The History of the Life and Death of Sultan Solyman the Magnificent, Emperor of the Turks, and of His son Mustapha
Date: 2016-11-05T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Süleyman I; Sultan of the Turks; 1494 or 1495-1566; Turkey -- History -- Süleyman I; 1520-1566

The Project Gutenberg eBook of The History of the Life and Death of Sultan Solyman the Magnificent, Emperor of the Turks, and of His son Mustapha

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The History of the Life and Death of Sultan Solyman the Magnificent, Emperor of the Turks, and of His son Mustapha

Author: Unknown

Release date: November 5, 2016 [eBook #53452]
Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Turgut Dincer (This book was produced from
images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SULTAN SOLYMAN THE MAGNIFICENT, EMPEROR OF THE TURKS, AND OF HIS SON MUSTAPHA ***

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 Mæandrum 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.

(C) Aga of the Janizaries, that is General of the first warlike Body of the Empire. In former times, they were composed of the Sons of Christian Slaves, but now they are augmented in a great Body, upwards of an hundred thousand Men, that have by their number the disposal of the Turkish Empire, and are very willing for a new Change; for generally the Successor of the Empire, at his ascending the throne, gives this body of Troops a Largess or Present, that as soon as receiv’d makes them willing to with another Emperor.

(D) Constantinople, by the Turks called Stamboul, (formerly Byzantium) took its name from Constantine the Great, who himself gave it the name of New Rome; where he establish’d a Senate, with every other Constitution, according to ancient Rome.

(E) Belgrade (the ancient Alba Græca) built on the River Save, near its Fall into the Danube, is the Capital of Rascia, a Province of Hungary; it has often chang’d its Masters, though for many ages the Bulwark of the Christians against the Othomans. Amurath II. lost the best part of his Army before it. His Son Mahomet was forced to raise the Siege with infinite loss, by a Stratagem of the heroick John Huniades. He suffer’d a large Body of the Enemy to enter the Town, who immediately fell to plundering; in the mean time, he made a Tally upon the remaining Troops without, and put them to flight; then turning their own Cannon on the Plunderers, forced them to abandon the City, leaving their Tents, Baggage, Provision, and Ammunition behind them. In the Year 1521, it was taken by this Solyman, after a furious Siege of two Months. It remain’d in the hands of the Othomans, till the Year 1688, when the Imperialists took it by storm; fix hundred Christian Slaves were chain’d together, and by the Turks placed in a rank before them, who by that means secured themselves, as well as Christians from the furious Attacks of the Germans. It was retaken by the Turks two Years after, by an accidental Bomb falling into their Magazine of Powder, that near half the Garrison were destroy’d, with the Fortifications of the City. Pope Leo X. made it a Bishoprick.

(F) Rhodes (Rhodus) is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea, near fifty Leagues in compass; the Capital City, that Solyman besieg’d, takes its name from the Island. Rhodes was once famous for a mighty Colossus dedicated to the Sun, of such a monstrous size that Vessels sail’d in the Harbour between its Legs: it was seventy Cubits high. The Brass of this Statue, (after it was thrown down by an Earthquake) loaded seventy-two Camels, and was transported to Alexandria in Egypt, when it was taken by Muhavia the Sultan. Rhodes is seated seven Leagues from the nearest Coast of Asia to the South, forty-seven from Candi (another Island in the Mediterranean, made famous by the Poets by the name of Crete) to the North-East, and a hundred and sixty Leagues from Constantinople to the South. It was first peopled by Javan, the Grandson of Japhet, before any part of Greece was inhabited: in a few ages after, the Phœnicians (famous for spreading Traffic over the World that was then known) possess’d it. It was made a Roman Province by Vespasian. In 654 it was taken by the Saracens: in 1124 it was conquer’d by Venetians it was taken in the Year 1227 by John Ducas, Admiral of the Greeks: in 1283, it fell with all lesser Asia into the hands of the Othomans: in 1310, it was taken (after a four Years Siege) by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, under Fulk Villers, an Englishman, afterwards Grand Master of the Order. It was vainly attempted twice by Mahomet II; till taken by Treachery by Solyman the Magnificent. The Knights of Rhodes retir’d to Sicily; till the Year 1530, Charles V. gave them the Grant of the Island of Malta, where they have flourish’d ever since, often checking the Insults of the Turkish maritime Power.

