would hasten to Amasia. However, Solyman was not slow in his Preparations against Bajazet, for he commanded the Beglerbeg of Asia, though sick of the Gout, to assist his Son Selimus with a Body of Horse; and he sent also the most faithful of his Guards to accompany Mehemet Bassa, (who was also returned from his Embassies) into Asia on the same Errand; and he himself pretended he would gird on his Sword and follow them. But, alas! the Guards shew'd themselves very unwilling to the Service; for they abominated the War betwixt Brothers, as an impious Thing. For against whom should they draw their Sword? Was not Bajazet Heir of the Crown too? This unnecessary Discussion (said they) may be compass'd without Blood; neither are we to be forc'd to sheath our Swords in one another's Bowels: As for Bajazet, he is forced to do what he doth, in a way of Self-preservation.
When these Rumours came to Solyman's Ears, he sent for the Mufti (the High-Priest of the Turks, from whom, as from an Oracle, they expect Answers to their Doubts) and puts a Case to him in these Terms.
"How ought that Man to be dealt with, who durst disturb the Peace of the Empire, by taking Towns, and raising Men and Money, while he was alive? As also, What he thought of those, who were assistant to him in that Design, and fought under his Ensigns? and, lastly, what was to be done with those who refused to engage against him, but rather justified his Practises?
The Mufti's Answer was, "That such a Person with all his Followers were worthy of Death; and they that refused to Fight against him were to be abominated, as Prophane, and Deserters of their Religion.
