by Samuel Clarke

The Life of Tamerlane the Great (1664) is Samuel Clarke's biography of Timur (1336–1405), the Central Asian conqueror who built the last great nomadic empire. Clarke, a prolific Puritan biographer and former pastor of St. Bennet Fink in London, compiled this account from Arabic historians (notably "Alhacen" — likely Ibn Arabshah) and earlier European sources, presenting Tamerlane as a model of "Heathenish Piety, Prudence, Magnanimity, Mercy, Liberality, Humility, Justice, Temperance, and Valour."

The narrative follows Tamerlane from his birth at Samarkand through his wars against the Duke of Moscow, the King of China, Bajazet the Great Turk, the Sultan of Egypt, and the King of Persia, ending with his death and a brief character sketch. Clarke's marginal notes, marking key moments of prudence, piety, and military strategy, served as a running index in the original.

Presented here from the 1664 edition printed by J. H. for Simon Miller, at the Star and Bible at the West End of St. Paul's Church, London. Scanned by Google from the George Peabody Library, Johns Hopkins University.

The Life and Death of Tamerlane the Great, who flourished Anno Christi 1400.

Tamerlane was born at Samercand, the chief City of the Zagatajan Tartars; his Father was called Zain-Cham, or, as others will, Og, Prince of the Zagatajans, of the Country Sachithay (sometimes part of the famous Kingdom of Parthia) third in descent from Zingis, the great and successful Captain of the Tartars; which Og being of a peaceable nature (accounting it no less honour quietly to keep the Countries left him by his Father, than with much trouble and no less hazard to seek how to enlarge the same) long-lived in most happy peace with his Subjects, no less happy therein than himself; not so much seeking after the hoarding up of Gold and Silver (things of that Nation not regarded nor valued) as contenting himself with the encrease and profit of his sheep and herds of Cattle, then, and yet also the principal revenues of the Tartar Kings and Princes; which happily gave occasion to some, ignorant of the manner and customs of those Northern Nations, and Countries, to account them all for shepherds and herdsmen, and so also to have reported of this mighty Prince, as if he had been a shepherds son, or herdsman himself; vainly measuring his Nobility by the homly course of life of his people and Subjects, and not by the honour of his house, and Heroical vertues, hardly to be parallelled by any Prince of that, or the former Ages.

His peaceable Father now well stricken in years, and weary of the World, delivered up his Kingdom to this his Son (not yet past fifteen years old) joyning unto him two of his most faithful Councellors, Odmar and Aly, to assist him in the government of his State, whom Tamerlane dearly loved whilst they lived, and much honoured the remembrance of them being dead.

The first proof of Tamerlanes Fortune and Valour, was against the great Duke of Mosco, or Emperour of Russia, for spoyling of a City which had put it self under his protection, and for entring his Country, and proclaiming war against him: whom he in a great battel overthrew, having slain twenty seven thousand of the Muscovites footmen, and between fifteen and sixteen thousand horsemen, with the loss of scarce eight thousand horsemen, and four thousand footmen of his own. After which battel Tamerlane beholding so many thousands of men lying dead upon the ground, was so far from rejoycing thereat, that turning himself to one of his familiar Friends, he lamented the condition of such as command over great Armies, commending his Fathers quiet course of life, accounting him happy in seeking for rest, and such most unhappy, which by the destruction of their own kind, sought to procure their own glory, protesting himself even from his heart to be grieved to see such sad tokens of his Victory.

Alhacen in his Arabick History of Tamerlane, makes this Narrative of his battel with the Muscovites. The Muscovite (saith he) had a great Army, which he had gathered together out of sundry Nations: and Tamerlane intending not to put up such wrongs and indignities, assembled all his Forces, and chose of his Allies. The Muscovites forces were such as had been well trained up in the wars; For having lately concluded a peace with the King of Poland, he had from thence ten thousand very good horsemen: There were also with him many Hungarian Gentlemen, under the conduct of one Vladislara, who brought with him more than eight thousand horse; so that he had in his Army above eighty thousand horse, and one hundred thousand footmen. Tamerlane had in his Army about one hundred and twenty thousand horse, and one hundred and fifty thousand foot, but not so good souldiers as the Muscovites; for his Subjects had been long trained up in peace under his peaceable Father; and though they had been sometimes exercised, yet they wanted the practical part of war.

Tamerlanes order in his march was this: He caused all his Army to be divided into squadrons, each consisting of six thousand horse, save his own, which consisted of ten thousand; so that he made eighteen squadrons besides his own. The Avantguard was conducted by Odmar, who led eight squadrons which were flanked by forty thousand footmen, divided on the right and left sides, who shot an infinite number of Arrows. The battel was conducted by Tamerlane, who, with his own, led ten squadrons, and fifty thousand footmen, the best and choicest souldiers of his whole Army. The Prince of Thanais, his kinsman, led the Arereward with six squadrons of horse, and forty thousand foot; his forlorn Hope consisted of some three thousand horse, adventurers. The Muscovites fought by double Ranks with Lances, and they seemed to be a greater number than Tamerlanes, making a great noise; but Tamerlanes skill and multitude at length overcame the force and valour of the Muscovites, the victory bending to the Parthians side, which they pursued hotly. In this battel Tamerlane was hurt on the side of the left eye, and had two horses slain under him: and indeed that day Odmar was the safeguard of the Prince, but he lost Aly, who was slain with an arrow. The Battle being ended, Tamerlane returned thanks to God publickly for his victory, and the next day reviewing his Army, he found that he had lost between seven and eight thousand horsemen, and between three and four thousand footmen. The Muscovites lost about twenty seven thousand foot, and fifteen or sixteen thousand horse.

The Prince slacked no time after so great a victory, but marching on, came into the borders of the Muscovites, whom he enforced to this agreement: That they should become his Tributaries, paying yearly one hundred thousand Duckats: That the great Duke should defray all the charges of the wars, amounting to three hundred thousand Duckats: That he should withdraw his Army, and send back all the Prisoners; and that for the performance thereof, he should give pledges, which should be changed every year.

All which being agreed to, he returned with great content and glory to his Father.

Shortly after, the great Cham of Tartary (his Fathers brother) being grown old, and out of hope of having any more children; moved with the Fame of his Nephew after this victory, sent him divers presents; and withal, offering him his only Daughter in marriage, sent him word that he would proclaim him Heir apparent to his Empire, as indeed in right he was, being his Brothers Son, and the Daughters not using to succeed in those Empires: Which so great an offer Tamerlane gladly accepted, and so the marriage was afterwards with great triumph at the old Emperours Court solemnized, and consummated, and our Tamerlane according to his Uncles promise, and his own right was proclaimed Heir apparent of that great Empire.

Thus was Tamerlane made great, being ever after this marriage, by the old Emperour his Uncle and now his Father in Law, so long as he lived, notably supported, and after his death he succeeded him in that so vast, and mighty an Empire. Before his marriage Tamerlane would needs be crowned, to the intent that none should think that the Crown came to him by the right of his wife, but by his own right; and during his abode in the City of Oxavicas, where the old Emperour was, he was entertained with all kind of triumphs, wherein he alwaies carried away the Bell, whether in shooting in the bow, in changing of horses in the middest of their courses, in Tiltings, and in all other exercises which required agility or strength; and so after two months he returned with his wife to Samercand; in which City he delighted exceedingly to remain, because the situation thereof was fair, and being watered with a great River, was a place of great Traffick, whereby it was made richer than any other in that Country: And whensoever he received intelligence from the Emperour his Uncle, he still imparted the same to Odmar whom he used as his right hand in all his great affairs.

There was also in his Court a Christian whom he loved much, and every one greatly respected, called Axalla, a Genovese by birth, brought up from his youth about his person, for he countenanced all that worshipped one only God that was the Creator of all things. And about this time the old Emperour sent to him to stir him up to war against the great King of China, who stiled himself Lord of the World, and Son of the Sun, who had exceeded his bounds, and incroached upon the Tartarian Empire: This was no small enterprise, and therefore before he would begin the same, he sent Ambassadours to the King of China to demand restitution of his Lands, and the passages of a River called Tehsi, which were within the Tartarian Border, and on this side that stupendious wall builded on purpose by the Kings of China for the defence of their Country against the incursions of the Tartars: and whilst he attended for the return of his Ambassadors, expecting a Negative answer, he caused his forces to be assembled together from all parts, appointing their rendezvous to be in the Horda of Baschir: The old Emperour also assembled for his aid, two hundred thousand fighting men, wherein were all the brave men of his Court that were accustomed to the wars: For this Emperour had greatly encreased his limits, and conquered a great Country, so as all these men were well trained up in the wars, and had been accustomed to travel and pains; These were to joyn with Tamerlanes Army in the Deserts of Ergimsal at a certain day. In the mean time the Ambassadours which were sent, return and inform the Prince that this proud King of China wondred how any durst denounce war against him, making this lofty answer: That Tamerlane should content himself with that which he had left him, which also he might have taken from him, &c.

This answer being heard, our Prince marched directly to his Army, gave orders for conveiance of victuals from all parts, sent to hasten forwards his confederates, imparted the answer to the old Emperour, caused the insolence of the King of China to be published, that all the world might know the justness of his cause; yet before his departure, he went to take leave of his own Father, who endued with a singular and Fatherly affection, kissed him a thousand times, made solemn prayers for his prosperity, drew off his Imperial Ring, and gave it him, telling him that he should never see him again, for that he was hasting to his last rest; and calling Odmar bad him farewel, requiring his faithfulness to his Son. The Prince having performed this duty, returned to Samercand, where the Empress his wife remained, whom he took along with him in this journey, as the manner of that Country is, and so presently departed, committing the charge and care of his Kingdom in his absence to one Samay, a man well practised in State Affairs, who also had had the charge of our Prince in his youth.

These things being dispatched, he marched forwards in the middest of his Army, which consisted of fifty thousand horse, and a hundred thousand footmen, relying principally on the Forces of the great Cham his Uncle: yet he left order that the rest of his Forces should be ready to advance upon the first command, as soon as he should be joyned with his Uncles Army. In his march he was stayed by the way in regard of some distemper of his body, contracted by reason of his change of the aire, yet the Forces which Calibes, Captain of the Army of the great Cham conducted, went daily forwards, Now the news of his distemperature was bruted abroad in all places, yet did he not neglect to send to the great Chams, and often to advertise him of the state of his health, to the end that the same should not cause any alteration which might arise in that great Empire whereunto he was lately advanced: For he was very suspicious of a great Lord, named Calix, who was discontented with his advancement, and had not yet acknowledged him, as all other his subjects had: and indeed it was not without cause that he suspected him, for Calix being informed that the forces of the great Cham were advanced beyond the Mountains, having passed the River of Meas, and were encamped at Boupros, and that Tamerlane was sick, he thought it a fit time for his enterprize, and thereupon assembling the greatest part of his most faithful followers, he told them that now was the time for them to shake off the yoak of the Parthians, who otherwise would enslave them; and seeing that now their Prince was so badly minded as to translate the Empire to Tamerlane of his own mind, without calling them to Council which had interest in the election, that this was the only means to assure their liberty, which otherwise was like to be lost: He caused also a rumour to be spread, that Tamerlane was very sick, the Emperour old and crazy, and that his forces were far separated from him; yet like cunning Traytors, they dispatched away a messenger to the great Cham, to assure him that they bended not their forces against him, but were his faithful and obedient Subjects; and they only armed themselves because they would not be governed by the Parthians, their ancient enemies. As soon as our Prince was advertised of the pretences of Calix, he marched one daies journey forward, to the end that he might approach unto Calibes, who, what face soever he set on the matter, yet hearkened what would become of Calix, likewise make some commotion. This Calibes was by Tamerlane made Commander of his Avanguard, which consisted of Parthians, yet he had joyned with him the Prince of Thanais, without whom he could not do any thing. Tamerlane also gave special commandment, that the passages (which were not many) should be diligently guarded, to the end that the King of China should not be advertised of these tumults: and so giving to Odmar the leading of his Avanguard, he hasted forwards; And surely it was high time for him so to do, or else all had been revolted: for Calix having assembled a hundred thousand fighting men, presented himself before the great City of Cambalu, chief of the Province of Cathai, the inhabitants whereof came out to meet him, receiving him with all the joy that might be.

Tamerlane in his March went to Caindu, and from thence to Calatia, where he expected to meet with the forces of his native Country of Sachetay, yet did he not neglect to send forward his Army towards Cambalu, which caused the inhabitants, to their great terrour, to think that all his forces were already on their neck. Calix perceiving that the Citizens began already to repent his entertainment, thought it not safe to remain amongst them, and therefore, withdrawing himself, he sent for his forces from all parts, resolving to meet Tamerlane in the field, and to pur all upon the event and hazard of a battel. He drew out of fifty thousand men, whereof twenty thousand were Citizens, the other thirty thousand were the Garrison-Souldiers, placed there by the old Emperour, Calix having corrupted their Leaders, and so procured them to joyn with him in this revolt. In short, having assembled all his forces, his Army consisted of fourscore thousand horse, and one hundred thousand footmen, which he gathered from all parts. In the mean time Tamerlane’s Army marching forward, his Scouts, which were two thousand horse, had news of the Army of Calix, which came forward directly towards them, of which they speedily advertised the Emperour, who thereupon presently sent two thousand horse more, to the end that they should keep the passages of a certain River called Brere, by which River victuals were conveyed to his Army: as also to win time, the Prince well knowing that the motions of a Civil war are furious at the beginning, and that therefore it is best to resist slowly, alwaies drawing them out at length, if it be possible. For when means, money and victuals fail, the people use to be sensible of their faults, and to return home. The old Emperor sent to him to adventure all upon a battel delivering up into his hands the safety of his life and estate, that thereby he might end his daies in peace: By this means forces came to Tamerlane on all hands, whose Army daily encreased; whereas on the contrary the enemies Army was then in its chiefest force, and began to feel the want of victuals. Calix was about fourty years old, a Captain renowned with the great Cham, and one of the chiefest in dignity and place about him, so that many of the Tartars had alwaies respected him as a person most worthy of the Empire, if the glory of Tamerlane and his reputation had not so far exceeded.

