an Elephant’s Back; as also some Money to be distributed, amongst the _Bashaws_. _Solyman_ would have me deliver these Presents in the Camp, that the Amity betwixt Him and my Master might be more publickly known, and so no Danger at all to be feared from the _Christian_ Arms.

But to return to _Bajazet_, after the Fight at _Iconium_, who retired to his Government of _Amasia_, pretending to live quietly there, if his Father would permit him so to do. For why? He had sown his wild Oats, and for the future seem’d pliable to obey his Father’s Will; and for this he employed sundry Persons to carry submissive Letters to his Father, begging his Pardon: Neither did _Solyman_ pretend that he was averse to a Reconciliation with his Son, and therefore he admitted his Messengers into his Presence. He read his Letters, and answered them mildly: So that the Report was spread over all the Army, what an Agreement was like to be between Father and Son; what he had done amiss, was to be imputed to the hot Blood of his youthful Age, provided he would shew himself obsequious for the residue of his Life. This _Solyman_ did by the Advice of his _Bashaws_; for the cunning old Man would not declare himself, till he had brought _Bajazet_ into the Noose of his own Power. He was terribly afraid, lest out of Desperation he should march furiously into _Persia_ (his only place of Refuge,) with such furious Expedition, that all his _Sanziacks_ should not be able to get before him. To prevent which Mistakes, he sent many Letters to all the Governors upon the Borders, to watch _Bajazet_, and not to suffer him to escape, if he should attempt it.

In the mean time, he put all those of _Bajazet_’s Party, that he could get into his Hands, to the Rack; and when he had sifted out of them what he could, he put them privately to Death; amongst which were some that _Bajazet_ had sent to clear him to his Father.

The Kingdom of _Persia_ at that time contained all the Countries between the _Caspian_ Sea, and the Seas of _Persia_, with some part of _Armenia_ the Greater, (though _Solyman_, by taking _Babylon_, _Mesopotamia_, and part of _Media_, had abridged their Empire very much) and other distant Countries even to the Empire of the _Homamia Patisach_, as the _Turks_ call him, and over that last part of Land _Sagthamas_ was King: The Father had been formerly over-thrown by _Selimus_ in a great Fight in the field of _Chalderon_; and from that time the _Persian_ Affairs began to decline, for _Solyman_ a fierce Engineer press’d upon the very Face of them; and _Thamas_, being much inferior to his Father in Courage, made but weak Defence: For he was wholly given up to Sloth and Idleness, and would sit in his Palace amongst a croud of Harlots, amorously pleasing his Humour; and sometimes consulting Magicians concerning future Events: He had little Care of administring public Justice to his People. This Neglect of his opened the Door to all Injustice and Oppression in every part of his Empire: For the Strong oppressed the Weaker, and Innocence could find no Justice or Defence in his Court.

The _Persians_, however, have so sacred an Opinion of their Prince, that they believe him happy, that can but kiss the Gates of his Palace; and the Water wherein he washes his Hands, they use for the cure of several Diseases. He hath many Children, but the most promising is _Ismael_, like his Grandfather both in Name and Nature; a beautiful Prince, and a capital Enemy to the Race of the _Ottomans_. ’Tis reported that he was brought forth into the World, with his Fist all bloody, whence it was in every body’s Mouth, that he would be a warlike Person; and when he was but young he confirmed that Report, by obtaining a great Victory over the _Turks_. But when his Father made Peace with _Solyman_, ’twas agreed betwixt them, that _Ismael_ should be sent Prisoner into the Bowels of his Kingdom, that he might be no Obstacle to the intended Agreement: And yet, as ill us’d as he is, after his Father’s Death, ’tis thought, he will succeed in the Empire.