(G) Sophia, the Capital City of Bulgaria, a Province of Hungary, now in the hands of the Othomans. (The Turks are called Othomans, from Othoman, the first Founder of their Empire.) ’Tis seated on the River Ciabrum. It is famous for a General Council that met in the Year 347, which condemn’d the Proceedings of the Council of Nice, a City of Bythinia, that met in the year 325. There it another City of that name in Provence.

(H) Mohatz, a strong Town in Lower Hungary upon the Danube.

(I) Buda is the Capital of the Kingdom of Hungary formerly a rich and strong City, before it fell into the hands of the Othomans, who deftroy’d most of the stately Edifices: it lies on the west of the River Danube over-against the Town of Peste and join’d to it by a Bridge of Boats, the Stream being too rapid, and wide to admit of any other. In the year 1179 Pope Nicholas III, and Ladislaus King of Hungary held a Council here. It is divided in two Parts, the Upper and the Lower; in the Lower Town there are now many Baths, both cold and hot, very finely adorn’d by the Turks to perform their Abdest or Washing, before they enter their Mosques or Places of Devotion. It was taken by this Solyman 1526, and retaken by Ferdinand Archduke Of Austria 1527; Solyman retook it again 1529, after the Garrison had bravely defended it in eleven vigorous Assaults. Ferdinand in 1541 attack’d it, when the Siege was raised by our Solyman. It was twice besieg’d by the Christians without success in 1598, and in 1601: in 1680 the Duke of Lorrain besieg’d it without success; but in 1686 took it by storm, after a noble Defence, tho’ an Army of fifty thousand Turks look’d on. The Duke found there the famous Library of the Hungarian Kings, inlarg’d by Matthias Corvinus, entire, which he transported to Vienna; four hundred pieces of Cannon and Mortars, three hundred thousand gold Ducats, besides many rich Vessels of Gold and Silver, magnificent Furniture, and other valuable things.

(K) Vienna, the Capital of Germany, seated on the Danube, circled by that River, as Shrewsbury is by the Severn, it is one of the largest Cities in Germany, as well as the strongest, and the Residence of the Emperor.

(L) Lintz, a Capital City of the Upper Austria, built upon the Danube, with a handsome Bridge over that river; ’tis a well-fortified, strong, and populous place. The Emperor has a castle for Pleasure, where he often retires from Business. It stands about thirty Miles from Vienna.

(M) Circumcision is not one of the five Points which makes a true Mohametan, but by Tradition brought from the Arabians. The Othomans never perform this Ceremony, till the male Child is upwards of seven Years old. The Operator is a Surgeon. When the Child is recover’d of his Wound, he is placed on horseback, and led through the chief Streets of the Town, attended by the Iman (or Priest) with Children of its own Age. Till the Child is perfectly cured, the Parents make a great Feast, inviting their Relations and Acquaintance to partake of their Mirth. Grown People, or those that turn from the Christian Religion (called Renegadoes) ride in triumph, with a Dart in their left Hand, the Point directed to their left Breast, to signify they would sooner have it thrust thro’ their Heart, than renounce that Faiths being in the nature of Baptism with the Christians.

(N) Circassia is a Province that extends from the Bosphorus to the Eastern Shore of the Euxine Sea, famous for its beautiful Women; and the Seraglio is generally filled with them for the service of the Emperor.

(O) The Seraglio is the Emperor’s Palace, with large Gardens bordering on the Bosphorus, the Sea that parts Constantinople in Europe, and Scutari in Asia. There the Emperor’s Women are kept, each in favour having their particular Apartments, being generally attended by black Eunuchs, and those of the most deformed sort. The young Slaves are also brought up here in a large Apartment, near the Gate of the Seraglio and though the Sons of Slaves often rise to the highest Posts in the Empire; for in Turkey Birth is seldom regarded, but the greatest Merit rises to the highest Post, contrary to the Rules of other Nations, where Bribes and Favour promote the Worthless. At the age of twelve they are taken from the Seraglio, and employ’d in Business according to their Capacity.