The Armies began to be in view one of another about eight a clock in the morning, and many skirmishes began betwixt them before they came to the main Battel. The place wherein they met at that time, was a great Plain, with like advantage on either part. Odmar led the Avanguard, wherein were fourty thousand horse, and eighty thousand foot, which he divided into three squadrons; the first whereof he sent before him to begin the Battel. Tamerlane marched in the same order, but his squadrons were much stronger. The footmen of both made the right and left wings. Tamerlane had drawn out six thousand Parthian horsemen, and two thousand Tartarian for his Areareguard, which he committed to his faithful servant Axalla; a man of great judgement, quick of conceit, and in great esteem amongst the souldiers, although he, being a Christian, worshipped God in another manner then they did; and he had many other Christians with him, whom he had drawn from the Georgians, and the Euxine Sea, who fought with great agility. Calix on the other side, who was a well spoken man, was exhorting and encouraging his Souldiers to fight for his Fortune, and the Liberty of their Nation; He divided his Army into three main Battels, himself remaining in the midst, encompassed with his Footmen, and so the Battels joyned, where, after a terrible fight, Calix fell into Axalla’s hands, being taken fighting valiantly, which Axalla caused to be presently proclaimed throughout the Army, to the overthrow of the courage of all the Adversaries, who hereupon immediately fled. Calix was kept till the next day, and then by a Council of War was adjudged to death; whereupon his head was sent as a present to the inhabitants of Cambalu: The like he caused to be done to all the chief Leaders, not out of a cruel disposition, but enforced hereto by necessity, knowing very well that the way to cut off the root of Civil War, is to punish the Heads of the same, which, as Hydra’s, grow up too fast.

After this, Tamerlane with his Army marched into the Kingdom of Cathay, a Country rich in grass, and all kind of pastures, abounding with great quantity of beasts and people, which knew not what War meant, and the Prince gave command that they should not be used as Enemies, but as his good Subjects; and whereas divers Cities had adheared to Calix, they came now and humbled themselves before him, craving pardon, which he gave them, enjoyning them only to provide victuals for his Army, which also they willingly did. This example of Lenity was of no small importance for the appeasing of others, which had put all their hope in extremity, resolving to sell their lives dear, and especially the Inhabitants of Cambalu had taken this resolution, but being informed of the Emperours clemency, they changed their purpose: Yet as the Army daily approached nearer, their fears encreased, but Tamerlane was daily informed by his Friends in the City, that the inhabitants resolved to obey the Conqueror; and therefore leaving his Army at Gowfa, he only sent thirty thousand to the City, which was the ordinary Garrison, and within two hours after, entred the City himself, where he was received with great magnificence: yet would he not pronounce their pardon, but referred all to the old Emperor, and to the ordinary course of Justice: For which end he sent one of his Favourites to the old Emperour, to certifie him of his Victory, of the death of Calix, and that the chief of his Faction remained prisoners with him: as also to know what Justice he would appoint to be inflicted upon those Citizens which were the authors of the revolt of this City, and so after eight daies he departed, and not many daies after, he had intelligence that the great Cham, his Uncle, had caused justice to be done on the chief movers of Sedition in Cambalu, so that the people complained of the old Emperors cruelty, but commended the mercy of Tamerlane.

When he came back to his Army, he was received of all his souldiers with loud acclamations, calling him, Most Great Emperor, and most Victorious. Amongst his Captains he discoursed of the beauty and greatness of the City of Cambalu; and afterwards asked Odmars advise whether it were not best for him to visit the old Emperour, and with his Empresse to spend the Winter with him at Quinsay? Odmar, remembring the honour which he had received there, easily perceived his inclination to that journie, yet by all means disswaded him from it: To which Tamerlane answered, that he had alwaies found his fidelity and love to him, which he was sorry that he could not recompence to the full; But (saith he) whereas I had thought to give my self some ease: I perceive that in stead of the delicacies, and pleasures of Quinsay, I must make the desarts of Cipribee my resting place after my travels in this new victory: yet a rumor being spread that the Prince intended to visit the Emperor, every man began to desire to return into his own Countrey, hoping to enjoy the sweetnesse of his native soil: which Tamerlane being informed of, calling his Army to a Rendezvous, he thus spake unto them, “We have (my faithful Souldiers) begun an enterprise against the King of China, who hath of late repulsed even beyond the mountains, the Tartarians name, but were hindred to our great grief by the foolish rashness of Calix, and were driven to turn the bridle to punish him, wherein you have all assisted me. It grieves me that I cannot as well boast of the fresh spoiles of a stranger, as I may (by the means of your weapons) of those of our unfaithful Subjects, and as in times past of the fierce Muscovites, against whom, with your assistance, I made trial of my first Arms: but for this last victory being against our own Subjects, I cannot speak of it without shedding tears, desiring to bury such victories in oblivion, together with all the glory and honour gotten thereby. Neither do I recount these things to you, but to shew that I forget not your faithfulness, and the great travel you have endured for my sake: We must not therefore be weary, but must turn our weapons against those which imagine us to be full of troubles, whereas we are indeed victorious: Our companions, and all our ammunition is advanced near to our enemie already; we must in that place (my souldiers, and friendly followers) pass over the rest of Winter; Our Companions look for us; our enemies are secure, and look not for us at this season of the year, and know that our Army that is already there, is not sufficient for offence, but only for defence. You shall receive double pay, the better to furnish you against the injury of cold; and as we shall be apparelled with double garments, so I hope we shall be cloathed with double glory.” Having thus spoken, his souldiers all cried, One God in Heaven, and one Emperor on Earth, shewing their willingness to obey his commands.

The Prince after this, remained there eight daies longer, sending back Zamay with twenty five thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot to Sachetay, for the safety of his estate in those parts: and so after solemn and publick prayers, the Army began to march forwards: He forgat not likewise to dispatch away a Messenger to the Great Cham, to acquaint him with all his purposes, which he approved very well of: By the same Messenger he also beseeched him in the Spring to send him fifty thousand men to recruit his Army, and some moneys for the payment of his souldiers, which also he granted; sending also good store of warlike munition, and plenty of victuals, knowing how much the success of the war would advance the Tartarian greatnesse and profit.

The Army being upon their March, in thirty eight daies came to Cipribee, yet met with many inconveniencies by the way. There they had news of Calibes, who was glad to hear how businesses had passed, and came to visit the Prince, who entertained him very courteously, acquainting him with his purpose, and also understood by him how all things passed in the Kingdom of China. The next day the Prince came to Pazanfou, where Calibes forces were, who had often fought with, and tried the valour of the Chinois, but found it much inferiour to their own: There the Prince took a general Muster of all his Army, caused them to be paid, took notice of their Countenances, whiles they all cried out, God save the Victorious and Invincible Emperour, according to their Custome.

The Prince of Thanais, who commanded the Army with Calibes, had diligently viewed the wall, and the waies by which he might forcibly enter into China, and had sent many Spies by certain waies through the Mountains into that Countrey, by whom he was advertised of all their proceedings. He had also gained by his courtesie, a Lord of those Mountains, called the Lord of Vanchesa, that commanded over a great Countrey, who being desirous of a new Master, and to submit to Tamerlane, had told the Prince of Thanais, that he was able to do the Emperor good service, and to help him much in his wars against the Chinois: This the Prince of Thanais discovered to Tamerlane, who was very desirous to speak with this Lord; whereupon a day was appointed, and Tamerlane without moving of his Army, went to the Tents of the Prince of Thanais, where this foresaid Lord met him; and the Emperour having heaped upon him many gifts of fair horses, and rich Furs, and other rare things; this Lord spake thus unto him, “Know, my Lord, that it is but lost labour for you to think that with your Armies you shall be able to force this Wall, made by the Chinois to hinder the incursions of your Subjects: the Defendants have too much advantage therein; I doubt not of your Souldiers valour and courage, I know you have conquered many Nations with them, and that whatsoever you command them, they will effect it, or die in the enterprise: I know that you have great and wise Captains with you, and that you, of all persons in the world, are most worthy to command them: But all this will be but in vain against the wall of the Chinois, where, I assure you, are fifty thousand men to keep it; neither can you stay there so short a time, but there will come fifty thousand more to assist them, led by one Xianxz, who hath already received such a commandment: The King of China will himself follow, who will give you battel with two hundred thousand horsemen, and as many foot; and though happily your Fortune, and valour may carry away the victorie, yet I believe it will cost you dear: But to shew you how much the reputation and courtesies of your servants have prevailed with me, I will direct you in a way whereby fifty thousand of your men may go into China, whom I my self will conduct, and they shall come upon those which guard the Wall, in a manner before they are discovered. In the mean time you shall lead your Army to a place which I will direct you to, where you may win easily a Mountain which will give you great advantage against the Chinois. For I assure my self, that when they shall perceive your men to be passed, they will lose their courage, so that you may easily win the passage to assist your Army, which shall be led by me amongst them; and to assure you of my fidelity, I will deliver into your hands my Wife, my only Son, and two little Daughters. I have also one Brother, who, I assure my self, will follow me to do you service.”

The Emperour having heard this, much rejoyced at it, hoping that his affairs would succeed happily, and kept this very secret, not revealing it to the Prince of Thanais himself, none being present at the discourse but the Lord and his Interpreter, and so heaping new favours upon him, he was conducted back by the Prince of Thanais with all the honour that might be.

Then the Emperour returned to his Quarters, and the next day imparted the whole matter unto Odmar; and then calling Calibes, he asked what he had learnt concerning China during his abode there: To which Calibes made this Answer, “Know, my Lord, that I am your slave to obey you; but seeing you command me to give an account of all I know concerning the Kingdom of China, for that I have remained these six Moneths upon the Borders, I can assure you that the King of China, who now reigneth, is of great reputation, and hath encreased the Limits of his Kingdom more then any of his Predecessors: His strength consisteth in this Wall, opposed against us, which he hath made to prevent the inrodes of our Nation: I believe there are above fifty thousand to defend it, and that of his best trained Souldiers, and I know no good means to force this Wall without much hazard and great loss of your men.”

To this Tamerlane answered, I hope that the great God, whose honour I will defend against those Idolaters, will find our means to effect it; and so dismissing Calibes, he appointed his Army to remove to a certain place, where he meant to chuse out fifty thousand men, whom he would deliver to the Prince of Thanais and Axalla; which accordingly he did, and directed them to follow this Chinois Lord, who was now again come to him, and to do as they should be directed by him: In the mean time himself, with all the rest of the Army approached the Wall directly over against Paguinfou.

The Army led by the Prince of Thanais, having matched ten leagues by the conduct of the Chinois Lord, entred without resistance, and after a short repast, they marched directly towards those that guarded the Wall, who suspected no such matter, but only had an eye to those which came to force the Wall. But it fell out far otherwise, for just as Tamerlane with his Army came to the Wall, they saw Axalla with twenty thousand, being followed by the Prince of Thanais with thirty thousand choice souldiers more, who, without any words, fell upon the Chinois; and Odmar, who gave the first assault upon the Wall, easily in that distraction brake through, and so the Chinois were cut off between the two Armies: and Axalla, before the Prince of Thanais came up to him, had routed them. Great riches were gotten that day, and the King of China’s Cozen was taken prisoner; much gold was found as well on their Arms, as on their horses furniture, but they shewed no great valour.

The news of this overthrow being carried to the King of China, who was now at Quinsay, it brought great astonishment to him, for that he judged it impossible to have been effected, so that every one was filled with tears, fears, and lamentations for their friends. Yet the King gathers forces from all parts, calling also the Priests, and such as had the charge of his unholy holies to come unto him, commanding them to offer sacrifices to their gods, whereof the Sun is the principal, requiring the same to be observed through all the Cities; and then that every one that was able to bear Arms, should mount on horseback, and speedily repair to the King at Paguinfou, whither he suspected that Tamerlane would march, for that it was one of the Cities nearest to the borders. In the mean time Tamerlane beat down the Wall, the better to assure his retreat; and the Fortresses upon all the passages, all which upon his Victory were easily surrendred to him. He shewed himself very courteous to the people upon the Mountains, and gave to the Lord that had conducted his Army, a Country which bordered upon his, wherein were seven or eight good Towns, who came and delivered up the Keys to him: He gave him also the Government of the Frontier-province of Xianxi, shewing himself to be a Prince of his word, and reserved the rewarding of his Brother till he had farther opportunity.

Whilst he was thus employed, news was brought him that the King of China had assembled his forces, and was marching forward, himself being there in person; as also that he had strengthened the Garrisons in all his Cities which of themselves were well fortified. Upon this intelligence Tamerlane called a Council of War, and having heard the opinions of all his Captaines, he resolved to take in some famous City, that thereby his Army might be better provided for, and then to give the King of China battel in the field. For the effecting of the first, he resolved to assault Paguinfou, which was a great City, strongly fortified, and well replenished with people; and for this end he sent Odmar with forty thousand horse to summon it, and to prevent the farther victualling of it, and to hinder the driving away of the cattel out of the champion-Countrey about it, which might nourish his Army: He also caused the Lord Axalla (whom now he had made Lieutenant General of all his foot) to follow Odmar with all his foot, which were near a hundred and fifty thousand men, well trained, and expert in war, himself marching immediately after with all his horsemen, Artillery, Engines, and other Ammunitions belonging to the war, directly to Paguinfou.

