¶The true report of all the successe of Famagosta made by the noble Earle Nestor Martinengo, vnto the renowmed Prince the Duke of Venice.
THe 16. day of February. 1571. the Fleete which had brought the ayde vnto Famagosta, departed from thence, wheras were found in all y e armie, but 4000. footemē, 800. of them chosen soldiers, & 3000. (accompting y e Citizens & other of y e villages) the rest 200. in number, were soldiers of Albania. After the arriuall of the which succour, the fortification of the Citie went more diligently forward of all handes, then it did before, the whole garrison, the Grecian Citizens inhabiting the towne, the gouerners and captaines not withdrawing them selues frō any kinde of labour, for the better incouragement and good example of others, both night and day searching the watch, to the intent with most carefull heedetaking they might beware of their enemies, against whom they made no sallye out of the Citie to skirmish but very seldome, especially to vnderstand, when they might learne y e intent of the enemies. Whilest we made this diligent prouision within the Citie, the Turkes without made no lesse preparation [Page] of all thinges necessary fit to batter the fortresse with all, as in bringing out of Caramania and Syria with all speede by the sea, many Wollpackes, a great quantitie of wood and timber, diuers peeces of artilarye, ingens, and other thinges expedient for their purpose.
This word Bassà, is a most honourable title amongest the Turkes, and signifieth as much with vs as a priuie coū seller.At the beginning of Aprill Halli Bassà landed there with 80. Gallies or thereabout in his cōpany, who brought thether that, which of our enemies was desired, who soone after departing from thence, and leauing behinde hym 30. Gallies, which continually transported soldiers, munition, freshe victuals, and other necessaries, besides à great nūber of Caramusalini be vessels like vnto the French Gabards, which saile daily vpon the riuer of Bordeaux, which saile with a misen or triangle saile. Caramusalins, or Brigandins, great Hulkes called Maone be vessels like vnto the great Hulkes, which come hether from Denmarke, some of the which cary 7. or 8. hundreth tunnes a peece, flat, and broad, which saile some of them with 7. misens a peece. Maones, and large broad vessels termed of them Palandrie be great flatte vessels made like Feribotes to transporte horse. Palandrie, which continually passed to and fro betwixt Cyprus and Syria, & other places there about, which they did with great speed, stāding in feare of the Christian armie. And about the midst of the same moneth, the Turkes caused to be brought out of the Citie of Nicosia, Nicosia, otherwise called Licosia. which they had wonne a little before, 15. peeces of artilarye, and raising their army frō whence they were before, making ditches & trenches necessary, incampt them selues in gardens, and toward the West part of Famagosta neare a place called Precipola. The 25. of the same moneth they raised [Page 2] vp mountes to plant their artilary vpon, and caused trenches to be made for harquebusers one very nigh an other, approching still very neare the Citie, in such order, as was almost impossible to stay the same, 40. thousand of their Pioners continually labouring there the most part of all the night. The intent of the enemie being then knowen, and in what part of the Citie he minded most to plant his battery, we tooke diligent heede on the other part, to repaire & fortifie all places necessary within. For y e which cause we placed à great watch in that way, which was couered with à counterscharfe, and in the sallies of their priuie Posterns, for the defence of the said coūterscharfe there were new flāckers made, also Trauerses called Butterisses, made vpon the Cortaine with one trench of Turues 2. foote high and broad, the which was made on that side of the wall of the Citie, which was already battered with the shotte of the Turkes, with certaine loope holes for our Harquebusers, by y e which they defended the counterscharfe. Sig. Bragadino was Proueditore, that is, Gouernour, and Sig. Baglione Generall of the Christiā armie: both of them were noble men of Venice. Two noble personages Bragadino and Baglione, personally tooke this charge on thē, by the which meanes the Christian affaires passed in very good order. All the bread for our soldiers was made in one storehouse, of the which the noble gentleman Lorenzo Tiepolo Captaine of Baffo, of the auncient writers, named Paphos, in the which Citie there was a sumptuous Church dedicated vnto Venus. Baffo had charge, who refused no paine, where he thought his trauaile might preuaile. In the Castell was placed that famous gentleman [Page] Andrea Bragadino, who with à diligent garde had charge on that part of the Castell principally, next vnto the sea side, trimming and diging out new flanckers for the better defence of the Arsenall in Constātinople & Venice, is the place for munition & artilary to lye in. Arsenall.
A valiant Knight named Foito, was appointed master of the Ordinance, who was slaine in à fewe dayes after in à skirmishe, whose garison the noble Bragadino Proueditore before named, presently deliuered ouer to me. Three other Captaines were appointed ouer the wildefire with 20. footemen for euery one of them, chosen out of the armie to vse, and execute y e same as occasion should serue. The best peeces of Ordinance were brought forth vnto that side of y e towne, where y e battery was loked for to be made: & they made priuie fences to couer the better their Cannon shot withall. There was no want in y e Christians to annoy their enemies in issuing often out of euery side against them, as well to hinder their determinations, as to hurt them otherwise at diuers times. They also rendered to vs the like. For 300. of the inhabitance of Famagosta one time issuing out of the Citie, armed onely with their Swordes and Targets, with so many Italian Harquebusers also in their company, receaued great dammage, because the trenches of the enemies were made about so thicke, although at the same present we cōpelled them to flye, and slewe also many of them: yet they encreased to such number, that they killed presently [Page 3] 30. and hurt there 60. of our company. For the which cause order was taken, that our men should no more come forth of their holde, committing them selues to manifest perill to bid their enemies the base.