But _Solyman_ fearing that _Sagthamas_, (or, as we call him, the _Sophi_) would be more mindful of old Grudges, than of the late Peace to which he was in a manner compell’d; and that, if his Son went thither, he should have much ado to get him thence; and perhaps it might occasion a long War between the Empires, did use his utmost endeavour to stop or take him, before he could come thither. The old Man had not forgot that, a few Years before, _Helcas_, _Thamas_’s Brother, had fled to him, and had been supported by him, and it cost his Brother dear to recover him; and therefore he feared that _Thamas_ would pay him in his own Coin, and perhaps recover by the Sword all the Countries he had taken from him. The Design of _Solyman_ was kept very secret, yet _Bajazet_’s Friends smelt it out, and therefore advised him by no means to trust his Father, but to consult his own Safety, by what way soever he could. And _Bajazet_ was persuaded so to do upon a small occasion, as little Matters often give Weight to greater. There was a Soldier of _Bajazet_’s taken in _Solyman_’s Camp, and hang’d up as a Spy, because _Bajazet_ had listed him, after his Father had given him strict Charge to list no more Soldiers. This was warning enough to _Bajazet_ to pack up and be gone. Now _Solyman_ thought himself sure of _Bajazet_; and, to deceive him the more, he caused his Army to begin their March to _Constantinople_ the Day after _Easter_. But _Bajazet_, immediately after Prayers upon _Easter-Day_, gave Orders for marching with Bag and Baggage, and began his unfortunate Voyage to _Persia_. He knew well enough that he went to the old Enemy of the _Ottoman_ House, but was resolv’d to try the mercy of any body, rather than fall into his Father’s Hands. There marched out with him all that were able to bear Arms; none were left behind but weak Persons, Women and Children, that were not able to bear the fatigue of so long a Journey; amongst which was a new-born Child of his own, with his Mother, whose Innocency he thought would protect them from his Father’s Cruelty, and therefore he thought it best to leave them to his Clemency, rather than make them Companions of his woeful and miserable Fight; and the truth is, _Solyman_, as yet uncertain what would become of the Father, spared the Life of his Infant-Son at present, and sent him to be educated at _Prusia_.

I would have return’d to _Constantinople_, the Day before _Easter_, but had a great mind to see, how the _Turks_ did observe that Festival; and I was not sure that ever I should have so fair an Opportunity again. They were to celebrate it in the open Field, before the Emperor’s own Tent. I, therefore, ordered my Servants to take a Room in the Tent of a _Turkish_ Soldier, that stood on a rising Ground, and look’d down on _Solyman_’s Tent, which was over against it. Thither went I at Sun-rising, where, in an open Plain, I beheld a vast multitude of turbanted Heads silently standing, and taking down the last Words of their Priest. Every Rank was ranged orderly, and standing, that in the open Field they seemed to be a Wall one to another: The most Honourable had their Station next the Emperor’s Train, uppermost in the Camp, and their Turbants as white as Snow. Such diversity of Colours did affect me with a great deal of Pleasure, and the rather, because they stood unmoveable, as if they had grown upon the Place; not a Cough hawking to spit, nor any Sound to be heard; no, nor the least moving of the Head to look backward, or about them. At the Name of _Mahomet_, they all, as one Man, bowed their Heads, even to the Knee; but when the Name of God was pronounced, they all fell prostrate on their Faces, and kissed the Ground.

And the Truth is, the _Turks_ are very ceremonious and attentive in the acts of their religious Worship; for, if a Man doth but scratch his Head when he prays, they think his Prayer is lost. For thus say they, if a Man composes his Body so reverently, even when he speaks but to a _Bashaw_, how much more becoming is that Observance towards God, who is infinitely greater than the greatest of Men?

After Prayers, the whole Congregation was discharged, and they ran up and down ranging over the Fields. A while after the Emperor’s Dinner is served up, which the _Janizaries_ carry away Dish by Dish, and eat it with a great deal of Mirth and Drollery. ’Tis an old allowed Custom for them so to do, on that day, their Emperor being provided of a Dinner elsewhere. When I had beheld their Show, I returned with great Pleasure to _Constantinople_.

The remainder of my Talk, is, to acquaint you what become of _Bajazet_, and then I shall ease you of the trouble of Reading, and my self of Writing. He, as I told you, with his invincible Band, march’d out of _Amasia_ with such Speed, that his coming prevented the Report thereof; and those _Bashaws_, who designed to observe his Motion, he came upon unawares. He put a notable Cheat upon the _Bashaw_ of _Suvas_; for whereas, there were two ways in his Province by which he might march, and the _Bashaw_ had beset the chiefest of them; he sent some before him that pretended to be Run-a-ways, to inform him, he was gone the farthest way about; which giving Credit to, he removed his Troops thither to prevent him, and so left _Bajazet_ a free Passage.

He put the like Trick upon the _Bashaw_ of _Erzerumen_; for, knowing that the Passage through the Province would be very hazardous, he sent some before him with a counterfeit Message, to salute him, and tell him, that his Misfortunes had reduced him to the most miserable Condition, and therefore he desired him that he might rest a day or two in his Province, at least to get his Horses fed, and new shod.