Odmar made such haste that he arrived unexpected by the Citizens, who rather looked for their King then for an enemie; and having taken much cattel, wherewith that Countrey abounded, he pitched his tents on the farther side of the City: There he continued two or three daies, giving the City many Alarms, till the Infantry led by that brave Christian Genuois shewed themselves in the Plain of Paguinfou: Then was the City summoned, but they returned answer, That they were resolved to live and die in the service of their Prince. By the way you must understand, that about forty years before, the Father of this present King of China had conquered this City and Countrey from the Tartars, and had so planted the same with new Colonies, that but few of the Tartarians remained, except only in the flat Countrey, and some small walled Towns, who all came with their Keies, and willingly submitted to Tamerlane, whereby he had great plenty of victuals in his Army, which made him hope for good success; there being nothing that doth sooner overthrow great Armies, then the want thereof.

Thus was Paguinfou besieged round, the footmen lying within a flight-shoot of the wall, the Citizens and souldiers using their best endeavour for their defence, and Tamerlane doing the like for their offence.

Axalla having viewed a great Suburb, which was in length almost half a league, supposed that the Citizens kept no watch there, and therefore acquainting the Emperor with his purpose, in the first watch of the night, his men being all ready with scaling Ladders, he assaulted the same in sundry places, and after a great fight entred and cut in pieces at least eight thousand men which were within the same: yet on one side where they expected to be assaulted, he lost many of his men. The taking of this Suburb did greatly astonish the Citizens, who observing the valour of the Tartarians, began to suspect their own safety: By this Suburb there ran a River, which being now under the command of Axalla, he stopt all provision from going to the City.

In the mean time the King of China’s Army approached, which was very great; whereupon the Emperor determined to go in person, and meet him with the greatest part of his horsemen, but to leave most of his foot to continue the siege, being very desirous to take the City; for the accelerating whereof, he caused his Engines for battery to approach, as Rams, and such like; so that the City was assaulted on two sides very courageously, and in the end, through the valour of Axalla, who gave an assault with twenty thousand of his best souldiers, he won the wall, and at the command of the Emperor lodged there, who desired rather to have the City by Treaty then by storm, the City being great and rich, and the enemy but thirty leagues from thence, and therefore he feared lest his Army should be found in disorder, and knowing also, that rich souldiers never fight well. Besides, he intended to draw out of that wealthy City such things as he stood in need of, and to make it his Magazine for the time to come. Yet though the wall was won, the enemies wanted not heart to defend themselves valiantly, hearing that their King was coming for their relief: but it so happened, that an Engine shooting a bullet, slew the Governour; whereupon the Citizens were so discouraged, that they resolved to yield, saving their lives, and the souldiers to march away with horse and arms. The conditions were admitted, and there came out of the City eighteen thousand souldiers, almost all the inhabitants remaining behind: This siege had lasted two moneths, and the City had in it at first, thirty thousand souldiers. Axalla had the honour of winning this City, and therefore was made Governour of it, and all the Country belonging to it; but he beseeched the Emperor to bestow it upon some other person, reserving for himself the hope of his Master, in whose fortune he would take part: This gave great content to Tamerlane, who much desired the service of Axalla; and upon his refusal, the charge was conferred upon the Prince of Thanais, with the title of Vice-Roy.

Then did Tamerlane give notice of his affairs to the old Emperor, and having paid his souldiers, and settled all things in the best manner he could, he marched forward; and taking a general Muster of his whole Army, Horse and Foot, he found them to be diminished ten thousand men only. And so with his army he spent one whole day in prayer, calling upon the immortal, invisible, invincible, and incomprehensible God, and then went directly to meet the enemy, who was at Simchu with all his own and the forces of his allies, and as soon as he received news that Tamerlanes Army was advanced over the River of Chalifu, the King of China marched directly towards them with great magnificence: There was nothing to be seen in his Army, but Gold and precious stones: He himself usually rode in a Chariot whereof every part shone with Gold, Pearls, Rubies, and Diamonds.

He was of the age of about three and thirty, and had been brought up in pleasures, and not under the bloudy ensigns of Mars: So that he was very insolent in threatnings, bravadoes, and defying to the battel: He often accused Tamerlane for surprizing him before he was ready, not giving him warning, &c.

The rumour of his riches so fired the spirits of the Tartarians, that they longed to be at the battel: and so both sides hasted forwards, and in the way, there was a City, called Tuxichevoy, surrendred to Tamerlane, which afforded him much refreshing for his Army: And thus the two Armies drawing near together, Tamerlane made choice of a place in his judgment most advantageous for the battel; and having set down to Odmar the Order which he would have to be observed, he longed to see his enemy; Then did he send before him five or six thousand horse, as Scouts, under Calibes, and himself went with them, and having viewed the great confused Army of his enemies, which came continually forwards, he commanded Calibes to retire himself so soon as they drew near to him, And bring (saith he) this great cloud to me, which I hope soon to disperse: and so retiring to his Army, he encouraged them, assuring them of the Victory. He placed all his footmen, which were about a hundred and twenty thousand, along a mountain, planting great store of Artillery for their guard; Many of his foot-souldiers were armed after the Christian manner, who were all commanded by Axalla: His horsemen were in a Battalia in a great plain, who upon any disadvantage could retire to the assistance of the Footmen: the horsemen were eighty thousand; Calibes with the Scythians were in the Avantguard, being thirty thousand horse, who were to receive Odmar when he should retreat from the enemy, as he was commanded; Thirty thousand more were appointed for Odmar, and Tamerlane himself remained in the Arrear at one of the wings of his footmen: His purpose was to let that sixty five thousand horse under two such gallant Captains, to break the force of the enemy, hoping after them to have a good market, causing his foot to march forward, and reserving with himself twenty thousand of his best horse, who of themselves were able to make a new battel if any mischance should befall the former: For he understood that it was the custom of the Kings of China to enclose themselves in the midst of their Chariots with their footmen, and not to hazard their persons, but upon extremity.

The Chinois failed not to march directly unto Calibes, the whole Army following and setting upon him: Calibes with his six thousand Scythian horse, after their usual manner, in retreating gave many charges, giving and receiving hurt. The King of China marched with much gallantry with his Army, which seemed to be twice so big as that of Tamerlane’s: He had very many armed Chariots, wherein he put his principal trust; they had much Gold and Silver, as well in the trappings of their horses, as on their Armour, which glistred exceedingly against the Sun, to the admiration of the Tartars. Tamerlane, who with a troop of horse beheld the Chinois marching after Calibes, commended greatly the drawing forth of their men to compel Calibes to fight, endeavouring to discover and note with his eye the place whereabouts the Kings person was, having by him the Chinois Lord to instruct him, who knew well the manner of their fight. They had no Avanguard, but were all in a gross, commanded by the King, inclosed within his chariots, which being shewed to Tamerlane by this Lord, he turned to those Captains that were near him, and said, Yet must we disperse this guilded cloud, and the King of China and my self must make a partition thereof.

Thus having sufficiently viewed the enemy, and observed their manner of marching, he thought it not convenient to suffer them to take breach, not to rally, being something disordered in their march, whereupon he sent to Calibes to will him to begin the fight; and when those that were with him should be weary, to retreat to him: But as soon as his Scythians heard this word Fight, they required the first charge, with a young Lord that commanded over them called Ziochabanes, making it to appear to the Chinois, to what end their former flight was, charging very furiously upon the formost of the enemies, which occasioned the first beginning of the Battel: And indeed there could not be seen a more gallant onset, wherein the Scythians desired to manifest the valour of their Nation, and to procure honour to their Prince. This fight endured a long hour before they had overthrown Calibes: Tamerlane beheld all patiently, saying, that the great multitude (how disorderly soever they were) would at length carry it away from the order and valour of his souldiers; yet could there not be discerned any alteration of his countenance, adversity and prosperity being both alike so indifferent to him.

Calibes being wounded, retired himself near to the Emperour, having with him two thousand horse that were rallied again, many more flocking to him: The Emperor viewed his wound, causing him to be conducted behind his footmen, and care to be taken for the dressing of his wound, and of such others as were wounded with him.

Calibes with his thirty thousand Scythians was not able to charge through the Chinois, but when they retreated, Odmar with his Parthian horsemen advanced forward, and used them more roughly, for he ran clean through them, and returned by the right wing of the Army, where he fought most valiantly, and having beaten them within the Kings Chariots, he thought he should not do wisely to attempt the breaking of such forces.

The King of China coming forwards, and the horsemen that had been broken by Odmar, joyning themselves to him, Odmar sent to Tamerlane, desiring him that the Footmen and Artillery might advance forward, sending him word that he might assure himself of the Victory. Hereupon Tamerlane commanded Axalla to advance with fifty thousand foot, and part of the Artillery, requiring him to set upon the Chariots, and to make an entrance. The Artillery marching in the first place did greatly astonish the enemy; for the Governours of the horses belonging to the Kings Chariots could not rule them; it made also a great spoil. Axalla perceiving the disorder, histed forwards till they came to hand-blows. The King of China had yet about his person a hundred and fifty thousand men: Yet Axalla, full of courage, fought so valiantly, that they never beheld any man to do more bravely. During this fight, Odmar again charged the horsemen that were retired to the Kings aid, and put them to flight. Then did Tamerlane himself march forwards with the rest of the Footmen for the aid of Axalla, and brake through, even to the person of the King of China, who as yet was enclosed within a second rank of Chariots, with about thirty or forty thousand men; and after he had fought two or three hours, the horse assisting the foot, and they principally whom the Prince had kept as a reserve, the King at length remained wounded, in the power of Tamerlane: The battel being won, and the enemies camp forced, The fight endured eight hours, and the night coming on, saved the lives of many of the Chinois. There were slain two Kings, Allies to the King of China. Inestimable riches were gotten in golden vessels, precious stones, and as fair and rich Chariots as could possibly be seen.

The Emperour would not see the captive King till the next day; but being mounted on horseback he rode about the field to see the slaughter, & to rally his men, that the accustomed watch might be kept, whereof he gave the charge unto Axalla, commanding him also to keep the King of China in the midst of his souldiers, who was dressed of the wound which he had received in his right arm. It was a strange sight to see the diversity of the enemies weapons, and the variety of their Streamers and Ensigns, which seemed afar off as beautiful, as the diversity of colours, plentiful. The King of China’s Army was very great, consisting of a hundred and fifty thousand horse, and two hundred thousand footmen: but the greatest part of them were rude and barbarous people, far inferiour to Tamerlane’s in valour, who suffered themselves to be slain one upon another, not marking their advantages, and having little skill in warlike affairs.

Tamerlane continued on horseback till about two a clock in the morning, when as they brought him a Tart, and his water, for he never drank wine, and then lying down upon a Carpet, he passed the rest of the night until morning. After this so great a victory, there was never the least boasting or vaunting heard to proceed out of his mouth. The next day, after the burial of the dead, he publickly give thanks to God for his Victory. Then caused he the wounded to be cured, and amongst others, Calibes, who, more through the distemperature of the air then from the danger of the wound, found himself very ill, yet would he not omit his duty in commanding the Van, which was very grateful to Tamerlane, for that he being a Scythian, was greatly beloved of his Nation.

These things being dispatched, he sent unto Axalla to bring forth his prisoner, the King of China; and when he approached, the Emperour issued out of his Tent and went to receive him. This King came with a very proud and haughty countenance, and approaching near to the Emperour, he by his Interpreter, asked of Axalla which was he? and being shewed him, he spake in an haughty language after this manner: The gods whom I worship, being provoked against my Nation and people, have conspired against my good fortune, and made me this day thy prisoner: But forasmuch as it is reported over all the world, that Tamerlane maketh war for the honour of his Nation, thou shouldst be content with this thy glory, that the Lord of the world and child of the Sun, is in thy power, to receive such Laws as thou pleasest to prescribe unto him. This he spake in a brave manner, without any other humbling of himself: The Emperour on the other side saluting him very courteously, led him into his Tent.

This King of China was a great Prince, having two hundred famous Cities within his Kingdom; which also is a fruitful and plentiful Countrey, wherein are Mines of Gold and Silver, much Musk and Rhubarb: It abounds in Fish and Fowl, and hath much Silk and Porclane, with Cotton and Linnen, &c.

Then did Tamerlane assemble his Captaines to consult about the disposal of the King; and how the Victory should be best improved. At the same time he received news by Odmar, that the Kings brother, who escaped out of the battel, was at Quantou, which he had strongly fortified, and that great store of forces began to adjoyn themselves to him: Hereupon he commanded two thousand Parthian horse to convey the King to Paguinfou, and from thence to Burda, where he was to be kept carefully. Then did he resolve upon the besieging of Quantou, and if it were possible to shut up the Kings Brother therein, it being one of the principal seats that belonged to the King of China. It was forty leagues from the place where the battel was fought. Thither therefore he sent a good party of his Army under Odmar, who pitched his Tents about the City: But the Kings brother was gone. The Emperour in the mean time summoned, and took in many lesser Cities, which yielded wholly to his mercy, making great lamentation for their Captive King, yet the gentleness of the Conqueror made them to take all their losses with patience, and the rather, because they heard that he used their King courteously. The Kings brother also sent Ambassadors to Tamerlane, craving leave to see the King, and to know of his health, which the Emperor willingly assented to.

Now the Kings brother hearing of the estate of the besieged in Quantou, he resolved either to relieve it, or to fight a battel, for which end he advanced strait unto Porchio, making a bridge of Boats to pass over the River: But Odmar being informed that about fifty thousand of his men were come over, he suddenly set upon them, being out of order, and not informed of their enemies approach; also to prevent the coming over of the rest to their assistance, he sent a fire-boat down the stream against their bridge of Boats, which brake it in sunder, and where it was resisted, set all on fire; and so in a great battel overthrew them: The King of Cauchin-China, who was amongst them, fighting valiantly, was slain. The Kings brother, who was on the other side of the River (not yet come over) saw his men slain and drowned, and could not relieve them. This second overthrow was of no small importance, though it was but the third part of the Kings brothers Army. For the Citizens of Quantou hearing of it, and despairing of relief, sent out some Proposals for their Surrender.