The Turkes in processe of time by litle and litle with their trenches, came at length to the toppe of the counterscharfe, and hauing finished their fortes the 19. of May, began their batterye with 10. fortes, hauing 74. peeces of great artilary within their custodie, amongest the which there were 4. Basiliskes (for so they terme them) of an immeasurable greatnes, and began to batter from the gate Limisso vnto the Arsenall, and layde 5. batteries against the towne, the one against the great high Turret of the Arsenall, which was battered with 5. peeces of Ordinance mounted vpon that forte of y e rocke, the other against the Cortaine it selfe of the Arsenall, battered by one forte with 11. peeces: an other against the Keepe of Andruzzi with 2. commaunders, which were aboue with one forte of 11. other peeces: an other battery against the Turret of S. Nappa, the which was battered with 4. Basiliskes. The gate of Limisso, which had one high commaunder alone, and à Brey and Cortaine without was battered by the fortes with 33. peeces of artilary, whereas Mustafà him selfe generall of the Turkes armie tooke the charge in person. At the first they seemed not to care much to spoyle the walles, but shot [Page] still into y e Citie, and against our Ordinance, which greatly galled them. Whereupon they, who were within y e Citie, as well our soldiers, as the Grecians, as soone as the battery began, withdrawing them selues, came & dwelt by the walles of the Citie, whereas they continued from that time to the end of the siege. The noble Bragadino lodged in the Keepe of Andruzzi, Baglione in that warde of S. Nappa. The honorable Tiepolo in that which was called Campo Santo. Wherefore they being present to all that was done, both encouraged, and punished the soldiers according to their desertes. The right worshipfull Luigi Martinengo was appointed cheefe ouer the Ordinance, who answering all mens expectation of him, with great courage deuided the charge therof vnto 6. other inferiour Captaines, who tooke order and care for that company, and for the prouision of things necessary for the gunners: one cōpany of y e Grecians being appointed to euery gate of the Citie for to attend vpon the seruice of the artilary. The valiant Captaine Francesco Bagone warded at the Keepe, and at the great commaunder of the Arsenall. Captaine Pietro Conte attended vpon the Cortaine, at the Commaunder of the Volti, and at the Keepe of Campo Santo. I for my part attended vpon the Commaunder of Campo Santo, and vpon the Commaunder of Andruzzi, and of the Cortaine, vnto y e Turret of Santa Nappa. The Earle Hercole Martinengo attended vpon [Page 4] the Commaunder of Santa Nappa, and to the whole Cortaine, vnto the gate of Limisso. Horatio Captaine of Veletri attended vpon the Brey and Cortaine, towardes the Bulwarke. Vpon the high Cōmaunder of Limisso, which was more troubled then all the rest, attended the Captain Roberto Maluezzi. At the same time, when the battery began (by the commission of the honourable Bragadino) victuals were appointed, and geuen to all the soldiers, as well Grecians, as Italians, & Gunners: Namely Wine, Pottage, Cheese, and Bakon: all the which thinges were brought to the walles as neede did require in very good order, so that no soldier there, 2. Venetian Souses or Soldi amount but to one penny Englishe. spent any more in bread then 2. souses a day. They were payde at the end of euery 30. dayes, with the great trauell of that right worshipfull Venetian gentleman M. Giouanni Antonio Querini, who besides this his ordinary charge was found present in all waightie and daungerous affaires to y e great incouragement of our soldiers. And we made à counterbattery against our enemies for 10. dayes space, with so great rage, that we choked and destroyed 15. of their best peeces, also we killed & dispatched of them about 30. thousand at that season, so that they were disapointed at that time of their battery in that place, and were greatly dismayed. But we foreseing that we had no great store of pouder left, there was made à restraint, and such order taken, that 30. peeces should not shoote of, but 30. [Page] shot à peece euery day, and that in the presence of the Captaines, who were still present, because the soldiers and Gunners should not shoote of in vaine.
The 29. of May there came towardes vs from Candia à Fregat or Pinnisse, the which geuing vs great hope and lightening of ayde, encreased maruelously euery mans courage. The Turkes with great trauell and slaughter of both sides, had wonne at the last the Counterscharfe from vs, with great resistance and mortalitie on both partes. Wherupon they began on the other side of the fift battery to fill vp the ditch, with the earth that they threwe downe, which was taken neare the wall of the Counterscharfe. But all that earth and falling downe of the wall made by the shot of their artilary, was caryed away of vs within the Citie, all our company labouring continually as well by night as day, vntill our enemies had made certaine loope holes in y e wall, through the which they flācking and scouring all the ditch with their Harquebussie, stopped our former course of carying, or going that way any more, without certaine and expresse daunger. But M. Giouanni Marmori, à fortifier, had deuised à certain kinde of ioyned boordes, the which being caried of the soldiers, defended thē frō the shot of y e Harquebusers, so that some other quantitie of earth, but no great store, was caried also away: in the which place this foresayd fortifier was slaine, who [Page 5] had done especiall good seruice in all our necessary affaires. And our enemies hauing cast so much earth into the ditch, as filled it vp againe, and made it à firme way to the wall of the Counterscharfe, and casting before thē the earth by little and little, they made one Trauerse euen vnto the wall on two sides in all their batteries, the which they made thicke and stronge with Wolpackes, and other Fagots, to assure them selues the better of our flanckers.
