GASE S. OSBORN
!
1
Chaves Carvin
Save Ste Marie
Much
Zharah al Dew All, yazdi
THE
HISTORY
OF
TIMUR-B E C,
Known by the Name of
Tamerlain the Great,
Emperor of the
MOGULS and TARTARS:
BEING
An hiftorical JOURNAL of his Conqueſts
in Afia and Europe.
Written in Perfian by CHERE FEDDIN. ALI,
Native of Tezd, his Contemporary.
Tranſlated into French by the late Monfieur
Petis de la Croix, Arabick Profeffor in the
Royal College, and Secretary and Interpreter
to the King in the Oriental Languages.
With hiſtorical Notes and Maps.
Now faithfully render'd into ENGLISH.
VOL. HI
LONDON: Printed for J. DARBY in Bartholomew-Cloſe,
E. BELL in Cornhill, W. TAYLOR in Pater-nofier-row,
W. and J. INNYS at the Weft End of St. Paul's Church-
yard, J. OSBORNE in Lombard-ſtreet, and T. PAYNE in
Stationers-Court. MDCCXXIII.
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Vol. 2. P.3.
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(3)
THE
HISTORY
O F
TIMUR-BEC
•
BOOK
IV.
Timur enters India, and paffes over the
rivers Indus and Ganges. The taking of
the citys of Moultan, Labor, and Deli
capital of that kingdom. A confidera-
ble battel between Timur and the Sultan
Mahmoud, grandſon of Firouz Chab
emperor of India. The Tartars artifice
in conquering the elephants in the wars
with the Indians. The deſtruction of
the temples of the Guebres. Several
battels with thefe adorers of fire, and
other idolaters of this great empire.
A 2
CHAP.
4
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
CHAP. I.
The cauſe of Timur's war in India.
T
IMUR had given to his grandfon
prince Pir Mehemed, fon of Ge-
hanghir, the provinces of Condoz,
Bacalan, Cabul, Gaznin, and Can-
dahar, with their dependencys, as far as the
frontiers of India, as we faid before; and this
Mirza being eſtabliſh'd in thefe principalitys,
endeavor'd to render 'em flouriſhing by his juf-
tice and goodnefs.
He receiv'd orders from court to affemble the
troops of all the provinces, and to depart at
their head for other conquefts, and to make
himſelf maſter of many towns and countrys in
India. He accordingly fet out with a great ar-
my commanded by good generals, the moſt va-
liant Emirs of his country.
They began with the plunder of the Ouganis,
inhabitants of the mountain of Solyman Couh ',
which country they entirely ravag'd. They
pafs'd the Indus, invefted Outchah, and alfo
laid fiege to Moultan 3, which had then for its
governor prince Sarenk, eldeſt brother of Mel-
lou Can, who govern'd the empire of India for
the young Sultan Mahmoud.
Timur refolv'd to make war in the empire of
India, becauſe fince the death of Firouz Chah
On the weft of the Indus, between Cabul and Candahar.
* A.town E. of the Indus, N. of Moultan.
› A town of India on the Rave, long. 107. lat.
29.
emperor
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
5
emperor of it, Mellou Can and Sarenk two Chap. 1.
brothers, who had been his generals, had ufurp'd
the fovereign power; and having plac'd on the
throne Sultan Mahmoud, grandfon of Firouz
Chah, they reign'd over all India, Melloù Can
refiding at Deli, near Sultan Mahmoud, and
his brother Sarenk at Moultan.
Moultan being befieg'd by our army, was
briskly attack'd and batter'd without interrup-
tion: there were two affaults given every day,
and the regiment of Timur Coja fon of Acbouga,
fought with more heat than all the others, be-
caufe this Emir was not only an adviſer, but the
firſt actor in this enterprize.
Timur receiv'd the news with joy; and as he
had already refolv'd to carry his arms to Catai or
China, to root out the infidels, he got together
all the troops of the empire. He had been be-
fore that inform'd, that the mahometan reli-
gion was then obferv'd in many places of In-
dia, as at Deli and other citys, where the tefti-
mony of that faith was written upon their
coins; nevertheleſs the greateft part of the pro-
vinces diftant from this town were inhabited by
idolaters. Timur, who defign'd to partake of
the merit and glory of the Gazie, and had
rais'd this numerous army with intention to
make war on the enemys of his religion, foon
refolv❜d on the conqueft of India. He affem-
bled his council, according to the cuſtom Ma-
4
* Capital of India, long. 100. lat. 30. It confifts of three
Towns, Sari, Geharpena, and old Deli, all which make but
one; as Paris confifts of the city, univerfity, and fuburbs of
St. Germain.
1
• Gazie among the orientals fignifys the wars the Mahome-
tans undertake against thoſe who profels a different religion.
They imagine that whoever die in theſe wars, become martyrs,
and of confequence inherit paradife.
A 3
homet
6
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. homet had introduc'd, and propos'd his under-
taking to the great Emirs of the ſtate in theſe
terms.
cr
"Fortune, my dear friends, furnishes us
"with fuch happy conjun&tures, that ſhe ſeems
"to offer herſelf to us, and invite us to lay hold
દ
"of the favorable opportunitys which prefent
"themfelves; for as we have already feen the
"empires of Iran and Touran, and almoſt all
"Afia under our command, fhe fhews us In-
"dia, thro the diforders of the princes who
govern it, opening its gates to receive us.
My name has fpread terror throughout the
univerfe; and the leaft motion I make is ca-
"pable of fhaking the whole earth. It is
"therefore time to attack the kingdom of In-
"dia, where having overcome what oppofes
our defigns, we fhall oblige this kingdom to
acknowledg no other fovereign than me.
"What think ye, my dear friends, who are the
"companions of my victorys, of this great en-
terprize? Speak all in general, and every
one in particular, your opinion of this pro-
"pofal, which appears reafonable, fince for-
. tune has not yet withdrawn its protection
ર
cc
cc
CC
" from us.
وو
Timur having thus made known his refolu-
tion to the captains and generals of his army,
they fell upon the ground, and with fincere fub-
miffion and perfect obedience, faid, The order
of the emperor was a law to all men, and more
indifpenfibly fo to them who were his flaves;
that wherever he fhou'd fet his feet, there they
fhou'd be ready to lay their heads: that it
was their glory punctually to obey his orders,
even when he requir'd 'em to undertake the
greateft difficultys. Timur, pleas'd with this
anfwer, heap'd favors on 'em, and thought of
i..
nothing
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
7
nothing more than the means of bringing this Chap. 2.
enterprize to perfection.
CHA P. II.
Timur brings his army into the field, to make
war against the Guebres in India.
HE Alcoran fays, the higheft dignity man
TH
can attain to, is that of making war in
perfon againſt the enemys of his religion. Ma-
homet adviſeth the fame thing, according to
the tradition of the muffulman doctors: where-
fore the great Timur always ftrove to exter-
minate the infidels, as much to acquire that
glory, as to fignalize himſelf by the greatness
of his conquefts.
For which reafon in the year of the Leopard,
that is, in the month of Regeb of the year 800
of the Hegira, having left Mirza Omar fon of
Mirza Miran Chah to govern the city of Samar-
cand, he took the road to India, having many
kings of Afia for his attendence, who were
come to his court as to an afylum, to render
their fervices to this conqueror.
He had in his army foldiers and even officers.
of all nations; but all the chiefs, and greateſt
part of the companys who were in pofts of con-
fequence, were Tartars: and he had alſo a great
many lords of Kech.
Timur being arriv'd at Termed, there order'd
to be made a bridge of boats over the Oxus,
which he crofs'd with his army: He rais'd ma-
ny choice foldiers and of good appearance in
the fine city of Culm, from whence he took the
road to Aznic and Semencau; and after having
A 4
pafs'd
March
1398.
8
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. pafs'd the mountains of Bacalan, he went to en-
camp at Enderabe.
1
:
{
CHA P. III.
Timur marches against the inhabitants of
Ketuer. He defeats the Siapouches, who
were cloth'd in black.
WHI
HILST Timur was encamp'd at Enderabe,
the inhabitants came to caft themſelves
at his feet, to complain of the infults and trou-
bles they receiv'd from the idolaters of Ketuer,
and from the Siapouches; they reprefented to
him that there were a great number of Muf-
fulmans, from whom the infidels exacted every
year exceffive, fums of money, under the name
of tribute and Garage; which if they fail'd to
pay punctually, they kill'd their men, and made
their women and children flaves,
+
*
The emperor, touch'd with their complaints,
and excited by zeal for the religion of which
he was protector and defender, march'd imme-
diately against thefe tyrants: he chofe three
foldiers out of every ten, and left the Mirza
Charoc to command the rest of the army and
the baggage at Gounanditour, where they
ordinarily pafs'd the fummer. Timur decamp'd
twice a day, and march'd with fo much dili-
gence, that he made two days journy in one.
* A mountain of Bedakchan inhabited by idolaters, long,
15. lat. 36.
An idolatrous nation cloth'd in black, inhabiting the moun-
tains S. of the province of Bedakchan.
A cool place in the mountain near Enderabe,
}
1
He
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
9:
1
He foon arriv'd at Perjan?, whence he fent Chap. 3.
Mirza Rouftem, accompanied by Burhan A-
glen, and other Emirs, with ten thouſand men
towards the left, to feek the Siapouches; and
following his road, he arriv'd at Caouc ', where
he found a demolish'd citadel, which he caus'd
to be rebuilt. Many Emirs and foldiers left
fome of their horfes at Caouc, and afcended on
foot the mountain of Ketuer, where tho the
fun was in Gemini, the fnow lay in fo great
abundance, that the feet of moſt part of the
horfes, which the lords wou'd have carry'd
up, fail'd 'em yet fome of 'em were fpur'd
on fo much during the night and; the froft,
that they were conftrain'd to get up: but day
being come, and the fhow turn'd into ice, they
kept theſe horſes under felts till evening, when
they continu'd to afcend the mountain, fo that
at length they arriv'd at the top, and then fent
for the reft of the horfes. And as the infidels
dwelt in narrow paffages and precipices, and
there was no road to get to them, befides what
was cover'd with fnow; fome of the Emirs and
foldiers defcended by cords, while others lying
on the fnow, flid down to the bottom. They
made a fort of raft for Timur, to which they
faften'd rings, that they might tie cords to it
of one hundred and fifty cubits in length: he
fat upon it, while many perfons let him down
from the top to the bottom of the mountain,
as far as the cords wou'd reach. Others dug
with pickaxes in the fnow a place where he
might ftand firm. They who were on the top
4
7
A town in the province of Bedakchan, two days journy
from Enderabe near the Siapouches.
A town at the foot of the mountain of Ketuer, long. 115.
lat. 36,
having
10
The hiftory of Timur-Bec:
Book IV. having gently defcended, they let down Timur
again in the machine. The place alfo was mark'd
out where he ſhou'd ſtay next; and ſo on till the
fifth time, when he arriv'd at the foot of the
mountain. Then this monarch took a ftaff in his
hand to reſt on, and walk'd on foot a great
way. Theſe fatigues did not deter him, be-
cauſe of his confidence in the merit of the Ga-
zie, which always increas'd his ardent zeal for
the most difficult enterprizes. Thoſe who work
for God may reft affur'd of fuccefs. They alfo
let down fome of the emperor's horſes, girding
'em about the belly and neck, with great pre-
caution; but most of 'em thro the fault of the
guides fell headlong down, fo that there re-
main'd but two fit for fervice. Then Timur
took horſe, and all the army follow'd on foot.
The infidels of this country are ſtrong men,
and as large as the giants of the people of Aad';
they go all naked; their kings are nam'd Oda
and Odachouh: they have a particular lan-
guage, which is neither Perfian, nor Turkish,
nor Indian; and know no other than this:
and if it was not for the inhabitants of the
neighbouring places, who are found there by
chance, and having learnt their language, ſerve
for interpreters, no one would be able to under-
ftand 'em.
Thefe infidels were in a citadel, at the foot
of whofe walls paffes a great river; and on the
other fide of this river there was a high moun-
tain. As they had learnt the approach of Ti-
mur twenty four hours before his arrival, they
abandon'd this poft, crofs'd the river, and car-
· Arabians in the time of Nimrod.
* The language of the people of Ketuer was heretofore un-
known.
ry'd
The history of Timur-Bec.
11
ry'd their effects to the top of this mountain, Chap. 3.
imagining it inacceffible, especially with the in-
trenchments they had made there.
When the army after long fatigues arriv'd
at the citadel, they found nothing there but
fome ſheep the enemy had left, which they made
themſelves maſters of: then having ſet fire to the
houſes, they immediately crofs'd the river. The
emperor order'd 'em to afcend the mountain by
many narrow paffages; which our foldiers did,
and at the fame time return'd thanks to God.
Cheik Arſlan, at the head of the vanguard of
of the left wing', attack'd the foremoſt of the
enemys, and made himſelf maſter of a rifing
ground. They were alfo attack'd by Ali Sultan
Tavachi, who came down into the place where
they were encamp'd. A colonel nain'd Chame-
lic fignaliz'd himſelf by many great actions;
and fourteen of our braveſt foldiers fell from
the top of the mountain to the bottom, and
were kill'd. Mobacher alſo behav'd himſelf gal-
lantly. Mengheli Coja advanc'd at the head of
his company, and gain'd the top of the moun-
tain. Sevindgic Behader did all that cou'd be
expected from the greateſt valor. Cheik Ali
Saliberi advanc'd as far as the ridge of the
mountain with all his foldiers; he attack'd the
enemy, and got poffeffion of their poft. Mouf-
fa Recmal and the Emir Huffein Courtchi be-
hav'd themſelves with the utmoft refolution;
and at length all the Emirs of the Hezares and
Couchons attack'd the infidels on all fides in the
moſt dangerous places. The enemy defended
themſelves vigorously, notwithſtanding the great
flaughter of their men. The fight lafted three
The Tartars have a vanguard to each wing, which they
call Cambol.
nights
1-2
The history of Timur-Bec.
Ecok IV. nights with unheard of obftinacy: but at length
thefe unfortunate men finding themſelves no
Coffinate longer able to make refiftance, beg'd quarter
the men of with tears in their eyes. Timur fent to 'em Ac
Sultan Kechi, with order to tell them that if
ht of
Ketuer,
:
2
they wou'd come to him with fubmiffion and
obedience, abandon their errors, and take up a
refolution to acknowledg but one God, and em-
brace the mahometan religion with fincerity,
he wou'd not only give 'em their lives and ef-
fects, but alfo leave 'em to enjoy their princi-
pality as before. They had no fooner learnt
this from an interpreter, than the fourth day
they came to caft themſelves at the feet of the
emperor, conducted by Ac Sultan Kechi: they
abjur'd their idolatry, and embrac'd the maho-
metan religion, promifing to fubmit entirely to
the emperor, and obey all his commands. Ti-
mur, according to his wonted generofity, gave
them clothes, and fent them away, after having
encourag'd 'em by the moſt affectionate fpeeches.
Treafon of Night being come, thefe wretches, whofe
the men of hearts were more black than their garments, fell
upon the regiment of Chamelic, and put all the
foldiers of it to the fword, except a few, who,
tho wounded and lame, efcap'd their hands..
Requer.
Thair
Foth-
cat.
嗯
​i
•
As foon as this treafon was difcover'd, our
men flew near one hundred and fifty of 'em.
All the army got up upon the mountain, and
following the precept of Mahomet, who orders
the women to be fpar'd, they put to the fword
all the old and young men of thefe infidels, and
carry'd away their women and children. At
length they built towers on the top of the
mountain and the end of the bridge, with the
heads of theſe traitors, who had never bow'd
their head to adore the true God. Timur or-
der'd to be engrav'd upon marble the hiftory
of
The history of Timur-Bec.
13
of this action, which happen'd in the month of Chap. 4-
Ramadan in the year of the Hegira 800; and he
June139.
added the particular Epocha which this peo-
ple us'd, that their pofterity might have fome
knowledg of the famous valor of the ever-victo-
rious Timur. This pillar fo infcrib'd gave the
greater pleaſure to Timur, in that thefe people
had never been conquer'd by any prince in the
world, not even by Alexander the great.
CHA P. IV.
Timur fends Mehemed Azad to gain intelli-
gence of Mirza Rouftem and Burhan Aglen.
His return to Ketuer.
As
S there came no news of Mirza Rouf-
tem and Burhan Aglen, who were
gone against the Siapouches, the emperor or-
der'd the inhabitants of Ketuer to furniſh
him with guides; and he fent Mehemed Azad
and Doletchah, who had been rais'd to pre-
ferments in his court. Four or five Emirs ac-
company'd 'em, with four hundred Turks and
three hundred Tadgics', commanded by Mehe-
med Azad, who had orders to get information of
Mirza Rouftem and Burhan Aglen. Mehemed
after his departure, according to Timur's order,
went up, by ftrait and difficult paffages with ex-
treme fatigue, high mountains cover'd with
fnow, which he afterwards flid down, having
The Turks are thoſe who defcend from the Moguls and
Tartars.
The Tadgics are the inhabitants of the towns of Tranfox-
iana, and all the country of Iran, who are neither Tartars,
Moguls, nor Turks,
ftrongly
$
14
The history of Timur-Bec.
S
Book IV. ftrongly faften'd his buckler to his fhoulders.
He then march'd to the fortrefs of the Siapou-
ches, where he cou'd not meet a fingle per-
fon, or hear one word; but he found the tracks
of the feet of feveral men, who were gone to
the other fide of the mountain. Theſe were
the footsteps of the Siapouches, who having
advice of the march of Mirza Rouftem and
Burhan Aglen, were gone out of their fortreffes,
and retir❜d to the mountains, where they lay in
ambuſcade in a very narrow paffage. Some
pafs'd by 'em, and others without precaution got
off their horfes, which they let go loofe: then the
Siapouches, laying hold of the opportunity,
came out of their ambuſcade, and fell ſuddenly
upon them. Burhan Aglen, thro his great cow-
ardice, or rather by an unheard-of treafon, flung
off his coat of mail, and fled without fighting,
which caus'd the defeat of his troops. When a
general turns his back, we may fay he is the
murderer of his foldiers. The infidels feeing
the Muffulmans fly, became more daring; and
purfuing our men clofe, flew many of 'em with
their axes and war-clubs, and among the reſt
Cheik Huffein Courtchi, Doletchah Gebegi,
and Adina captain of the horſe, who, after a
vigorous defence, were deftroy'd among the
reft.
Affairs were in this miferable ftate, when
Mehemed Azad obferving the prints of the feet
of the Siapouches, arriv'd in the paffage where
this tragedy happen'd: he met 'em at their re-
turn, attack'd 'em with the greateſt bravery,
after a fharp fight utterly defeated 'em, and re-
took from 'em the bucklers, arms and horfes of
our Muffulmans. He then went to rejoin Bur-
han Aglen with the horſe which had fled; and
every
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
15
every one knowing his own bucklers, arms and Chap. 4.
horſes, they were reſtor❜d.
Mehemed Azad then told Burhan Aglen that
he muſt ſtay in that place all night; but this
coward would not do it: he got up to the top
of the mountain, whither he was follow'd by his
troops, to the great regret of Mehemed Azad;
for when a commander proves a traitor or a
coward, his army never fails of being conquer'd.
This action of Burhan was very infamous; and
fince the reign of Genghiz Can there has not
been one prince of the race of Cayat, who
has committed the like. Burhan had formerly
done the fame in the war of the Uzbecs, and
receiv'd pardon by the fingular goodneſs of Ti-
mur, who continu'd to honor him as before,
and had even ſent him on this expedition, in
hopes he would repair his fault, and recover his
credit, which in this laft affair he entirely de-
ftroy'd.
After the conqueft of Ketuer, and defeat of
the idolaters, Timur fent Gelaleliffam and Ali
Siftani with troops to feek an eafy paffage from
the mountains, and to clear the ways: and he
order'd them to ruin whatfoever they met be-
longing to the infidels.
Theſe two Emirs having found a paffage to
their mines, open'd a way in the fnow; and
then Timur crofs'd the mountains, and went
down to Caouc ', where he left a ftrong ga-
rifon. At this place he join'd the Emirs and
foldiers, who for eighteen hours had conftantly
A Mogul hord, from whence Genghiz Can fprung; which
hord were the defcendents of an antient Mogul prince nam'd
Cayat, who was defcended from Turc, fon of Japhet, fon of
Noah.
! A town in Ketuer rebuilt by Timur.
f
fought
16
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. fought on foot: then they took horfe, and ac-
company'd the emperor.
When Burhan Aglen and Mehemed Azad had
join'd the imperial ſtandard with their troops,
Timur wou'd not admit the first into his pre-
fence, becauſe without making any defence he
had fled from the infidels: he treated him with
fcorn as he met him by chance; and to fhew
his infamy, cited a paffage of the Alcoran,
which affures us, That twenty zealous Mufful-
mans are able to conquer two hundred infidels,
provided they trust in God: and yet Burhan
(faid the emperor) at the head of ten thouſand
men fled from a handful of infidels, and put the
Muffulmans in danger of being torn in pieces.
Then Timur declar'd him criminal, and as a
mark of diſgrace baniſh'd him the court.
Mehemed Azad having fought on foot at the
head of four hundred men only, and ftood his
ground againſt the fame men, tho puff'd up with
their victory; and having alfo put a great num-
ber of 'em to the fword, recovering from em
all the horſes they had got from us; Timur
heap'd on him honors and riches, diftinguishing
him by great praifes, and giving him the com-
mand of a regiment to reward his valor. The
emperor diftributed alfo largeffes among thofe
who had given marks of their courage in fo dan
gerous an expedition.
CHAP.
The history of Timur-Bec.
17?
Chap. 5
CHAP. V.
Timur fends Mirza Charoc to Herat.
*
T this place * Timur permitted his dear Caoue
fon Mirza Charoc, heir apparent to the
crown, to return to Herat, capital of Coraffana,
of which he was governor. When he took leave
of this prince, he gave him his advice, and us'd
many expreffions which fhew'd a fatherly tender-
nefs and affection; and after having embrac'd
him, and recommended him to the divine pro-
tection, he diſmiſs'd him. Timur decamp'd at
the fame time, and march'd towards Cabul: he
took the road to Tulle, afcended the mountảin
of Hendou-Kech, pafs'd by Pendgehir', com-
monly call'd Pendgir, and went to encamp in a
meadow of the country of Baran, about five
leagues from Cabul. And as the defign of this
conqueror was chiefly to difpenfe juftice to the
people, and to render the countrys and towns
flourishing, he gave orders for a canal to be dug,
which might join the river which paffes thro
thofe quarters. He divided the land between
the captains and foldiers, and in a fhort time
there was a great canal made five leagues long,
which is yet call'd the canal of Mahighir: at
length there were many large villages built up-
on it; and the valley, which before had not
-
A little town of Bedakchan.
A town and mountain, where Abulfeda the geographer
fays there are two filver mines; and that the town is full of
ditches dug to get out the oar. It is at the foot of the moun
tains of Cachmir to the weft, between Cabul and Enderabe.
VOL. II.
B
been
18
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. been cultivated, became a fine and delightful
garden.
¡
CHAP.
VI.
The arrival of ambaſſadors from feveral
places. Taizi Aglen returns from the
country of the Calmacs, and Cheik Nou-
redin from that of Fars.
T
IMUR being encamp'd in the plain of
Dourin, there arriv'd an ambaſſador
from Timur Cotluc Aglen a prince of Capchac,
and another from Emir Aidecou, a prince of
Capchac, as alfo a third of Gete from Kefer
Coja Aglen; who were prefented before the
throne by the Emirs and Nevians. After they
had kifs'd the ground and perform'd other ufual
ceremonys, they began their harangue, wishing
all profperity to Timur, and highly extolling
him then they declar'd the fubject of their
embaffy, which was, to affure the emperor that
their mafters were faithful fervants of his maje-
fty; that tho for fome time, paſt there had been
no good intelligence or agreement between 'em,
which had made 'em depart from the obedience
they ow'd him, and wander as vagabonds in
the defarts; yet confideration, and prudence
having now brought 'em to fee the deformity
of their actions, they fincerely repented of 'em;
and that if the emperor would be merciful and
pardon their fault, they would for the future
! A village near Garan.
be
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
19
be moſt obedient, and never difobey the orders Chap. 6°
of his officers.
Taizi. Aglen, who for fome difference which
happen'd between him and the Can at, Olug
Yurt, fled from the kingdom of Calmac, came
to this place to lay himſelf at the feet of the
throne, and was receiv'd as handfomly as a
prince of his rank cou'd expect. Timur em
brac'd him, and prefented him with a veſt
wove with gold, a belt fet with precious ſtones,
horfes of great price, feveral mules and camels,
tents and pavilions, and whatever cou'd be ex-
pected from a great emperor. At the fame place
alfo arriv'd Emir Cheik Noureddin, fon of Sar
Bouga, who had been left by Timur in Perfia,
after the five years campaign there, in order
to receive the revenues of that kingdom and
the neighboring countrys. He brought with
him an immenfe treafure, with abundance of
jewels of ineftimable price; likewife animals
proper for the chafe, and birds of prey; leo-
pards, gold mony, belts enrich'd with precious
ftones, vefts wove with gold, ftuffs of all co-
lors, arms and all forts of utenfils for war, ara-
bian horfes with faddles of gold, great camels,
feveral carriage and riding mules, fine ftirrups,
the ftraps embroider'd with gold and filver;
umbrellas, canopys, pavilions, tents and cur-
tains of fcarlet and all colors; in fhort, there
was fo great a quantity of curious pieces of
work, that the fecretarys and comptrollers of
the Divan employ'd three days and three nights
2 That is, the great hord, feat of the kings of Calmac, or
rather of the Mogul Cans or emperors, near Caràcorom capi-
tal of Calmac.
A kingdom, formerly call'd Caracatal, in Mogoliſtan,
north of the kingdom of Courge or Leaſtung.
B 2
to
20
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. to regiſter 'em, and write copys of 'em, which
were prefented to the lords of the court for
their perufal.
The day for prefenting petitions being ap-
pointed, the Emirs or generals, and the Nevi-
ans or foreign princes, prefented Emir Cheik
Noureddin before the imperial throne. This
prince knelt down, and the whole day was
fpent in calling over before the emperor all his
prefents, than which none ever were feen fo
magnificent, not even in the reign of the great
Feridon 4 or of Corzu Peruize. ".
Prince Taizi Aglen, the ambaffadors of Cap-
chac, and feveral princes of the race of Gen-
ghiz Can, who were prefent, were furpriz'd at
it; not only at the fight of the riches, but but
alfo confidering that the power of Timur muft
be very great, fince one of his fubjects was rich
enough to make fo magnificent a preſent.
6
Timur diftributed a great many of theſe rari-
tys, and gave a very friendly reception to Emir
Cheik Noureddin, who told the emperor that
all theſe preſents were too fmall for thoſe who
had refolv'd to facrifice their lives to his fervice.
Timur being willing to treat the ambaſſadors
of the Uzbecs and Getes handfomly, gave 'em
caps of gold, belts, vefts and horſes; he grant-
ed 'em whatſoever they ask'd, and loaded 'em
with prefents, as well for themſelves as their
mafters, with letters in anfwer to thofe they
had brought. At length Emir Cheik Noured-
din knelt down, and ask'd pardon for Burhan
Aglen, and the reft who accompany'd him at
King of Perfia of the first race.
"King of Perfia of the third race.
The princes of Capchac are here call'd Uzbecs.
the
The history of Timur-Bec.
2.1
the audience: Timur granted this with an ex- Chap. 6.
cefs of clemency and generofity.
He then fent to India Sultan Mahmoud Can'
with the troops of the left wing, and all the
princes and Emirs who had before receiv'd
orders.
At this time Malek. Mehemed, brother to
Lechker Chah an Ougani, caft himſelf at the
feet of the emperor, and in an humble manner
told him, that Mouffa, prince of the nation of
the Kerkes, had kill'd his brother, who was an
officer of his majefty; that he had ruin'd the
town of Irjab, and pillag'd his Hezares; that
he had made himſelf mafter of their effects by
force, and that this villain conftantly robb'd in
the great roads, that no one cou'd pafs thoſe
quarters: "For my part, fays Malek, I, who
"am a poor fervant of your majefty, have fled
ss to fave my life from the hands of this barba-
rous man; I have pafs'd by Gazna, and ftaid
"here on the good news I receiv'd of the
"march of your imperial ftandard. "
6C
This advice rais'd Timur's paffion, and he
refolv❜d to put a stop to theſe diforders, by fome
means or other. He order'd Malek to lie con-
ceal'd, and to keep this advice fecret, telling
him he wou'd call Mouffa to court; and if he
came, he wou'd oblige him to do juſtice, and
make entire fatisfaction; but if he did not come,
he wou'd give him an army, with which he
might revenge himſelf on this murderer, for the
death of his brother. Timur immediately fent
7 True emperor of Zagatai, who ferves under Timur as ge-
neral of the army, and has only the name of Can, Timur bes
ing fovereign.
Four days journy from Dourin, in the road to India.
B 3
a
22
The history of Timur-Bec.
22
Book IV. a meſſenger to Mouffa, to whom he gave orders
to tell him as follows.
cc
"The emperor having advice that you have
"demoliſh'd the city of Irjab, fituate in the
«Ε great road to India, does not think conveni-
ent that it fhou'd remain in ruins; where-
"fore he wills and commands you to come
"forthwith to court, where he defigns to in-
"veft you with the government of that country,
not doubting but you will rebuild the place,
"and fettle it in its former fplendor. "
tr
The meffenger having handfomly acquitted
himſelf of this commiffian, Mouffa came imme-
diately with a refolution to caft himfelf at the
feet of the throne; but Timur, who had re-
folv'd to put him to death, with all his accom-
plices, receiv'd him in a civil manner at firſt
fight, and gave him a veft woven with gold, a
belt, a fword with a gold handle, a horſe well
equip'd, with other curious things, and at laſt
faid to him, "We will affign you troops, with
"which it is expedient you fhou'd go and re-
"build that place: wherefore depart with thy
"domefticks and friends, aud ufe all your ef-
"forts, that the place may be rebuilt before
we arrive; and if there is need of any thing
" towards the perfecting of it, we will order
"it you; and then leaving you in the govern-
ment of it, we will depart for India. "
.
Ti-
mur then fent him away, and order'd Mouffa
Recmal, with three thouſand brave men, to ac-
company him.
When Mouffa was arriv'd at Irjab, he made
difpatch in executing the orders he had receiv'd,
and employ'd all his men and domeftics, about
three hundred perfons, in the rebuilding of this
place, :
СНАР,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
23
Chap. 7.
*
CHAP VII.
1
1
The repairing the fortress of Irjab, and the
deftroying of the Ouganis robbers.
TH
IMUR fent from the country of Dou-
rin to Samarcand the auguft princeſs Se-
rai Mulc Canum, and the Mirza Oluc Bei, who
were at court; and then he decamp'd. In four
days he arriv'd at the town of Irjab, which he
found nearly repair'd: there he fix'd his impe-.
rial tent, and the army encamp'd in order of bat-
tel, every one in his proper poft. Timur or-
der'd that the rebuilding of the town fhou'd be
continu'd; and the Emir Chahmelik and Gela-
leliflam had a commiffion for rebuilding of
mofques and other public buildings, infomuch
that all was finifh'd in fourteen days. Timur
had before commanded the Tavachis not to
fuffer any of the fubjects of Mouffa, employ'd
in repairing the town, to re-enter it after once
going out and this order was not given with-
out caufe; for on the feventeenth of Zilhadge Sept. 16.
in the morning, Timur having taken horfe to 1398.
view the place, with its ditches and wall, ac-
company'd with many princes and generals,
who march'd on foot on each fide him, he was
perceiv'd by ſeven of Mouffa's labourers, who
were in an upper ftory of an houfe fituate be-
hind a gate of the town; and being within bow-
fhot of him, they let fly from a window with
deſign to kill him. But they did not take good
aim,and the ruſtling the arrow made only ſtartled
his horfe. However Timur went into the town
by another gate, and caus'd Mouffa and his ac-
1
B 4
com-
24
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. complices to be feiz'd: the feven affaffins who
were in the houfe-from whence the arrow was
fhot, took up their arms to defend themſelves,
and wounded fome of our men; but at laſt Ke-
leki Siſtani broke open the houſe with fome fol-
diers of his company, and put 'em to death.
At nine a-clock the fame morning, Timur de-
liver'd to Malek Mehemed his enemy Mouffa,
with two hundred of his men, whom he had
feiz'd. Malek, affifted by three of his fervants,
cut off all their heads, to revenge himſelf for
the death of his brother whom they had flain,
and made a tower of them. Then they pillag'd
all his country and fubjects, and put to death
feveral leaders of thofe villains who were mix'd
among our officers. The women and children,
as alfo the goods and moveables of thefe ty-
rants, were given to the poor opprefs'd peo-
ple of Irjab, who, for being of Malek Mehe-
med's fide, had fuffer'd for ſeveral years great
violence and injuftice. And on this occafion
we ſee that paffage of the Alcoran fulfill'd,
which threatens tyrants with confufion and ruin.
Timur gave the principality of Irjab to Ma-
lek Mehemed, and by this means deliver'd tra-
vellers from being infefted by thefe infolent
robbers. Thus as he render'd kingdoms flouriſh-
ing by his goodneſs and equity, fo he fupprefs'd
diforders by his power and juftice.
}
1.
}
t
CHAP,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
25
Chap. 8.
CHA P. VIII.
Timur marches to Chenouzan and Nagaz;
and destroys the robbers of the nation of the
Pervians.
T
IMUR, after having fettled the affairs of
the country of Irjab, which requir❜d as great
authority as his to put it in order, the eighteenth
Sept. 17.
of Zilhadge, in the year-800, march'd towards 1398.
Chenouzan. After having paſt many foreſts and
ſome mountains, he encamp'd near that place;
where he ftaid the next day, and fent his fon
prince Calil Sultan to Banai, by the road of
Captchagai, at the head of the baggage, ac-
company'd by feveral Emirs.
Timur having march'd all night with great
diligence, went with fome thouſands of horſe
towards the fortreſs of Nagaz, where he arriv'd
early on the twenty-firſt of Zilhadge.
It is to be remark'd, that the court having
been before at Cabul, Emir Solyman Chah, and
other commanders of the troops of Coraflana,
were come to Nagaz', according to Timur's
order, to rebuild that place; and that they had
work'd very hard there, fo that it was com-
pleatly fortify'd. Timur at his arrival there,
was inform'd that the nation of the Pervians,
a fort of Ouganis, to whom he had fent orders
to appear before his throne with their troops,
to ſerve in the army, had revolted, and refus'd
⁹ Towns of Cabuleſtan near the Indus.
A town of Cabuleftan, between the Indus and the river
of Cabul.
Sept. 20.
to
1
26
The hiſtory of Timur-Bec
Book IV. to fend their men: for one day when Mirza Pir
~Mehemed, who had been to view fome neigh-
* Magi-
ftrates.
bouring places in India, was return'd with his
troops and plunder, bringing with him to Cabul
feveral captives; thefe inconfiderate men were
fo bold as to top up their paffage, to plunder
'em of part of the fpoils, pafs the river of Hir,
and entrench themſelves in the high mountains
and forefts, from whence they conſtantly went
to rob on the high-ways. Timur had no fooner
advice of this, than giving loofe to his paffion,
he the fame day march'd in fearch of theſe in-
folent people, whofe end muft of courſe be un-
fortunate. He came up to 'em in three days,
and order'd all his foldiers to difmount, that
they might march into the woods and mountains
with more eafe; and fo feize and exterminate
theſe rebels. They attack'd 'em with the great-
eft vigor, and after a weak defence cut 'em in
pieces, made their children prifoners, and pil-
lag'd their goods, having fet fire to their ha-
bitations; and as there were fome who fled,
Timur would ſtay fome time in this mountain,
to deliver paffengers from the fear of theſe
robbers. At this place the deputys and Ke-
lanters of the nation of Oubel came to caft
themſelves at his feet, to beg pardon, and im-
plore his protection. This monarch, who
fought nothing more than the welfare of his
people, not only forgave their crimes, but re-
ceiv'd 'em into his protection, heap'd favors on
'em, and granted 'em many privileges, becauſe
of their fincerity.
·
A nation among the Ouganis,
I
The
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
27
The Emir Solyman Chah having reftor'd the Chap. 8.
town of Nagaz to its former fplendor, learnt n
that the Kelatians, a ftrong and numerous
people, had refus'd to obey the orders of the
emperor, and to come to the camp with their
troops. This news oblig'd him to fall on 'em,
which he did with fuch bravery, that in two
days and nights he defeated theſe giants, who
before that time were eſteem'd the moſt valiant
men in the world: he pillag'd their country, cut
to pieces a great number of 'em, put the reft
in chains, made their children ſlaves, and burnt
their houfes. After this he left the country of
the Kelatians, and return'd in triumph to the
imperial throne, where he was receiv'd with
all the refpect his actions deferv'd.
1398.
The firſt of Muharrem in the year 801, Ti- Sept. 30.
mur leaving the country of the Pervians, went
down to view the neighbourhood of the town
of Nagaz he fent the Emir Solyman Chah to
Moultan with good troops, to Mirza Pir Me-
hemed; and leaving Chah Ali Ferahi with five
hundred foot in garifon at Nagaz, he departed
for Banou, in which he left Pir Ali Selduz, and
the Emir Huffein Courtchi, with a fufficient
garifon.
Timur departed from Banou, and the eighth Octob. 7.
of Muharrem arriv'd at the river Indus, at the
See the
very place where Sultan Gelaleddin king of hiſtory of
Carizme, when he fled from the wrath of Gen- Genghiz
ghiz Can, fwam croſs the river. Genghiz Can Can, Book
IV. Ch. 5.
encamp'd here, but did not pafs the Indus.
Timur had a bridge of boats and reeds made
over this river, in which all the army were
• A nation among the Ouganis.
}
con-
28
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. conftantly employ'd; and it was finifh'd in two
days.
At this place he difmifs'd the Ambaſſadors
who came to pay their reſpects to him, among
whom were the faid Mehemed Medini, ambaf-
fador from Mecca and Medina ³,and from all the
princes and Cherifs of Arabia, who pray'd this
conqueror to honor 'em one day with a vifit,
and take 'em under his protection. Timur alfo
difmifs'd the ambaffador of Eskender Chah,
prince of Cachmir, whom he had fent to be-
feech his majeſty to receive him upon his obedi-
ence: he order'd him to tell his mafter that he
receiv'd his offer with pleaſure, and that he de
fir'd he wou'd not fail to come to him at the
town of Dipalpour', and there join the imperial
camp.
Octob. 11.
1398.
TH
CHA P. IX.
Timur paffes the river Indus.
paſſes
HE twelfth of Muharrem in the year 801,
which anſwers to that of the Leopard,
Timur cross'd the Indus at the head of his army,
and encamp'd at the entrance of the great de-
fart of Gerou, which is call'd Tchol Gelali,
becauſe the Sultan Gelaleddin Carezem Chah,
flying from the wrath of Genghiz Can, crofs'd
the Indus at this place, and enter'd this defart
to avoid being put to death by the fword of.
+ The Cherifs of Mecca and Medina offer'd to declare Ti-
mur Calif, tho Bajazet was invefted with that high dignity.
A province, whofe capital was Nagar.
A town of India, S. of Lahor,
that
The A
29
hiftory of Timur-Bec.
A
that conqueror.
At Timur's arrival at this Chap.10.
place, the Rayas, and the principal inhabitants
of the mountain of Couhdgioud",
came to
make their fubmiffions to him: they offer'd him
prefents, promis'd to remit to him confiderable
fums, and ferve him on all occafions.
1
Some months before, Rouftem Tagi Bougai
Berlas had been fent with an army towards
Moultan; and having ftopt fome days at Couhd-
gioud, theſe fame Rayas did him feveral im-
portant fervices, furnish'd him with provisions,
and even mony to pay his foldiers. Timur
was highly pleas'd with 'em upon theſe ac-
counts, and refolv'd they fhou'd enjoy the fruits
of his clemency: he prohibited every one from
infulting 'em, and order'd they fhou'd be treat-
ed with humanity and affection. After which
they returned home joyful and contented, with-
out either being molefted or depriv'd of their
ufual place of refidence. Thefe are the effects
and fruits of civility. The poet fays, We ought
always to be under the protection of our own
actions.
{
CHAP. X.
Chebabeddin Mobarec Chah Temini commits
hoftilitys against the emperor after his fub-
miffion.
HEHABEDDIN Mobarec, who. was
prince of an ifle of the river of Jamad, had
a great number of officers under him, and was very
A mountain.S. E. of Cachmir.
Arriver near the Indus it is the continuation of the river
Dendana, which comes from Cachmir.
1
rich
30
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. rich in mony and moveables. When the Mirza
Pir Mehemed Gehangir march'd to the frontiers
of Moultan, Chehabeddin came to him to kifs
his feet, and met with a handfom reception
from him. He fubmitted to the emperor, and
after he had ftaid fome time to make his court
to the Mirza, he took his leave, and return'd
home; where he fuffer'd himfelf to be over-
taken with pride, and trufting in the ſtrength
of his ifle, which he believ'd inacceffible, he
fortify'd it with a good ditch and high walls.
Timur at his arrival at the river of Jamad, had
advice of his revolt; and the fourteenth of Mu-
Octob. 13. harrem order'd the Emir Cheik Noureddin to
attack this ifle at the head of his Toman, and
as foon as he made himſelf maſter of it, to put
to the fword every one he thou'd find therein.
When the Emir came there, he and his foldi-
ers caſt themſelves into the water to cross over.
The befieg'd prepar'd to obſtruct their paſſage;
and there was as furious a battel fought as was
ever heard of, which lafted till night. Cheha-
beddin at the head of ten thousand men came
by the windings of the river to attack our ar-
my in the rear during night, and fought with
great courage and bravery. The Emir Cheik
Noureddin, a man of good conduct, receiv'd
the enemy with the greateft intrepidity; and
after ſeveral attacks entirely defeated 'em, con-
ftraining fome to leap into the water, where
they were drown'd, and killing the reſt. Man-
four and Dourege Tehoura, officers of the em-
peror, perform'd many noble actions, and re-
ceiv'd feveral wounds.
Timur came with diligence to this place, and
encamp'd near the ifle. Chehabeddin, who till
that time had never us'd precaution in an af
fair, was fo prudent as to get ready two hun-
dred
ľ
The history of Timur. Bec.
31
K
dred flat-bottom'd boats, that he might eſcape Chap.10.
if he fhou'd be conquer'd. Whereupon at his
return from the night-attack, in which he was
vanquish'd, he fled with his domeftics in thefe
boats. With a great deal of difficulty they
efcap'd, rowing along the river. Jamad; and at
length they came to Outcha, a town of India.
The Emir, Cheik Noureddin had orders to
purfue him along the banks of the river: he flew
a great number of thefe Indians with arrows.
When he return'd, the emperor rewarded thofe
who had hehav'd themfelves gallantly on this
occafion, and were wounded, giving 'em vefts,
and other things. Chehabeddin's boats arriving
near the frontiers of Moultan, the troops of
Mirza Pir Mehemed and Mirza Charoc, com-
manded by Solyman Chah, who had been fent
out as fcouts, hinder'd their paffage, and ſeiz-
ing the boats on the river, cut 'em to pieces.
Chehabeddin caft his wife and children into the
river, and half-dead gain'd the bank. As many
of this prince's fubjects were retir'd into the
woods, Timur order'd Chamelik to enter 'em,
and if pofible, to exterminate all who were fled
there for refuge. Chamelik accordingly enter'd
the forefts and bogs, and having flain a great
number of thefe miferable people, and pillag'd
their effects, return'd to the camp, laden with
booty, and a great number of captives.
After the fuccefs againſt Chehabeddin, the
army march'd five or fix days on the banks of
the Jamad; and on the twenty-fourth of Mu- octob. 23.
harrem it encamp'd on the borders of the Ge-
nave, at a fortrefs over-againſt which the Ja-
mad and the Genave join in one ftream, where
* On the Jamad above Moultan, longs T17. lat. 30.
• It falls into the Rave aboye Moultan,
the
3 2
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. the waves dashing againſt one another, make
it appear like the troubled ocean. Timur
order❜d a bridge to be built over it, which was
finiſh'd on the twenty-feventh of Muharrem, all
the troops having been employ'd in it. We
don't find in hiſtory that ever any one built a
bridge over it before: and even Turmechirin
Can, who formerly crofs'd it, was oblig'd to
fwim over.
རྞ
T
CHAP. XI.
Timur's arrival at Toulonba:
IMUR pafs'd this great river with all
his army, and encamp'd on the other fide:
the next day having entirely left the bridge to
give free paffage to the baggage and the rest of
the army, he went to encamp over-againſt the
town of Toulonba, on the bank of the river,
*Gourouh..thirty-five
*Gourouh., thirty-five miles* from Moultan. The princes
and Rayas, accompany'd by the Cheriffs and
doctors, immediately came out of the place to
caft themſelves at Timur's feet; they kifs'd the
ground on which he ſtood, and were handfomly
treated by him.
Octob.28.
The fame day Timur pafs'd the river of Tou-
lonba, and the twenty-ninth of Muharrem
ftaid on the other bank, till all the army was
Octob.29. crofs'd over. The firft of Sefer he encamp'd in
the neighboring plains of Toulonba.
'Defcended from Genghiz Can; he conquer'd India, Anne
Dom. 1240.
• Jamad and-Genave join'd.
f
The
F
The history of Timur-Bec.
33
1
The minifters tax'd this town at two millions Chap.11.
of crowns for the fafety of their effects and
lives. The Cheriffs, becauſe of the nobleneſs
of their race, and the doctors for their learning
and virtue, were exempted from this tax. They
had even preſents made 'em of veſts and other
things, becauſe Timur was naturally refpe&ful
to men of their character.
Some part of this tax was foon paid; but the
inhabitants making a difficulty of paying the
reft, the troops, who were in great want of
provifions, had orders to carry away all the
grain they cou'd find. During the night the
foldiers, under pretence of making a fearch,
march'd towards the town, which they. fack'd
and pillag'd, burning all the houſes, and even
making the inhabitants flaves; the Cheriffs and
doctors being the only perfons exempt from this
misfortune.
3
!
Timur had advice that a number of Rayas
and little princes in the neighbourhood of. Tou-
lonba, who had before fubmitted to the Mirza
Pir Mehemed, had now. revolted; whereupon
he fent the Emir Chamelik, and the Cheik Me-
hemed Aicoutmur, with their régiments, to ra-
vage the country of thefe Rayas, with orders to
puniſh 'em feverely, for an example to others.
The Emirs immediately departed, and enter'd
the forefts whither the enemy was retir'd.
They kill'd two thouſand Indians, who became
a prey to the wild beaſts and birds; and carry-
ing away their children priſoners, they return'd
to the court, laden with the fpoils of the rebels.
The eighth of Sefer, Timur departed from Nov. 5%
Toulonba,and next day encamp'd on the borders
of a deep lake, fituate on the bank of the Biah 3.
within fight of the town of Chanavaz.
• A river near Lahor, which falls into the Rave.
VOL. II.
C
CHA P.
34
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
CHA P. XII.
Timur marches in ſearch of Nufret Coukeri.
T
IMUR,having advice that Nufret,brother
of the Cheik Coukeri, had furrounded this
deep and large lake with a wall, behind which he
had retir'd with two thouſand men, immediately
took horſe, and leaving the baggage, went to
encamp with his army on the borders of this
lake. He rang'd his foldiers in order of battel,
and gave the command of the right wing to
the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Allahdad, the
two greateſt men of their time. The left wing
was given to the Emirs Chamelik and Cheik
Mehemed Aicoutmur, The main body was
commanded by Ali Sultan Tavachi, with the
infantry of Coraffana. And being all in order,
they prepar'd to give a vigorous affault. Nuf-
ret at the head of a thouſand Indians pofted
himſelf on the borders of the lake in view of
our men. Ali Sultan immediately attack'd him
with his infantry; and tho the marshes and
floughs were very difadvantageous to our men,
yet they gave marks of their invincible, cou-
rage. Ali Sultan was wounded in the fight,
as well as feveral others of our captains: but
the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Allahdad, en-
tering into the bogs, cut all the enemys to
pieces, and fixing their heads on their lançes,
laid 'em at Timur's feet. It's uncertain what
became of Nufret, whether he fled into the de-
fart, or was flain. The foldiers fet fire to the
houfes of theſe rebels, pillag'd their goods, and
brought away a great number of cattel.
The
The history of Timur-Bec.
35.
Nov. 7.
The tenth of Sefer the army pafs'd this great Chap.13.
-lake, and the low-lands, which were full of
bogs and marshes, notwithſtanding the extreme
difficulty of the ways; and went to encamp at
Chanavaz, a great and populous town. Here
they found feveral granarys full of corn, of
which the foldiers took as much as they had
occafion for.
Shortly after the Emirs had orders to depart.
They cross'd the river of Biah, in purſuit of
fome foldiers of Nufret who had fled. They
overtook 'em, and having cut 'em in pieces,
brought away a great booty. Timur ftaid two
days at Ghanavaz, and fet fire to the granarys
which were left, in order to reduce the infidels
to extremity; and on the 13th of Sefer he de- Nov. 10.
camp'd, and went down to the banks of the
river Biah over against the town of Dgendgian,
to which place the baggage and main body of
the army was come. Here he made all his troops
pafs the river. The fame day Herimulc, a
faithful domeftic of prince Charoc, came from
Herat he acquainted the emperor with this
prince's good ftate of health, which very much
pleas'd him, and excited him to read the Al-
coran, and diſtribute alms in token of joy.
•
CHA P. XIII.
Arrival of prince Pir Mehemed Gehanghir
from Moultan.
WE
E faid in the chapter* which gives the * Chap. 1.
reafon of Timur's march into India,
that the Mirza Pir Mehemed befieg'd the town
of Moultan, where, after a fiege of fix months, Moultan.
C 2
the
Siege of
36
The history of Timur-Bec.
!
Book IV. the inhabitants were in fuch great want of
victuals, that they were conftrain'd to eat un-
cleanly things, and even dead bodys: and Sa-
renk the governor being at length oblig'd to
fly, the town was taken by our prince, who
iinmediately fent advice of it to the emperor.
In the mean while there happen'd an inunda-
tion, which caus❜d a mortality among our horfes,
and oblig'd us to carry the fick horfes into the
town, and there fhut 'em up.
*
穆
​As wit
Upon this accident the Rayas of theſe coun-
trys revolted, tho' they had before fubmitted.
They declar'd war againſt us by acts of hofti-
lity, maffacring the governors who had been
fet over 'em. And as our men had no horſes,
thefe infolent people advanc'd during night to
the gates of the town, which extremely diſturb'd
our Mirza: but at length the enemy, on ad-
vice of Timur's approach, flung away their
weapons, and fled:
#
"
The Mirza being deliver'd from this trou-
Nov. 11. ble, came out of Moultan the fourteenth of
Sefer, and march'd to the imperial camp, on
the banks of the Biah; where he had the honor
to kifs the emperor's feet, who tenderly em-
brac'd him, and gave him a handfom reception.
{
Juneid Bourouldai, his brother Bayazid, and
Mehemed Dervich Taicani, who in the wars
of Carezem had fled from the Emir Gehancha,
and with great difficulty were got into India,
>
• Pechehal is the name the Indians give to the great
rains and inundations which happen in India at a certain time
of the year; for then they fay to travellers, Don't go now, it
is the feafon of Pechehal. This inundation is caus'd by the
great rains and ſnows, which falling off the mountains, cover
the flat countrys, fill the rivers, and overflow like the Nile in
Egypt; and this conftantly happens in the months of July,
Auguft, September and October.
>
having
The history of Timur-Bec.
37
having heard that the Mirza Pir Mehemed had Chap.13.
made himſelf mafter of Moultan, came from
the very furtheſt parts of India to implore his
protection. The Mirza carry'd 'em to the em-
peror, and procur'd 'em the honor to falute him,
begging pardon for 'em. Timur granted their
lives, but not their libertys, before they had
been baftinado'd according to the laws of Gen-
ghiz Can. The fifteenth of Sefer, Timur crofs'd Nov. 12.
the Biah, and went to encamp at Dgendgian,
forty miles diftant from Moultan. In three
days the foldiers pafs'd this river, fome in barks,
and others by fwimming, notwithſtanding its
rapidity, without any damage.
Timur ftaid four days at Dgendgian; and
the eighteenth of Sefer, the prince Pir Mehe- Nov. 15.
med made a ſumptuous banquet, and offer'd his
rich preſents, which confifted of crowns of gold,
belts of gold, Arabian horſes with gold faddles,
jewels of great price, ftuffs, curious veffels,
bafons and pots of gold and filver; of which
there was fo great a number, that the fecretarys
- and comptrollers of the Divan employ'd two
days in regiſtring 'em. Timur diftributed theſe
prefents among the Emirs, Vifiers and officers
of his court, according to their deferts: and
as the Mirza's foldiers had loft their horfes in
this campain, and fome were oblig'd to ride
on oxen, and others to go on foot, he gave
thirty thouſand horfes among 'em. Then Ti-
mur departed for Schoual: on the twenty first Nov. 18.
of Sefer he encamp'd at Afouan', where he
ftaid one day, and at length went to Gehaoul .
• Towns S. of the river Biah.
A town between Lahor and Dipalpour, S. of the Biah.
C 3
The
$
38
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
$
8
i
The inhabitants of Dipalpour had formerly
fubmitted to the Mirza Pir Mehemed, who
plac'd over 'em a governor nam'd Meffafer Ca-
buli, with a thouſand men: but there being a
mortality among the horſes of the Mirza, which
confequently diminish'd his troops,, theſe men
join'd with the Goulam guards of Sultan Firouz
Chah, and flew Meffafer with the thouſand men
he commanded. On the report of Timur's ap-
proach, theſe rebels, thinking to eſcape the em-
peror's fury, retir'd with their effects into the
fortress of Batnir. Timur, at his arrival at Ge-,
houal, left the Emir Chahmelik and Dolet Timur
Tavachi, with the baggage and main-body of
the army, which he order'd 'em to conduct by
the way of Dipalpour, and to join him at Sa-
mane, a town near Deli. Then he departed
with ten thouſand horfe, and got to Adjoudan
Nov. 21. on the twenty fourth of Sefer; the inhabitants.
of which town having been drawn from their
obedience to the nephew of the Cheik Noured-
reddin, by the Cheiks Munaver and Sad, had
fhamefully abandon'd their country for thefe
Cheiks after having feduc'd 'em, took 'em
into their pay, and carry'd 'em to a town call'd
Batnir, except fome few who fled to Deli with
the Cheik Munaver,
::
The Cherifs and doctors, being inform'd of
the refpect Timur always fhew'd to men of their
character, were fo far from being diſturb'd at
A town between Lahor and Deli.
Goulams are the corps-de-garde of the Indian kings, who
of chriftian flaves turn Mahometans. They are educated by the
king's order in the noble exercifes of arms and fciences, There
are alfo fuch in Perfia, who in their youth are call'd Goulams,
and when grown up and incorporated among the guards, Czel-
bach,
thefe
The history of Timur-Bec.
39
theſe actions, that as foon as they had advice Chap.14.
of his arrival in their quarters, they came im-
mediately to the foot of the throne, and met
with a kind reception there. Timur gave the
government of their town to Moulana Nafe-
reddin Amor, and to Chahab Mehemed fon of
Coja Mahmoud, with orders to hinder the
troops in their paffage from molefting the inha-
bitants of that place. Thus Timur treated
thoſe civilly who rely'd on his protection, and
extirpated thoſe who refus'd to fubmit, pillag-
ing their goods, and carrying away prifoners
their women and children.
معد
CHAP. XIV.
The taking the town of Bend, and the for-
treſs of Batnir; the inhabitants of which
places are put to the fword.
HE citadel of Batnir was the ſtrongeſt
TH
and moſt noted place in India; ſituate in
a defart, and out of the common road. The
inhabitants have no water, except from a great
lake near the gate of the town, which is never
fill'd but in inundations; and as no foreign ar-
my ever came into theſe parts before, the inha-
bitants of Dipalpour, Adjoudan and other
towns, fled for refuge into Batnir, to eſcape
the fury of our foldiers. So many had retir'd
hither, that the place not being large enough
to contain all their cattel and effects, they had
left without a great number of cattel, and fe-
veral chariots fill'd with moveable goods.
C 4
The
40
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
The twenty fifth of Sefer, in the morning,
Timur enter'd Adjoudan; he vifited the fe-
Nov. 22. pulchre of the Cheik Ferid Cheker Condge,
whoſe protection he implor'd near God's throne.
Then he departed for the conqueft of Batnir,
crofs'd the river Dena, and encamp'd on the hill
of Calefcuteli, ten miles diftant from Adjoudan,
and fifty from Batnir; three miles, which they
call Gourouh, making one Farfanga, or a Per-
fian league. Timur read the noon-prayers at Ca-
lefcuteli; and then be march'd all night by moon-
light, and cross'd the great defart in one day.
Nov. 23.
The twenty fixth of Sefer, at ten in the
morning, he came before Batnir, and im-
mediately caus'd the drums to be beat, and the
great cry Souroun to be made : and the foldiers
pillag'd whatever they cou'd find without the
place. Raoudouldgin the governor prepar'd to
make refiftance. He had a great many foldiers
and domeftics, and reign'd as a fovereign in
that country. He forc'd the merchants and ca-
ravans to pay custom to him, no one being fafe
from his infults. The ftrength of the place,
the many officers, and the abundance of effects
he had, made him fo infolent and proud,
that he refus'd to obey Timur; for which rea-
fon the army march'd directly againſt the place.
The right wing was commanded by the Emir
Solyman Chah, the Cheik Noureddin, and Al-
lahdad; and the left had for its leaders, the
Mirza Calil Sultan, and the Cheik Mehemed
Aicoutmur.
At the firſt attack our generals made them-
felves mafters of the out-parts and fuburbs,
where they flew a great number of Indians,
and got a vaſt quantity of booty; they alfo
took the counterſcarp: and at the fame time the
Emirs, colonels and captains invefted the town;
and
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
41
and arming them felves with their bucklers, Chap.14.
gave a fecond affault. Raoudouldgin pofted
himſelf at the gate of the town with the braveft
of his Indians; but the Emirs Solyman Chah,
Seid Coja and Gehan Mulc, who belong'd to
prince Charoc's court, march'd to attack that
gate. Seid Coja and Gehan Mulc fell briskly
upon the enemy near the perfon of the Indian
prince, and perform'd feveral heroic actions.
Then all the foldiers began to advance at the
found of kettledrums, drums and trumpets, and
the terrible Kerrenai. They gave many affaults;
and as they were on the point of gaining the
place, Raoudouldgin, deſpairing of being able
to make any longer refiftance, demanded quar-
ter, and had recourfe to the emperor's cle-
mency. He fent a Cheriff to Timur, to defire a
fufpenfion of arms for one day, on condition
that he came the next to caft himſelf at his
feet. Timur granted his petition for the mef-
fenger's fake, who was of the race of Maho-
met; he order'd his foldiers to retire from the
gate of the town, and even from the fuburbs,
and to incamp in the open plain. Next day
Raoudouldgin not keeping his word, orders
were given that every Emir fhou'd fap that
part of the walls which was over-againſt his
reſpective poft, that they might the more eaſily
take the town by affault. Every one obey'd,
and all the fire, ftones and arrows the befieg'd
caft upon our men, cou'd not divert 'em. Ra-
oudouldgin and all his court being aſtoniſh'd at
their intrepidity, got upon the tops of their
towers, and made fignals that they implor'd
the conqueror's clemency, acknowledg'd their
fault, and wou'd for the future obey the empe-
ror, only begging he wou'd fave their lives.
Timur, following the precepts of the Alcoran,
which
42
The history of Timur-Bec:
Book IV. which tells us that pardon is the tithe of victory,
hearken'd to their prayer: whereupon in the
evening Raoudouldgin fent his fon Naib, with
prefents of animals and arabian horfes, to the
foot of the throne, Timur, after a handfom re-
ception, gave him a veft of gold-brocade, a
belt and fword; and then fent him back to his
father. This prince took courage, and mov'd
at Timur's civilitys, came out of the place the
Nov. 25. twenty-eighth of Sefer at nine in the morning,
accompany'd by the Cheik Sadeddin Adjoudani :
he kifs'd the threshold of the door, and at
length approach'd the imperial carpet; he made
feveral prefents of animals and three fets of a-
rabian horſes, nine in a fet, with faddles of
gold to each. Timur recompens'd him with
vefts of gold, belts of gold, and a crown. And
becauſe the people who were in this place, were
very numerous, especially thofe of Dipalpour
and Adjoudan; the Emirs Solyman Chah and
Allahdad had orders to guard the gate of the
Nov. 26. fortrefs. And on the twenty-ninth of Sefer, Ti-
mur order'd the people affembled there to come
before him. They were put into the cuſtody of
fome faithful perfons; and near three hundred
Arabian horfes were taken from 'em, which
Timur gave to the Emirs and braveſt warriors
of the army. Five hundred of the inhabitants
of Dipalpour were put to the fword, and their
wives and children made flaves, for having
treacherously flain Meffafer Cabuli, and a thou
fand horſemen belonging to the Mirza Pir Me-
hemed. And as for the people of Adjoudan,
who had abandon'd Timur, part of 'em were
flain, and the reft made prifoners, after having
their effects pillag'd.