Axalla which received them, presently dispatched away a faithful messenger to the Emperor to know his pleasure therein: This was more welcome news to him then the overthrow of his enemies, wherefore he referred all to the sufficiency and fidelity of Axalla: So that upon treaty, the City was surrendred to Axalla, who caused the Garrison to come out, and received the inhabitants into the Emperors protection, and all that would, might continue in it unarmed: afterwards he entred into it, and was received with great signs of joy by the Inhabitants, who resolved to entertain the Emperour with all the solemnity that might be. Axalla put thirty thousand men into it for a Garrison, injoyning the Citizens to pay the Emperours Army four hundred and fifty thousand Crowns: Presently after he received a command from the Emperour to stay in the City himself, and to send all the rest of his footmen unto him, which he commanded the rather, because he understood that Ambassadors were coming to him from the Kings Brother to treat of Peace, and he presumed the sight of all his Army together ready to march, would strike such a terrour into them, as would cause them the readilier to assent to good terms.

The Ambassadors sent by the Kings brother were of their chiefest men, whom Tamerlane entertained with all humanity, causing his greatness to appear to them, as also the activity of his horsemen, whereby they might discern that it would tend to the destruction of their Country if they agreed not with him: Then did the Ambassadors deliver their message, which consisted of two branches: One was for the delivery of their King, the other, for the preservation of their Country: The Emperour answered, that they should deliver their message in writing, and he would give a speedy answer: Their Propositions were, that they would leave Paguinfou, and all the Country beyond it, with all the Fortresses of the mountains in Tamerlane’s possession: That they would pay all the charges of his Army from that day forward: And that they would give two millions of gold for the ransome of their King: To this the Emperor answered, that he would keep that which he had conquered within the Country, being his own, as taken by his arms. That he would have the River by which his Army was now encamped, and so along to the Sea, to be his Frontiers: That the King of China should pay him yearly two hundred thousand Crowns, which should be delivered at Paguinfou, for acknowledgement of his submission to his Empire: That he should pay five hundred thousand Crowns in ready money for the charge of his Army: That the King of China should be delivered, and that all the other Chinese prisoners should pay ransomes to particular men that took them, except those which carried the names of Kings, who should pay ten thousand Crowns for their liberty and peace: And that no Chinese should be kept for a slave, nor sold for such hereafter, being under the Emperours obedience: That Traffick and entercourse of Merchants should be free between both the Nations: That the King of China should deliver his Brother, and two other called kings, with twelve principal men of the Country for Hostages to secure the peace: These conditions, after they had consulted together, were accepted of, hoping that time would restore again their ancient liberty, and in the mean time they must bear the yoke of the Conquerour.

Then did Tamerlane send two thousand horse to fetch the King of China, that being at liberty he might solemnly swear to the peace; which accordingly he did, delivered the Hostages, and so went into his Kingdom to perform the other Articles, where he was almost worshipped as a God, and received with all the joy that might be.

Thus Tamerlane, having settled his affairs, and provided for the assurance of his new conquest, left Odmar to govern the same, leaving with him thirty thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot to furnish all the Fortresses and strong places, giving him in charge to make his chief residence at Quantifou, to fortifie well the passages, and to build a new Fort at Dermis, the better to strengthen his borders: He also left him all necessaries, and commended to him the Lord of the mountains, who had been so serviceable to him; His brother he took with him, giving him large preferment in Zachethay: He also carried along with him many of the new conquered people, to plant them in his own Country, sending other Colonies in their stead which he did, because he found them a light people, and such as affected novelties.

Tamerlane sent to acquaint the old Emperour with all these things, having two of the greatest and fairest Cities in all China in his possession, and an hundred Leagues of Land, extending his borders to a River, by which he might go to the Enemy, but they could not come to him without passing over the same: He desired also above all things, that all the Idols which were within his conquest should be beaten down, and commanded the worshipping of one God.

Then did his Army, wherein was much sickness, begin to march, and Tamerlane hearing of more forces that were coming towards him out of Tartary, he sent to stop them, commanding them to march to Cambalu, whither himself also was going, hearing that the old Emperour intended to meet him, and to entertain him with great magnificence in that City.

Odmar being thus severed from Tamerlane’s side, all his favour was turned to Axalla, of whose prudence, valour, and fidelity he had such large experience in these Wars, so as the report of his valour did fly thorow all the Empire: In the retreat, Calibes led the Avantguard, and Axalla was in the Battel near to the Emperour, who bestowed upon him two hundred thousand Crowns yearly to maintain his ordinary expences. And thus after certain daies journey, news was brought of the old Emperours arrival at Cambalu: wherefore Tamerlane leaving his Army to winter in a fair and fertile Country, and dismissing many of his souldiers, he hasted thitherwards, and when he was arrived within four Leagues of Cambalu, all the Princes of the Emperours Court came to receive him there, together with all the chiefest Citizens, to congratulate his admirable success. The Prince received every one according to his wonted courtesie, yet retaining convenient Majesty, and was beheld by all with great contentment: He had with him the Empress his wife, who had not left him in all his journey: And the next day, the old Emperour honoured him so much as to come to meet him, with all the magnificence that might be. Tamerlane presented him with all the richest Chariots and fairest horses that he had won; and the old Emperour, being very desirous to see his daughter, her Chariot was uncovered, and he caused her to enter into his own: But the Prince remained on horseback, whom the eyes of all the people could not be satisfied with admiring. Tamerlane also presented Calibes to the Emperour, making a recital of all his faithfulness; whereupon the Emperour give him an hundred thousand Crowns for the encrease of his pension: He also presented Axalla to the Emperour, who being informed of his valour, gave unto him a hundred thousand Tartarines of Gold in a Principality, that he might declare how much he esteemed his fidelity.

During Tamerlanes abode at Cambalu this winter, complaints came to him that Bajazet the Great Turk, had attempted to joyn the Empire of Greece to his own, resolving also upon the siege of Constantinople, whereupon the Emperour of Greece sent to him to crave his aid. Axalla who was of kin to this Emperour, Paleologus, being desirous to maintain the Christian Religion in Greece, stirred him up much unto this war: whereupon he sent Ambassadors to Bajazet, to warn him in his name, not to molest the Greek Emperour, who was his Confederate: But Bajazet answered them very proudly, asking them what their Master had to do therewith, and that he should content himself with injoyning Laws to his own Subjects, and not to meddle with him who was none of them. This answer being returned, by Axalla’s means was very ill taken, so that Tamerlane resolved to hinder this enterprise of the Ottomans: for which end he obtained of the Emperour his Uncle, an hundred thousand footmen, and eighty thousand horsemen, hoping to have as many from his own Country of Sachctay, besides the Lords who would accompany him to win glory, from whom he made account of fifty thousand men more that they would bring along with them. Thus he departed from Cambalu, taking his leave of the old Emperor his Father in Law, and of the Princess his wife (then left behind him for the comfort of her aged Father) and departed towards Samercand, the place of his birth and seat of his Empire, leaving the forces granted him by the Emperor, to come after him to Ozara, where he had appointed the general rendezvous of his Army. This his departure was very grievous to the old Emperour, but more grievous on the Princes part towards his wife, who had never left him since they were first married: But nothing could withhold this brave Prince where honour was to be purchased, or where he might be profitable to his oppressed friends: For he would often say, That he was born to this end, and that all his other employments were but by the By, God having appointed and called him to punish the pride of Tyrants.

He was accompanied with Calibes, and made the Prince of Thanais, Colonel of all his footmen, which place Axalla had left, whom now he made Lieutenant Gen. of all his Army, with command to lead his Avantguard, and Calibes the Areerward. Forces came to him from all parts: And the Chinois Lord, being licenced by Odmar, marched towards him with twenty thousand men of his Subjects newly conquered, being desirous to shew his forwardness to the Emperour, as also to learn the manners and fashions of strange Countries. When Tamerlane came near Samercand, Zamay went to meet him, and neer a million of people, blessing and praising him with all manner of Songs: There he remained about a month: In which space Axalla had rendezvouzed his Army at Ozara, from whence also he advertised Tamerlane of the proceedings of Bajazet.

Then did Tamerlane send for him to Samercand to confer with him about the setting forward of his Army. For although he was still accompanied with renowned Princes and famous Captains; yet were they no body in comparison of Axalla, whose sound judgement and counsel had won him such credit with his Lord and Master, as by his advise he did all things, and without him nothing, which his so great authority and favour with his Prince, wanted not the envy of the Court; but that his great vertues, and rare-found courtesie (in so great fortune) together with so many great services as he had done, supported him against the malice of the same. He, upon this command from Tamerlane, leaving the charge of the Army at Ozara with the Prince of Thanais, came to Samercand, and there discoursed with him at large concerning the estate and order of his Army; and so, shortly after, they all departed to Ozara, where a new consultation was held by which way he should conduct his Army: as whether it was better to lead them by the coast of the Muscovite directly towards Capha, or on the other side of the Caspian Sea, by the skirts of Persia; and after much discourse, and sundry opinions with their reasons delivered, it was resolved (although the way were the longer) to pass by the Muscovite, so to come to the Georgians, and to Trebizond, and from thence to enter into the Ottomans Kingdom.

This being resolved on, they marched forward till at length they came to Maranis, where he stayed three daies, looking for the China forces, whereof they received news: There also Tamerlane mustered and paid his Army: He had also news of fifteen thousand horsemen sent him by the Muscovite, with a sum of money, with leave for him to pass thorow so much of his Territories as should be necessary, being glad that he set upon others, rather than on himself; and that such great preparations should fall upon them, whose greatness was as dreadful and dangerous to him as any other.

Tamerlane caused a great quantity of victuals, and most part of the furniture of his Army to be sent along the Caspian Sea, which was a great ease and commodity to his men, which, marching by Land, was of necessity to pass some twenty Leagues thorow places destitute both of victuals and water: Himself all the way coasting along the Sea-shore, passed his time in Hunting and Hawking, to make the journey less tedious, his Army not coming near him by ten Leagues, which was so great that it extended it self full twenty Leagues.

Coming to the River Edel, he stayed at Zarazich, whil'st his Army passed the River at Mecher, and over two other Bridges that he had caused to be made of boats for that purpose. Now the Circassians, and Georgians, hearing of the approach of Tamerlane with his huge Army, by their Ambassadors offered him all the help and assistance they could afford him in his journey, as he passed that way. These Georgians were and yet are Christians, a great and warlike people, of long time tributaries to the Greek Emperours; and afterwards sometimes tributaries, and sometimes confederates to the Persians: but always enemies to the Turks, and therefore glad they were of Tamerlanes coming against them. Of these warlike people Axalla drew great numbers to the service of his Prince, who not a little esteemed of them, being all tall men, very beautiful, of great strength and courage, and withal, most expert souldiers, as having many times resisted the power of the Ottoman Kings, by reason of the advantage of their Country, which was rough, mountainous, and hard to come to. These people every where kindly entertained Tamerlane, and plentifully relieved his Army with all necessaries. In passing thorow which, and other Countries, he took such order with his souldiers, that none of the people by whom they passed were any whit injured by them; insomuch that if a souldier had taken but an Apple or any other trifle, he died for it. And one of his souldiers having taken a little Milk from a Country-woman, and she thereof complaining, he caused him presently to be hanged, and his stomack to be ript, where the Milk that he had lately drunk, being found, he payed the woman for it, who had otherwise without mercy died for her false accusation: Which his great severity was indeed the preservation of his Army, being so great, as that it was thought impossible to provide it with victuals, whereof yet there was no want, nor of any other thing necessary for the relief of man: his Camp being still as a most populous and well-governed City, stored with all manner of things, whereunto both Artificers and Merchants resorted from far Countries with their commodities as to some famous Mart: and the Country-people from every place, without fear, brought in their Country-commodities, for which they received present money, and so departed in peace.

So marching on, he at length came to Bachichich, where he stayed to refresh his Army eight daies, and there again took a general muster of them, finding, as some write, four hundred thousand horse, and six hundred thousand foot: but others that were present with him, say, three hundred thousand horse, and five hundred thousand footmen of all Nations: There also he generally payed them, and as his manner was, made an oration to them, informing them of such Orders as he would have observed, with much other military discipline, whereof he was very curious with his Captains.

In the mean time Bajazet would not believe that Tamerlane durst once look towards him, yea, so exceeding barbarous was he, that he would not so much as suffer any man to speak of him, or his Army to him, by reason of his pride: He also strictly forbade all the bordering people to make any vows or prayers for Tamerlanes prosperity: But he was soon after awakened out of this Lethargy, as we shall presently hear. Indeed Tamerlane could hardly be perswaded that Bajazet, having subdued the greatest part of Greece, and much distressed the Greek Emperour, and having so great means to recover whatsoever he should lose in Asia, would be so adventurous as to come over the streights out of Europe to try the Fortune of a battel with him: but rather warily to protract the time, to weary him with wants, that in a strange Country, drew such a world of people after him; wherein yet he found himself much deceived, for when he had passed the Georgian Country, and was come to Buisabrich; Axalla (whom he had not seen in eight daies before, because he commanded the Avantguard of the Army) came to him with such news as he knew would be most grateful to him: Which was, that Bajazet had raised his siege before Constantinople to come and defend his new conquests in Asia, and that he was certainly resolved to come to a pitched Battel with him, not so much trusting to the multitude of his men, as to the experience and valour of his souldiers, being long trained up in the Wars. At which unexpected news Tamerlane greatly rejoiced, yet without insolency and vaunting, but rather with the countenance of such an one as judged the event of Battels to be always doubtful; saying sometimes, That a small number well conducted, did carry away the victory from the confused multitude. Three daies after he stayed at Buisabrich, causing his souldiers continually to march forward, who, at two places, passed over the river Euphrates, which he did, the rather to maintain his Army upon the spoile of the Enemies Country, chusing rather there to attend Bajazets coming, then amongst his friends and allies. All the Cities that yielded to him in the way as he marched, he favourably received; the other that refused to submit themselves to his obedience, he used with all extremity, especially the great and strong City of Sebastia, where certain of the forerunners of his Army, were by the Turks that kept Garrison in it, cut off and slain, and to despite him the more, the City gates were set open in contempt of him: Whereupon being justly offended, he sent out certain Tartarian horsemen, charging them upon pain of his displeasure so to behave themselves against their enemies, that at his coming up to them he might find either the City taken, or at least the Gates shut up against him: And he had his men in such great command, that no danger was unto them more dreadful than his displeasure, neither did he punish any thing so severely as cowardize. Now the Turks in Sebastia seeing these Tartarian horsemen marching towards the City, making little account of them, because their number was not great, issued out to meet them, where they were so furiously charged by these few horsemen, that they were glad to retire, and for haste to shut the gates against some of their own men, lest the enemy should have entered pell mell with them, which Turks were there slaine at the gates of the City. Shortly after came Tamerlane with all the rest of his Army, and sat down before the City, where he lay still seven daies not making any shew of violence at all. The defendants, because the City was of great strength, thought that his purpose was by a long siege to distress the same: But about the eighth day, the Towers and Walls being undermined in sundry places, suddenly fell down, leaving large breaches for the enemy to enter; wherewith the Turks being dismayed surrendred the City to Tamerlane in hope so to have saved their lives, but he caused them all to be buried quick, and the City utterly to be razed: and then calling the Governour, whose life he had spared for that end, he bade him go and tell his Master what had happened to his strong City of Sebastia, and what himself had seen there; of which Tragical action, when the Governour had made report to Bajazet, he demanded of him whether of the two Armies he thought bigger or stronger; for he had now assembled a mighty Army of three hundred thousand horse, and two hundred thousand footmen; whereunto the Governour, having first craved pardon, answered: That it could not be in reason, but that Tamerlane had the greater Army, for that he commanded over far greater Countries; wherewith proud Bajazet being offended, replied in great Choller: Out of doubt the sight of the Tartarian hath so affrighted this coward, that he thinks every enemy to be two. As Bajazet marched forward he heard a Country-Shepherd merrily pleasing himself with his homely pipe as he sate on the side of a mountain feeding his small flock, whereupon he stood still, and listned to him to the admiration of many, and at last brake forth into these words, O happy Shepherd, which hadst no Sebastia to lose! bewraying therein his own discontentment, and yet withal, shewing that worldly bliss consisted not so much in possessing of much, subject unto danger, as in enjoying content in a little, devoid of fears. The rest of the Cities as Tamerlane marched forwards, warned by the destruction of Sebastia, yielded to him, the Citizens whereof he used courteously, especially the Christians, whom he set at liberty for the Greek Emperors sake, whom he sought therein to gratifie.

But Tamerlane had not gone far into the Turks dominions before he was certainly informed that Bajazet was coming against him with a mighty Army, and was now within thirty leagues of him, which caused him from thence forward to march with his Army more close together. Axalla leading the Van, sent forth Chianfou, Prince of Ciarchan, with four thousand Parthian horsemen, to get knowledge of the Turkish Army, and where Bajazet lay, as also what manner of Countrey it was beyond Sennas, if he could learn any thing thereof, to make relation of it to him. This Prince of Ciarchan was Tamerlanes near kinsman, a man of great reputation, and next to Axalla, in whose absence he had the command of the Avantguard, who also sent before him another Parthian Captain with five hundred horsemen: who having advanced about ten leagues and surprised Sennas, was certainly informed there of the state of Bajazets Army, which was now at Tataia, and so marching forward; which Tamerlane being informed of, commanded him not to retire from that place till he saw the arrival of the enemy, and thereof to give him advertisment every hour, resolving himself to pass on no further, being encamped in a fair large plain, which was very advantageous for him, his Army being bigger than Bajazet's, which made him make choice of those large plains: His Army also being compounded of sundry Nations, he considered that he was not to fight against the Chinois, a soft effeminate people, as of late; but against the Turks, a most warlike Nation and well acquainted with all manner of fights and warlike Stratagems, and therefore he judged it necessary to proceed warily against them. Upon this consideration he presently sent for Axalla, with him to view the said place, and to have his opinion whether it would be advantageous for him to stay there or no? Axalla not misliking his choice of the place, yet withal advised him to keep Sennas as long as possibly he could: and accordingly he sent word to them at Sennas, that when they could keep the place no longer, they should set fire on it, and so retreat, and this he did, that the enemy should have no desire to encamp there, but to march forward to those plains where Tamerlane desired to fight, the rather because he was stronger in horse then Bajazet.

Accordingly the Prince of Ciarchan sent out a hundred horse toward the Turks; then divided he the rest of his forces into two parts, commanding the former, that as soon as they perceived the enemy to pursue the hundred horse, whom he had commanded to fly disorderly before them, that they should receive them into their squadrons, and so retire altogether: He in the mean time with the other part stood close in a valley near unto a wood-side, wholly unseen; where having suffered two thousand of the enemies horse (the avant-curriers of the Turks army) to pass by him, he following them in the tail, charged them home, the other also which before retiring, now turned again upon them; so that the Turks seeing themselves thus beset and hardly laid to both before and behind, as men discouraged, fled: but in their flight were most of them slain, the rest of them were taken prisoners. This was the first encounter between the Turks and the Parthians. All the prisoners taken were by the Prince sent as a Present to Tamerlane, and amongst the rest, the Bassa of Natolia, who led those Troops; of whom Tamerlane earnestly demanded what caused his Master Bajazet so little to esteem him, as to shew so great a contempt of his Army: Which (saith he) he shall find strong enough to abate his pride? To

this the Bassa answered: That his Lord was the Sun upon earth, which could not endure any corrival: And that he rather was astonished to see how he, from so far a Country, had undertaken so dangerous a journey to hinder the fortune of his Lord, in whose favour the heavens (as he said) did bend themselves to further his greatness, and unto whom all the world subjected it self; and that he committed great folly in going about to resist the same. Unto this proud speech Tamerlane replied, That he was sent from heaven to punish his insolency, and to teach him that the proud are hated of God, whose Promise is to pull down the mighty, and to advance the lowly. As for thy self (said he) thou hast already felt (though I pity thy mishap) what the valour of my Parthian horse is against thy Turkish: and I have already caused thy Master to raise his siege before Constantinople, and to look to his affairs here in Asia. He also asked him whether his Master did come resolved to give him battel? Assure your self (said he) that there is nothing that he more desireth, and would to God that I might acknowledge your greatness in giving me leave to assist my Lord in the Battel? Good leave have thou (said Tamerlane) go thy waies, and tell thy Lord that thou hast seen me, and that in the battel he shall find me on horseback, there where he shall see a green Ensign displayed. The Bassa thanked him, and swore that next unto his Lord, he vowed unto him his service. And so returning, he related unto Bajazet how he had seen Tamerlane, and reported to him truly all that he had willed him to say, not forgetting above all, to praise his courtesie and bounty who besides that he had frankly set him at liberty, had also given him a very fair horse, well furnished, although he well knew that he was to serve against himself: To this Bajazet answered no more, but that he would shortly make trial of him, and that he doubted not but before he had done with him, he should make him acknowledge his folly. The next day the two Armies drew near together, and encamped within a league the one of the other; where all the night long you might have heard a noise of horses which filled the heavens with their neighings, and the air with sounds; and every man thought the night long that they might come to the trial of their valours, and the gaining of their desires. The Scythians (people no less greedy) talked of nothing but the

spoil; the proud Parthians of attaining honour; the poor Christians of their deliverance from an insulting adversary; all which was to be gained by the next daies Victory. Every man, during the night-time, speaking according to his humour. All which Tamerlane (walking privately up and down in the Camp) heard, and much rejoyced to see the hope which his souldiers had already conceived of the Victory: and so after the second watch, returning into his Pavilion, and there casting himself upon a Carpet, he purposed to sleep a while; but his cares not suffering him to do so, he (as his manner was) called for a Book, wherein was contained the Lives of his Fathers and Ancestors, and of other famous Worthies, which he used ordinarily to read in, as them also he did; not vainly to deceive the time, but to make use of it, by imitating that which by them was worthily done, and declining such dangers as they by their rashness, or oversight fell into. After which, having slumbred a little, he commanded Axalla to be sent for to him, who presently came, accompanied with divers other great Lords and Captains of the Army, with whom after he had consulted a while about the order of the battel, himself presently mounted on horseback, and sent each of them to their Charge to see their orders put in execution: At which very instant he received intelligence that the enemy was marching forwards, and come to chuse his ground for the battel, whose order of marching Tamerlane was very desirous to see, that he might marshal his own Army accordingly. For (said he) I do not so much trust to the Lions skin wherein I wrap mine arm, but that withall I will make use of the Foxes, therein to wrap mine head, which my grandfather instilled into his Posterities in a Battel against the Persians: For being in a place of advantage, he went out of it to seek his enemy that was lodged strongly, contrary to the advise of all his Captains, which proved his ruine.

Then did he cause three thousand horsemen to advance forward, with charge to begin the skirmishes, himself following after to lodge every part of his forces in such places as he had foreseen to be fittest for his advantage: And seeing the Turkish Janizaries marching in a square battel in the midst of the Army, and upon the two Fronts, two great squadrons of horsemen, which seemed to be about thirty thousand, and another which advanced before, and covered the Battalion of the Janizaries, he thought

this their order to be very good, and hard to be broken, and therefore turning himself to Axalla, he said, I had thought this day to have fought on foot, but I see that it behoves me now to fight on horseback, to encourage my souldiers to open that great Battalion of the enemies. And my will is that my men come forward in to me as fast as may be for the battel; for I will advance forward with a thousand horse and footmen, fifty thousand upon each of my two wings, and in the midst of them, forty thousand of my best horsemen: and my pleasure is, that, after I have tried the force of those men, they come back unto my Avanguard, of whom I will dispose, and fifty thousand footmen more in three battels, whereof those that command, which I will assist with eighty thousand horse, wherein shall be mine own person, having an hundred thousand footmen behind me, who shall march in two Squadrons: and for my Arereward I appoint forty thousand horse, and fifty thousand footmen, who shall not march but by my aid. And I will make choice of ten thousand of my best horse, whom I will send into every place where I shall think needful within my Army, for to impart my commands.

Over the first forty thousand horse, the Prince of Ciarchan commanded, over the foremost footmen was the Lord Swoopes, a Genuois, kinsman to Axalla and his Lieutenant over the footmen, a Captain of great estimation: The Prince Axalla's charge consisted of five squadrons of horsemen: Bajazet's Army also being fair and great, came bravely still on forwards towards their enemies, who retired near a mile from the place which they had chosen before the battel, except certain light-horsemen, Scythians, Parthians, and Muscovites, who being sent out as loose men, hotly skirmished between the two Armies. Tamerlane was informed by a Spie, that Bajazet was on foot in the midst of thirty thousand Janizaries, his principal men of War, and greatest strength, amongst whom he meant that day to fight, and in whom he had reposed his greatest hope. His battel of horse was very fair, amounting to the number of one hundred and forty thousand, all old souldiers: the Sultan of Egypt also had sent to his aid thirty thousand Mamelukes; all excellent good horsemen, with thirty thousand footmen; so that his Army marching all in a front, in the form of a half Moon, seemed almost as great as Tamerlane's: These Turks, with infinite number of horrible cries, still advanced forwards, Tamerlane's souldiers all the while standing still with great silence. Never

was there a more furious charge then the Turks gave upon the Prince of Ciarchan, who was commanded not to fight till the enemy came unto him: neither could there have been chosen a fairer Plain, and where the skilful choice of the place, gave less advantage either to the one or to the other; only Tamerlane had a River on the left side of his Army, serving him to some small advantage. Now this young Prince of Ciarchan, with his forty thousand horse, was in the first encounter almost wholly overthrown; yet having fought right valiantly, and entred even into the midst of the Janizaries (where the person of Bajazet was) putting them into disorder, he was himself there slain. About which time Axalla set upon them with his squadrons, but not with the like danger: for having overthrown one of the enemies wings, and cut it all to pieces, and his footmen coming to joyn with him, as was appointed, he faced the Battalion of the Janizaries, who right valiantly behaved themselves for the safety of their Prince. This furious fight continued an hour, and yet you could not have seen any scattered, but the one still resolutely fighting against the other. You might there have seen the horsemen like mountains rushing together, and infinite numbers of men dying, crying, lamenting, and threatening all at the same instant.