When they had once possessed the ditch, that they coulde not bee hurt of vs but by chaunce, they began forthwith to cast & digge out vndermines to vndermine the Brey, the Turret of S. Nappa, the Commaunder of Andruzzi, the Keepe of Campo Santo, the Cortain, and the Turrion of the Arsenall: so that we being able no longer to serue our turne and enioye those fewe flanckers, we threw downe wildefire into our enemies campe, the which annoyed them very sore, because it fired their Wolpackes, and also their Fagots. And for the better encouragement of the soldiers, the right honourable Bragadino gaue to euery soldier one Duckat, the which could gaine or recouer any of the former Wollpackes, making coūtermines in all places. To y t which charge Maggio the fortifier knight was appointed, who in all our busines serued with such diligence and courage, as he was able, or was requisite. But the countermines mette not, [Page] sauing those of the Commaunder of S. Nappa, of Andruzzi, and that of Campo Santo, because they were open, and our men sallied out often both by day and night into the ditch to perceaue better the way of the mines, and to fire the Fagots and Wooll. Nor we ceassed at any time through the vnspeakeable trauell of the Lord Baglione (who had the ouersight of all these matters) to trouble our enemies intents, by all maner of wit and policie, deuiding the companies for the batteries, ioyning and plā ting in all places à garison of the Albanois soldiers, soldiers of Albania, otherwise called Epirus, who cōmonly serue the Venetians, both on horsebacke and foot, very skilful and painfull. Albanois soldiers, who as well on foote as on horsebacke, shewed alwayes notable courage and manhoode.
¶ The first Assault.
THe 21. of Iune, they put fire to the mine of the Turret of the Arsenall, wheras Giambelat Bey toke charge, who with great ruine rent in sunder à most great and thicke wall, and so opened the same, that he threw downe more then halfe therof, breaking also one part of the baymure, made before to vpholde the assault. And sodainly à great number of the Turkes skipping vpō the ruines therof, displayed their Ensignes, euen to the toppe of the same. Captaine Pietro Conte with his company, was in that warde, the which was much shaken and terrified by that sodaine ruine. I with my cō pany came first thether, so that they shortly [Page 6] tooke the repulse, and although they refreshed them selues with new supplyes 5. or 6. times, yet they failed of their purpose. Of this noble and painfull Venetian Gentleman M. Gio. Antonio Querini (who was afterward hewen in sunder by the commaundement of Mustafà) I was entertained very courteously in my trauell at Corsyra, now called Corfù, he being then there Mag. Castellano or Captaine of one of the Castels. There fought personally the L. Baglione: Bragadino and Querini being armed, stoode not farre of to refresh and comfort our soldiers, and the Captaine of the Castell with the Ordinance, that was planted vpon the Buttereis, destroyed many of our enemies, when they gaue the assault, the which endured 5. houres together: so that of Turkes were slain very many, and of our side betwixt them that were slaine and hurt à 100: Most part of the which number were cast away by à mischaunce of our wildefire, the which being vnaduisedly & negligently handled, burnt vp many of our owne company. There died at that present the Earle Gio. Francesco Goro, the Captaine Barnardino Agubio: and by the throwing of stones Hercole Malatesta, Captaine Pietro Conte, with other Captaines and Standerd-bearers were very sore hurt.
The night following arriued in Cyprus à Pinnisse from Candia, which bringing newes of most certaine ayde, greatly encreased both the mirth and courage of vs all, so that we made soone after, with the helpe of the Captaine Marco Criuellatore, and Maggio the knight, certaine retreates flancked to all the places beaten downe, and where as they suspected that the enemie had digged vp any mines, with Hogsheades, Chestes, Tykes, & Sackes stuffed full of moyst earth (the Grecians with [Page] all speede hauing already brought almost all that which they had) because they hauing dispatched their Canueis about necessary vses, In extremities men haue no regard to spare trifles. they brought their hanginges, cortaines, carpets, euen to their very sheetes, to make and stuffe vp their foresaid sackes, à very good and ready way to make vp again their vaymures, the which were throwen downe with the fury of the artilary, which neuer stinted, so that we made vp againe still that in y e night, the which was throwen downe and broken in the day, sleeping very seldome: Prouident and carefull gouerners or magistrates seldome sleepe all the night at any time, much lesse in daungerous seasons. all the soldiers standing alwayes vpon the walles, visited continually of the Gouerners of the Citie, which slept at no time, but in the extreme heate of the day, hauing no other time to take their rest, because the enemie was at hand, geuing vs continually Alarmes, not suffering vs long to breath.
¶ The second Assault.
THe 29. of the same moneth, they set y e mine made towardes y e Brey on fire, the which mine was digged in stone, which brake and cleft all thinges in peeces, and caused great ruine, making an easie way for the enemye to assault vs, who with an outragious fury came to the toppe, whereas Mustafà their Generall was altogether present, A small thing at y e beginning, or in due time done, helpeth much. which assault was receaued, and stayed at the beginning of the Earle Hercole Martinengo with his garison, and so were repulsed by our company, who fought [Page 7] without any aduauntage of couert, the vaymure being throwen downe by y t mine. There were slaine of our company Captaine Meani the Sargent Maior of our armye, Captaine Celio de Fuochi, Captaine Erasmo da Fermo: and Captaine Soldatello, Antonio d' Ascoli, Captaine Gio. d' Istria, Standerdbearers, with many other officers, were sore wounded, there dyed also 30. other of our common soldiers. At the Arsenall they were beaten backe with greater dā mage of our enemies, and small hurt to vs. Fiue onely of our part being slain there, wheras Captaine Giacomo da Fabriano dyed, and I was wounded in my left legge with an Harquebuse shot. The which assault continued 6. houres, the Bishop of Limisso stāding vp there, encouraging the soldiers. That certaine women inhabiting this Iland be Viragos, or mankinde, I sawe sufficient triall at my last being there, in a Citie called Saline. Where also were found present stoute women, who came thether with weapons, stones, & water, to helpe the soldiers. Our enemies vnderstāding how great hinderance they had receaued at these two assaultes, chaunged their mindes, and began againe with greater furye then euer they had before accustomed to lay battery to all places, and into our retreates, so that they labouring more spedely then euer they did, made 7. other forts more, vnder the Castell, and taking away the artilary frō them which were farther of, planting of it somewhat nearer to the number of 80. they battered y e holde with so great rage, that on the 8. of Iuly, with the same night also, was numbred 5000. Cannon [Page] shot, and after that sort they ouerthrewe to the ground y e vaymures, that scarcely with great trauell and paine we could repayre them agayne, because our men that laboured about them were continually slaine by their Ordinance, and by reason of the endlesse tempest of the shot of their Harquebusers. And our men began to decrease. For the Turkes caused vs to retyre from our Breyes, by the violence of their artilary and mining in such sort, that there being no more standing left for our soldiers, because we making our vaymures more thicke, our standing began to waxe narrower, the which presently we of necessitie enlarged with boordes as à scaffolde to the vaymure, whereby we might haue more elbow roome to fight. It is accompted a good warlike shift, to leaue that to our enemies with hindrance, which we can not any longer keepe, and vse to our owne commoditie. Captaine Maggio also made one mine vnder the sayd Brey, to the entent, that we being not able any longer to keepe it, the same might bee left to our enemies to their great hinderaunce.
¶ The third Assault.
TO the sayd Brey the 9. of Iuly, they gaue the third assault, to the Turrion of Santa Nappa, to that of Andruzzi, to the Cortaine, to the Keepe of the Arsenall: the which assault hauing continued more then 6. houres, they were beaten backe in 4. places, but we left the Brey to their great losse, and ours also: because we being assaulted, our company being [Page 8] not able to manneage their Pikes in good order, by reason of the narrownes of the standing where they were, being willing to retyre in that order, as the L. Baglione had prescribed vnto them, and could not, cast them selues at the last into à confuse order, and retyred, they being mingled amongest the Turkes: so that fire being geuen to our mine, the which (with à terrible sight to beholde) slewe presently of our enemies more then à 1000. and aboue à 100. of vs. There dyed Captaine Roberto Maluezzi, and Captaine Marchetto da Fermo was greuously woūded. At the assault of the Arsenall dyed Captaine Dauid Noce master of the Campe, and I my selfe was hurt by the racing of à Cannon shot. This assault continued fiue houres, and the Citizens of Famagosta shewed great courage in euery place, with their women also, and young striplinges. The Brey was so defaced by reason of this mine set on fire, that no body any more attempted to recouer the same: because there was no apt place remayning to stay vpon. The left flancker onely remained still, whereas an other mine was made. The gate of Limisso was ouer against this foresayd Brey, & somewhat lower, which was alwayes open, hauing made to the same à Portall, with à Percollois annexed to it, the which Percollois by the cutting of à small corde, was à present defence to the gate, and our soldiers gaue their attēdance by that gate to bring in the battered earth, which fell [Page] in the ditches from the rampayre: and when they saw that their enemies in 4. dayes came not thether, they began to entrench aboue the Brey, and by the flanckers aboue they suffered no person to passe out of the gate, the which thing brought great suspition vnto our enemyes, because they were oft times assailed of our company.
¶ The fourth Assault.
WHerefore they came the 14. day of Iuly to assault the gate of Limisso, and lying their battery to all other places, they came and planted their Auncientes euen before the gate, wheras the L. Baglione, and Sig. Luigi were in readinesse, who had taken vpon them to defend that gate of the Citie. Who as soone as they had encouraged their soldiers, sallying swiftly forth, killed, and put to flight the greater part of them, and at the last geuing fire to the mine of the flancker slewe 400. The forwardnesse of y e Captaine at daungerous times not onely much comforteth the common soldier, but also increaseth greatly his credite and commendation with all men. Turkes, and Sig. Baglione at the same time wonne an Auncient of our enemies, wrasting it violently out of one of the Auncientbearers handes. The day following they gaue fire to the mine of the Cortaine, the which thing not falling out greatly to their purpose, they followed not their prepared assault. Wherefore they began to fortifie, and aduaunce hyer their Trauerses in the ditches, for their better assuraunce against they should geue the assault: and they [Page 9] had emptied and caryed away all the earth neare vnto the Counterscharfe, where they lodged in their pauilions, so that we could not descrie them. They shot 7. peeces of artilary vpon the wall of the Counterscharfe so couertly, that they were not seene: two frō the Brey of the Turrion of Santa Nappa, one from Andruzzi, and two other all à long the battery of the Cortaine. And they came with certaine boordes couered with raw and greene hydes, vnder which they brought their men to digge in the vaymures, we being nothing behind or forgetfull to cast wildefire amōgest them, and sometime to issue forth of our sallies called Posterns, to offend their Pioners, although to our great hinderaunce. And we still repayred the vaymures by all meanes possible, with Buffe skinnes, being moyst and weet, throwing in also earth, shredes, and cotton with water, being well bound together with cordes: all the women of Famagosta gathering them selues together in companyes in euery streete (being guided of one of their Priestes called Caloiero) resorted dayly to à certaine place appoynted, to labour, Caloiero be secular Greek priestes, who by their lawes may be, and commonly are also maried. gathering and prouiding for the soldiers, stones and water, the which was kept for all assaultes in halfe butts to quench the fire, which the Turkes threwe amongest them.
They hauing had no great successe in taking the gate, they found out à new way, neuer heard of before, in gathering together à [Page] great quātitie of certaine wood called Teglia, Teglia in Latin called Teda, is a certaine wood, which burneth easily, and sauoureth vnpleasantly, of the which there is great store in Sicilia: sometime it is vsed for a Torche. which easely burned, and smelt very euill, the which they throwing before the former gate of the Citie, and Fagots fastened to the same, with certaine beames besmered with Pitch, kindled sodainly so great à fire, as was not possible for vs to quench the same, although we threw vpō it whole Buts of water, which were throwen downe from an high Cōmaunder, which Buts presently brake in sunder. Thys fire continued 4. dayes, wherefore we were enforced by reason of the extreme heate and stinche, to withdraw our selues farther inward, and they descending towardes their lower flanckers, beganne other mines, so that the gate was shut vp, because it could be no longer kept open, No necessary thing to be done was left vnattempted on either part. and sodainly (à thing maruelous to be spoken) the standing of the Brey being repayred and made vp againe, they plā ted one peece ouer against the gate, the which of vs with stones, earth, and other thinges, was sodainly buried vp. By thys time we were driuen to an exigent, all our prouision within the Citie stooping very lowe, sauing onely hope, Mans courage oft abateth, but hope seldome forsaketh. the noble courage of the Gouernours and Captaines, and the stoute readines of the soldiers: our wine, and fleshe as well poudered as vnpoudered was spent, nor there was any Cheese to be gotten, but vpon an vnreasonable price, our company hauing eaten vp their Horse, Saguntina fames. Asses, and Cattes, for lacke of other victualls: there was nothing left to be [Page 10] eaten, but à small quantitie of bread, and Beanes, and we dranke water and Vineger together, whereof was not much left, when that we perceaued that our enemies had digged and cast vp 3. mines in the Commaunder of the gate, they labouring in all places more diligently then euer they did before, bringing into the ditch, ouer agaynst the battery of the Cortaine, à hill of earth, as high as the wall: And already they came to the wall aboue the Counterscharfe ouer against the Turrion of the Arsenall, and had made one Commaunder complete, fenced with shares, like vnto plough shares, in proportion and height correspondent to ours.
Within the Citie were remaining but 500. Italian soldiers, who were not hurt, yet very faint and wery by their long watching and paines in fighting in those feruent & burning heates, which are in those partes. In Iuly the heate is commonly so extreme in this Iland, that the inhabitauntes thereof, are not wont to trauel, but by night onely. And the greater and better part also of the Grecians were by thys time slaine, when as the cheefe of those Citizens remayning, did fully resolue them selues (the which was about the 20. of Iuly) to present à supplication in writing to that noble gentleman Bragadino Proueditore, A letter or supplication exhibited by y e Cypriottes vnto Sig. Bragadino. desiring and beseeching him, that seing their Citie & fortresse was thus battered & brought to extremitie, without sufficient ayde to defend the same, without substaunce or sustenaunce, hauing no hope of succour, or any new supply, they hauing spent and consumed not [Page] onely their goods, but also their liues for the defence of them, and in testifying of their dutifull seruice towardes the noble and royall state of the Segniory of Venice, that it might now please him, and the rest of the honourable Gouernours, that were present, & put in trust, hauing à carefull eye vnto some honourable conditions, to haue now at the last à respect to the credite and honour of their long traueiled wifes, and the safegarde of their poore children, which otherwise were shortly very like to be à pray to their bloudthirsting and rauening enemies. The aunswere of the former letter. To the which letter or supplication speedy aunswere was made by the forenamed honourable Bragadino, comforting them, that they should by no meanes abate their courage, and that shortly he looked for succour from the Segniorye, diminishing as much as he might, the feare which they had conceaued in their hartes, dispatching and sending away sodainly frō Cyprus into Candia à Pinnisse to certifie the Duke and Gouernours there, in what extremitie they were. The Turkes by thys tyme had ended their mines, and set them on fire, the 29. of Iuly, in the which space our men according as they were wonte to doe, renued & made vp againe the vaymures ruined before by y e Ordinance, and hauing no other stuffe left to aduaunce them with, It standeth with reason, in hope of sauing the greater, to let the lesser go. made sackes of Carsey, vnto the which the noble Tiepolo diligently looked. The 3. mines of the Commaunder did great dammage [Page 11] to vs, hauing throwen downe the greater part of the earth, whereas the Gouernour Randacchi was slaine. The mine of the Arsenall ouerthrew all the rest of the Turrion, hauing smouldered and choked one whole garison of our soldiers, the 2. flanckers onely still remayning.
