CHAPTER XV.
THE GREATEST EXTENT OF THE TURKISH EMPIRE.
1. Diversions of the Designs of Turkish Ambition. Four centuries ago the powers of Europe were summoned to solemn meetings to take counsel for the expulsion of the Turk from Europe, but they could not come to an agreement before some internal events turned the Turkish ambition from the west to the east, from the shores of the Adriatic to the defiles of Armenia, and from the banks of the Danube to the plains of Egypt.
The reign of Sultan Bayazit, the son and successor of Mohamet the conqueror of Constantinople, was greatly disturbed by the rebellion of his brother, who effectually contended for the throne. After a long civil war, being driven to extremity, the prince placed himself under the protection of the Knights of Rhodes, who sent him to France, from whence he was sent to Italy and kept as a prisoner of State in the Vatican. He there served as a hostage for the good conduct of the Sultan, since, in case the latter should become aggressive toward the Christian nations, the captive might be let loose against him as a competitor.
The janissaries, on the other hand, haughty and powerful, were a constant cause of anxiety to the Sultan, and even bribes failed to keep them in subjection to their unfavored master. They made the
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