Ke-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
43
Kemaleddin, brother of Raoudouldgin, having Chap. 14.
feen the puniſhment of thoſe who had deferv'd
it, was feiz'd with a panic fear; and next day,
tho Raoudouldgin was in the imperial camp,
he caus'd the gate of the town to be fhut. This
fo irritated Timur, that he caus'd Raoudgould-
gin to be put in chains, and order'd the fiege
to begin again, and the place to be fill'd with
the blood of the inhabitants. The foldiers
having fet themſelves to fap the walls, the be-
fieg'd foon found they fhou'd not be able to de-
fend themſelves againſt ſo warlike a people, and
an ever-victorious prince; they were perfuaded
that if the place fhou'd be taken by affault,
they muſt not expect their lives, for repentance
wou'd then fignify nothing: whereupon they
refolv'd to beg pardon of the emperor. Accor-
dingly Raoudouldgin's brother and fon went
out, to befeech Timur to grant a general par-
don, and deliver'd the keys of the town and
caſtle into the hands of our officers.
The first of Rabiulevel, the Emirs Cheik Nov. 28.
Noureddin and Allahdad enter'd the place to
receive the tribute for faving the people's lives;
but the Rayas and other chiefs wou'd not ac-
cept the tax and as there were among the
reft Guebres and idolaters, diſputes arofe, which
cou'd not be terminated without commotions and
broils. Timur was incens'd at this proceeding;
and order'd that this rabble fhou'd be put to
the ſword, and the houfes of the infidels raz'd
to the ground. The foldiers fcal'd the walls,
and enter'd the place fword in hand. The
Guebres fet fire to their own houfes, cafting
their wives, children and goods into the fires;
and thoſe who call'd themfelves Muffulmans cut
their wives and childrens throats. And thus
the men of these two forts uniting together,
*
put
44
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV put themſelves in a pofture of defence, being
refolv'd to die fword in hand. They fought
in a cruel obftinate manner: and as theſe men
were exceeding ftrong and courageous, tho ig-
norant, they may be compar'd to an army of
fatyrs, who fight only in defpair.
Our men having enter'd the place, and cry'd
out Allahou Ecber', fell upon theſe enrag'd
people, who flew feveral Muffulmans, and
wounded others. The Emir Cheik Noureddin,
who to partake of the honor of this expedition,
had refolv'd to dare the greateſt dangers, ad-
vanc'd into the midft of the enemy, and ftruck
with his fword one of the braveſt of 'em, whom
he diſabled from fighting. But the Emir was
immediately furrounded by a troop of Guebres,
and was near being feiz'd by 'em,had not Ouzoun
Mezid of Bagdad, and Firouz of Siftan made
their way thro theſe infidels, and deliver❜d him
from danger. Victory at length declaring for
our men, they flew ten thouſand Indians, fet fire
to the houſes which remain'd, and even ruin'd
the walls of the town, fo that it look'd like an
uninhabitable place. The emperor diſtributed
among the foldiers all the gold, filver, horfes
and habits that were in the place. He rewarded
the wounded; and gave great gifts to Ouzoun
Mezid and Firouz, who had acted with fo
much reſolution in delivering the Emir Cheik
Noureddin, and rais'd 'em to dignitys accord-
ing to their merit.
God is great. The Mahometants begin all their prayers
with theſe words, which they often repeat, with their face to-
wards the ground.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
45
Chap.15.
CHA P. XV,
Timur departs from Batnir, for Serefti, Fa-
tabad and Ahrouni.
A
,
Nov. 30,
FTER the ruin of Batnir, the multitude
of dead carcaffes which infected the air,
oblig'd Timur to depart thence the third of
Rabiulevel. When he had march'd about four-
teen or fifteen miles, he came to Kenarei Ha-
ouz where he encamp'd. Next day he went The
to the caftle of Firouze; and march'd as far as bank of
the town of Serefti, the inhabitants of which the bafon.
being infidels, eat fwines-flefh. They fled on
advice of Timúr's arrival, who fent out a de-
tachment of horfe in purfuit of 'em. Theſe
cavalry overtook a great number, whom they
put to the fword, and brought their horfes
and goods back to the camp; Adel Ferach be-
ing the only perfon on our fide who was flain.
Timur ftaid one day at Serefti, and the next
march'd eighteen miles, as far as Fatabad,
where he encamp'd. The inhabitants of this
town were alſo fled. Some of our men purfu'd
'em, deſtroy'd feveral, and return'd loaden with
booty, as filver, furniture and cattel.
1
}
The feventh of Rabiulevel, Timur pafs'd by Dec. 4.
the town of Redgebuour, and went to encamp
near that of Ahrouni, which was inhabited by
a brutiſh people, unfit for making compliments
to the emperor, or demanding his protection:
wherefore part of 'em were deftroy'd like beafts,
and the reſt made flaves by the foldiers, who
carry'd away their corn, and fet fire to their
houſes.
The
46
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
Dec. 5.
The eighth of Rabiulevel, the army departed
from Ahrouni, to encamp in the plains of the
village of Touhene, a country inhabited by
Getes, who had by force of arms made them-
felves maſters of it a long time, and committed
diforders there. They rob'd on the high-ways,
infulted and pillag'd the caravans, and not
having the leaſt marks of religion, murder'd
all who oppos'd their violence. On the report
of the arrival of our troops, thefe wretches hid
themſelves in the midst of a wood, where al-
moſt all the trees were full of prickles.
*
The emperor fent against 'em a regiment
commanded by Toukel Hindoni Carcara, and
Moulana Nafereddin Amor. Theſe two lords
made fo ftrict a fearch after thefe robbers, that
they put to the fword near two thouſand, ren-
der'd themſelves mafters of their cattel, and
return'd to the imperial camp, dragging after
'em feveral of thefe wretches loaded with chains.
1
•
**
Dec. 6.
+
CHAP. XVI.
Timur marches against a nation of rebellious
T
Getes.
IMUR's intention in thefe wars being
chiefly to exterminate robbers, tyrants
and infidels, to put a stop to their diſorders,
and give peace and tranquillity to the people;
he departed from Touhene the ninth of Rabiu-
level; and having fent the baggage under the
conduct of Solyman Chah towards Samane, he
march'd beyond the caftle of Mounec, where
he encamp'd. Then he enter'd the defarts
and woods, whither the Getes were retir'd :
he
The history of Timur-Bec.
47
he exterminated two thouſand of 'em, mak- Chap.16.
ing their wives and children flaves, and
pillaging their goods and cattel. Thus he de-
liver'd the country from the fear of their infults.
Several Cheriffs, who made their ordinary refi-
dence in a town in theſe quarters, came to caft
themſelves at Timur's feet, and kifs'd his hands.
Timur receiv'd 'em with demonftrations of
eſteem and affection, gave 'em veſts and confi-
derable prefents; and fix'd a governor over
'em, to defend 'em from the infults of our fol-
diers.
The tenth of Rabiulevel, the Emir Solyman Dec. 7.
Chah departed with all the train of artiliery.
which was before Mounec; and march'd tor
wards the town of Samane, where he ftaid one
night. The eleventh of Rabiulevel he arriv'd Dec. 8.
at the river of Kehker, at which płace Timur
join'd him, after he had been againſt the Getes.
Here he ftaid four days, to wait the remainder
of the baggage. He departed hence the fif- Dec. 12.
teenth of Rabiülevel, and went to encamp near
the bridge of Foulcouble, where he was join'd
by the Emirs and foldiers of the left wing,
commanded by the Sultan Mahmoud Can, and-
feveral others, whom Timur had fent from the
meadow of Cabul by a particular road into
India, where they had taken towns, ravag'd
the country, and brought into fubjection feveral
people.
-
The
The fixteenth of Rabiulevel, the emperor, at Dec. 13.
the head of his army, crofs'd the bridge of Foul-
couble, and encamp'd on the other fide.
baggage and remainder of the army from Di-
palpour, under the conduct of the great general
Chamelik, alfo arriv'd the fame day at the im-
perial camp.
The
48
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
The twentieth of Rabiulevel, the army de-
W parted from Foulcouble. They went but five
Dec. 17. miles that day, and encamp'd near the bridge
Foulbeiran. The twenty firft they arriv'd at
the town of Kuteil, feventeen miles from Sa-
mane.
Dec. 19.
Dec. 20.
CHA P. XVII.
A review of the whole army marching in or-
der of battel.
WH
;
HEN the ſeveral bodys of the army,
which had taken different roads, had
join'd the imperial camp, orders were given
that every Emir thou'd repair to his refpective
poft. The right wing was commanded by the
Mirzas Pir Mehemed and Rouftem; the left by
the great Sultan Mahoud, Can of Zagatai, with
the princes of the blood, and feveral Emirs:
and the main body was compos'd of divers To-
mans and regiments, which march'd fix leagues
and two miles by the road of Deli.
The twenty-fecond of Rabiulevel, they arriv'd
at the town of Affendi, feventeen miles from Ku-
teil. The inhabitants of Samane, Kuteil, and
Affendi, who were moftly idolaters, burnt
their own houſes, and fled to Deli; fo that our
men cou'd meet with no one in their country.
The twenty-third, after a march of fix miles,
they encamp'd at Toglocpour, the inhabitants
of which town were of a particular religion.
They believ'd that the whole univerfe was go-
vern'd by two beings, the firft of which they!
call Yezdan, that is, God; and the other Ah-
rimen, that is, the devil. The former they
explain
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
49
explain by light, and the other by darkness; Chap.17. "
pretending that all good proceeds from God,
and all evil from the devil.
of
Theſe idolaters, call'd Souloun, having all
fled, our foldiers fet fire to the town. The
twenty-fourth of Rabiulevel the army arriv'd at Dec. 21.
Panipat, a town twelve miles from Toglocpour.
All the inhabitants had fled like the reſt. There
was found in this place a granary of wheat, in
which were more than ten thouſand Mans
full weight, worth about a hundred and fixty
thouſand Mans of common weight, which was
diftributed among the foldiers. The twenty- Dec. 22.
fifth they march'd about fix miles, and en-
camp'd on the bank of the river of Panipat.
The twenty-fixth all the Emirs girded on their Dec. 23.
cuiraffes, that they might be ready upon occa-
fion, and then continu'd their march.
The twenty-feventh of Rabiulcvel, the Emirs Dec 24.
of the right wing had orders to march as far as
Gehannumai, a palace built by the Sultan Firouz
Chah on the top of a mountain, two leagues
from Deli; at the foot of which runs the great
river Jaoun. According to this order, they
march'd from Canighuzin as far as Gehannu-
mai, putting to the fword all the officers they
met, and making flaves of the inhabitants of
that country, whom they pillag'd. On mon-
day the twenty-ninth, Timur departed from the Dec. 26.
town of Pelle, crofs'd the Jaoun, and march'd
to the right of the town of Louni, where was
abundance of paſture: here he encamp'd the
fame day. This place is fituate between the
two rivers of Jaoun and Hilen. The latter is
a great branch which the Sultan Firouz Chah
'A Man is a pound, or thereabouts.
VOL. II.
D
had
50
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. had cut off from the river of Calini, which
joins the Jaoun near the town of Firouzabad.
The Emirs Gehan Chah, Chamelik, and Allah-
dad, were already come to the foot of this caf-
tle, the governors of which, nam'd Maimoun
and Maichoum, far from coming to meet 'em
with fubmiffion, refolv'd to defend themſelves.
At Timur's arrival there, an experienc'd old
man came out to caft himfelf with refpect at
the emperor's feet, and demand his protection:
but the inhabitants, who were Guebres and
the fervants of Mellou, perfifted in their raſh
refolution of refiftance.
Then Timur order'd his men to befiege the
town, and fap the walls. Accordingly they
began to do it at noon, and by evening made
themſelves mafters of the place, where the Gu-
ebres had burnt their houſes, with their women
and children. Timur repos'd himſelf this night
Dec. 27. without the place, and the thirtieth of Rabiu-
level order'd that the inhabitants who were
Mahometans, fhou'd be feparated from the Gu-
ebres and fervants of Mellou Can; which be-
ing done, the latter were put to the fword All
the houſes were pillag'd excepting thoſe of the
Cheriffs, for whom Timur always preferv'd a
filial affection, becauſe of their extraction: and
then the rest of the town was fet on fire.
Dec. 28.
The firft of Rabiulakher, Timur departed
from the town of Louni, and went to the bank
of the Raoun, before the palace of Gehanumai ;
fo that obferving himſelf the paffages in thefe
places, he might the better know how to give
out his orders. He return'd to the camp in the
evening, and affembled his imperial council,
confifting of the princes his children, the great
Emirs, and generals of his army. He propos'd
to 'em the method of forming the fiege of Deli,
capital
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
51
F
capital of India, which was not far off: and Chap. 17.
it was refolv'd, that a great quantity of corn
and ammunition fhou'd be got together forth-
with, and kept in Gehanumai; and that this
great city fhou'd be block'd up.
Accordingly the Emirs Solyman Chah, Ge-
han Chah, and others, were order'd to pillage
the granarys in the neighbourhood of Deli:
whereupon they fet out in the beginning of the
month of Rabiulakher. Next day Timur was
for taking the diverfion of walking in the pa-
lace of Gehannumai: he took horfe with feven
hundred cavaliers with their cuiraffes on, paſs'd
the river Jaoun, and enter'd into this magnifi-
cent palace, to which the Sultan Firouz Chah
had given the name of Gehannumai, that is,
the mirror of the univerſe, becauſe of its fine
profpect; tho one wou'd think this name was
rather given it, to prognoſticate that it fhou'd
fall into the hands of the monarch of the uni-
verſe.
After Timur had confider'd the beautys of
this place, he took care to obferve from this
rifing-ground the proper eft place for the field of
battel, that he might draw the enemys thither
in caſe they appear'd. In the mean time Ali
Sultan Tavachi and Juneid Bourouldai, who
had been fent out as fcouts, return'd; Ali Sul-
tan bringing with him Mehemed Selef whom
he had feiz'd, and Juneid bringing another.
Mehemed Selef was queftion'd concerning what
had been tranfacted in the city, and then put
to death. When Timur had paſs'd the river,
to obferve the field of battel, four thouſand
horfe, five thoufand foot, and twenty-feven
elephants, belonging to Mellou Can, were
feen near Gehannumai. Our fccuts, command-
ed by Seid Coja and Mobacher, to the number
D 2
of
52
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. of three hundred, attack'd their vanguard, and
pretending to fly, led 'em as far as the bank of
the river, where a furious battel enfu'd.
On advice of this, Timur fent Sevindgic Be-
hader and Allahdad to fuccour Seid Coja: they
crofs'd the river with their regiments, and
having join'd him, let fly a fhower of arrows on
the enemy; but as they were about to fall on
'em with their drawn fwords, the Indians, un-
accuftom'd to fuch brave actions, gave ground
at the firſt onfet, and fled towards the city,
which with difficulty they enter'd. Seid Coja
purfu'd 'em, and flew a great number. In this
Aight an elephant fell and was wounded; which
was a prognoftic of our further victory.
Dec. 30.
* Chah
Zades.
CHAP. XVIII.
Timur marches to the east side of the town
of Louni. Maffacre of a bundred thou-
fand Indian flaves who were in his camp.
TH
HE third of Rabiulakher, Timur de-
parted from Gehannumai, and went to
encamp on the eaft fide of Louni, where the
emperor's fons *, the great Emirs, the colonels
of the regiments, who were gone out to make
inroads, came to the imperial camp. Being all
affembled, Timur, who wou'd not give place
to the greateſt generals of the army, nor the
moſt undaunted warriors, as well in policy and
wifdom of government, as in war, believ'd it
not improper to harangue the leaders, imitating
in that the example of the antient emperors
and the moſt illuftrious conquerors. This he
did
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
5 3
did with all the eloquence that cou'd be expected Chap. 18.
on the like occafion. He fpoke to 'em of the Timur
manner of breaking thro ranks, of overturn- harangues
ing fquadrons, and how they fhou'd repulfe the army.
the enemy: he inftructed 'em how to make re-
treats when overpower'd, and how rally the
foldiers and return to the attack; how to fuf-
tain an obftinate fight, and how to free one's
felf from any eminent danger. In short, he ex-
plain'd to 'em, with fo much energy and per-
fpicuity, all the maxims of war, that his cap-
tains admir'd the extraordinary wifdom and ex-
perience which appear'd in his fpeech, faying
that the difcourfes of great princes are the moſt
beautiful; infomuch that being excited by the
lively reaſons and learned maxims which he
had inculcated, they were fill'd with zeal and
ardor, and prepar'd to confront the greateft
dangers in his fervice. They anfwer'd every
thing he propos'd by generous vows for his prof
perity, and the continuation of his victorys;
they kiss'd the ground on which he ftood, to
teſtify their reſpect and joy at being the offi-
cers of fo great a conqueror.
The fame day the Emir Gehan Chah and
the other generals remonftrated to Timur, that
fince his croffing the Indus, they had made above
a hundred thoufand Indians flaves, who were
moftly Guebres and idolaters; that they were
now in the camp, and wou'd probably in any
obftinate battel, take part with the men of
Deli, and falling upon our foldiers, make us
lofe the battel. This remonftrance was back'd
by thoſe who had obferv'd, that when the of-
ficers of Mellou Can came out of Deli with
their elephants to attack us, the flaves feem'd
highly pleas'd. Timur having made a ferious
reflection on all the circumſtances of this affair,
D 3
pufs'd
54
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. pafs'd an order, that thofe who had any Indian
flaves fhou'd put 'em to death; and he who
defer'd or refus'd doing fo, fhou'd be put to
death himſelf, and his wives, children and ef-
fects be given to him who fhou'd inform againſt
him.
As foon as this order was made public, they
began to put it in execution; and in lefs than
an hour were put to death a hundred thoufahd
Indians, according to the fmalleft computation.
Among others, Moulana Nafereddin Amor, one
of the most venerable doctors of the court,
who cou'd never confent fo much as to kill a
fingle fheep, was conſtrain'd to order fifteen
flaves whom he had in his houſe to be flain.
Timur afterwards order'd that one foldier out
of every ten, fhou'd keep watch over the Indian
women and children, as alfo over the camels
they had taken in the pillage.
After theſe precautions, Timur refolv'd to
march to the fiege of Deli: he fet out on the
Dec. 30. third of Rabiulakher at noon, to encamp on
the bank of the Jaoun. The aftrologers and
foothfayers fecretly difputed concerning the
difpofition of the heavens, and of the fortunate
or unfortunate aſpects of the planets at his de-
parture: but Timur told 'em that neither joy
nor affliction, adverfity nor profperity, depended
on the ftars, but on the will of the Creator of
them, of men, and of the univerfe. "I confide,
fays the emperor, in the affiftance of the Al-
66
rr
mighty, who has never abandon'd me.
"What avail the triplicitys or conjunctions of
"the planets? I'll never delay one moment the
"execution of my projects, when I have taken
"fufficient meafures and precautions to bring
"'em to perfection. " Next morning our he-
ro made the public prayer, and order'd an Al-
و
coran
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
55
1
coran to be brought him, from whence he might Chap.19.
judg of the event of his expedition. Here
he found a very favorable anſwer, which point-
ed out the deſtruction of a people by a wonder-
ful effect of the almighty providence. He ex-
plain'd the paffage in his own favor, and having
fhewn it to all the army, became affur'd of the
victory. Our warriors being thus animated by
the Alcoran, which promis'd 'em the divine
protection, Timur defpis'd the ftars; and on
the fifth of Rabiulakher 801, crofs'd the river Jan. 1,
of Jaoun, and encamp'd on its banks on the
other fide. The foldiers thro precaution made
a ditch to furround 'em, near a hill nam'd Pouch-
tei Behali; here they fix'd palifados of branches
of trees; and for a rampart bound ſeveral great
buffalos neck and heels, behind which they
prepar'd their bucklers and enfigns.
CHA P. XIX.
Timur gives battel to Sultan Mahmoud, em-
peror of India.
}
UESDAY-morning the feventh of Ra- Jan. 3,
Tbiulakher,
biulakher, Timur drew up his army in
order of battel. He gave the command of the
right wing to prince Pir Mehemed Gehanghir,
accompany'd by feveral Emirs. The left wing
was led by the Mirzas, Sultan Huffein, and Ca-
lil Sultan, alfo affifted by many great generals.
The rear was given to the Mirza Rouftem,
in conjunction with feveral illuftrious Emirs:
and the main body was commanded by Timur
himfelf; it being fit that this prince, who was
D 4
the
56
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. the very life of the foldiers, fhou'd be fix'd in
the heart of the army. Every thing being thus
fettled, they march'd in good order.
1
The enemy alfo advanc'd in order of battel.
Their right wing was brought up by Tagi
Can, Mir Ali Coja, and other Indian princes.
The left had for its leaders Malek Moineddin,
and others and the main body was command-
ed by the Sultan Mahmoud Ćan, grandſon of
Firouz Chah, emperor of India, he having for
his lieutenant-general Mellou Can. This army
confifted of ten thoufand horfe well equipp'd,
and forty thouſand foot arm'd to advantage;
befides feveral elephants of war, arm'd with
cuiraffes, having between their long teeth great
poifon'd daggers, and on their backs wooden
towers in form of baſtions, on which were
mounted a great many crofs-bow-men and ar-
chers, who cou'd fight under covert as in for-
treffes: and on the fide of the elephants march'd
the flingers of fire and melted pitch, as alfo roc-
hets arm'd at the ends with iron, which give
feveral blows one after another wherever they
fall.
Our foldiers were not much diſturb'd about
this Indian army but as they had never feen
any elephants before, they ignorantly imagin'd
that the arrow and fabre had no effect on the
bodys of theſe animals; that they were fo very
ſtrong, that they overthrew trees only by fhak-
ing the earth as they pafs'd along; that they cou'd
fhove down the ftrongeft buildings; and that
in battel they wou'd tofs both horfe and horſe-
man to a vaſt height in the air. This defpirited
feveral of our fide; ſo that when the pofts were
fix'd for the officers and lords of the court,
Timur, who always fhew'd reſpect to men of
learning, civilly demanded of 'em what pofts
they
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
57
they wou'd chufe. Several of thefe doctors, Chap.19.
who were always near Timur's perfon, being
frighten'd at what they had read and heard of
the elephants, anfwer'd immediately,
"If it
"pleaſe your majefty, we chufe to be near the
ladys.
دو
overcome
Timur being fenfible of his foldiers fear, took Timur's
all neceffary precautions to arm 'em with cou- arufice to
rage. He order'd that a rampart of bucklers the Indian
fhou'd be made before the ranks, and a ditch elephants.
dug before the rampart: then he caus'd buffalos
to be tied by the neck and feet with long pieces.
of leather, cloſe to each other; after which on
each fide of 'em and on their heads were fix'd
brambles. Befides this were made iron-hooks,
three-fork'd, and fix'd to ſtakes; fo that when
the elephants fhou'd come to the attack, theſe
hooks fhou'd be planted in their way, and the
brambles on the buffalos fet on fire to put the
elephants into diſorder. But victory declar'd
for us before we had occafion to make uſe of
thefe machines.
As foon as the two armys were in view,
Timur got upon an eminence in the middle of
the field of battel, near the foot of the hill of
Pouchtei Behali, whence he obferv'd the motion.
of both armys. When they were on the point
of coming to blows, he fell on the earth, and
after feveral times bowing, befought God to
give him the victory, which he muſt expec
from the divine goodneſs, and not from his own
valor, and the number of his foldiers.
While Timur was at prayers, a ſtrange acci-
pent happen'd; which was, that the Emirs of
the rear, Cheik Noureddin, Chamelik and Al-
lahdad, imagin'd that if the emperor fhou'd fend
recruits from the main body to the right wing,
and even to the rear, this wou'd be a certain
token
58
The history of Timur-Bec:
Book IV. token of victory. Accordingly after prayer Ti-
mur order'd Ali Sultan Tavachi, and Tagi
Bouga, who commanded the regiment of Sanfiz
of the Toman of Rouftem, which belong'd to
the main-body; as alfo Altou Bacchi Peferi, and
Mouffa Recmal, to go with their regiments to
fuccour the right wing: and at the fame time he
fent another fquadron of Emirs to re-inforce
the rear. This fo excited the courage of our
warriors, that they ruſh'd impetuouſly upon the
enemy, whom they attack'd with fo much vi-
gor, that the Indians were conſtrain'd to give
ground, and the great and ftrong elephants fuf-
fer'd themſelves to be drove like oxen.
This advantage augmented the valor of the
other battalions, who alfo fell upon the enemy,
praiſing God. So hot a battel was ne'er ſeen
before; the fury of foldiers was ne'er carry'd to
fo great excefs; and fo frightful a noife was
never heard for the cymbals, the common ket-
tledrums, the drums and trumpets, with the
great brafs kettledrums which were beat on the
elephants backs, the bells which the Indians
founded, and the cries of the foldiers, were
enough to make even the earth to ſhake; and
there was not a man, how dauntless foever, who
was not fomewhat difmay'd at the beginning of
the fight. But our vanguard, compos'd of the
regiments of many illuftrious Emirs, perceiving
the enemy's vanguard advancing, retir'd behind
the right wing to lie in ambufcade, till they
had pafs'd by 'em; then they came out of their
ambufcade, and fell on the enemy fword in
hand like roaring lions, and in a moment flew
between five and fix hundred men. The prince
Pir Mehemed, who was at the head of the van-
guard of the right wing, affifted by the Emir
Solyman Chab, attack'd the left of the enemy,
which
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
59
which confided in the valor of Tagi Can: this Chap.19.
he did with fo much conduct, that he drove 'em
beyond the bafon of Havizcas. Then Pir Me-
hemed fell upon the elephants; and thefe furious
animals, finding themſelves cloſely prefs'd, en-
ter'd among the ranks of the enemy's left wing,
and caus'd a further diforder. Our left wing,
conducted by the Mirza Sultan Huffein, per-
form'd feveral great actions, thro the valor of
that prince, of Gehan Chah Behader, Cayaſed-
din Tercan, and others; for they made the
enemy's right wing, commanded by Moined-
din and Malek Hani, give ground, and thoſe
who efcap'd the edge of the fword, were re-
puls'd as far as the gate of the city. While
the enemy's wings were thus gaul'd, their main
body, fuftain'd by the elephants in good order,
came to the attack: they had a warm recep-
tion from the Mirza Rouftem who commanded
the rear, and was poſted over againſt 'em. A
bloody battel enfu'd, in which the Emir Cheik
Noureddin gave marks of extraordinary valor.
The Emir Chamelik alfo perform'd the moft he-
roic actions, rufhing furiously into the midft of
the elephants, with Dolet Timur Tavachi, and
Mengheli Coja. With their lances they over-
threw thoſe who were mounted on the ele-
phants, and with their fabres and arrows cut
off the trunks of theſe terrible animals, whom
they wounded in all parts of their bodys; ſo
that in a ſhort time the field of battel was
cover❜d with the elephants trunks, and the heads
and bodys of the flain.
The moſt valiant Indians always endeavor'd
to defend themſelves; but this defence feem'd
rather like the ſtruggling of fheep going to the
flaughter, than a vigorous refiftance. Thus
theſe poor Indians were conſtrain'd to turn
their
60
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. their backs with their elephants; to which this
paffage of the Alcoran may be well apply'd:
"Do you not fee how the Lord thy God has
"dealt with the men of the elephant ?"
8
The Sultan Mahmoud, and his head-general
Mellou Can, fled into the city, the gate of which
they ſhut.
The Mirza Calil Sultan, who commanded
our left wing, brought to Timur one of the
elephants bound with cords: after having very
much maul'd it with the fword, he overthrew
its guards, and made it walk before him, as
the husbandman does the ox in the plow. Ti-
mur and all the court were furpriz'd that a child,
of but fifteen years old, fhou'd dare to attack,
and be able to conquer and bind a war-ele-
phant, which had ftruck terror into the whole
army.
When the flight of the enemy had affur'd us
of victory, Timur fpur'd his horfe towards the
gate of Deli, and carefully examin'd the walls
and fortifications: and as it was the time of
noon-prayer, he went down to the bank of the
Havizcas, which is a round bafon, above an
arrow's fhot in diameter, built by the Sultan
Firouz Chah; and as in any inundations it is
fill'd with rain-water, it furniſhes the inhabi-
tants of Deli with water for an intire year. On
its bank is the tomb of Sultan Firouz Chah.
Timur being emcamp'd here, the princes
and generals came before him to kifs the earth;
they congratulated him on his victory, and gave
applauſes to the princes of the blood, the Emirs,
and other brave men, who had fignaliz'd them-
felves in the battel.
* The Arabians before the Hegira had an epocha call'd the
Elephant.
Timur
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
61
Timur upon hearing theſe ftrange adventures, Chap.20.
burſt out into tears of joy: he blefs'd God for
having given him fuch brave children, and fuch
faithful and valiant fubjects. Was it not fur-
prizing, that this great prince, who on fome
occafions cou'd exerciſe extraordinary ſeveritys,
had at this time fo tender a heart, that he cou'd
not refrain his tears, while he return'd thanks
to God for his favors? Timur had in the per-
fon of Calil Sultan a fon worthy of himſelf, who
in magnificence, valor and generofity, furpafs'd
Menoutcher', Feridon and Kei Cofru; he * Cofroes.
was as virtuous as Alexander, and as rich as
Darius. He was at firft nam'd the friend of
God, Calil Allah; and the glory he afterwards.
acquir'd, was the reafon of his being call'd
Sultan.
CHA P. XX.
Flight of Sultan Mahmoud, and his general
Mellou Can, prince of Moultan. Reduc-
tion of Deli capital of India.
TH
HE Sultan Mahmoud and Mellou Can,
being vanquifh'd, re-enter'd the city, re-
penting they had ever undertaken to go out:
but repentance now being uſeleſs, they cou'd
have recourfe only to flight. They departed
at midnight while it was very dark: the Sul-
tan went out by the gate of Havaderani, and
Mellou by that of Barake; both which are fi-
Son of Feridon, king of Perfia.
tuated
62
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. tuated fouth of Gehanpenah: and they retir'd
into the defarts.
Jan. 4.
Timur being inform'd of this flight, ſent ſe-
veral Emirs in purfuit of 'em; they feiz'd on
fome of their officers who fled with 'em, and
return'd with a great quantity of booty, taking
priſoners the prince Seif Can, firnam'd Malek
Cherefeddin, and the prince Codadad, fon of
Mellou Can.
The fame night the Emir Allahdad, and o-
ther colonels of our regiments, had orders to
make themſelves mafters of the gates by which
the princes went out ; as alfo to guard the other
gates of the city, that no one might efcape.
The eighth of Rabiulakher, Timur erected
his ftandard on the walls of Deli, and went in
perfon to the gate of the capital, where he fat
on the Aidgiah, or throne whereon the Indian
emperors fit in their royal robes on the great
feaft-day. This gate is in the quarter of Ge-
hanpenah, over againſt the bafon of Havizcas.
In this place a tent and tribunal were prepar'd
for him, where he gave audience. Then the
Cherifs, Cadis, and principal perfons of the
city of Deli, came to caft themſelves at the
foot of the throne, and had the honor to kifs
the imperial carpet. Fadlallah Bacchi, lieute-
nant of Mellou Can, at the head of the whole
Divan of Deli, was the first who came to make
his fubmiffion; and the Cherifs, the men of
learning, and the old men, addrefs'd themſelves
to the princes the emperor's fons, and to the
great Emirs, to obtain quarter: fo the Mirza
Pir Mehemed, and the Emirs Solyman Chah
and Gehan Chah, at a proper time preſented
their petition.
According to cuſtom they carry'd the horfe's
tail and kettledrums, which were fix'd upon
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
63
the gate and the conforts of mufic were per- Chap.20.
form'd on this occafion on the tune Rihavi, us'd r
only on victorys. And to preferve the memory
of fo confiderable a conqueft, an ingenious poet
made thefe verfes, the letters of which form
the epocha of this memorable day.
On wedneſday the eighth of the month of Rabiulak- Jan. 4.
her, the ever-victorious emperor Timur made 1399.
himself master of Deli, the fun being in Ca-
pricorn.
were
All the elephants and rhinoceros's
brought to Timur. Thefe animals, being be-
fore inftructed, fell down before the emperor
in an humble pofture, and at the fame time
made a great cry as if they demanded quarter.
There were an hundred and twenty of theſe
elephants of war, which at the return from
India were fent to Samarcand, and to the pro-
vinces of the empire, where Timur's fons re-
fided. Two were carry'd chain'd to Tauris,
one to Chiraz, five to Herat, one to Chirvan
to the Cheik Ibrahim, and one to Arzendgian
to the lord Taharten. The tenth of Rabiulak. Jan. 6.
her, the doctor Nafereddin Amor was order'd
to enter the city, with the other lords and Che-
riffs of the court, to preach in the grand moſque,
and make the public prayers and Coutbe in the
auguſt name and titles of the invincible empe-
* The Orientals have an alphabet, the letters of which they
make use of inſtead of cyphers, and by which they compofe
a verſe to the praiſe of any one who has perform'd fome re-
maikable action, and the letters of this verfe us'd for cyphers,
denote the day, month and year wherein this action was per
form'd.
ror
64
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. ror Timur, and not in the name of Firouz
Chah, as was done before.
Jan. 12.
The Debirs, Menehis and other fecretarys,
fent a relation of this expedition, in their let-
ters of conqueft, into all the parts of the em-
pire, and even to the princes in alliance with
Timur, tho it were a year's journy to go round
to 'em all; fo that public rejoicings might be
made for theſe great advantages with which
God diftinguiſh'd the reign of Timur.
The Bitictechis, or controllers of the Divan,
alfo enter'd the city, where having taken an
eſtimate of the mony due for faving the peo-
ples lives, the receivers-general took care to
receive it.
In the mean while the principal lords of the
court, and the emperor's favorites remonſtrated
to his majeſty, that after having fuffer'd the fa-
tigues and difficultys of this war, victory infpir'd
'em with thoughts of renewing their diverfions
and pleaſures; that Feridon and the Keis had
always done the fame; and that it was in juf-
tice due to 'em after they had thus fatigu'd
themſelves. The emperor willingly conſented,
and gave orders for a feaft, which was to con-
tinue for ſeveral days. Timur began the re-
joicings by preſents to the princes of the blood,
the Emirs and generals of the army, in confide-
ration of their ſervices and great actions: and
afterwards the muficians perform'd conforts of
mufic in amorous and drinking tunes, which fo
charm'd the hearts of all, that they forgot the
rigors of war, and the fatigues of a campain.
The fixteenth of Rabiulakher, a great num-
ber of our foldiers being affembled at the gate
of Deli, infulted the inhabitants of the fuburbs.
The great Emirs were order'd to put a stop to
thefe diſorders; but God, who had predeftin'd
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
65
the ruin of this place for the chaſtiſement of Chap.20.
the inhabitants, permitted its deſtruction by ſe- ✔
cond cauſes. Our foldiers coming into the
place was one caufe; and the defpair of the
Guebres, who remain'd in great numbers in the
towns of Seiri, Gehanpenah and old Deli, was
another. The curiofity of the Sultaneffes to
fee the raritys of Deli, and particularly of the
famous palace, adorn'd with a thouſand columns,
and built by the antient king of India, Melik
Jouna, induc'd 'em to go into the city with all
the court, which was very numerous: and the
gate was left open to every one, fo that above
fifteen thousand of our foldiers got in unper-
ceiv'd. Befides the Emirs and comptrollers of
the Divan, who were fet at the gate to receive
the tribute for faving the inhabitants lives;
other officers in commiffion had the fame liber-
ty to enter the city but there remain'd a far
greater number of troops in a large place be-
tween Deli, Seiri, and Gehanpenah. The dif-
orders our men committed in the two laft
places caus'd a great buftle among the Guebres,
who in deſpair fell upon our men; and feveral
of 'em fet fire to their houfes, wherein their
wives and children were burnt. Our men
perceiving this defolation among the Gue-
bres, pillag'd 'em, becauſe of their evil de-
figns. As other troops were let into the city
to feize on the inhabitants of the neighbouring
towns and villages who had fled for refuge thi-
ther, the confufion very much increas'd, and
the troops within the place employ'd themſelves
intirely in plundering and burning the houfes of
the Guebres. The Emirs, to quell this difor-
der, caus'd the gates to be fhut, that the troops
without might not enter: but the foldiers with-
in open'd the gates to their comrades; by
VOL. II.
E
morn¬
66
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. morning all the army enter'd, and the foldiers
rofe in arms against their leaders, who oppos'd
their enterprize. So on the feventeenth of Ra-
biulakher 801, this great and proud city was
deſtroy'd.
Tan. 13.
$399.
Jan. 15.
The next day pafs'd in the fame manner;
and there were fome foldiers who took a hun-
dred and fifty flaves, men, women and chil-
dren, whom they carry'd out of the city; and
fome foldiers-boys had twenty flaves to their
own share. The other fpoils of precious ftones,
pearls, rubys, diamonds, ſtuffs, belts, gold and
filver veffels, mony, plate, and other curiofitỳs,
were innumerable; for the Indian women and
girls were adorn'd with precious ftones, and
had on their feet and hands, and even on their
toes, bracelets and rings; of which our men
had fuch great numbers, that they refus'd to
carry away a vaſt quantity of precious oint-
ments of ineftimable value.
The nineteenth of Rabiulakher they did the
fame in old Deli, whither the reſt of the Gue-
bres were retir'd. Thefe Indians affembled to-
gether in the great mofque, and prepar'd to de-
fend themſelves; but the Emir Chamelik and
Ali Sultan Tavachi came thither with five hun-
dred men, and having forcibly enter'd the
mofque, fent to the abyss of hell the fouls of
thefe infidels, of whofe heads they erected
towers, and gave their bodys for food to the
birds and beafts of prey. Never was fuch a
terrible ſlaughter and defolation heard of.
old Deli was pillag'd the fame day, they made.
fome of the inhabitants flaves, whom they load-
ed with. chains, tho they had promis'd 'em
their lives. Several days were employ'd in
making 'em quit the city; and as they went
out, every Emir of a Toman or regiment.
As
tock
1
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
67
took a number of 'em for his fervice: and as Chap.20
there were feveral thouſands of tradefmen and
artizans, fome were diftributed among the
princes and Emirs who ferv'd under Timur; and
others were fent to the officers of the empe-
ror's fons, and to the other Emirs in their re-
fpective governments. The emperor likewife
order'd that all the mafons fhou'd be kept for
his particular fervice, as he defign'd to build a
fpacious mofque in Samarcand of ſtone.
But it may not be amifs to give a defcrip-
tion of the three towns which compofe the city
of Deli ³. That of Seiri is furrounded with a
wall in form of a circle; old Deli is the ſame,
but much larger: and from the walls of Seiri
on the north-eaft, to the walls of old Deli,
which is on the fouth-weft, there are two other
walls, one on each fide; and the ground which
lies betwixt 'em is call'd Gehanpenah, and is
larger than old Deli. Three gates of Seiri look
towards Gehanpenah, and the four others have
the profpect outwards. Gehanpenah has thir-
teen gates, fix to the north-west, and feven to
the fouth-eaft; fo that when one fpeaks of
Deli, we comprehend the three towns together,
which have in all thirty gates.
Defcription of Deli, as it was in the author's time; for at
prefent what they call Deli is a new city, fituate in a different
place; built by Gelaleddin Ecber, and call'd Ecber Aba, from
the name of that king, the father of Humaioun Chah.
E 2
CHAP
6.8
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
Jan 18.
1399.
CHAP. XXI.
Timur departs from Deli; and pursues his
conquests in the remoter parts of India,
near the Ganges.
T
IMUR continu'd fifteen days at Deli,
the deſtruction of which place was caus'd
by the ill conduct of the inhabitants: then ha-
ving refolv'd to exterminate the idolaters of
India, as well as the robbers and rebels, he
march'd towards the other most famous places
of this empire. At his departure he order'd
the Cherifs, Cadis, doctors and Cheiks of the
city, to affemble in the great mofque of Ge-
hanpenah; where he fix'd a governor over 'em,
to protect 'em from the infults of the foldiers,
whom victory had render'd infolent.
The twenty-fecond of Rabiulakher, at ten in
the morning, the army encamp'd from Gehan-
penah, and march'd down to Firouz Abad,
three miles from Deli. Here Timur ſtaid an
hour to view this delightful place: and after
ftration in having made two Rekaets * in the mofque be-
longing to it, which is built of ftone on the banks
of the Jaoun, to return thanks to God for his
conqueft, he departed out of this town.
* A pro-
prayer.
About this time the lord Chamfeddin, one
of the Cherifs of Termed, with Aladdin Naib,
lieutenant of the Cheik Coukeri, who had been
fent embaffadors to the town of Coutele, re-
turn'd from their embaffy: they brought ad-
vice that Behader Nehar prince of thefe quar-
ters, had willingly fubmitted to the emperor;
and
The history of Timur-Bec.
69
and hop'd next friday to have the honor to Chap.22.
kifs the ground before his majefty, and offer
him his fervices. Timur being encamp'd on
the other fide of Gehanuma near Vezir Abad,
the embaſſadors preſented him two white par-
rots, from Behader Nehar. Thefe birds had
liv'd ever fince the time of Togluc Chah, and
had been kept many years in the antichambers
of the emperors of India. Timur took this
curious preſent for a good augury; and conti-
nu'd his road fix miles farther to a place call'd
Moudala, having before crofs'd the Jaoun.
The twenty-fourth of Rabiulakher,he march'd Jan. 20,
fix miles and encamp'd at Kete, where Beha-
der Nehar with his fon Coultach had the ho-
nor to kifs the imperial carpet, to offer a great
many rich preſents, and affure the emperor of
their obedience. The twenty-fifth the army Jan. 21,
march'd to Baghbout, which for its beauty is
compar'd to the delicious garden of Durbehar,
and to the magnificent temple of the idols of
Fercar; which places are diftant from each o-
ther fix miles. The twenty-fixth they march'd
alfo fix miles, and encamp'd at Afar, fituate
between two rivers, where Timur ftaid to re-
poſe himſelf.
Jan. 22.
CHAP. XXII.
Conquest of Myrthe. The Guebres are flea'd
TH
alive.
1
HE town of Myrthe being one of the
moſt noted places of the empire of In-
dia, Timur refolv'd to make himſelf mafter of
E 3
it :
70
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.it: whereupon the twenty-fixth of Rabyulakher
he fent thither from Afar the lords Rouftem,
Jan. 22. Tagi Bouga, Chamelik, and Allahdad. The
Jan. 24. twenty-eighth thefe lords fent advice to the em-
peror, that Elias Ougani, and the fon of Mou-
Jana Ahmed Tohaneferi, with a Guebre nam'd
Sefi, had fortify'd the town, and were back'd
by a company of Guebres; that they had re-
fus'd to fubmit, and had not only declar'd that
they refolv'd to defend themſelves, but even
dar'd to uſe fome infolent expreffions, faying.
that the emperor Turmechirin Can once came
to beſiege the place, but was oblig'd to raiſe
the fiege; and that they hop'd the fame wou'd
be our fate. This news difquieted Timur;
and their ſpeaking contemptuoufly of Turme-
chirin Can, whom they tax'd with cowardice,
highly incens'd him. On Tueſday at the hour
of morning-prayer he took horfe at the head of
ten thouſand men ; and in two days and one
night, march'd twenty miles.
Jan. 25.
$
The twenty-ninth of Rabiulakher at noon
he arriv'd at the town of Myrthe, where he
order'd the captains of the companys to under-
mine the walls. At night they vifited the works,
and found they had already advanc'd ten or fif-
teen cubits breadth to each baftion and cour-
tine; which fo furpriz'd the Guebres, that they
defifted from defending themfelves.
Next day the Emir Allahdad, with his re-
giment nam'd the faithful, confifting of the an-
tient people of the Coutchins, attack'd the gate
of the town. A young lad, one of his domef-
tics, pam'd Serai, fon of Calandar, boldiy caſt a
net upon the battlement, and mounted the walls.
He was follow'd by Rouftem Berlas, and a
great many brave men, who rufh'd into the
town fword in hand: they bound Elias Ougani,
and
1
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
71
and the fon of Tehaneferi, governors of the Chap.22,
place, whom they carry'd to the foot of the
imperial throne. The Guebre Sefi, one of the
princes of this place, was kill'd in the affault,
and his body. caft into the fire which he ador'd.
The firſt of Jumaziulevel they flea'd alive all Jan. 25.
the Guebres of this place, and made flaves of
their wives and children: they fet fire to every
thing, and raz'd the walls; fo that this town
was foon reduc'd to afhes, tho Turmechirin
Can, a great emperor in Afia, cou'd not make
himſelf maſter of it.
It is remarkable, that before the army's
marching to this place, Timur had refoly'd to
write a letter to the inhabitants, to reduce 'em
by good-nature and promifes: but the fecre-
tary being about to write thefe words, "Why
"do you compare us with Turmechirin Can?"
Timur reprimanded thoſe who had order'd the
fecretary to write in fuch a manner, faying,
"What am I to Turmechirin Can? He was a
cc
greater lord than me, of ftricter virtue, and
"better conduct: but my defign is to revenge
"the affront thefe villains have put upon fo
"powerful and auguft a monarch." So with-
out fuffering the letter to be concluded, he
march'd to exterminate 'em. This was Timur's
modefty, which ought to ferve as an example
to others.
E 4
7
CHAP
72
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
CHA P. XXIII.
*
* Call'd in Several battels upon the great river Ganges,
against the militia of the Guebres.
Perfian
Derjai
Conc, the
fea of
Conc.
TH
HE fame day that Myrthe was taken,
Timur order'd the Emir Gehan Chah to
depart with the left wing by a different road,
to ravage the country of the Guebres; for
which purpoſe he embark'd with his troops on
Juenga. the Jaoun f. The emperor gave the command
of the baggage to the Emir Cheik Noureddin,
with orders to conduct it along the river of
Carafou; and then departed in perfon towards
the great river of Ganges, fourteen miles from
Myrthe. The Emir Solyman Chah join'd him
on the road; and having march'd fix miles,
they encamp'd at Manfoura, where Timur
Jan. 27. ftaid one night. The fecond of Jumaziulevel,
he fet out at three in the morning, and at fun-
rifing arriv'd at Pirouznour on the Ganges,
where they march'd three miles to find an eafy
paffage. Some time after they came to the or-
dinary paffage, which was very difficult and
dangerous feveral horfemen fwam over there
on horſeback, but not without great rifque.
Timur going to do the fame, the Emirs on
their knees befought him to the contrary, tel-
ling him that the Mirza Pir Mehemed and the
Emir Solyman Chah, having crofs'd the river
near Pirouznour, were on the point of perifh-
ing. In the mean while feveral brave men fwam
over, as the Tomans of the Mirza Charoc, Seid
Coja fon of Cheik Ali Behader, and Gehan
Mulc fon of Melket. Then Timur march'd
two
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
73
Jan. 28.
two miles further along the Ganges, and en- Chap.23.
camp'd. The third of Jumaziulevel, he went
towards Toclocpour, a town on the bank of the
Ganges, twenty miles from the place whence
they fet out. When they had march'd fifteen,
advice was brought the emperor, that a great
number of Guebres were got together on the
bank of that river. Timur immediately fent
thither the Emir Mobacher, Ali Sultan Tava-
chi, and other Emirs of Tomans, and captains,
to the number of fifty thouſand horfe; and
continu'd his road towards Toclocpour.
At
this time the emperor was feiz'd with a very
troubleſom fwelling in his arm, which much
impair'd his health; but this diftemper did
not continue long, thro the care and affiduity
cf his officers.
In the mean while advice was brought that
a vaſt number of Guebres in forty-eight boats,
advanc'd againſt us upon the Ganges. This
news ftir'd up the emperor's fury; and the plea-
fure of having an opportunity of acquiring
glory and merit in this war againſt the infidels,
made him forget his diftemper. He took
horfe with a thoufand of his particular officers,
and march'd along the banks of the river. He
had no fooner perceiv'd the enemy, than feve-
ral of our brave men fpur'd their horfes into
the water ſword in hand, with their quivers faf-
ten'd to their fides. The unskilful enemys on-
ly let fly their arrows upon 'em, with their
bucklers laid over their heads; while our men
continually advanc'd, and laying hold on their
flat-bottom'd veffels, enter'd 'em, notwithſtand-
ing the reſiſtance of the enemy, whom they cut
in pieces, and caft their bodys into the Ganges,
making their women and children flaves. When
they were become mafters of these great boats,
they
74
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. they went in fearch of ten others mann'd with
Guebres, who prepar'd themſelves for fighting,
and faſten'd their boats to one another, that they
might the better defend themſelves, and make
a kind of naval fight. Our foldiers, after hav-
ing diſcharg'd a vaft number of arrows, board-
ed their veffels, giving praiſe to God; and
with their fwords flew the remainder of theſe
unfortunate Indians.
CHA P. XXIV.
Timur's three Gazies, or expeditions against
the Guebres.
A
FTER the taking of the flat boats on
the Ganges, Timur decamp'd for Toc-
Jan. 29. locpour : and when he was arriv'd there, on the
fourth of Jumaziulevel, a little after midnight,
two men came from the Emirs Allahdad, Ba-
jazet Coutchin, and Altoun Bacchi, the leaders
of our fcouts, who brought advice that having
found an eafy paffage where they crofs'd the
Ganges, they had met on the banks of that
river a great number of infidels well-arm'd,
who had for their leader a king nam'd Moba-
rek Can, who was refolv'd to defend himfelf.
Timur on advice of thefe motions, took horfe
before morning at the found of drums and ket-
tledrums, being lighted by a vaft number of
flambeaux and torches: he crofs'd the Ganges,
and read the morning-prayer, after having
march'd a mile on the other fide that river,
Then our foldiers, with their cuirafles on, ad-
vanc'd againſt Mobarek Can, who had rang'd
ten
The history of Timur-Bec.
75
ten thouſand horfe, and fome infantry, in order Chap.24.
of battel, and expected us with his enfigns dif-
play'd, tho he risk'd his crown on this occa-
fion.
Timur hereupon imagin'd that theſe Indians
being far more numerous than we, and our two
wings at a great diftance, we cou'd ufe no pre-
cautions, but muft entirely refign our felves to
the will of God. And as he was thus difquiet-
ed about the fuccefs of the battel, five hundred
horſe of the Tomans of Mirza Charoc arriv'd,
which had crofs'd the water with Seid Coja
and Gehan Mulc, to make inroads in feveral
places; and they join'd us at fo proper a time,
that one wou'd have thought they had been
appointed to meet us here, or that heaven had
fent 'em exprefs to fuccour Timur when he
had fuch need of 'em. Whereupon he return'd
God thanks for his kindneſs to him, and or-
der'd the Emirs Chamelik and Allahdad to at-
tack the enemy with a thoufand horfe, and not
to regard their number, or refiftance.
Our brave men, in obedience to this order,
and in refignation to the will of God, ruth'd
with fury upon the enemy, who thinking that
our men were not alone, but only the vanguard
of a great army, fuddenly grew afraid, and
fled like hinds before a roaring lion, and like
Chacals hid themſelves in the woods. Our
warriors purfu'd 'em, and put a great number
to the fword, carrying away captive their wo-
men and children, with a confiderable booty of
oxen and other animals. Timur encamp'd in
4 Chacal is an animal which partly reſembles a dog, and
partly a fox. It digs up dead bodys to devour 'em, and hath
a languishing voice,
this
76
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. this place; and at the fame time receiv'd ad-
vice that a great number of Guebres were ren-
dezvous'd in the defile of Coupele, eaſt of the
Ganges. Whereupon he departed with five
hundred horſe for that place, leaving the reſt
to guard the ſpoils. The emperor at his arri-
val at theſe mountains, met a great number of
Guebres. The Emirs Chamelik and Ali Sultan
Tavachi, notwithſtanding the enemy were fu-
perior to 'em in number, fell upon 'em fword in
hand, giving praiſes to God. Theſe infidels at
firft defended themſelves: but our men put 'em to
the rout, notwithſtanding their great number,
while the foldiers were employ'd in collecting
the booty. Timur being left with only a hun-
dred horfemen of his guards, a Guebre, nam'd
Malek Cheika, fell briskly upon him with a
hundred men, partly horfe and partly foot.
Timur oppos'd theſe rafh fellows; but while
the two partys were about to let fly a fhower
of arrows, one of our foldiers, thro miftake,
told Timur that this man was the Cheik Cou-
keri, one of his faithful fervants. This falfe
alarm caus'd the emperor to return to the bot-
tom of the mountain; which the Guebre per-
ceiving, he attack'd fome of our men. Timur
then return'd againſt this infidel, hot him in
the belly with an arrow, and unhors'd him
with a cut of his fabre on his head: he was
then bound with cords, and drag'd after our
men, Timur being willing to question him con-
cerning the condition of the enemy; but he pre-
fently gave up the ghoft. Some time after ad-
vice was brought that in the defile of Coupele,
two miles from this place, a great many Gue-
bres were affembled; that in the paffages of
theſe mountains were only thick woods, and
trees twiſted one within another, with reeds
and
1
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
77
and canes fo large and ſtrong that a man cou'd Chap.24.
fcarcely grafp 'em.
Timur, who had already taken horſe twice
this day to fight, and was in great want of
fleep, had no fooner heard this news, than pre-
ferring the treaſures of eternal rewards to his
quiet here, he march'd towards this defile at
the head of fome officers and Emirs of the
vanguard. As he was oblig'd to go thro woods.
almoft unpaffable, and the Indians were far
♦ lÉ
more numerous, Timur faid to his men,
«Ε
ec
cc
CC
رو
my fon Pir Mehemed and Solyman Chah
"fhou'd arrive here preſently, they wou'd be
«Ε of great fervice to us: but that cannot be;
feeing it is but three days fince I fent 'em
to make inroads beyond the Ganges, which
they have crofs'd at Pirouznour. While Ti-
mur was thus fpeaking, on a fudden they per-
ceiv'd theſe brave men, who were over-joy'd
to meet the emperor in this place. The plea-
fure, as one may eafily imagine, was not lefs on
Timur's fide. They march'd together againſt
the Guebres, on whom they diſcharg❜d fhowers
of arrows; and then rufhing on 'em fword in
hand, they made a cruel flaughter: they took a
vaft quantity of booty from theſe infidels, as
well camels, oxen, and other cattel, as gold
and filver belts, which the enemys wore.
Thus Timur was in three battels the fame
day, which never happen'd to any prince be-
fore him, that we find mention'd in hiftory.
The field of battel being fo ftrait, and full of
woods and thorns, that it was impoffible to
encamp here, in the evening they were oblig'd
to return to the place where the fecond Gazie
was fought.
CHAP.
78
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
of the In-
dians.
CHAP. XXV.
Timur exterminates the Guebres affembled in
the famous defile of Coupele. Defcription
of a marble statue of a cow ador'd by the
Indians.
TH
HE defile of Coupele is fituate at the
foot of a mountain near the Ganges; and
fifteen miles higher than this defile is a ſtone
carv'd in form of a cow, from whence fprings
this great river. For this reafon the Indians
Religion adore this ftone; and in all the neighbouring
countrys, within a year's journy, when they
are at prayers they turn towards it. One of
their cuſtoms is to burn themſelves alive, and
to have their afhes flung into the Ganges, be-
lieving they fhall merit falvation by it. They
alfo caft into this river their gold and filver:
and a chief part of their devotion is to waſh
themſelves in it, and there fhave their beard
and head, upon which they pour water; which
they eſteem as ufeful as the Mahometans ima-
gine the Abdefte neceffary, when they go in
pilgrimage to Mecca.
2
Abounair Otbi, in his book call'd Yemini³
gives a relation of the fuperftitions of thefe
Indian idolaters, and of the ridiculous notions
they entertain concerning this river. We are
told in this book, that Nafareddin Subu&ekin,
a The ablution which the Mahometans are oblig'd to make
before prayer.
› A famous hiftory of the Sultan Mahmoud Subuctekin of
India.
*
and
The hiftory of Timur. Bec.
79
and his fon the Sultan Mahmoud, for feveral Chap.25.
years made war on thefe idolaters of India,
and by degrees conquer'd the towns and caſtles
of this kingdom; that God blefs'd their under-
takings, and permitted the Sultan Mahmoud at
the end of theſe wars, to march into the king-
dom of Cannoudge with the mahometan army.
The interpreter of the Yemini remarks, that
this war in the country of Cannoudge is the
moft celebrated of any that Yemin Eddole Mah-
moud was ever engag'd in.
4
But to return to our fubject: we muſt know
that when Timur took up a refolution to carry
his arms into India, he fent feveral Emirs with
confiderable troops by one road, and with the
reft of his army march'd himſelf another; that
theſe two armys took all the citys, caftles,
fortreffes, towns and villages, in their way;
that they exterminated the idolaters; and met
together before Deli, as we have already men-
tion'd; and that after the reduction of Deli,
they cross'd the Ganges. Thus Timur accom-
plifh'd his undertaking in India, for the extir-
pation of idolatry in that country. But as there
yet remain❜d a prodigious multitude of Guebres
in the mountains of Coupele, who poffefs'd a
The
* A town and kirgdom on this fide the Ganges.
geographer Abulfeda fays that the Ganges runs towards the
eaft of the kingdom of Cannoudge, at forty leagues diſtance;
and that the capital of Cannoudge is in long. 104. lat. 26. Na-
fereddin Touffi fays it is in long. 115. 50. lat. 26. 35 which is
confiftent with the former, becauſe the one counts the longi-
tude from Hercules's pillars, and the other from the fortunate
ifles. Elmeglebi iemarks that Cannoudge is 282 leagues
eaft of Moultan. Adem is a town of the kingdom of Can-
noudge, ſeven days journy from the city of the fame name.
Benfaid tells us that Cannoudge is between two arms of the
Ganges.
great
*
80
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Jan. 30.
1399.
Book IV. great quantity of riches, cattel, and movable
goods, he refolv'd to attack 'em. Whereupon
the fifth of Jumaziulevel the army began its
march towards this defile, where the infidels,
who were deftin'd to periſh, dar'd to wait their
arrival, and rafhly prepar'd to fuftain the at-
tacks of our warriors, and make a vigorous de-
fence. At fun-rifing the mahometan army was
rang'd in order of battel, and arriv'd at the
defile in very good order. The right wing was
commanded by the Mirza Pir Mehemed, and
the Emir Solyman Chah; and the left by other
Emirs of great reputation. The Emir Chame-
lik and other captains famous for their valor, led
the vanguard of the main body.
When the noife of the drums, the great and
little kettledrums, and trumpets, accompany'd
with the ufual great cry, had echo'd in thefe
mountains and narrow paffages, the infidels
were confounded, and loft all courage: fear got
poffeffion of their hearts, and wou'd not fuffer
em to wait the attack of our warriors, but
oblig'd 'em to conceal themſelves in the moun-
tains, whither they were purfu'd by our men,
and great part of 'em flain; fome fav'd them-
felves, yet their effects, which confifted of fur-
niture and other riches, fell to the conquerors.
This kingdom being thus deliver'd from thefe
idolaters, the army return'd the fame day, and
crofs'd the Ganges, on the banks of which Ti-
mur read the noon-prayer, returning thanks to
God for the advantages and victorys he had
gain'd thro his goodnefs. Then he took horfe,
and after five miles march encamp'd towards
the lower part of the river, pleas'd with the
conduct of all the captains and foldiers of his
army, to whom he gave rewards for their brave
actions in this war.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
8 1
Chap.26.
CHA P. XXVI.
Timur's refolution to return to the feat of
his empire.
T
IMUR being fatisfy'd with having
march'd as far as the eaſtern frontiers
of the empire of India in one campain, and
having acquir'd the merit of the Gazie, depart-
ed from the bank of the Ganges the fixth of Jan 31
Jumaziulevel, to join the baggage. Every one
march'd in his refpective poft; and the quarter-
maſters and harbingers had orders to meet the
baggage, and conduct it to the army. The fe-
venth, they march'd fix miles, and encamp'd Feb. 1
four miles diftance from the baggage.
In the mean while advice was brought that
in the mountain of Soualec, one of the moſt
confiderable mountains of India, which ſtretches
over two thirds of this vaft empire, there were
affembled a great number of Indians, with de-
fign to infult us. Timur order'd the troops
which accompany'd the baggage to decamp,
and march towards Soualec, while himfelf
went in perfon to a place but five miles from
thence, where the Mirza Calil Sultan and the
Emir Cheik Noureddin join'd him with the
baggage. The Emir Solyman Chah and the
other generals on their knees befought the em
peror to ſtay in the camp, and not continually
expofe his facred perfon; while they wou'd go
and exterminate the Indians. Timur told 'em,
the Gazie produc'd two confiderable advantages;
one was, that it procur'd for the warrior eter-
VOL. II.
F
nal
82
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. nal merit; the other, that he acquir'd by it
worldly fpoils and goods that as they had
theſe two advantages in view, they fhou'd be
willing that he might partake of 'em alfo, fince
his intention in all his fatigues and labors, was
only to render himſelf well-pleafing to God,
and fo treaſure up good works for his eternal
happineſs, and riches to beftow upon his fol-
diers, and do good to the poor.
Feb. 4.
Then he fent orders to the Emir Gehan
Chah, who had been gone out a week to make
inroads on the Jaoun, to come to the camp, that
he might partake of the merit of this expedi-
tion as well as the other Emirs. This Emir ac-
cordingly obey'd the order, and return'd to
join his majefty.
CHA P. XXVII.
Timur's irruption on the mountain Soualec.
O
N faturday the tenth of Jumaziulevel,
Timur departed for the mountain of Sou-
alec, where a Raya nam'd Behrouz had affem-
bled a number of Guebres in a narrow paf-
fage; and confiding in the ftrength of the moun-
tain, and a ſtrong place he had in poffeffion,
which he imagin'd inacceffible, had refolv'd to
give us battel. Our army advancing in good
order, Timur went down to the entrance of
this defile, where he ftopt. Our foldiers fell
fuddenly upon the infidels, who made but a
weak defence; fo that with their fwords and
half-pikes they flew a great number of 'em.