¶ The fifth Assault.
THe enemies trauelled much to become maisters of those foresayd flanckers, and to sallye forth by the other batteries, and thys assault lasted from three of the clocke in the after noone vntill night, where, and at what tyme were slaine very many of our enemes. In thys assault Sig. Giacomo Strambali amongest the rest, shewed much worthinesse, as he had done before in other conflictes.
¶ The 6. and last Assault.
THe next morning following, at the breake of the day, they assailed all places, the whiche Assault continued more then sixe houres, with very little hurt on our side, because our enemies fought more coldly then they were wont to doe, annoying of vs continually on the Sea side with their Gallies, shooting in all theyr Assaultes and batteries continually Cannon shotte in all partes of the Citie, as neare as they might. [Page] After we had defended and repulsed this assault, and perceaued thinges brought to à narrower straite then they were wont to be at, Necessitie oft times presseth vs in the end to that, which our will continually spurneth against. we hauing left in all the whole Citie, but 7. barrels of pouder, the Gouernours of the Citie fully determined to yelde vp them selues and the Citie, with honourable conditions. Wherfore the first of August in the after noone, they tooke à truce, one being come for that purpose from Mustafà the Generall, with whom they concluded the next morning following to geue 2. hostages à peece, vntill such time as both armies were agreed. For our hostages (by the appointment of y e right honourable Bragadino) were sent forth the Earle Hercole Martinengo, and Sig. Matteo Colsi à Citizen of Famagosta, and frō our enemies came into the Citie the Liefetenant of Mustafà, Giannezzeri be the Garde of the great Turke, so that Agà de' Giannizzeri is the Captaine of the Turkes Garde. and y e Agà of y e Giannizzers, the which were met, euen vnto the gate of the Citie, of Sig. Baglione with 200. Harquebusers: ours also were met in like maner with great pompe with horsemen & Harquebusers, with the sonne also of Mustafà in person, who made very much of them.
The Lord Baglione imparld with these hostages, which were then come for that purpose of the articles of peace, requiring by them of their Generall, their liues, armour, and goods, 5. peeces of Ordinance, 3. of the best horses, and safe passage from thence vnto Candia accompanied with their Gallies, and last of all, that the Grecians inhabiting y e Iland might [Page 12] dwell there still quietly, and enioye peaceably their owne goods and possessions, liuing still Christians hereafter, as they had done before. All the which requestes and articles were agreed vpon, graunted, Iust Turkishe dealing, to speake and not to meane: sodainly to promise, and neuer to performe the same. and subscribed vnto by the hand of Mustafà. Forthwith were sent Gallies, and other vessels into the hauen, so that our soldiers immediately beganne to imbarke them selues, of the which the greater part were already gone aboorde, the nobilitie and our cheefe Captaines also being likewise very desirous to depart. The 15. of August in the morning, the worthy Bragadino sent me with à letter vnto Mustafà, by the which he signified, that the same night he would come vnto him to deliuer vp the keyes of the Citie, and that he would leaue in the holde the honourable gentleman Tiepolo, praying him therfore, that whilest he should haue iust cause thus to be abroad, that there might be no harme done at home, and in the Citie. The Turkes from our truce taking vntill that time, practised with vs all familiarly, The Wolfe sometime cunningly counterfeiteth the voice of the Goate, and the deceatfull person pretendeth plaine and vpright dealing, that he may the sooner intrappe the simple. & without any suspition of sinister or double dealing, they hauing shewed vs much courtesie both in worde and deede. Mustafà him selfe by worde of mouth presently aunswered me to thys letter, in this sort, that I should returne, & make relation to this noble man Bragadino, who had sent me, that he should come ouer to him at his owne pleasure, for he was very desirous both to see and know him, for hys great worthines [Page] and prowes, that he had tryed to be in hym, and in the other of his Captaines and soldiers, of whose manhoode and courage he would honourably report, where soeuer he came, as occasion should serue therunto: and to cōclude that he should nothing doubt of any thing: But full euill may the simple Lambes trust the rauening Wolfe. because in no maner of condition he would suffer any violence to be done to those, which remained behinde within the Citie. So I speedely returning, made true report of the same: and towardes night about 4. of y e clocke, the right honourable Bragadino accompanied with the L. Baglione, with Sig. Aluigi Martinengo, with the right worshipfull Sig. Gio. Antonio Querini, with the right worshipfull Sig. Andrea Bragadino, with the Knight of Haste, with the Captaine Carlo Ragonasco, with Captaine Francesco Straco, with Captaine Hector of Brescia, with Captaine Girolomo di Sacile, and with other gentlemen, and 50. soldiers: the Gouernours and noble men with their swordes, and y e soldiers with their Harquebusers, came forth of their holde, and went vnto the Pauilion of Mustafà, of whom, all they