Tamerlane had patience all this while to see the event of this so mortal a fight: but perceiving his men at last to begin to give ground, he sent ten thousand of his horse to joyn with the ten thousand appointed for the Rereward, commanding them to assist him when they saw that he had need, and so himself gave a furious Charge, and made them to give him room, causing the footmen also to charge, over whom the Prince of Thanais commanded, who gave a gallant charge upon the Battalion of Janizaries, wherein was yet the person of Bajazet, who before had sustained a great burden. Now Bajazet had in his Army a great number of Mercenary Tartars, called Dassenses, with many thousands of other souldiers taken up in the Countries of the poor exiled Mahometan Princes, in whose just quarrel, and the Great Emperours, Tamerlane had chiefly undertaken that war. These Tartarians and other souldiers, seeing, some their friends, and other some their natural and loving Princes in Tamerlane's Army, stricken with the terrour of disloyalty, and abhorring the cruelty of the proud Tyrant, in the heat of the battel, revolted from Bajazet to their own Princes, which much weak-

ened Bajazet's forces: who nevertheless with his own men of War, especially the Janizaries, and the help of the Christian souldiers brought to his aid from Servia, and other places of Europe, with great courage maintained the fight: But the multitude rather then true valour prevailed; for as much as might be done by valiant and courageous men, was by the Janizaries, the Mamelukes, and the rest performed, both for the preservation of their Prince, and for gaining the victory: But in the end the horsemen with whom Tamerlane himself was, giving a fresh charge, and his Avanguard being rallied and joyning with him, he with much ado obtained the Victory.

Bajazet himself being wounded, when he saw all desperate, mounted on Horseback, thinking to have escaped; but falling into Axalla's hands, he yielded himself to him, supposing him to have been Tamerlane, neither did Axalla for a while know him; but took him for some great Commander in the Turks Army. Mussa, sirnamed Zelabi, or the Noble, one of Bajazet's sons, with divers others of his great Captains were there taken also; and amongst the rest, Georg, Despot of Servia, who notwithstanding his misfortune had that day by his valour gained the reputation of a great and valiant Captain, insomuch as Tamerlane in the very heat of the battel marvelled to see him and his Servians, and the other Christians that he had brought to the aid of Bajazet, to fight so valiantly; whereupon turning to some of his Captains that were near him, he said, See how valiantly these Raiyasine fight, supposing them by their strange attire to have been some of the Turks superstitious Votaries. But the Despot being now taken, and afterwards brought to Tamerlane, he was by him courteously entertained; yet withall reproved, for that he had assisted Bajazet against him, who was come in favour to the Christian Emperour, and the other poor oppressed Princes, such as the Despot himself was: who thereupon boldly answered, That indeed it was not according to his profession, but according to the prosperity of Bajazet, unto whom it seemed that all the world should bend, and that he did it for his own safety: Whereupon Tamerlane excused him, and without any more ado, gave him liberty at his own pleasure to depart.

Bajazet himself being afterwards brought to Tamerlane as a prisoner, was by him courteously entertained, who never shewed any token of submission at all, but according to his proud nature, with-

out respect of his present state, answered him presumptuously to whatever he demanded of him: Wherewith Tamerlane being somewhat moved, told him that it was in his power to take his life from him; whereto he answered no more, but, Do it, for that will be my greatest happiness. Then Tamerlane demanded of him, what made him so proud as to enterprise to bring to nothing a Prince as the Greek Emperor into his subjection? He answered, Even the same cause which moved thee to invade me, namely the desire of glory and sovereignty. But wherefore then (said Tamerlane) dost thou with such cruelty onwards them whom thou overcomest, without respect of Age or Sex? That did I (said he) to strike the greater terrour into mine enemies.

Then did Tamerlane ask him if he had ever given thanks to God for making him so great an Emperor? No (said he) I never so much as thought upon any such thing. Then said Tamerlane, It is no wonder that so ungrateful a man should be made a spectacle of misery. For you (said he) being blind of an eye, and lame of a leg, was there any worth in us, that God should set us over two such great Empires, to command so many men far more worthy then our selves? But, said Tamerlane, your would'st thou have done with me if it had been my lot to have fallen into thy hands, as thou art now in mine? I would (said Bajazet) have enclosed thee in a Cage of Iron, and so have carried thee up and down in Triumph through my Kingdoms. Even so (said Tamerlane) shall thou be served: And so causing him to be taken out of his presence, turning to his followers, he said, Behold a proud and cruel man, who deserves to be chastised accordingly, and to be made an example to all the proud and cruel of the world, of the just wrath of God against them. I acknowledge that God this day hath delivered into my hands a great enemy, to whom therefore we must return thanks, which he also caused publickly to be performed the same day; for the battel was ended about four a clock, and there were divers hours yet of day-light. The next day he caused the dead to be buried, where amongst the rest was found the body of the Prince of Ciarchan dead in the midst of the Janizaries, where he lay enclosed with their dead bodies, shewing that he died not unrevenged, whose untimely death Tamerlane much lamented, causing his dead body to be Embalmed, and with two thousand horse, and divers Turkish prisoners chained together, to be conveyed to

Samercand until his coming thither. All other dead bodies were, with all honour that might be, buried at Sennas.

This great bloudy battel was fought in the year of our Lord, 1397, not far from mount Stella (where formerly the great King Mithridates was by Pompey the Great, in a great battel overthrown.) It continued from seven a clock in the morning till four in the afternoon; victory as it were all the while hovering with doubtful wings over both Armies, as uncertain where to light until at length the fortune of Tamerlane prevailed: whose wisdom, next unto God, gave him that daies victory; for that the politick rising of the strong forces of Bajazet was the safeguard of his own: whereas if he had gone unto the battel in one front, through the multitude finding such strong opposition, had put it self into confusion, but this successive manner of aiding his men, made them all unto him profitable. The number of them in it is variously reported. The Turks themselves say, that Bajazet lost there his noble Son Mustapha, with two hundred thousand of his men, and Tamerlane not many fewer: Others say, that the Turks lost about sixty thousand, and Tamerlane not past twenty thousand. But likely it is, that the carnage was very great in so long a fight between two such Armies as probably never before met in a field together.

By this great event is plainly seen the uncertainty of worldly things, and what small assurance even the greatest have in them: Behold, Bajazet the terrour of the world, and (as he thought) surest not to fortune, in an instant by the event of one battel thrown into the bottom of misery and despair, and that at such a time as he thought least of it, even in the midst of his greatest strength. It was three daies before he could be pacified. But as a desperate man still fought after death, and called for it. Neither did Tamerlane after he had once spoken with him, at all afterwards use him courteously; but as of a proud and insolent man, made small account of him. And to manifest that he knew how to curb the haughty, he made him to be shackled in fetters and chains of Gold, and so to be shut up in an Iron Cage, made like a grate, that he might be seen on every side, and so carried him up and down as he passed through Asia, to be made a scorn and derision to his own people, over whom he had before Tyrannized. And to his further disgrace, upon festival daies he used him for a footstool

to tread upon when he mounted on horseback, and at other times scornfully fed him like a dog with fragments that fell from his Table. A rare example of the uncertainty of worldly honours and greatness, that he, unto whose ambitious mind Asia and Europe, two great parts of the World, were too little, should now be carried up and down, cooped up in a little Iron Cage, like a dangerous wild beast: How might he have taken up that speech of Hecuba in Seneca? Quicunque Regno fidit, & magna potens dominatur in aula, me videat. Non unquam tulit Documenta Fors majora quam fragili loco starent superbi.

Tamerlane used this severity, not so much out of hatred to the man, as to manifest the just judgment of God against the arrogance and folly of the proud. And when on a time he was requested by one of his Nobles to remit some part of this rigour to so great a man, he answered, I do not use this rigour against him as a King, but rather to punish him as a proud ambitious Tyrant, polluted with the bloud of his own brother and many other innocents.

This so great an overthrow brought such a fear upon all the Countries possessed by Bajazet in Asia, that Axalla being sent before Tamerlane with forty thousand horse, and a hundred thousand foot without carriages, to prosecute the victory, came without resistance to Prusa, whither all the remainder of Bajazet's Army was retired with Bassa Mustapha: all places as he marched along still yielding to him: Yea, the great Bursi, with the rest, hearing of his coming, and not thinking themselves in safety in Asia, fled over the streits of Hellespont to Callipolis, and so to Hadrianople.

Axalla coming to Prusa, had the City without resistance yielded to him, which by his Army was plundered, and there, with other of Bajazet's wives and concubines, he took prisoner the fair Despina, Bajazet's best beloved Wife, to the doubling of his grief.

Emmanuel Paleologus now hearing of Tamerlane's coming to Prusa, sent honourable Ambassadours thither before to Axalla, by whom they were entertained till the coming of Tamerlane, who received them with all the honour that might be, shewing them all his magnificence, and the order of his Camp, to their great admiration: For it resembled a most populous and well governed City by reason of the order that was therein, which brought it plenty of victuals, and of all manner of Merchandize as well for delight as neces-

sity. By these Ambassadours the Greek Emperour yielded his Empire, together with his person unto Tamerlane as his most faithful subject and vassal; Which (as he said) he was bound to do, for that he was by him delivered from the most cruel Tyrant of the world, as also for the long journey he had undertaken for his sake, and the discommodities he had endured with the hazard of his person and loss of his subjects, which could not be otherwise compensated, but with the offer of his own and his subjects lives to him, which for ever he therefore dedicated to his service, with all the fidelity & loyalty that so great a benefit might deserve: besides, that his so many virtues, & rare endowments, which made him famous thorow the world, did oblige him the more hereunto, and that therefore he would attend him in his chief City, to deliver it into his hands as his own, together with all the Empire of Greece.

Now these Ambassadours expected no less than to fall into the bondage of Tamerlane, judging that which they offered to be so great and delicate a morsel, as that it would not be refused, especially of such a victorious Prince as was Tamerlane; and that the acceptance thereof in kindness and friendship was the best bargain they could make therein. But they received an answer from this worthy Prince far beyond their expectations: For he with a mild countenance beholding them, answered thus, That he was not come from so far a Country, nor undertook such pains for the enlargement of his dominions, big enough already (too base a thing for him to put himself into so great danger, and hazard for) but rather to win honour, and to make his name famous to future posterities: And that he would make it appear to the World that he came to assist their Master as his Friend and Ally at his request; and that his upright intentions therein were the greatest cause that God from above had favoured him, and made him an instrument to bruise the head of the greatest and fiercest enemy of mankind that was under heaven; and therefore to get him an immortal name, his purpose was to make free so great and flourishing a City as was Constantinople, governed by so noble and ancient an house as the Emperours. That he had alwaies joyned faith to his courage, which should never suffer him to make so great a breach into his reputation, as that it should be reported of him, that in the colour of a Friend he should come to invade the Dominions of his Ally. That he desired no more, but that the service he had

done for the Greek Emperour might remain for ever engraven in the memory of his posterity, to the end they might for ever wish well to him and his successors, by the remembring the good he had done for them: That he wished that long might the noble Emperour live, happily to govern his estate, and that before his return, he would so well consider for the establishing of the same, as that he should not lightly fall into the same jeopardy.

Easie it is to judge what joy the Ambassadours did conceive upon hearing this so gracious an answer from the mouth of Tamerlane, who, rather than he would break his Faith, refused an Empire offered him, together with one of the stateliest, and magnificentest Cities in the world. After the exhilaration of their joy and thankfulness, these Ambassadours were by the command of Tamerlane royally feasted by Axalla, having all the honour done to them that might be. And one of them being sent back to carry this unexpected news to the Emperor, filled both him and all the City of Constantinople with exceeding joy and gladness, which both he and all his subjects testified by making of Bonefires, and other signs of joy and pleasure. And the Emperour, the more to shew his gratitude, by the advice of his Counsellours, passed over the streits into Asia, to see Tamerlane in Prusa, and in person himself to give him thanks; who hearing of his coming, and being glad thereof, presently sent Prince Axalla to meet him, and to certifie him of the joy he conceived to have the good hap to see him, as also to conduct him to Prusa, where both were great Princes with the greatest magnificence that might be, met, and to spent one whole day in conversing together; and the Greek Emperour the next day taking his leave, was by Tamerlane with much honour conducted out of the City.

Now had Tamerlane himself conceived a great desire to see the famous City of Constantinople, from which he was not now far, yet would he not go thither as a Conquerour, but as a private person; which by the means of Axalla was accomplished, and he thereinto by the Greek Emperour privately received, and with all familiarity possible entertained: the Emperour shewing unto him all the rare and excellent things that were contained therein; and the other Greek Princes devising all the means they could to do him pleasure, and them that were with him, who were all in a manner cloathed after the Greek fashion. The Greek Emperour

was curious to shew him all the beautiful Gardens along the Sea-coast, and so privately conducting him about, spent five or six daies with all the mirth that might be; Tamerlane by the way often saying, that he had never seen a fairer City; and that of all others, considering the situation of it, it was right worthy to command all the world. He wondred at the costly buildings of the Temples, the fair engraven pillars, the high Pyramides, and the excellent gardens; afterwards saying often, that nothing repented him to have undertaken so long and dangerous a journey, if it had been only to preserve so notable a City from fire and sword. In the Greek Emperour he greatly commended his mild nature and courtesie, who knowing that above all things he took pleasure in fair serviceable horses, gave unto him thirty of the fairest, strongest, and rarest that were possibly to be gotten, all most richly furnished: He sent likewise great presents to all the Princes, and great Commanders of the Army, and bountifully caused to be delivered to them all things which he thought necessary for the Army. So after these great kindnesses, and a strict bond of friendship made, and by solemn Oath confirmed by these two great Princes, Tamerlane with great contentment took leave of the Emperour, and returned to his Army at Prusa, wherewith now at pleasure he spoiled and wasted all the dominions of Bajazet in Asia, no man daring to make head against him.

The winter now drawing on, Tamerlane dispersed his Army into divers Provinces of the lesser Asia, expecting daily when some of Bajazet's sons, or great friends should make suit to him for his deliverance; but none came, most fearing the fierce nature of Bajazet, who if he had been delivered, was like enough to have taken severe revenge upon all that forsook him in the battel, and therefore they never interceded for him. Whereupon Tamerlane one day passing by him, said, I marvel that none of thy sons nor friends either come to see thee, or to intreat for thee; it must needs be that thou hast evil deserved of them, as thou hast of others. But what thinkest thou, if I should set thee at liberty, would they receive thee again as their Lord and Sovereign, or not? To whom Bajazet loudly answered, Were I at liberty thou shouldest quickly see that I neither want courage nor means to revenge all my wrongs, and to make the disobedient to know their duties

better. This proud answer made Tamerlane keep a stricter hand over him.