Having reduc'd 'em thus low, they became
mafters of their cattel and effects, and took
thoſe priſoners who efcap'd the fword: but as
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
83
the booty was unequally divided, the rich and Chap.28.
powerful having got four or five hundred oxen,
Timur order'd the fpoils fhou'd be equally dif
tributed, that the poor and weak might have
their fhare. The following night Timur lay in
the tent of the Mirza Pir Mehemed; and next
day he went to Behre, near Bekeri, commonly
call'd Meliapour.
The twelfth of Jumaziulevel he march'd four Feb. 6.
miles, and encamp'd at Chaefarfava. The fol-
diers were fo laden with booty, that they cou'd
ſcarce march four miles a day. Next day they
went four miles, and encamp'd at Kender.
CHA P. XXVIII.
Several combats in the woods near Soualec.
T
HE fourteenth of Jumaziulevel Timur Feb. 8.
crofs'd the Jaoun, and encamp'd in ano-
ther part of the mountain of Soualec, where
advice was brought that a Raya nam'd Ratan
had caus'd the trumpets to be founded to affem-
ble the people, and fall upon our army; that
by this means an infinite number of Indians were
got together under his command, and had re-
treated into thick and inacceffible woods.
Timur wou'd not ftay till night was over
before he began his march againſt 'em; but
caus'd torches and flambeaus to be lighted, and
order'd the captains to keep a conſtant march
in order of battel. The foldiers employ'd all
their ſtrength in cutting down the trees to make
roads, and the fame night they advanc'd twelve
miles.
F 2
The
84
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. The fifteenth before morning they arriv'd
between the two mountains of Soualec and
Feb. 9. Conke, where the Raya was prepar'd to give
battel, having form'd two wings and a main
body but he had no more courage than the
reft; for as foon as the noife of the drums,
trumpets and kettledrums, with the foldiers
cries, were heard in this mountain, they
fled, and the Raya himſelf turn'd his back, and
retir'd to the bottom of a wood. Our foldiers
purfu'd the enemy, and cut in pieces a great
number, enriching themfelves with the fpoils,
and carrying away an innumerable company of
captives.
The fame day our right wing went into ano-
ther defile of thefe mountains, where, after
having exterminated the Guebres, they gain'd
a confiderable booty: the left wing alfo made
inroads in another place, and maffacred ſeveral
Indians; but got no fpoils. The following
night the two wings return'd to Timur. The
Feb. 10 fixteenth, Timur quitted this narrow paffage,
and re-enter'd the mountain of Soualec, where
he encamp'd in a place fifteen leagues from Be-
kircout, all which country is full of foreſts and
craggy mountains. Then he refolv❜d to go
perfon into the moſt dangerous places; and fent
back the left wing, compos'd of the troops of
Coraffana, to make inroads, becauſe they were
return'd without any booty.
in
In the mean while Sainte Maure, at the head
of the ſcouts, arriv'd at nine in the morning;
bringing advice that there were fo many Gue-
bres in theſe quarters, that it was impoffible to
number 'em. This news oblig'd Timur to ſtay
in this place, while the left wing fhou'd go out
to make inroads.
Then
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
85
Then advice was brought from the body of Chap.28.
troops commanded by the Einirs Cheik Nou-
reddin and Ali Sultan Tavachi, that feveral
Guebres, with abundance of cattel, were got
together in a defile on the left fide. Timur
immediately march'd towards this place, order-
ing the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Ali Sultan
to fall upon the Guebres. They foon became
conquerors, putting the enemys to the fword,
in the emperor's prefence, who had fet
up his
imperial ftandard on the very brink of the moun-
tain, to encourage his men. Some of the wound-
ed fav'd themſelves by flight; but all their ef
fects and cattel fell into the hands of the victors.
Timur ftaid upon the mountain till evening, and
caus'd part of the booty to be diſtributed among
thofe who cou'd get none; fo that every one
had as much as he cou'd well take care of. At
night they encamp'd in this defile, where there
were abundance of monkys, who came to ſteal
away the foldiers goods.
Thus we may truly fay, there were twenty
battels fought in thirty days, during which time
our men conquer'd feven of the moſt important
fortreffes of India, which wou'd not give place
to Caiber. Theſe feven fortreffes were at one
or two leagues diftance from each other, and the
inhabitants were at continual variance among
themſelves. They had formerly paid tribute to
the emperors of India; but were fome time
fince brought to ſubjection to the Muffulmans,
from whom they revolted, refufing to pay tri-
bute to 'em; and thus they merited the punish-
ment they receiv'd. One of theſe places, which
3
A ftrong place in Syria, inhabited by Jews, formerly
conquer'd by the prophet Mahomet.
F 3
be-
t
86
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. belong'd to Cheikou, a relation of the Cheik
Couker*, had willingly fubmitted to Timur, thro
*Prince of the interpofition of the Muffulmans who liv'd
Lahor.
?
with 'em: but this was mere fhew; for they foon
gave us marks of their treafon and malice, and
when the customary tax for the faving of their
lives was impos'd on 'em, they made uſe of tricks
and equivocations. In the mean while one of
Timur's officers invented a ftratagem to oblige
em to pay the mony with lefs reluctance; which
was, that we ſhou'd buy up all their old bows,
which they accordingly fold our men upon their
offering a good price; fo that they had ſcarcely
any more arms left. Then it was order'd that
forty Guebres fhou'd be lifted in the fervice of
Hendou Chah Cazen, one of the emperor's of
ficers which they wou'd not confent to, but
flew feveral Muffulmans.
This oblig'd us to treat 'em as enemys, and
befiege their place in form; which having taken,
we put two thoufand Guebres to the fword, as
a puniſhment for their paft crimes.
The place belonging to Malek Diuradge, and
five others, were taken with the fame eafe in a
very ſhort time; fo that this country was clear'd
of this generation of idolaters, their temples
were ruin'd, and the mahometan religion after-
wards flourifh'd there.
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
87
Chap.29.
CHAP. XXIX.
Timur's Gazies and expeditions in the pro-
vince of Tchamou.
TH
1399.
HE Gazies on the mountains of Soualec
being finifh'd to Timur's fatisfaction, he
departed from Manfar the fixteenth of Jumaziu- March 12.
lakher; and after a march of fix miles, encamp'd'
at Baila, a town of the province of Tchamou,
where he was join'd by the Emirs Cheik Mahe-
med Aicoutmur, Mobacher, and Ifmael Berlas,
of the Toman of Mirza Calil Sultan.
The inhabitants of this town were valiant
men, and their forefts very difficult of accefs:
they had fix'd their bucklers round their woods,
where they prepar'd for a vigorous refiftance.
Our foldiers were eager to fall upon 'em ; but
there came an order from the emperor to defer
the attack till next day, becauſe he defign'd to
be there in perſon.
The feventeenth Timur took horfe, and ha- March 1 3.
ving rang'd his army in order of battel, caus'd'
the great cry to be made, and the inftruments of
war to be founded; but the enemy abandon'd
the town, and fled into the woods, to hide
themſelves. Part of our foldiers were pofted on
the fide of the wood, while the others enter'd
the town without oppofition, and made them-
felves maſters of a great quantity of mony and
ammunitions; fo that the army was furnifh'd
with all neceffarys.
The fame day the army departed thence, to
encamp four miles further. Olaia Timur, Tonca-
tor, and Coulad, as alfo the Mirza Rouſtem, and
F 4
the
88
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. the faithful Zeineddin, who had been fent am-
baffadors from Deli into Cachmir, arriv'd at the
camp with letters from prince Chah Eskender,
from whom there likewife came ambaffadors;
who affur'd Timur that their prince, full of re-
fpect to him, had refolv'd to demand his pro-
tection, with all the fubmiffion that cou'd be ex-
pected from a ſubject, who was entirely refign'd
to his orders; and that as a mark of his fince-
rity, he was upon his way to meet the emperor,
being already arriv'd at a place nam'd Gebhan,
where he was rejoin'd by the doctor Noradin,
one of his ambaffadors, who told him that the
Emirs of Timur's Divan had tax'd him at thirty
thouſand horſes, and a hundred thoufand Derefts
of gold, each Dereft weighing two Medicalès
and a half. Chah Eskender immediately re-
turn'd to collect the mony he was tax'd at, that
he might the fooner have the honor to kifs the im-
perial carpet. Timur, on advice of this, dif-
approv'd of this order, becauſe they had impos'd
a tax upon Eskender, which he was not able to
pay, fince it was more than his little kingdom
was worth and as the ambaſſadors at the fame
time repreſented to the emperor how willingly
Chah Eskender had fubmitted to him, Timur
order'd that he fhou'd be treated with civility,
and fent to tell him that the payment of this tax
fhou'd not detain him from coming before him,
March 14. The eighteenth of Jumaziulakher, the ambaſſa-
dors of Chah Eskender and of Motamedzeined-
din were fent back to Cachmir, with orders for
Chah Eskender to come to the bank of the Indus
in ten days. Then the army on their road pil-
lag'd three towns: but Aratmour, officer of
Timur's houfhold, was wounded with an arrow.
The nineteenth of Jumaziulakher, they en-
camp'd over-againſt the capital of Tchamou,
March 15.
:
after
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
89
after having march'd four miles. In their road Chap.29.
they found four leagues of cultivated land, ready
for harveft; which ferv'd for forage, and our
horfes were let loofe among the grafs in this
paſture-ground.
The twentieth of Jumaziulakher, Timur en-
ter'd the defile from whence the river of Tcha-
mou ſprings, which the army had crofs'd ſeveral
times. It is fituate at the foot of a mountain, on
the left fide of the city of Tchamou, having on
its right the town of Menou. It was inhabited
by ſtrong and tall Indians, who were refolv❜d
to defend their lives, and having fent their wives
and children into the mountains, had intrench'd
themſelves in almoft inacceffible woods, upon a
cragged mountain, having their king at the
head; and like dogs barking at the rifing moon,
they houl'd, if one may fo fay, when they dif-
charg'd their arrows.
Timur imagin'd it better to furprize 'em by
artifice, than to attack 'em openly in fo dange-
rous a place whereupon he order'd our foldiers
to leave 'em, and to go to pillage the town of
Menou; which was accordingly executed. The
troops alſo enter'd the town of Tchamou, whence
they brought away ammunition and fpoils enough
for their pay and fuftenance. Then Timur poft-
ed fome regiments of active and refolute men in
the woods where the enemy had fortify'd them-
felves; and in the mean while he departed with
the cavalry.
The twenty firſt he croſs'd the river of Tcha-
mou, march'd four miles, and encamp'd on the
bank of the Genave, in a plain of four leagues
in length, full of pafturage.
As foon as the imperial army had quitted the de-
file of Tchamou and Menou, the Indians, like foxes
coming out of their holes, when they imagin'd the
*
forefts
90
The history of Timur-Bec:
Book IV. foreſts void of lions, came out of their moun-
tain to re-enter their houſes: but they were
foon attack'd by our regiments who lay in am-
bufcade; and who falling upon 'em, cut 'em in
pieces, not giving quarter to any one.
1
Dolet Timur Tavachi, an officer of the To-
man of Cheik Noureddin, affifted by Huffein
King of Melik Coutchin, took the king of Tchamou pri-
Tchamou foner, with fifty officers of confideration, whom
taken pri he brought to Timur. The emperor return'd
foner.
thanks to God, and thus addrefs'd thefe Emirs:
"Bleffed be the almighty King of heaven and
"earth, who hath humbled theſe proud Guebres,
"the enemys of his name, who but yeſterday'
"infolently brav'd the faithful from their craggy
"mountains, having no regard to any one: but
EL
to day God has deliver'd 'em up to us, bound
"like malefactors. To him be bleffing and glo-
66 ry for ever." Then he order'd' that the cap-
tives fhou'd be loaded with chains, and left
groveling upon the earth, except the king of
Tchamou, who had been wounded in the fight:
he was heal'd of his wound, and treated with
civility, as well becauſe of his character, as for
that they imagin'd they might the more eaſily get
the mony due to the mahometan army for the
town of Tchamou, and the faving the lives of
the king and his men. In the mean while they
treated this prince with fo much kindneſs and
refpect, inftructing him in the beautys of the
muffulman religion, that he refolv'd to make pro-
feffion of mahometanifm, and quit his errors
and idolatry. So he declar'd his belief of the
unity of God, and eat the flefh, of oxen with
the Muffulmans, which is prohibited thefe mife-
rable Indians.
This change of religion caus'd him to be ho-
nor'd and carefs'd by Timur, who confented to
make
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
91
make a treaty with him, by which he was re- Chap.39.
ceiv'd under the protection of our monarch.
The twenty third of Jumaziulakher the ar- March 19.
my ftaid on the banks of the Genave, to wait
for the troops which were gone to Lahor.
CHA P. XXX.
Relation of what paſs'd at Labor, with regard
to Chicai Couker, prince of that city.
I
N the mean while advice was brought that
the princes and Emirs, who had been ſent
towards Lahor, had made themſelves mafters of
that city, and actually receiv'd the tax for re-
deeming the inhabitants lives, having made Chi-
cai Couker prifoner of war.
Deceit, fays the poet, may at firſt have a good
appearance; but in the end it makes the perfon
bluſh who practifes it: wherefore Timur, who
was an enemy to tricking, made ufe of the fol-
lowing words for the motto of his feal, Safety
confifts in fair-dealing.
But that every one may be fufficiently appriz'd
of the affair of Chicai Couker, they muſt know
that this prince of Lahor, at the beginning of
this war, accompany'd Timur every where, from
whom he obtain'd fo much favor and refpect,
that if any of the Indians made ufe of his name,
they were neither pillag'd nor made prifoners.
When the army was between the two rivers of
Ganges and Jaoun, he beg'd leave to go into his
own country, which was granted him: and he
even agreed about the prefents he ſhou'd make to
the emperor upon his meeting him again at the
bank of the Biah, which is alfo call'd the river
of
92
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
BookIV. of Lahor.
March 20.
Thus Chicai Couker return'd into
his own country, where he pafs'd fome time in
plays and diverfions, forgetting what he had
promis'd before the auguft tribunal of Timur :
and he not only neglected the performance of his
promife, but even gave marks of his difregard
to us; for ſeveral of our officers having paft
thro his city coming from Tranfoxiana, as the
doctor Abdallah Sedre, Hendouchah Cazen, and
others, thro whofe protection he might have ad-
vanc'd himſelf in honor and power, he did not
give 'em a handſom reception, nor fhew the leaſt
marks of civility, pretending ignorance of their
being in the city. This procedure drew on him
Timur's indignation, who order'd that his coun-
try fhou'd be pillag'd, and his perfon feiz'd.
Thus our monarch punish'd ingratitude.
The twenty fourth of Jumaziulakher, Timur
crofs'd the `river of Genave, and encamp'd af-
ter having march'd five miles. The fame day
officers arriv'd from Tauris from the Mirza Mi-
ran Chah, bringing news of the good health of
that prince, his children, and principal Emirs.
They alfo brought an account of the affairs
of Bagdad, Egypt, Syria, Anatolia and Cap-
chac; as likewife the condition of the fortrefs
of Alengic.
The twenty fifth, ſeveral fick foldiers were
drown'd in the river; which oblig'd Timur,
who was the moſt merciful prince in the univerfe,
to give thoſe who were in want of 'em, proper
horfes and mules out of his own ftable, upon
which they crofs'd the river. The fame day
the emperor feat Hendouchah Cazen to Samar
cand, with advice that he was about to return
home, to comfort the people who impatiently
expected him. That day there likewife came
an officer from Perfia from the Mirza Pir Mehe-
med,
The history of Timur-Bec.
93
med, fon of Omar Cheik, who brought news of Chap.30.
this prince's health, and the ftate of his king-
dom: he likewiſe preſented Egyptian fwords,
damask'd blades, and other curiofitys.
The twenty fixth of Jumaziulakher the army
decamp'd from the bank of the Genave, and af-
ter fix miles march encamp'd in the defart; and
the fame day the emperor fent again to Samar-
cand one of the ambaffadors who came from
Tauris, to order the princes his fons to come
and meet him. Then Timur deſigning to croſs
the river Dindana before the reft of the army,
fet out before 'em.
The twenty feventh he march'd fix miles, and
encamp'd at the entrance of a wood: they faw
a lion in a meadow, which every one attack'd,
and the Emir Cheik Noureddin kill'd.
Then the Mirzas Pir Mehemed and Rouftem,
with the Emirs Solyman Chah and Gehan Chah,
arriv'd at the camp from Lahor, after having
flain feveral Indians, and taken a confiderable
booty. They kifs'd the imperial carpet, and
made their preſents to Timur, which confifted
of nine pieces of each fort. Timur gave great
largeffes to thefe brave men; and particularly
diſtinguiſh'd Mehemed Azad, to whom he pre-
fented a veft, a quiver, and a gold-belt. The
greateſt lords only fought to be favorably regard-
ed by our monarch.
The fame day Timur order'd that all the E-
mirs of both wings, the colonels of regiments,
and the captains of companys, fhou'd return home
by the different roads mark'd out for 'em. Then
he made preſents to every one according to their
rank and merit, beginning with the princes of
the blood, the Emirs, dukes, foreign princes
call'd Nevians; and then the Emirs of Tomans,
the colonels of Hezares, and the centurions.
The
94
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. The Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of Gehanghir,
had a prefent made him of a belt and crown fet
with precious ftones.
He alſo honor'd with his liberalitys the lords
of India, the Emirs and Cherifs, who had the
good fortune to accompany him; and giving 'em
letters-patent for their principalitys, he permit-
ted 'em to return into their refpective coun-
trys.
Timur affign'd the government of the city and
province of Moultan to Keder Can, who having
been arreſted by order of Sarenk brother of Mel-
lou Can, and laid in irons in a citadel, had eſcap'd
thence, and fled to Biana, a place dependent on
Deli, to the king Ahoudan a Muffulman; and
who having heard of Timur's arrival in that
country, had with an humble confidence fled for
refuge to the foot of the throne, and had the
honor to accompany his majeſty from that time.
As in this country there was a plain, which
for its vaſtneſs, and the great quantity of game
in it, feem'd to invite paffengers to the chace,
(for there were lions, leopards, rhinoceros's,
unicorns, blue ftags, wild peacocks, parrots,
and other uncommon animals) Timur ſpent fome
time in that diverfion. He fent feveral thouſands
of foldiers to form the great circle; and having
firſt purfu'd the idolaters, he chas'd the wild
beafts, and afterwards went a fowling. The
falcons and hawks deftroy'd all the peacocks,
pheaſants, parrots and ducks in this country.
The foldiers took a great deal of game, and
flew feveral rhinoceros's with their fabres and lan-
ces, tho this animal is fo ftrong, that it will beat
down a horfe and horfeman with a fingle blow
of its horn; and has fo thick a skin, that it can-
not be peirc'd but by an extraordinary force.
The
The hiftory of Timur Bec.
95
The twenty eighth of Jumaziulakher the ar- Chap.31.
my march'd eight miles, and encamp'd at Geb-n
han, a delightful refidence on the frontiers of March 24
Cachmir.
CHA P. XXXI.
Defcription of the little kingdom of Cachmir,
or Kichmir.
S Cachmir is one of the most noted coun-
A trys in the world, has fo particular a
fituation, and fo few people ever fee it, becauſe
it is not the ordinary paffage into any other
countrys; we will give a fhort deſcription of it,
which we have receiv'd from the natives, and the
truth of which we are fully fatisfy'd of.
Cachmir is a principality near Hac, in the
middle of the fourth climate, which according
to Ptolomy, begins at 34 deg. 37 min. of lat. its
middle is at 36 deg. 22 min. and its end at 38.
54. The latitude of Cachmir is 35 degrees;
and its longitude from the fortunate ifles 105.
The country is of an oval form, furrounded
with high mountains on all fides: it looks
fouthwards upon Deli and the country of India,
northwards on Bedakchan and Coraffana, weſt-
wards upon the hords of the Ouganis, and eaſt-
wards upon Tobbot or Thebet.
In the extent of its province are ten thou-
fand flourishing villages, full of fountains and
green plains: but the common opinion is that
the whole principality of Cachmir confiſts
of a hundred thouſand villages, as well in
the plains as mountains. The air and water are
very wholefom; and the beauty of the Cachmi-
rian
96
The history of Timur-Bec.
BookIV. rian women hath pafs'd into a proverb among
the Perfian poets and orators. They have vaft
quantitys of good fruit; but the winter is hurt-
ful, becauſe of the great abundance of fnows
which fall there. The fummer-fruits, as dates,
oranges and citrons, never come to maturity;
but are brought thither from the warm neigh-
boring countrys. The flat country in the mid-
dle is twenty leagues in breadth from one moun-
tain to the other.
* The
Arabian
fea.
The prince and court refide at the city of Na-
gaz, thro the middle of which, as at Bagdad,
runs a river´as large as the Tigris: and what is
very furprizing, this river is exceeding rapid,
tho it is form'd from a fingle fountain in the
fame country, call'd the fountain of Vir. The
inhabitants have built upon this river more than
thirty bridges of boats, with chains croſs the
chief paffages: feven of thefe bridges are in the
city of Nagaz, which is the center and capital
of the country. When this river hath pafs'd the
limits of Cachmir, it takes different names, from
the ſeveral countrys it waſhes, as Dindana and
Jamad: above Moultan it joins the Genave,
and both together having pafs'd by Moultan, fall
into the Rave, which runs by the other Moul-
tan: at length the river Biah joins 'em, and near
the town of Outcha, they all fall into the Indus
or Abfend, which difembogues into the fea of
Omman at the end of the country of Tatta
*
>
The mountains which furround this country
ferve as fortifications againſt the infults of an
enemy; the inhabitants being under no appre-
henfions of their being ruin'd, either by time,
rains or ftorms.
:
There are three roads into this country that
of Coraffana is fo very difficult, that the inha-
bitants, who are accuſtom'd to that fort of labor,
are
The history of Timur-Bec.
9**
are oblig'd to carry bales of merchandize and Chap.32.
other burdens upon their backs, which the beafts
of carriage are not able to do. The road of
India is equally difficult. That of Tobbot or
Thebet is eaſieſt; but for feveral days journy
paffengers meet with venomous herbs, which
poifon their horſes.
Thus God has given this country natural de
fences; fo that the inhabitants have no occafion
for arms or armys.
The twenty-ninth of Jumaziulakher, Timur March 256
departed from Gebhan, march'd four miles, and
encamp'd on the bank of the river Dindana,
which he crofs'd on a bridg built by his order;
and which was an eafe to the fatigu'd foldiers,
as well Turks as Tadgics'. The Emirs Cha-
melik and Gelaleliflam had orders for conducting
the army over this bridg.
CHAP. XXXII.
Timur returns to the feat of his empire.
O
N the thirtieth of Jumaziulakher in the
morning, Timur departed for Samarcand
before the army, that he might get there in
good time: he march'd twenty miles on the
Dindana, and encamp'd at Sanbaſte, a town in
the mountain of Joudis. The firſt of Regeb he March 27.
encamp'd at the caftle of Beroudge: he took
horſe after noon-prayer, and enter'd the defart of
Gelali, from whence he came out in the even-
'The Turks are native Tartars the Tadgics are inhabitants
of conquer'd city's and countrys.
VOL. II.
Ꮐ
ing,
* Geroti
98
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. ing, and encamp'd in a cavern, where there yet
March 29.
April 2.
remain'd fome water of the Pechecals, or great
rains of the laft winter. This cavern is but three
miles from Beroudge.
The 2d of Regeb at ten in the morning, he
came to the Indus, over which the Emirs Pir
Alı Selduz, and others, who had the care of the
frontiers of Nagaz and Banou, and of the roads
of thoſe quarters, had caus'd a bridg of boats
to be built.
Timur having crofs'd the Indus, ftaid till noon
on its banks; and then leaving the Emir Allah-
dad at the foot of the bridg, that he might
cauſe the baggage, and part of the army which
was behind, to pafs over, he departed in the
afternoon, and march'd ten miles before he en-
camp'd.
The third of Regeb he ftop'd at Banou,
where the Emirs Pir Alitaz, Huffein Coutchin,
and others, who had been left there to keep the
Ouganis in obedience, had the honor to pay
their reſpects to him: having not feen him for
a month, they prefented him with nine horſes
and a thouſand oxen. Timur gave 'em back
their horſes, and order'd that the oxen fhou'd
be reſtor❜d to the right owners; and then he
commanded Pir Alitaz to ftay in that place,
till all the army had paſs'd it.
The 7th of Regeb, which is the firſt of Fer-
verdin of the Gelalian epocha, as alfo the firſt
day of the ſpring, he took the road to Nagaz,
where he arriv'd next day.
The fame day the officer of Mirza Miran
Chah was fent back into Azerbijana, with ad-
vice of the emperor's conquefts, and the good
condition of his troops. Mahmoud, fon of Be-
rat Coja, and Hendoucha, were likewiſe ſent to
Cabul, to bring troops from thence, to deftroy
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
99.
the Ourganis, againſt whom the Emir Soliman Chap. 324
Chah had caus'd the caftle of Nagaz to be built
before the emperor's departure for India, to op-
poſe their infults: which eſtabliſh'd quiet and
fecurity among the Muffulmans of that coun-
try.
On one fide of the caftle without the walls was
a delicious fountain, which Timur was defirous
fhou'd be within the encloſure of the caftle:
for which reafon, notwithstanding his great de-
fire to fee the princes his dear children, he pre-
fer'd the good of the public before his private
fatisfaction; and ftaid in that place till the walls
of the castle and the building over the fountain
were finish'd. This lafted no longer than from
tueſday till monday evening, becauſe every one
affifted in it, and the Emirs themſelves, to fet an
example to others, carry'd the tiles to the ma-
fons. Then the emperor gave the government
of this caftle of Nagaz to Nufret Comari, an
officer of the Mirza Pir Mehemed, with three
hundred men of the regiment of Sama Aglen,
whoſe captain was Yarek Aghil; to whom he
join'd four hundred deferters of the Uzbecs. He
gave the government of Irjab and Schenouzan to
the Cheik Haffan, nephew of the Cheik Noured-
din. Timur at length departed to encamp at the.
dome of the Cheik Mobarefchah.
The ninth of Regeb he went to Kermadge, April 4.
where the Cheik Ahmed Ougani, prince of that
place, had the honor to kifs his hand, being in-
troduc'd by the great Emirs: but Timur was
not pleas'd with the entertainment he gave him;
for thefe mountaineers are neither acquainted
with civility, good-breeding, or even the laws
of hofpitality.
In the evening they went to encamp at Ac-
fica, where the Cheik Abdal gave the emperor
G &
SE
100
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. as handfom an entertainment as he was able,
with which he was very much pleas'd.
April 5.
April 8.
The 10th of Regeb, Timur encamp'd in the
defile of Rame, and the fame day fent the doc-
tor Nimet to prince Charoc to acquaint him
with his arrival. The 11th they ſtopt at a
town, from whence they departed the ſame day
at nine in the morning for Cabul, where Timur
left the emprefs Tchelpan Mulc Aga, with
fome troops, whofe horſes and mules were ex-
ceedingly fatigu'd: he alfo left Mobacher there,
to conduct 'em leifurely. At night Timur ar-
riv'd at the mouth of Joui Neu, a canal very
full of fifh, which he had caus'd to be dug.
The 12th he went to encamp at Garban; where
he built a great hofpital of brick, becauſe ſeveral
roads meet at this place, which was foon fi-
nish'd.
or
The 13th the court pafs'd the mountain and
defile of Cheberto, and went to encamp in a
plain at two leagues diftance. The fame day
the emperor being ftruck by fome evil eye",
malign influence, fell fick, and had on his feet
and hands painful ulcers, which hinder'd his ta-
king any repoſe, and retarded 'em a whole day's
march; and becauſe of this accident this place
was call'd the dry and unfortunate camp. The
night following an cfficer arriv'd from Herat
from prince Charoc, with very agreeable news.
Timur departed from this place on the third
day in a commodious litter carry'd by mules,
he not being able to ride on hofeback and
as his fickneſs yet encreas'd, the officers
The Turks, as well as the Italians, are fo fuperftitious as
to believe that certain perfons bring misfortunes to every thing
they look upon; and that their eyes are fo venomous as to kill
children. The Italians call this, il cattivo occhio, the evil eye.
of
The history of Timur-Bec.
101
of his chamber faften'd leathern ftraps to the Chap.32,
poles fix'd to the litter, and fo carry'd him by n
the bottom of the river in a very narrow paffage
of the mountain Siapoutch, which they were
oblig'd to pafs. From the beginning of this
defile to the mountain they crofs'd the river
twenty-fix times; and twenty-two times from
the mountain to the end of the defile.
The 15th of Regeb, the domeftics of the April 10.
empreffes Serai Mulc Canum and Touman Aga,
and of the other ladys and children of the em-
peror, arriv'd at Samarcand, where they made
preſents to his majefty, affuring him of the em-
preffes and princes health. Timur fent Cot-
luc Timur, an officer of Touman Aga, to the
baggage; to bring from thence the elephants.
In the mean while his majeſty's indifpofition
difquieted the whole court, till the 17th of Re- April 12,
geb, when they crofs'd the river of the defile,
at which time it pleas'd God to restore him his
health.
The 18th he went in a litter from Surab to-
wards Bacalan, and encamp'd at the town of
Aker, where he ftaid a little to refresh himſelf,
and afterwards encamp'd at Cara Boulac. The
ladys of the Mirza Pir Mehemet, and of the
Emir Gehan Chah, with the Emirs and chiefs
of Bacalan, came to meet the emperor, and
make their prefents.
The 19th at ten in the morning he arriv❜d at
Semencan, whence he departed the fame day,
to encamp at Gaznic. The 20th he march'd to
Culm;
and fetting out from thence at noon, he
arriv'd at the Gihon before Termed at midnight,
CHAP,
G 3
t
102
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV.
April 15.
April 18.
CHA P. XXXIII.
Timur croffes the Oxus, and is met by the
princes and princeſſes of the blood.
T
}
HE 20th of Regeb, at nine in the morn-
ing, Timur having crofs'd the Oxus in a
boat, met on the other fide the Mirza Oulouc-
bek, the Mirza Ibrahim Sultan, the princefs
Beghifi Sultan his daughter, with the empreffes
Şerai Mulc Canum, Tekil Canum, and Touman
Aga, accompany'd by all the princes, Mirzas,
Emirs, lords and Cherifs of Samarcand, with
rothers who came to meet his majefty, who gave
em a handfom reception. This charming com-
pany, and efpecially the ladys, congratulated
him on his conquefts, and ſprinkled over him fo
great a quantity of gold and precious ftones,
that it feem'd as if the fand had been tranf-
form'd; into 'em.i.pro
1
The court ftaid at Termed two days, where
they were entertain'd witha fumptuous banquet
by the great Cherif Alael Mulc, who made fe-
veral handſom prefents.
The 23d of Regeb the court went to the
Kichlac of Gehan Mulc; and the 24th to the
bath of Turkig the 25th they pafs'd the iron-
gate of Coluga, and encamp'd at the river of
Baric. The 26th they encamp'd at Tchekeda-
lic; the 27th at Couzimondac; and the 28th
they arriv'd at Dourbildgin, where the Mirza
Charoc, who was come from Herat, had
the honor to kifs the emperor's hands: he con-
gratulated him upon his victorys, made him pre-
fents, and fprinkled upon him, according to
cuſtom,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
103
cuſtom, gold and precious ftones. The great Chap.33.
conqueror moſt affectionately embrac'd his dear
4
fon, whom he tenderly lov'd, and loaded him
with favors and honors.
At this place likewife the Mirza Omar, ſon
of Miran Chah, whom Timur at his departure
for the Indian war had left at Samarcand, had
the honor to kiss his majefty's feet, who gave
him a very kind reception, becauſe of the love
and care he had always fhewn to his people,
and the juftice he had fo exactly render'd.
* Toum.
On monday the 29th of Regeb, Timur went April 24.
to encamp on the bank of a little river; and
the 30th, in the delicious fields of Kech. He
immediately went to pay his devotions at the
tombs of the great Santons, Chamfeddin Kelar,
and others; and at length at that of his illuftri-
ous father, the Emir Tragai, of bleſſed memory:
and then he vifited thofe of his noble children.
Here he ftaid fifteen days, giving alms to the
poor of that country.
→
He departed from this place the 14th of Scha May 9.
ban, to encamp on the bank of the river of
Roudec. The 15th he encamp'd at Tchenàr
Rebat, or the town of plane-trees: the 16th he
pafs'd the mountain, and encamp'd at Cotlocy-
urt. The 17th he went to Tact Caratchah,
which himſelf had built: and the 18th he en-
camp'd at the Kiochk of Gehannuma. The 19th
he arriv'd at the pleafure-houfe of Dolet- Abad:
and monday the 20th, at nine in the morning,
he came to the Kiochk of the garden of Dilcu
Chah, the palace of which had been lately
finish'd and to confecrate that palace to joy
and pleafures, a royal banquet was prepar'd, at
:
7
[ Kiochk is a building in form of a cupola.
G 4
which
104
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. which the empreffes, the emperor's children, the
princes of the blood, the Emirs or dukes, and
the Nevians and foreign princes, affifted. They
caft ſo much gold and precious ftones upon his
majeſty, to congratulate him on his victorys and
happy arrival, that the earth feem'd fown with
'em, and all the officers were loaded with riches.
A
The 21ft of Schaban, Timur made his entry
into his capital city of Samarcand, where, after
he had been at the baths, to make his ablutions,
he went to vifit the tomb of the venerable San-
ton Farcadcatam, fon of Abbas; and there he
gave prefents to the officers belonging to this
mausoleum: then he went to the hoſpital founded
by the empress Touman Aga. After noon-prayer
he honor'd with his prefence the garden of planes,
and the palace of Nakchidgehan, where he
was diverted with feafts and plays. From
thence he went to the delicious garden of Baghi
Behicht, which is indeed a true paradife, as its
name imports. Then he came to the palace of
Baghi Bolend, at which place the elephants and
baggage arriv'd. The inhabitants of Tranfoxi÷
ana, who had never before feen any elephants,
were furpriz'd at thefe huge animals of fuch an
extraordinary figure, and gave praife to the Al-
mighty, whoſe works are incomprehenfible.
-
The emperor diftributed the curiofitys and
riches he had brought from India, among the
princes of the blood, the Cherifs; and chief
perfons of the kingdom, according to their dif-
ferent rank and quality: among which were pre-
cious ftones, gold, beautiful male and female
Negroes.
Timur fent Sarenk, eldeſt brother of Mellou
Can prince of Moultan, with two chains of ele-
phants, and other curiofitys, to the Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan. He made other preſents to the
Emirs
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
105
}
Emirs who had been left in Tranſoxiana, that Chap,34.
every one might partake of the benefits of his
conquefts. Then he permitted his fon prince
Charoc, to return to the feat of his kingdom of
Coraffana, after having loaded him with fa-
vors.
}
CHA P. XXXIV.
Building of the great mofque of Samarcand.
TH
HE Alcoran exprefly affures us, that the
greateſt proof cf a prince's faith is his
erecting temples to the honor of God: where-
upon our conqueror, being perfuaded that this
work of piety wou'd be the crown of the merits
he had acquir'd in his wars and Gazies againſt
the infidels, where he had deftroy'd the temples of
the falfe gods, and exterminated the idolaters,
refolv'd to build a great mofque in Samarcand,
large enough to contain all the faithful of that
capital city, when they thou'd affemble at friday-
prayers; and to this effect he iflu'd out his orders
for the foundations to be laid.
1399.
The architects chofe a happy moment to begin May 28.
it, viz. on the 4th of Ramadan 801, which an-
fwers to the year of the Hare, the moon being
then in Leo, going out of the fextile afpect of
the fun, and entring the fextile afpect of Venus.
The mafons, brought from foreign countrys, as
mention'd before, gave the greateſt proofs of
their art and skill, as well in the folidity and
beauty of the angles, as in the ſtrength of the
foundations of this noble edifice. In the infide
of the mofque were employ'd two hundred ma-
fon froms Azerbijana, Perfia and India: five
hun-
1
106
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book IV. hundred men likewife work'd in the moun-
tains in cutting and hewing of ſtones, which
were fent into the city. Several other artifans,
of different trades, perform'd their parts with
the utmoſt application. Ninety-five chains of
elephants were made uſe of in drawing large
ſtones with wheels and machines, according to
the laws of mechanics. The princes of the
blood and Emirs were appointed to overſee the
workmen, that not one moment might be loft in
finiſhing this ftupendous building.
In the mean while the Mirza Mehemet Sultan,
who ordinarily refided at Andecan, on the fron-
tier of Gete, arriv'd with a great attendance of
officers. He had the honor to pay his refpe&s
to the emperor in the hofpital of Touman Aga,
where he made his prefents, and ſprinkled gold
and precious ſtones upon his majefty, according
to the cuſtom of the Tartars, Moguls, and in-
deed of almoſt all the nations of the Turks.
Timur embrac'd this young prince with all the
tenderneſs that cou'd be expected from fo good
a father. He then went to vifit the works, to
animate the workmen by his prefence; and he
did not ftir either from the college of Canum,
which is near this mofque, or from the hoſpital
of Touman Aga; at which places he diftributed
juftice, fat in council, and decided the affairs of
religion and of the ſtate.
At length, under his conduct, this great edi-
fice was finifh'd. It contain'd four hundred
eighty pillars of hewn ſtone, each feven cubits
high. The arch'd roof was cover'd with marble,
neatly carv'd and polifh'd: and from the archi-
trave of the entablature to the top of the roof
were nine cubits. At each of the four corners of
A kind the mofque without was a Minaret *. The
of ſteeple. doors were of brass: and the walls, as well
with-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
107
{
without as within, as alfo the arches of the Chap.34.
roof, were adorn'd with writing in relievo, U
among which is the chapter of the cavern, aad
other parts of the Alcoran. The pulpit, and
reading-desk, where the prayers for the emperor
were read, were of the utmoft magnificence:
and the nich of the altar, cover'd with plates of
iron gilt, was likewife of perfect beauty.
After the month of Ramadan was paft, and
the feaft of Bairam come, Timur went to the
palace of Dilcu Chah, where he order'd prepa-
rations to be made for the moſt ſumptuous ban-
quets, and all forts of plays and diverfions.
The emprefs Rokia Canica on this occaſion gave
a noble entertainment, accompany'd with con-
forts of mufic and fine dancing.
*
}
The end of the fourth book.
BOOK
108
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
>
BOOK V.
Two wars of Timur in Georgia. The
conquest of Syria and Mefopotamia.
The famous war with Bajazet the Of
toman emperor, who after the lofs of
a battel is taken prifoner, and dies in
the Tartars camp.
An. Dom.
1399.
CHAP. I.
The caufes which oblig'd Timur to make war in
the country of Iran, that is, in the western
parts of Afia, from the river Gihon to the
Mediterranean Sea.
I
}
N the autumn of the year of the Hegira
801, which anſwers to that of the Mouſe,
the Mirza Miran Chah', conducted by his
evil deſtiny, went to take the diverſion of hunt-
ing in the neighborhood of Tauris, where the
tomb of Pir Ömar Naq Chirban is to be feen.
¹ Son of Timur, and viceroy of Media, which is call'd by
the Perfians Azerbijana. The great Moguls of India are de-
fcended from him.
*
1
He
}
The history of Timur Bec.
109
1
He met a roe buck, which he was defirous to Chap. 1.
take with his hands: but as he was ftooping
down to that purpoſe, he fell off his horfe, tho
he was one of the beſt horfemen of Afia; and
the violence of his fall caft him into a ſwoon, in
which he lay a long time. All the lords of his
court were extremely concern'd at it, and got
round him to comfort him. He continu'd in fits
for three days and nights: and his phyfician,
being an ignorant fellow, or rather a knave,
which has fince been moft fufpected, fail'd in the
application of remedys; by which means this
prince was feiz'd with a giddineſs in his brain,
which impair'd his fenfes. Thus this great man,
who till that time had poffefs'd the throne of
Hulacou, and of the kingdom of Azerbijana, with
fo much applaufe and glory, by the adminiſtra-
tion of juſtice and by his liberality, was depriv'd
of his underſtanding. Upon a bare fufpicion he
flew a man; and prodigally fquander'd away
the treasures of the ftate, deftroy'd the moſt
noted buildings, and did many things contrary
to the good fenſe and dignity of a prince.
One of his actions, which plainly diſcover'd
the alteration of his judgment, was, that at the
beginning of fummer, he departed at the head of
all his troops to befiege the city of Bagdad: he
march'd day and night, going two days journy
in twenty-four hours, imagining that the bare
rumor of his approach wou'd ftrike a terror in-
to the heart of the Sultan, and make him aban-
don the city. But affairs took a quite different
turn; for when Miran Chah was at the dome of
Ibrahim Lic, he receiv'd advice from Tauris, that
a great number of the principal men of the
kingdom were confederated against him; which
nevertheleſs did not hinder his progrefs to Bag-
dad. But the Sultan Ahmed, knowing it was
not
110
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. not a proper ſeaſon to befiege the place, becauſe
of the great drynefs and heat of the weather,
refolv'd to defend himfelf. In the mean while
couriers came inceffantly from Tauris with
reiterated advice of the confpiracy, and even of
the revolt of the principal inhabitants; fo that
the Mirza, two days after the arrival of the great
ftandard before Bagdad, was conftrain'd to return
to Tauris with expedition: he was no fooner en-
ter'd into that capital of Media, than he put all
thoſe to the ſword who were accus'd of being in
the confpiracy, of which number was the Cadi*.
During this autumn he fufpected that the Cherif
Ali, prince of Cheki, of the tribe of Erlat,
wou'd revolt from his obedience: for which
cauſe, without examining into the truth of it,
he march'd into the field at the head of his army,
and went to pillage his country.
* The
judg.
When the Georgians, who by their acts of
hoftility had already drawn on themſelves Ti-
mur's anger, were inform'd of the Mirza Miran
Chah's fmall application to public affairs, they
became fo infolent, that during Timur's expe-
dition in India they revolted. At the fame
time the Sultan Taher, fon of the Sultan of Bag-
dad, was with his troops in the fortrefs of Alen-
gic, which had been befieg'd a long time, ac-
cording to Timur's orders, by the Sultan Send-
ger, fon of Hadgi Seifeddin. The befiegers,
the better to carry on the fiege, had built a great
wall round the place, fo that no one cou'd get
in or out. This conjun&ture caus'd the Geor-
gians to get together a great number of troops:
and even the Cherif Ali, tho a good Muffulman,
•
* An old general of Timur's army, and his favorite, who
had attended him ever fince the beginning of his rife.
join'd
The hiftory of Timur- Bec.
111
join'd theſe infidels, to revenge himſelf for the Chap. 1.
Mirza Miran Chah's having pillag'd his country.
The Georgians came before Alengic with a
great army, being refolv'd to deliver the Sultan
Taher, who had been fo prefs'd, that his heart,
as one may fay, was in his mouth; and entring
Azerbijana, they fack'd the country, pillag'd
the Muffulmans effects, and committed all ima-
ginable diforders.
Sultan Sendger, on advice of this, rais'd the`
fiege, and march'd to Tauris to give an account
of this ftrange accident to Miran Chah, who
immediately order'd his fon the Mirza Abou-
becre to march with four or five Emirs before
Alengic, to repulfe the Georgians, and put a
ftop to their diſorders; which they cou'd not do
with fo much expedition, but that the Georgi-
ans got firſt to the place, from whence having
made the Sultan Taher go out, they plac'd A-
lengic in the hands of Hadgi Saleh, and three
famous Oznaours of Georgia, and then re-
turn'd home, their defign being only to deliver
the Sultan Taher. Yet by chance they met the
army of Tauris, which being far leſs numerous,
endeavor'd to avoid 'em; but that being impof-
fible, the Oznaours refolutely advanc'd as if
affur'd of the victory: at the firſt onſet they
broke thro the wings of the army of Tauris;
and the Cherif Ali, perceiving Aboubecre,
ruſh'd upon him out of the main body fword in
hand, to revenge the ruin his father had brought
upon his country: but this young prince, who
was but eighteen years old, kept his ground,
and let fly an arrow of walnut-wood againſt the
* The Oznaours are the principal lords of Georgia, as the
Emirs and Minzas are with the Perfians and Tartars.
!
Cherif,
112
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. Cherif, with fo much skill, that he ftruck him
near the collar of his helmet of gold, which he
pierc'd, and the arrow ftuck in his neck; fo that
the rafh Cherif fell down dead on a fudden.
This vigorous action of the young prince did not
hinder the Georgians gaining the victory; for
they totally defeated the army of Tauris, and
then return'd into their own country, while the
Mirza Aboubecre fav'd himſelf by flight.
;
Theſe melancholy events were the confequen-
ces of the Mirza Miran Chah's being lunatic
which yet appear'd in a more fhameful manner
in his excefles and debauches; for he employ'd
almoſt all his time in drinking and gaming. And
as one vice is always attended by another, he
fell into greater extravagances. As he was one,
day in converfation with his wife the princefs
Canzade, he reproach'd her with a fact which
wounded her honor, with which this chafte
princeſs was ſo fenfibly touch'd, that ſhe us'd all
her endeavors to difcover the fource of this ca-
lumny; in which fearch the lives of ſeveral men
and women were facrific'd; and even the Mir-
za's Vifier, Dolet Coja Einac, was oblig'd to
fly with his wife to Beyan Coutchin at Rei,
leaving all he had got during the time of his mini-
ftry to be plunder'd. The averfion of the Mir-
za and Canzade ſo far increas'd, that the prin-
ceſs, being highly incens'd, was oblig'd to go
to Samarcand, where fhe arriv'd juft as Timur
return'd from the Indian war, and had begun to
take fome recreation after the fatigues of that
expedition, and inform himfelf of the prefent
affairs of the empire. This was a favorable
time for the princeſs to be reveng'd; for Timur
had been already inform'd of the many diforders
committed in the kingdom of Iran, and efpeci-
ally in Azerbijana, thro the ill conduct of the
Mirza.
The history of Timur-Bec.
113
Mirza. Canzade at her arrival had the honor Chap. 2.
to kifs the imperial carpet in the caftle of plane-
trees, where ſhe acquainted his majeſty with her
husband's distemper, affuring him that if he did
not march towards that kindom, the Mirza wou'd
not fail of revolting, fince he now made flight
of the imperial mandates and prohibitions, and
had fquander'd away the treafures of Azerbijana
in debauches and prodigality.
Thefe reafons oblig'd Timur, before he had
repos'd himſelf after the fatigues of the laft
campain, from which he had not return'd above
four months, to take up a refolution to carry
his arms into the countrys of Iran, to put a ftop
to the diſorders which had crept in there, to
fuccour the weak, curb the infolent, and deli-
ver thoſe who were fallen under the weight of
injuſtice and tyranny.
CHA P. II.
Timur's departure for a campain of feven
years.
TIMUR, to whom the univerfal empire of
Afia was deftin'd, was no fooner on his
return from India, where he had fuffer'd the fa-
tigues of a tirefom war with the infidels for a
whole year, than he refolv'd to march towards
the weſtern parts of Afia, for the reaſons
given in the preceding chapter. The ex-
empts immediately fent meffengers into all the
provinces, with orders for the officers of the
army to affemble their troops, as well cavalry
as infantry, for a campain of feven years,
and repair immediately to court to receive his
VOL. II.
H
maje-
1
1
114
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. majeſty's orders. Timur fent to Herat three E-
mirs of the court of the Mirza Charoc, to fignify
to that prince that he muſt march into Azerbi-
jana at the head of the troops of Coraffana, and
* Charoc's that the Emir Solyman Chah* fhou'd go before
at the head of the vanguard to Tauris.
Vifier.
The Mirza Charoc having learnt the emperor's
will from the Emirs, employ'd himſelf in getting
ready the army of Coraffana; and the Emir So-
lyman Chah departed at the fame time with the
Seid Coja, whom Timur had fent. As foon as
the troops were affembled, the Mirza at their
head took the road to Beftam and Damgan.
When he was arriv'd at Jadgeron, he met Tou-
kel Carcara, who was come from the imperial
camp, which had already crofs'd the Gihon,
and who brought orders for the army of Coraffana
to take the road to Chafuman, Efterabad, and
Sari, becauſe the imperial army muft pafs by
·Beftam and Damgan. Whereupon the Mirza
turn'd towards Chafuman; but many of his hor-
ſes perifh'd in their march, as well by reafon of
the difficulty of the ways, as for that the roads
were full of poisonous herbs: and after a tedi-
ous journy he arriv'd at Firouzcouh. Timur
before his departure gave the government of all
the country of Touran to the Mirza Mehemed
Sultan, whom he left at Samarcand, the feat of
this great empire. He fix'd feveral Emirs in
employments near the Mirza's perfon, whoſe
buſineſs was to defend the frontiers; and he gave
the government of Andecan to the Mirza Esken-
der, to whom he entruſted the care of the limits
of Turkeſtan. At length, recommending him-
felf to God, he order'd the great imperial ftan-
dard to be brought into the field; and at the
Oft. 11. beginning of autumn, the eighth of Muharrem
1399. 802, which anfwers to the year of the Hare,
this
The history of Timur-Bec.
115
this great conqueror departed for a campain of Chap. 2.
feven years; the date of which day is found in
the letters of Fateh Carib, which fignifys, eafy
conqueft. Timur went directly to encamp at
Caratoupa, which mountain he afterwards
pafs'd, and went down to Kech, where he vi-
fited the tombs of the prince his father, and of
the Cheik Chamfeddin Kelar: here he diftri-
buted alms, and then went to Termed, where
he did the fame in the tombs of the Cherifs, as
well as in that of Coja Mehemed Ali, the great
philofopher of Termed, and in that of the
illuftrious Aboubecre Verrac, and other famous
Santons, imploring their interceffion with God
for the good fuccefs of his arms.
He crofs'd, the Gihon, and went down to
Balc, where he encamp'd in a meadow fituate
at the foot of the fortrefs of Hendouan: he
likewife vifited at Balc the tombs of theſe holy
men, 'Coja Okia Chah, Coja Rommane, Sultan
Ahmed Kezrouye, Fdáilayaz, Sefian Thaouri,
and others, whofe affiftance he befought: and
he did the Emir Yadghiar Berlas, governor of
Balc, the honor to lodge in his houfe. This
Emir was not wanting in performing his devoirs,
as well in fprinkling gold and precious ftones
at the emperor's feet, as in preparing for him a
magnificent banquet and prefents, and giving
him all the marks of a profound refpect and per-
fect obedience. Timur departed from Balc, and
after feveral days march, came to Sarek Camich
Dgiam, where he was join'd by the Mirza Cha-
roc's houfhold, and by the princeffes Melket
Aga*, and Ghioher Chad Aga*, with their *Charoc's
children, who came from Herat.
The emperor took pleafure in feeing 'em, and
receiv'd their prefents, and the precious ftones
they fprinkled on him, with fo much the more
fatisfaction,
H 2
wives.
1116
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. fatisfaction, in that they prefented to him the
young Mirza Siorgatmich, who was born of
Melket Aga but four months before, under the
afcendent of Virgo, the eighth of Ramadan
801. The emperor was tenderly affected at the
fight of the Mirza his grandfon, whom he load-
ed with bleffings.
June
1399.
P
The Emir Acbouga came to the fame place to
pay his refpects to his majeſty, making preſents,
and fprinkling precious ftones at his feet.. The
emperor gave him a handfom reception, with a
veft, and permitted him to return to Herat.
Then he went to vifit the tomb of the celebra-
ted Mufti Ahmed Dgiam, where he diftributed
alms as ufual, to implore the protection of this
famous Santon: and from thence he fent the
Mirza Rouftem to his eldeſt brother the Mirza
Pir Mehemed at Chiraz, with orders that theſe
two brothers fhou'd march together towards
Bagdad; and he commanded the Emir Sevindgic
to accompany him with a thouſand horfe. Ti
mur then took the diverfion of the chace in the
plains of Khergherd and Feragherd, where in
two days they flew an exceffive number of
beafts; and afterwards he continu'd his road
by Nichabour and Beftam, and diftributed vic-
tuals and ammunition among the troops: he
pafs'd by the province of Rei and Khouvar;
and being encamp'd at the town of Aivanic, he
was join'd by the Mirza Charoc, who according
to his inftructions had march'd by the road of
Mazendran.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
117
Chap. 3
CHA P. III.
The tranfactions of the Emir Solyman Chah.
HE Emir Solyman Chah, who had taken
TH
the road to Tauris with the vanguard,
being arriv'd at Rei, heard from Beyan Cout-
chin, governor of that town, of the Mirza Mi-
ran Chah's being lunatic: whereupon, not think-
ing himſelf ſecure if he fhou'd go to wait up-
on this prince, he refolv'd to march to Hama-
dan. But the Mirza Aboubecre having held a
council with his father's Emirs, they confented
to write a letter to Solyman Chah, in which
they invited him to come to Tauris, affuring
him that he fhou'd receive all manner of fatif-
faction. On this promiſe the Emir went there,
and with fo much conduct wrought upon Miran
Chah, that he perfuaded him to fet out two days
after to meet the emperor, with a numerous re-
tinue; while the Mirza Aboubecre gave this
brave Emir a magnificent entertainment in the
meadow of Comtoupa, without the city of Tau-
ris; honoring him with a veft, and making
him a prefent of feveral fine horſes, to gain his
good-will; as he did alfo Seid Coja, who ac-
company'd the Emir Solyman Chah: and then
they went together to Chehriar. When Timur
had paſs'd by Chehriar, the Mirza Miran Chah
arriv'd at the imperial camp; but he cou'd not
obtain audience till the next day. The fame
day a meſſenger, nam'd Aman, arriv'd from
Chiraz, and offer'd prefents to Timur from the
Mirza Omar Cheik: he had a handfom reception,
and the honor to kifs the imperial carpet. Next
H 3
day
118
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
1
Book V. day the Mirza Miran Chah had alfo the honor
to kiss the emperor's feet: he offer'd his prefents
on his knees; but he was not receiv'd by the
emperor with any tokens of kindneſs, becauſe
of the faults he had committed. Then Timur
fent to Tauris before the reft, Timur Coja fon of
Acbouga, and Gelaleliflam, to carry informa-
tion of the deportment of Miran Chah. Theſe
two commiffarys, at their arrival there, caus'd
the principal officers and lieutenants of this
Mirza to be feiz'd and bound, and the regiſters
of the Divan to be brought to 'em. And where-
as the Mirza had fquander'd away two parts of
the revenues for four years belonging to the
Divan, theſe commiffarys wou'd not paſs his ac-
counts for the fame. But as information was
given the court, that the principal cauſe of the
diſorder of the province came from the Mirza's
exceffes, and he was buoy'd up in this evil paf-
fion by the inſtigation of certain profligate mu-
ficians, and others, who made it their buſineſs
to excite him to pleaſures and drunkennefs; that
theſe paraſites never ftir'd from the prince's per-
fon, but took care to furnish him with new ſub-
jects for debauches; the emperor iffu'd out an
order that they fhou'd be all hang'd, not ex-
cepting one man, to ferve for an example to
others. Thus all the Mirza's favorites were
feiz'd; and even the moſt ingenious men, who
were of that number, were not fpar'd, but
ferv'd as a warning to others; as the incompara-
ble Moulana Mehemed Couheftani, fo famous
for all fciences, and fo celebrated a poet;
whofe converfation and agreeable wit had ren-
der'd him the wonder of his age.
Timur, at his arrival at Sultania, gave au-
dience to Muzaffer of Neteuze 4, who came
A town near Cachan.
from
The history of Timur-Bec.
119
ง
from Ifpahan; and prefenting to Timur jewels Chap. 3
and precious veffels, he kifs'd the imperial carpet.
Timur continu'd his march towards Carabagh,
by the way of Caraderra and Ardebil: he
hunted in the plains of Moucam' and A&tam ›
and encamp'd on the banks of the Arana, which
he cross'd the next day upon a bridge of boats,
and went to Carabagh Arran. He diſtributed
the winter-quarters among his troops, which
were to be in the neighbourhood of Coutour-
kint, where the hord and lordſhip of Omartaban
lay. At Carabagh the Mirza Aboubecre, and
the Emir Solyman Chah, had the honor to pay
their reſpects to the emperor; and all the Emirs
and chief lords of Miran Chah's court, and the
generals of his army, made their preſents to his
majefty, according to their ability.
We have already related how the Cherif Ali
king of Cheki, of the hord of Erlat, had join'd
the Georgian army; that he came with 'em to
the gates of Alengic, and loft his life by the
hands of the young Mirza Aboubecre, fon of
the Mirza Miran Chah. Since that time, his
fon, the Cherif Sidi Ahmed, who had taken up-
on him the reins of government, fell into an ex-
treme inquietude, fearing left his father's fault
ſhou'd juſtly draw upon him Timur's vengeance:
this reflection oblig'd him to feek the protec
tion of the Emir Čheik Ibrahim, king of Chir-
van, and to fly to him for refuge, becauſe this
Emir was honor'd with Timur's particular favor,
who lov'd him becauſe, of his fincerity, and die
ftinguifh'd him among his greateſt officers.
Wherefore this king of Chirvan, relying entire-
• Towns of Azerbijana.
• A river frontier of Azerbijana and Arran.
H
ly
4
120
The history of Timur-Bec.
J
Book V. ly on the emperor's goodneſs, carry'd the Cherif
to the foot of the throne, defigning to beg par-
don for him, and procure him the honor to kifs
the imperial carpet. In effect, Sidi Ahmed kifs'd
the ground with a profound fubmiffion, and the
Cheik Ibrahim ask'd pardon for his faults. The
emperor full of clemency was willing to give
him that mark of his affection; and not only par-
don'd the Cherif on his account, but even gave
him a handfom reception, and moreover con-
firm'd him in the principality of Cheki, which
the Cherif Ali his father formerly poffefs'd.
The Cheik Ibrahim, in quality of king of Chir-
van, paid alſo his particular devoirs; and to tef-
tify his joy at the emperor's coming into his
country, he prepar'd great banquets, and caus'd
fo great a number of horfes and fheep to be flain,
that all the cooks in the court were not fufficient
to drefs 'em. Befides this banquet, he enter-
tain'd the court with all other pleaſures, which
ufually accompany any famous feafts; and after-
wards he offer'd his prefents, which confifted
of curious animals, beautiful boys and girls, di-
vers ſtuffs, belts of gold fet with precious ftones,
feveral forts of cuiraffes and other arms; and
laftly, fix thouſand horfes of great price and
beauty.
CHAP. IV.
The arrival of good news from feveral parts.
D
URING theſe tranſactions, advices were
brought from all parts, which were very
advantageous to us: among the reft we were
inform'd of the death of Timur Cotluc Aglen,
who
The hiftory of Timur-Bec
121
who having fled for refuge to Timur, after the Chap. 4.
defeat and ruin of Tocatmich Can, had thro
the protection of Timur been eſtabliſh'd on the Death of
the grand
throne of the Cans of Capchac, and the empire can of
of Touchi; and yet forgetful of all the favors Capchac.
he had receiv'd from Timur, thro an unparallel'd
ingratitude, had revolted, and declar'd war a-
gainſt him they had advice, I fay, of the death
of this ungrateful prince, as alfo of the miſerable
ftate of the kingdom of Capchac from fedi-
tious and inteftine wars.
of Egypt.
At the fame time we alſo heard that Malek Death of
Ezzaher Barcoc, king of Egypt and Syria, had the Sultan
pafs'd from this world into the other: that dif-
cord having crept among the Emirs and Mama-
lucs, the affair had ended in a civil war, in
which ſeveral of the principal Emirs had been
maffacred: that Farrudge, ſon of Barcoc, who
was declar'd heir and fucceffor to the kingdom,
had neither credit nor authority: and, that the
kingdoms of Egypt and Syria were entirely fal-
len into diforder.
There came alfo advice, that Tangouz Can, Death of
emperor of China, where he had reign'd a long the empe-
time, profeffing idolatry, was dead: and that the ror of Chi-
Chineſe who had revolted, had caus'd great con-
fufions in that empire.
na.
They alfo learnt that Kezre Coja Aglen, king Death of
of Gete, had paid the tribute to the angel If the king of
rael; and that after his death diffenfions arofe Gete.
among his four fons, Chamadgehan, Mehemed
Aglen, Chirali, and Chadgehan, thro the mo-
tions of fome feditious people.
The fame day they alſo heard that the Mirza
Eskender, fon of Omar Cheik, was departed
from Andecan at the head of his Emirs and ar-
my, and had enter'd Mogoliftan, where, thro
Timur's good fortune, he had gain'd the advan-
tage
122
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. tage over the Moguls, whom he utterly de-
feated.
Theſe advices, which were of fo great impor-
tance to the defigns of our conqueror, arriving
the fame day, fill'd the hearts of all the em-
peror's faithful fervants with joy.
As the affair of the Mirza Eskender is of fuch
great confequence, we have thought proper to
give the reader a detail of it. Diffenfion having
crept in among the people of Gete' after the
death of Kezre Coja Aglen, the Mirza Esken-
der laid hold on this favorable opportunity, and
got together the troops of Andecan; and tho
he was but fifteen years old, he put himſelf at
their head, accompany'd by the Emirs of his
court, and by thofe who in compliance with
Timur's orders, guarded the frontiers of Gete;
and boldly enter'd into the lands of the Mogols.
I
When he was come near to Cachgar, and the
Emirs had join'd him, they advanc'd all toge-
ther to pillage and ravage the town of Yarkent':
then they march'd on farther, and did the fame
to Sarek Camich, Kelapine, Aligheul, Yar
Courgan, Tchartac, and Keiouc Bagh they
at length arriv'd at the province of Aoudge in
Mogoliſtan, and almoſt all the people, whoſe
hords were in thoſe quarters, came to meet 'em
with fubmiffion, and obedience. They took
thoſe prifoners who refus'd to obey, and carry'd
'em with 'em towards the citadel of Acfou, which
they befieg'd, and with great difficulty made
themſelves mafters of it. This citadel confifts of
• The author feems to make no difference between the
Getes and the Mogols, either becauſe the action is the fame,
or that the Mogols at that time inhabited the country of Gete.