at the beginning, were courteously receaued, and caused to sit down by him, he reasoning and discoursing with them of diuers thinges, à certaine time: and drawing them from one matter to an other, at the last vpon à sodaine picked à quarell vnto thē, An easie thing it is to finde a staffe to beate a dogge: and better is an ill excuse, then none at all. especially burthening that noble Bragadino with an vntruth, laying to his charge, that he had caused certaine of his slaues in the time that the truce [Page 13] continued betwixt them, to be put to death. The which thing was most false. So that he being angry therewith sodainly stept forth, and commaunded them to be bound. Thus they being vnarmed (not suffered at that time to enter into hys Pauilion, with their former weapons) and bound, were lead one by one into the market place, before hys Pauilion, being presently cutte and hewen in sunder in hys presence, and last of all from that worthy and noble Bragadino (who being bound as the rest, and being cōmaunded twise or thrise to stretch forth his necke, The propertie of true fortitude is, not to be broken with sodaine terrors. as though he should haue bene beheaded, the which most boldly he did without any sparke of feare) hys eares were cut of, and causing him to be stretched out most vilely vpon the ground, Mustafà talking with hym, and blaspheming the holy name of our Sauiour, demaunding hym, Mustafà, cosin germaine to the theefe, which honge on the left side of our Sauiour at his Passion. where is now thy Christ, that he helpeth thee not: To all y e which no aunswere at all was geuen of that honourable gentleman. The Earle Hercole Martinengo, which was sent for one of the hostages, who was also bound, was hidden by one of Mustafàs Eunukes vntill such time as hys fury was past, afterward hys life being graunted hym, he was made the Eunukes slaue. Three Grecians which were vnder his Pauilion were left vntouched. All the soldiers which were found in the campe, and all sortes of Christians to the nūber of 300. were sodainly slaine, they nothing mistrusting any such treason, [Page] or tyranny. The Christian soldiers, which were imbarcked à little before, were lincked and fettered with yron chaines, made slaues, all thinges being taken from them, and stripped into their shirtes.
The second day after thys murther was committed, which was the 17. of August, Mustafà entred the first time into the Citie, and caused the valiant and wise gouernor With this noble man of Venice M. Lorenzo Tiepolo, now thus vilely put to death, in my returne from Cō stantinople into Christendome, I sayled 300. miles, namely, from Candia or Creta, vnto Zacynthos, now called: Zanthe, with his great fauour: he being then, as at this seege also he was Captain and Gouernour of Baffo. Tiepolo to be hanged, who remayned behinde, wayting the returne of Sig. Bragadino. I being in the citie at that present, whē other of my coūtreymē were thus miserably slaine & made slaues, hid my selfe in certaine of the Grecians houses the space of 5. daies, and they not being able to keepe me in couert any longer for feare of the great penaltie, which was proclamed against such transgressours and concealers, I offered, and gaue my selfe slaue to one Sangaccho del Bir, promising hym 500. Zechini, be certaine peeces of fine golde coyned in Venice: euery one of the which is in value vj. shillinges viij. pence of our money and somwhat better: and equall altogether to a Turkishe Byraltom. Zechins for my raūsome, with whom I remained in the campe. The Friday following (being the Turkes sabboth day) thys worthy and pacient gentleman Bragadino was led still in the presence of that vnfaythfull tyrant Mustafà, to the batteries made vnto the Citie, whereas he being compelled to carrye two baskets of earth, the one vppon hys backe, the other in hys hand slaue like, to euery sundry battery, being enforced also to kisse the ground as oft as he passed by him, was afterward brought vnto the Sea side, where he being placed in à chaire to leane [Page 14] and stay vpon, was winched vp in that chaire, and fastened vnto the Maineyarde of à Galley, and hoysted vp with à Crane, to shew him to all the Christian soldiers and slaues (which were in the hauen already shipped) he being afterward let down, and brought to the market place, the tormentors tooke of hys clothes from hym, and tacked hym vnto the Pillary, whereas he was most cruelly fleyed quicke: with so great constancie and faith on his part, that he neuer lost or abated any iotte of hys stedfast courage, being so farre from any fainting, His death answerable to his former life. that he at that present with most stoute hart reproched them, and spake much shame of hys most trayterous dealing in breaking of hys faythfull promise. At the last without any kinde of alteration of hys constancye, he recommending hys soule vnto almighty God, gaue vp the goste. When he had thus ended hys life (thankes be to God) hys skinne being taken and filled with straw, was commaunded forthwith to be hanged vpon y e Bowsprit of a A Foyste is as it were a Brigā dine, being somwhat larger then halfe a Galley, much vsed of the Turkish Cursaros, or as we call thē Pirates, or Rouers. Foyste, and to be caryed alongst the coast of Syria by the sea side, that all the port townes might see, and vnderstand who he was.