In this great war the Sultan of Egypt (as we said before) had aided Bajazet, which Tamerlane took in so evil part that he resolved revenge: For as to his Friends he was most kind and courteous, so to his Enemies most terrible and dreadful. Yet before his departure he restored to the poor Mahometan Princes that had fled to him for refuge, all their ancient Inheritances, with something more out of bounty; as also he did divers Cities and Countries of Natolia to the Greek Emperour for the yearly tribute of four hundred thousand Ducats of Gold, and eight hundred thousand Franks of Silver. And thus having enriched his Army with the spoiles of the Ottoman Empire, he turned his Forces against the Egyptian Sultan, and so passing thorow Caramania, he entered into Syria, then part of the Sultans Kingdoms; where near unto Aleppo (before yielded to him) there was fought betwixt them a great and mortal battel, the Sultan having in his Army a hundred thousand foot, and seventy four thousand horse, whereof there were thirty thousand Mamelukes, accounted the best horsemen in the world. In which battel Axalla, with the Avanguard of Tamerlane's Army, was hardly distressed, and Axalla himself taken, but presently rescued by Tamerlane, who had he not by his coming on with fresh Forces speedily relieved the battel, that day was like enough to have put a period to his fortunes: But victory after a long and cruel fight (wherein were eighty thousand of both sides slain) inclining to Tamerlane, the Sultan fled, Tamerlane pursuing him for the space of three leagues. After this victory Tamerlane dividing his Army, sent Axalla with forty thousand horse, and fifty thousand foot to pursue the Sultan along the Sea-coast of Arabia: The Sultan made divers Alts with four thousand horse to have stopped Axalla, who having the smallest Forces, followed him the nearest, whilst Tamerlane with sixty thousand horse, and two hundred thousand foot marched along those Coasts, having all the Cities as he went surrendred to him: only the strong City of Damascus refused to receive him, whereinto the Sultan had put the Prince Tanarduz with a strong Garrison, who did what might be done to defend the same, but all in vain: For Tamerlane having by battery overthrown a great

part of the Wall, took the City by storm, only the Castle yet remained which was accounted impregnable: but at the taking of Damascus such a multitude pressed in to it, as that it was not possible for them long to subsist; therefore within a short time being pinched with hunger, and many already dead, the rest, upon promise of their lives, offered to yield: But Tamerlane would not receive them to mercy, to make them sensible what it was to hold out against him: So that most of them dying of famine, the rest yielded at pleasure, and were most of them put to the sword for their obstinacy; which severity of his caused all the Cities within the space of thirty leagues to bring their Keyes to him in token of their submission, whom he no way molested, otherwise than in contributing to the charge of his Army.

From thence he turned directly towards Jerusalem; at which time they of the City had turned out the Sultans Garrison, as had almost all they of Judea, submitting themselves unto Tamerlane: at Chorasia was a Garrison of six thousand, who at first pretended to defend the place; but when they perceived that Tamerlane was resolved to have it, they submitted, and found mercy. There Tamerlane left a Garrison of his own to repel the Mamelukes, who with frequent incursions troubled his Army. Himself with some of his horsemen rode to Jerusalem to visit the Sepulchre so much reverenced of all Nations: By the Inhabitants he was joyfully received, and having sought out all the antiquities of that ancient City, he would be conducted to all the places where Christ had preached, and coming to the Sepulchre, he gave there many rich gifts, to the great content of all, only the Jews much blamed him for so doing, but he reputed them not, calling them the accursed of God: There he heard the news that the Sultan, having gathered together all his Forces, was fortifying his Cities in Egypt, especially Alexandria, and the Grand Cairo; whereupon Tamerlane commanded his Army to march towards Egypt to Damietta, which strong City he thought not good to leave behind him, though by some he was persuaded so to do, for that it was thought impregnable, both by reason of the strong Castle, and great Garrison placed therein by the Sultan: But he whose fortune nothing could hinder, would needs go thither: And having commanded Axalla to attempt it, followed himself after with the rest of his Army.

Now Axalla having summoned the City, declared to the inhabitants (who were most of them Christians) the mildness, and courtesie of Tamerlane, as also who himself, and of what Religion he was; causing many of his Greek Captains to speak to them, and to tell them, what misery they endured under the Moors and Mamelukes, which so far prevailed with them that they resolved to adventure their lives to put the Mamelukes out of the City; and the night after taking Armes, made themselves Masters of one quarter of the City, opening one of the gates to Axalla, whereby he entring, put all the Mamelukes to the sword, or took them prisoners, and so became Master of that strong City: Whereat Tamerlane being, hoped by so prosperous a beginning to find an happy end of his wars in Egypt. For he knew that the haven of Damietta might furnish him with victuals out of all parts of Greece, as the Emperour Emmanuel had promised him, and wherein he nothing failed him. Then did Tamerlane enter the City, leaving therein a Garrison of two thousand of the Emperour of Greece's his souldiers, with a Governour, of whom he took an oath for their obedience. And having staid a while at Damietta, he caused his Avanguard to march towards Alexandria, and having passed over the River, he suddenly turned directly towards Grand Cairo, to the great astonishment of the Sultan, who provided for the defence of Alexandria as nearest to the Enemy: But understanding that news, used such diligence that he entred into Cairo, with forty thousand horse, and forty thousand foot, even as Tamerlane's Army approached to it. By this unexpected coming of the Sultan, the great City that before was like to have revolted, was again confirmed in his obedience, to the great prejudice of Tamerlane's affairs: For to remain long before it was impossible, throw want of victuals for so great an Army in an Enemies Country. Yet this discouraged not Tamerlane from approaching to it, and with all his Army to encamp near unto the same, having caused a great trench to be made for the security of his horsemen, and therein to lodge his Army more safely; during which time he caused divers skirmishes to be made, as well to try the enemies confidence, as to see how the people of the City, especially the slaves (which in that populous City are in great numbers) were affected towards him, who indeed were glad to see the state of his Army, and the proud Mamelukes still put to the worst, but

farther stirred not. During this siege, he thought good one day to draw forth his Army before the City, to try whether the enemy had any mind to come to a battel; as also to view his own forces, and to indeed to seek occasion to fight, hoping that if the Sultan should come forth with his Army, some revolt might happen at the same time in the City, as well by the slaves, unto whom by secret Spies he had promised liberty, as by the Citizens themselves, who were much discontented with the insolency of the Mamelukes, and by whom Tamerlane by the same Spies had made it known that he came not to hurt them, but to deliver them from the tyranny of his, and their Enemies: But standing thus in battel array, none stirred out of the City, neither was there any curtain raised within, according as he expected: For the Sultan being plentifully provided with all things in that rich City, resolved to weary out Tamerlane by lying still, and not to put all to the hazard of a Battel. Tamerlane perceiving his Design, yet resolved not to depart till he was victorious; whereupon he thought fit also to attempt him in his greatest strength, and in the heart of his greatest City, though it could not be done without great hazard, such confidence had he in the Valour, and Multitude of his Army. Now his purpose was first to take one of the Cities (for Cairo is divided into three) and therein encamping himself, by little and little to advance forward as he could find opportunity. Upon this resolution he commanded a strong assault to be given, and having conducted his Footmen to the place chosen by him for the Onset (for the City was not Walled, but only fortified with Ditches and Trenches) he commanded the Prince of Thanais with fifty thousand men to begin the Assault even in the face of the Enemy, which he most valiantly performed, which occasioned a great and terrible fight, Axalla at the mean time deferring (as the rush was) that the Sultan had drawn the greatest part of his Forces to that place, fetched a Compass about, and in another part of the City, with small resistance pulled the Trenches, where he presently left thirty thousand men to fill up the Ditches, thereby to make way for the Horsemen entrance, himself with the rest, advancing forwards against twenty thousand sent by the Sultan to oppose his farther passage, the Prince of Thanais being at the same time almost beaten back by the Mamelukes: But the Ditches being

presently levelled, ten thousand horsemen entred, who charged upon the backs of the Mamelukes, where the Sultan himself was; they were likewise seconded by ten thousand more sent in by Tamerlane, himself following after with all his power: Hereupon the Sultan retreated into a second strength which he had made in the next City.

This fight continued full seven hours, wherein were slain of the Sultans men, above sixteen thousand, and of Tamerlane's between seven and eight thousand, Tamerlane being well contented that he had dislodged his enemy, and gained one of the Cities, caused a retreat to be founded, hoping the next day to win all the rest, as indeed he did: For the next morning the Prince of Thanais storming the Trenches in one part, as Axalla did in another, the Sultan at a great fight finding himself hardly pressed by the obstinate enemy, and unable longer to hold out, retreated, abandoning the City, and encamping himself along the River Nilus, resolving to retire to the City of Alexandria his second strength, and only refuge, which Tamerlane suspecting, followed after him with his Horsemen, (who only were in order) and some few foot hardly drawn from the City, which their fellows were in plundering, Tamerlane prohibiting them both to regard, and reward their good services. Against these the Sultan upon a narrow causeway, had opposed twelve or fifteen thousand men to favour his passage, who being of his best Souldiers, maintained their ground stoutly, the place being much for their advantage; yet at length their enemies still encreasing, and pressing hard upon them, they were forced to cast themselves into the great River, and make a most honourable retreat, every man having his weapon in one hand, and swimming with the other hand to the farther bank. The Sultan flying with about eighteen thousand horse (the rest being either drowned, or dispersed) is said to have comforted his flying men, by telling them, they were not men, but gods that had vanquished them.

Divers of the Mamelukes that were taken Prisoners, being brought before Tamerlane were by him courteously used, and asked if they would be content to serve him, seeing their Master was fled and gone? This they all utterly refused, whom notwithstanding for their fidelity, Tamerlane set at liberty to go again to their Master, being no less desirous to be admired by

his enemies for his goodness and bounty, then to be feared for his force and valour.

The wonderful wealth of this so great, and famous City, became a prey to his Souldiers, who for the space of twenty four hours had the spoil thereof: At the end of which time every man was strictly charged by open Proclamation to retire to his Quarters. Tamerlane would not suffer any of the Citizens to be taken Prisoners, and such as were, he released, and so leaving ten thousand good Souldiers, with many others that followed his Camp, for the Guard of the City, and taking with him all such persons, as he thought might hurt him, he caused his Army to pass over the River, and to follow the Sultan to Alexandria, that so his Victory might be completed.

Axalla halted before with the Avanguard to hinder the Sultan from gathering up his forces together: The rest of the Army was conducted by the Prince of Thanais. Tamerlane himself with an infinite number of Boats, and many Souldiers to attend him, went by water, greatly delighting to behold that fair River of Nilus, sometimes running with a swift course, at other times very calm, and scarce moved. The Citizens of Alexandria hearing of his coming, and fearing the issue, besought the Sultan to compassionate their condition, and to withdraw himself into Libya; whither Tamerlane could not follow him by reason of the barrennesse of the Country: Resolving for their parts to submit to fortune, and to do as the time required; yet promising in heart to remain his, and to make the fairest muster to the Sultan, so soon as occasion should be offered. Hereupon the Sultan, seeing all things desperate, determined to retire, yet hoping that time might bring a change, for that Tamerlane's nor any Army could not long remain there: And so departing out of Alexandria with Tears standing in his eyes, he often said, that God was angry with him and his People, so that he must of necessity suffer the fatal Overthrow of his estate; yet for his own part he had done as much as in him lay, according to the Duty of his Place, and to satisfie the Expectations that the world had of him, for the upholding of the same. Notwithstanding he hoped to return again, and to deliver his People from that bondage, which for the present they were necessitated to submit to.

Tamerlane coming to Alexandria (before yielded to Axalla) staid there a great while, sending Axalla to pursue the Sultan; being much grieved that he could not get him into his hands, and therefore he still feared that some Innovation would be raised by him after his departure, which made him to deal the more hardly with them whom he suspected to favour him. Now the bruit of these victories, having, with Axalla, passed into Libya, brought such a fear, not only upon the Countries adjoyning to these Conquests, but also upon all Africa, (supposing that Tamerlane followed with the rest of his Army) that twenty two of the Moorish Kings sent their Ambassadors to offer their subjection and obedience to him: Of the nearest of which Kings Tamerlane took Hostages, but for such as were more remote, he contented himself with their faith given, and with other Testimonies of their good will. Axalla having long followed the Sultan, who like a man forsaken of Fortune, still fled before him, seeing all his labour lost, returned to Alexandria. And Tamerlane after his long travel and pains taken, was now more desirous then ever to return into his own Country: The rather being moved thereunto by the earnest request of his Wife, much longing for his return: He had news also of the sickness of the old Emperour of Tartary, his Father in Law; and besides, Age it self began to bring unto him a desire of rest. With his did the desires of the Souldiers well agree, who were now weary of running so many and divers Adventures. His only stay was, that he expected the coming of Calibes, an old and faithful servant of his, whom for his goods desire he made choice of to govern all these his new conquests in Egypt and Syria: A great honour indeed it was, but not too great for him that had so well deserved. And indeed Tamerlane was alwaies so mindful of the good deserts of his faithful servants, that he needed not by others to be put in remembrance of them, were they never so far off, as now was Calibes, who at this time was, with a third part of the Army, making way for him along the River Euphrates, for the conquest of Mesopotamia and Persia, whose coming was longed for with great devotion by the whole Army, which was now very desirous to return; but this expectation of theirs was not long delayed, for Calibes being sent for, came speedily to Alexandria, where the whole Army by Tamerlane's command now rendezvoused.