8
Capital of Turkeſtan.
"Town of Gete.
• All towns of Mogoliftan.
three
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
123
three caftles, which have a communication with Chap. 4.
one another, and is eſteem'd ſo ſtrong, that the
inhabitants of all the neighboring provinces
confider it as a fure afylum in time of war. The
Mirza foon encamp'd with his Emirs without the
place; and being prepar'd to attack it vigo-
roufly with inftruments for fapping the walls,
fcaling-ladders, battering-rams, and other ma-
chines, he caus'd feveral affaults to be given
immediately after one another, for near forty
days, when the befieg'd were oblig'd to furren-
der: to which purpoſe they fent prefents to the
Mirza, and made feveral very rich Chineſe mer-
chants go out of the place, who had been fhut
up there with their effects. Then the Mirza
fent men to make inroads at Bai and Coufan;
the former of which is a cool place fit for the
fummer, and the latter a warm place proper for
winter. The fcouts pillag'd theſe two towns,
and brought away captive the princefs Hadgi
Melik Aga, wife of the Emir Kezre Chah, and
her daughter Ifan Melik, with other ladys. At
length they went to pillage the town of Tarem,
whence they brought the inhabitants away pri-
foners.
After theſe conquefts the Mirza Eskender de-
parted from Acfou for Cotan, one hundred and
fifty feven days journy from Cambalec, capi- * Pequin,
tal of the northern China, call'd Catai, which
is a flouriſhing and populous country, with abun-
dance of water: for we count from Cotan to
Cara Coja thirty-five days journy; from thence
to Tetcaoul, frontier of China, thirty-one days
journy, where there is a wall fituate between two The Chi
mountains, in which wall is a great gate, and nefe wall,
3
Capital of a kingdom of the fame name.
feveral
124
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. feveral Yam Canes, or inns to lodge paffengers,
and feveral foldiers are always at this place to
guard the frontiers and entrance of the wall.
From hence to Ghendgian Fou, a city of China,
is fifty-one days journy; and forty from that
place to Cambalec. It is alfo forty from Ghend-
gian Fou to Nemnai. We are affur'd there is
another road, by which to go from Cotan to the
frontiers of China in forty days: but there is not
one dwelling-place in it, the fands make it very
tireſom; and tho the water, which is drawn out
of the wells in its defarts, is eafily come at, yet
in feveral places it is venomous, and kills the ani-
mals which drink of it: and what is very fur-
prizing, out of two wells at a fmall diſtance from
each other, the water of one is poiſonous, and the
other perfectly good. From Cotan to Cachgar
is fifteen days journy, and from Cachgar to
Samarcand twenty-five. In Cotan are two ri-
vers, Oraccach, and Caracach, the ftones of
which being jaſper, are carry'd to other coun-
trys. Theſe two rivers have their fource in the
mountain of Carangoutac.
To return to our ſubject: at the Mirza Esken-
der's arrival at Cotan, the inhabitants came out
to falute him, and bring him prefents; and he
behav'd himſelf with fo much prudence, that all
the places and caftles of this frontier-province
were reduc'd to the emperor's obedience. He
at length departed from Cotan, and came to Ca-
rangoutac, a very fteep and rugged mountain;
into which the inhabitants of Cotan and the
neighboring places fly for refuge in time of
war.
When the Mirza was fully inform❜d of the
ftrength and inacceffiblenefs of Carangoutac,
he did not judge it convenient to hazard his
troops there, but chofe rather to return, and
fpend the winter at Cachgar. He chofe two
f
com-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
125
companys of Mogul young women, the moſt Chap. 4
beautiful of Cotan, nine in each company, whom
he ſent as a preſent to the emperor by the Cheik
Yefaoul he likewife fent by the fame perfon nine
young women and nine horſes to the Mirza Me-
hemet Sultan, who being extremely incens'd
againſt him, refus'd his prefents.
:
The reafon of this difcord was as follows:
the Mirza Mehemed Sultan was come into Tur-
keſtan with an army to join the Mirza Eskender,
and go with him to the war againſt the Getes;
but Eskender, inftead of waiting for him as he
ought, went before, and march'd directly into
Mogoliftan, that he might not ferve under Me-
hemed Sultan. This excited Mehemed's hatred,
fo that he wou'd not accept of his prefents; and
he return'd to Samarcand with his army, without
putting any defigns in execution.
When fpring was come, the Mirza Eskender
return'd to Andecan, from whence he took the
road to Samarcand, to vifit Mehemed Sultan;
but he learnt at the mountain Ackioteb, that
the Mirza being highly incens'd againſt him,
had a defign to feize him. This advice made.
Eskender jealous; fo he return'd to Andecan,
and enter'd the caftle: but the Emirs, Pir Mehe-
med, fon of Tagi Bouga, and Pir Hadgi fon of
Melik, tax'd him with a deſign to revolt. They
affembled the militia of Andecan, and befieg'd
the caſtle, upon which the Mirza Eskender came
out, and went to lodge in a garden built by the
Mirza Omar Cheik, after having confer'd with
'em with a deal of good-nature. Then the Emirs
feiz'd his domeftics, and bound 'em; of which
they fent advice to the Mirza Mehemed Sultan
at Samarcand, as alfo of Eskender's entring
the caftle, and defign to revolt. Mehemed Sul-
tan diſpatch'd an exprefs to bring Eskender to
Samar-
126
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
1
Book V. Samarcand, with the officers of his houfhold.
They deliver'd this prince to him at the bank of
the river of Couhec; and having bound him,
they put to death his Atabec ', Beyan Timur,
fon of Bikidgek, with twenty-fix of his do-
meftics.
3
CHAP. V.
Timur marches into Georgia, and to the defile
of Comcha.
T
IMUR deſigning to carry his arms into
Georgia, in obedience to the precept of
the Alcoran, which teaches us to wage war up-
on all who disbelieve the muffulman religion, he
began to make preparations from the winter of
An. Dom. 802, being then encamp'd at Carabagh Arran.
1399.
He gave a veft to the Cheik Ibrahim of Chir-
van, and another to Sidi Ahmed of Cheki; and
after having loaded 'em with his favors, he per-
mitted 'em to return home. He chofe three men
out of every ten to ferve as fcouts, whom he
order'd to take victuals for ten days: and he
commanded the baggage and reft of the army
to ſtay in this place. He went to join theſe
fcouts with the Mirzas his fons; and being ar-
* Abcor. riv'd at the river of Cyrus*, he crofs'd it with
his troops on a bridge of boats. Soon after he
was join'd by the Cheik Ibrahim of Chirvan, and
Sidi Ahmed, prince of Cheki, who came to fol-
low the court.
*
* Atabec is a prince's governor.
The
The history of Timur-Bec.
127
The imperial army paſs'd by Cheki 4, and took Chap. 5.
the road to the defile of Comcha', where the
infidels dwelt and as this defile was full of
thick woods, the trees of which were very cloſe-
ly interwoven with one another, the foldiers had
orders to cut 'em down to facilitate their paffage.
Accordingly they made a road with their axes
and faws ten days journy in length, and broad
enough for five or fix companys to march in
front. At that time it fnow'd exceedingly for
twenty days together; but that cou'd not hin-
der Timur from arriving with his army in
Georgia. Our men made the great cry, Allah Ec-
ber, and fell upon the enemy with fo much fury,
that the furface of the mountain which the fnows
had before render'd white, with the blood of thefe
infidels became as red as fields fown with tulips;
and no quarter was given to any they met. Com-
cha the chief of thefe infidels, who disbelieve
any future judgment, was oblig'd to abandon
his effects and family, and fly. Our foldiers pur-
fu'd him as far as the defile of Acfou, and re-
turn'd with a great many oxen, ſheep, and other
cattel. After Comcha's flight, and retreating
into the woods, they fet fire to his houſes, and
pillag'd and ruin'd all his villages. And as
wine was abfolutely neceffary for this people;
their men, women, and little children being fo
accuſtom❜d to it, that when they were on their
death-bed, they entreated that fome might be
buried in their fepulchres with 'em, and order'd
by their wills that after their deaths their bodys
fhou'd be waſh'd with wine, and their coffins
made with vine-tree for this confideration,
• A town on the fouth frontiers of Georgia near the Cafpian.
? A defile in Georgia, belonging to prince Comcha.
that
128
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. that they might do 'em the more damage, and
entirely ruin 'em, the vine-trees were diftributed
among the troops, who rooted up all of 'em,
which they had with fo great difficulty cultiva-
ted; they alſo cut down the other trees, and
peel'd feveral. They afterwards raz'd the great
edifices of this country, and efpecially the tem-
ples, where they paid their adorations, which
were fo difagreeable to God. And what is re-
markable is, that in the winter of the preceding
year, which was that of the Leopard, Timur
deftroy'd the Guebres of India, and ruin'd
their temples at Deli, and upon the Ganges;
and that this winter, which was the year of
the Hare, he was carrying on the fame war of
religion in Georgia, and razing the temples of
the Georgians. The poet fays, that he had one
foot on the eaſtern frontiers of India, and the
other the weſtern limits of the country of
upon
Arran.
CHAP. VI.
Timur's return from the defile of Comcha.
TH
IMUR ftaid near a month in this defile;
and his foldiers had made themſelves maf-
ters of all the mountains, after having flain an
infinite number of brave Oznaours, whofe prince
Comcha was retir❜d to fo great a diſtance, that
no advice cou'd be got of the place he was in ;
and the enemy's country was entirely ruin'd
beſides all this, the cold was very violent, and
the ways were clog'd up with fnow, fo that the
horfes had nothing to eat but the barks of trees,
and even feveral of 'em died with hunger.
Where-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
129
{
Whereupon Timur refolv'd to return: he repafs'd Chap. 6.
the river of Cyrus, and came back with glory to
Carabagh, where he enter'd his imperial tent
with the acclamations of all the lords and prin-
ces of his court. The joy at his prefence was
augmented by the birth of a fon to the Mirza
Calil Sultan: this young prince was named Ber-
kul; and feveral days were fpent in fprinkling
gold and precious ftones upon him: they had
banquets and plays, accompany'd with mufic,
to celebrate this happy birth. Soon after a fe-
vere order was iffu'd out; for profecuting thoſe
in a council of war, who had not behav'd them-
felves as they ought in the battel fought by the
Mirza Miran Chah against the Georgians, in the
neighborhood of Alengic. The Mirza Charoc
was commiffion'd to fee to the putting this or-
der in execution; who having examin'd all the
facts, in council with the Emirs of the Divan,
they prefented a memorial to the emperor, with
the feveral interrogatorys, informations and
proofs: upon which Timur order'd the puniſh-
ment due by the laws of Genghiz Can to be ex-
ecuted. The baftinado was given to Hadgi
Abdalla Abbas, and Mehemed Cafgan: Yumne
Haruzai Aperdi, who had fled firft, was order'd
to be put to death; but the Chah Zades, or
emperor's children, obtain'd the favor of his
being repriev'd after the baftinado before and
behind; and each of theſe three lords was fin'd
thirty horfes. They alſo fin'd the principal of-
ficers of the Mirza Miran Chah, fome at fifty,
fome at two hundred, and fome at three hundred
horfes; which horfes were diftributed among
the foot-foldiers.
Timur beſtow'd many favors and honors on
the Mirza Aboubecre, becauſe of the valor he
had hewn in the fight, when he unhors❜d Sidi
VOL. II.
I
Ali
130
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. Ali king of Cheki. At the fame time the prince
Burhan Aglen was likewife put to death, for ha-
ving committed fome confiderable faults, very
unworthy of his birth, in feveral, skirmishes.
His fon was treated in the fame manner; and
his regiment, officers, and domeftics were given
to Rouftem Foulad.
*
1
CHAP. VII.
Continuation of the hiftory of the Mirza Rou-
ftem, who was gone from Dgiam to Chiraz.
A great crime committed by his eldeſt bro-
ther, the Mirza Pir Mehemed.
•
$
WE have faid before that the emperor had
fent
•
fent the Mirza Rouftem from Dgiam
to Chiraz, and that he was accompany'd in his
journy by the Emir Sevindgic at the head of two
thoufand horfe. They happily arriv'd at Chiraz
by the road of Yezd and Abrecouh. The Mir-
za Pir Mehemed gave him a handfom reception,
and a fumptuous banquet, in the garden of Cara-
bagh', and prefented him with a veft and a hun-
dred thouſand Dinars Copeghis. Some time af-
ter the Mirza Rouftem, accompany'd. by the
Emirs Sevindgic, his nephew Haffan Jandar,
and Haffan Jagadaoul, who were at Chiraz, took
the road to Bagdad, according to the emperor's
order, and pass'd by Behbehan and Toftar; leav-
In Coraffana towards Baftriana: the fame with Sarek
Camich Dgiam.
•
? A royal garden at Chiraz, different from Carabagh near
Tauris.
ing
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
ізі
ing at Chiraz, to govern that city, the Emirs Chap.
Said Berlas, and Alibek Aifa, a relation of the
Emir Abbas, as Timur had commanded him.
But the Mirza Mehemed, who had the fame or-
ders to depart at the head of this army, delay'd
his departure, till a long time after; then pre
tending fickness, he return'd to Chiraz by No-
bendgian in Chouleftan.
This did not deter the Mirza Rouftem with
his Emirs from ravaging Lorafterec, in the coun-
try of Ramhérmez, from whence he brought a-
great quantity of booty: he made the fame hafte
in paffing by the village of the bridge, call'd
Dezfoul: he pillag'd in the plain of Dombar-
all the. fubjects of the princes Saki and Febli.
From thence he went to plunder Bad? and Bac-
fa", whence he brought away feveral flaves; and
in the month of Jumaziulevel 802, he arriv'd'at March
Mendeli . The Emir Ali Calander, the gover-
nor of it for the Sultan of Bagdad, put himſelf
in a poſture of defence; but he being repuls'd
at the firft onfet, they feiz'd on eleven of his
men, whofe heads they cut off, and then per-
mitted the foldiers to pillage the place.
་
In the mean while the Mirza Pir Mehemed,
who under pretence of fickneſs had turn'd back,
arriv'd at Chiraz, where by the inftigation of
certain Tadgics, who had lifted themſelves in
his fervice, he fell into fome extravagances; un-
dertaking to compofe poifons and faſcinations,
the defigns of which he was utterly ignorant of.
The Emir Said Berlas, governor of Chiraz, be->
ing inform'd of it by fome of this young prince's
fervants, immediately made a ftri&t fearch into
A town of Loreftan. long. 86. lat. 31.
"Towns of Chaldea.
1
A town of Arabia, dependent on Bagdad.
I 2
the
1400.
132
The history of Timur-Bec.
*
Book V. the matter, and learnt from his very officers
the whole of it, even before the Mirza's face.
Upon theſe inconteſtable proofs the Emir
Said imprifon'd Pir Mehemed in the inner for-
trefs, and lodg'd himfelf in the caftle to guard
him, leaving Alibec Aifa in the city to govern
it in his ftead; and he fent advice to court of
what had pafs'd at Chiraz. The meffenger of
the Emir Said gave an accouut of this to Timur
in the winter-quarters at Carabagh, who im-
mediately fent the Emir Allahdad to Chiraz, to
profecute thoſe wicked Tadgics, who had taught
the Mirza to make the poifons, that they might
be put to death: he was likewife order'd to fet-
the the Mirza Rouftem upon the throne of Perfia,
in the room of his eldeſt brother, whom he was
to bring bound to court. Accordingly the
Emir Allahdad, at his arrival at Chiraz, put to
death Moulana Mehemed Calife, Seid Dgerrah,
and Rouftem Corafani, who were convicted of
having taught the Mirza how to compofe the
poifons; he caus'd Maftaoui Couchtchi's legs and
arms to be cut off; and put in irons Mobarec
Coja, Muhib Cherberdar, and Cheik Zadei Fe-
rid, who were accus'd of having been concern'd
in the fame crime. Allahdad then fent the em-
peror's letters-patent to the Mirza Rouftem, in
Irac-Arabi, by which he was inftall'd in the
government of the kingdom of Perfia. This
prince receiv'd 'em at Mendeli, after he had
gain'd the victory over Mir Ali Calander. As
foon as he had read the emperor's orders, he
departed for Chiraz: the Emirs Haffan Jandar
and Haffan Jagadaoul, who accompany'd him,
return'd back; and the Emir Sevindgic took the
road to Chepchemal, for Carabagh Arran, where
the army lay then encamp'd.
}
{
Mir
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
133
2
Mir Ali Calander, who had fled from Men- Chap. 7.
deli, being arriv'd at Bagdad, gave an account
to the Sultan Ahmed of what pafs'd: this prince
fell into a great inquietude, and order'd the gates
to be fhut, and the bridge of the city to be de-
ftroy'd.
About this time there happen'd a very remark-
able affair, of great fervice to Timur. This
monarch having given the government of Cou-
reftan to one nam'd Cherouan, this governor im-
mediately gave himſelf up to the getting of mo-
ny at any rate: he exacted great fums from
Chamfeddin Dehdar, and other principal men
of the country; he even put to death the go-
vernors of Haviza; and what was worſe than
all this, he revolted, and with a thouſand horſe
well-equip'd went to Bagdad, where he offer'd
his fervices to Sultan Ahmed, who gave him
a handfom reception, loading him with honors
and careffes. Cherman did not reft there; but
endeavor'd to win over to him the Sultan's prin-
cipal officers, and to that purpoſe fecretly gave
'em confiderable fums, from ten thoufand to three
hundred thouſand Dinars of Bagdad. But it
happen'd very unluckily to this traitor, that the
memorandum of the fums paid to each of theſe
lords was loft thro the negligence of his fecretary,
and fell into the hands of Caure Behader, one
of the Sultan's officers, who prefented the note
to his maſter, at a time when the affrighted Sul-
tan had caus'd the gates of the town to be fhut.
This affair greatly increas'd his jealoufy; and
particularly a fum of ten thouſand Dinars, fet
down to the name of Rafe, whom the Sultan
immediately caus'd to be arrefted, and cut off
A town in the province of Coureftan, call'd alſo Ahouaz.
I 3
his
134
The hiſtory of Timür-Bec.
Book V. his head with his own hand. In the mean while,
as he had already fent Cherouan, with Coutoub
Haideri, Manfour, and other Emirs, to ravage
Oirat; he immediately diſpatch'd Yadghiar
- Ecatchi, with orders to the Emirs to flay Che-
rouan; which was accordingly executed, and his
head brought to Bagdad, where the Sultan in
lefs than eight days put to death near two thou-
fand of his officers. He fent to Vafet the lady
Vefa Catoun, who had nurs'd and educated
Cherouan from his infancy; where ſhe was ſmo-
ther'd by a pillow laid over her face. He
flew with his own hand most part of the other
ladys and officers of his houfhold, whom he or-
der'd to be caft into the Tigris: and afterwards
he ſhut himſelf up in the Seraglio, not fuffering
any one to come to him; and even when the
Bavertchis, or ſtewards, brought him his din-
ner, they knock'd at the door, deliver'd in the
difhes, and then return'd without entring. He
ſpent ſeveral days after this manner, and then
order'd fix of his most faithful fervants to con-
vey fecretly fix horſes out of his ſtable to the
other fide the Tigris; which river he crofs'd one
night in a boat, and with thofe fix perfons rode
into the country fubject to Cara Youfef prince
-of the Turcomans. In the mean while the ftew-
ards, as ufual, carry'd the king's dinner to the
gate of the Seraglio, and deliver'd it to an offi-
cer who was in the fecret, the people having
no knowledg of the Sultan's abfence. This prince
join'd Cara Youfef, and perfuaded him to come
with his troops to pillage the town of Bagdad.
When they were come there, he affign'd quarters
on the other fide of the water for the troops
of Cara Youfef: the Sultan crofs'd the river in
a boat, and came to his palace; and he gave fo
much ready mony, ftuffs, arms, Arabian horfes,
gold
The history of Timur-Bec.
135
gold belts, and other riches, to Cara Youfef and Chap. 7.
his men, that thofe Turcomans were content
with what they had got. The Sultan wou'd by
no means permit 'em to infult the city; but as
he very much fear'd being attack'd by the army
of Zagatai, he fent out fpys on all fides, who
gave him a true information of the condition of
Timur's affairs.
In the month of Zilhadge 802, Timur being July 1400.
on his march to Sebafte, the Sultan of Bagdad
imagin'd that if the formidable armys of this
conqueror fhou'd again enter Natolia and Syria,
all the paffages wou'd be block'd up, whilft he
muſt be oblig'd to fave himſelf by flight. He
therefore refolv'd to leave Farrudge governor of
the city of Bagdad, whence he defign'd to go
out with Cara Youfef, his wives and children,
and his jewels, with whatever he cou'd carry
away worth taking. So they crofs'd the Eu-
phrates, for Natolia; and being arriv'd at A-
leppo, Temourtach, who commanded there,
came out with his Emirs to oppofe his paffage.
A battel enfu'd: but thofe of Aleppo being
defeated, the Sultan and the reft purfu'd their
road, and came to Natolia. As they were on
their march towards the city of Sebafte, capital
of Roum, they were met by a party of Timur's
army but what pafs'd between 'em we'll re-
late hereafter.
I 4
CHAP.
136
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
!
CHAP. VIII.
L
[ A diet in relation to the affair of Georgia.
A
FTER winter was over, that is, in the
beginning of the year of the Crocodile,
Timur left his winter-quarters at Carabagh.
He affembled a diet, whereto the princes his
fons, the Emirs, the lords and general officers
did not fail of coming: he held a council with
'em, in which it was unanimouſly refolv'd that
the war with the infidels of Georgia was pre-
ferable to all others, as well for the good of re-
ligion, which ought to be the principal object of
war, as for the increaſe of the power of monar-
chy, and the conjuncture of the prefent affairs.
The ufual feaft was made after the diet; and the
banquet, which was very fumptuous, was ac-
company'd with all forts of plays and pleafures,
Timur, excited by a defire of liberality, diftri-
buted the treaſures among the Chah Zades, his
fons, the Emirs and all the foldiers of the ar-
my, and gave horſes to thofe who were on foot.
He afterwards inform'd himſelf of the roads and
quarters of Georgia, where they fhou'd encamp,
and had 'em very exactly fet down in writing:
and then imploring the divine affiftance, he
departed from Carabagh, taking the road to
Georgia, the country of Malek Ghourghin. In
ten days he arriv'd at the plain of Berdaa, where
he encamp'd, and gave audience to Taharten,
prince of Arzendgian upon the Euphrates, who
had already gain'd his majeſty's favor by his
good fervices. This prince kifs'd the earth be-
fore Timur; made a diſcourſe in his praiſe,
full
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
137
full of vows for his profperity; and offer'd his Chap. 8*
prefents. Timur being willing to diftinguifh
him by very particular favors, not only gave him
a veft, a cap and a belt, but he further honor'd
him with a horfe-tail, a ftandard, and two ket-
tle-drums, which are the figns of fovereignty:
and then he permitted him to return to Ar-
zendgian, after having given him inftructions
concerning the application and care he ought to
ufe in the government of the city in the prefent
conjun&ture; and exprefly recommended to him
to uſe circumfpection to preferve his frontiers.
from the infults of the Ottomans; to which pur-
pofe he ought to be watchful, cautious, and li-
beral to his foldiers, and neglect nothing to pro-
tect himſelf from his enemys artifices, who are
very politic and dangerous.
Timur departed from Berdaa, and after fe-
veral days journy arriv'd at the frontiers of Geor-
gia. He immediately diſpatch'd an exprefs to
Malek Ghourghin, to fend to the camp the
prince Taher, fon of Sultan Ahmed Gelair.
The meffenger acquitted himſelf of his com-
miffion; but the king of Georgia, Ghourghin,
return'd him a very uncivil anfwer. The exprefs
came back without obtaining any thing, and
gave an account to Timur of all that had pafs'd
in the audience. The rafhnefs of this refufal
kindled his wrath againſt theſe infidels; where-
fore leaving the baggage, he went before, and
order'd his troops to enter the lands of thefe
Georgians, and to put every thing to fire and
fword. The foldiers flew every one they met,
ruin'd the houſes of the Georgians, and even
rooted up the trees: they deftroy'd the vines,
fpoil'd the fruits, and brought a terrible defola-
tion upon this country. The affrighted Geor-
gians fled for refuge into their high mountains,
where
138
The history of Timur-Bec:
Book V. where no one had ever yet conquer'd 'em; for
here were fortify'd caverns, and houſes upon
craggy rocks, which it wou'd in vain to think
any one cou'd enter by force of arms. They
had entrench'd themſelves in thofe places, and
carry'd with 'em whatever they cou'd find worth
taking. Timur's foldiers, without examining
the dangers to which they were expos'd, and
full of confidence in their prince's good fortune,
afcended theſe mountains, and then laid them-
felves in boxes, to which ftrong cords were
faſten'd, and ſo were let down by their comrades
from the tops of the mountains to the caverns of
the Georgians; where diſcharging their arrows,
they approach'd the enemys, and flew the moſt
advanc'd: then taking lances in one hand, and
fwords in the other, they enter'd the caverns,
notwithſtanding the vigorous refiftance of the
enemys, of whom they made a horrible flaugh-
ter. Among thefe craggy places there were
fome fo well defended, that our men were
oblig'd to caft a great quantity of combustible
matter, as well to diffipate the enemys, as to
burn their wooden houfes, and the entrench-
ments they had made. Thus by the affiftance of
heaven, tho theſe infidels fought with all ima-
ginable refolution, the muffulman foldiers had
the advantage over 'em, according to the pro-
mife of the Alcoran; taking fifteen noted places,
on which they very much rely'd. Thofe who
wou'd turn Muffulmans obtain'd quarter: but
thoſe who, thro the temptation of the devil,
ftubbornly continu'd in the disbelief of the Al-
coran, were beheaded.
Timur left ſeveral of the beſt troops of Co-
raffana in the garifon of the city of Teflis, ca-
pital of Georgia, and then went to encamp in
the plain of Mocran. The king Ghourghin
being
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
139
being terrify'd at the fuccefs of the Mahome- Chap. 9.
tans, fled into the defarts, and as a vagabond
wander'd about the uninhabited mountains:
but the greateſt part of the Oznaours of Geor-
gia, feèing themſelves reduc'd to the utmoſt ex-
tremity, fubmitted; they came in a humble
manner to the gate of the imperial pavilion,
where they begg'd quarter and pardon of the
victorious Timur, making divers excufes to avert
his vengeance. When our troops had reduc'd
this country, they raz'd the temples and mona-
fterys, where the Georgians had for a long time
exercis'd their religion; and erected chappels
and mofques, in which they proclaim'd the Ezan",
and read the prayers of the muffulman religion
with the ufual ceremony, to the glory of Ti-
mur.
CHAP, IX.
Timur marches against prince Jani Bec, a
Georgian.
A
FTER the conqueft and deſtruction of
the country of Malek Ghourghin, Ti-
mur refolv'd to attack the other provinces of
Georgia. He departed with expedition from
the plain of Mocran, and leaving the baggage,
march'd towards the defile of Jani Bec. When
they were arriv'd there, the troops furrounded
all the country, pillag'd it, and brought away
a confiderable booty. Jani Bec foon abandon'd
Ezan is the cry the Mahometans make from the top of the
Minarets (or fteeples) of their mofques, to call the people to
prayer.
his
140
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. his mountain and fortrefs; and with an entire
fubmiffion came before the emperor. In the
mean while our foldiers ravag'd the villages,
burnt the houſes, and flew every one they met :
they carry'd away the Georgians effects; and
while they enrich'd themſelves in this world,
they were laying up treaſures of merit in the
other. Afterwards they return'd to join the
baggage; and Timur fent, by the way of Semave,
the Seid Coja, fon of the Cheik Ali Behader,
to make inroads in other parts of Georgia: he
order'd the Emir Gehan Chah to pafs the defile
with the troops of the left wing: and the main
body, commanded by Timur, pafs'd by Semave,
where it was join'd by all the troops which were
gone out to make inroads in the provinces, from
whence they return'd loaden with fpoils, bring-
ing away a great number of horfes and fheep;
and, to mortify the Georgians the more, our fol-
diers deſtroy'd all the ſtanding corn, and ruin'd
their temples and other edifices. At the mouth of
the defile was a fortrefs nam'd Bil, which was
very high and difficult of accefs: nevertheleſs our
army was no fooner arriv'd there than they had
orders to befiege it; and the fiege and conqueft of
the place were almoft perform'd at the fame time.
Having taken it, they raz'd it, left it fhou'd be of
ufe to the enemy on another occafion. From
thence the army went to encamp in the true an-
tient Georgia; and Timur fent the Emirs into
all parts in fearch of king Ghourghin, who,
like wolves and chacals, wander'd as a vaga-
bond in uninhabited woods and mountains:
but not being able to find him, they return'd to
join the imperial camp with a great quantity of
fpoils, and fome of Ghourghin's officers whom
they had taken. Timur at length decamp'd,
crofs'd the river of Cyrus, and happily en-
camp'd
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
141
camp'd on the other bank, loaded with good Chap.10.
fortune, and pleas'd with his victorys.
1
CHA P. X.
The taking of the fort of Zerit, and the town
of Suanit.
URING theſe tranſactions, the fpys
brought advice that a great number of
Oznaours were retir'd into the caſtle of Zerit,
fituate on the ridg of a narrow mountain, which
had never been taken by any conqueror. On
this, Timur, to whom nothing appear'd impof-
fible, march'd with expedition towards this
place, and order'd it to be befieg'd. The ma-
chines and battering rams were got ready; and
after feveral attacks neceffary at a fiege, a ge-
neral affault was given feven days after Timur's
arrival. The fort was taken fword in hand,
and raz'd the fame day, after putting all the
Georgians to the fword. Then they went out
to make inroads, and brought away a great
number of priſoners bound, whom the emperor
order'd to be put to death, becauſe they wou'd
not turn Mahometans. They afterwards re-
ceiv'd advice that king Gourghin was
the town of Suanit. Timur order'd the roads
to this town to be taken down in writing; and
that the troops which were gone out to make
inroads, fhou'd return to the camp. He left one
half of the army with the baggage; and with
enfigns difplay'd march'd with the reft. But
Ghourghin, who had his fpys about him, had
advice of Timur's approach; he went out of
in
Suanit,
142
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
upon
Book V. Suanit, and fled towards Abkhaze ". . The
troops, at their arrival at Suanit, carry'd it'
the firſt affault, and then went in purſuit of
Ghourghin, feveral of whofe officers they flew ;
but this prince, reduc'd to the greateſt mifery,
crofs'd the rivers of Aigar and Corlan ', and had
the good fortune to fave himſelf from the dangers
wherewith he was furrounded: Then feeing
himſelf, in a manner, ready for the flaughter,
he found it was not for fo weak a prince as him-
felf to protect the fon of the Sultan of Bag-
dad, againſt the powerful emperor Timur:
whereupon he oblig'd Taher to ſeek an afylum
in the country of the Ottomans, whither he had
heard the Sultan Ahmed his father was likewife
fled. At length Gourghin fent to the court of
Timur an ambaffador nam'd.Ifmael, who made
known to him the great mifery and extremity
to which his mafter was reduc'd; deplor'd the
ruin of his ftate, and deftruction of his coun-
try; and with his face turn'd towards the
ground, he fpake thus to the emperor with all
the fubmiffion that cou'd be expected from a mi-
"I' have feen
ferable and vanquish'd prince:
the evil fuccefs of the methods I have fo un-
"fortunately taken; I have tafted the fruits of
my imprudence, and the bitterness of the pu-
"nifhment I have merited: but if the great
emperor, whofe generofity after victory, İ
may venture to fay, furpaffes the fury of his
arms in battel, will take pity upon me, who
am his fervant, and confefs my fault, and is
"willing to pardon me for what is paft, and
grant me my life, I will not only be intirely
"obedient to him, but my life fhall always be
<c
<<
<c
cc
• A town of Georgia on the frontiers of Circaſſia.
3 Rivers of Capchac.
"em-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
143
cr
{
" employ'd in his ſervice. I will take great care Chap.11.
"not to hurt the Muffulmans in any manner:
"`and moreover I confent to pay the annual tri-
"bute to the imperial treafury; likewife pro-
mifing to fend what number of troops his ma-
jefty hall order into his fervice, at the time
appointed."
cc
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CHA P. XI.
Timur marches against the Georgian prince
ob
TIM
3
Aivani.
IMUR, upon hearing this difcourfe of
Ghourghin's ambaffador, was touch'd
with the condition of this prince, and did not
doubt the truth of what he faid; confidering
the great mifery and neceffity to which he was
reduc'd, his fincere confeffion of his fault, and
his repentance for having dar'd to give protec-
tion to the Sultan Taher. Theſe confiderations,
join'd with the promiſes he had made, and con-
firm'd with an oath, to be always ready in the
emperor's fervice, and punctually to pay the an-
nual tribute, caus'd Timur to grant him the
pardon he demanded; who then went out of
his country, and march'd towards the lands fub-
ject to prince Aivani, one of the most power-
ful, fovereigns of Georgia. The foldiers having
enter'd his country, ravag'd and pillag'd all they
met; and as there was no army to oppoſe, 'em,
they difpers'd themſelves up and down, ruining
the towns and caftles, and deſtroying every
thing with fire and fword. After they had en-
tirely laid this country wafte, they pafs'd into * A tribe
that of Cara Calcanlic *, the inhabitants of of Geor
which, gians.
144
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. which, arm'd with black bucklers, were skilful
mountaineers, and good horfemen. They were
not treated with more mildness than the others;
for their country was ravag'd, and the places
raz'd whither they were retir'd, their houſes
burnt, and themſelves put to the fword, after
our foldiers had got what ſpoils they cou'd from
'em, which were very confiderable.
TIM
CHAP. - XII.
Timur returns from Georgia.
IMUR being fatisfy'd with the con-
quefts he had gain'd, and having reveng'd
himfelf on the Georgians, gave orders for his
return. After feveral days march he encamp'd
at Yeilac Mencoul; but having advice that the
enemy were again affembled in a place nam'd
Farafgherd in Georgia, he fent the Emir Cheik
Noureddin thither with his troops; and being
willing to be in perfon at the execution of all
important affairs, he decamp'd fome days after,
and leaving the baggage, march'd to Farafgherd.
In five days he made himfelf mafter of feven
fortreffes of the Georgians, which he caus'd to
be raz'd, after having flain an infinite number
of theſe infidels; and from thence he return'd
with all his army to Mencouh, where he ftaid
feveral days.
About this time there came ambaffadors from
an European prince, who brought with 'em the
fon of the Emir Amurat, the Ottoman emperor,
whom they had taken prifoner: and by the in-
terceffion of the principal Emirs of the court,
they were admitted into Timur's audience; to
whom they made known the high esteem their
mafter
Vol a page 145 ·
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The history of Timur-Bec.
145
6
mafter had conceiv'd of his actions, and his de- Chap. 13.
fire to enter into an alliance with him, which
he fhou'd account a great honor. Timur re-
ceiv'd the ambafladors with all manner of civi-
lity, granted 'em what they defir'd, and after
having given 'em rich veſts, difmifs'd 'em; and
they return'd home by the way of Trebizond ",
pleas'd with the honors they had reciv'd at
court. The army lay encamp'd two months in
the meadow of Mencoul, that the horfes might
have fome reft after their fatigue, and to wait
the arrival of the Emirs and troops which were
difpers'd up and down the country.
;
CHAP.
XIII.
Reaſons which oblig'd Timur to march against
the city of Sebafte, capital of Anatolia.
PH
DHILOSOPHERS tell us that the re-
lation between a king and his kingdom is the
fame as between the foul and body; for when the
foul and body harmonize in the rules of mode-
ration, the body is in perfect health; but if the
contrary happens, it is attack'd with diftem-
pers, and at length falls into corruption: and
fo when a king neglects to do juftice, his king-
dom falls into decay. This moral may with
juſtice be apply'd to the cafe of the Ottoman
emperor, and the Sultan of Egypt; for thefe
two princes priding in their power, committed
feveral violent actions, which drew upon 'em
}
• Capital of the kingdom of the fame name, in Anatolia, on
the fhore of the black fea; long. 70. 30. lat. 42.
K
VOL. II.
Ti-
}
146
1
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. Timur's anger, and caus'd the deftruction of
their country and the defolation of their fub-
jeas. Timur being irritated at their proceed-
ings, tho but newly return'd from a toilfom
campain, and notwithſtanding the great dif-
tance of theſe Sultans dominions, did not fail of
undertaking the conqueft of their empires,
which by the grace of God he brought into
fubjection; fo that all the citys, towns and vil-
lages of thefe great countrys were pillag'd by
his foldiers: which calamity was brought upon
the poor innocent people thro the bad conduct
of their princes.
*
But to come to a particular detail of this
hiſtory; we muſt know that Ildurum Bajazet,
firnam'd the Thunder, who was then emperor
of the Ottomans, furpafs'd moft of his prede-
ceffors in power, and the vaftnefs of his domi-
nions: he had brought into fubjection a great
*Anatolia. part of the country of Roum*, to wit, the pro-
vinces of Aidine, Mentècha, Kermian, and
Caramania, which his anceſtors had never been
able to do: and he had likewife extended his
dominions the ſpace of four months journy in
Europe. After he had taken prifoner Cara Of
man, fon of the Cadi Burhaneddin, prince of
Sebafte, and had put to death the Cadi, he
brought an army into the field, and having
made himſelf mafter of Sebafte, he puſh'd
his conquefts towards Malatia atown on
the Euphrates, and bordering upon
upon the
province of Aleppo. He even befieg'd and
took the city of Malatia, which had been a
long time dependent on Syria. He made the
• Ildurum fignifys lightning or thunder,
Long. 71. lat. 37.
8
>
t
.
Emi
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
147
Emir Muſtafa governor of Sebafte, to whofe Chap.14"
fon he gave the government of Malatia. At
length, as if he cou'd find no one to diſpute his
conquefts, he return'd victorious and loaded
with ſpoils to the feat of his empire. He had
a great number of troops and officers belong-
ing to his houfhold, and among the reft, near
twelve thouſand dog-keepers. His magnifi-
cence, riches, and power, render'd him fo proud,
that he forgot the fentence which teaches us,
that God, the creator of the univerſe, hath made
thoſe who are ſuperior to them who pride them-
felves in their ftrength. He had the boldness
to ſend an ambaffador to Taharten, to fummon
him to his court, and fend the tributes of Ar-
zendgian, Erzerom, and their dependences, to
his treaſury; which order was in fuch haughty
terms, that it did not become him to ufe.
Taharten fent advice of this to court; and
Timur was very much furpriz'd at the deſigns of
the Ottoman, who was not ignorant that Ta-
harten was under his protection: whereupon he
refolv'd to write a letter to him, to endeavor
to bring him to a ſenſe of his fault by ſweetneſs
and friendſhip.
}
t
CHA P. XIV.
Timur's letter to the Caifer Roum, that is, the
TIM
Ottoman emperor.
IMUR commanded a fecretary to be
call'd to him, whom he order'd to write
a letter to Ildurum Bajazet, mix'd with coun-
felsand reproaches, hoping by that means to
make him reflect upon what he had done. The
fecretary began the letter in an eloquent manner,
with
K 2
148
The biftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. with praiſes to God, and bleffings on Mahomet
he made ufe of this paffage of the Alcoran for the
fubject of his letter, God bleſſes thoſe princes who
know what uſe they shou'd make of their power,
and go not beyond the bounds prefcrib'd'em: and he
continu'd it with expreffions which were as dag-
gers to the heart of Bajazet, and ought to have
thewn him his duty. The letter was as follows.
cc
CC
CC
To the emperor of Roum, Bajazet the Thunder.
A
Fter the ufual compliments, we let you
know, that by the infinite grace o fGod,
"the greateſt part of Afia is in fubjection to
our officers, which we conquer'd by our
"ftrength, and the terror of our arms. Know
"likewife that the moſt powerful Sultans of the
"earth are obedient to our commands; that
CC
we govern our dominions by our ſelf, and
"have even conſtrain'd fortune to take care of
6c our empire; that our armys are extended
"from one fea to the other, and our guard con-
"fifts of fovereign kings, who form a hedge be
"fore our gate... Where is the monarch who
"dares refift us? Where is the potentate who
"does not glory in being of the number of our
"courtiers? But for thee, whofe true origin ter-
“minates in a Turcoman failor, as every one
"knows, it wou'd be well, fince the fhip of thy
"unfathomable ambition has fuffer'd fhipwreck
"in the abyfs of felf-love, if thou wou'dft lower
"the fails of thy rafhnefs, and caft the anchor of
repentance in the port of fincerity, which is
• This metaphorical way of expreflion is very common
among the Orientals: but it founds more proper in this place,
becauſe of the race of Bajazet being related to a failor.
"the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
149
The
r
"the port of fafety; left by the tempeft of our Chap.14.
vengeance you fhou'd perifh in the fea of the
"puniſhment which you merit. But as we have
"learnt, that in obedience to the precept of
"the Alcoran, which orders us to wage war
"with the enemys of the Muffulman laws, you
"have undertaken a vigorous war with the Eu-
«Ε ropeans; this confideration hath hinder'd us
"from making any infults in the lands which
are fubject to you: and the reflection that .
your country is the bulwark of the Mufful-
mans, hath oblig'd us to leave it in a flou-
rifhing condition; for fear the paffage of our
armys into it fhou'd raife, a divifion among
"the inhabitants, and cauſe the Muffulmans
to be difquieted, and the infidels to rejoice.
"Then take care of your felf, and endeavor by
your good conduct to preferve the dominions
"of your anceſtors, not fuffering for the future
rr
cc
cc
cr
(6
(C
your ambitious foot to wander out of the li-
"mits of your power, which is but fmall.
"Ceafe your proud extravagances, left the cold
"wind of hatred fhou'd extinguifh the flam-
"beau of peace. You may remember the pre-
"cept of Mahomet, to let the Turks remain in
σε
peace, while they are quiet: don't feek to
cr wage war with us; which no one ever dar'd
"to do, and profper'd. The devil certainly
"infpires you to ruin your felf. Tho you
"have been in fome confiderable battels in the
"woods of Natolia, and have gain'd advanta-
tr
ges upon the Europeans; it was only thro
"the prayers of the prophet, and the bleffings
"of the Mahometan religion of which you
"make profeffion: don't be proud at thefe
"advantages, nor attribute 'em to your own
"valor. Believe me, you are but a pifmire:
don't feek to fight againſt the elephants; for
"they'll
K 3
150
The history of Timur-Bec.
CC
Book V." they'll cruſh you under their feet. The dove
"which rifes up against the eagle deftroys it
"felf. Shall a petty prince, fuch as you are,
" contend with us? But your rodomontades
are not extraordinary; for a Turcoman
don't
you
never fpake with judgment. If
"follow our counfels, you will repent it. Theſe
are the advices we have to give you: do
you behave your felf as you think fit."
CC
pr
CC
:
This letter was feal'd with the imperial fig-
net, and deliver'd to Bajazet by envoys who
knew how to carry on the intrigues of princes.
When they were come to Bajazet, they pre-
fented him the letter, acquainting him with the
reafons of their coming, and their maſter's pre-
tenfions but pride had taken too deep root
in the breaft of the Ottoman, for a letter,
or the words of an ambaffador, to have any
effect upon him: he gave 'em therefore a very
haughty anfwer. "It is a long time, faid he,
"fince we have been defirous of carrying on
"a war with you. God be thank'd, our de-
"fire has had its effect, and we have taken
σε
.
up a refolution to march againſt you at the
"head of a formidable army. If you don't
"advance against us, we will come to feek
cr
you; and purſue you as far as Tauris and
"Sultania. We fhall then fee in whofe favor
"heaven will declare; who of us will be rais'd
"by victory, and who abas'd by a ſhameful de-
feat."
ba
CHAP₁
The biftory of Timur-Bec.
151¹
Chap. 15.
CHA P. XV.
Timur marches to Sebafte, and takes that city.
T
HE envoys at their return from Natolia,
gave an account to the emperor's officers,
of Bajazet's haughty anfwer. Whereupon Ti-
mur, being incens'd againſt this Turcoman, caus'd
his enfigns to be difplay'd, in order to make war
on him; and he immediately march'd towards
Natolia. Being arriv'd at Avenic, he met the
Emir Allahdad, who had been fent to Chiraz to
bring from thence the Mirza Pir Mehemed
bound like a criminal; which he accordingly
did. Timur order'd that the Mirza fhou'd be
interrogated by the council of war; and that
after his profecution, he fhou'd be punifh'd ac-
cording to his deferts. Accordingly, after judg-
ment was given, he receiv'd the blows of the
baftinado, order'd by the laws call'd Yafa; after
which his chains were taken off, and himſelf ſet
at liberty. In purſuance of the fame laws, the
Cheik Zade Ferid, and Mobarec Coja, who
were then in irons, were put to death, for having
corrupted the Mirza, and taught him magic.
Then the emperor fent to Sultania the emprefs
Serai Mulc Canum, Canzade, and the wives of
the princes his fons, with the Mirza Oloucbek,
and the other young princes of the imperial
houfhold, under the care of the Mirza Omar,
and fome Emirs. After that he caus'd the great
imperial ſtandard to be difplay'd, and march'd
at the head of his army. At his arrival at Er-
zeron, he was faluted by Taharten prince of Ar-
gendgian. Two days after he decamp'd, and
march'd
K4
152
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. march'd beyond Arzendgian, to enter the fron
tiers of the country of Roum, or Natolia, which
was then fubject to the Ottomans.
Sept. 1.
1400.
The firft of Muharrem 803, Timur enter'd the
country of the Ottomans, and march'd againſt
Sebafte. When he was come before the city, he
encamp'd upon an eminence, to view its condi-
tion and fituation; and the troops encamp'd
round about it. He faw the place full of men
lifting up their heads to heaven, and finging and
rejoicing with mufical inftruments in their hands:
the walls, whoſe marble foundations were at the
bottom of a ditch full of water, lifted up their
battlements to the very clouds: and the foldiers
in garifon, arm'd with cuiraffes, rais'd a great
cry towards heaven. Then advice was brought
that the vanguard of Bajazet's army, commanded
by his fon Kerichtchi, and Temourtach, one of
the greateſt Emirs of the Ottoman empire, who
had been fent to Sebafte, having learnt the
march of Timur's army towards that city, were
fled, and return'd into the very heart of Natolia.
The Emirs Solyman Chah, Gehan Chah, and
others, were order'd to purfue 'em with expedi-
tion; which they did, and came up with 'em be-
yond Cæfarea in Cappadocia, where they brisk-
ly attack'd 'em, and cut 'em in pieces: after
which, they made inroads, pillaging all the places
near Cappadocia. They then return'd to the
imperial camp before Sebafte, laden with the
fpoils of the Ottomans.
The city of Sebafte had walls of an extraordi-
nary ftrength, being built of free-ftone from
the battlements to the very foundations; and
each ſtone was three cubits long, and one thick.
The wall was twenty cubits in height; ten in
depth at the foot, and fix at the top. There
were feven gates, and thoſe which open'd were
of
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
153
of iron. It was built by Aladin Keicobade', Chap.15t
and furrounded on the eaft, north and fouth
fides, with a great ditch full of water; fo that
it was impoffible to fap the walls on thofe fides,
for they had no fooner fapp'd a cubit than the wa-
ter enter'd: but it was not difficult to fap on
the weft fide. The place was commanded by
Muſtafa' with four thousand horfe, who prepar'd
to make a vigorous defence, being furnifh'd with
all forts of arms and machines for war. The be
fiegers rais'd a plat form higher than the town,
over-againſt the gate of Iraç, upon which they
planted their machines to fhoot ftones. There
were Arades', Mangenies, and Bafelics'
they likewife prepar'd battering-rams to beat
down the walls. On the weft-fide the fappers
kept continually at work; while arrows were
difcharg'd from both fides, which did a great
deal of damage.
After the fiege had continu'd eighteen days,
the violence of the battering-rams, and the great
ftones which were shot, began to fhake the walls,
and make breaches. On the other hand, the
fappers had work'd with fo much diligence, that
the towers were propt only by ftakes, which
Timur order'd fhou'd be fet on fire; and fo the
towers fell. This ftruck terror into the hearts of
the befieg'd, who perceiving that the troops
wou'd foon enter the city, and take it by af-
fault, chas'd Muſtafa the governor out of it;
A Seljukide king.
2 The Arabian *hiſtory of M. Vatier ſays, that Solyman, fon Arab-
of the emperor of Bagdad, was governor of Sebafte; which is chah.
a miſtake.
› Machines to caft fire.
4 Machines to burl ftones.
A kind of battering rams.
f
and
154
The history of Timur-Bec:
Book V. and the Cherifs, Cadis, and doctors, full of
7
hopes, came to caft themſelves at the emperor's
feet, begging quarter and pardon for them and
the garifon. Their prayers, mingled with the
cries of the women and children, foften'd Ti-
mur's heart: he granted quarter to all the Muf-
fulmans of the city, on paying the right of am-
nefty; but order'd that all the Armenians, and
other Chriſtians, fhou'd be made flaves. And as
the major part of the cavalry, which had fo
ftubbornly defended the place for Bajazet, were
Armenians, he gave orders that four thoufand
horſe fhou'd be divided among the Tomans of
the army, and flung into pits, and then co-
ver'd with earth, to ferve as an example to thoſe
who fhou'd follow their ſteps. He afterwards
caus'd the walls of Sebafte to be raz'd.
During the fiege, advice was brought that
Sultan Ahmed Gelair had fled from Bagdad,
with Cara Youfef prince of the Turcomans, in-
to Natolia. This oblig'd Timur to order fome
fquadrons of horſe to go in purfuit of 'em; which
they accordingly did, and overtook their bag-
gage, which they pillag'd, and brought away
captive the Sultanefs Dilchade, eldeſt fifter of
Cara Youfef, with his wifes and daughter. But
he fav'd himſelf from our hands; and being come
fafe before Bajazet, our troops return'd to the
imperial camp.
+
CHAP.
The history of Timur-Bec.
155
Chap.16.
W
CHA P. XVI.
1
Timur marches to Abuleftan.
HILE Timur was employ'd in the
ſiege of Sebaſte, ſome robbers of Abu-
leftan, which is the country of Zulcaderia, were
fo daring as to come and fteal away the horfes
of our foldiers, who were then bufy'd in the
fiege. For which reaſon, after the taking of the
city, Timur march'd to Abuleſtan, to revenge
himſelf on theſe robbers. He then fent the
lord Taharten to Arzendgian to guard his fron-
tiers; and the Mirza Charoc fet out in quality
of chief of the fcouts, accompany'd by the E-
mir Solyman Chah, and a felect troop, which
compos'd the vanguard. The name of the fol-
diers were regiſter'd; and they had orders not
to abandon the Mirza one moment. They foon
arriv'd at Abuleftan, from whence, on advice of
their march, a great number of Turcomans fled
into the mountains and defarts. The Mırza pur-
fu'd 'em fo briskly, that he overtook 'em: theſe
miferable people feeing themſelves clofely prefs'd,
endeavor'd to fave their lives by fighting; but
after a weak defence, they were all routed and
flain, as a puniſhment for their rafh enterprizes.
The Emirs return'd to the imperial camp laden
with ſpoils, and a great many horfes, mules,
oxen and fheep. Afterwards Timur fent a cou-
rier to Malatia, to fummon the inhabitants to
fubmit to him. Muftafa's fon, who was gover-
nor of it, blinded with ignorance, which is an
infeparable quality of the Turcomans, and eſpe-
cially of thofe of Natolia, imprifon'd the mef-
↓
fenger,
·856
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. fenger.
尊
​Timur on this was incens'd againſt the
governor, and march'd towards that place. On
the first advice thefe cowards had of the march
of the imperial ftandard, Mustafa's fon fled out
of the place with all his party. Timur at his ar-
rival at Malatia, carry'd it the fame day. The
Georgians and Armenians were made flaves;
but quarter was given to the Muffulmans, after
they had paid the tribute for an amnesty, which
mony was diftributed among the foldiers. Ti-
mur order'd the Emir Gehan Chah to go, with
other Emirs, to make inroads in the country of
Malatia he harangu'd 'em, and with the moft
charming eloquence fet before 'em the excellence
of good warriors above other men; he told
'em that they ought utterly to exterminate the
enemy, to take from 'em all means of renewing
the war; and he spoke with a great deal of
force of the punishment they ought to execute
upon thoſe who after pardon us'd hoftilitys. Af-
ter this difcourfe, he chofe out of each Toman
fome good foldiers, whom he gave to the Emirs
to ftrengthen their body of the army; and then
he difmifs'd 'em. According to thefe orders they
departed, and ravag'd the country on all fides,
not ſtopping in one place: they gave no quarter
to any one, and left not onc habitation unpil-
lag'd; fo that from Malatia to the caftle of
Kakhta, they made themſelves mafters of a
great many places, fome by fair means, and o-
thers by force; and after having conſtrain'd the
natural princes of the country to fubmit to Ti-
mur, they return'd with a great quantity of
riches, and join'd the imperial camp at Malatia,
the government of which Timur gave to Cara
A caftle in the country of Roum, frontier of Syria.
Ofman
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
157:
}
Olman a Turcoman. Thus the frontiers of the Chap.17.
two kingdoms, of Natolia and Syria were in a
fhort time brought in fubjection to Timur,
whofe fame ſpread it felf thro all parts of the
world: fo that there was not one prince who
was not ſtruck with terror at the rumor of his
conqueſts.
CHAP. XVII.
The reaſons of Timur's carrying his arms into
Syria and Mefopotamia.
M
¡
the
*
t
AHOMET has told us, that when
God: refolves to deſtroy any one, he de-
prives him of common ſenſe; conceals from him
the methods he ſhould purſue, to protect himſelf
from his deſtiny; and permits him to commit
imprudent actions, which become the caufes of
his deftruction, that the will of God may not
fail of an accompliſhment. The truth of theſe
words was apparent in the fate of the countrys
of Syria; for the governors of the citys of this
kingdom, being blinded with exceffive pride,
turn'd from the ways of peace and juftice, and
committed actions as infamous as extraordinary,
violating the rights of nations, and trampling
upon the laws. Thus in the year, 795, Timur, An. Dom.
having made himſelf mafter of Bagdad, and con-
quer'd all Irac Arabi, fent to the Sultan Barcoc
in Egypt an ambaffador, a doctor of Savé, whofe
learning, birth and genius diftinguiſh'd him from
the chief perfons of the empire, as as we have
faid before. This Cheik being arriv'd at Rah- *Book III.
haba, Chap. 32,
}
1393.
158
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. haba, he was feiz'd according to cuftom, that
advice might be given the Sultan of Cairo of
the arrival of an ambaſſador on his frontiers.
Barcoc, being excited by the evil counfels of the
Sultan Ahmed Gelair king of Bagdad, order'd
this ambaſſador to be put to death, not reflect-
ing on the confequences of fo enormous a crime,
nor the infamy of the action, fince to infult an
ambaffador is to violate the right of nations.
What is moſt furprizing is, that fuch a king as the
Sultan of Egypt fhou'd be ignorant how Sultan
Mehemed, king of Carezem, in the fame manner
put to death the ambaſſador and merchants of
the great emperor Genghiz Can; and what was
the tragical end of fo black and barbarous an
* See hif- action; which wou'd be too long to recite
tory of
here. However the deftiny, which caus'd the
Genghiz ruin of Syria, blinded the mind of Barcoce and
Can, Book
II. Ch. 5. procur'd the cauſes of his deſtruction.
Moreover, after the conqueft of Azerbijana,
and Irac Arabi, Timur being gone to make war
in Capchac, and in Ruffia, Mufcovy, Circaffia,
and the northern countrys, there was a battel
between Atilmich Coutchin, governor of Ave-
nic for Timur, and Cara Youfef, prince of the
Turcomans, in which Atilmich was made pri-
foner. Cara Youfef loaded him with chains,
and fent him to Sultan Barcoc at Cairo, who with-
out any reflection upon the matter, continu'd
his hoftilitys againſt Timur, and confin'd Atil-
mich in a very cloſe prifon.
- Timur being on the frontiers of Malatia, fent
an ambaſſador with the following letter to Far-
rudge ſon of Barcoc, who fucceeded his father
in the throne of Egypt and Syria.
A town upon the Euphrates, otherwiſe call'd Rahabat Ma
lec Ben Taouc, frontier of Syria, long. 75. lat. 34.
"The
1
L
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
159
"The Sultan your father hath committed fe- Chap.17*
"veral criminal and odious actions againſt us;
"and among the reft, the murder of our ambaf-,
"fadors without the leaft fhadow of a caufe,
" and the impriſonment of Atilmich, one of
our officers, whom he hath feiz'd inftead of.
"fending him back to us. As your father hath
"furrender'd up his life to God, which he had
"only upon truft, the punishment of his crimes-
"muſt be brought before the tribunal of the ge-
"neral judgment: but as for your part, it is
CC
neceflary you ſhou'd have regard to the pre-
"fervation of your felf and your fubjects; and
" to that effect you ought forthwith to fend back
"Atilmich, left, the effects of your wrath and
"vengeance, falling upon the people of Syria,
"and even of Egypt, our furious foldiers make
"a cruel flaughter of their perfons, and burn
"and pillage their effects. If you are fo ftub-
"born as to reject our counſel, you'll be the
"cauſe of the effufion of the muffulman blood,
"and the total lofs of your kingdom."
The ambaffadors, at their arrival at Aleppo,
were feiz'd according to cuftom, that advice
might be given the Sultan of their arrival.
Farrudge, to imitaté his father's example, fent
meſſengers to bind the ambaffadors, and put 'em
in prifon.
It is not to be wonder'd at, that a plebeian
fhou'd commit actions of cowardice: what then
may we expect from a Circaffian flave? Barcoc
had been fold feveral times; and when his
power encreas'd thro the kindneſs of his gover-
nor, who was alfoja, Mameluc, flave, he trai-
terouſly flew his benefactor, and ufurp'd the
kingdom and as there had never been any
king of his race, fo he had not in him the leaft
appearance of royalty. Thus was Barcoc; and
*
:
J
}
his
1.60
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. his fon Farrudge was the crooked branch of an
evil ftock. He mounted his father's throne,
tho but a child, no one having taught him how
he ought to live: he had neither fuffer'd heat
nor cold; and was ignorant of policy and the
art of war. In fhort, the father was of an ill
character, and the fon without merit.
Timur being inform'd of Farrudge's rafhnefs,
was tranfported with anger; and the fire of
vengeance, which had lain lurking in his heart
fince the crimes committed by Barcoc, did fo
far exafperate him, that he immediately refolv'd
to enter the Sultan's kingdom, and deſtroy every
thing with fire, and fword: which refolution
he the more eaſily took up, in that Bajazet, with
all his pride and menaces, had not dar'd to appear-
in the field of battel; and this proud Otto-
man quietly faw our army beſiege, take, ruin
and pillage Sobafte and Malatia, and all the
citys and towns of his kingdoms, as far as
Kakhta, without making the leaft defence. But
thefe are all the hidden decrees of providence.
CHAP. XVIII.
Timur marches into the kingdoms of Syria
and Egypt.
$
HE heroes who are deftin'd to execute
TH
great affairs, are alfo endu'd with a dif-
cerning fpirit, which makes thoſe enterprizes
appear eaſy to 'em; and with refolution to car-
rý 'em on with 'all the ſtrength and power they
are poffefs'd of: fo that they eafily compafs
thofe defigns, which every one elfe accounts im-
poffible. In effect, the Sultan of Egypt and
Syria
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
161
Syria having added to his father's crines, by Chap. 18.
the arrefting and imprifoning of Timur's orbal-
fadors; on advice of it, the wrath of our em-
pe or was kindled, fo that he refolv'd forthwith
to chaflife him for his fault: and tho the exccu-
tion of this project appcar'd impoffible to the eyes
of all politicians, or at leaft exceeding dangerous
and difficult; yet the boundlefs zeal of Timur,
made this great and perillous enterprize appear
eafy to him. The Emirs and principal lords of
the ftate on their knees remonftrated to him, that
it being but a fhort time fince che troops return'd
from the long campain in India, they had not
repos'd themfelves, before they march'd to the
Georgian war, where they had been extreme-
ly fatigo'd, after re-iterated inroads in the
mountains and rocks, and the conqueft of the
towns of that country; that after this they had
march'd to Natolia, and conquer'd Sebafte, and
all the citys and towns between that and Aleppo,
where they had perform'd actions of the greateſt
valor; that therefore at prefent the expedition in-
to Syria and Egypt appear'd very toilfom and diffi-
cult, as well in that the country was full of towns
and forti effes, with lofty walls and impregnable
caſtles, as in that the army of the Syrians was very
numerous, good warriors, and provided with
arms and every thing neceflary to a vigorous re-
fiftance for which reafons they befought his
majefty to have the goodnefs to disband the troops,
and fend back the foldiers into their own coun-
trys, to repoſe themfelves for fome time; and
that afterwards fresh pepirations might be made
futable to the greatnefs of this undertaking. Ti-
mur anſwer'd them, that vi8ory was a gift which
God liberally beftows on the prince whom he
loves; that the great number of foldiers and
arms had nothing to do with victory, which he
VOL. II.
L
:
had
1 62
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. had often prov'd: he put 'em in mind of the
conquefts he had gain'd with 'em, and the dif-
ficult enterprizes they had gone thro, tho they
had believ❜d'em impoffible; that it was requifite
they fhou'd have the greateſt ambition; and then
he wou'd anfwer for the fuccefs, provided they
trufted in God. The Emirs perceiving the em-
peror firm in his refolution, loaded him with
praiſes and applaufe; refolving to follow him,
and thinking only of the expedition into Syria,
and the means of making themſelves mafters of
that kingdom.
