Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/181

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

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

But these Expostulations wrought little upon Bajazet, who was fully determin'd to do his utmost, rather than to yield his Neck tamely to his Brother's Sword; for he saw plainly, that would be his Fate, if ever Selimus mounted the Throne. However, he answered his Father's Letters submissively enough;