Upon the coming of Calibes, Tamerlane made the Prince of Zamelcan (a man of great reputation) Governour of that place, as Lieutenant General under Calibes, whom Tamerlane (as was said before) had made his Vice-Roy over all Egypt, and Syria, together with the Countries newly conquered in Libya and Barbary: He gave him also six thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot to assist him therein: And so leaving Alexandria, he took Calibes along with him to the great City of Cairo, there taking the best order he could for the securing of his new Conquests: He left with him forty thousand Horse, and fifty thousand Foot: And having sufficiently instructed him, how he would have those Kingdoms governed, dismissed him, not like a servant, but a companion, being very sorry to leave him destitute of his presence: So setting forwards with his Army, conducted by the Prince of Thanais, Tamerlane with a few of his Train, turned again to Jerusalem, where he daily visited the Sepulchre of Christ (whom he called the God of the Christians) viewing the ruines of Solomons Temple, which he much admired, and at Jerusalem the Seat of David's Kingdome, and of that great Solomon, grieving that he could not see them in their former beauty: And to shew his devotion and favour to this City, he commanded it to be free from all Garrisons and Subsidies, and so giving great gifts to the Monasteries, he departed from thence to Damascus; which great City, for that it was infected with the Opinions of Jesider (accounted an Arch-Heretick amongst the Mussulmen) as also evil-affected to his Proceedings, he caused it to be rased, and the bones of Jesider the False Prophet to be digged up and burnt, and his Sepulcher (which before by his Disciples was much honoured) to be filled with dung: and so marching on, and blushing the world before him, being victorious which way soever he turned, he at last passed over the River Euphrates, where he conquered Mesopotamia, with the great City of Babylon, and all the Kingdom of Persia, and so at last laden with the spoiles of the world, and esteemed for ever in his fame, he returned to Samercand, the famous place of his Birth, and Glorious Seat of his Empire.

Now had Bajazet (a little before one of the greatest Princes on earth, and now the Scorn of Fortune, and by-word to the world) with great impatiency lyen two years in most miserable

thraldom, for the most part shut up in an iron Cage, like a dangerous wild beast; and having no better means to end his loathed life, violently dashed out his brains against the bars of the iron Grate wherein he was enclosed, and so died about the year of our Lord 1399. His dead body at the request of his son Mahomet, was by Tamerlane sent to Adrianople, from whence it was conveyed to Prusa, and there lies buried in a Chappel, built for the purpose without the City Eastward: where also are interred the bodies of his best beloved Wife Despina, and of his eldest son Erthogruel, and in another little Chappel hard by, lies buried his brother Jacup, which he had murdered in the beginning of his Reign. This Bajazet had some Vertues, which were much obscured by his cholerick and wayward nature, which made him to exceed in cruelty and pride: He was also very covetous; which qualities made him indeed much feared, but little beloved of his souldiers and men of war, by whom therefore in his greatest need he was forsaken. He used commonly to say, That his Treasures were his Childrens meat, and not his Souldiers Pay; which by way of reproach was by a common souldier cast in his Teeth, when he raged to see himself by them forsaken in that great battel against Tamerlane, telling him as he fled, That he was away, but went to seek his Pay, wherewith to provide his Children bread.

Tamerlane, as we said before, having conquered Persia, used his victory so mildly, that as long as he lived, the people of that Country were so enamoured and affected to him; which served him greatly, as well for the keeping of Syria, as the Sultan of Egypts Empire: In his own Country he was received with all Triumphs, and expectations of joy that might be, the chiefest prisoners marching before him, and wheresoever he passed, the people assembled themselves by thousands, praising and singing his victories. The Emperour having spent a moneth or two in Feasts and Triumphs according to his accustomed Devotion, he vowed a Church and Hospital unto God, the most magnificent that might be devised: and to beautifie his City of Samercand, he searched out all sorts of Handicrafts-men, intending to make it as large again as it was, and one of the stateliest Cities in the world: he peopled it also with so many several Nations as he had brought along with him, unto whom he gave liberty to build houses, distributing money unto them to do the same, giving them also all kind of privileges, and immunities for their encouragement therein: He caused also the streets to be plotted out, and in one corner of it he built his Church and Hospital. His next care was to preserve the good will and love of his famous souldiers, whose names he caused to be Registered in a general Muster-Roll, which he kept by him, and daily conferred honours and rewards upon them (they not thinking of it) in recompence of their former good services; thinking that day lost wherein he did not some good.

Then did he declare the death of the old Emperor to his Council, (of which he had received private intelligence) and forgat no Ceremony due unto his honour, publickly expressing the grief he had ‘conceived for his death. Then did he with his ordinary Court, consisting of forty thousand horse, and sixty thousand foot, set forwards towards Quinsay, where his Empress was. And when he came to Cambalu, he had intelligence of a battel fought by Odmar against the King of China's Captain General, and how he had pursued his victory, having taken three or four great and rich Cities, and that the Chinois did again desire peace. Hereupon he sent Odmar these Articles: that the King of China should pay all the Arrears of his Tribute; That he should come in person to do his homage, acknowledging himself a Vassal of his Empire; That he should deliver up to him all his Cities saving three, such as the Emperor should nominate: That he should pay all the Charges of the War, because he had broken the Peace; which performed, things should be restored to the same state they were in before the War. And to gratifie Odmar, he sent to him, with all Magnificence, one of his Sisters to be his Wife. When he first entred into Cambalu, he was received with all the expressions of joy that might be, whereupon he restored to them their priviledges which he had taken from them for their Rebellion with Calix. The Empress being informed of his being there (leaving Prince Axalla to govern at Quinsay) came to him: So that he remained there near two moneths, giving order for all his affairs, the rather because it was near to Mount Altay, where the Scythian Emperors use to be buried: And so causing the body of the old Emperor to be brought thither, himself conducted it with all pomp, honouring not only the body, but all that he had loved in the world; and though it was not the custom for Women to assist at Funerals, yet he took his Empress along with him, who went near unto the Corps, till they came to the place where it was interred amongst his Predecessors. After these Ceremonies finished, he returned to Cambalu, where he spent the Winter in Tilts, Turnaments, Hunting, & such like Recreations: The rather because this place was near to China, whereby he had the fitter opportunity to hear how Affairs passed there, purposing to go thither in person the next Winter, if Odmar this Summer did not make an end of the Wars: and if the King of China did not submit himself to his Obedience. The Mark he shot at now being only to keep that which by his valour he had won, desiring to spend the rest of his life in reaping the fruits of his hard travels, and former labours.

Now Prince Axalla governed at Quinsay, as well to the great contentment of the Souldiery, as of the Inhabitants, who out of their abundant love to the Emperor, requested Prince Axalla to write importunately to him, that his Son might be brought up amongst them, which at Axalla's request he consented to, making him in the absence of his son, the Governor of Quinsay, from Cambalu even to the Sea, which Countrey contained in it about three hundred Cities, besides an infinite number of Villages: all which was formerly under the Government of the old Emperor: He delivered also into his charge the Government of his Son.

Shortly after the King of China came to his Court, according to the Covenants offered to him, where he once again swore obedience to the Emperor, who shewed him his greatness, the more to make him stand in awe: for he knew that this Barbarian would keep no promise longer then it should stand with his own interest. This King of China was astonished to behold so many Souldiers, and the Countrey so well replenished with people; and above all, that they used so little curiosity and riches in their apparel, especially wondring that the Emperor himself was apparelled in mean cloth of one colour, without curiosity.

Shortly after Tamerlane went to Quinsay, and by the way was met by Prince Axalla, and all the chief Lords and Citizens, who entertained him with all the magnificence that might be. This City of Quinsay was the fairest, and one of the richest in the world, and of the most wonderful situation, being divided by many channels of water, upon which are framed wonderful and stately buildings, having also an infinite number of Bridges: It abounds with all kind of Spices, and Merchandizes in great quantity. The Citizens presented the Emperor with many rare things, judged to be worth two millions in Gold, with great variety of strange and excellent things. Then did the Emperor call for his Son that was there educated, who was now seven years old. He forbade that thence forward they should suffer him to wear any thing on his head, and hung a Bow about his neck, saying, "That they which from their birth were called to Sovereignty, should be used both to Cold and Heat, and should be exercised to armes betimes, and not be brought up idly and delicately;" reprehending those which brought him up, for using him so tenderly, asking them if they meant to make a Woman of his Son? They replying that he was tender. "If he be not born (said he) to be strong and valiant, he will not be worthy to succeed me, for he must not be an effeminate Prince that must preserve the Parthian Empire." About this time his Empress was brought to bed of another Son at Samercand, for joy whereof he made Feasts, with Tiltings and Pastimes fifteen dayes together. Then did he visit all the Sea Towns near to Quinsay; hunting all manner of Games; yet saying often: That the recreations which he used, were only helps to ease him in the pains of his publick affairs which God had called him to. And when Prince Axalla told him that that City was a fit place for his abode; "O my friend" (said he), "it is not so; For its a Maxime, that the Lord of this great City must not come to it above once in ten years, and when he is here, he must temper his Actions, as if he were upon a Stage, with Gravity and a good Grace before the people, who are apt to receive good or evil impressions according as their Prince deporteth himself."

Having settled his affairs in that part of his Empire, he returned to Samercand, where three times a week he administred Justice publickly unto the meanest of his Subjects as well as to the greatest, which made him much beloved of all over whom he did command. On other daies he gave secret audience, and disposed of the affairs of his estate, which were concluded daily in his presence. In his Council he used such severity that none durst deal untruly, or passionately in his presence. Yet shewed he such courteousnesse in his conversation, that he was both beloved and feared of his people. He never changed his servants except they committed some great faults against him. All the servants of the late Emperor his Uncle, he never changed one of them, but increased their Pensions, making them sensible of his liberality in that change: The like bounty he used to strangers, thereby to oblige them to him. He drew great store of money yearly from the Muscovite by way of tribute, which yet he distributed in the same Countrey to maintain his authority there, winning those to him, who otherwise might have hurt him. He had great care of his revenues, wherein he was so expedite that in one hours space he could see his estate from three moneths to three moneths, together with his ordinary and extraordinary expences; they were presented to him so well digested.

But after all his publick affairs so well managed, and his private businesses so well ordered, sickness arrested, and death conquered this great Conqueror, leaving his Empire to Samochio his eldest Son now nineteen years old, who was proclaimed Emperor within two hours after his Fathers death.

Tamerlane from his childhood was well instructed in the Arabian learning, wherein he was very studious, insomuch as when they thought him to be in the Baths, wherein they are very curious in that Countrey, being their chiefest delight, he was retired to the contemplation and study of heavenly things. He had within his eyes such a divine beauty, and radiancy full of Majesty, that one could hardly endure the sight of them without closing of his eyes, so that some that talked with him, and beheld him, were stricken dumb for the present, which caused him with a comely modesty to abstain from looking upon them that talked with him. All the rest of his visage was courteous, and well proportioned: He wore his haire long and curled, contrary to the custome of his Countrey-men, who used to shave their heads: He went almost alwaies bare-headed, saying, that his Mother came of the Race of Sampson, who therefore advised him to honour long hair. His hair was of a dusky colour inclining somewhat to a Violet, the most beautiful that any eye could behold. His stature was of a middle sort, somewhat narrow in his shoulders: He had a fair and strong leg; his bodily strength and agility was such, as none did surpass; and often on Festival dayes, he made trial of them with the strongest; yet did he it with such a Grace mixt with Humanity, that he whom he overcame held himself therein most happy, though it was a great disgrace amongst the Tartarians to be thrown to the ground in wrestling.

In the time of his Wars against the Turks, a Souldier of his found buried in the ground a great Pot of Gold, which he brought to Tamerlane, who asked him if it had his Fathers stamp upon it; But when he saw that it had the stamp of the Romans, he would not own, nor meddle with it.

FINIS.

Colophon

Source: Samuel Clarke, The Life of Tamerlane the Great, in The Life and Death of the Most Renowned and Glorious Princes (London: printed by J. H. for Simon Miller, at the Star and Bible at the West End of St. Paul's Church, 1664). 57 pages.

Scanned from: George Peabody Library, Johns Hopkins University. Digitized by Google at 350 DPI. Internet Archive identifier: gpl_1785150.

Archival note: The opening text (from "Tamerlane was born at Samercand" through "the charge of our Prince in his youth"), the Bajazet campaign (from "Accordingly the Prince of Ciarchan" through the return to Samarcand), and the final section (from "Then did he with his ordinary Court" through FINIS) were hand-transcribed from the scan images and are clean. The China campaign was extracted from the Tesseract 5.0 OCR layer and cleaned by automated long-s dictionary. The original printing uses the long-s (ſ), which OCR renders as 'f'; long-s characters have been regularized to modern 's' where detected. Clarke's original Early Modern English spelling, punctuation, and syntax are otherwise preserved.

Scribal credit: Formatted for the Good Works Library by Aldhelm, Early English Archivist of the New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. Hand-transcribed opening; OCR-cleaned body from the 1664 original scan. Final section (Quinsay through FINIS) hand-transcribed from scan pages 53–57 by Oswin, Early English Archivist, April 2026. China campaign section (Calix revolt through Cambalu) OCR-cleaned by automated long-s dictionary and character substitution pipeline by Wynne, Early English Archivist, April 2026. Bajazet campaign scan pages (33–52) downloaded, DjVu OCR text extracted, and auto-cleanup pipeline built by Wrenne, Early English Archivist, April 2026. March from Samercand to Turkish border (pages 27–32) hand-transcribed from scan images by Caxton, Early English Archivist, April 2026. Bajazet campaign (pages 32–52) hand-transcribed from scan images by Godric, Early English Archivist, April 2026.

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