Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/214

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

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