The _Bashaw_ granted his Request, whereas, it was not a commiserating his Case, or that he favoured his Side, but, perhaps, that he might amuse him a little till he had got all his Troops together to ensnare him; for they were scattered, as not dreaming he would be so soon upon him. However, _Bajazet_ march’d continually on, allowing his Men no rest by day, and very little at Night. The _Bashaw_ of _Erzerumen_ seeing himself deceived, made haste to join himself with the other _Bashaws_ in his Flight.

For, you must know, as soon as _Solyman_ heard his Son was gone from _Amasia_, he commanded a great many _Sanziacks_ and _Bashaw_ to follow, and upon pain of Death, to bring him either alive or dead: But all in vain, for _Bajazet_ fled faster than they could pursue. The _Bashaws_ aforementioned, paid dear enough for letting him escape; for _Solyman_ put him out of his Place, but _Selimus_ put him to Death, together with his two Boys, though not before they had been most detestably used. _Selimus_ and _Mehemet Bassa_, and the _Beglerbeg_ of _Greece_, pursued _Bajazet_ at a greater distance. _Solyman_ was much troubled when he heard of his Escape, as being well assured, he would make towards _Persia_; and thereupon he was about to gather all his Forces, both Horse and Foot, together, and so march away to declare War against _Persia_: But his wiser Counsellors stopped his March, alledging the hazard he would run amongst an ungrateful Soldiery: And besides, say they, what if _Bajazet_ out of his Temerity and Rashness should send a Company about _Pontus_ and the _Palus Mæotis_, and so march back to _Constantinople_, in the Emperor’s Absence, where he might, by promising Liberty to Captives, and to the _Agiamoglans_, get upon the Throne, now vacant? These Advices restrained _Solyman_ from his Intention.

_Bajazet_, all along his March, caused Labels to be fixed to the Doors of the Houses, that he would give double Pay to all the Soldiers that would revolt to him; which made _Solyman_’s Soldiers suspected by their Officers, and the rather, because the common Soldiers talked very freely in favour of _Bajazet_. After much ado, _Bajazet_ escaped to the River _Araxes_, which is the Bounds betwixt the two Empires of _Turkey_ and _Persia_; and after he had pass’d this River, he scarce thought himself secure, but appointed some of his own Soldiers to guard the Banks, that so the pursuing _Sanziacks_ might not pass over: They, however, being but few, were easily discomfited before the _Turkish_ Commanders pass’d farther into _Persia_; till at last they met with a great Body of _Persian_ Horse, whose Commanders demanded of them, why they invaded another Prince’s Territories? Their Answer was, they were to fetch the fugitive Son of their own Prince. The _Persians_ told ’em, ’twas contrary to the League to come armed into their Dominions; there was Peace betwixt _Sagthamas_ and _Solyman_, which they ought not to violate: As for _Bajazet_, their Prince would do what was fitting; in the mean time they should retreat to their own Country. With this Reprimand they direct their March backward. In the mean time Messengers are immediately sent from _Persia_ to _Bajazet_, to bid him return, and to know the cause of his coming, and also to spy out what Forces he had brought with him. _Bajazet_ answers, that his Brother’s Insolency, and his Father’s Displeasure, had driven him out of his own Country, and he was come to _Persia_, as the only Refuge for an oppressed Prince; and therefore, in consideration of the uncertainty of future Affairs, he hoped he would afford him Protection, being destitute of all Things. The _Persian_ answered, he was not well advised to repair to him who had made a Peace with his Father; by which they were both bound to serve the same Friend and Enemy, and that League he could not violate: Nevertheless, since he was come, he bid him welcome, and promised he would do his utmost to reconcile him to his Father. Thus his first Entertainment in _Persia_ was promising enough; nought but Congratulations, Feastings, friendly Entertainments, and Merrymakings, by which subtle Men disguise their Meanings; nay, there was a talk of a Match between _Orchanes_, _Bajazet_’s Son, and one of the _Sophi_’s Daughters; and they gave him Hopes, that the _Sophi_ would never be at quiet, till _Solyman_ had bestowed upon him the Government of _Mesopotamia_, or _Babylon_, or _Arzerum_; for there, say they, you may live commodiously without Fear, as being at a great distance, both from your Brother and your Father too; and if either of them should deal hardly with you, you will have a Father-in-law to fly to, who will afford you Sanctuary. Such Discourses were received among the Vulgar, to divert _Bajazet_’s thoughts from the apprehension of present Danger. The _Sophi_ sent many Ambassadors to _Solyman_ on this Errand; but whether he dealt sincerely with _Bajazet_ to reconcile him to his Father, or no, might be a great question, since in the mean time, he contrived all ways to destroy him; for _Sagthamas_ was in a mighty Fear, lest he should nourish a Serpent in his Bosom, and that which encreased his Rancour, was, the wicked design of some, who persuaded _Bajazet_ to attempt the destroying of _Sagthamas_; for one of _Bajazet_’s Commanders was heard to say, _Why do we not kill this Heretick, and possess his Kingdoms? For, without doubt, he will one day be the Ruin of us all._ These wild Discourses coming to _Sagthamas_’s Ears, put him upon a Project more necessary than plausible; for _Bajazet_ had not many Forces, but very warlike ones; and there were many valiant Men among them that were ready to attempt any Invasion, and therefore he had reason to fear. He was conscious, also, that he had added new Kingdoms to his own, as being conquer’d on pretence of Religion; and who would secure such sickly Subjects, who were weary of their present State, and coveted a Change? To these nothing could be more reasonable than the coming of _Bajazet_. As yet, however, he is more in my Power, than I am in his, and therefore it were best to improve the Opportunity, and treat him no longer as a Guest, but as an Enemy to be chained up. To compass which, no Method was more adviseable than to sever him from his Forces, for then he may be more easily trapp’d; by open Force ’tis hard to seize him, his Soldiers being well train’d and disciplin’d, but mine slothful, unaccustomed to Arms, and, besides, at a great Distance one from another. Hereupon _Bajazet_ was advised to disband his Army as unnecessary. He could not withstand the Proposal, though Intelligent Men foresaw the Danger and Consequence: But, alas! He that was under another Man’s Roof, must now be at their Beck, who maintained him; especially, since it would breed a Suspicion, if he entertained so much as a thought of Perfidiousness in his Host that entertained him. Hereupon his Men were divided, never to see one another again, and quartered where the _Persians_ pleased; and, being put here and there, were, very shortly after slain by them, and their Arms, Horses, and all else they had, fell a prey to the superior Numbers of the Destroyers. At the same time _Bajazet_ was clapp’d up in Prison, with his Children; and, to encrease the indignity of the Thing, he was haled even from a Feast, to a Dungeon.