Then Timur put his army in order; and cau-
fing the brass-drum to be beat, which is a fign
of his departure, all the foldiers began their
march, every one in his proper poft; and they
took their road towards Syria.
CHAP. XIX.
The taking of the castles of Behefna and Antapa.
IMUR order'd the Mirza Charoc to de-
TA
part with ſeveral great Emirs, as chief of
the fcouts. Being arriv'd at Behefna, they en-
camp'd there, where they were foon join'd by
Timur with the whole army, who encamp'd on
an eminence near the caftle, to view the fitua-
tion of the place, which is in a defile where feve-
ral torrents flow: its walls were high and ftrong,
being built on the ridge of a fteep mountain.
The troops foon made themſelves mafters of the
lower town, which they entirely ravag'd.
A fortress of Syria, between Aleppo and Malatia:
The
governor
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
163
governor of the caſtle for the Syrians was nam'd Chap. 19.
Mocbel, who relying upon the ftrength of the U
caſtle, put himſelf in a pofture of defence. While
Timur was examining the condition of the place,
the befieg'd diſcharg'd a great ftone from their
machines againſt the emperor's perfon, which feil
upon the ground near his tent, and roll'd into the
very tent. This ftir'd up Timur's wrath, who
immediately order'd the fiege to be form'd, and
fhar'd the walls among the Tomans of the army,
round which they erected twenty machines,
and one of 'em upon the very fpot where the
ftone fell. The firft ftone caft from this machine
ftruck that of the befieg'd, and broke it to pie-
ces, which was reckon❜d as a good omen. Then
the Mirza Rouftem arriv'd from Chiraz with
the Perfian army, and join'd the imperial camp.
The fiege was continu'd, and the fappers fol-
low'd their work clofe, while the Emirs and o-
ther brave men attack'd the place on all fides,
and foon made breaches in feveral parts of the
walls, propping the foundations with ftakes.
Mocbel feeing himſelf reduc'd thus low, was
feiz'd with fear, and refolv'd to furrender he
fent meffengers ſeveral times to the emperor, to
acquaint him with his weakneſs and want of
power; and alledg'd as an excufe for not coming
before him, the dread he had of his imperial
majeſty; befeeching Timur to grant him quar-
ter, which cou'd not in the leaft prejudice him or
his officers. Timur made anſwer, that he wou'd
grant him his liberty, but not till after the taking
of the place; becauſe as this caſtle was eſteem'd
impregnable, if the army fhou'd raife the fiege,
thofe who had but little infight into things,
would imagine that our foldiers were not able to
take it by force; and that a conqueror fhould!
not be thought to have fpar'd his enemy.
L &
The
164
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. The 7th of Sefer 803, they were order'd to
w fet fire to the breaches; and fo the towers began
Octob. 7. to fall: which the befieg'd feeing, they were
1400.
ftruck with fear, and Mocbel loft all hopes. He
fent the Cadi, the Imams and the Cherifs, with
all the pearls and curiofitys he had, as a prefent
to Timur. They addrefs'd themſelves to the Mirza
Charoc, whom they befought to be their advo-
cate and protector. Theſe doctors let the em-
peror know that Mocbel was the meaneft of his
majeſty's fervants, that he fincerely repented of his
fault, humbly demanded pardon for it, and hop'd
that the emperor wou'd not refufe him the favor
of fparing his life. Timur, at Charoc's inter-
ceffion, pardon'd not only Mocbel, but even
all the garifon; and the envoys contentedly
return'd back, praifing the emperor, and making
vows for the prince Charoc. As foon as this
good news was brought to the city, new gold
and filver mony was coin'd, and friday prayers
read in the name of the invincible Timur.
After this, the army decamp'd and march'd
towards Antapa. The walls of this city were
exceeding ftrong, being built of hewn ftone,
and furrounded with a ditch thirty cubits deep,
and near feventy broad, with a draw-bridge:
the counterfcarp, which is of ſtone, has alſo a
cover'd way, broad enough for a man to pafs
on horfeback; which poft was affign'd the archers.
The Tartar army on their arrival at this place,
A town of Syria near Aleppo.
A Note taken from Arab Chah.
Timur left Calat-Erroum without attacking it; which he dar'd
not do, becauſe this place was very ftrong; and Naferi Mehe-
med, fon of Mouffa, fon of Sakari, made fome advantageous
failys upon Timur's ariny, and very much moleſted him.
found
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
1657
found the principal perfons gone out, and only Chap.20.
a few poor citizens left, who had that the gates
upon 'em; but the city was full of goods and
ammunition. When Timur cane before the
place, the gates were open'd, and the keys
brought out to him he fix'd a governor over it,
and join'd it to his dominions.
CHA P. XX.
The fiege and taking of the city of Aleppo".
MA
AHOMET tells us, that the fole terror
of his name made his conquells extend a
month's journy: and we may with reafon fay, that
Timur had the honor to refemble him in that,
fince the terror of his name was fo great, that upon
advice of the approach of his troops, kings and
princes were fo terrify'd, that they abandon'd
their dominions; fear blinded their eyes, and
darken'd their underflanding, fo that all their
actions tended to their deftruction.
5
While the army was in the quarters of Behef-
na and Antapa, Temourtach, governor of A-
leppo for the Sultan of Egypt, diſpatch'd a cou-
2 The Arabian of M. Vater fays, that the governor of Antapa,
nam'd Afquemar, fally'd out to defend himfelt; and being a-
bandon'd and wounded, he fled to Aleppo, but was not purfu'd
thuther.
3 A city of Syria in the province of Cannaferin, it is the
antient Beiza; long. 72. 25. lat. 35. 35.
+ The Arabian fays, that according to the computation of
Carezem, Timur's comptroller, his army confifted of eight
hundred thouſand men.
› Arab Chah fays, that Temourtach had agreed with Timur
10 betray the Sultan of Egypt.
L 3
rier
166
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. rier to Grand-Cairo to give advice of it to his
mafter. Whereupon the Sultan fent orders to the
troops of all the towns and country s of Syria, to
march towards Aleppo, with all the arms and
ammunition neceffary for a vigorous defence.
According to thefe orders, Chadoun, chief of
the Emirs of Damafcas, march'd to Aleppo at the
head of a great army. The governors and gene-
rals of Hemfe, Hama, Antioch, Tripoli, Na-
polos-Samaria, Balbec, Canaan, Gaza, Ramla
or Rama, Jerufalem, Kerek, Calat-Erroum,
and all the other countrys and lordships of the
kingdoms of Syria, came to the fame place, well
equip'd and arm'd cap-a-pie: and in a ſhort time
there were got together a very numerous army.
Temourtach, governor of Aleppo, who was
efteem'd one of the moft confiderable lords, af-
fembled the chiefs of all thofe troops, and made
the following fpeech to 'em, in order to know
their opinions of the matter: "We ought not,
8
.
66
firs, faid he, to regard this affair which is
"coming upon us as a flight thing; and it is
requifite we fhou'd reflect feriouſly upon it be-
"fore it happens. The prince who is this day
come against us, is exceeding powerful; he
and his officers have perform'd fuch extraor-
dinary actions, as are no where recorded in
antiquity. Wherefoever he hath march'd, he
"hath always conquer'd the towns and fortref-
"fes: and who ever attempted to refift him,
always repented in the end, and ſuffer'd the
cr
e.
• M. Vatier calls him my lord Sudon.
7 Principal citys of Syria.
The Arabian tells us, that Timur fent an ambaſſador or
herald to Aleppo, to fummon the inhabitants to furrender;
and that this herald was immediately put to death by Chadoun's
order.
es moſt
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
167
"moſt rigorous chaftifement. Confider, firs, Chap.20.
"how in a very short time he has reduc'd many
"vaft and flouriſhing empires; as thofe of Ca-
AC
CC
t..
cc
rezem, Turkeſtan, Coraflana, Zabuleſtan, and
"India, as far as the great river of Ganges; the
kingdoms of Tabareftan, the two Iracs, Per-
"fia, Couheftan, Georgia, Azerbijana, and
"Diarbekir, with all their dependences, which
"he has wrefted out of the hands of the moſt
powerful Sultans, and the moſt illuftrious em-
perors of the univerſe. He has eſtabliſh'd
"himſelf in thofe places with fuch an abfolute
authority, that one of his lieutenants, with a
"few officers, maintains a whole city under
"his obedience; fo that in the vaft extent of
"the countrys of Iran and Touran, there is not
a foul who dares act the leaft thing against his
"orders. It ſeems as if the great rife of this
prince was owing to the peculiar protection
"of Heaven; if fo, we ought not to tempt God.
CC
cc
66
r
My advice therefore, in this conjuncture, is to
"treat with him by the ways of fubmiffion and
"obedience; to coin our mony, and to ſay the
public prayers in his name; and to make uſe
"of the Cherifs, Imams, and doctors, as our
"mediators with him; ſeeing there are none but
66
CC
men vers'd in the law, and pious perfons, who
"have any acceſs to him, or whom he in the
"leaft regards. At the fame time we'll fend
"him prefents and jewels, the moſt futa-
"ble to his grandure; that we may endeavour
CC
to keep him from coming near us, and by that
"means preferve the repofe of the city, and per-
"haps of the whole kingdom. He is a prince
"favor'd by fortune, powerful, active, glorious
"and ambitious: his wrath burns and confumes
"a thousand times fiercer than fire; and if
"t
it is kindled, the fea it felf won't be able to
L 4
"quench
168
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V." quench it. Therefore now conclude upon
"fomething: chufe either peace or war, quiet
or mifery."
(C
:
Temourtach having finifh'd his fpeech, thofe
who had moft experience applauded his fenti-
ments, and agreed that it was the best method
they cou'd take but the majorit, and efpe-
cially Chadoun governor of Damafcus, were of
a contray opinion. Pride and prefumption
were rooted in their hearts, and igaoiance had
10 ftupify'd 'em, that they gave no heed to
..
hat Temourtach had faid, and were fo far
from applauding him, that they made ufc of fome
haughty expreffions, and tax'd him with cowar-
dice, faying, that he who is afraid, is already
fruftrated of his defires. "What comparifon,
"fay toey, is there between this kingdom and all
"thicfe you have mention'd? 'Their towns were
"built only of mud and brick; but ours are
all of folid ftone, cut out of the almoft im-
"pentrenable rock; they are fill'd with good
grifons, and furnish'd with plenty of ammu-
nitions of war and vi&tuals; fo that it wou'd
require a whole year's fiege to force a ſingle one.
Why therefore has fear got poffeffion of your
"hearts? Is it the great number of their cavalry
"and infantry, or of their aims and equipages,
CC
€¢
८८
which terrifys you? Only view ours, and
"you'll fee the difference; our bows are of Da-
"mafcus, our fwords of Egypt, our lances of
Arabia, and our bucklers of Aleppo. In the
Ch
cgifters of this kingdom are fixty thoufand
"villages; out of each of which taking but a
few brave men, we fhall complete an army,
♦
which our vaft plains won't be able to hold.
"The heufes and walls of thefe Tartars are on-
"ly of cords and canvas; while we live in good
fort efles, which are of hewn one from the bat-
" tlements
The history of Timur-Bec.
169
:
"tlements to the very foundations." Thus fate, Chap.zo.
having refol. 'd upon the deftruction of thefe un-
fortunate Grins, fpir'd fentiments of pride
into 'em and thefe obftinate people perfifted in
their error, noce ithſtanding what Temourtach,
and other men of fenfe, cou'd fay to divert 'em
from the evil fleps they had refulv'd to take; who
reptofanted to 'em that the way of peace was al-
ways the moft fecure, confidering the inconftan-
cy of forte, and the fmall hopes they cou'd rea-
fonably expect of gaining the advantage over
their powerful enemy. The others on the con-
trary faid, they need only have courage and re-
folution; which if they had not, all forts of
diforders and loffes wou'd happen' among 'em.
After a great ftruggle on both fides, the latter
carry'd it by a plurality of voices; and it was
refuly'd and concluded, that no one fhou'd go out
of the city, but that they fhou'd fortify it with
intrenchments, and with arrows and ftones, hin-
der the enemy from approaching the walls.
:
Timur departed from Antapa with joy, and
made two days journy of fix or feven leagues
each he afterwards gave orders that they fhou'd
march but half a league a day, and at each en-
campment dig a trench round the army, and
make a kind of rampart with their bucklers; fo
that in a whole week they march'd but one day's
journy, and that with extraordinary precautions.
The Syrians, ignorant of the art of war, attri-
buted the flownefs of their march to fear, belie-
ving the Tartars miflrufted their own ftrength:
at which they became haughty and infolent; for
abandoning their firft refolution of not going
out of the city, and which indeed was the leaſt
dangerous, they rang'd themſelves in order of
battel, and pitch'd their tents in the open plains,
The
/
170
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
Nov. 8.
1400.
The 9th of Rabiulevel 803, which anfwers
to the year of the Serpent, the army of Timur
arriv'd in the neighborhood of Aleppo; and
the Mirza Sultan Huffein, with fome great of-
ficers, met the enemy's fcouts: he fell upon 'em,
tho fuperior to him in number, and at the firſt on-
fet unhors'd a cavalier, whom he collar'd, and
carry'd prifoner out of the field of battel. His
officers alfo perform'd fome glorious actions,
and took two priſoners: the rest of the Syrian
army fled into the city.
The fame day the Mirza Aboubecre advanc'd
with fixty men; and a great number of the e-
nemy made a fally to repulfe him, After a fharp
skirmiſh, the two partys return'd to their ſeveral
camps. The next day fome brave Tartars ad-
vanc'd to skirmish; and having fhewn themſelves
to the enemy, not one dar'd to attack 'em. The
third day at fun-rifing, Timur order'd the whole
army to take horfe, and with enfigns diſplay'd,
and at the found of drums and kettledrums, to
march towards the enemy's camp. Every one
having on a coat of mail, a cuirafs, and a hel-
met, they advanc'd in order of battel. The
right wing was commanded by the Mirzas Mi-
ran Chah and Charoc, accompany'd by feveral
great Emirs, as Solyman Chah and others: and
the vanguard of this wing was led by the Mirza
Aboubecre. The Sultan Mahmoud, whofe lieu-
tenant was the Emir Gehan Chah, had the com-
mand of the left wing; and his vanguard was
brought up by the Sultan Huffein. The main
body was commanded by Timur himſelf, who
had before him a rank of bulky elephants, which
had been taken in India, equip'd and capari-
fon'd in the moſt magnificent manner. They
ferv'd as a rampart to this body of the army; for
the towers on their backs were fill'd with archers
and
1
$
1
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
171
:
and flingers of wild-fire and theſe animals had Chap.20.
drawn in their fnouts like ferpents. When the
army was rang'd in order of battel, a Toman
of the beſt horfe of the army was order'd to poſt
themſelves on an eminence on the right fide
of the field of battel, and to keep their ground
there, when the Syrians fhou'd be put to the
rout, and fly.
K
the grea-
teſt.
The Syrian army was likewife rang'd in or-
der it was compos'd of a right and left wing,
and a main-body; and advanc'd with its enfigns
difplay'd. The kettle-drums and trumpets were
the fignal to begin, and both partys made the
great cry of Allah Ecber*. The battel began God is
by the skirmishers, who rufh'd furioufly out of
their fquadrons into the midft of the enemys,
and who after fome brave action, as either the
flaughter of fome noted perfon, or the taking a
priſoner from the midft of the oppofite batallion,
return'd glorious to their poft. Our right wing
immediately fell upon the enemy's left with fo
much vigor, that it was routed, thro the valor
of the Mirza Aboubecre, who enter'd the field
of battel like a lion, and forc'd many of the ene-
my to fling away their arms, and abandon their
enfigns; while others were flain, and the ground
foon cover'd with helmets, head-pieces, and
fabres, mix'd promifcuouſly among the dead car-
caffes. Our left wing likewife defeated the Sy-
rians right, and entirely difpers'd 'em, fome
crying out for quarter, and others faving them-
felves by flight. Our main-body did not in the
leaft yield to the other; and the elephants enter'd
into the midſt, and with their trunks tofs'd fome
up into the air, and trampled others under their
feet, no one being able to ſtop them.
Chadoun and Temourtach having feen the
Strange manner of our foldiers fighting, quitted
their
172
The history of Timur Bec.
Book V. their former fiercenefs: they trembled at the
fight of the dreadful daughter which was made
in fo fhort a time; and feeing no other remedy,
they fled, and enter'd the city by the
the gate of
Mancoufa. The foldiers, perceiving their gene-
rals meaſures, likewife fled and difpers'd them-
felves: the major part took the road of Damafcus,
and were purfu'd by our men, who flew a great
number, taking their arms and horfes from 'em ;
fo that out of this prodigious number of Syrians
there efcap'd but one horfeman, who fled to
Damafcus to carry the news of the defeat.
After the rout of this army, part of 'em en-
ter'd the city. The diforder was fo great in
the chief ftreet of Aleppo, and the gates fo
cronded, that one cou'd hardly pafs. Here was
the greateſt flaughter ever mention'd; for to
avoid the fury of the fword, they flung them-
felves upon one another into the ditches, which
were foon fill'd with men and horſes. On the
other hand, our men with a fingle pike often run
three or four of the enemy thro at a time, in
the throng at the gate; fo that the dead bodys
were pil'd upon one another to the very plinth of
the walls; and at length a paflage was made
over the ditch upon thoſe bodys, level with
the draw-bridge. There one might fee the hor-
fes and their riders mix'd promifcuously together,
and cover'd with blood and dirt; fome pierc'd
with arrows, and others with their brains dafh'd
out; one with a coat of mail, his head bending
beneath the blow of a war-club; another falling
without his head, with his fword faft clafp'd in
hand.
During this horrible flaughter, a body of the
army was fent to pillage the Syrians camp,
wherein they found the governor's pavilion, with
his tents, furniture, arms, and feveral beautiful
horfes
The hiftory of Timur Bec.
173
horfes richly harness'd. Each of the foldiers took Chap.21.
his fhare of the fpoils, of which there were
great abundance. At length all the army
march'd with ſo much vigor to the general af-
fault, that they enter'd the city the fame day,
which was the 11th of Rabiulevel 803. Timur Nov. 11. |
per mitted 'em to pillage the city of Aleppo; 1400.
and they fpar'd neither the markets nor any
of the houfes: they carry'd away the women
and children, the horfes, mules, and all the
carrei; befides a prodigious quantity of gold
and filver, arms, curious furniture, precious
ftenes, pearls, vefiels of gold, the women's rich
habus and ornaments. All theſe were taken by
the foldiers, who render'd no account of 'em to
any one.
CHAP.
XXI.
The castle of Aleppo attack'd and taken.
HADOUN and Temourtach, not ima-
gining themfelves fecure in the city, en-
ter'd the caftle; which was a fortreſs upon the
ridge of a high ſteep rock', furrounded with
a ditch thirty cubits wide, and fo deep
that there is a fufficient quantity of water
to carry a boat. From the furface of the
water to the bottom of the walls of the caftle,
which is the shelving of the mountain, is about
1
The caftle of Aleppo is not built on a rock, but on a
mountain of earth cover'd with fice-flone.
The author feems not to have feen the ditch any more than
the caftle; for if the ditch was full of water, a veffel might
fail in it.
174
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. a hundred cubits; and it is ſo ſmooth and ſteep,
that 'tis impoffible to afcend it on foot, becauſe
this fhelving is cover'd with free-ftone and flat
polifh'd bricks. The ftrength of this place
render'd theſe two governors infolent; they
undertook to make a vigorous defence, refol-
ving to die rather than furrender: they made
great crys in token of their refolution; and ran
upon the walls and towers, to give orders to
the garifon. They caus'd the great and little
kettle-drums to be beat, and in good earneſt
began to infult the befiegers: they caft a great
quantity of wild-fire, and pots fill'd with ful-
phur, which in their effects reſembled a thun-
derbolt; as likewfe ftones and arrows: by which
they let us know that they were in a condition
to defend themſelves.
Timur having enter'd the city as a conqueror,
encamp'd over-againſt the caftle, ordering his
troops to range themſelves round about the
ditch; for the out-parts confifted only of a fin-
gle key unguarded: then there were nothing to
be feen but ſhowers of arrows, which the befie-
gers inceffantly difcharg'd with fo much vigor,
that none of the befieg'd dar'd to get upon the
walls. In the mean while the fappers went
down into the ditch, and favor'd by the archers,
crofs'd the water upon floats; and being come
to the other fide, they began to work upon the
bottom of the mountain, and to ſhake the ftones
of the walls but the befieg'd having perceiv'd
their defign, five of their braveft men went out
by the great gate, and being refolv'd either to
lofe their lives or fucceed in the defign, they
ty'd a cord to their wafte, the end of which
others held from the top of the walls, that they
might defcend and get up again, notwithſtand-
ing the ſteepnefs of the fhelving, without fear
:
of
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
175
of falling. Theſe five men accordingly went Chap.21.
down, and ran fword in hand upon the fappers;
but the Tartars, who had orders to back the fap-
pers, fally'd out of their tents, and flew 'em
with their arrows. The befieg'd on this were
afraid, and drew up again the five dead bodys
with the cords. From that time no one dar'd
fo much as look thro the loop-holes of the walls,
ſo far were they from making fallys. Then
Timur, whofe advantages were confider'd ra-
ther as the fcourge of God, than as an effect of
human power, fent by an ambaffador the follow-
ing letter to the befieg'd, who now began to
conclude that obftinately refifting him wou'd
in the end produce repentance: "The Almigh-
ty having reduc'd under my command the
greatest part of the kingdoms of Afia, my
armys can't be ſtop'd either by walls or for-
"treffes: the great number of foldiers or arms
"are not able to oppofe the juft effects of my
wrath, nor ward off the deadly blows of my
vengeance. I believe the best way you can
65 now take, is to have pity on your own lives;
"otherwife you'll be the murderers of your
felves, your wives and children, and muſt
"anfwer for the crime of having fhed their
"blood."
CC
CC
ec
cc
cc
tr
The befieg'd feeing no other refuge, were
conftrain'd to give way to force. Chadoun
and Temourtach took the keys of the caſtle,
treaſurys, and magazines; and being accompa-
ny'd by the Cherifs, Cadis, Imams and nobles of
the country, open'd the gate, and in an hum-
ble manner came to caft themſelves at Timur's
feet. Chadoun, Temourtach, and other chiefs,
with a thouſand foldiers, were fhar'd among the
Tomans, and put in irons. Soldiers were fent
to the caſtle, who brake down the battlements
f
of
176
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. of the wall. Timur fenc in embaffy to Grand-
Cairo, to the fon of Barcoc, Effen Bougai Da-
vatdar, whom they had feiz'd in the cafle, with
advice that he had laid Chadoun and Temour-
tach in irons, by way of reprifal for Atilinich,
and that he wou'd not fet 'em at liberty tili he
fhou'd come back to him; that he maft fend
Atilmich immediately, if he was willing to
preferve the lives and libertys of thefe two go-
vernors, and of all the other flaves he had de-
tain'd. Timur fix'd the place where Effen Bou-
gai was to meet him at his return: then he
went to the cafle of Aleppo, to take the diver-
fion of a very beautiful profpect, and alfo to
view the fituation of the city and country; and
he ftaid there two days. He order'd the Fmir
Gehan Chah to guard the gate of the caſtle
and the riches within it, which confifted of the
treaſures which feveral kings had amafs'd there,
and an infinite number of jewels and furniture
which the citizens had carry'd into it to pre-
ferve 'em from pillage. The whole amounted
to immenfe fums, part of which he diftributed
among the Emirs and foldiers. He afterwards
left the baggage and cumber fom things belong-
ing to the army, with his treafure, in the caftle
of Aleppo: and he nam'd eight confiderable
Emirs for governors of this ftrong place, and as
guardians of the treaſures he left there. Thep,
after fifteen days refidence at Aleppo, he be-
gan his march, to continue his conquefts in the
reſt of Syria.
CHAP.
3
盖
​¹ A note taken out of the history of Tamerlain by Arab
Chah his enemy.
During the fifteen days that Timur ftaid at Aleppo, he or
der'd the doctors to come before him, to perplex 'em with
hard questions, and from thence get an opportunity to put 'em
to death. He fud to Ahmed Ben Arab Ghah (author of the
Arabian
The history of Timur-Bec.
177
}
Chap.22
CHAP. XXII.
The taking of the towns and castles of Emeſſa
and Hama.
WHEN Timur lay encamp'd without the
city of Aleppo, he fent the Mirzas Pir
Mehemed and Aboubecre, with the Emirs Soly-
man Chah, Sevindgic and others, as ſcouts,
towards Hama". Thefe lords foon made them-
ſelves maſters of the lower town; but they cou'd
not take the caſtle, becauſe it was exceeding
Arabian hiſtory of M. Vatier) There have lately been flain ſome
of our men, and fome of yours; which of the two are mar
tyrs? This queſtion, faid Arab Chah, was formerly propos❜d to
Mahomet by an Arabian peafant; and I'll return the fame an-
fwer as he did. Timur demanded what anfwer he gave. The
peaſant, anſwer'd Arab Chah, faid to Mahomet, Lord, apoftle
of God, fome fight thro fhame, others thro valor, others thro
a zeal for religion: who is the martyr? He who fights for re-
ligion, anfwer'd Mahomet, and for the honor and advantage of
the word of God. Very well, fays Timur, you cou'd not have
given a better anſwer: and then he related to 'em all his vico.
rys. I have one foot, fays he, in the grave;
but yet
employ'd my life' to a good purpofe; for I have conquer'd, &c.
Arab Chah then faid, In gratitude for the favors you have re-
ceiv'd from heaven, pardon thefe men of learning. I never
put any one to death, anſwer'd Timur, purpoſely; you are the
caufe of your own deaths: but thro God I grant you quarter.
Then every one had liberty of ſpeaking, and endeavor❜d to an-
fwer firft, as in the college.
I have
When Timur, fays the Arabian, defign'd harm to any one,
he did it without delay; but when good, he remitted the execu-
tion of it to another.
Timur cut off feveral heads to erect a trophys.
• A town of Syria, of which the geographer Abulfeda was
prince; long. 70. 40. lat. 35.
Vol. II.
M
ftrong.
178
The history of Timur.Bec.
Book V. ftrong. After the affair of Aleppo was finiſh'd
to Timur's fatisfaction, he went to Hama, and
in his way took three or four caftles. At the
arrival of the great imperial ftandard before
Hama, thoſe who were in the caſtle, ſeeing this
innumerable multitude of troops from the top of
their walls, imagin'd it wou'd be beft for 'em
to go out immediately with what preſents they
had, to offer the keys of the place, and fubmit
to Timur. They accordingly did fo, and ad-
dreffing themſelves to the Mirzas who were
come before as fcouts, they befought 'em to
intercede and obtain quarter for 'em. The
Mirzas promis'd 'em this favor, and quarter
was granted 'em; but their ſpoils were given
to theſe ſcouts. Timur ftaid twenty days
at Hama, for the refreſhment of his troops and
horfes; during which time he had apartments
built for himſelf, the Mirzas, and principal
Emirs of his court, and a magnificent Divan-
Cané, where the councils of the ftate were held:
fo that this place in lefs than two or three weeks
became a fecond city.
In the mean while the Emirs made another at-
tempt, to perfuade the emperor to ſtay at this
place, repreſenting, that for two years paſt the
troops had been either on the march, or em-
ploy'd in a battel; that the enemy had a great
number of cavalry, whofe horſes were freſh and
not fatigu'd, and being in their own country,
had vaſt advantages over us; and that if his ma-
jeſty approv❜d of it, they wou'd go and repoſe
themſelves on the fea-fhore at Tripoli in Syria,
where they wou'd take up their winter-quarters;
ſo that the horſes might have ſome reſt after
their fatigues, and at the beginning of the
fpring they might march with vigor to extermi-
nate the enemy. Timur wou'd not hearken to
their
The history of Timur-Bec.
179
their reafons, tho they were plaufible; but an- Chap.22.
fwer'd, that they ought to make diſpatch, that
the enemy might have no time to recover them-
felves. Whereupon he order'd 'em to take horſe,
and march towards Emeffa . One of our
great Emirs went thither firſt as a ſcout; and
had the good nature to adviſe the inhabitants,
telling 'em that their refiftence wou'd ferve
only to ruin 'em, and it wou'd be pity fo many
fhou'd be deſtroy'd; that if they wou'd go meet
the emperor, and ſubmit to him, he wou'd an-
fwer for the fuccefs, and their lives and even
their effects hou'd be fpar'd. Thefe words,
which on one hand caus'd fear, and on the o-
ther hope, in the people of Emeffa, made an
impreffion upon 'em; fo that the principal men
of the city took up a refolution to obey Timur:
they came out loaded with prefents, and ran to
meet him; they caft themſelves at his feet,
kiffing the earth, which they cover'd with gold
and precious ftones: they prefented him with the
keys of the town; upon which Timur had the
goodness to prohibit any one's infulting 'em
either in their perfons or goods. He gave 'em
for their governor Ali Ecber, whom he order'd
to have a fingular regard to 'em, and to be
their protector on all occafions.
› Emeffa or Hims, a town of Syria near Hama,
CHAP:
M ↑
180
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
I
CHAP.
XXIII.
Conqueft of the town of Balbec.
IMUR decamp'd from Emeffa; and
continuing his road towards Balbec, he
march'd a day's journy, and encamp'd near a
falt-pit, from whence he fent out a body of the
army to make inroads towards Seid and Barut,
and to pillage the country along the fhore of the
Mediterranean. When the imperial ftandard
was arriv'd at Balbec, all the army admir'd the
beauty of the walls of this town: the ſtones are
of a prodigious fize, and there is one at the
corner of the caftle, which looks towards the
gardens, twenty-eight cubits long, fixteen broad,
and feven high. This town is very famous, as
well for the beauty of the walls, as for the
height of its buildings; and it's believ'd to
have been built by Solomon's order, by dæmons
and genii, over whom he had an abfolute com-
mand. Notwithſtanding theſe advantages, it
was reduc'd by our troops as foon as ever they
appear'd before it. There were in it fo great
a quantity of fruits, pulfe, and goods, that
our foldiers were furnifh'd with all manner of
neceffarys for a long time. Then Timur order'd
the Emirs Cheik Noureddin, Chamelik, Se-
vindgic, and others, to advance towards Damaf
cus at the head of thirty thouſand horſe.
1
CHAP.
The history of Timur-Bec.
181
Chap.24-
CHA P. XXIV.
Timur marches to Damafcus, capital of Syria.
T
HEY ftaid not long at Balbec, becauſe it
was fituated near a mountain, which ren-
der'd the air exceeding cold; and it being the
beginning of winter, there fell abundance of
fnow and rain.
1400.
The 3d of Jumaziulevel, the fun being in the Jan. 3.
fixth degree of Capricorn, Timur departed from
Balbec; and after having march'd a day's journy,
he halted to viſit the tomb of the prophet Noah,
whofe bleffings having befought, he fet out for the
conqueft of Damafcus. The body of the army,
which had been fent out to make inroads to-
wards Seid and Barut, return'd, after having
ravag'd all the maritim country of Syria; and
join'd the imperial camp, loaded with the fpoils
of that country. As Syria was at that time
under the dominion of the Sultans of Egypt,
the Syrians were contiually fending couriers, to
carry the news of our army's march, to Far-
rudge fon of Barcoc, their king; whom they
continu'd to prefs fo affiduously to come to op-
pofe Timur, that at their perfuafion he rais'd an
army, which he equip'd with great expence and
magnificence, and above all, the cavalry, which
was the beſt in the world. In this condi-
tion he took the road to Damafcus; which he
was no fooner enter'd, than he us'd all his pre-
cautions to examine the fortifications, to poft
guards and centinels every where, to put the
walls in good order, and to augment the en-
trenchments as well of the city as of the caftle.
M 3
In
182
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
BookIII. In fine, he took all needful precautions: and
ufing policy with ftrength, he fent to Timur, in
quality of ambaſſador, an eloquent and perfect
villain, who the better to cover his intentions
took the habit of a poor religious. He order'd
him for his companions two young affaffins, to
each of whom he gave a poifon'd dagger, with
orders to uſe their endeavours to murder Ti-
mur during the audience of the ambaffador. At
Timur's arrival near Damafcus, theſe villains
join'd the court, and came to the foot of the
imperial throne to pay their compliments: they
had feveral times the honor to approach his
majefty, aud very favorable opportunitys to
execute their defigns: but the Almighty, who
was always Timur's guardian and protector,
wou'd not fuffer 'em ever to come to perfection.
Coja Mafaoud Semnani, one of the great fecre
tarys of the council, imagin'd by the proceed-
ings of theſe rafh fellows that they had fome
evil intention: wherefore he communicated his
thoughts to fome, who related 'em to the em-
peror, who order'd 'em to be ſearch'd; and they
found in their boots poifon'd daggers. The
chief of the villains perceiving himſelf and
his companions difcover'd, declar'd the truth,
and the reſolution they had taken to affaffinate
Timur. The emperor return'd thanks to his
fovereign protector; and faid, "It is not the
maxim of kings to murder ambaſſadors; yet it
"wou'd be a crime to fuffer this rafcal, or his
"comrades, to live, who tho cloth'd in the ha-
"bit of a religious, is a monſter of corruption and
"perfidy." Then he order'd, that according to
the paffage which tells us that treafon falls upon
the head of the traitor, he fhou'd be flain with
the ſame dagger with which he wou'd have com-
mitted
The history of Timur-Bec.
183
mitted this abominable action, and his infa- 'Chap.24.
mous carcafe to be burnt for an example to
others. His two affaffins had their nofe and
ears cut off; but were not put to death, becauſe
Timur wou'd fend 'em back with a letter to the
Sultan of Egypt.
Timur took horfe; and having fix'd his troops
in good order, march'd towards Damafcus,
near which he encamp'd at the foot of a hill
near Cobbei Seiar: a trench was dug for precau-
tion round the army, and fortify'd with bucklers
and pallifados. Then Timur afcended the hill to
examine the fituation of Damafcus and its out-
parts. He fent fcouts to skirmish with the ene-
my, and to keep 'em in play: the Emirs Sevind-
gic, Sainte Maure, and others, advanc'd, and
were back'd by the Seid Coja of the right wing,
and the Mirza Rouftem of the left, at the noife
of kettle-drums, hautboys and flutes, mix'd
with the foldiers crys. By next morning they
attack'd the enemy's fcouts, whom they put to
flight, after having flain ſeveral, and taken
others prifoners. Then Timur, to revenge
himſelf for the fcandalous action of the
Sultan of Egypt, order'd Chadoun and the
other priſoners brought from Aleppo, to be put
to death.
The fame night there happen'd an affair as
ridiculous as extraordinary. The Mirza Sultan
Hufflein, after a debauch, was excited by fome
feditious Perfians to revolt againſt the emperor
his grandfather; and he accordingly went to the
city of Damafcus, and lifted himſelf into the Sy-
rian fervice which adventure gave the Syrians a
great deal of fatisfaction, imagining it wou'd
produce to 'em confiderable advantages. They
conducted the prince into the city with a great
:
M 4.
deal
184
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. deal of pomp and ceremony. Farrudge, ima-
gining the union with this prince wou'd deliver
him from all troubles, and caufe a calm after
the ſtorm was over, treated him with all poffible
refpect. The officers of this Mirza, Adouc,
and Huffein fon of Barat Coja, gaye advice of
what had pafs'd to the Emir Chamelik, who in-
form'd the emperor thereof. At break of day
they decamp'd, and after a league's march to-
wards the fouth-fide of Damafeus, which looks
upon the country of Canaan, Egypt, and the
defart of Arabia, they encamp'd again, and
built a wall about, the height of a man round
the camp, and dug a trench round the wall. The
fcouts went out to ravage the country in the
neigborhood of Damafcus: and Timur plac'd
both infantry and cavalry round the walls of the
camp to guard them in the night.
Two days after Timur fent Padi Chah Baou-
ram ambaffador to the Sultan of Egypt, with
the following letter. You are not ignorant
"of the effects which circumfpection and ex-
"actneſs produce; and know that emulation and
' jealoufy, mix'd with ambition, are the mo-
"tives which oblige conquerors to raiſe armys,
"undertake the most dangerous wars, and
"make themfelves mafters of countrys and king-
"doms; and that by this means they preferve
"the honor of their crown, and acquire eternal
"fame. All this great noife of the world is not
"fo much to heap up riches, as to acquire ho-
ec nor; for half a loaf every day is fufficient for
The Arabian remarks, that the Mirza Sultan Huffein had a
handſom head of hair, which they ſhav'd off; and having ho
nor'd him wich a robe, drefs'd him after the faſhion of their
country and that he had quitted Timur, being afham'd to fee
him with his army in fo miferable a condition.
"the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec
185
66
<c
દર
ર
"the nouriſhment of a man. We have ſeveral Chap.24.
"times demanded Atilmich of you, and you
"have not once offer'd to fend him to us;
"but have always ftarted fome difficultys,
"and delay'd an affair of fuch confequence.
"This hath oblig'd us to make war in your
country, which will bring ruin and deſolation
upon your fubjects. If rocks cou'd fpeak,
"they wou'd tell you that this action of yours
portends no good to you. Yet, notwithſtand-
ing your unreasonable proceedings, if you'll
"caufe the mony to be coin'd, and the public
prayers to be read in our name, that fhall ftop
our fury. This you ought to do, if you have
any compaffion for your felf or fubjects.
"Our foldiers are like roaring lions, which
want their prey; they feek to kill their ene-
my, pillage his effects, take his towns, and
"overturn his edifices to the very foundations.
There are but two ways to chufe: either
peace, the confequences of which are quiet
"and joy; or war, which produces diforder
"and defolation. I have fet both before you: it
"is your part to follow one or other. Confult
your prudence, and make your choice. Fare-
"well."
<c
rr
r
cc
«Ε
CC
The ambaffador having carry'd this letter,
they receiv'd him with very particular honors,
contrary to their ufual cuftom: at which re-
ception they practis'd all the ceremonys us'd
towards the moſt illuftrious men. And as fire-
works are very often made in this country, they
affembled a great many perfons of this trade,
who pafs'd in review before the ambaſſador, to
fhew their ſtrength and power: but they were
not ignorant that theſe were no more than atoms
in compariſon of the court of Timur. After
they had endeavor'd to pleaſe the ambaſſador by
abun-
186 The history of Timur-Bec.
BookIII: abundance of civil treatment, and feveral ho-
6c
nors beſtow'd on him, they fent him back ;
and he was follow'd by feveral lords of the
court of the Sultan of Egypt, who came to
caft themſelves at the foot of the imperial
throne, and ſpoke to Timur in theſe words.
"Moft excellent and formidable emperor, we
"know that we appear before your majefty as
your meaneft fervants; yet we are full of
refpe& and fubmiffion. We have refolv❜d to
"fend Atilmich to your auguft court within
"five days: and if after that you deign to
pardon our faults, we'll omit no occafion of
giving you marks of a perfe& obedience;
and as far as depends on the power of the
"Sultan, and the capacity of his fubjects, they
"fhall endeavor to merit by their fervices the
હવ
ec
CC
e
86
good-will of your majeſty, and the friend-
fhip of the illuftrious lords and officers of
"your imperial court." The emperor, being
touch'd with their difcourfe, which was color'd
over with an appearance of fincerity, gave
'em a kind reception, worthy of his clemency:
he made 'em prefents of vefts, and with very
obliging expreffions aflur'd 'em of the fincerity
of his heart; he afterwards fent 'em back very
well contented and pleas'd with having fucceed-
ed fo well in their embaffy. And this appear-
ance of an acommodation occafion'd joy to the
inhabitants of Damafcus.
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
187
Chap.25.
W
CHAP. XXV. ·
Timur gives battel to the Sultan of Egypt, and
gains the victory.
A
FTER ten days encampment, an account
was taken of the ſtate of the army: upon
which Timur order'd they thou'd depart from
thence directly to encamp at Gouta, that the
horfes might feed in that delicious place. The
army had no fooner began this motion, than
thro their ill-fortune, the inhabitants of this
country imagin'd that this march proceeded from
weakneſs, and that our troops were fled towards
the Levant. They likewife thought that fo nu-
merous an army cou'd not decamp without fal-
ling into fome diforder, and that if they laid
hold on this opportunity to attack the rear of the
Tartar army, they cou'd not fail of defeating
'em; that the furprize wou'd fo embarafs the
foldiers, that they must be conſtrain'd to dif-
perfe and fly; and that this action wou'd be a
great honor to 'em in all future ages. In this
hope the whole army of Syria took horfe, and
made a fally out of Damafcus: the populace
join'd with the foldiers, fome having fwords,
and others ſticks and ftones in their hands; and
as there were prodigious numbers of 'em, they
had the raſhneſs to fall on our rear. There came
fo great a multitude out of the city, that the
whole plain was cover'd with horfe and foot.
The cavalry were arm'd with cuiraffes, and were
perfectly well equip'd; the infantry were arm'd
with bows and arrows, fwords, bucklers and
axes, prefuming in victory: and there were ne-
ver
188
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. ver feen before fo great a multitude affembled to-
gether.
*
Timur being inform'd of this ridiculous raſh
action, knew that fate had refolv'd on the Sy-
rians deftruction: he implor'd the affiftance of
God, and reflected ſeriouſly upon the conduct he
ought to ufe in this conjuncture. He gave orders
that the whole army fhou'd face upon the enemy,
and that, all the cavalry fhou'd difmount to en-
camp: he caus'd a kind of wall to be made
with the bales of the baggage, prop'd up with
great ftones; and being thus entrench'd, they
erected their tents and ftandards. Then Timur
got upon an eminence with fifty of his favorites,
and according to cuſtom, on his knees addreſs'd
himfelf to God in prayer: he order'd his cuirafs
and other arms to be brought him, and then he
took horfe full of confidence, commanding the
drums to be beat, and the great cry made. In
the mean while the troops of our left wing ar-
riv'd all in good order;, and as the Syrians were
already very near us, Timur fent inftructions to
the Mirzas Miran Chah, Charoc, and Abou-
beere, who commanded the right wing, to at-
tack the enemy on one fide; while the Emirs of
the left wing fhou'd fall upon 'em on the other.
In this order they advanc'd againſt the enemy,
and gave 'em battel. The Emirs Sevindgic,
Chamelik, Seid Coja, Sainte Maure, and others,
as well of the vanguard as of the rear, began
the fight; being back'd by the main-body. And
as the two wings fell furiouſly upon the unfortu-
nate Syrians, there was, fo great a flaughter,
that the whole plain was cover'd with blood.
After an obſtinate battel, victory inclin'd to
Timur the Syrians were defeated, and re-
puls'd as far as to the gates of Damafcus, having
above half their foldiers flain, and a great part
difpers'd
The history of Timur-Bec.
189
?
difpers'd; but this part was afterwards over- Chap.26.
taken by the Tartars, who flew vaft numbers of
'em. There were nothing, to be feen but heaps
of dead bodys, and rivulets of blood, armor,
and ſtandards, mix'd together. Scarce any eſcap'd.
the fury of our foldiers, except those who en-
ter'd the city. This fignal victory was gain'd
the 19th of Jumaziulevel 803, which anfwers to Jan. 19.
the year of the Crocodile. During the heat of 1400.
the battel, the. Mirza Sultan Huffein, who com-.
manded the Syrians left wing, was fent againſt
the Mirzas Miran Chah and Charoc ; but Topalic
Coutchin, an officer of the Mirza Charoc, fell
upon him, and having feiz'd his horfe's bridle,
brought him to his mafter, who gave advice of
it to Timur. His majefty being incens'd, gave
orders that Huffein fhou'd be put in prifon, and
loaded with chains, as a puniſhment for his action:
but he was ſhortly after fet at liberty, thro the
interceffion of the Mirza Charoc, yet not till:
they had given him the baſtinado, as order'd by
the law of Yafac. This was not fo much a pu-
niſhment to him, as the fhame and continual re-
proaches he receiv'd from the whole court: and
he was never permitted to enter the emperor's.
hall.
CHA P. XXVI.
Taking of the sity of Damafcus.
THE
HE next day our army decamp'd, and
went to erect the ſtandard, near the city at
the foot of a hill, while the news of the late
victory ſpread it felf every where. At length
they departed at the noife of drums and trumpets;
and¸
190
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. and Timur order'd that the army fhou'd march in
order of battel, and place before 'em a great
rank of elephants, as well to augment the mag-
nificence of the army, as to ftrike terror into
thoſe who had never feen fuch things. It is re-
markable, that from one end of the right wing
to the extremity of the left, the Tartar army
took up between three and four leagues of ground.
Then having their elephants at their head, the
army got upon a rifing-ground, from whence
there was a profpect of the city, that the enemy
might fee their power, and be dishearten'd. By
this means all the inhabitants of the country, as
well foldiers as others, were fatisfy'd of the mul-
titude of this army, of which before they had
had but an imperfect knowledge. All the ca-
valry being upon this hill, the drum was beat,
and the whole army made the uſual great cry:
and then they advanc'd nearer the city, to en-
camp on the bank of a deep rivulet, which ferv'd
inſtead of a trench; and with their great and lit-
tle bucklers they made a fort of rampart round
the camp. After thefe precautions, both the
cavalry and infantry crofs'd the rivulet; and
the army, according to cuſtom, rang'd them-
felves in order of battel in fight of the enemy.
There was a vaft number of Syrians, but the
diſadvantages they had had the preceding day
had ſo diſcourag'd 'em, that they dar'd not ad-
vance. The Sultan of Egypt held a council with
his great Emirs, as Norouz Hafezi, Yach Bec,
Chadountaz, Cheiki Hajeki, and others, upon
what they fhou'd do in this conjuncture. Some,
who were attach'd to the inhabitants intereft
more than to the Sultan's, ſaid, that tho they
had receiv'd a great fhock, the city and walls
were entire; that there yet remain❜d a vaſt num-
ber of foldiers, who were difpos'd to fight; that
the
The history of Timur-Bec.
191
the beſt way wou'd be to make a fecond fally, Chap.26
and afterwards to defend the city and fortrefs.
The others who had greater experience, and
were more attach'd to the Sultan's intereft, were
of another mind: they thought that men of fenfe
fhou'd not be prepoffefs'd with chimeras; that
when the Tartars were diforder'd by a decamp-
ment, without precaution, or being upon their
guard, and not in the leaft expecting a battel,
the Syrians with their great numbers, and in
good order, went to furprize 'em, and attack
their rear, with all poffible diligence and arti-
fice; yet every one knows what the ſucceſs was :
from whence they concluded, that the beſt reme-
dy wou'd be for them to take the road of Egypt
in the night, under favor of the darkness, accor-
ding to the proverb, which tells us, That he who
gains his life, gains all; that in the town and
caſtle there were a great number of ſoldiers, as
well as inhabitants, who were capable of defend-
ing themfelves, and wou'd uſe all their efforts to
preferve their lives, their wives and familys; that
if fortune favor'd 'em, and they fav'd the city,
the king wou'd always continue maſter of it; but
on the contrary, if the Tartars took it, and burnt
and deſtroy'd every thing, the king and court at
leaft wou'd be fecur'd from the public defola-
tion.
The whole Egyptian council was of this opi-
nion; upon which Farrudge fent an ambaffador
with preſents to Timur, and a letter in theſe
terms. "The affair which happen'd yeſterday
<<
was a popular fedition, in which we had no
"hand: a number of ignorant young fellows of
"the common fort, had the rafhnefs to fally out
"of the city, and receiv'd the puniſhment they
"merited. For our part, we have no other de
fign than to keep our words, as we promis'd be-
s
t
"fore:
192
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. "fore
tr
and if your highneſs is willing to grant
a ceffation of arms for this day only, to mor-
&c row we will execute whatever you ſhall or-
der, and endeavor to repair the fault com-
"mitted againſt our will, and obtain pardon
" for it."
The ambaffador acquitted himſelf of his in-
ftructions and after he had made known to the
emperor the ſubject of his coming, he order'd
the army to return, and encamp a fecond time.
When night was come, the Sultan of Egypt
took horſe, accompany'd by the principal lords
of his court; and having difpos'd every thing
in a proper order for his departure, he went out
of Damafcus at midnight, and took the road to
Grand-Cairo. A Tartar deferter nam'd Thac-
mac, came with expedition to find the Mirza
Charoc, to whom he gave an account of all that
had pafs'd. This Mirza ran to inform Timur of
it, carrying Thacmac with him. He order'd
that the troops of the right wing, under the
command of the Mirza Aboubecre, fhou'd in-
veft the city on one fide, and thofe of the left
wing, commanded by the Emir Gehan Chah, on
the other, that no one might get out. At the
fame time Timur fent fome of the moſt famous
Emirs of his army, with a great body of cavalry,
in purſuit of the Sultan. Theſe brave men
march'd with ſo much diligence, that they over-
took him they flew feveral of his men, and
oblig❜d the others to abandon their horfes, mules,
camels, and all their equipage, to fave their lives;
fo that the ways were cover'd with goods which
they had caft away to fly the better. On break
of day, Timur took horfe, and order'd the
fuburbs of Damafcus to be pillag'd. Next day,
Jan. 23. the 23d of Jumaziulevel, after fun-rifing, the
whole army were commanded to march in order
of
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
193
of battel; and after having pafs'd the gardens Chap.26.
and fuburbs, to inveft the city. This order was
exactly executed; and Timur went to lodge in
the palace of Cafrablac, fituate over-againſt the
fortrefs, and built by Malek Ezzaher, formerly
Sultan of Egypt. The Mirzas, Emirs, and fol-
diers took up their quarters in the ſuburbs; where
they found a great quantity of furniture, arms,
ftuffs, and all forts of merchandize.
4
F
Timur, who never omitted any opportunity
of paying his devotion, vifited the tombs of
Oumme Selma and Oumme Habiba, two of the
wives of Mahomet; and afterwards that of
Belalhabachi, whofe interceffion he implor'd :
and then he return'd to his camp. As foon as..
the inhabitants of Damafcus faw themſelves be-
fieg❜d in form, they were ſo ſeiz'd with fear, that
all the Cherifs, the Cadis, Imams, doctors,
and other lawyers of the city, open'd the gates
themſelves, and with an entire fubmiffion went
out, and carrying with 'em prefents, caft them-
felves at the foot of the imperial throne. They
repreſented their mifery, and the great difplea-
fure they had at what was pafs'd: and they be-
fought the emperor to have pity on the Mufful-
1
$
An extract out of Arab 'Chah.''''
The chief of this deputation was the Cadi Veliddin, fon of
Cheldoun, who very much pleas'd Timur in his difcourfas with
him this prince made him, and the others who were with
him, dine at his own table. And as Veliddin had travel'd into
Africa, Timur was defirous of hearing him diſcourſe concern-'
ing the kings of that country; for Timur was well vers'd in
the hiftorys of princes..and ftates, and was not ignorant of.
what pafs'd either in the eaſt, or weft.
Timur gave robes of honor to theſe lawyers, and fent 'em
away contented.
He eſteems him who comes to fee him, according to the
value of his preſents, and prefently after gives him up as a prey
to death.
VOL. II.
N
mans,
194
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. mans, and only grant 'em quarter for themſelves,
and for their familys. They made feveral
preſents to the officers; and after having fub-
mitted to pay the tribute for ranfoming their
lives, they return'd home. Timur gave a com-
miſſion to the Emirs for receiving the tax, and
fent 'em into the city. Thefe Emirs were Cheik
Noureddin, Chamelik, and Allahdad, -accompa-
ny'd by the comptrollers Coja Mafaoud Semnani,
and Gelaleliſlam, who enter'd into Damaſcus,
and according to cuftom wall'd up feven gates
of the city, leaving open only the gate of El-
feradis, without which they kept their office.
The receivers having drawn from the city the
fum's agreed upon, brought 'em to the Emirs ;
The friday following the Coutbe, or prayer for
the king, was read in the famous mofque of the
Ommiades Califs, in the name and titles of the '
auguft emperor Timur.
}
3
CHAP. XXVII:
{
Taking of the castle of Damafcus.
TH
HO the condition of the city was as bad
as we have reprefented; yet Yezdar Cou-
tual, governor of the caftle, confiding in the
ftrength of this place, which was one of the
moft noted fortreffes in the world, refolv'd to
defend himſelf. Its walls were of great pieces
of rock, very high and regularly built. It had
round it a ditch of about twenty cubits; and
• Timur caus'd fome of his foldiers to be crucify'd, før
having us'd violence after the publication of quarter.
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
195
the place was fupply'd with all forts of ammuni- Chap.27.
tion. The garifon began firſt to caſt ſtones out
of their machines, as alfo arrows, and pots full
of naphtha and wild-fire, to hinder our approach.
Nevertheleſs orders were given to all the gene-
rals of Tomans and Hezares to advance towards
the caſtle, and befiege it in form. The neceffary
preparations were made, and the battering-rams.
and machines to caft ftones were got ready; and
the foldiers rais'd three platforms of fuch a
height, that they commanded the caftle. They
afterwards entirely drain'd the ditch: then the
fappers advanc'd to the foot of the wall, and
began to work with all imaginable diligence,
notwithſtanding the great ftones the befieg'd con-
tinually fhower'd on 'em; which were anfwer'd
by thoſe from the machines erected on the plat
forms, and which hinder'd the befieg'd appear-
ing fo often in view. From our machines were
likewife caft pots fill'd with wild-fire like theirs,
befides the arrows whichi conftantly fell upon the
place like hail. The fiege being divided among
the Emirs, every one fhook the walls on his fide
with battering-rams and other machines.
1
During thefe tranfactions, Timur order'd the
Mirzas Miran Chah and Charoc, and the Emirs
Solyman Chah, Gehan Chah and others, to go
and take up their winter-quarters near Canaan,
that their foldiers might refreſh themſelves, and
their horfes might get fome pafture. The reſt
of the army advanc'd in the fiege with a great
deal of vigor: they heated great pieces of the
rock by putting fire underneath, and cafting
vinegar there; and then with their hammers they
broke 'em, and took 'em out of the walls: and
when the wall and baſtions were ready to fall,
they prop'd 'em up with great ftakes left they
ſhou'd fall on a fudden. In this manner they foon
finish'd
N 2
196
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. finish'd fapping the baſtion of Tarma, which was
the largeſt of any and the place which Al-
toum Bacchi inſpected was fooneft finish'd. This
being done, orders were given to ſet fire to 'em :
and at the fame time this high and famous tower
fell, and made a vaſt breach by its fall. The fol-
diers ran with their bucklers on their heads to
enter.by this breach: but on a fudden another
part of the wall fell, which rais'd a prodigious
duft, and crufh'd to death eighty men of the
troops of Coraffana and Siftan. This misfortune
ftop'd the ardor of our men, who wou'd advance
no farther and the befieg'd laying hold on the
occafion, clos'd up the breach, and fortify'd
themſelves behind. Theſe breaches ftruck ter-
ror into 'em ; and they had willingly furrender'd,:
if they had not deſpair'd of pardon. The other
props were then order'd to be fet on fire; and
great part of the caftle foon fell. This accident
entirely taking away, all hopes from the beſieg'd,
Yezdar governor of the place caus'd the gate to
be open'd; and being conftrain'd to go out, he
came full of grief to deliver up the keys of his
caſtle, and of the treaſury and magazines with-
in it. The other fides of the walls, which had
been prop'd up with ftakes, were not fet on
fire.
+
# 4
.
Timur gave orders that the governor Yezdar.
fhou'd be put to death, becauſe he had waited
too long before he furrender'd. They found
in the caftle great quantitys, of riches, jewels,
curious ftuffs, and raritys which had been kept..
there for many ages. There was a famous gra-
nary full of corn, being the revenues of the two
renown'd citys of Mecca and Medina. Timur,
who was fincere in his religion, prohibited any
one from touching 'em and Herimulc, one of
the Tavatchis, having taken a hundred, Batmans
:
of
噜
​The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
197
of barly, he was baſtinado'd both before and Chap 27
behind, and the mony he had receiv'd for em
taken from him. Timur order'd the intendant
of this magazine to fell him fome corn at the
price of three Dinars Copeghis for each Batman
or pound, becauſe the war had render'd pro-
vifions extremely dear. This intendant got a
great fum of mony for the corn; and the whole
fum was diftributed among the officers of the
above citys, who were fent back to Jerufalem,
after having receiv'd a great deal of civil treat-
ment from Timur.
儡
​The gariſon were made flaves, and diſtributed
among the Mirzas and Emirs; it was moftly
compos'd of Circaffians, Mamalucs, Ethiopian
flaves, and Zanghebars: all the women, chil-
dren and old men had the fame fate. The
tradeſmen were feparated from the reft, and
fhar'd among the Emirs, with thoſe who had
been taken out of the city, to be conducted to
Samarcand. Moulana Jumaleddin, and Mou-
lana Sulleman, two celebrated phyficians, were
alfo carry'd with 'em. Then Timur went from
the palace of Cafrablac to lodge in the houfe of
Boutecach, one of the great Emirs of Syria,
which houſe was the moſt charming and noble
of any in that country. At the fight of all
this magnificence, Timur cry'd out, Is it not
a fhame that in a kingdom of fo large an ex-
tent, where men give themſelves up only to
pleaſures, they fhou'd build all theſe fine edi-
"fices to pleaſe their fenfes; and not have the
"charity to erect a fingle maufoleum of four
"walls for the holy wives of Mahomet, who
" lie underneath theſe tombs?" Whereupon
he immediately order'd that two magnificent
domes fhou'd be built over the fepulchres of theſe
holy ladys. The commiffion was given to the
r
CC
<c
N 3
Mirzas
198
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. Mirzas Aboubecre and Calil Sultan, and to the
Emirs Cheik Noureddin, Ali Sultan, and Men-
gheli Coja, who made the workmen proceed
with fo much diligence, that the whole was
finish'd in twenty-five days. Theſe two domes
were of white marble, full of feulptures and
chifel-work.
As the Syrian mony was of a bafe alloy, Timur
caus'd new mony to be coin'd both of gold and
filver, which was refin'd by the coppel: there
were pieces of a hundred, of fifty, and of ten
Medicales, which were all honor'd with the
name and titles of the auguft emperor Timur.
The mony was fo common among the foldiers,
that the Divan got about fix hundred thouſand
Dinars Copeghi out of the fingle revenue for
monys.
Timur commanded the principal fecretarys of
ſtate to prepare letters of conqueft, to fend to
Samarcand, and all the capital citys of the
kingdoms of Iran and Touran, which were fub-
ject to his empire, with advice of the reduction
of Syria; and to command the governors to make
public rejoicings for his victorys. Theſe letters.
were diſpatch'd by couriers, who likewife car-
ry'd with 'em feveral of thefe new-coin'd pieces
of gold and filver, to be diftributed among the
empreffes, the princes of the blood, and chief
lords of the kingdoms of Iran and Touran.
Timur fent Coja Haffan to the Mirzas Miran-
cha and Charoc, that they might order the
Emirs Soliman Chah and Gehan Chah to make
inroads along the coaft of the Mediterranean, as
far as the town of Akkia. Theſe Emirs having
departed according to order, made havock in
all this country, from whence they brought away
a great quantity of booty, and return'd to Ca-
naan.
During
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
199
During theſe tranſactions, Timur was attack'd Chap.27.
with a diftemper, which proceeded from a flux
of humors which fell upon his back, and turn'd
into an impofthume. He was very bad with it:
and one of the Emirs who attended his perfon,
nam'd Aratmur, was fent into Canaan, to order
the princes of the blood and the Emirs to return
with expedition; but at their arrival the dif-
temper went off, and the emperor recover'd.
Then Timur reflecting upon the hiftory of Syria,
affembled his privy-council to communicate his
fentiments to 'em. "I have heard, fays he,
"that in the wars which the Merouanian Om-
"miades Califs wag'd againſt the children of
"Mahomet, and particularly with Ali, his fon-
"in-law, nephew, and lawful heir, where they
"exercis'd all the maffacres and crueltys they
"cou'd invent, the Syrians kept an intelligence
"with 'em, encouraging 'em in all theſe abomi-
"nable actions. Nothing fhou'd be more won-
"der'd at than this: for how can a nation be
thought to be of the fect of a prophet, and
"be drawn from the abyfs of error and infi-
delity by the light he has afforded 'em, when
"it becomes fo far the enemy of his family as
"to unite with its moſt cruel adverfarys, and
"fuffer all forts of cruelty and injuftice to be
"us'd towards 'em? This is what I can't com-
CC prehend. We ought not to, disbelieve this
"tradition: for if it were falfe, fo rigorous a
"fentence wou'd not have come from the tribu-
"nal of God's juftice, in confequence of which
they have fuffer'd fo cruel a puniſhment at this
"time, notwithſtanding all their ſtrength and
"power."
cc
c
(6
Timur having related this piece of hiſtory,
with which he was perfectly acquainted, they
explain'd his highneſs's thoughts among one ano-
N 4
ther
200
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. ther; and the officers of his houfhold were con-
ſtantly reaſoning on it. It was fo infinuated in-
to the minds of the warriors, that on the firſt
March 28. of the moon of Schaban the troops forcibly en-
ter'd the city without orders, and made a ter-
rible flaughter, committing all manner of vio-
lences they made both men and women flaves,
took from 'em their jewels, and pillag'd their
goods, which confifted of an infinite quantity of
gold, precious ftones, curious merchandizes,
rich ftuffs, and all forts of raritys. They got
fo much riches, that all the horfes, mules, and ca-
mels, which they had taken from Sebaſte as far
as Damafcus, were not able to carry 'em away:
fo the foldiers were oblig'd to fling away a great
part, and eſpecially feveral pieces of gold and
filver ftuffs, and curious belts of Egypt, Cy-
prus and Ruffia, which they had pillag'd at the
beginning of the campain. This circumftance
I have heard from feveral credible perfons who
were eye-witneſſes of it.
March 29.
1
;
The first floor of the houſes of Damaſcus are
built of ſtone, and the two upper ones of wood
and moft of the cielings and even of the walls of
'em are varniſh'd; which renders 'em very inflam-
mable: fo that when any place has took fire, the
judges and governors, notwithſtanding all their
precautions, are not able to ftop it; and it com-
monly burns a great way. This often happens
in time of peace.
The 12th of Schaban, the city took fire by
an accident; and every one ſtrove in vain to
quench it it increas'd fo much, that no place
was free from the fcent occafion'd by the ebony
and fandarac, of which the varniſh was com-
pos'd; and the houſes became exceeding black.
Timur, whofe regard for religion was un-
parallel'd, fent the Emir Chamelik to preferve
the
The history of Timur-Bec.
201
the famous mofque of Ommiades from the fire: Chap.27.
but tho the roof was made of wood cover'd with
lead, inſtead of being varniſh'd, God made his
wrath appear againſt theſe people; for not-
withſtanding the foldiers endeavors to quench it,
they cou'd not hinder the eaſtern Minaret of this
mofque's being reduc'd to ashes, tho it was
built of ſtone: whereas the Minaret of Arous,
otherwiſe nam'd Mounar Beiza, remain'd fafe,
on which the Muffulmans believe, that the lord
Meffiah Jefus, on whom, as on our prophet, may
bleffings and falvation be ſhower'd, will defcend
from heaven, when he ſhall come to judg both
the living and the dead. And what was moſt
miraculous is, that this latter Minaret, tho
built of wood, and plafter'd over with lime on
the out-fide, remain'd intire, while all Damaf-
cus was burnt down, and the immenfe riches
within it pillag'd and fack'd, as well as the reſt
of Syria.
Then Timur took up a refolution to return
back; and to give the inhabitants of Syria fome
marks of his clemency, after having made 'em
feel the effects of his wrath, he order'd that all
the flaves of Damafcus and the reft of Syria,
men, women and children, ſhou'd be ſet at li-
berty. Gelaleliflam had the commiffion for
executing this order, and conducting all the
flaves to the city of Damafcus; which was ex-
actly obferv'd.
1
f
CHAP,
202
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
•
Book V.
1
March 31.
1401.
f
T
CHA P. XXVIII.
Timur returns out of Syria.
HE fourth of Schaban 803, which anſwers
to the beginning of the year of the Ser-
pent, the fun entring Aries, Timur decamp'd
from Coubaibat, and march'd to Gouta, where
he encamp'd. He there caus'd two orders to be
drawn up; the one to the Mirza Mehemet Sul-
tan, to leave the government of the frontiers of
Mogoliftan, to the Emirs Codadad Huffeini,
Birdi Bei, Sarbouga, and others, and to come
forthwith to the foot of the throne, to receive
the crown and inveftiture of the empire of Hu-
lacou Can, which was granted him in confide-
ration of his merits and fervices. The fecond
order was, that the auguſt emprefs Touman Aga,
and the young princes his children, fhou'd come
to meet the emperor. Theſe two orders were
feal'd, and ſent by Dané Coja.
Timur being departed from Gouta, pafs'd by
Caraoun Bec; and in three days he arriv'd at
Emeffa, the inhabitants of which had continu'd
firm in their obedience, for which reaſon the
troops did not moleſt 'em in their paffage. Then
a council was held, and Timur order'd the Mir-
zas Rouftem and Aboubecre, with the Emirs So-
liman Chah and Cheik Noureddin of the right
wing, to march with ten thouſand horfe to the
town of Tedmir, built by the prophet Solomon,
the houſes of which were of free-ftone; and to
pillage the fubjects of Zulcader, who were in
the territorys of this town. He commanded
the Mirza Sultan Huffein, and the Emir Beren-
f
dac
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
203
dac of the left wing, to march to Antioch at the Chap.28,
head of five thoufand horfe: and he fent the
Mirza Calil Sultan, the Emir Roulem Tagi
Bouga Berlas, Temour Coja, Acbouga, and o-
thers, with fifteen thouſand horfe of the main
body, againſt the Turcomans of Coubec, who
were encamp'd on the banks of the Euphrates.
Thofe of the right wing foon arriv'd at Ted-
mir, from whence they brought away about two
hundred thouſand ſheep belonging to the Zulca-
derians, who were conftrain'd to fly into the
defarts of Arabia with their horfes and camels.
After this the troops return'd, paſs'd the deſart,
and came to the banks of the Euphrates, along
which they advanc'd.
Thoſe of the left wing being arriv'd near An-
tioch, cou'd fcarcely enter it, becauſe of the
great waters, floughs and marſhes: they pillag'd
the city and country, and then turn'd towards
Aleppo, where they join'd the troops felected out
of the main-body, and commanded by the Mir-
za Calil Sultan: with theſe they march'd into
the neighborhood of Calat-Erroum, towards the
Euphrates. Here they met the Turcomans, who
had the boldness to wait their coming, and pre-
pare for battel they were briskly attack'd, and
as courageouſly defended themſelves; but the
Cheik Huffein, fon of Coubec, their leader,
being flain, his brothers and the reft of the chiefs
were conſtrain'd to fly to the defart. Several
of 'em were kill'd; and abundance of horfes,
camels, ſheep and other fpoils taken, which be-
ing join'd to the other booty of our foldiers,
they counted above eight hundred thouſand
fheep; and the foldiers were fo fatigu❜d, that
they cou'd not carry away the reft of the cat-
tel.
4
:
When
204
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
>
When Timur was arriv'd in the neighbor-
hood of Hama, the evil deftiny of the inha-
bitants excited 'em to commit acts of hoftility
againſt our men: they deftroy'd the edifices our
foldiers had built when they were there the firſt
time. This action inflam'd Timur's wrath, who
permitted 'em to be pillag'd: the inhabitants
were made flaves, and their houfes fet on fire,
after they had taken from 'em their beſt effects.
-
The army march'd from Hama to Aleppo,
from whence to Damafcus are feventy leagues.
After fome days journy they came near Aleppo;
and the Emirs Seid Azeddin, Hezaregheri,
Chah Chahan, and Mouffa Tui Bouga, who
were in the caſtle belonging to that city, raz'd
the walls, burnt the houfes, as well of the caftle
as of the town, and join'd the imperial camp.
After four days journy the army arriv'd at
the banks of the Euphrates; and the Mir-
Rouftem and Aboubecre, with the E-
mirs of the right wing, arriv'd there at the
fame time, coming from the lower part of the
river. The Mirzas Calil Sultan and Huffein
Sultan, with the Emirs of the main-body, came
there alfo by water: and they had all the honor
to kifs the imperial carpet, and offer prefents
of the booty they had taken in their inroads.
There was fo great a number of cattel in the
camp, that a fheep was fold for a Dinar. As
the Mirza Sultan Huffein had perform'd ſeve-
ral brave actions, and done the duty of a good
fubject in the laſt inroads, he obtain❜d a pardon
for his former fault, and kiſs'd the emperor's feet,
who promis'd to reſtore him his beſt favors, and
take care of his advancement.
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
205
↓
CHA P. XXIX.
Timur croffes the Euphrates, and hunts in
{
1
Mefopotamia.
+
हैं
A
FTER all the "Mirzas and Emirs had
join'd the imperial camp, orders were gi-
ven to repaſs the Euphrates: and accordingly
two boats were brought from the town of Bire,
on the eaſt fide of this river, to tranfport the
emperor's baggage. The Mirzas, Emirs and'
foldiers ſwam over, and encamp'd near Bire, 'the
governor of which came out to fálute the empe-
ror, bringing him prefents: and in acknowledg-
ment of his fervices, his highnefs confirm'd him
in his government, and the inhabitants receiv'd
no damage from our troops. Cara Ofman ar-
riv'd at this place, and kiffing the imperial car-
pet, made his prefents; and he had a handfom re-
ception.
The army being departed thence, Timur
had a defire to hunt in Mefopotamia: the fol-
diers of the right and left wing form'd the
great circle of five days journy in circumfe-
rence and the circle growing lefs and lefs,
they found fo much 'game of all forts near the
fine fountain of Rafelain, that they took the
beafts with their hands. After the chace,
tables were erected for a general banquet, to
eat the game which had been taken; wherein
the most delicious wines were ferv'd up: and as
an incentive to drinking, they eat roe-bucks
and antilopes, whofe flesh is very tender, and
the beſt-taſted of any creatures of the defart.
•
Then
Chap.29:
206
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
Then they decamp'd from Bire; and when
they were come to the town of Edeffa', the prin-
cipal perfons came out with preſents to falute
Timur, who treated 'em handfomly, affur'd'em
of their lives, and fent 'em back contented.
Paffing farther, they found a caftle inhabited by
Armenian robbers. Timur gave orders for their
being exterminated; and they were accord-
ingly put to death, their goods feiz'd on, and
the place raz'd. During theſe tranſactions Hen-
dou Chah Cazandgi arriv'd from Samarcand:
he had an audience of the emperor, to whom he
gave an account of the good ſtate of affairs in
Tranfoxiana. There alfo came an officer from
the empreſſes Toukel Canum and Touman Aga;
and another from Sultania, from the empress Se-
rai Mulc Canum, with prefents of ftuffs and
jewels and all theſe meffengers inform'd the em-
peror of the good health of the princes his
Lons.
1
$
}
CHAP. XXX.
Timur marches to the town of Merdin.
T
[
HEN the army march'd towards Mer-
din. Timur fent back Hendou Chah Ca-
zandgi, and the officers of the empreffes, gi-
ving 'em prefents, and letters full of affection
for the princes his children. To the fame place
came the Sultan of Hufni Keifa, and the Sul-
• The fame as Ruhha and Orpha.
Corruptly call'd Hafan Keif, a town on the bank of the
Tigris between Amed and Mouffel,
tan
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
207
tan of Arzine, with the other princes and Chap.30.
lords of thofe quarters. They brought preſents
and precious ftones to lay before the emperor,
and they had the honor to kifs the imperial
carpet.
>
As to the Sultan of Merdin, we have already
remark'd, that he being reduc'd to obedience,
had been impriſon'd by the emperor's order
in the caſtle of Sultania; that Timur in com-
paffion to him had pardon'd him, and given
him a veft, with much civil treatment; and
that he had promis'd to become a faithful ſervant
as long as he liv'd, and let flip no opportunity
of giving marks of it, that ſo he might render
himfelf agreeable to the emperor, and merit
his favors. After this it became him to follow!
our army into Syria with his troops; or if thro
the nearness of the enemys, there was any dif-
ficulty in that, he ought at leaſt to have fent
one of his fons or brothers. But as he had fail'd
in this particular, he was conſcious of his fault;
and dar'd not come to meet his highneſs. Ne-
vertheleſs Timur, being arriv'd near his fron-
tiers, had the goodneſs to ask after him, or-
dering him to come before him in very oblig-
ing terms: but this unhappy prince, giving
way to his evil deftiny, had the infolence to
refuſe to come, and dreamt of defending his
town, being perfuaded that it cou'd not be
taken by force. In effect, as a long fiege
was neceſſary to the carrying it, tho in the
neighborhood were abundance of fertile plains
full of pafturage, and proper to encamp
in; Timur was contented with ruining and-
burning
4
A
• Timur cou'd not take the caftle of Merdin, which was
fituate upon an inacceffible rock, large enough to contain
mnch
208
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. burning all the houſes of the lower town, as
well as the markets: and he order'd Cara
Ofman, governor of Malatia, after having
honor'd him with a veft, to form the blockade
of Merdin, and fhut the inhabitants up fo
clofe, that no one might be able to eſcape.
Į
Timur us'd abundance of civility to the
Sultans of Hufni Keifa, Arzine, and the other..
neighboring places, who were come to pay
their devoirs to him at his arrival. He gave to..
each a robe wove with gold, a belt fet with. :
precious ftones, and a fabre with a gold han-
dle; and he permitted 'em to return to their
own countrys... Then Timur fent the Emir
Allahdad to Samarcand, with orders to march
afterwards to Achpere, to take care of the fron-
tiers of Gete, ¿
*
C
}
CHAP.
XXXI.
Timur fends troops into Georgia, and to
T
Bagdad.
HE army being departed from Merdin,
Timur order'd the Mirzas Sultan Huffein,
Pir Mehemed, Omar Cheik, and Aboubecre, as
alſo the Emirs Gehan Chah, Temour Coja, Seid.
Coja, and others, to march with a great body of
the army to Alengic by the way of Amed,
and
much plough'd lands. Here are great ſprings of water ;
the gariſon ſtand in no need of the out-parts to maintain
'em.
The Arabian ſays, that to be defirous of taking Merdin,
is to ſeek the friendſhip of an envious man, or to make a
fign to the blind.
}
to
}
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
209
to make themſelves mafters of Alengic, and Chap.31.
from thence to paſs into Georgia. The Mirzas
and Emirs departed according to order: but as
Alengic had been befieg'd already two years
by others of our troops, (for when the army
march'd towards Sebafte, the Cheik Mehemed
Deroga, with the troops of the Mirza Miran
Chah, Firouz Chah, and the Mirza Charoc,
went to befiege it, and prefs'd it fo clofely,
that most of the inhabitants died of hunger;
they being in fo great want of victuals, as to
be oblig'd to eat old leather, skins and fuch like
things, to appeaſe their hunger; and even theſe
things failing 'em at laſt, conſtrain'd 'em to go
out and deliver up the place) Alengic, I fay,
having been befieg'd two years, when the Mir-
zas and Emirs came near Avenic, and heard of
the reduction of Alengic, inftead of marching
to it, they turn'd towards the right for Geor-
gia. They made great hafte to furprize the
Georgians, whofe country they ravag'd. This
exceedingly diſturb'd Malek Gourghin, who
fent an ambaffador to the Mirzas, to acquaint
'em with the great furprize he was in at their
coming into his country, feeing he was one of
the emperor's moſt faithful fervants, and to affure
'em that as foon as his highneſs fhou'd come into
thoſe quarters, he wou'd not fail of paying his
obedience to him. The Mirzas fent an exprefs
to court with advice of Ghourghin's fubmiffion;
they ceas'd ravaging his countrys, and ſtaid at
Mencoul, which is a place proper to paſs the fum-
mer in, to wait the anfwer of the court, and
know whether the emperor wou'd grant quar-
ter to Ghourghin. The fame day an order was
iffu'd out for the Sultan Mahmoud Can, the
Mirza Rouftem, the Emir Solyman Chah, and
other Emirs, to march at the head of their
VOL. II.
O
Tomans
210
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. Tomans and companys towards the city of Bag-
dad. Thefe lords fet out immediately, and after
feveral days march arriv'd at Bagdad, and en-
camp'd on the fouth-fide. Farrudge, of the
Mogul hord of Gelair, was governor for the
Sultan Ahmed. The vaft multitudes of Turks
and Arabians, who were affembled in this city,
render'd Farrudge infolent; and confiding in
the ſtrength of his walls, and the number of
his foldiers, he even dar'd to fally out to op-
pofe the Tartar army, and rang'd his men in
order of battel in the view of ours.
reftan.
As foon as the rumor of the arrival of our
army was ſpread, the Emirs Ali Calander of
* In Cou. Mendeli *, and Dgian Ahmed of Bacou *, be-
gan their march againſt us, and pafs'd the Tigris
at Medaine. On the other hand, Farruk Chah of
Hille, and Micail of Sib, alfo departed with the
fame defign, and join'd together at Serfer; and
with three thouſand men well arm'd advanc'd to
fight. The Mirza Rouftem, the Emir Soliman
Chah, and others, immediately took horſe with
their troops, and furrounded the enemy. They
repuls'd 'em as far as the Tigris, and a bloody
battel enfu'd near the caftle of the Emir
Ahmed. Dgian Ahmed was there flain, with a
great number of his braveft foldiers: many caft
themſelves into the river and were drown'd,
while the reſt eſcap'd with a great deal of diffi-
culty. After the defeat, one wou'd have
thought Farrudge fhou'd not have held out any
longer; but this peafant, who had never before
been maſter of a government, and had attain'd
this only by cowardly intrigues, cou'd not re-
folve to quit his new dignity of governor, but
found a pretence to excufe himſelf. "The Sul-
CC
tan Ahmed my mafter, fays he, made me
fwear, that if Timur thou'd come in perfon,
rr
I
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
211
"I wou'd furrender the city, for fear of bring- Chap.32.
CC
ing the people into mifery: but if that em-
"peror fhou'd not come in perfon, whatever
"number of troops approach'd, I wou'd make a
"ftout defence, and not deliver up the place :
" and I muſt obey my maſter's orders."
t
Under this fly pretence, he gain'd over the
inhabitants and militia, whom he poſted upon
the walls to defend the city. There he us'd all
his efforts; for he excited the foldiers upon the
walls, and advanc'd upon the water in a boat,
diſcharging a fhower of arrows on our men in
the rear.
In the mean while Timur advanc'd towards
Tauris: he pafs'd by Nafibene', a ftrong place,
which he gave orders to befiege and raze; but
the inhabitants coming out with prefents, and
bringing the keys of the fortrefs, Timur gave
em quarter; and they receiv'd no damage from
the paffage of our troops. The army being ar-
riv'd at Mouſſel', they built a bridge over the
Tigris, which all the troops crofs'd in a week.
~
CHAP. XXXII.
Timur befieges and takes Bagdad.
HE Emirs who were before Bagdad, ſent
TH
an expreſs to the emperor, to acquaint
him with Farrudge's fentiment, and the pre-
tence with which he color'd over his obftinacy
in defending the city. On this advice Timur
5. A town of Courdiſtan, long. 76. 30. lat, 37.
A town of Mefopotamia, long. 77. lat. 36. 30.
2
chofe
212
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. chofe the braveft men of his army; and leaving
the empress Tchelpan Mulc Aga, with the reſt
of the troops and baggage, under the care of
the Mirza Charoc, accompany'd by the Emir
Chamelik, whom he order'd to march to Tauris
by Tchinaran and Calaghi, he departed in per-
fon for Bagdad, by the way of Altoun Cupruc ';
where being arriv'd, he encamp'd at the lower
part of the river, over-againſt the gate of Ca-
riet Ulacab; and all the troops encamp'd round
the city. He immediately order'd the fappers
to begin to work. The Mirzas and great Emirs
of the Tomans, Hezares and Couchons, fix'd the
fappers each before his poft, and fome bodys of
the troops to fuftain 'em. Farrudge being defi-
rous to know whether Timur was there in per-
fon, fent one to him whom he had confidence
in, in quality of ambaffador, becaufe this perfon
knew him, having had the honor to fee him be-
fore. The ambaſſador met with a handfom re-
ception; and after his audience was honor'd
with a veft, and at length diſmiſs'd. At his
return he gave Farrudge an exact account of
what had pafs'd; but this governor, tho he
well knew he ſpoke the truth, accus'd him of
diffembling, and put him in prifon, left others
fhou'd likewife know the truth from him
then giving out that Timur was not there in
perfon, he continu'd to defend himfelf, and
committed hoftilitys, not confidering what the
confequence wou'd be. Then the Cojas Mafaoud
Semnani, and Mengheli, who were employ'd in
building a platform, which might have a pro-
ſpect upon the city of Bagdad, were wounded
with arrows, and foon after expir'd.
"A bridge on the river of Altoun Soui near Mouſſel.
and
Timur
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
213
8
Timur fent Locman Tavachi to the Mirza Chap.32.
Charoc, to order him to return to Bagdad with
the baggage and the reſt of the army. Locman
join'd the Mirza at Calaghi, and accompany'd
him in his way to Bagdad. When this great
army was affembled together, Timur review'd
it: and the aftonifh'd inhabitants no longer
look'd upon their city as the houſe of peace
but as the palace of hell and difcord. The
troops encamp'd on both fides the river, and
furrounded the city, tho it was more than two
leagues in circumference. A bridge of boats
was built over the Tigris below Cariet Ulacab:
and feveral skilful archers were laid in ambuf-
cade down the river, to hinder any from flying,
The care of the upper part of the river, was
given to the Mirzas Miran Chah and Charoc,
who encamp'd over-againſt Souqs Effultan. On
the other fide of the Tigris were Mehemed Azad,
and Tangri Birmich Coja, to guard the fore-
part of the city, that no one might get out that
way. In fine, it was fo block'd up and envi-
ron'd on all fides, that tho the Tigris pafs'd
thro the middle of it, and there was a great
number of boats, yet it was impoffible to get
out. During theſe tranſactions, Ahmed Ogoul-
chai, governor of the caftle of Alengic, who
was feiz'd after the taking of the place, was
brought to Timur, who order'd that he fhou'd
be put to death, and the caftle committed to
the care of Malek Mehemed Aoubehi. The
execution of this order was given to him who
had brought Sidi Ahmed to court.
At the fame time the Emir Mouffa arriv'd
from the Mirza Mehemed Sultan at Tranfoxie
Bagdad is firnam'd Dareffelam, that is to fay, the houfe of
peace.
Q 3
ana,
214
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. ana, and gave the emperor an account of the
good ſtate of affairs in that kingdom. He pre-
fented him with a piece of a balafs ruby, weigh-
ing one hundred and twenty Medicales, dug
out of the mine of Bedakchan.
In the mean while Farrudge and the inhabi-
tants of Bagdad were ftruck with fear; fo that
they fought not fo much out of bravery as from
defpair: they perform'd actions of the greateſt
rafhneſs, which almoft exceeded human power;
for as foon as the Tartars having made a breach,
had fet fire to it, and a fide of the wall was
about to fall, the befieg'd immediately repair'd
the breach with mortar and brick, and en-
trench'd themſelves behind. It was then fum-
mer, the fun being in Cancer: and as Bagdad
was fituate in a country near the tropic, the
violence of the heat was fo great, that the birds
fell down dead; and as the foldiers had on their
cuiraffes, one may fay they even melted like wax :
nevertheleſs they rais'd a high platform, which
commanded the city, from whence they incef-
fantly caft great ftones out of their machines.
The Mirzas and Emirs fell feveral times on
their knees before the emperor, begging leave
to make a general aflault, that they might take
the city fword in hand: but Timur wou'd not
confent to it, faying, perhaps the befieg'd may
come to a ſenſe of their fault, beg pardon, and
deliver up the place, that they may fave them-
felves from being flain or made flaves, and that
the kingdom may not be entirely ruin'd.
But
fate had fix'd it otherwife; for theſe unfortu-
nate people continu'd in their ftubbornneſs,
notwithſtanding the dearneſs and fcarcity of
provifions, the fiege having already lafted
forty days.
The
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
215
1401.
The 27th of Zilcade 803,'at noon, when the Chap. 32.
inhabitants by reafon of the heat of the fun,
not being able to ftay upon the walls, had re- July 23.
tir'd into their houſes, and fix'd their helmets
upon ſticks which they had erected in their places,
our army undertook to give a general affault.
The Mirzas and Emirs furiously advanc'd, and
having fix'd their fcaling-ladders againſt the
walls, the Emir Cheik Noureddin mounted firft,
and erected his horfe-tail upon the wall, crown'd
with a half-moon. He caus'd the trumpet to be
founded, and the drums and kettle-drums beat:
immediately all the captains in their reſpective
pofts mounted the walls, and then caft them
down into the ditch: the troops enter'd the city
fword in hand, and Timur advanc'd to the foot
of the bridge which had been built below Bag-
dad. The foldiers being in the place, the in-
habitants endeavor'd to get out by all the ways
they cou'd, but in vain fo they were con-
ftrain'd to caft themſelves into the Tigris, where
efcaping the fwords of the Tartars, they be-
came the prey of the fishes. Several got into
boats, and others fwam, to gain the lower part
of the river; but they were no fooner come to
the bridge than they were fhot by the foldiers
arrows, who lay in ambufcade. Farrudge em-
bark'd with his daughter, and found means,
notwithſtanding all Timur's precautions, to
eſcape by water. He was purfu'd along the
banks of the Tigris by our foldiers, who dif-
charg'd upon him a vast number of arrows;
whom not being able to refift, he was con-
ftrain'd to caft himſelf and daughter into the
water, where they were both drown'd, and the
boat funk to the bottom. The boatmen had
orders to fiſh up Farrudge; and having drawn
him up out of the water, they caft his unfortu-
:
0 4
nate
216
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. nate carcafe upon the bank. As there had been
feveral Tartar foldiers flain in the general
affault, each foldier was order'd to bring one
head of the men of Bagdad; which they ac-
cordingly did, and fpar'd neither old men of
fourfcore, nor children of eight years of age.
No quarter was given either to rich or poor;
and the number of the dead was fo great, that
no one cou'd count 'em up, tho the Tavachis
had orders to regifter it. Towers were made of
thefe heads, to ferve as an example to pofterity.
Some learned men found means to caft them-
felves at the feet of the emperor, who granted
'em pardon and quarter, and even gave 'em veſts
and horſes, with a convoy to conduct 'em to
what place of fecurity they defir'd all the reft
of the inhabitants were exterminated. After-
wards Timur gave orders that there fhou'd not
remain one fingle houſe in the city unraz'd;
but that the mofques, colleges and hofpitals
fhou'd be fpar'd. Accordingly they ruin'd the
markets, caravanferas, hermitages, cells, mo-
nafterys, palaces, and other edifices. Thus,
fays the Alcoran, The houſes of the impious are
overthrown by the order of God.
Arabſchah fays two; and that there were ninety thouſand
inhabitants of Bagdad flain in cold blood. They flung away
the bodys, and made trophys of the heads pil'd together,
There were one hundred and twenty towers made of the heads
for trophys.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
217
CHA P. XXXIII.
Timur's return from Bagdad, and march to-
wards Tauris.
A
FTER the Tigris was grown red with
the blood of the inhabitants of Bagdad,
and the air began to be infected by the dead
bodys, Timur decamp'd from that city the be-
ginning of Zilhadge, and march'd a league to-
wards the upper part of the river. He en-
camp'd near he tomb of the great Imam Abou
Hanifa, chief of one of the four orthodox ſecs
among the Mahometans, to implore the inter-
ceffion of this faint. Then he fent a meffenger
with letters and orders to Moufike, who was
come from Tranfoxiana; which meffenger he
order'd to be accompany'd by Nemedee, De-
roga' of Khivak, that this Nemedee might
have the care of the government of Carezem
in the abſence of Moufike, and till his return
to the Mirza Mehemed Sultan.
Timur order'd the Sultan Mahmoud Can,
and the Mirza Caleb Sultan, accompany'd by
feveral great Emirs and a good number of
troops, to make inroads in the neighbouring
places. They haften'd to obey this order, paſs'd
by Hille, and went as far as Mechad Nedgef ';
1
Deroga is the particular governor of a town.
* A town fouth of the Gihon, in the kingdom of Carezem.
A place in Irac Arabi near the Euphrates, where Huffein,
grandfon of the falfe prophet Mahomet, was flain by the fol
diers of Yezide, fon of Muavias. To this place they go in pil-
grimage from all parts of Afia,
but
Chap-33.
218
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. but inſtead of attacking that holy place, they
paid their devotions there: then they ravag'd
Hille and Vafet, and return'd to court laden
with booty.
Timur took the road to Chehrezour and Cal-
ghi; and leaving the care of the baggage and
main of the army to the great Emirs, he order'd
'em to march flowly behind, while no one fhou'd
feparate from his Toman or company. The
emperor made hafte, accompany'd by the Mir-
zas Miran Chah, Charoc, and Calil Sultan:
but while they were on their march, the Cour-
des were fo rafh as to attack thoſe who were
feparated, tho at ever fo fmall a diftance from
the army, and rob 'em. Timur being inform'd
of their boldneſs, plac'd foldiers in ambuſ-
cade round the roads; and as foon as theſe vil-
lains appear'd, our men fallying out of their
ambufcades, feiz'd 'em, and hang'd 'em upon
the ſpot on the chefnut trees which grew in the
roads. As to theſe chefnut-trees, I have heard
it reported by .very credible perfons, that one
year they produce chefnuts, and the next gall-
nuts; which appearing fo very extraordi-
nary, I thought fit to mention it. Timur
being arriv'd at the river of Jagatou, the em-
prefs Serai Mulc Canum, Canzade, and the
other wives of the Mirzas, with their children,
among whom was the Mirza Oulouc-Bec, came
to meet his highneſs, and kifs'd his feet at Sine-
per, congratulating him on his conqueſts, and
fprinkling upon him precious ftones and pieces
of mony. After having offer'd their prefents,
• I believe the author is miſtaken, fuppofing the oaks which
produce gall-nuts alternately with acorns, to be chefnut-trees,
which are very uncommon in Syria.
they
The history of Timur-Bec.
219
they decamp'd, and being arriv'd at Acziaret, en- Chap.34-
camp'd there. The Cherifs, doctors and princi-
pal lords of the empire of Iran, cloth'd with
fcarfs of Ihhrane which they wear in the
mofques, came as far as this place to meet
Timur, who gave 'em a handfom reception.
They ftaid twenty days at this place; and the
baggage and remainder of the army foon ar-
riv'd. And as the moſt learned Imams, and
doctors were affembled in this place,Timur, who
was extremely defirous of being enlighten'd
upon any queſtions of religion, invited 'em to
difpute upon fome point of doctrine, for the
better clearing up of the truth: he employ'd
himſelf in this exercife as long as he continu'd
at Acziaret. Afterwards he gave leave to the
Mirza Rouſtem to return to Chiraz, with or-
der, as foon as he fhou'd arrive there, to fend to
court Haffan Yandar, and Jafan Jagadaoul.
CHAP. XXXIV.
Timur fends the Mirza Charoc to Arzendgian.
I
URING Timur's ftay in Syria, Baja-
zet, firnamed Ildurum or the Thunder,
the Ottoman emperor, thro the inſtigation of
Sultan Ahmed Gelair and Cara Youfef Turco-
man, who had fled for refuge to his court,
brought an army into the field; and to revenge
himſelf for the ruin of Sebafte, he march'd to
befiege Arzendgian, which he made himſelf
maſter of, having routed Taharten. Mocbel,
Taharten's lieutenant, was kill'd in the battel;
and Bajazet fent the difconfolate wives and
children of Taharten to Brouffa; and then re-
turn'd
220
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. turn'd himſelf. When Timur was departed
from Acziaret, had pafs'd by Oudgian, and
was encamp'd at Hechtroud, that is to fay,
the eight rivers, he receiv'd advice that Bajazet
was again marching towards the eaft: upon
which he order'd the Mirza Charoc forthwith to
fall upon the Ottoman, and make him repent
of his boldnefs; he appointed the Emirs Soly-
man Chah, Chamelik, and other chiefs of To-
mans, and colonels of Hezares, to accompany
the Mirza. He then fent orders by the Emir
Mezrab, to the Mirzas and Emirs who were
gone out to make inroads in Georgia, and had
ftop'd in Mencoul, to depart directly to join the
Mirza Charoc, which they accordingly did.
The Mirza being fet out from Avenic, and ar-
riv'd at Nevine, met the Cheik Ali, nephew of
Taharten, who brought advice that Bajazet,
fearing the fuccefs of his bold undertaking, had
befought Taharten to intercede for him with
Timur, that he might obtain pardon for his
hoftilitys, on condition of his future obedience;
that he wou'd fend ambaffadors with letters to
make a treaty of peace, and a fincere alliance
between the two empires, that fo the Mufful-
mans might live quietly; and that he promis'd
that if the peace fhou'd be concluded by the in-
terceffion of Taharten, he wou'd fend back his
wives and children, whom he had carry'd to
Brouffa. The Mirza Charoc fent the Cheik Ali
to the emperor, to give him an account of this
affair; and ftaid himſelf fome time where he
was. Timur having decamp'd from the eight
rivers, went to Oudgian, and ftaid fome days
in the Kiochk of Argoun.
› A town of Azerbijana near Tauris.
CHAP
The history of Timur. Bec.
221
CHA P. XXXV.
Arrival of the Second emprefs Touman Aga,
and the young princes, from Samarcand.
W
E have faid before, that when the army
decamp'd from Damafcus, orders were
fent to the emprefs Touman Aga to repair to
court with her children. As foon as the prin-
cefs receiv'd that letter, fhe haften'd thither.
When the arriv'd at Bocara, fhe went to vifit the
tombs of the faints, and among others that of
the Cheik Seifeddin Bacrezi, whofe interceffion
The befought. She crofs'd the Gihon at Amou-
ye, and paffing the defart, came to Macan;
and then going thro. the defart of Bigen, fhe
went to Machhad of Tous, where the vifited
the tomb of the great Ali, making vows, and
diftributing alms. When the was arriv'd near
Oudgian, Timur went to meet her, and had the
pleaſure of ſeeing and embracing his dear chil-
dren the Mirzas Ibrahim Sultan and Sad Vac-
cas. He return'd thanks to God for his favors;
and aftrewards gave audience to the empress
Touman Aga, and his daughter the princefs
Beghifi Sultan, as alfo his couſin Sadekin Aga,
who paid their reſpects to him. After having
ftaid feveral days at Oudgian, Timur took the
road to Tauris, hunting in his way. When he
was arriv'd there, he went into his imperial pa-
lace, where he inform'd himſelf of the affairs of
all his people, and did juftice to thoſe who had
been opprefs'd by his officers. Then the Coja
Ali Semnani arriv'd from Herat, and the Coja
Seifeddin from Sebzuar; they faluted the em-
*
peror,
Chap. 35.
222
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Timur gave
Book V. peror, and made their prefents. Timur
'em a place in the Divan, in confideration of
their fervices.
CHAP. XXXVI.
Timur marches into Georgia, and to Carabagh
TH
Arran.
IMUR having ftaid fome days at Tau-
ris, refolv'd to march into Georgia: he
went to encamp at Comtoupa, where he order'd
the Coja Ifmael Cavafi to be hang'd before the
market-place of the camp, to puniſh him for the
tyrannys he had exercis'd upon the people. He
afterwards croſs'd the river Araxes, and went to
encamp with all the army at Nakchivan. And
as the caſtle of Alengic was near Nakchivan, he
was defirous to fee that ftrong place, which had
been taken by his foldiers in fo ſhort a time; and
carrying with him the empreffes, with the
princes his fons, and his favorite Emirs, he care-
fully examin'd the place, and return'd to his
camp.
About this time Taharten arriv'd at court,
where on his knees he prefented Bajazet's letter,
gave an account of his repentance, and begg'd
pardon for him; which he did with fo much elo-
quence, that he appeas'd the emperor's wrath,
and obtain'd his defire. Timur ftaid fome days
at this place, during which time he ſent an
ambaffador into Georgia, to Malek Ghourghin,
to demand the tribute of him. Then the
Mirzas, Pir Mehemed fon of Omar Cheik,
Sultan Huffein and Aboubecre, with the E-
mirs who had been fent to Mencoul, to join
f
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
223
the Mirza Charoc, arriv'd at court, and faluted Chap.36.
the emperor. The army decamp'd from the
meadow of Nakchivan, went to the defile of
Chahboz, and enter'd into the mountains. Ti-
mur being arriv'd at Gheuktcheytonkez, had a
defire to take the diverfion of hunting; and
when the circle began to clofe as ufual, they
took a very great number of ftags. After this
chace they encamp'd, and the Mirza Charoc re-
turn'd with his Emirs, and had the honor to fa-
lute the emperor at that place. Afterwards they
departed; and when they were encamp'd at
Chemkour, which is a delicious place, Idecou,
fon of Coja Seifeddin Berlas, arriv'd there from
Kirman; he kiss'd the imperial carpet, and made
his prefents. The commiffary, whom Timur had
fent into Georgia to receive the tribute impos'd
on Malek Ghourghin, likewife return'd to the
fame place. That prince fent with him his own
brother, loaded with curious prefents, among
which were horfes and animals proper for the
chace; he alfo fent the tribute impos'd on him. He
had an audience of the emperor, by the interceffion
of the great Emirs; and having offer'd his pre-
fents, related the fubject of his embaffy. He faid
that the king his brother had refolv'd to continue
obedient to the laws of the emperor of the Mufful-
mans; that if he had committed any fault, he fin-
cerely repented of it; and if his highneſs wou'd
pardon him, he wou'd not let one opportunity flip
of rendring him his fervices; that the wou'd faith-
fully pay his annual tribute, and always keep
troops ready to march where his highneſs thou'd
pleaſe to order 'em.
A town in Georgia, long, 83, lat. 42.
Timur
224
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
Timur pardon'd Malek Ghourghin; he look'd
upon
his brother with a favorable eye, and gi-
ving him a veft, permitted him to return home.
He order'd him to acquaint his brother that he
forgave him, and wou'd quit his country, on
condition that he kept within the bounds of his
duty; that he treated the Muffulmans of Geor-
gia civilly, and protected 'em from all infults.
and oppreffions; and that he rais'd an army,
which he fhou'd fend directly to the imperial
camp.
Then Timur fent to Samarcand Temour Coja
fon of Acbouga, with other Emirs, to ferve un-
der the Mirza Omar, in quality of lieutenant-
general in the government of Tranfoxiana. The
army departed from this place, and went to en-
camp at Caraoultopa, where they receiv'd advice
that the Mirza Mehemet Sultan, who had orders
to return from Samarcand to court, was arriv'd
at Nichabour, and that the Emir Hadgi Seifed-
din, his lieutenant-general, was dead. Timur
was fenfibly touch'd with this news, and melted
into tears, becauſe of the good fervices he had
always receiv'd from that faithful fervant.
CHA P. XXXVII.
Timur paffes the winter at Carabagh. Arri-
val of the Mirza Mehemet Sultan from
Samarcand.
31
FTER a month's ftay at Caraoultopa,
Timur departed; and having paſs'd by
Ghendge and Berdaa, went to encamp at Cara-
Dec. 12. bagh Arran the 22d of Rabiulakher 804, which
anſwers to the year of the Serpent, the fun being
1401.
in
7
225
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
in the middle of Sagittarius. They built houfes Chap 37
of reeds for Timur and the Mirzas his fons; and
within the incloſures they erected tents and pa-
villions. And as Timur's intention was to make
war in Capchac in the fpring, the face of the
pavillions was turn'd towards Derbend; and
every one took up his winter-quarters, after Ti-
mur had diſtributed the mony in his treaſury
among the foldiers and Emirs. But at this time
ambaſſadors arriv'd from Capchac: they obtain'd
an audience by the interceffion of the great E-
mirs, and on their knees affur'd the emperor of
their Can's fubmiffion and perfect obedience.
The refpectful terms they us'd appeas'd his anger,
who granted 'em pardon, and affur'd 'em of his
friendſhip.
Then advice was brought that the Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan had pafs'd by Ardebil, and was
arriv'd at A&tam, at the head of his army. The
Mirzas Miran Chah, Charoc, and others, ac-
company'd by all the great Emirs, haften'd to
meet him they crofs'd the bridge of the Araxes,
and join'd the Mirza on the bank of the river Ag-
louc. The Mirzas embrac'd their brother with
tenderneſs and affection, teſtify'd their joy, and
congratulated him on his happy arrival. The
Mirza Mehemed Sultan went to caſt himſelf at
the emperor's feet, with the ordinary ceremonys.
Timur embrac'd him, difcours'd with him on
the fatigues and length of his journy, and gave
him a thouſand benedi&ions. The Mirza offer'd
his prefents, as did alfo the Emirs of his court.
For joy of this happy arrival the emperor made a
great feaſt for ſeveral days, where the empreffes
and ladys appear'd with extraordinary fplendor.
Timur particularly diſtinguiſh'd the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan; he plac'd a crown of gold on
his head, and gave him a belt of the fame met-
VOL. II.
P
tal,
226
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. tal, with nine fets of Arabian horſes, with fad-
dles of gold. When the feaſt was over, Timur
again took upon him the care of the public af-
fairs; and the first thing he did was to finish the
procefs aganiſt the Mirza Eskender, whom the
Mirza Mehemed Sultan had bound for a fault he
had committed: he was interrogated in a full
Divan, and being caft, receiv'd the baftinado
appointed by the laws of Yafa; but at length
his chains were taken off, and he fet at liberty.
CHAP. XXXVIII.
Timur fends troops to make inroads in divers
WE
places.
E have before remark'd, that the Sultan
Ahmed Gelair, for fear of Timur's troops,
had fled from his city of Bagdad for refuge into
Natolia to Bajazet. Upon the rumor of Timur's
march, the fame Sultan departed from Bajazet
in the neighborhood of Cæfarea in Cappadocia,
and went towards Chaldea, which is call'd Irac-
Arabi he paſs'd by Calat-Erroum, and along
the banks of the Euphrates; he went to Hit, and
thence to Bagdad, which city he endeavor'd to
rebuild, tho entirely ruin'd; and he got together
all thofe of his party who were difpers'd, and
wander'd about as, vagabonds in the defarts.
Timur being inform'd of this, refolv'd to exter-
minate 'em before they fhou'd be able to gather
to a head to which purpoſe he held a council
with the Mirzas and Emirs, and order'd four bo-
dys of the cavalry to march each a different route.
The Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of Omar Cheik,
t
had
{
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
227
had orders to go towards Loreftan, Couzef- Chap. 38.
tan and Vafet: the Mirza Aboubecre, with fe-
veral Emirs of Tomans, was to depart for Bag-
dad: the Mirzas Sultan Huffein and Calil Sultan
were order'd to go with feveral Emirs into cer-
tain places of Chaldea; and the Emir Berendác
was nam❜d to march with a good troop, to pil-
lage Gezire, and endeavor to exterminate the
rebels. And as the Courdes had dar'd to com-
mit infults againſt our army, on its return from
Bagdad, and had rob'd fome of our foldiers who
were fcatter'd; the emperor order'd that the firſt
of theſe robbers they met fhou'd be deſtroy'd
without mercy.
Tho it was winter, and the cold exceeding
violent, becaufe of the fnow, fo that it was im-
poffible to pafs without laying felts before one ;
yet the Emirs readily obey'd their inftruc-
tions. This execution was begun upon the
Courdes robbers, who, forc'd by the fnow and
violence of the cold, were come down from their
mountains, and had encamp'd in the plains of
Derbend Tachi Catoun: an infinite number were
put to the fword, fome wou'd have fled into the
mountains, but were hinder'd by the fnow and
cold, and conftrain'd to fubmit, and beg quarter,
which was not granted, becauſe their own wick-
edneſs had brought upon 'em the wrath of Ti-
mur.
The Mirza Aboubecre, having the Emir Ge-
hancha for his lieutenant-general, took the road
to Bagdad, and blocking up the ways on all
fides, arriv'd there in the evening, when the
Sultan Ahmed leaſt expected him. The Sultan
was fo furpriz'd and prefs'd, that he caft himſelf
into a boat in his flirt, pafs'd the Tigris, and
accompany'd by his fon the Sultan Taher, and
fome
P 2
228
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. fome officers of his houfhold, took the road
to Hille. Our troops repos'd themſelves that
night at Bagdad; and next morning, when they
were affur'd of the Sultan's being gone to Hille,
the Emir Gehan Chah was detach'd in purfuit
of him, and went as far as Hille; but as the
Sultan, who had caus'd the bridge to be broken,
was gone towards the lower part of the Eu-
phrates, into the ifles of Khaled and Malek,
Gehan Chah wou'd not march fo far, but ftaid
at Hille, and fent a horſeman to give advice of
it to the court.
The Mirzas Sultan Huffein and Calil Sultan
pafs'd by Chepchemal, and pillag'd Mendeli,
from whence the Emir Ali Calander, who was
governor of it for the Sultan Ahmed, fled,
paſs'd the river, and having got together fome
fugitive troops, pofted himſelf on the bank of
the Tigris. The Mirza Calil Sultan fent by
the upper part of the river the fon of Gehanghir
Berlas, at the head of five hundred brave men,
with orders to fwim over the river, and attack
'em in the rear, while himſelf, with his army,
lay in their view to amuſe 'em. This detach-
ment crofs'd the Tigris, attack'd the enemy's
rear, while the Mirza's troops fwam over the
river, charg'd the enemy on both fides, and
having defeated 'em, pillag'd and brought 'em
away prifoners of war, after having burnt alive
their commander, who had had the boldnefs to
defend himſelf.
The Mirza Pir Mehemed, with his lieute-
nant-general the Emir Solyman Chah, pillag'd at
Doubendar the hords of Saki and Fili. He was
join'd by the Mirza Rouftem, who, according to
his inftructions, was come from Chiraz to paſs
the winter at Chuchter: and they went toge-
ther
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
229
7
ther towards Abada and Vafet. The Cheik Chap. 38.
Avis, a Courde, offer'd himſelf to be their
guide, and advis'd 'em to ford the Tigris at Cou-
pefer; they afterwards march'd all night, and
came to Mabedia, where they vifited Sidi Ah-
med Kebir. From thence they march'd two
days journy, to plunder the Arabians of Abada,
from whom they brought away great fpoils of
horfes and camels. They went no farther; but
repaffing the Tigris, return'd to Chuchter, the
government of which the Emir Solyman Chah
confirm'd to Doucom, and that of Dezfoul to
Mehemed Adjab Chir, as likewife that of Ha-
viza to Temour Coja, and that of Couzeftan with
its finances to Chamfeddin Dehdar; but by
way of retaliation he exacted of 'em great fums
of mony. Then the Mirza Rouftem departed,
in order to return to Chiraz.
All the Mirzas and Emirs, who were gone to
make inroads into divers parts, ftaid the whole
winter in Chaldea, where they feveral times
beat the enemy, and brought away a great
quantity of booty: and in the fpring they took
the road to the imperial camp; and being all
join'd at the bridge of Cales near the mountain
Dgebelhamri, twelve leagues from Bagdad, and
four from the dome of Ibrahim Lic, they march'd
together to court, to give an account of what
they had done.
"A town in Arabia, frontier of Chaldea, on the Perfian
gulf, near Bafra or Baffora.
P 3
CHAP.
230
The history of Timur-Bec.
2
Book V.
The Otto.
mans
CHAP. XXXIX.
}
The caufes which oblig'd Timur to return to
make war on Bajazet the Ottoman emperor.
A
S Cara Youfef, prince of the Turcomans,
had begun afrefh to commit diſorders
in the Muffulman country, robbing all paffen-
gers of whatever quality, and even infulting
the great caravan which goes yearly to Hid-
giaz and Mecca; and afterwards fearing the
juft indignation of our monarch, was fled for
refuge to the country of the Ottomans, which
was a fure afylum to all the robbers of Afia :
Timur, who made it a point of conſcience to
quell the diforders which affected the Mufful-
mans, refolv'd to make war upon Bajazet. This
prince receiv'd the news with indignation; and
all the people of Natolia were fo feiz'd with
fear, that the principal men of the state, as
well lawyers as Cherifs, waited upon him, and
gave him the following advice.
k
"The prince who defigns to march into our
country, is fo formidable and powerful, that
he has deſtroy'd all who have refus'd to obey
counſel to him. Whatever his armys undertake, they
"eafily accompliſh: and they have never yet at-
"tack'd a province, city or fortreſs, which they
"have not foon reduc'd. It is impoffible,
Bajazet.
..
mighty emperor, to execute fo great defigns
without the favor of God; which makes us
"prefume that to wage war with fuch an enemy,
Every Mahometan kingdom fends yearly a caravan for
the pilgrims to Mecca.
-C je
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
231
"is againſt the rules of prudence. We believe it Chap. 39.
"best to act with him in the ways of peace and
"milduefs; and that your highnefs fhou'd ufe
"all your efforts to do what he defires of you,
"and to maintain a good correfpondence with
him.">
'
મ
The fear which had poffefs'd Bajazet made
all this appear reafonable to him. He wrote
a letter to Timur, full of fubmiffion and obe-
dience, which he fent by a Cadi of the law,
accompany'd by an eloquent Emir skilful in ne-
gotiations, who went in quality of ambaffadórs
to our conqueror. They arriv'd in the impe-
rial camp at Carabagh Arran; and by the inter-
ceffion of the Mirzas and great Emirs were ad-
mitted to an audience: they fell on their knees,
and having kiſs'd the imperial carpet, prefented
their letter, and gave an account of the fubjec
of their embally. The letter imported, "That Bajazet's
"fince by the infinite, favor of the great ruler letter to
"of heaven and earth, your highnefs has been
"rais'd to the throne of the empire of Afia,
"we willingly refolve to be entirely obedient
to you': and if for the time paft we have
"acted contrary to our duty, we affure your
highneſs that we will repair the fault by our
"zeal in embracing all opportunitys of paying
our homage and fervices."
t
tr
CC
CC
1
1
Timur.
ambaffa-
Timur having heard the ambaffadors harangue,
and read Bajazet's letter, anfwer'd 'em in theſe
terms. * Inafmuch as we have been inform'd, Timur's
"that your mafter wages war with the infidels anfwer to
"of Europe, we have always caft off all de- Bajazet's
figns of marching into his country with our dors.
army, not being willing to confent to the
"deftruction of a Mahometan country, which
"will cauſe a great deal of joy to the infidels.
"But there can be nothing more difagreeable to
cc
cc
P 4
CC
us,
232
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
r
Book V. " us, than to hear that he grants a protection
CC
to Cara Youfef Turcoman, the greateſt rob-
"ber and villain in the whole earth, who pil-
CC
Mages the merchants, murders paffengers on the
"high-ways, and commits a thouſand other in-
"fufferable diforders: and what is moſt dange-
"rous is, that this wretch refides in the midſt
"of the Muffulman country, where he is as a
"wolf among the sheep; and the evil he does
"is a thousand times worfe than what a ftran-
cou'd do, tho he was the moft, powerful
ger
"monarch in the world. If your mafter has
a real deſire to remove the cauſes of our quar-
rel, and keep a good correfpondence, with
us, he must refolve, upon one of thefe three
"things; either firft, to put Cara Youfef to
"death as a criminal, after a legal procefs;
CC
CL
<c
T
or fecondly, to fend him to us bound in
“chains, that being convicted of his crimes,
"he may receive the punishment due to 'em;
ત
•
or thirdly, that he at leaft expel him out
of his dominions. On thefe, conditions we
"will maintain a friendship with your mafter
as far as poffible; and give him proofs of it
"by the powerful fuccours we fhall fend him, -
to carry on the war againſt the infidels more
"vigorously."
The ambaffadors receiv'd the emperor's an-
fwer with all poffible marks of refpe&t. Then
his highneſs, took horfe to follow the diverfion
of the chace; he pafs'd the river Araxes, and
the plain of Actam was chofen for the place
to hunt in. This vaft country was furrounded
as ufual; and the circle growing lefs, the em-
peror and the Mirzas enter'd, and with their
lances flew what game they pleas'd. Timur
permitted Taharten and the Ottoman ambafla-
dors to enter the circle with the Mirzas: fever
ral
The history of Timur-Bec.
233
ral officers of the houfhold, as Mehemed Azad, Chap.39.
Teuckul Baourtchi, and others, had the fame
honor; and they flew a prodigious number of
beafts. In the mean while the circle prefs'd
clofer, and there were five or fix ranks of fol-
diers behind one another: and then the Mirzas
and Emirs came out of the circle, and order'd
the kettledrums to be founded. The beafts,
terrify'd at this noife, fell upon one another
in ſuch great numbers, that they form'd a kind
of mountains. Then all the cavalry were per-
mitted to kill and bind the beaſts; and the
chace was fo great, that every one took five or
fix with his own hands.
After this hunting, Timur return'd to the
camp; and in few days made a moft magnifi-
cent feaſt, in which he did particular honors to
the Ottoman ambaſſadors, gave 'em caps of gold,
and belts; and told 'em that he wou'd take up
his winter-quarters in this place, and at the
fpring fet out for the frontiers of Natolia, where
he wou'd wait the arrival of the ambaſſador
whom he fhou'd fend to their mafter; that if he
brought a reaſonable anſwer, he ſhou'd be glad;
if the contrary, the fword fhou'd determine
who was in the right. Then Timur fent with
'em, in quality of ambaffador, Bayazid Tchem-
pai Eltchikede, with a letter to Bajazet; he
gave 'em a numerous attendance, and then dif-
mifs'd 'em all. The tenor of the letter was as
follows.
Bajazet.
"After the uſual compliments, we declare Timur's
"to you, that if what your ambaffadors have letter to
"faid be fincere and true, it is requifite that
"what we have propos'd concerning Cara You-
"fef Turcoman fhou'd be immediately put in
"execution; and that you ſend to us forthwith
one of your Emirs you can moft confide in,
234
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
W
تم
Book V." to confirm with an oath the articles of a trea-
"ty of peace between us. After that, by am-
"baffadors and letters a good correfpondence
"fhall be maintain'd between us; fo that the
"Muffulmans ſhall no longer fear any infults
"from either of us: otherwife you may expect
"to fee our army enter your country, and ruin
your monarchy. Safety be to him who fol-
"lows the right way."
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CHAP. · XL.
1
Timur digs the river of Berlas.
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2
1
Never
T is a common obfervation, that the gran-
dure of princes is known by the monuments
which remain of 'em after their death.
any potentate left fo many of theſe marks of
power as Timur. Some antient prince had dug a
canal into which the Araxes was brought; but
this canal was at length overflown, and its banks
demolish'd. While Timur was hunting in thefe
quarters, he by chance caft his eyes upon this
beautiful relique of antiquity; and at the fame
time his ambition, and the defire he had to im-
mortalize himſelf, excited him to repair this ca-
nal. To this purpoſe, he crofs'd the Araxes,
and regulated the manner in which this projec
Thou'd be executed: the Tavatchis diftributed
the work among the Emirs, who were to take
care that the foldiers wrought at it. This work
was carry'd on with fo much vigor, that in a
month two entire leagues of the canal deep
enough for a boat to fwim in, were dug. The
place where it diſcharges it felf into the Araxes
is call'd Kiochke Tchenghichi; and the fpring-
head
The history of Timur-Bec.
235
head is at a place nam'd Surcapil. Timur gave Chap.41.
it the name of Nehri Berlas, that is, the river
of Berlas and on its banks have fince been built
feveral towns, villages, mills, vineyards, gar-
dens and pleaſure-houſes. Tho Timur employ'd
almoſt all his time in war, with deſign to ren-
der himſelf mafter of Afia, ufing all the means
of policy, which feconded by fortune, hath fa-
cilitated to him the conquefts of this great em-
pire, by a chain of almoft incredible victorys; yet
this prince, the better to tranfmit his memory to
pofterity, has erected fo many ftately edifices
and other famous monuments, that this canal,
with all its beauty, ought to be accounted one
of his leaſt undertakings, fince if compar'd with
the others, 'tis but as a rivulet to the ocean.
CHA P. XLI..
Timur departs from Carabagh for the plains
of Chemkour.
TH
HE fun was now in Pifces, and the
fpring was advancing, when the emperor
was as much refolv'd upon marching into the
Ottoman country, the prince whereof was his
enemy, as he was fet againſt it by the confide-
ration of the religious war which Bajazet at
that time fo zealously maintain'd againſt the in-
fidels. His heart being agitated by two dif-
ferent motives, he remain'd in fufpence. The
vaft extent of the Ottoman empire, the núm-
ber and valor of its troops, who were perfectly
skill'd in war, and prepar'd to defend themſelves,
did not a little contribute to keep up his irrefo-
lution. Moreover, our troops, having been
employ'd
236
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. employ'd for three years in attacking places,
fighting battels, and making inroads upon feve-
ral enemys, were fo fatigu'd, that the Emirs
and generals fear'd they wou'd be difhearten'd
by this new enterprize; yet they dar'd not dif-
cover their fentiments, for fear of being thought
guilty of cowardice or weakneſs. They judg'd
it moft proper to reveal their mind to Chamfed-
din Almaleghi, who for his great wit, eloquence
and clearness of thought, had obtain❜d fo much
accefs to Timur, that he cou'd declare his fen-
timents at any time, without being in the leaſt
thought ill of. The Emirs hereupon addrefs'd
themſelves to him, and unanimouſly befought
him to lay hold on fome favorable opportunity
to make known to his highnefs their thoughts of
his march into the Ottoman country; they
conjur❜d him to let him know the confequence of
it, and adviſe him to think ſeriouſly on it, be-
fore he began it; and they even engag'd him to
apprize Timur of the aftrologers opinion, that
in the campain againſt the Ottomans, there ap-
pear'd in the heavens an inevitable misfortune
attending the Zagataian army. Chamfeddin wil-
lingly undertook this commiffion, and repreſent-
ed the Emirs fentiments to Timur, which were
confirm'd by the prediction of the ftars. Ti-
mur having heard him, order'd Moulana Ab-
dalla Lefan, one of the moſt famous aftrologers
of the court, to be call'd before him; and to
take away all fear from the Emirs, he interro-
gated him in public, and order'd him to declare
freely the different afpects of the planets, and
the judgment which might be form'd from thence.
Abdalla hereupon deliver'd the following pre-
Admirable diction: "It appears by the Ephemerides of
prediction the prefent year, that the afcendant of this
of an aftro-empire is in the higheſt degree of ftrength,
loger.
σε
"and
The hiftory of Timur. Bec.
237
" and that of the enemy in the loweſt degree of Chap.41.
"weakneſs. A comet will appear in Aries;
"and an army which comes from the eaft, will
"make an entire conqueft of Natolia, the prince
"of which will be taken prifoner."
1402.
The 13th of Regeb 804, Timur departed April 3.
from his winter-quarters, and went to encamp
in a meadow dependent of Carabagh, Arran.
The 7th of Schaban 804, which anfwers to April 27.
the year of the Horfe, and is the firſt day of
the Ġelalian year, he departed from Carabagh
Arran for Chemkour; and in the mean while the
Mirza Mehemed Sultan crofs'd the river of Cy-
rus, and advanc'd along its banks. Then Ti-
mur fent Moulana Obaid Allah Sedre to Ifpa-
han to guard the imperial treaſure there; he
fent to Chiraz Moulana Cotobeddin Garini,
to regulate the expences of the Divan, and the
revenues of the kingdom of Fars: and this mo-
narch having pafs'd by Berda and Ghendge,
went down to the plains of Chemkour. They
ſtaid here fome days, that the cattel might
graze, and then they march'd towards Alatac.
When the army was encamp'd at Tabadar,
which is on the frontiers of Georgia, on the
24th of Ramadan 804, which anfwers to the June 13.
18th of the month Ourdibehicht 324 of the
Gelalian epocha, a fon was born to the Mirza Birth of
Charoc under the horofcope of Cancer. The em- Mehemed
peror return'd thanks to God, and nam'd the Dgiouki.
prince Mehemed Dgiouki: the empreffes, Mir-
zas, and great Emirs congratulated his highnefs
and the Mirza Charoc on this happy birth, and
the princeſs Canzade was appointed his gover-
nefs. The Mirza Mehemed Sultan, who had
pafs'd the river of Cyrus, pillag'd the inhabitants
of the mountain Alburz Couh; and then return'd
to the camp at Tabadar.
When
}
238
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
Timur's
letter to
Bajazet.
CC
When the army was on their march, Timur
order'd the empreffes, and the Mirza's wives,
to return home with the young princes; and they
were conducted by Cohlugadgi. They ftaid at
Tauris the reft of the fummer, and towards au-
tumn they went to Sultania. Timur at his ar-
rival at Mencoul, not being willing to do any
thing against the rules of policy, fent a fecond
ambaffador to Bajazet, with a letter in theſe terms.
"After the ufual compliments, we give you
advice, that tho we are on our march to meet
ce you, yet our word is the fame as we have be-
"fore declar'd: if you confent to what we de-
fire, and put into the hands of our lieutenants
"the fortrefs of Kemac, which has been al-
ways fubject to the countrys under our obedi-
ence, we will let you peaceably enjoy the king-
"dom of Natolia, that you may continue the
war againſt the enemys of the Muffulmans;
"and we will not refufe the fuccour which you
may expect on that account.
Do what you
"think beft for your good."
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CHAP.
XLII.
Taking of the castle of Tartoum.
TIM
IMUR having been inform'd that there
was a ſtrong place in thofe quarters, nam'd
Tartoum, in which were two hundred Georgians
who refus'd to pay tribute, and infulted the
Muffulmans and paffengers; and that the prince
who commanded 'em was abfent, and had left
in his place a lieutenant nam'd Ghurdgibec:
his highneſs commanded the Emirs Chamelik,
Cheik Noureddin, and others, to attack the
place, and take it at any rate. They accord-
ingly
The history of Timur-Bec..
239
ingly came before it; and fent to acquaint the Chap.42.
enemy, that if they wou'd willingly furrender,
and pay the tribute, they fhou'd have quar-
ter but they refus'd fo to do, and truſting
in the ſtrength of the caftle, prepar'd to de-
fend themſelves. Our foldiers made the great
cry, Alla Ecber, and Salli Alla Mehammed';
and having inveſted the place, they gave feve-
ral affaults, diſcharging infinite fhowers of ar-
rows. The befieg'd vigorously defended them-
felves for five days; and the fixth the place was
taken: our men put all the Georgians to the
fword, and having overthrown the walls, they
raz'd the place, even to the very foundations.
The governor, who efcap'd, came to the foot
of the throne to beg pardon; and obtain'd
quarter for his life.
CC
Timur ftaid at Avenic till the return of the
ambaffadors he had fent to Bajazet. When two
months beyond the time agreed on were paft,
and he had no news from the ambaffadors, he
grew impatient. "In truth, faid he, extraction
is a ſtrange thing. Whatever mildefs we ufe
"with regard to Bajazet, in order to preſerve
Natolia, as being the frontiers of the Muf-
"fulman country, and hinder as far as we are
"able its being deftroy'd by our troops; yet
"the Turcoman blood of this ignoble perfon
"won't permit him to deal civilly with us,
"and preferve peace and friendship between us.