Thys is now so much as I am able to declare to your highnes by that I sawe my selfe, Thinges seene are of much more credite, the onely heard. and can remember whilest that I was in the Fortresse: that also, which by true relation of others I could vnderstand, and saw also my selfe in the Campe, whilest I was slaue, I will likewise breefly vtter vnto you. [Page] The enemies armies was in nūber 200. The Turkes call all those Segniories which they haue in Asia, cō monly by the name of Natolia, as they do likewise terme it to be in Grecia, what soeuer is in any part of Europe, being vnder the great Turke. thousand persons of all sortes and qualities. Of soldiers which toke paye there were 80. thousand, besides the which number, there were 14. thousand of Giannizzers taken out from all the holdes of Syria, Caramania, Natolia, and part of them also which came frō the The Gate of the great Turke, is as much to say, as Constantinople: the which they call in the Turkishe language, Stanboll. Gate of the great Turke. The venturers with the sword were 60. thousand in number. The reason, why there were so many of this sort, was because Mustafà had dispersed à rumour, through the Turkes dominion, that Famagosta was much more wealthy and riche, then the Citie of Nicosia was: so for that cause, and by the commodious and easie passage from Syria ouer into Cyprus, Gli Ʋenturieri da spada, are a kinde of venturing soldiers, who commonly are wont to follow the armye in hope of the spoyle. these venturers were easily induced to come thether. In 75. dayes (all the which time the battery still continued) 140. thousand yron pellets were shot of, numbred, Aleppo, a famous Citie neare vnto Antiochia, otherwise called in Greke, [...], the Citie of the Sunne. and seene. The cheefe personages which were in their armye neare vnto Mustafà, were these following: the Bassà of Aleppo, the Bassà of Natolia, Musafer Bassà of Nicosia, the Bassà of Caramania, the Agà of the Giannizzers, Giambelat Bey in the Turkishe language, signifieth knight with vs. Bey, the Sangiaccho of Tripolis, the Begliarbei signifieth L. Admirall. Begliarbei of Greece, the Bassà of Sciuassi & of Marasco, Ferca Framburaro, the Sangaccho, is that person with the Turkes, that gouerneth a prouince or countrey. Sangaccho of Antipo, Soliman Bey, three Sangacchos of Arabia, Mustafà Bey Generall of the Venturers, Fergat gouernour of Malathia, the Framburaro of Diuerie, the Sangaccho of Arabia, and other Sangacchos of lesser credite, with the number of 80. thousand [Page 15] persons besides, as by the muster made by his commission might well appeare.
The Framburaro which was at Rhodes, was appoynted and left gouernour at Famagosta, and the report was that there should be left in all the Iland of Cyprus 20. thousand persons, with 2000. horse, many of the which I saw, being very leane and euill appoynted for seruice. It seemeth also à thing not impertinent to the matter, to signifie to you, God suffereth much to be done to his seruants, but neuer forsaketh them. how I by the especiall grace of God, was deliuered out of their cruell handes, I hauing payed within 42. dayes (all the which time I was slaue) 500. Zechins for my raunsome to hym, whose prisoner I was, by the meanes of the Consul for the French Marchantes, à ligger then at Tripolis, who à little before came from Tripolis in Syria vnto Cyprus, into the Turkes campe. Yet for all that I had payed thys summe of money to him, he would not so set me at libertie, but feeding me vp still with faire words, and promising me, that he would first bring me vnto his gouernment, which abutted vpon à peece of the famous riuer of Euphrates, and afterward dimisse me. The which malice and falsehoode of hys I perceauing, determined with my selfe to geue hym the slippe, and to flye: so I wayting my time, and repayring often to the Citie, at length met with à small Fisher bote, of the which à poore Grecian was honor & maister, with whom in one night with two onely Ores and à small [Page] saile made of two shirtes, Necessitie oft times sharpeneth mens wits, and causeth boldnes. passed ouer frō Cyprus vnto Tripolis, being in very great daunger of drowning, whereas I remained in couert in the house of certaine Christians, vntill the 25. of September, at what time I departed from thence in à little French ship called Santo Vittor, which came into these partes, and as we rode, we touched at à part of Cyprus westward, called Capo delle Gatte, where as I came à land, and talking with certaine of the inhabitaunce of the villages, who were then by chaunce à hauking, demaunded of them, how they were intreated of the Turkes, and after what sort the Iland was tylled: to the which they aunswered, that they could not possibly be in worse pickle, then they were at that present, not enioying that quietly, which was their owne, being made villans & flaues, and almost alwayes carying away the Bastonados, The nature of euery commoditie is sooner vnderstoode by lacking, then by continuall enioying of the same. so that now (they sayd) they knew by triall too perfectly the plesaunt and peaceable gouernment of the Christians, wishing and praying God that they might shortly returne. And concerning the tyllage of the Iland they made aunswere moreouer, that no part of it was plowed or laboured, sauing onely that mountaine, which was towardes the West, and that because they were little troubled with the crueltie of the Turkes, but as for the plaine and East part of the Iland, there was small seede sowen therein, but became in à maner desert, there being left but fewe inhabitauntes, [Page 16] and lesse store of cattell there. Afterward we departing from thence, arriued in Candia, of the olde writers called Creta in latin, [...] in Greke, because it had once a 100. Cities in it, now there remaining but only 4. thus commonly named, Candia, La Cania, Retimo, and Sythia. Candia, I for my part being clothed in Sackcloth, whereas soone after by the great courtesie of the right honourable Sig. Latino Orsino, I was new apparelled accordingly, frendly welcomed, and my necessitie relieued. From whence I shortly after sailing in à Cypriottes ship (thākes be to almightie God) arriued in this Citie in health, and am safely come It is great pleasure for any true subiect, after long trauell, to see the smoke of his natiue Countrey. home now at the honourable feete of your highnesse.