Thus have I satisfied your Desire, in acquainting you with what has been hitherto done with _Bajazet_: ’Tis time now to consider what will become of him for the future: Some think he will retreat to _Babylon_, or such-like Province, on the Borders of each Empire, to be _Sanziack_ thereof. Others think it a desperate Case, and that there is no hope of his Life, either from _Solyman_ or _Sagthamas_; but that he will either be sent back hither to be put to Death, or strangled in Prison there.

For the _Persian_ weighed every thing in his Thoughts, when he put _Bajazet_ in Prison; he knew him to be of an aspiring and courageous Spirit, far superior to his Brother; and that, if he should succeed his Father in the Empire, it might do _Persia_ much more Mischief than ever _Selimus_ could; for he was but a slothful Prince, and not at all for a War, and therefore some thought he would never escape out of his Hands; for to be sure he can never be a Friend to one he hath injured so much. Some think one thing, and some another: For my part, I think it will be an intricate Business. For, as _Bajazet_ is in Troubles, and the Issue undetermin’d, they will not easily make War on _Christendom_ at this Juncture. They labour to obtrude on me certain conditions of Peace, having some Letters that will please my Master, but they allow me no Copy of them, as heretofore they used to do; so that I suspect Fraud in the case, and therefore do peremptorily refuse to send those Letters to _Cæsar_, unless I first know their Contents; and if they deceive me by a false Copy, then the Blame lies at their Door, not at mine: By this means I shall free my Master from answering their captious Letters; for I am sure he will accept of no conditions of Peace but such as are honourable. But, you’ll say, if you refuse to accept of their conditions of Peace, ’tis one step towards a War. Let that be as it will, I judge it more adviseable to leave all free to the events of future Ages: But the not sending their Letters, if that be a Crime, I shall take up on my self; and I shall easily clear my self, if the Issue of _Bajazet_’s Affairs do not answer their Expectation; since it is yet very difficult, though not impossible, for the _Turks_ are not irreconcileable to those Ambassadors, who study to do their Master the best Service they can amongst them. And besides, the declining Age of my Prince will be some advantage to me, who the _Bashaws_ thinks is fitter for rest and quiet, than for the Fatigues of an unnecessary War. ’Tis true, my Pains will be prolonged hereby, but I shall think them best bestowed, if they succeed at last.