"He does not fend back our ambaſſadors, but
"carrys his hatred and hoftility fo far, that we
ર are conſtrain'd to enter his country with an
army, tho we have no defire to feize by force
cr on his dominions and effects. But this is the
tr
F
That is to fay, God is the moft great, and God blefs
Mahomet.
« refult
240
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V." reſult of providence, whofe depths we are not
"able to fathom: and we know not whether
"the effects are defign'd for good or evil till
66 they happen."
Timur fent back to Sultania the fecond em-
prefs Touman Aga, with the Mirza Sadvaccas,
fon of the Mirza Mehemed Sultan; and he after-
wards continu'd his march towards Natolia.
When he was arriv'd at Erzerom, he was join'd
by the Mirzas and Emirs who had pafs'd the
winter in Courdiftan and Chaldea, where they
had pillag'd and exterminated the enemys, as we
faid before, and had departed thence in the
fpring, with great quantity of booty, by the
road of Coulaghi, and the mountain of Sou-
natai.
CHAP. XLIII.
Taking of the caftle of Kemac. Arrival of
ambaſſadors from Bajazet.
T
HE caſtle of Kemac is one of the moſt
noted in Afia; it is fituate upon a high
ſteep rock, and is furrounded with a defile in
form of a labyrinth. At the bottom of its
walls are gardens and parterres of flowers on the
bank of the Euphrates: and no prince has ever
taken it by force. Several poets have compar'd
it to the terreftrial paradiſe, becauſe yearly
for three days together, little birds, as big as
fparrows, and unfledg'd, fall out of the air; the
inhabitants gather 'em up, falt 'em, and pre-
ferve 'em in pots. If they don't take 'em in
three days, their wings grow large enough to
fly away.
The
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
241
The Mirza Mehemed Sultan befought the Chap.43.
emperor to honor him with a commiffion to
conquer this place; which having obtain'd, he
departed with the Emirs of Tomans and Heza-
res, with all the arms and machines neceffary
for a fiege. Timur being arriv'd at Arzendgian,
fent the Mirzas Aboubecre, Calil Sultan, Sultan
Huffein, and Eskender, with the Emirs Gehan
Chah, Cheik Noureddin, and Berendac, to
join the Mirza Mehemed Sultan; which they
had no fooner done, than they befieg'd the place
in form. The fiege continu'd ten whole days,
during which our foldiers ftop'd the water which
flow'd into the place. The eleventh night they
made rope-ladders, on which the Mecrit fol-
diers, who run upon the fteepeft mountains like
roe-bucks, got to the top of the mountain; and
when they were there, they fix'd cords, which
they let down to the bottom. The Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan order'd a number of brave men,
whoſe names he wrote down, to mount by theſe
cords; which they did, arm'd with their cuiraf-
fes, during the darknefs, of the night. The be-
fieg'd perceiving 'em defended themſelves, and
caft down great ftones upon 'em. Alicher, ne-
phew of the Emir Abbas, and others, mifs'd
the ſteps, and fell. The next morning our
foldiers mounted to the affault, at the found of
drums and kettle-drums; and the wild-fire in
pots were caft with machines from both fides:
our men alfo attack'd 'em with arrows and ſtones;
and every one gave marks of the greateft valor.
The Mirza Mehemed Sultan us'd all his endea-
vors to encourage his foldiers. The Mirza
Aboubecre did wonders; and his officers firſt
fcal'd the walls, and erected their horfe-tail.
At the fame time the others mounted on all
VOL. II.
fides
Q
1
242
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. fides, and enter'd the place, of which they
made themſelves mafters.
Timur having advice of the taking of this
place, departed from the meadow of Arzend-
gian, and came before the caſtle of Kemac, the
government of which he gave to prince Ta-
harten, becauſe it was no more than feven
leagues from Arzendgian.
From thence he began his march in earneft for
the conqueft of the Ottoman empire: and as
feveral peaſants and laborers were retreated
into caverns and ſteep places, he ſent Emirs to
attack 'em. But thefe men having at a diſtance
perceiv'd the number of his troops, were feiz'd
with fear fo they came up to 'em, and with
fubmiffion beg'd quarter; which was granted
'em. The army being encamp'd at Sebaſte, Bay-
azid Tchempai Eltchik arriv'd there from theOt-
toman Porte, accomany'd by freſh ambaffadors
from the emperor Bajazet; he gave an account to
the emperor of his negotiation, and prefented
the anſwer to the letter he had writ to the Ot-
toman.
This anfwer, which was very haughty
and arrogant, made appear that fate had refolv'd
the ruin of this monarchy: and Bajazet, to ex-
cufe his not furrendring up the caftle of Kemac,
alledg'd reafons very unfatisfactory to Timur's
council.
"
The Ottoman ambaffadors being admitted to
audience thro the interceffion of the princes of
the blood, they kifs'd the imperial carpet; of
fer'd their prefents, which confifted of ten hor-
fes of great price, feveral animals proper for the
chace, and divers other raritys; and on their
knees declar'd the fubject of their embaffy. The
emperor having heard 'em, fell into a great
paffion, refus'd their prefents, and thus addrefs'd
him-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
243
himſelf to the perſon who had been the ſpeaker: Chap.44.
"If it were not an infamous action for princes
સ
«Ε
66
to put to death an ambaſſador, I wou'd this
"hour feparate your head from your body."
Yet having a little moderated his fury, he faid:
"When fortune ceafes to be propitious, counſel
"becomes ufelefs; for tho we had no intention
to hurt your country, yet we are conſtrain'd
by that faithlefs prince's manner of acting, to
"make war upon him. Had he fent Cara Youfef
to me, and deliver'd up the caſtle of Kemac
to my lieutenants, he might have remain'd
quiet in his kingdom. God be thank'd, this
"caftle has been reduc'd to obedience by the
❝ valor of our foldiers. Tell him from me, that
"fince he has refus'd to attend to my counfel,
"and has carry'd his obftinacy fo far, he muft
prepare himſelf like a brave man to fuftain the
attacks of our ever-victorious army."
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TIM
:
CHA P. XLIV.
Timur reviews his army.
t
IMUR having refolv'd to attack Bajazet
in his own dominions, order'd the troops
to rendezvous in the plain of Sebafte to pafs in
review he poſted himſelf upon an eminence
to examine their ranks, arms, and countenance.
When any ſquadron pafs'd before him, the cap-
tain advanc'd, fell on his knees, and holding his
horfe by the bridle, made his compliment
to his highness generally in thefe terms" Our
"lives fhall always be employ'd in the fervice of
our great emperor: we will not leave a plant
or fhrub in the enemy's lands; but we'll fack
Q &
" Nag
66
66
244
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V." Natolia, and deftroy the Ottoman." Timur
anfwer'd theſe compliments, by encouraging 'em
always to behave themſelves like brave men, ra-
ther to acquire honor, than in hopes of a re-
ward.
Thus all the army march'd one after the other
by Tomans, Hezares and Couchons, with
great ceremony. But when the troops of the
Mirza Mehemed Sultan, which came freſh from
Samarcand, pafs'd by, Timur admir'd their
beauty, order and magnificence: for as good
order in an army is the fole and primary cauſe
of victory, this Mirza had divided his into feve-
ral bodys, which had each a ſtandard of a par-
ticular color, that they might rally when at a
diſtance from each other, and be known in the
heat of a battel. A certain number of fqua-
drons had their ſtandards and enfigns red; as
likewiſe their cuiraffes, ſaddles, quivers, belts,
lances, bucklers, clubs, and other arms, of the
fame color. Another body of the army was
yellow, and another white: there were likewiſe
violet and other colors in the fame order. One
regiment had all coats of mail; and another
cuiraffes. The Mirza having made his troops
paſs in this pompous manner, paid his com-
pliments to the emperor.
The review lafted from break of day till after-
noon, when Timur went to prayers. He or-
der'd the Ottoman ambaſſadors to be conducted
thro all the ranks: they admir'd the arms and
beauty of the equipages; and were feiz'd with
fear at the fight of this great multitude of fol-
diers, having never feen any thing like it. Next
day Timur gave prefents to the ambaffadors,
and at the audience of leave made the follow-
ing fpeech to 'em: "Tell Bajazet, that be-
"cauſe he employs the whole ftrength of his
"empire
t
$
The history of Timur-Bec.
245
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empire to make war on the infidels, we are Chap.45.
forry we muſt be conſtrain'd to conduct our
army into his country; that notwithstanding.
"all our reaſons to make war with him, we
"C
are yet willing to adjuſt matters with him,
"and pardon him. He need only reſtore to us.
"the officers belonging to prince Taharten,
"whom he hath feiz'd, and fend to us one of
"his fons, whom we will regard as our own
"child, and treat with more courteſy than he
"has ever receiv'd from his father. On thefe
"conditions the empire of Natolia fhall re-
"main unmolefted; the war fhall ceafe; and
"the inhabitants of his country fhall continue
"in peace and tranquillity, and have reaſon to
praiſe their prince's clemency, on whom the
"merit of this action ſhall fall,
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CHA P. XLV.
Taking of the caſtle of Harouc.
FTER the Ottoman ambaffadors re-
turn, the ſpys who had orders to give
advice of every thing which pafs'd, inform'd the
emperor that in thofe quarters there was a
cafile nam❜d Harouc, into which a great number
of peaſants were retreated, having fortify'd the
place, with defign to make an obftinate defence.
The Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Berendac
were order'd to ruin this fortrefs: they departed
at the fame time, and being arriv'd before Ha-
rouc, they caft into it fo great a quantity of
wild-fire, that they made the inhabitants re-
treat from their walls, and no one dar'd fhew
their heads. In the mean while the fappers
work'd
Q3
246
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. 'work'd with a great deal of brisknefs, and foon
caſt down the walls. A general affault was im-
mediately given, and all the peaſants put to the
fword:
{
だい
​CHA P. XLVI.
Timur marches to Cæfarea in Cappadocia, and
to Ancora.
1
1
WHEN the army was encamp'd in the
neighborhood of Sebafte, the guides
brought advice that the road of Tocat was full
of forefts, the paffages of which are extremely
narrow; that Bajazet was arriv'd at Tocat with
a numerous army, and had feiz'd on the paffage
of the river. This oblig'd Timur to turn to-
wards the fouthern fide of Natolia: He took
the road to Cæfarea in Cappadocia, and fent
before Ali Sultan Tavachi to hinder the troops
going into the city. Timur was fix days in his
march from Sebafte to Cæfarea, where he ftaid
fome time, and granted quarter to the inhabi-
tants, as well the criminal as the innocent.
Şome fled for refuge into caverns and caves;
whom the foldiers perceiving, pillag'd their
effects, becauſe of their being fo fufpicious. As
it was the ſeaſon for reaping the corn and pulfe
in that country, the foldiers had orders to ga-
ther enough for the ammunition appointed to
'em. Timur nam'd the Mirza Aboubecre, and
the Emir Cheik Noureddin for leaders of the
The river of Czel-Irmac, which falls into the Euxine of
black-fea, and paffes by Amafia,
Scouts :
The history of Timur-Bec.
247
ſcouts and he departed for Ancora, arm'd Chap.46-
with his cuirafs and helmet. He march'd three
days on the bank of the river nam'd Youlgoun
Soui; and the fouth he encamp'd at Kirche-
her, where he had advice that Bajazet's army
had been ſeen.
>
翠
​Hereupon he gave orders for the army to
march that way and encamp; and round the
camp to dig a trench, which fhou'd be fortify'd
with bucklers and palifadoes: Timur fent the
Emir Chamelic with a thouſand horfe to gain in-
telligence. This Emir being favor'd by the
night, advanc'd about two leagues towards the
enemy's cavalry; and at break of day he difco-
ver'd he was near Bajazet's camp: fo he hid
himſelf in an ambufcade to wait a good op-
nity. As foon as the enemy's fcouts appear'd,
he fell upon 'em; and a bloody skirmish enfu'd.
Bajazet was very much furpriz'd, to hear
that a handful of Tartars had dar'd attack his
ſcouts fo near his camp; and cou'd not refrain
from expreffing his forrow at it to his Emirs :
whereupon he decamp'd at fun-rife, and took
the road to Kircheher. Chamelic fent a courier
to Timur to give him an account of the skirmish,
and of Bajazet's march. Then Timur fent
Elias Coja, Sainte Maure, Mourad, and others,
to the number of fixty, to gain intelligence of
Bajazet and the Emir Chamelic return'd in the
evening to the imperial camp.
At break of day, Timur deliver'd his fen-
timent's to the Mirzas and Emirs in the fol-
lowing manner : "There are, fays he, two
"different opinions with relation to our con-
"duct in the preſent conjuncture: one is, that
A city between Cæfarea and Ancora, long. 66. 30. lat. 39.
R 4
B
CC
We
248
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
we wait the enemy here, to give time to our
foldiers and horfes to repofe themfelves from
"the fatigues of a long journy; the other,
cc
cr
:
3
that we march into the midft of his country,
"and ravage it, which will oblige him to pur-
"fue us with expedition and fo we ſhall de-
"ftroy his army, which for the most part con-
"fifts of infantry." He refolv'd upon the laſt,
and order'd his army to march. He left in the
camp the Mirza Sultan Huffein with two thou-
fand horfe; and he fent before to Ancora the
Emirs Berendac, Befteri, and other captains of
companys, with orders to fhut up the paffage
againſt the enemys they thou'd meet: fome in-
fantry were order'd to march with 'em, to dig
wells in thofe places where they were, to encamp
at night. Thefe Emirs march'd according to
order, and were follow'd by Abderrahman Ta-
vachi at the head of the infantry, Thofe who
had been fent out the preceding, day to gain
intelligence, met a party of the enemy, whom
they put to flight, cut off the head of one,
and took another prifoner.
In the mean while the emperor Bajazet's fon
advanc'd at the head of a thoufand horfe to-
wards our camp, to obferve, our motions; he
pafs'd the night near our army without being
perceiv'd, and laid in ambuſcade in a defile. In
the morning, when our men return'd from ma-
king inroads, he attack'd 'em; and as they were
but fixty in number, he had certainly defeated
'em, tho they fought bravely, and always ad-
vanc'd towardss our camp, had he not perceiv'd
the fquadrons of the Mirza Sultan Huffein, who
A great city in Natolia, the fame as Anghuria, long. 63,,
lat. 41.
were
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
249
were come to their affiftance: fo he was con- Chap.46.
ftrain'd to abandon 'em, and retreat.
*
+
?
The Emirs and infantry, who had taken the
road to Ancora, acquitted themſelves exacly of
their orders. The cavalry march'd as far as the
city, pillaging all the country: and the infantry
who follow'd 'em, dug wells in the road, to get
water for the reft.: Timur finding the way fo
good, went in three days to Ancora, and en-
camp'd near it with all his army. An Emir,
nam'd Yacoub, was governor of the fortrefs for
the Ottoman emperor and the garifon confift-
ed of feveral of the braveft,men in that coun-
try, who were refolv'd to defend themſelves to
the laft. Next day Timur took horfe, and rode
round the city to view it. Then he gave orders
for the water of a rivulet which runs into the
city to be cut off, and the walls to be fapp'd,
while the fappers fhou'd be back'd as ufual.
Some of our brave men even fcal'd a baftion
which looks upon the rivulet, and almoſt
made themſelves entire mafters of the town:
but advice was brought from our ſcouts, that
Bajazet was advancing with defign to fall upon
our army in the rear, and was but at four leagues
diftance. On this Timur forthwith order'd the
fiege to be rais'd, and that thofe who were
mounted on the baftion fhou'd come down
fighting: and they forthwith decamp'd.
The army march'd not far that day, but en-
camp'd, leaving the river behind 'em. Then
a trench was dug round about the camp,
and fortify'd with bucklers and palifadoes, fires
being made all the night. There was a little
fountain at the foot of a hill near the paffage
of the enemy's army: and as the Ottomans had
no other water than this, Timur fent a great
body of foldiers to deſtroy this fountain, and
forrupt the water,
When
250
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
હ
When night came, Timur enter'd his cloſet as
ufual, to humble himſelf before God, and be-
feech him to give him the victory; when in the
moft devout manner he offer'd up the follov ing
prayer: "O Lord, who art the great creator
"of the univerfe, and my particular benefactor,
"it is of thy grace alone that I hold the vico-
rys I have obtain'd during the whole courfe
"of my life: for what am I? Does not the
"union betwixt my foul and body depend on
thy will? And thus, Lord, what thou haft
"done for me, redounds to thy glory and
"thou art the conqueror and the triumpher.
"On this occafion therefore I beg the continua-
"tion of thy favor, which thou haft never yet
"refus'd me: why then ſhou'd I deſpair?”
CC
}
1
CHAP. XLVII.
4)
}
Timur ranges his army in order of battel, to
fight Bajazet.
T
IMUR having ſpent the night in prayer,
at break of day gave orders that the
drums fhou'd be beat, and that every one fhou'd
march out of the entrenchments with their arms,
to prepare for battel. Then he rang'd his army
in order. The left wing was commanded by
the Mirzas Charoc and Calil Sultan, who had
for their lieutenant-general the Emir Solyman
Chah; and the vanguard of this left wing was
led by the Mirza Sultan Huffein, who had under
him Ali Sultan. The right wing was under the
command of the Mirza Miran Chah, who had
for his lieutenant-general the Emir Cheik Nou-
reddin: the vanguard of this wing was given to
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
251
the Mirza Abcubecre, whofe lieutenant was the Chap.47.
Emir Gehan Chah.
The main-body confifted of a vaſt number of
the greateſt lords in Afia: forty colonels at the
head of their regiments were on the right, and
as many on the left. The Mirza Mehemed Sul-
tan was general of the whole body; and before
him was carry'd the great ſtaff, on whofe top
was a red horfe-tail, and upon that a half-
moon he had for his lieutenants-general the
Mirzas Pir Mehemed, Omar Cheik, Eskender,
and other princes his brothers; with the Emirs
Chamfeddin Abbas, Chamelic, Elias Coja, and
others. Timur commanded the body of referve,
compos'd of forty compleat companys well
arm'd, with which he defign'd to fuccour that
part of the army which fhou'd have moſt need
of affiftance. He order'd feveral ranks of ele-
phants to be poſted at the head of the whole
army, as well to intimidate the enemy, as to
ferve for trophy's of the fpoils of India. They
were cover'd with the moft fplendid trappings,
and as ufual arm'd with towers on their backs,
in which were plac'd archers and cafters of wild-
fire, to ſpread terror and diforder wherever
they ſhou'd go.
Bajazet alfo took care to range
his army
army in
order of battel. The right wing was com-
manded by Pefir Laus an European, his wife's
brother, with twenty thousand cavalry of Eu-
rope, all arm'd in fteel from head to foot, fo
that nothing cou'd be feen but their eyes. Their
armor is faſten'd below the foot by a padlock,
which except they open, their cuirafs and hel-
met can't be taken off.
The left was led by Muffulman Chelebi
fon of Bajazet, and compos'd of the troops of
Natolia. The main-body was under the com-
+
mand
1
252
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V..mand of Bajazet himſelf, having for his lieute-
nants-general his three fons Mouſſa, Aiſa, and
Muſtafa. The moft skilful of his five fons,
nam'd Mehemed Chelebi, and firnam'd Kirich-
tchi, was at the head of the rear, and had for
his lieutenants Balfouh Pacha, Ali Pacha, Ha-
fan Pacha, Mourad Pacha, Aidbe, and Pachad-
gic, with a great number of brave captains.
Thus the Ottoman advanc'd in good order,
and well equip'd, full of ardor to come to blows
with our Tartars, who were not lefs defirous of
that than himſelf.
About ten in the morning, the infantry with
their bucklers before 'em pofted themſelves on
the neighboring hills. The drum was beat for
the battel to begin, and the great cry Souroun
made, at the found of the large trumpet Kerrenai.
CHA P. XLVIII.
Timur gives Bajazet battel, and gains the
victory.
TH
HE two armys rang'd in order of battel
came in view of each other, being re-
folv'd either to conquer or die. The drums and
kettle-drums were beat; and Timur got off his
horfe to go to prayers; following the counfel
of the Santon Abdalla Eufari: then he re-
mounted, and gave orders for attacking the
enemy.
The Mirza Aboubecre, at the head of the
vanguard of the right wing, began the battel
by a diſcharge of arrows on the enemy's left
wing, commanded by Muffulman Chelebi, Ba-
jazet's eldeſt fon. The Emirs Gehan Chah
and
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
253
}
and Cara Oſman did wonders, breaking thro the Chap.48
left wing. Kirichtchi, the moſt valiant of Ba-in
jazet's children, perform'd very noble actions;
but when he had prov'd the ftrength and intre-
pidity of our foldiers, he found it impoffible to
reſiſt 'em, and fo took up a refolution to fly
with his troops. The Sultan Huffein, who
commanded, the vanguard of our left wing, ad-
vanc'd vigorously upon the enemy's right, of
whom he made a cruel flaughter. The Mirza
Mehemed Sultan on his knees befought Timur
to give him leave to enter the field of battel; and
our monarch perceiving our left wing had ad-
vanc'd too far, fent this Mirza to back it. He
accordingly march'd thither at the head of all the
Behaders whom he commanded; and rufhing
full ſpeed into the midft of the Ottoman army,
he broke their ranks, and put 'em into great dif-
order. The Europeans on the other hand, falling
upon our men, gave marks of a prodigious valor
and invincible courage.. Each party fometimes
repuls'd its adverfary, and were as often repuls'd
by him but at length our foldiers had the ad-
vantage by the death of prince Pefir Laus, as
alfo by the flaughter of the infantry of the ene-
my's right wing. The Mirzas Pir Mehemed, O-
mar Cheik and Eskender, with the Emirs Chame-
lic, Cheik Noureddin and Berendac, chas'd the e-
nemy's infantry from the hills where it was pofted.
Timur perceiving the enemy begin to give way,
order'd the Mirzas and Emirs to fall upon the
Ottomans with all the army. Theſe generals
accordingly advanc'd fword in hand: and quick-
ly made fo terrible a ſlaughter, that the great
• The Behaders are the braveft men of the army, as the
forlorn-hope are among us.
battel
254
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. battel between thofe of Iran and thofe of Tou-
ran, commanded by Rouftem and Esfendiar,
was nothing in compariſon to it. Part of the
Ottoman army was put to the fword, and the
reft fled.
While the Mirza Mehemed Sultan routed the
enemy's right wing, fix companys belonging to
this Mirza afcended a hill, which properly was
their poſt. Bajazet, obferving their fmall num-
ber, attack'd'em at the head of his main-body,
and having chas'd 'em from that poft, drew up
his own men there. Our foldiers having join'd
the Mirza, rally'd; and being ſtrengthen'd with
feveral regiments, return'd with deſign to at-
tack Bajazet's main-body. The Ottoman em-
peror having carefully examin'd from the hill the
difpofition of his army, and perceiving the dif
order, or rather defeat, of his two wings,
was feiz'd with fear. And as feveral of his fol-
diers came to him, who had fled out of both his
right and left wing, Timur advanc'd thither
himſelf with the Mirza Charoc, and enter'd into
the midſt of the enemy. The Mirza Miran
Chah, with the Emirs of the right wing, and
the Mirza Sultan Huffein, with the Emir Soly-
man Chah, and others of the left wing, haft-
en'd thither likewife; and at the fame time all
the troops, falling upon Bajazet, furrounded
him with his army, like beafts in the circle of a
chace. The Ottoman defended himſelf like a
brave hero, and skilful warrior: he maintain'd
his ground all the day, notwithſtanding the mi-
ferable ftate he was reduc'd to; and when night
was come, he defcended from the hill, and fled.
Our foldiers difcharg'd a fhower of arrows upon
him, and flew feveral of his men, while him-
felf eſcap'd from that danger. Several of our
brave warriors purfu'd him fword in hand, kill-
ing
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
255
ing every one they met; and as the fun was in Chap.49.
the fixth degree of Leo, it was fo hot, that moſt
of thoſe who fled dy'd of thirſt, there being no
water in the place where they went to reft them-
felves.
After the battel Timur return'd to his camp,
and gave thanks to God for this glorious victory.
The Mirzas and Emirs on their knees congratu-
lated him, and fprinkled upon him gold and pre-
cious ftones. This victory happen'd on friday
the 19th of Zilcade 804, which anfwers to the July 1.
year of the Horfe.
K
1402.
CHAP. XLIX.
The taking of the Ottoman emperor, who is
brought in chains before the throne of the
conqueror.
*
AJAZET cou'd not fly fo fwiftly, but
that he was overtaken by our brave men,
who went in purfuit of him. The Sultan Mah-
moud * Can feiz'd him, bound him as a prifoner, Grand
and fent him under a good guard to Timur, to Can of
whom he was prefented at the hour of fun-fet, Zagatai,
with his hands bound, by the great Emirs. Ti-
mur perceiving him in this condition, cou'd not
ftifle the tenderneſs of his heart; but was mov'd
with compaffion, and taking pity on the misfor-
tune of fo great a prince, order'd his hands to
be unbound, and he to be brought before him
with respect. When Bajazet was admitted to
the chamber of audience, Timur went to receive.
him at the door of his tent, with great cere-
mony; and caufing him to fit down by him, he
deliv er'dhimſelf to him after this manner.
"Tho
256
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
Timur's
ſpeech to
Bajazet.
Bajazet's
anſwer to
Timur.
"Tho accidents in this world happen thro
"the will of God, and no one, how powerful
"foever, can conduct 'em as he pleaſes; yet it
6c
cc
cr
may be juſtly ſaid, that you are the fole caufe
"of the misfortunes which have befallen you.
They are thorns which your-felf have planted,
"and a net which you have wove. You have let
your feet ſtray beyond their bounds, and have
"conſtrain'd me to march againſt you, to re-
venge my ſelf for your infults. I cou'd not
refolve upon any thing, becauſe I knew that
your troops were always at war with the infi-
dels. I have us'd all poffible ways of mildness;
and my intention was, if you had hearken'd
to my counfels, and confented to a peace, to
"have given you powerful fuccours, both of
mony and troops, to carry on the war for reli-
gion with greater vigor, and to exterminate
"the enemys of Mahomet. To prove your
σε
ce
ce
t
friendſhip, I entreated you to deliver up the
"fortrefs of Kemac, and to fend back the family
"and officers of Taharten; as alfo to drive
cc
out of your country Cara Youfef Turcoman,
"and fend to my court an ambaffador who
"might be confided in, to confirm the treatys
of peace between us; but you haughtily re-
"fus'd to grant theſe ſmall trifles, and conti-
"nu'd in your ſtubborneſs till affairs were drove
cc to an extremity. Every one knows, if God
"had favor'd you with the victory, as he has
cr
me, in what manner you defign'd to have
"treated me and my army. Notwithſtanding
"all this, to return thanks to God for my good
"fortune in this battel, I will neither treat you
nor your friends ill; and you may reft fatisfy'd
as to that point.
Bajazet, full of confufion, confefs'd his fault
in theſe terms: "I have indeed done ill in not
cc
"
"
ill-in
"follow-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
257
C6
following the counfels of fo great an emperor, Chap.49.
"and have likewife receiv'd the punishment I
"merited. If your majefty is willing to pardon
me, Ifwear that neither my felf nor children
"fhall turn aſide from the paths of obedience to
your orders."-
Timur then gave him a fplendid veft, and
comforted him by kind promifes, and by treating
him as a great emperor. Bajazet perceiving Ti-
mur's generofity, remonftrated to him, that his
children Mouffa and Muftafa were with him in
the battel; that his heart being tenderly affected
to 'em, he befought him to order that fearch
might be made after 'em; and if living, that
they might be brought to him: adding, that
this wou'd be an addition to the obligations he
fhou'd be under to him during the remainder of
his life.
honour
and re
Then the emperor order'd the Tavatchis, to
fearch every where for Bajazet's children: they
found only Mouffa, whom they brought to Timur,
who gave him a veft, and fent him to his father, Timur
for whom he had order'd a royal pavilion to be treats Baja
erected near his own, commanding Hafan Ber- zet with
las and Bayazid Tchempai to keep guard at the
gate, and furnifh Bajazet with every thing he fpect.
fhou'd want. Timur, in ufing Bajazet after this
generous manner, imitated the great prophet
Mahomet, who, after the conqueft of Mecca, re-
turn'd thanks to God, and thus addrefs'd the
inhabitants: "How do you think I fhall ufe you
t
CC
at this time?" They anſwer'd in the proverb:
"You are a generous brother, and the fon of a
generous brother: and the generous man par-
"dons when it lies in his power." Mahomet
faid to 'em, "I tell you the fame 'that Jofeph
"told his brethren, who had mifus'd him, I
VOL. II.
R
" have
res.
258
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V." have nothing to reproach you with; may God
c
pardon you, for he is infinitely merciful."
CHA P. L.
Timur orders troops to make inroads in divers
parts of the Ottoman empire. He fends re-
lations of his victory to the citys of Iran and
Touran, with orders to make public rejoicings.
T
TIMUR then decamp'd, and went down
to the meadow of Ancora, the governor
of which place, nam'd Yacoub, came out to
caft himſelf at his feet, and beg his pardon,
after having deliver'd up the caftle to the
officers of the court, who refign'd it to Ali Sul-
tan Tavachi. Then the commiflarys of the Divan
began to receive the tribute impos'd on the inha-
bitants of conquer'd places, as a ranſom for their
lives.
Timur fent the Mirza Mehemed Sultan north-
wards to the city of Prufa in Bithynia, the feat
of the Ottoman empire; and he was accompa-
ny'd by the Mirza Aboubecre, and the Emirs
Gehan Chah, Cheik Noureddin, Sevindgic, and
others, with their Tomans. The emperor or-
der'd the Emir Cheik Noureddin to ſtay at Pru-
fa, and feize on all the treaſures of Bajazet, and
the riches of that city. He likewife commanded
the Mirzas and Emirs to ravage all the country
as far as to the banks of Ifara Yaca, otherwife
* Call'd Brouffa by the Turks; it is fituate at the foot of
mount Olympus; and was the feat of the Ottoman empire, be
fore the Turks took Adrianople.
• A fhole towards Europe.
*
nam'd
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
259
nam'd the defile of Alexander. He alfo fent the Chap.50.
Mirza Eskender with feveral Emirs towards
Iconium³, Akcheher ³, Caraifcr³, Olaya', and
Satalia *.
3
Afterwards Timur order'd an account of his
victory, and the conqueft of the Ottoman em-
pire, to be drawn up by Moulana Chamfeddin
Munchi, and fent into all the kingdoms of his
empire, that public rejoicings might be made.
One letter was diſpatch'd to the emprefles at
Sultania; another to the Mirza Omar at Samar-
cand; another to the Mirza Pir Mehemed Ge-
hanghir at Cabul and Zabul in India; another to
the Mirza Rouftem at Chiraz, the feat of the
kingdom of Perfia; and others into Turkeftan,
Cachgar, Cotan, Bedakchan, Coraffana, Care-
zem, Mazendram, Tabareftan, Ghilan, Azer-
bijana, Irac-Arabi, Irac-Agemi, Kirman, Kid-
get-Mecran, and the maritim countrys. The
couriers who carry'd theſe letters had each of
'em a guide. On the arrival of one of them at
Yezd, the Coja Cayafeddin Selar Semnani, who
had refided there to receive Timur's revenues,
built a magnificent chappel in the middle of the
great fquare, which he nam'd the chappel of
victory.
The Mirza Calil Sultan had orders to go with
his troops to Samarcand, and from thence to the
frontiers of Turkeftan, and to take care of the
limits of the kingdom; he was accompany'd by
the Emirs Mobacher and Dolet Timur Tavachi.
As the Emir Acbouga, governor of Herat, was
dead, the Emir Mezrab had orders to repair to
that place, and accompany the Mirza as far as
Coraſfana, where he shou'd ftop.
Famous citys of Roum,
• A town of Caramania.
R 2
Timur
260
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
8
"
Timur departed from Ancora, and in fix days
arriv'd at the fortrefs of Sourihhiffar, the walls
of which place he afcended, and obferv'd the
neighborhood with circumfpection. He fent
the Mirza Charoc to Ghulhiffar, Eftanous".
and Ketir, with ten Tomans of the left wing.
The emperor afterwards went in two days to
Khioutahia a delightful town, as well for the
pureneſs of the air, and the charming taſte of the
fruits, as for the beauty of its pleaſure-houſes,
and the number of its fountains. As this place
exceedingly pleas'd him, he ftaid here a month,
and granted quarter to the inhabitants, on pay-
ing the accuſtom'd ranfom to his commiffarys,
who at the fame time feiz'd on the goods which
Temour Tach had laid up for a long time in this
place. As foon as Timur was arriv'd there, he
fent the Emirs Chamelic, Abdelkerim, and
Hadgi Seifeddin, with feveral captains of com-
panys, to Kiarada, Coja Eili, and Mente-
cha 2.
2
Timur, being highly pleas'd with the con-
queft of Natolia, and the taking of the Otto-
man emperor prifoner, refolv'd to make folemn
feafts, and rejoicings, to recreate himſelf after
the fatigues of war. The moſt beautiful ladys
of the court were at thefe diverfions, where
the beſt wines of Afia were drank, and the
muficians perform'd extraordinarily. In the
mean while the troops fent out to make inroads,
• Towns of Roum towards the north.
8
A town of Roum northwards, long. 62. lat. 43.
* Or Chioutaya, a noted city of Roum, long. 61. lat. 41.
9 A town of Roum near Rhodes.
¹ A province of Roum near Rhodes.
* A province near Satalia, which has a town of the fame
name.
plun-
The history of Timur-Bec.
261
•
n
plunder'd and ravag'd all Natolia. The meanest Chap. 51.
foldier became in a manner a great lord by the
booty he had gain'd; and he who before had
not a fingle horfe, was now, mafter of feveral
ftables throng'd with 'em. The whole army
return'd thanks to their Creator, who had, fo
enrich'd 'em. Timur diftributed the treaſures of
Temour Tach among the Emirs, which were in
the cuftody of the commiflarys; and he referv'd
nothing for his own ufe, to fhew 'em that he
fought rather for them, than for himſelf.
}
{
CHA P. LI.
The continuation of the history of the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan, who had been sent to
Prufa in Bithynia.
T
1
4
HE Mirza Mehemed Sultan being de-
parted from Ancora for Prufa, accord-
ing to the emperor's order, made fo much hafte
in the five days he was marching, that of the
thirty thouſand horfe he had, but four thou
fand arriv'd with him at Prufa. Yet he cou'd
not get there foon enough to execute the de-
fign he had in hand; for Muffulman Chelebi had
got there before him, and fled with all the
treafures belonging to his father, which he cou'd
take along with him. The principal inhabitants
of the city alfo fled with their effects and fami-
lys, fome to mount Olympus, otherwiſe nam'd
Kechich Daghi, at the foot of which the city of
Prufa is fituate; and others to the fea-fhore.
Our foldiers purfu'd 'em, pillag'd and brought
'em away bound. The grand Cheik Chamfeddin
Mehemed Jazari, with the chief men of Pruſa,
R 3
was
聊
​262
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. was met in the plains of Kurya, by the Che-
rifs Mehemed Bocari, and Chamfeddin Fanari,
and others, who were gone out to make inroads:
the pillag'd the Cheik, and brought him with
his fon to the Emir Cheik Noureddin. Bajazet's
wife and two daughters, who had hid themſelves
in a houſe in the town of Yenicheher, were
taken; as was likewife the daughter of the Sul-
tan Ahmed Gelair, king of Bagdad, whom Ba-
jazet had demanded in marriage for his fon Muf-
tafa, and who ftaid at Prufa with her atten-
dants, while her father return'd to Bagdad from
the country of the Ottomans, to which he had
fled for refuge from our troops.
As for Cara Youfef; as foon as our army
arriv'd in the neighborhood of Cæfarea in Cap-
padocia, he fled from Prufa to Hille, and from
thence to the defart of Arabia.
After Prufa was reduc'd under the emperor's
obedience with very little refiftance, the Emir
Cheik Noureddin enter'd the caftle, and feiz'd
on what was left of Bajazet's riches, among
which were a great deal of filver-mony, veffels
and furniture of gold and filver, pearls and pre-
cious ftones, rich ftuffs, fplendid habits, and o-
ther curioſitys which had been laying up toge-
ther a long time. Ali Semnani and Seifeddin
Touni, Bitikchis or fecretarys to the imperial
council, wrote an inventory of theſe riches.
When they had carry'd away the wealth of
the place, the city and caſtle were pillag'd by
Burning of the foldiers; and afterwards the houfes were
the city of fet on fire, which being built of wood, were
foon confum'd.
Prufa.
* Four leagues from Prufa, and fix days journy from Con-
ftantinople, the fame as Yenitche.
AS
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
263
4
As foon as the troops which had been left be- Chap. 51°
hind were arriv'd, the Mirza Mehemed Sultan
march'd to the fea-fhore, and fent to Nice * the
Mirza Aboubecre with ten thouſand men;
which is one of the moſt famous citys of Na-
tolia, the air and water being very wholefom,
Near it is a lake two days journy in circumfe-
rence, whoſe water is exceeding ſweet and
agreeable. This city is fituate near the Thra-
cian Bofphorus.
Timur fent the Emir Sevindgic with a great
body of the army to Kianende', and along the
fea-fhore; and this Emir pillag'd all that coun
try. The Mirza Aboubecre being come to
Nice, march'd as far as the fea, flaying and
plundering all he met. Muflulman Chelebi was
there with feveral peafants: but having again
perceiv'd the fury of our foldiers, he found it
was impoffible for the Ottomans, in ever fo
great numbers, to refift 'em : fo he embark'd,
and crofs'd the fea. A feafonable retreat, fays
the proverb, is ſometimes as good as a victory.
Having pafs'd the Bofphorus, he went to Sara
Yaca; and his wife and effects fell into the hands
of our foldiers. After the pillage of Nice, our
foldiers ruin'd that town, and went as far as
Yenitche, ravaging every thing, and making
the people ſlaves. The Mirza Aboubecre fent
advice of the taking of Nice to the Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan, affuring him that all the country
was reduc'd under the emperor's obedience, and
that Muffulman Chelebi was fled with great dif
ficulty into Europe. The Mirza receiv'd this
A city of Bithynia, famous for the first general council
held in it: long. 58. 35. lat.43.
A town on the gulf of Nice,
R 4
news
264
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. news at his camp in his meadow of Micalidge,
of which he fent word to the emperor, as alfo
of the ſtate of other affairs, by a hundred men,
who immediately departed. He alſo fent by
the fame perfons a Choncar, which is a very
large bird of prey, befides ſeveral other preſents
of great price. The Mirza Aboubecre alfo fent
a Choncar by Ac Sultan.
}
Between Prufa and Kioutahia, which are two
days journy from each other, is a mountain full
of very cloſe trees, above four leagues in length,
into which ſeveral peaſants had fled for refuge:
they attack'd the Mirza's meffengers in a defile
with advantage. Our men, tho far inferior
to 'em, ftood their ground; and, thro Timur's
good fortune, Mehemed Couroumichi Yefouri,
Ibrahim Ahmed, Facreddin, Mehemed Ca-
lander, and Kefer, defended themſelves with
fo much bravery, that a great flaughter enfued:
and the enemy were conftrain'd to retreat, and
let 'em pafs by. They had the honor to falute
the emperor at Kioutahia, and offer their pre-
fents, after having given him an account of all
that had happen'd.
The Emir Cheik Noureddin having feparated
the gold and precious ſtones from the other riches
of Bajazet's treafury, of which he had taken
poffeffion, deliver'd 'em to Chamfeddin Alma-
leghi, whom he fent to Timur under a convoy
of feveral brave men. Chamfeddin carry'd all
to his highneſs at Kioutahia. The Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan being return'd from Micalidge,
took up his quarters at Prufa, where he was
join'd by the Mirza Aboubecre, who was come
from making inroads. The Emir Sevindgic alfo
came there, after having pillag'd the villages on
the fea-fhore, and ruin'd Kianende. Then the
Mirza Mehemed Sultan decamp'd with all his
troops,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
265
troops, and went down to the meadow of Ye- Chap.52.
nicheher, contiguous to that of Prufa, where
the Mirza Aboubecre, with the emperor's per-
miffion, marry'd Bajazet's eldeſt daughter.
CHA P. LII.
Account of the Mirza Sultan Huffein, and
the Emir Solyman Chah, who were gone out
to make inroads.
T
HE Mirza Sultan Huffein, and the Emir
Solyman Chah, who were gone out to
make inroads in the fouthern parts of Natolia,
plunder'd Kepec a Turcoman prince, and took
the towns of Akcheker and Çaraifer, in which
places the Emir Solyman Chah eſtabliſh'd gover-
nors to defend the inhabitants from infults. He
plac'd Tcherkes Soutchi in Akcheker, impos'd a
tax on the towns for the ranfom of the inhabitants
lives, and plunder'd every one who oppos'd him.
He pillag'd the town of Tchaker Boulagh, and
the hord of Caoumi Hamid; and feiz'd on fo ma-
ny horſes, camels and fheep, that the foldiers
were not able to bring 'em away. After having
taken the town of Chehermata, he ftop'd at
Iconium: he took the tribute of Gane from
the foldiers he had made prifoners, which he
fent to Timur. The Seid Coja, fon of Cheik
Ali Behader, went to the country of Aidin,
which he ravag'd, killing all the enemys he met
as far as the fea-fhore. Bajazet's treaſure was
carry'd upon mules and camels to Kioutahia,
where it was prefented to Timur by the
The tribute due to a prince from captiyes.
[
&
Emir
266
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. Emir Cheik Noureddin, with Bajazet's family,
and his beautiful flaves, who were good dan-
cers, cou'd fing well, and play finely upon mu-
fic. The generous emperor fent to Bajazet his
wife, nam'd Deftina, daughter of Laus an
European, with his daughter and all his do-
meftics; but he was defirous that that princess,
who tili then had been tolerated in the Chrif-
tian religion, even in Bajazet's feraglio, fhou'd
embrace Mahometanifm. The Cheik Cham-
feddin Mehemed Jazari, who had been carry'd
away prifoner of war, was likewife prefented
to the emperor. They brought to court the
Emir Mehemed, fon of Caraman, who had for
twelve years been kept in chains by Bajazet:
Timur honor'd him with a veft and belt, and
gave him the government of all the province
of Caramania, with Iconium, Larenda, Ac-
ferai, Anzarya, Alaya', and their dependen-
ces; and thro the protection of our monarch,
all theſe provinces remain'd without oppofition
in the hands of this Emir, and after him in his
children.
督
​+
CHA P. LIII.
$
Timur departs from Kioutahia,
FTER Timur had ftaid a month at
A Kioutahia in the delights of banquets and
plays, he departed from thence, and was join'd
The European romances call her Roxana, and fay that
Timur kept her for his own ufe; the truth of which this au-
thor denies.
7
Citys of Natolia,
0
!!
The hiftory of Timur-Bec
267
',
in his way by the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, who Chap. 53.
had left the Emir Chamfeddin Abbas with the
baggage at Cheherno *, and was fet out with or Ye-
the Mirza Aboubecre, the Emir Gehan Chah, nicheher,
and Sevindgic Behader, to return to court,
where he kifs'd the ground before the emperor,
and offer'd his prefents.
Timur, who as emperor was oblig'd to take
care both of church and ftate, iffu'd out a fevere
order that the brave Sainte Maure and his bro-
ther Mourad fhou'd be put to death, for ſeveral
crimes they had committed; and that even his
ſon and other brothers fhou'd be ſought for, and
treated in the fame manner: which order was.
immediately put in execution.
Timur
The Mirza Mehemed Sultan, with the Mir-
za Aboubecre, and the Emirs of his court, re-
turn'd to join the baggage, which had been
left at Prufa and Cheherno. Timur march'd
towards Tangouzliq, pafs'd the mountain of
Alcountach, and encamp'd in an agreeable mea-
dow near it. He then gave orders that the Co-
já Firouz, prince of Ifra Yaca, fhou'd be put
to death; and he afterwards made prepara-
tions for feaſts and banquets, with mufic and
dancing; and the wine was ferv'd about by the
moſt beautiful damfels of the country.
invited Bajazet to thefe entertainments; that as
he had tafted the bitterneſs of his wrath, he
might alſo partake of the fweetneſs of his friend-
fhip. Bajazet was conducted into the affembly
with great honors, and Timur did every thing he
cou'd to pleaſe him: he fpar'd neither careffes,
nor expreffions of kindneſs and affection; and in
fine, he even granted him the inveftiture of the
kingdom of Natolia, which he had poffefs'd be-
fore his difgrace: then the crown was plac'd on
his head, and the fcepter put into his hand, with
the
}
268
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. the patents ufually given to princes for their
governments. After this feaft Timur departed,
and continu'd his road towards Tangouzliq.
Timur's
letter to
the Sultan
of Egypt.
+
CHA P. LIV.
{
F
។
Timur diſpatches couriers into divers coun-
trys. The arrival of ſeveral ambaſſadors.
CC
IMUR fent the doctor Bedreddin Ahmed,
Ton of the third
fon of the Cheik Chamfeddin Mehemed
Jazari, into Egypt, in quality of ambaffador to
the Sultan Farrudge fon of Barcoc; the fubject
of whofe embaffy was compriz'd in this letter.
By the grace of the Almighty, the empire.
"of Natolia is now reduc'd under our autho-
rity, and join'd to our dominions. Our will
at prefent is, that the mony which is coin'd
"at Grand-Cairo, and throughout all Egypt,
"have our infcription; and likewife that the
CC
ΣΕ
prayer of the Coutbe be made in our auguft
σέ name, and with our titles. We will alſo that
"without delay you ſend Atilmich to our court:
"and if, infpir'd by your evil genius, you don't
CC
readily execute thefe orders, we let you know,.
"that at our return from the Ottoman country,
"which will be fhortly, we fhall march to
"Grand-Cairo at the head of our ever-victo-
"rious army. And that you may not pretend
"ignorance, we fend you this ambaffador,
"whofe merit, you are fufficiently acquainted,
" with."
Bedreddin departed with full inftructions the
Octob.25. firſt of Rabiulevel 803, accompany'd by feveral
1402. couriers, who carry'd relations of the conqueſt
of Natolia into Syria, with orders to make
}
public
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
269
public rejoicings. Moulana Omar conducted Chap. 54.
the ambaffador as far as Satalia, where he em-
bark'd for Alexandria, from whence he was to
go to Cairo; and Omar return'd after they had
fet fail.
Conftanti-
Timur likewife fent two ambaffadors to Con- Embaſſy
ftantinople, vulgarly nam'd Etanbol, to the to the em-
Tecour, or Greek emperor, to fummon him to peror of
pay the tribute and cuftoms. He afterwards nople.
fent two meſſengers to find out Muffulman Che-
lebi, Bajazet's fon, who had fled to Ifra Yaca,
and refided at Ghuzelhiffar', which his father
had built over-againſt Conftantinople. Theſe
meffengers had orders to tell him that he muſt
repair to court forthwith, or at leaſt fend fome
mony to Timur; otherwife the army wou'd im-
mediately croſs the fea to feek him, which he
wou'd have caufe to repent. Some time after,
the ambaffadors who had been fent to the Greek
emperor return'd, accompany'd with two others,
who came to make their mafter's fubmiffion to
Timur. They had the honor of an audience;
and having notify'd the Tecour their mafter's
refpects and obedience to his highneſs's orders,
they declar'd his confent to pay an annual tribute,
and the cuſtoms, and to do every thing he cou'd
defire of him. At length the ambaffadors offer'd
their prefents, which confifted of gold florins,
and ſeveral curiofitys. Timur impos'd on 'em
the tribute he thought reaſonable; and they con-
firm'd it by a folemn treaty. Afterwards he
gave 'em vefts, and permitted 'em to return
home.
A town in Europe, built by Bajazet. There is another
of the fame name in Natolia, neat Tire, on the river Men-
douras.
}
When
|
270
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
4
When Timur was arriv'd at Boulouk, he
was join'd by the meffengers he had fent to Muf-
fulman Chelebi; and with them came the Cheik
Ramadan in quality of ambaflador, with feve-
ral prefents of animals, horſes and florins. This
ambaffador, who was a very illuftrious perfon,
having been prime miniſter to Bajazet, and grand
Cadi of the empire, brought a letter from his
mafter to Timur in theſe terms. "I have the
"honor to call my felf your highneſs's fervant.
"If you have had the goodness to pardon my
"father, and have done him the honor to grant
"him a place in your imperial affembly, accord-
ing to his rank; I have all the reaſon in the
"world to confide in your highneſs's bounty:
"and whenever you ſhall order it, I will come
to the foot of your imperial throne, and per-
"form the dutys of a faithful fervant in what-
ever you fhall pleaſe to command me.”
cc
sc
'Timur receiv'd the letter and the ambaffador's
fpeech very graciously, and return'd the follow-
ing anfwer. "All that ought to have happen'd
in this affair has happen'd: fate has executed
"its project. We have pardon'd all that is
pafs'd and fo your mafter need only come
"here without any fear, that there may remain
no more animofity between us, but that I
may give him fome marks of my favor."
Then Timur preſented a belt and a cap of gold
to the ambaſſador, and diſmiſs'd him.
<<
<<
Advice was afterwards brought that the Sul-
tan Mahmoud Can, titular emperor of Zagatai,
who by Timur's order was gone to make in-
roads in the Ottoman country, had been feiz'd
with a violent diftemper at Ketchic Bourlough,
* A town of Natolia, long. 61. lat. 40,
}
and
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
27 1
and had paſs'd from this world into the other: Chap.55.
at which news Timur was very much afflicted.
In the mean while the Emirs ravag'd the ma-
ritim countrys of Natolia. The Emir Chamelic
pillag'd Ketchic Bourlough, Acyaca, and Sata-
lia, fituate on the fea-fhore. The Cheiks Ali
Seblai and Hadgi Selduz were fain. The pro-
vinces of Mentecha and Teke Eili were after-
wards ruin'd; and the Emirs return'd to court
laden with booty. During autumn Timur lay
encamp'd at Tangouzliq, to which place the
Seid Coja return'd, after having pillag'd Aidin.
As it was exceeding hot, and the air infected at
Tangouzliq, feveral foldiers fell fick and died;
and even Seid Coja was near the point of death,
but the joy he conceiv'd at the good reception
his highneſs gave him, reftor'd him to his health.
In this place is a fountains whofe water petri- A petrifyà
fys when it ftagnates; and fome foldiers, who ing water.
being ignorant of its effects, had drank of it,
loft their lives.
CHA P. LV.
Timur regulates the winter-quarters.
IMUR held a council with the Mirzas
TIM
and great Emirs touching the diftribution
of the winter-quarters: he appointed a town to
each colonel, and fent orders to the Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan to paſs the winter at the town of
3
Magni Siah in the province of Serhan Eili *. * Or Sa-
This Mirza departed from Prufa to Micalidge, roucan
Eili.
2
Long. 60. lat. 49.
where
272 The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. where he ftaid feveral days; from whence he
march'd to Balikifra, which he pillag'd, and en-
camp'd in a meadow. In the night he was at-
tack'd by Elias Soubachi at the head of a num-
ber of peaſants, of which Vefador had given
advice, tho too late; for the enemy came to
furprize our camp, while part of the foldiers.
were gone to make inroads, and the others were
afleep in the camp without any precaution.
The Mirza immediately took horfe, and fally'd
out of the camp; and the Emir Gehan Chah
with the other Emirs having join'd him, they
fell upon the enemy, and having flain feveral,
and conſtrain'd the reft to fly, they encamp'd in
that meadow, till the Mirza's equipage arriv'd
there. The Emirs Gehan Chah and Sevindgic
were fent from this place to the town of Birana
to pillage it. The Mirza after that went to
Magni Siah, where he pafs'd the winter; this
town is fituate at the foot of a mountain, waſh'd
by many rivulets, the waters of which are won-
derfully good, and the air is fweet, even in
winter.
The Mirza Charoc, with the troops of the
left wing, had the province of Ghermyan-Eili
for his winter-quarters; and he encamp'd be-
tween Olouc-Bourlough and Ketchic-Bourlough.
Timur departed from Tangouzliq, and march'd
to Dougourlic, a town full of goods and all forts
of delicious fruits, to the inhabitants of which
he granted quarter on the payment of the
tribute for their ranfom. Then he crofs'd the
river of Mendouras on a bridg which Temour-
tach had built, and encamp'd on the other fide,
4
* Or Madre, a river which paffes by Tire in Natolia, and
Aidin, and falls into the Archipelago.
where
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
273
where he gave audience to the Emirs Mehemed Chap.55.
and Esfendiar, fons of the Emir Mehemed prince
of Mentecha, who made him a prefent of a
thouſand horſes. Timur, after giving 'em an
honorable reception, prefented 'em with a veft,
a belt and a crown. Esfendiar follow'd the court,
and Mehemed confented to pay the tax, and
return'd to the place of his refidence, with
the receivers Elias Coutchin, Firouz Chah, and
Mirouz Chah Cherbet dar. Timur being arriv'd
at Ghuzelhiffar, ftaid there ſome days till the
entire payment of the ranfom was made. Near
this place was a mountain, in which two hun-
dred peaſants - had fortify'd themſelves: theſe
raſh fellows flew and pillag'd our foldiers, who
were gone out to fetch in wood and forage.
Timur being inform'd of this, refolv'd to attack
'em in the night. Several of our foldiers who
were enrag'd, inveſted the mountain, and at
break of day fell upon thefe villains, whom they
cut in pieces, and afterwards return'd to the
camp. The doctor Abdelgebbar Carızmi fell
fick, and died in this place.
1
Timur departed fome days after from Ghu-
zelhiffar, and went to encamp at Ayazlic, where
he ſtaid ſeveral days: he order'd 'em to pay the
tribute for their ranfom, and eſtabliſh'd a go-
vernor, and a comptroller of the finances. From
hence he went to encamp before Tire, one of
the moſt noted citys of Natolia, the inhabitants
of which he oblig'd to pay the ranfom for their
lives and thoſe who were gone with the Emir
Mehemed prince of Mentecha, to receive the
fums theſe people were tax'd at, return'd loaded
with ready mony, jewels and divers curiofitys,
and bringing with 'em feveral horfes and other
beafts, from this Emir; all which they prefented
to Timur.
VOL. II.
S
In
274
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
In the mean while the emperor was inform'd
that there was an exceeding ſtrong place on the
fea-fhore, built of free-ftone, furrounded with
the fea on three fides, and on the other with a
deep ditch, entirely built with lime and mortar,
from the foundation to the top; that it was in-
habited by Europeans, and nam'd Ezmir or
Smyrna; that the Greeks efteem it a holy
place, and go in pilgrimage thither with great
devotion; that near it is another fortrefs on the
ridge of a mountain, alfo nam'd Ezmir, but in-
habited by Muflulmans, who inceffantly wage
war with the others, becauſe of the difference
of their religion; and as the Smyrna of the
Chriftians is furrounded by the fea on three
fides, the Europeans fupply 'em with ammuni-
tion and all neceffarys, looking upon this place
as of
great importance, ſeeing it is at the extre-
mity of Afia and of the Muffulman country;
that it had never been taken by any Mahometan
prince, nor paid tribute to any; that Amurat,
Bajazet's father, had feveral times appear'd be-
fore it at the head of a formidable army, but
to no purpoſe; and that Bajazet had laid fiege
to it ſeven years in vain; that this place, as
ftrong as that of Caiber', very much moleſted
the Muffulmans, whofe blood was always flow-
ing into the ſea like torrents.
5
A place celebrated in the oriental romances.
}
1
CHA P.
The hiſtory of Timur-Bec.
275
CHA P. LVI.
Timur befieges Smyrna, and takes it.
W
HEN Timur was inform'd of the ftate
of Smyrna, his zeal for religion infpir'd
him with the thoughts that it was his duty to
deliver the Muflulmans from troubles, by ex-
terminating their enemys. Whereupon he fent
thither the Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of Omar
Cheik, the Emir Cheik Noureddin, and others,
to fummon 'em forthwith to embrace the Muf-
fulman religion, according to Mahomet's or-
der; which if they fhou'd be fo fortunate as
to do, they fhou'd be well treated, and partake
of his favors; and if they wou'd leave their
obftinacy, tho they ftill remain'd Chriftians, and
pay the tribute, he wou'd fix the fum, and or-
der the receit; but if they undertook to defend
themſelves, he wou'd order 'em all to be put to
the fword.
The Mirzas and Emirs being arriv'd before
Smyrna, fent an ambaffador to invite the inha-
bitants to turn Muffulmans, as well by menaces
as promifes: but as they were predeftin'd to
periſh, it all prov'd in vain. Mahmous, the ga-
vernor, had fent to demand fuccours of all the
European princes, fo that there was affembled
a great number of the braveft Chriftian captains,
or rather a band of defperate wretches, who
had laid up ammunitions in the place. Our ge-
nerals fent advice of all this to Timur, who re-
folv'd to march thither in perfon. He left the
baggage at the foot of the mountain of Tire;
and tho it was winter, and great rains had fallen,
S 2
yet
Chap. 56.
276
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. yet he took horfe that he might acquire the me-
rit of this religious war. He arriv'd at Smyrna
Dec. 6. on faturday the fixth of Jumaziulevel 805, and
1402. fent orders to the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, who
was in his winter-quarters at Magni-Siah, to
repair to him. The fame order was fent to
the Mirzas Miran Chah and Aboubecre, as alſo
to the Emir Gehan Chah and others.
At Timur's arrival before Smyrna, the drums
and kettledrums were beat, and the great cry
made by the whole army. The place was im-
mediately attack'd on the land-fide; and each
general order'd the fappers to work, and the
machines and battering-rams to be got ready
over-againſt his refpective poft; while arrows
were fhot, and pots of wild-fire thrown upon
the gates of the caftle. The Emir Chamelic
built in the midst of the water, great fcaffolds
with three feet, near one another, on which
they laid planks and from the two fides of
the caſtle, to the place where the feet of the
fcaffolds touch'd the ground, they made an
even way, which they fecur'd on each fide, fo
that the foldiers might fight upon it with fafety,
as if they were on land. The Muffulmans,
arm'd with their bucklers, mounted the fcaf-
folds, from whence they gave affaults upon the
caſtle: and as the way was fhut up to the fea-
fide, it was impoffible to bring any fuccour to
the befieg'd.
:
In the mean while the Mirzas Mehemed Sul-
tan and Miran Chah arriv'd, having left the
baggage at Magni-Siah under the conduct of the
Emir Chamfeddin Abbas: which re-inforce-
ment did not a little ferve to forward the
fiege. Then Timur order'd a general affault.
The Emirs of Tomans, and the colonels of
Hezares, advane'd with their troops, againſt
their
The hiſtory of Timur-Bec.
277
their reſpective pofts; and the affault lafted from Chap. 56.
morning till evening, and from evening till
morning, wherein the braveft men of both
fides perform'd actions of the greatet valor.
If the attack was carry'd on with refolution,
the defence was equally fo. The battering-
rams and other machines beat down the walls
and towers; and the dauntless befieg'd never
ceas'd throwing pots of naphtha and wild-fire,
arrows and ftones. In the mean while it rain'd
in fuch abundance, that a fecond deluge feem'd
approaching; notwithſtanding which, the in-
defatigable Timur was always giving orders to
his generals, and exciting his foldiers. After the
fappers had done undermining, and prop'd up the
baftions and courtines with ftakes, they put in
a great number of fafcines done over with
naphtha; which having fet on fire, the walls on
a fudden fell down, and with 'em feveral of the
befieg'd, who were thereby deftroy'd. The
Muffulmans forc'd the enemy to quit the breaches,
and then enter'd the place, returning thanks to
God, and crying out, Victory! A few efcap'd
flaughter by cafting themſelves into the fea, and
fwimming to the veffels; while others were
drown'd. After our foldiers had put the inha-
bitants of Smyrna to the fword, they raz'd the
houſes, as well of the city as of the caftle, caft-
ing their arms and movable goods into the fea.
There were come from certain parts of Europe
great hips nam'd Caraca, with two mafts, and
fome with more, which brought over foldiers
and arms to fuccour the inhabitants. When
they were come near the place, and beheld the
town and caftle in ruins, they were ftruck with
fear, and anchor'd. Timur order'd that fome
of the Chriftians heads fhou'd be thrown into
theſe ſhips, which the fingers of wild-fire ac-
cordingly
S 3
278
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. cordingly did. The mariners feeing their com-
panions heads, return'd in fear, and fruftrated
of their hopes. From the beginning of the fiege
to the ruin of the place there pafs'd but two
weeks; which very much aftonish'd the men of
that country, who were acquainted with the
ftrength of the place; and efpecially Bajazet.
Every one acknowledg'd that Timur was the grea-
teſt and moſt formidable monarch that ever ap-
pear'd in Afia. The author of this hiſtory in his
travels afterwards pafs'd by the walls of Smyrna,
which then belong'd to the Muffulmans; and one
of his companions having related to him the hif-
tory of this place, the author expreft himſelf in
thefe words: "Smyrna hath been ruin'd by
"Timur in lefs than two weeks, tho the Ot-
"toman emperor in vain befieg'd it feven years;
judge from hence the power and conduct of
"each of 'em."
CC
CHA P. LVII.
Second arrival of ambaſſadors from Bajazet's
D'
fons.
URING theſe tranſactions the Cheik
Ramadan, who came once before in qua-
lity of ambaflador to Timur from Muffulman
Chelebi, arriv'd here again; and being admitted
to an audience, offer'd large preſents of horſes
and other animals, curious ftuffs, and florins of
gold; and with abundance of fubmiffion made
the following fpeech: "I take the liberty to
"reprefent to your highnefs, that fince you have
been pleas'd to pardon the emperor Bajazet,
"and load him with honors and favors, every
66 one
The history of Timur-Bec.