(P) Guntz, a small Town, situate upon a River of the same name in Lower Hungary.

(Q) Gratz, the Capital City of Stiria; it stands upon the River Mure, twenty Miles from Vienna to the South.

(R) Tunis, the Capital of a Country of the same name, is a large City, five Miles in circumference. It a noble Port on the Coast of Barbary, upon the Mediterranean, about eight Leagues from old Carthage, the Birth-place of the famous Hannibal. This City has had more Revolutions and Masters than any City in the Universe: but since 1570 it has remain’d in the possession of Kings of their own, till the Line was extinct; and is now govern’d by a Bey as a Commonwealth, under the Protection of the Turk.

(S) Nice, the Capital of Bythinia, (the old Antigonia.) This City is remarkable for that famous Council held against Arianism, relating to the time of celebrating Easter among the Christians, with some Points of Church-Discipline, in the Imperial Palace of Constantine the Great, in the Year 325 of Christianity. There was another design’d in the Year 359, but prevented by a sudden Earthquake, which destroy’d a great part of the City. There was another Council assembled in the Year 787, made up of three hundred and fifty Bishops. Nice was taken by Godfrey of Boloigne in his way to Jerusalem in order to commence the Holy War, that cost so many thousand Lives, and drain’d the Purses of almost all Europe.

(T) Tauris (the old Ecbatana) the second City in the Kingdom of Persia, situated about thirty Miles from the Caspian Sea. In 849 it was deftroy’d by an Earthquake, very frequent in those mountainous Countries. It underwent several Revolutions between the Turks and Persians, but now it remains in the hands of the famous Kouli Kan.

(U) Babylon (or Bagdat by the Turks and Persians) is a City celebrated in sacred and profane History. It is built upon the Banks of the famous River Euphrates, that had its spring from Paradise itself. It is said the Builder was Nimrod, the Grandchild of Noah. The Walls were formerly forty-eight Miles in compass, and so broad that two Chariots might pass each other. Alexander in one of his Victories made this Conquest, and in this City, Death put a slop to all his Glories, and from seeking to be Master of the World, he only found a Grave. Grand Cairo in Egypt is founded on another Babylon; from whence St. Peter wrote his first Epistle. This City is built upon the Banks of the famous River Nile, whose overflowings inriches the Earth without Tillage.

(W) Sultana Queen. The Turkish Emperors have avoided Marriage, fearing any Change of Government might bring their Queens to Infamy and Disgrace; ever since Tamerlane took Bajazet’s Wife Arpasia Prisoner, and the more to insult Bajazet, forced Arpasia to wait naked at his Table.

(X) Caramania, a Province in Lesser Asia, over-against the Island of Cyprus. It formerly had Princes of its own, but it has been many Ages subject to the Turks. It includes the ancient Provinces of Cilicia, Pamphylia, and part of Caria.

(Y) Aleppo, a City of Syria, built upon the River Marsya, which falls into the Euphrates, is a very large Town, six miles in compass, the greatest Place for Trade in all Asia. The English, French, Dutch, and Venetians, have consuls always residing there.

FINIS.

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SULTAN SOLYMAN THE MAGNIFICENT, EMPEROR OF THE TURKS, AND OF HIS SON MUSTAPHA ***

Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed.

Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.

START: FULL LICENSE

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at www.gutenberg.org/license.

Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works

1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.

1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when you share it without charge with others.

1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any country other than the United States.

1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied or distributed:

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.

1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.

1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Gutenberg™ License.

1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website (www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works provided that:

- • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”

- • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.

- • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of receipt of the work.

- • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.

1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

1.F.

1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.

1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem.

1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any Defect you cause.

Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™

Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from people in all walks of life.

Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.

Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.

The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact

Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status with the IRS.

The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.

While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who approach us with offers to donate.

International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.

Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works

Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.

Most people start at our website which has the main PG search facility: www.gutenberg.org.

This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

Table of Contents

- THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE and DEATH OF SULTAN Solyman the Magnificent, Emperor of the Turks, And of his Son MUSTAPHA.

- THE HISTORY OF Solyman the Magnificent, and Mustapha his Son.

- FOOTNOTES:

- THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE