Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/226

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

upon his Knees, that, in regard he had a Wife and Children at Home, they would speak a good Word for him to Solyman. Rustan answered, that their Emperor was of a merciful Disposition, and that they would intercede for him. Thus was he sent Prisoner to the Castle called Caradenis, that is, of the Black Sea: He was not gone far, before he was sent for back again, because the Chief of the Bed-Chamber had not seen him; who, I have find before, is a Man of great Authority with his Prince. Upon this Countermand, some say, that, though otherwise undaunted, he was a little faint-hearted, as fearing he was brought back to his Ruin; but it proved otherwise. As for the other Prisoners, the chief of them, as Sancho de Leyva with his two natural Sons, and Don Bellinger himself, were sent into the Castle of Pera, or Galata.

As soon as I was made acquainted with their Condition, and in what want of all Things they were, I thought it my Duty to do my best to relieve them; and thereupon I sent some to comfort them, and to promise them all the good Offices that lay in my power: And, from that Day forward, my House was a common Receptacle for all the Prisoners; and I did them all the Kindness I could. For, you must know, the Turks think their Prisoners well enough provided for, if they allow them Bread and Water. They have no regard to any Man's Age or Constitution, or to the time of the Year; whether they be Sick or Well, Strong or Weak, Old or Young, 'tis all one to them; they are all treated after one and the same manner. Hereupon, I was forced to provide several sorts of Relief for several Necessities, different Diseases requiring different Cures. There lay a multitude of sick Persons in a certain Temple