Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/290

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

Seasonableness of assaulting him, must needs conclude, That 'tis next to a <g>PRODIGY</g>, that the open and extensive Kingdom of Hungary, distracted with long Discords, could be defended so long, and that all of it is not already brought under the Yoke of so powerful an Enemy. 'Tis God's great Mercy, and our Prince's infinite Care that hath prevented it; whilst he is combating with one Difficulty, another arises in view greater than the former. The Enemy is in sight, Friends afar off, the Auxiliary Forces of his Brother Charles too at a great Distance; Germany, though next to the Fire, yet weary in sending Aid; the Hereditary Countries exhausted by Contribution, and the Ears of many Christian Princes deaf when Assistance is desired of them, rather doing any thing, than that which is incumbent upon them; so that he is forced to withstand the Enemy only by his own Arms, with the Assistance of some Hungarians, Austrians, and Bohemians, and sometimes by hiring some Italian or Spanish Soldiers at a vast Expence. He defends the Confines of Hungary, with Garrisons fifteen Days Journey long; and has always Soldiers in Pay, even in Time of Truce. A Truce is sometimes necessary, and when the coming of a Tyrant is fear'd, and the Time affords no Opportunity of Resistance, 'tis seasonable to send Embassies to pacify him, that so great a Calamity may be averted from miserable Hungary. Whilst our Prince has such a Burthen upon his Mind, he can hardly sleep for a whole Night together; he watches for the good of the Commonwealth; so great a Concern requires a perpetual Vigilance and constant Care. Do not think I flatter him: what I write is true. He hath but few Assistants in his Government, but those are very good Men; the chief of whom, not unknown to you by Name, are, Johannes Trantzen, Rudolphus