279
one is freed from the fears he was in, and Chap. 57.
even hopes for advancement thro your high-
"nefs's benevolence. The prince Muffulman
CC
CC
my mafter, who looks upon himſelf as one of
"the meaneft fervants of your court, and is re-
"folv'd to obey the orders with which you
ſhall honor him, with all imaginable fincerity,
"waits with impatience for an opportunity to
give you the true marks of his refpect, and
"his defire to expofe his life in your highness's
"fervice, to whom may God continue ever-
lafting glory and profperity."
CC
6c
The ambaffador having ended his fpeech,
Timur was touch'd with compaffion for the de-
plorable condition to which Muffulman was re-
duc'd: he confirm'd him in the principality of
all the country of Ifra Yaca', for which he if-
fu'd out patents, which he feal'd as ufual with
his red hand; he honor'd the ambaflador with a
magnificent veft, and a horfe richly caparifon'd,
with a faddle of gold; and having given him a
veſt wove with gold, a crown, and a belt for
Muffulman Chelebi, he difmifs'd him.
About the fame time arriv'd an ambaſſador,
nam'd Cotobeddin, from Iffa Chelebi, another
of Bajazet's fons: being admitted to an audi-
ence, he kiss'd the earth, and made his prefents;
which Timur having accepted, the ambaffador
deliver'd his meffage, declaring his mafter's
refpect, and obedience to whatever his highneſs
fhou'd order. Then he return'd, after having
receiv'd the ufual honors, and the teftimonys of
friendſhip for his maſter.
Timur afterwards gave orders to the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan to befiege the caftle of Fodgia,
1
Ifra Yaca is Turky in Europe.
A town on the gulf of Smy na.
S 4
fituate
280
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V. fituate on the fea-fhore, a day's journy from
Smyrna, becauſe feveral European Chriftians
had retreated thither. The Mirza immediately
departed, and encamp'd before it; and was
about to befiege it in form, when the governors
of the place ftruck with terror at the name of
Timur, came out to caft themſelves at the Mir-
za's feet; and with fubmiffion and obedience
gave confent to pay the tribute, provided quar-
ter was granted the inhabitants. The Mirza
agreed to their propofal, impos'd a tribute on
'em, and nam'd commiffarys to receive it; after
which he return'd with his Emirs and troops
to Magni-Siah, where he had left his baggage.
A
CHAP. LVIII.
Timur departs from Smyrna.
FTER the deftruction of Smyrna, and
the extirpation of the enemys of the
law, Timur took care to restore peace and
quiet to the Muffulmans who inhabited the o-
ther caftle, giving 'em refts, bucklers, cuirales,
bows and arrows, fabres, lances, and all forts
of arms, to enable 'em to carry on the war of
religion in theſe frontiers againſt the Europeans,
and hinder the Grecian Chriftians ever paffing
into Afia this way; and he order'd 'em to
build a ftrong citadel near the place where
Smyrna ftood.
After Timur had deliver'd the Muffulmans
from the continual inſults they receiv'd from the
Chriftians of Smyrna, loaded 'em with favors,
and fuccor'd 'cni with arms and mony, he de-
parted from this country, and went to encamp
at
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
281
at Ayazlic, where he was join'd by the Emir Chap.58.
Solyman Chah, who had departed from Ancora C
to make inroads, return'd by Efouac, and join'd
the Mirza Charoc at Caraigadge; but he came
alone to court, and after his audience went back
to join the faid Mirza.
from the
An European nam'd Soba, prince of the iſland Embaſſy
of Chio³, in which maftich grows, having prince of
heard by credible perfons of the great valor Chio.
and power of Timur, fent him feveral pre-
fents by an ambaſſador, whom he order'd to ac-
quaint him that he was one of his meaneft fer-
vants, willingly confented to pay the tribute,
and was ready to obey his highnefs's orders,
hoping Timur wou'd defign to give him fome
marks of his clemency. The ambaſſador being
arriv'd at the imperial camp, was admitted to
an audience, where he made an harangue in the
form his mafter had inftructed him. Timur
handfomly receiv'd the king of Chio's offer of
fervice, promis'd protection to him and his fub-
jects; and after having fix'd the fum for a tri-
bute, made a peace with him: he gave a veſt
to the ambaffador, whom he honor'd, and per-
mitted to return home.
Timur then fent the Mirza Eskender, fon of
Omar Cheik, and Ali Sultan Tavachi, to plun-
der the country of Bezem; they enter'd the ca-
pital of it, and having taken the ranfom for the
inhabitants lives, return'd to the imperial camp.
After this Timur decamp'd from Ayazlic, and
being arriv'd at Tangouzliq, he was join'd by
the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, who had left his
winter-quarters at Magni-Siah, and having ta-
ken the road of Alicheher before the reft, came
An island in the Archipelago
to
282
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. to court with a fmall number of his domeftics.
Timur order'd him to march at the head of the
troops of the right wing by the road of An-
cora, and rejoin the imperial camp at Cæfarea.
This Mirza ftaid at Tangouzliq till all his
troops had join'd him. Timur departed from
thence for Sultanhiflar; he order'd a great
number of peasants, who were got together in
the neighboring mountains, to be put to the
fword; and he gave the towns of Chioutahia,
Tangouzliq, and Caracheher, as well as the
demefn of the province of Ghermyan-Eili, to
Yacoub Chelebi, to whom the principality of
theſe provinces fell by right of fucceffion. This
Yacoub had formerly fled from Bajazet into Syria,
after the conqueft of which kingdom he follow'd
Timur's court. The emperor iffu'd out his pa-
tents to this purpoſe; and honoring him with
a veſt and belt, left him in this place, the prin-
cipality of which remains in the hands of his
children to this day.
The court took the road of Olouc-Bourlough,
where it was join'd by the Mirza Charoc, who
was come from his winter-quarters. As this
place had not yet furrender'd, Timur gave or-
ders that it fhou'd be attack'd. It was taken in
a very ſhort time: and as the Emir Gelaleliflam
had been flain by an arrow, all the men were
put to the fword, and the women carry'd away
captive, after the razing of the place.
{
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
283
Chap.59.
CHA P. LIX.
Taking of the towns of Egridur and Nafibine.
IN
N the province of Hamid-Eili is a lake of
fweet water, five leagues in length, and four
in breadth, into which feveral rivers fall, and
go out again by other paffages; and round it are
kitchen-gardens, orchards, and cultivated lands.
On the bank of the lake ſtands a town nam'd
Egridur, built of free-ftone; three of its fides
are furrounded by the lake, and the fourth by
the mountain. This lake is'nam'd Falac Abad
by fome hiftorians. Near the town, in the midſt
of the lake, are two ifles; one nam'd Ghuliſtan,
and the other Nafibine in the latter, which is
exceeding large, is built a fortrefs with houſes
and gardens. The people of the neighboring
places had convey'd thither their mony and beſt
cffects; and abundance of ſoldiers were got into
it, who had laid up ftores of all forts of ammuni-
tion, believing themſelves fafe, becauſe of the
lake which furrounds the place. Timur being
inform'd of all this, conceiv'd it wou'd redound
to his honor to conquer this place whereupon
he order'd the baggage to be conducted by the
road of Akcheher.
About this time Bajazet falling fick, Timur
order'd ſeveral skilful phyficians of his court,
as Moulana Azeddin, Mafaoud Chirazi, and
Moulana Gelaleddin Arab, to attend him with
the fame care as they wou'd ufe towards him-
felf; and Bajazet was conducted with the bag-
gage.
f
Timur
284
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
Feb. 28.
1403.
Timur departed from Olouc-Bourlough, and
in two days and one night arriv'd at Egridur the
17th of Regeb 805 in the morning. Next day
the Mirzas and Emirs march'd towards the walls
of the town: fome afcended the mountain,
while others attack'd the gate by the foot of the
mountain; they gave affaults on all fides, and
foon made themfelves mafters of the town,
which they enter'd in a furious manner, and put
moft of the inhabitants to the fword, a few on-
ly eſcaping to Naſibine in boats.
Then Timur caus'd floats to be made of the
skins of oxen and horfes, on which the Mirzas
and Emirs croft over to attack Nafibine, which
they furrounded, ordering the drums to be beat,
and the great cry made. The inhabitants were
furpriz'd, not imagining they cou'd have been
befieg'd by water. The governor Cheik Baba,
perceiving he was unable to defend himſelf,
went out, and befought the Mirzas to inter-
cede for him. They brought him to Timur,
before whom he kiss'd the ground, fubmiffively
begging pardon and quarter. Timur order'd
that he and his family fhou'd follow the army.
Thus Nafibine was taken by our troops, who
brought to the camp all the riches they cou'd
find, which Timur diftributed among 'em.
Then Mobacher's fon arriv'd from the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan, to give notice that this prince
was fallen fick. Timur was exceedingly griev'd,
and fent a skilful phyfician to him immediately,
to diſcover the true ftate of his illneſs, and bring
him back certain advice of it.
The court at length decamp'd, and march'd
toward Akcheher; they met the troops of the
left wing, and the Mirza Charoc's camp. This
prince made a feaft for Timur, and offer'd his
prefents; as did likewife the Sultan Huffein and
the
The history of Timur-Bec.
285
the Emir Solyman Chah, who ftrove to excel Chap.60.
each other in entertaining the emperor.
At this
time the Emir Mehemed Caraman came to
court from Iconium; and under the name of a
ranfom, he prefented fuch vaft fums of filver
mony, curious ftuffs, and great numbers of hor-
fes and camels, that it was believ'd he did more
than he was able, confidering the ſmall extent
and power of his country: upon which Timur
diſtinguiſh'd him by feveral honors, and con-
firm'd him in his principality. As the emperor
had before deliver'd him from prifon, where he
was detain❜d by Bajazet, and had reſtor❜d to him
his father's eftates, fo he again join'd other
countrys to his demefns, and diſmiſs'd him : af-
ter which the court departed, and continu'd its
march.
CHAP. LX.
The death of the Ottoman emperor Bajazet,
and of the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, Ti-
mur's grandfon.
THE
HE world is fo inconftant, that we may
rather look upon it as a continual deltruc-
tion, than an agreeable habitation, fince there is
nothing of a certain duration but God: a melan-
choly inſtance of which we find in Bajazet, who
died of an apoplexy at Akcheher on thurſday
the 14th of Chaban 805; at whofe death Timur March 23.
was fo extremely affected, that he bewail'd the 1403-
misfortune of that great prince with tears. He
began to reflect how providence often baffles
human projects; for he had refolv'd, as ſoon as he
had finish'd the conqueft of Natolia, to raiſe the
f
dejected
286
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
1
Book V. dejected ſpirit of Bajazet, by re-eſtabliſhing him
on the throne with greater power and magni-
ficence than he had before been poffefs'd of:
but fate had otherwife order'd it.
Timur being got to the frontier of Akcheher,
Dané Coja arriv'd from the Mirza Mehemed Sul-
tan, with advice that doctor Farrudge had given
ſome medicine to the prince, which had had an
ill effect; and that the vapors having got into
his brain, he was fallen into a delirium. This
news very much afflicted the emperor, who
diſpatch'd away Dané Coja poft, to acquaint
the Mirza that he wou'd foon be with him.
Timur encamp'd at Akcheher, where he com-
forted Bajazet's officers by feveral largeffes he
beſtow'd upon 'em. He made a preſent to his
fon Mouffa Chelebi of a royal veſt, a belt, a
fword, and a quiver enrich'd with precious ftones,
a load of gold, and thirty horſes: he likewife gave
him his letters-patent feal'd with the impreffion
of his red hand; and then diſmiſs'd him, telling
him that the coffin of the deceas'd emperor his
father was laid by his orders in the tomb of the
Cheik Mahmoud Hairan at Akcheher; and that
it fhou'd be convey'd to Prufa with all the pomp
and magnificence us'd to the greateſt kings,
to be inter'd in the maufoleum, which he had
built there himſelf.
Timur then left the baggage, and departed
from Akcheher, for the place where the Mirza
his grandfon lay fick. On his way thither he
learnt that the hord of Turcomans nam'd Dur-
got, whofe chiefs were Kezerbei and Ibrahim,
had revolted, and were entrench'd in a mountain
near the great road, hoping to defend themſelves
there. Some troops being order'd againſt 'em,
they block'd up all the avenues, and invefted the
mountain; and then attacking the Durgots with
142
their
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
287
their arrows, they fled. Our foldiers purfu'd Chap.oo.
'em fword in hand, flew feveral on the fpot,
pillag'd their horfes, camels, oxen and fheep;
and made their wives and children flaves, to
ferve as an example to mutineers.
A
The fixteenth of Chaban, Timur met Dolet March 25.
Coja fon of Eltchi Bouga, who gave advice that
the Mirza's fickneſs increafing, his life was de-
fpair'd of. This oblig'd Timur to haften his
march; and being come to the place where he
was, he went up to his bed-fide, where finding
him very ill, having loft his fpeech, he became
very difconfolate. Timur order'd the Mirza to
be put in a litter, and departed the fame day.
When they had march'd three days journy, aud
were come near Carahiffar', they encamp'd;
and here the great and mighty prince, the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan, who was but nineteen years
old, paſs'd from this life into the other, on the
18th of Chaban 805, which anſwers to the
year of the Sheep, the fun being in the laſt de-
gree of Pifces. Thus died this great prince,
who tho but a child in a manner, had already
obtain'd more victorys, and perform'd greater
actions of valor, than many famous heroes re-
corded in hiſtory.
A city long. 70. lat. 38.
J
March 27.
1403.
CHAP.
288
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
CHAP. LXI.
Mourning for the death of the Mirza Mehe-
med Sultan: and the tranflation of his
coffin.
T
HE natural love which fathers bear to-
wards their children, was not the only
motive that afflicted Timur for the death of the
Mirza; but the great things which this young
prince's virtue promis'd, were the principal caufe.
of his exceffive grief: he flung his crown afide,
and quitted his throne, rent his clothes, and caft
himſelf upon the ground in the moft furpriz-
ing transports of grief. This caus'd a great
change in his temper: and in this delightful
ſeaſon of the ſpring, inftead of being chearful,
the princes and lords of the court cloth'd them-
felves with hair-facks, and black and blue habits,
with felts about their necks. The ladys did the
fame; and they fprinkled earth upon their heads,
and fill'd their bofoms with ftones: they wou'd
take no reft but upon chaff and afhes, inftead of
bedding; and nothing cou'd be heard in the
court but groans and lamentations, eſpecially
from the princefs Canike, wife of the deceas'd,
who was fo overcome with forrow, that fhe
often fell into fwoons, and loft her fenfes.
Such is the ftated courfe of affairs in this
world; we fhou'd not place our confidence in
it, for thoſe who do, will at last repent: but
we belong to God, and muft return to him.
Timur order'd the Mirza's coffin to be con-
vey'd in a litter to Avenic by two hundred
horſemen, commanded by ſeven Emirs; and
that
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
289
that when they arriv'd there, Ouaifel and Chảp.62.
Ourdoucha fhou'd lay the corps in a new coffin, W
and carry it to the tomb of the prophet Caidar
in the town of Sultania; from whence it was
afterwards to be tranflated to Samarcand: and
he likewife gave order that the other five Emirs
fhou'd ſtay at Avenic with a litter and an empty
coffin, whofe covering fhou'd be nail'd up.
After their departure Timur return'd to the
camp, and then fet out from the meadow of
Akcheher to continue his journy. The grief was
beyond compariſon; and not only the courtiers,
but even the foldiers of the army, never ceas'd
from weeping. When they had march'd fome
days journy in this condition, the principal E-
mirs and minifters of ftate came to the emperor,
and falling on their faces, remonſtrated to him,
that all the foldiers of the army continu'd in
fuch exceffive grief, that nothing was ever like
it; that the continuation of this grief did not
become the majeſty of ſo auguſt a court; that it
was better he ſhou'd arm himſelf with patience,
and endeavor to comfort his royal heart. They
at laft perfuaded Timur, tho with great diffi-
culty, to compofe his mind, and live after his
ufual manner: fo he gave orders for every one
to leave off their mourning-habits, as being of
no advantage to the deceas'd.
CHA P. LXII.
Arrival of ambassadors from Egypt.
W
HEN Timur's ambaffadors, whom we
before mention'd, were arriv'd at Grand-
Cairo, they found a handfom reception. Far-
VOL. II.
T
rudge,
290
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. rudge, fon of Barcoc, firnam'd Elmalekennafer,
king of Egypt and Syria, having been inform'd of
all that had paſs'd between Timur and Bajazet,
whom he had efteem'd the moft powerful prince
in the univerſe, was now convinc'd that it wou'd
be wrong to think of dealing with Timur upon
any other foot than that of an entire fubmiffion
and perfect obedience; and he repented of the
difficulty his father and himſelf had made of
fending back Atilmich. He hereupon held a
council with the principal perſons of ſtate; and
with their approbation releas'd Atilmich out of
prifon, admitted him to an audience, treated
him in an honorable manner, and made divers
apologys for what he had done. He caus'd the
mony to be coin'd, and the prayers read in the
auguſt name and titles of T'imur; and fent back
Atilmich, with two ambaffadors, Ahmed and
A&a, befeeching Atilmich to be his interceffor
at the court. Farrudge order'd his ambaffadors
to make known to Timur his repentance for his
former faults, his confent to pay the annual tri-
bute, and what he had done in relation to the
mony and the public prayers. He fent as a
prefent, by the fame perfons, abundance of gold
and filver mony, precious ftones, belts, Alexan-
drian ftuffs, fwords of Cairo, horſes of a fine
breed, and other curiofitys.
As ſoon as they enter'd the frontiers of the
Ottoman country, Atilmich fet out before 'em
for the court; and having the honor to falute the
emperor, he inform'd his highnefs of the affairs
of Egypt, and of the Sultan and people's fears.
The ambaffadors foon arriv'd at court; and be-
ing admitted to an audience, declar'd to the
emperor the intentions of the Sultan their mafter,
and offer'd their prefents.
1
Timur
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
291
CC
CC
C
Timur was again pleas'd to thew his clemency Chap.63.
to the king of Egypt, and fpake to 'em as fol-
lows. "I know that Farrudge loft his father
"when very young; which will make it my
glory to take care of this young prince, and
"be to him as a father. If he continues firm in
"his obedience, which is the only way of fecu-
ring himſelf, we will give him teftimonys of
our benevolence, and grant him fuccours,
"with which he may preferve his kingdom,
provided he zealously continues in the fervice
"of the two holy citys of Mecca and Me-
"dina." He afterwards preſented veſts, belts,
and crowns to the ambaffadors, and permitted
'em to return home; giving 'em a crown, a
royal mantle, and a belt enrich'd with precious
ftones, for the Sultan Farrudge their maſter, to
whom he promis'd his protection.
CL
CHA P. LXIII.
Timur marches against the Caratatars, or
black Tartars.
C
ARATATAR is a nation of Turks,
which Hulacou Can' lifted into his army
when he was fent into Iran by Mangou Can,
emperor of the Moguls. Hulacou being efta-
blish'd on the throne at Tauris, and having ex-
perienc'd the malice of this wicked people, ob- 1256.
lig'd 'em to refide with their familys in the fron-
2 All Mahometan princes take upon 'em the title of rhe fer
vants of the two citys of Mecca and Medina.
Brother of Mangou Caan, and grandfon of Genghiz Can
the great.
T 2
tiers
A. D.
292
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
A. D.
1320.
Book V. tiers of Natolia and Syria. When by the death
of the grand Can Aboufaid, there remain'd no
longer in Iran any abfolute emperor of the race
of Genghiz Can, this people revolted, and
divided themſelves into fifty-two hords, every
hundred chufing a particular refidence, being all
refolv'd to live independent. When Bajazet, af-
ter the reign of Cadi Burhaneddin at Sebafte,
was become mafter of this kingdom, he enroll'd
'em in the Ottoman army, and gave 'em a refi-
dence in his empire: and as there were no great
taxes or tribute to pay in theſe parts, theſe Tar-
tars enrich'd themfelves, and became exceeding
powerful. But Timur, who defign'd to make
'em change the place of their refidence, and to
fix 'em in the colonys of Gete, that they might
repeople that country, treated their chiefs in an
honorable manner when they came to falute
him he gave 'em robes wove with gold, belts.
and fwords of gold, with feveral largeffes. As.
no one infulted 'em in the leaft manner during
the whole courfe of this war, but fuffer'd 'em to
continue quiet in their hords; this fufficiently
denoted that they were in obedience and ſubjec-
tion, or at leaſt ought to have been ſo.
:
When the ambaffadors of Egypt arriv'd at
court, Timur ftaid three days among the Cara-
tatars; and after having held a council, and ma-
turely deliberated about the ways of bringing hist
enterprize to perfection, he refolv'd to remove
'em out of that country, and conduct 'em into
Tranfoxiana. But as there were between thirty
and forty familys of 'em, he order'd the Mirzas
and Emirs to furround 'em, each on their refpec-
+ Son of Codabende king of Perfia, and of the race of Gen.
ghiz Can.
tive
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
293
1
tive fides, ſo that none of 'em might get away, Chap.63.
but not to do 'em the leaft damage. Accord-
ingly the Emir Gehan Chah, with the Emirs of
the right wing, and the troops of the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan, took the road to Tocat and
Amafia. The Emir Solyman Chah, with thoſe
of the left wing, march'd by Cæfarea and Se-
bafte: Timur went by the plains of Amafia ' and
Cæfarea, the refidence of the Caratatars; and
he fent the Mirza Charoc, with the Sultan Huf-
fein, to cut off their paffage, and hinder any
one's flight.
sc
66
{
The emperor having pafs'd the bridge of
Kircheher, after feveral days march, arriv'd at
the country of the Caratatars, whofe chiefs he
order'd to be call'd before him. There came two
of 'em, Akhi Tebarec and Murvet: they kifs'd
the ground before the emperor, who gave 'em a
handfom reception, prefented 'em with vefts and
belts wrought with gold, and fwore he wou'd
never do 'em the leaft harm.." It is a long while,
"It
fays he, fince your anceſtors came out of the
country of Touran, which was their antient
refidence, into thefe foreign lands, by the or
"ders of the emperors our predeceffors. As
all that vaſt country is at prefent govern'd by
one mafter, God having brought it under my
obedience, you ought to look upon this op-
portunity as very fortunate to you; and re-
turn from hence, with your wives, children,
"flaves, cattel, and other riches, under the
convoy of our foldiers, to the country of your
"anceſtors, where you may pafs your life agree-
"ably under the fhadow of our protection."
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I believe it fhou'd rather be Acfara.
رو
T 3
1
The
294
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book V.
The chiefs return'd thanks to Timur, and af-
fur'd him that they were ready to obey his or-
ders with pleaſure; that they look'd upon it as
a piece of good fortune to be under his protec-
tion; and that they were refolv'd to fpend their
lives in his fervice. Timur order'd they fhou'd
be divided into companys and regiments, and
diftributed among the Emirs of the Tomans.
Being thus made to decamp with their cattel,
they began their march; they were prohibited
buying any fheep or hofes, that they might be
lefs embarass'd in the roads, and that if they
fhou'd endeavor to fly, they might the better
be prevented.
TIM
CHA P. LXIV.
СНАР.
Timur returns from Natolia.
IMUR was highly pleas'd with his con-
queft of Natolia, of which he was become
the abfolute and fole monarch, without any op-
pofition, and with the love of all the people;
which great affair he had brought about by the
ftrength of his arms and the valor of his foldiers,
at the fame time that he won the hearts of the
people by his good conduct. This vaft conqueft,
by the divine affiftance, was finish'd in lefs than
a year; and thro-out all Afia Timur's name was
flamp'd on their coins, and the prayers were
read with his auguft titles.
For theſe reaſons his majeſty refolv'd to return
to the feat of his empire: he caus'd the great
ftandard to be difplay'd, and began his march
with all the army. He fent orders to the em-
preffes Serai Mulc Canum, Touman Aga, Tchel-
pan
1
The history of Timur-Bec.
295
www.wm
pan Mulc Aga, and Canzade, mother of the Chap.64.
deceas'd Mirza Mehemed Sultan, to come and
meet him as far as the borders of Avenic. This
new emperor of the leffer Afia, being arriv'd at
Cæfarea in Cappadocia, the inhabitants fill'd
with fear, conceal'd themfelves in caverns :
whereupon he fent Ali Sultan. Tavachi, with a
good troop of foldiers, in fearch of 'em; who
having found 'em, they defended themfelves
againſt him, and ſhot him with an arrow in the
Vena-cava, of which he dy'd upon the spot.
Yet theſe rebels being vanquifh'd and taken,
Mehemed, brother of Ali Sultan, caus'd 'em all
to be put to the fword, to revenge his death.
Afterwards Timur departed for Sebafte, where
he confer'd ſeveral honors upon Cara Ofman,
and fent him back into his principality. From
thence he went to Arzendgian, where Tahar-
ten, like a faithful fervant, offer'd his prefents
to the emperor, of horfes, cattel, and other
things, nine of each fort. Taharten follow'd
the court two days journy and then Timur,
honoring him with a royal veft, permitted him
to return home. He fent back the meffenger
who had brought advice of the empreffes de-
parture from Sultania, with orders that the
princes fhou'd haften, that fo they might ar-
rive at Avenic before the ladys. Timur being
come to Erzerom, was join'd by the Mirzas Q-
luc-Bec, Ibrahim Sultan, Mehemed Gehanghir,
Aidgel, and Sadvaccas, his grand-children:
he tenderly embrac'd 'em, and was over-joy'd
to fee 'em; but he cou'd not refrain from tears
at the fight of the Mirzas Mehemed Gehanghir
Made governor of Sebafte by Timur when at Malatia ;
be was fon of the Çadi Buihapeddin, prince of Sebafte.
Ꭲ 4
4
and
296
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. and Sadvaccas, becauſe of the Mirza Mehemed
Sultan their father's death.
{
CHA P. LXV.
The manner in which the death of the Mirza
Mehemed Sultan, Jon of Gehanghir, was
made known to Canzade his mother.
།
HE empreffes who were fet out from Sul-
THE
tania, made preparations at Tauris for
mourning for the Mirza Mehemed Sultan: they
cloth'd themſelves in black, and then came to
Avenic, according to the emperor's orders
When they were inform'd that Timur was near
the place, they acquainted the princefs Canzade
with the death of her dear fon: upon which the
was fo tranfported with grief, that the fwoon'd
away; and being a little recover'd, fhe rent
her clothes, and twifting her hair about her
fingers, began to pluck it off by degrees; the
fpit blood, and tore her lovely cheeks with her
nails: the fwoon'd away the fecond time, on
feeing all the ladys, whofe heads were cover'd.
with black mantles, and who cou'd utter nothing
but, crys and lamentations.
Timur being encamp'd, they began their crys
afreſh; and nothing was to be ſeen more difmal
tlran this court, which at other times was the
gayeft and moft magnificent of all Afia. He
order'd that to moderate the princefs's afflic-
tion, the empty coffin, nail'd down very ſtrong-
ly, and faſten'd with a lock, fhou'd be prefented
to her: fhe twifted her ſelf round it, crying and
groaning : "My eyes, faid this difconfolate
૬
princeſs, were continually looking towards the
"public
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
297
..
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public road, in expectation of fome news of Chap.65.
my dear child, which wou'd have been the
delight of my foul. I did not expect this cru-
elty from fortune, this fatal dagger, which
"thus breaks my heart at the fight of this cof-
"fin. O deplorable condition! O wretched
"Canzade! O unfortunate prince! thou wakt
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defign'd for the throne of the empire of Iran;
"but merciless fate has fnatch'd the fcepter from
thy hands. It is not without cauſe that a tor-
rent of blood guſhes from my eyes, and I make
"the earth red with my tears; fince, my dear
"fon, thou haft thus pierc'd my heart in thy
"tendereft age.
""
After this exceſs of mourning, Timur judg'd it
proper to do fomething for the fpiritual good of
his foul, which lives as well in the other world
as it did in this: he gave alms among the poor,
and provided a funeral banquet. The Cherifs,
doctors, grandees and nobles of all Afia affem-
bled together for this ceremony: they fat down
according to their rank at the emperor's table;
and a Hafiz, with a Nazer, the lecturers, read
over the Alcoran feveral times. The banquet
was ferv'd up by the emperor's ftewards: and
the Mirza's brafs-drum was beat, at which the
ladys, the Emirs, and foldiers, as well mafters
as fervants, on a fudden made a great cry, and
wept bitterly; and then the drum was broke to
pieces, according to the cuftom of the Moguls.
The doctors and Imams, who came from Tau-
ris, Sultania, Cazuin, and other places, to fa-
lute the emperor at his return, and pay their
compliments of condolence, endeavor'd in ſeveral
conferences to comfort him and the princefs:
they forgot not any of Mahomet's counfels on
this occafion, and ftrove to incite 'em to pa-
ience, affuring 'em that the deceas'd were tor-
mented
1
ક
298
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book V. mented by the lamentations of their living rela-
tions, and that it was hurtful to their fouls. By
the force of their eloquence, they perfuaded the
emperor to arm himſelf with patience againſt the
aflaults of affliction caus'd by fo fad a misfortune.
Timur then permitted an order to be fued out
for leaving off the mourning-habits, black ſcarfs,
hair-facks, and other marks of grief. He loaded
the doctors with favors and honors; and after
having given 'em veſts, ſent 'em back to their re-
ſpective reſidences.
The end of the fifth book,
BOOK
( 299 )
BOOK
VI.
A war in Georgia. Timur's return from
a campain of ſeven years.
The defeat
and purſuit of Eskender Cheiki, prince
of the race of the antient Perfians. Ti-
mur's departure for the conqueft of
China. His death at Otrar near the
river Faxartes, and his interment at
Samarcand. The strange revolutions
which happen'd after his death. The
Mirza Calil Sultan his grandfon, fon
of Miran Chah, ufurps the crown ; aná
the ruin of that prince occafion'd by his
prodigality, and paffion for a woman.
T
CHA P. I.
Timur marches into Georgia.
IMUR-BEC's greateſt ambition be-
ing to merit the happineſs promis'd to
thoſe who wage war with the infidels
for the advancement of religion; and
Ghourghin king of Georgia, having fail'd in the
Chap. 1.
prin-
3༠༠
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
>
Book VI. principal article of the treaty made the preced-
ing year, which was to have come at a fix'd
time to caft himſelf at the emperor's feet, and
beg pardon; his highneſs took up a refolution to
march again into his country. To this end, he
departed towards Mencoul, where he receiv'd
the fubmiffions of Malek Iffa prince of Merdin',
who repenting of his fault in not coming before
to pay his homage, and knowing he fhou'd be
ruin'd if he loft Timur's favor, confidently fet
out to come to court; where he prefently ad-
drefs'd himſelf to the Mirza Charoc, whofe pro-
tection he befought. This Mirza brought him to
the throne, where with his head uncover'd, like
a criminal, he beg'd pardon on his knees. Ti-
mur having reprimanded him, forgave his fault,
and comforted him by his kind promifes. This
prince brought the tribute for feveral years
paft, which he paid exactly, and made abun-
dance of handfom prefents. The emperor gave
him a crown, a royal veſt, and a belt fet with
precious ftones; and as an addition to the former
favors confer'd on him, his daughter was be-
troth'd to the Mirza Aboubecre, and fo he had
the honor to be ally'd to Timur.
>
At the fame time Youani grandfon of Ac-
bouga, a Georgian prince, came to pay his
homage to the emperor, and made feveral pre-
fents of curious animals and fine horfes; being
introduc'd by the great Emirs, with Cuftendil,
brother of Malek Ghourghin, king of Georgia,
who was at war with him. There came alfo
the lords and princes of all the neighboring
places, to pay their reſpects, and offer their pres
A ftrong city and a principality, near the Tigris, in Me-
fopotamia.
fents.
The history of Timur Bec.
301
fents. Timur receiv'd 'em with all manner of Chap. z.
civility according to their birth and quality: he
affur'd 'em of his favor, and prefenting 'em with
veſts, ſent 'em back to their reſpective countrys.
CHA P. II.
The government of Chiraz a fecond time given
to the Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of Omar
Cheik; and that of Ifpaban to his bro-
ther the Mirza Rouftem.
N the neighborhood of Mencoul, Timur
again inveſted the Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon
of Omar Cheik, in the government of the royal
city of Chiraz, capital of Perfia, for which he
iffu'd out his letters-patent; and made the Mir-
za fet out for that country, after having given
him a veft and a belt, and nam'd for his minifters
Lutfallah, fon of Beyan Temour, fon of Ac-
bouga, and Tchel Panchat Berlas¸³
Then he diſpatch'd orders to the Mirza
Rouftem at Chiraz to come to court. The mef-
fenger found him in the fummer-quarters of the
palace of Cafrizer, and deliver'd his commif-
fion. The Mirza immediately fet out, and be-
ing arriv'd at Canfar, a place dependent on
Giurbadecan, he receiv'd a pacquet from court,
by which he learnt that the emperor had gi-
ven him the government of Ifpahan', ordering
9
Two old men of great experience and truff.
Capital of Hircania or Irac-Agemi, where the king of
Perfia at prefent iefides.
f
him
302
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. him to fend his baggage thither, and go to
Ouroudgerd to rebuild the fortrefs of Ormy-
an. The Mirza Pir Mehemed, who was fent
to Chiraz, alfo arriv'd at Canfar. Thefe two
brothers tenderly embrac'd each other, and en-
tertain'd themſelves with converfation on the
prefent ſtate of affairs; and afterwards they
feparated, and took their reſpective roads. The
Mirza Pir Mehemed departed for Chiraz; and
Rouftem, having fent a lieutenant to govern
Iſpahan in his abfence, went with expedition to
Ouroudgerd, the fortrefs of which he rebuilt,
and repeopled the city.
CHA P. III.
Timur fends the Mirza Aboubecre to rebuild
the city of Bagdad, and gives him the
go-
vernment of Irac-Arabi and Diarbekir.
W
HEN the court was arriv'd in the neigh-
borhood of Cars ', Timur order'd the
princes his children, and the great lords of the
ftate to come before him; and then made the
following fpeech to 'em. "The war which
"the inhabitants of Bagdad have heretofore
"undertaken against us, having been obftinately
"continu'd by them, has been the caufe of the
"defolation of their ftate, our vengeance hav-
"ing drawn upon 'em a total ruin. Never-
"theless, if we confider that this is one of the
principal citys in the Mahometan world, that
"the knowledg of the law deduces its origin
A city of Armenia near Georgia.
from
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
303
cc
"from thence, and that the doctors of other Chap. 3.
countrys have drawn from this fource the
"moſt facred parts of religion, and the moſt
"ufeful learning; it wou'd be a crime utterly
to deſtroy this famous city: wherefore we
defign to re-inftate it in its former flouriſh-
ing condition, that it may again become the
"feat of juſtice, and the tribunal both of reli-
gion and laws."
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The emperor's fpeech being univerfally ap-
plauded, he entruſted the execution of this com-
mendable project with the Mirza Aboubecre,
giving him the government of the provinces of
Irac-Arabi, as far as Vafet, Bafra, Curdistan,
Merdin, Diarbekir, Oirat, with all their de-
pendences; and appointing for the great officers
of his court the Emirs Payende Sultan, Pir Huf-
fein Berlas, Sevindgic, Sultan Sendger, Hadgi
Seifeddin, Dolet Coja Einac, and others, with
a great body of the army. Timur order'd the
lords of Irac-Arabi to obey him, and mark'd
out his road by the province of Diarbekir:
he ftrictly enjoin'd him to exterminate all the
difturbers of the public peace, who remain'd in
that country, and to be in Irac-Arabi in the
autumn, when the equinox renders the air more
temperate. The emperor likewife inftructed
him to begin with ruining Cara Youfef Tur-
coman, who had made himſelf mafter of Irac-
Arabi; and afterwards to encourage and com-
fort the inhabitants of the country, that they
might rebuild their houſes, and cultivate the
lands; and in fine to employ all his care in
reftating Bagdad in its former fplendor, that
the following year there might depart people
enough out of that city, to form a caravan for
Mecca.
With
3.04
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
With regard to Cara Youfef Turcoman, and
his ufurpation, we muſt know that that prince,
for fear of our troops, fled into the country of
Roum or Natolia ; but when our army arriv'd
at Cæfarea, he again fled from thence into Irac-
Arabi, where having affembled all the Turco-
man hords, he ftop'd at Payan-Hit. The Sul-
tan Ahmed Gelair at that time went out of Bag-
dad, and retir'd to the Sultan Taher his fon;
but the Aga Firouz, in whom the Sultan Taher
repos'd the care of his affairs, excited a jealoufy
in his maſter: whereupon he held a council
with his father's Emirs, Mehemed Bei governor
of Ormi, the Emir Ali Calander, Micayl, and
Fatrac Chah, who likewife fear'd the Sultan
Ahmed, and unanimouſly agreed to revolt; and
having paſs'd the bridge during night, they en-
camp'd on this fide the river. When the Sultan
Ahmed was inform'd of it, he broke down the
bridge, and marching along the bank of the
river, ftop'd in prefence of his fon and the
Emirs: he fent an expreſs to Cara Youfef to
come and join him; which Youfef having done,
they pafs'd the river together. The two armys
being rang'd in order, a battel enfu'd, in which
the Sultan Taher was vanquifh'd: he endea-
vor'd to fly; but coming to a brook, and ftri-
ving to make his horſe leap over it, he fell in
with his horſe and armor, and periſh'd.
The Sultan Taher having been thus puniſh'd
for his revolt againſt his father, his Emirs and
troops difpers'd; and the Sultan Ahmed, grow-
ing jealous of Cara Youfef, went to Bagdad.
Cara Youfef came out of Hille with his army
to the gates of Bagdad, and took the city. The
Sultan Ahmed hid himſelf to fave his life, but
was perceiv'd by one nam'd Cara Haffan, who
affifted him in making his efcape during the
night;
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
305
3,
night; and taking him upon his fhoulders Chap. 3.
brought him to a place near five leagues dif-
tance. On their way they met a man who had
an ox, which the Sultan incunted, and went to
Tecrit with Cara Haflan. Sarec Omar Oirat,
governor of that place, made a prefent of forty
horfes to the Sultan Ahmed, with what mony,
arms, ftuffs, and belts he was able. The Sul-
tan was join'd in this city by feveral of his
officers, as the Cheik Macfoud, Dolet Yar,
Adel, and others. From Tecrit he went to Da-
mafcus, while Cara Youfef became the peace-
able poffeffor of Irac-Arabi. This digreffion
was neceflary for the better underftanding of the
hiſtory.
When Timur therefore made the Mirza Abou-
becre depart for Bagdad, he fent orders to the
Mirza Rouftem at Ouroudgerd, to join Abou-
becre before Bagdad, and march with him a-
gainst Cara Youfef. The Emirs Toukel Arus
Bouga of Hamadan, Tamun Soutchi of Neha-
vend, Chah Rouftem of Sendgiar and of Dina-
ver, had likewife orders to march to Bagdad
with the Mirza Rouftem. The Mirza Abou-
becre arriv'd at Arbele, and caus'd the governor
Abdalla, and the other chiefs of the rebels, to
be feiz'd and fent bound to court, with a pre-
fent of Arabian horfes, the care of which he
gave to Ac Sultan. At this place died Payen-
de Sultan Berlas; and the Mirza Aboubecre ha-
ving left the baggage, march'd with expedi-
tion againſt Cara Youfef. The Mirza Routem
departed from Ouroudgerd, according to order;
and having taken the road to the dome of Ibra-
him-Lic, he pafs'd to Bagdad, and join'd the
Mirza Aboubecre in the neighborhood of Hille.
VOL. II.
- U
CHAP.
1
306
The hiftory of Timur Bec.
Book VI.
CHA P. IV.
Timur's arrival at the frontiers of Georgia.
T
IMUR having decamp'd from the neigh-
borhood of Cars, enter'd Georgia. Af-
ter having pafs'd thro Armenia, the Cheik Ibra-
him prince of Chirvan, as a faithful fervant,
was gone before to make inroads into the ene-
my's country, and had already feiz'd on fome
paffages and defiles. Malek Ghourghin, king
of Georgia, heard with a great deal of furprize
of the march of the imperial ftandard. Fear
exited him to fend ambaffadors to court with
ſeveral preſents; and the fubject of the embaffy
was compriz'd in this fpeech.
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"There is no compariſon, great Sir, between
you and me, who am your flave; and it is
very aftoniſhing that you fhou'd have pro-
pos'd to march againſt fo mean a fubject as
I am, who am abfolutely refolv'd to be-
"have my felf as your faithful fervant; and
"on the first order I shall receive from
your of-
ficers, whether to fend in mony, or to march
"at the head of my troops in your fervice, I
"will not fail of acquitting my felf faithfully
"and readily. I have not the confidence to
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66
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come down directly to caft my felf at the foot
"of your throne, for fear has too far feiz'd my
heart but if your highnefs fhall pleafe to grant
me a ſhort reprieve, till my fear is blown over,
"I will run to kifs your feet, as the prince of
"Merdin, and other governors have done; and
"I fhall have the honor to proftrate my felf be-
"fore you, and receive your orders as a flave, ac-
knowledging this favor as an excess of your
"bounty.
66
J
Timur
The history of Timur-Bec.
307
Timur wou'd not hearken to what the am- Chap. 4.
baffadors faid, nor accept their prefents: he
told 'em, that their mafter's affair was no ways
like that of the other princes, who were Maho-
metans, becauſe the intereft of religion pleaded
for them, and render'd their faults more pardon-
able; but he being a Chriſtian, ought not to ex-
pect the fame favor; that if he was defirous of
life, he muſt come directly to court; but if the
grace of God fhou'd not grant him fufficient
affiftance to enable him to embrace the Maho-
metan religion, he wou'd impofe the tribute
of the Carage
on him, leave him once more
the principality of his country, fend him back
contented, and fuffer his fubjects to live in
peace, without fear of being either murder'd,
pillag'd, or made flaves; and thus his honor
and reputation wou'd remain unblemish'd. He
likewife told 'em, that the emperor of Conftan-
tinople, as a Chriftian, was on the fame footing
with him; that if Ghourghin had come to court,
he wou'd have learnt how that prince had been
treated, and what favors he had receiv'd; and
that he ought to judge of his own cafe by the
other: but if their maſter made the leaft diffi-
culty of coming, none of his excufes fhou'd be
accepted of. At length the ambaſſadors were
difmifs'd.
About this time Beyan Coutchin, governor
of Tauris, came to court with the comptrollers
and great officers of Azerbijana: they offer'd
their prefents confifting of a great number of
horfes, animals, and other things. Ali Cha-
cani, chief of the Divan of Coraflana, for the
Coja Ali Semnani, came alfo to offer his pre-
2
* A tribute which the Mahometan princes exact from the
Chriſtians or Jews who inhabit their dominions.
U 2
fents,
308
The history of Timur-Bec.
}
Book VI. fents, which were diftributed among the of
}
ficers.
The feafon for the corn-harveſt in Georgia
approaching, it was requifite that the Georgians
fhou'd be hinder'd from reaping and carrying it
in; whereupon Timur order'd the Emir Cheik
Noureddin, and other Emirs, to enter the ene-
my's country forthwith: in effect, they chas'd
out all the inhabitants, and deftroy'd every thing
with fire and fword; they reap'd all the corn
and pulfe, which they ground into meal, and
fo return'd laden with ſpoils to the imperial
camp.
CHA P. V.
The taking of the famous caftle of Cortene
in Georgia.
HERE is a fteep mountain in Georgia,
THE
a hundred and fifty cubits high, fituate
between two very deep defiles: on the fouth of
it is a rock, which furpaffes it in height, and
which they afcend with ladders and cords.
There is but one way to this mountain, and
that very narrow and crooked; befides, the pre-
cipices which furround it hinder an army from
encamping and beſieging it. The Georgians
had fortify'd this monutain on all fides, having
built houfes upon it, and a gate at the very ex-
tremity, with cifterns to preſerve rain-water.
It was commanded by a Georgian prince nam'd
Tral, who had under him thirty great Ofnaours,
and a ftrong garifon; they were not apprehen-
five of any fcarcity, their cifterns being fill'd
with water, their cellars furnish'd with deli-
cious
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
309
cious wines, and the place ftor'd with fwine and Chap. 5.
Theep.
Timur being appriz'd of the importance of
this place, refolv'd to take it, notwithſtanding
the great difficultys which wou'd acrend the
fiege, as it was in the midst of the enemy's coun-
try, and wou'd require a great number of fol-
diers to carry it on, who wou'd not be able to
find victuals and even water enough for 'em.
Every one was forpriz'd at this undertaking, and
believ'd it impoffible to take the place; unleſs
the fole fear of Timur, who defign'd to go there
in perfon, fhou'd feize the hearts of the be-
fieg'd, and make 'em furrender: but God had
otherwife order'd it.
1403.
The imperial ftandard arriv'd before the caſtle
of Cortene on the 14th of Muharrem 806. The Aug. 13.
inhabitants immediately fent to falute the empe-
ror, offer him their prefents, and affure him of
their fubmiffion; but feeing their flatterys cou'd
not hinder the place being attack'd, they con-
fided in the ftrength of their walls, and declar'd
war by a diſcharge of arrows and ftones. Ti-
mur at the fame time order'd the Emirs to take
their pofts round about the place: the Emir
Chamelic was fix'd on the fide of the gate,
having orders to build fconces over-againſt it
two other Emirs had likewife orders to erect two
fconces in different places. This was done,
that if the fiege fhou'd laft too long, a garifon
might be put in 'em, to incommode the place.
Chamelic finiſh'd in three days one of thefe fcon-
ces capable to contain three thouſand men ;
which excited the admiration of the whole army.
Timur encamp'd behind the fortrefs in a place
proper to build battering-rams and other ma-
chines, and order'd a platform of ftone and wood,
which is call'd Meljour, to be built between his
camp
W 3
310
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
Aug. 20.
camp and the caſtle, ſo high that it fhou'd com-
mand the place, tho the Georgians had ima-
gin'd that the height of their mountain wou'd
have preferv'd 'em from all manner of infults.
This work was not finifh'd in lefs than a week;
and on the 21ft of Muharrem, a Mecrit, nam'd
Bikidgek, who was skilful in marching over
mountains, found means during night to get un-
perceiv'd upon a rock, fouth of the caftle; there
he caught a goat, and carry'd it to the very
top of the rock, where having kill'd it, he plac'd
it for a fignal, and then defcended without be-
ing feen by the Georgians. Next day Bikidgek
related his adventure to the emperor, who ap-
plauded him, and gave orders for fome very
ftrong cords to be made of raw filk and thread,
and ladders to be made of the cords: and then
four Mecrits immediately afcended this rock,
and drew up the ladders with long cords. On
Aug. 22. the 23d of Muharrem this defign was executed:
they mounted by an arch, which a goat cou'd
fcarcely pafs. A tree having grown out of the
very ridge of this rock, they faften'd the lad-
ders to it, when they had drawn 'em up. The
Emir Chamelic ftaid at the bottom of the lad-
ders, and made fifty of the braveft Turks of Co-
raffana afcend, whofe names he took down in
writing: Argoudac was one of 'em.
The
Georgians were faft afleep while thefe things
were paffing At break of day a Coraffanian
cried out with a loud voice, Allah Ecber, and
blefs'd Mahomet. Mahmoud, an officer of the
Mirza Charoc, at the fame time founded his
trumpet; and the Georgians furpriz'd at the
alarm given 'em by the watch, ran to their
arms to defend themfelves. Timur took horfe,
pafs'd the defile, and ftop'd over-againſt the
rock, which our brave men had mounted he
order'd
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
3 11
order'd the brass drum to be beat, and the Chap. 5.
great cry Souroun made thro-out the whole
army.
In the mean while, the way to the place by
the rock being very narrow and dangerous, no
more than three perfons being able to march in
front, one of our brave warriors march'd fore-
moft, holding his buckler before him; he was
fuftain'd by two others, who advanc'd with him,
but an arrow ftruck him in the mouth, which
made him fall backwards, and the enemys feiz'd
on his buckler. Abdalla Sebzuari advanc'd
fword in hand, and flew fome Georgians, till
being mortally wounded in ten or twelve places,
he fell down thro weaknefs. The Turk Mah-
moud fell upon the enemys with a heavy club,
with which he broke the leg of a very confide-
rable Oznaour. In fine, of the fifty men who
had mounted to the affault, feveral arriv'd at
the gate of the caftle, where a bloody skirmish
enfu'd. Some alfo continu'd to attack the place
from the Meljour before mention'd, fo that
the gate was broke, and the troops enter'd the
caftle.
This conqueft happen'd the 23d of Muharrem, Aug. 22.
after a fiege of nine days. The befieg'd begg'd
for quarter on their knees: but most of the
Oznaours or officers were precipitated from the
walls the governor, Tral, was bound and car-
ry'd to the imperial camp with the whole gari-
fon, of whom not one efcap'd. At the fame
time the Toughe and ftandard of Mahomet
was erected upon the walls; and the Muezins
repeated the prayers of the Alcoran on the top
of the church, and made the cry Yzan, which is
3
A ſtandard on whoſe top is a horſetail.
U 4
us'd
312
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. us'd to call the Mahometans to prayer.
?
This
conqueft deferves to be recorded in hiftory;
and it is reported that the great Mahmoud
Subectekin never gain'd fo confiderable victorys
over the infidels of India, as our conqueror did
over thofe of Georgia. Timur order'd Tral and
all the garifon to be beheaded, and their wives
and children carry'd away captive; and he gave
Tral's wife as a prefent to the Cheik Ibrahim,
prince of Chirvan.
Timur afterwards order'd the machines, and
Meljour, which had been erected againſt the
place, to be burnt; and he return'd to his camp,
where he heap'd honors and favors on Bikidgek
and the other brave men who had firft mounted
the rock; he order'd mony out of his treaſury
to be diftributed among 'em, and gave 'em robes,
fabres, belts, horfes, mules, tents, umbrellas,
young women, camels, furniture, and even gar-
dens and villages in their respective countrys.
He inveſted Mehemed Touran, firnam'd the
king of Bauran, who was one of the principal
lords of Coraffana, in the government of the
place, affigning him a good gariſon of Coraffa-
nians: he gave him the revenues of the neigh-
boring country's, and enjoin'd him to preſerve
thefe frontiers for the Muffulmans, and not
permit the Georgians to gain any more footing
in the country; he order'd him to convert the
church into a mofque, and build a niche in it
instead of the altar, and in lieu of bells and
crofles, to eftablifh Muezins and readers of
the Alcoran, according to the Muflulman law.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
313
1
Chap. 6.
CHAP. VI.
Relation of what pass'd without during this
D
fiege.
URING theſe tranſactions, the doctor
Cotobeddin Carini came to court with all
the great officers of Chiraz; he offer'd feveral
prefents of the fineft ftuffs, Arabian horfes,
mules for riding, and furniture, as pavilions,
tents, umbrellas, and other curious things. Af-
terwards Hadgi Muzaffer arriv'd from the Mirza
Rouftem, and made his prefents. The Coja
Muzaffer Neheuzi alfo came from Ifpahan, and
preſented a great quantity of mony, pearls,
precious ftones, horfes, faddled mules, ftuffs,
tents and pavilions, as likewife droves of horfes
and mules of carriage, with arms, and veffels
and boxes of gold and filver. Timur diftribu-
ted all theſe preſents among the princes and
lords of his court.
About the fame time Idecou Berlas and Ah-
med Daoud, who had been fent to Kirman, to
receive- and take care of the imperial treaſures,
as alfo Seifel Mulouk Hadgi Abdalla, receiver-
general, return'd to the imperial camp: they
had an audience of the emperor, who gave 'em
a handfom reception, and to whom they of-
fer'd their preſents after the uſual manner: they
were accompany'd by the principal inhabitants
of Kirman, and among others by Moulana Zy-
addin Serradge, the Cheik Sedreddin, who were
both Cadis, the Seid Hamza, and the Cheik
Mahmoud Zendghi Adgem, author of the book
call'd Dgiouch or Khourouch, which treats of
the
314
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
[
Book VI. the exploits of the glorious Timur; but this
~ learned author had the misfortune to fall from
off the bridge. of Teflis, which is built over
the river Cyrus, and be drown'd: his fon, who
continu'd that work after his father's death,
paid his refpects to the emperor, who receiv'd
him with a great deal of kindneſs, and comfort-
ed him by his favors for his father's death.
Youfef Gelil, Deroga of the city of Yezd,
and Cayafeddin Salar Semnani, receiver-general
of the revenues of the fame city, as well as the
commiffarys of the Divan of Yezd, came alfo to
court; as did all the great officers, and gover-
nors of the feveral provinces and citys of Co-
raffana and the two Iracs, who paid their
homage at the foot of the imperial throne, and
offer'd their prefents, which confifted of the
greateſt curiofitys of all Afia.
A
+
CHAP. VII.
Timur marches to Abkhaze.
FTER the taking of Cortene, Timur
fummon'd the lords to a diet, where he
made a magnificent banquet, and diftributed his
favors among the officers, according to their
ranks. He then took up a refolution to march to
Abkhaze: he order'd the Emirs Cheik Noured-
din, Chamelik, and others, to fet out before
with feveral fquadrons, to ravage and lay wafte
Georgia, as far as Abkhaże, which is the nor-
thern frontier of that kingdom. They accord-
ingly began their march; but as the ways were
full of woods, the foldiers were oblig'd to cut
down the trees to open a paffage; and they
ruin'd
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
315
ruin'd every thing they met with in the countrys Chap. 7.
of the Armenians and Georgians. They were
follow'd by the imperial ftandard; and Timur
foon after enter'd into the middle of Georgia,
where he plunder'd feven hundred towns and.
villages, laying wafte the cultivated lands, ruin-
ing the monafterys of the Chriftians, and raz-
ing their churches to the very foundation, which
were built of marble and free-ftone.
But the Georgians having abandon'd their
houſes, were retir'd into caverns fituate among
rocks and high mountains, which they had af
cended by ladders, which they drew up after
'em; and had fortify'd themfelves in theſe caverns.
Timur order'd a fort of boxes to be tied with
chains, in each of which he plac'd feveral per-
fons arm'd: thefe boxes were let down from
the top of the mountain with great cords to the
level of the caverns, where our dauntless fol-
diers attack'd the enemys with their arrows, and
advanc'd to the mouths of the caverns with their
fwords and lances. They made their way into
'em notwithſtanding the number of the enemys,
and the advantage of their poft; and tho in fome
of theſe caverns there were near a hundred Geor-
gians, yet they leap'd out of their boxes into them,
where they put all to the fword, making them-
felves mafters of their fpoils, and acquiring the
merit of the Gazie. They punctually fulfill'd
the Alcoran, which enjoins us to treat the ene-
mys of the Muffulman religion with rigor; and
they rooted up and burnt the trees, making ha-
vock every where.
The 14th of Rabiulevel 806, the Emirs and O&ob. 12.
troops rejoin'd the imperial camp: next day they 1403.
all purfu'd the chace, and took a great deal of
game. Timur hunted the day after, and con-
tinu'd to ruin the country, flaying all the Georgi-
ans he met.
CHAP.
316
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
CHAP. VIII.
Timur returns from Abkhaze. The cauſe of
SEA
እ
his return.
EVERAL Georgian lords, who were
flaves in Timur's army, having fent advice
to king Ghourghin that this conqueror had
render'd himſelf mafter of the country as far as
Abkhaze, and that there remain'd no footſteps
either of Armenia, or of the Armenians; that
prince was feiz'd with fear, becauſe this ad-
vice came from men of his own nation: where-
upon he immediately fent ambaffadors with pre-
fents to Timur. The remonftrance the Geor-
gian flaves made to Ghourghin on this occafion,
reſembles the counſel the bishop of Nedgeran
gave to his own people in the time of Maho-
met. There goes a tradition that the inhabi-
tants of Nedgeran being come to Medina, were
fo ftubborn and proud as to diſpute with Maho-
met, and not receive the inftructions he won'd
have taught 'em. Then the lord Ali, with Maho-
met's daughter Fatima, and two grandfons Ha-
fan and Huffein, came to the affembly to dif-
pute with the Chriftian, biſhop: but this doctor,
being furpriz'd at what he faw, far from dif-
puting, faid, "The men I now behold have
"their faces irradiated: if they fhou'd befeech
"God to remove the mountains of the place,
"he wou'd affuredly grant their requeſt; and if
"they fhou'd be fuffer'd to offer up their prayers
"againſt the Chriſtians, not one of 'em wou'd
"remain alive." Thefe words of the bishop
ftruck terror into the Chriftians, who confent-
ed
1
The history of Timur-Bec.
317
ed to pay the annual tribute; after which they Chap. 8.
return'd to Nedgeran, becauſe their bishop had
on this occafion feen the lords of Mahomet's
family transform'd into angelical beautys. It
feems as if ſome fuch viſion had engag'd the
Georgian flaves to write thus to Malek Ghour-
ghin.
1
When the ambaffadors of the king of Georgia
were arriv'd at court, they addrefs'd themſelves
to the generals of the army, and befought 'em
to intercede for them, humbly remonftrating
that their mater was perfectly fubmiffive and
obedient; befeeching 'em to employ their good
offices to appeafe Timur's wrath, and obtain
pardon for their mafter, who wou'd not fail of
fending immediately to court all his riches and
curicfitys, and likewife the annual tribute; and
even promifing chat he fhou'd fend to the im-
perial camp, whenever he had orders fó to do,
the troops which fhou'd be requir❜d of him.
This difcourfe touch'd the Emirs, who in-
troduc'd the ambaffadors into Timur's prefence,
who gave an account of the fubject of their em-
baffy as ufual: and the generals having found a
favorable opportunity, on their knees related to
Timur Malek Ghourghin's propofitions, and
fpake to him as follows.
"It is certain that your highneſs's intention
"in all your wars is only the increafe and honor
"of the Mahometan religion: we fee that
"God has blefs'd your zeal in fuch a manner,
"that the Muffulman law has never before ar-
"riv'd at fo high a pitch of glory in theſe coun-
cr
trys; for former emperors, and the moſt pow-
"erful Sultans of antiquity, accounted them-
"felves happy when the Georgians gave only
a few marks of their refpect and obedience,
"either by fending a yearly prefent of horses,
CL
CC or
318
The history of Timur-Bec.
1
·Book VI. "
or by furnishing a fmall number of troops,
σε when their occafions requir'd 'em in fome
σε war and on theſe conditions the Georgians
"liv'd freely in Perfia and the Muffulman
CC
kingdoms. But at prefent, thro your high-
"nefs's great power, they eſteem themſelves
"happy, even in being shut up within the far-
"theft parts of their kingdom, as long as they
"have quarter granted 'em for their lives. The
"Muffulmans have enter'd their capital citys,
"and enjoy themſelves there, as if they were
"the mafters of 'em. And thus, if your high-
"nefs will grant 'em quarter on paying the
"tribute, and exactly obeying your orders, they
"will become faithful fervants, and acquit
"themſelves of their duty with entire fubmiffion
"and fincerity.
"
All the Emirs cou'd fay, was not able to
abate the emperor's zeal for the continuation
of the Gazie; which oblig'd theſe lords to pro-
poſe the affair to the doctors of the law and to
the Muftis, who unanimoufly declar'd in the
imperial council, that fince the Georgians con-
fented to pay the tribute, and not to injure the
Muffulmans, they were oblig'd by their law to
grant 'em quarter, without doing 'em any fur-
ther harm either by flaughter or pillaging.
Ac-
cording to the conclufion of the doctors, and in
condefcenfion to the prayers of the Emirs, Ti-
mur granted this favor to the Cheik Ibrahim,
one of the interceffors; and nodded to him, in
token that in refpect to him he condefcended to
the requeſt of king Ghourghin. He fent back
the Georgian ambaffadors between hope and
fear and afterwards he ſpent ſeveral days in
theſe quarters in the diverfion of the chace, till
the return of the ambaffadors, which happen'd
foon. When they came back, they brought with
f
'em
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
319
'em a thouſand gold medals ftruck in the name Chap. 9.
and auguft titles of Timur, with a thouſand hor-
fes, and great quantitys of curious fluffs, as alfo
veffels of gold, filver and chryftal, and a very
fine balafs ruby, of a beautiful color, weighing
eighteen Medicales, there being few which
weigh fo much. They prefented the whole,'
and oblig'd themfelves by an oath, to pay the
tribute.
Then Timur prepar'd to return home; he de-
camp'd, and after fome days march arriv'd at
Teflis, having ruin'd all the churches and mona-
ſterys in the neighboring parts. When he had
gone two days journy beyond the river of Cy-
rus, he refolv'd to march to Carabagh to rebuild
the town of Bailacan: he fet out before with
fome of his favorite lords, and having paſs'd by
Berda, encamp'd near Bailacan, where he was
join'd a fortnight after by the army and bag-
gage, who alfo encamp'd there.
Į
CHAP. IX.
Timur orders the town of Bailacan to be
TH
rebuilt.
HE Alcoran remarks, that the rebuilding
of places is one of the moſt glorious actions
which princes can perform in this world, and
which conduces moft to the good of fociety.
When the army decamp'd in autumn, Timur was
incited to take up his winter-quarters at Cara-
bagh where, not to lofe time, and to keep the
troops in action, he refolv'd to rebuild the town
of Bailacan, which had been a long time ruin'd,
fọ that it was inhabited only by infects, fcritch-
owls,
320
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. owls, ferpents and fcorpions Tho the feafon
was very cold, and the rains continually moleſt-
ed our foldiers, yet Timur foon after his ar-
rival gave orders to the engineers and architects
to draw the plan of the town, which thou'd con-
fift of a wall, a ditch, four market-places, and
a great number of houfes, baths, caravanferas,
fquares, gardens, and other commodious places.
They laid the foundations, and having mark'd
'em with lines, the emperor divided the work
among the foldiers, under the inſpection of the
Chahzades' and Emirs. They wrought with fo
much diligence, that the buildings which were
of brick, were finish'd in a month: the circum-
ference of the walls was two thoufand four hun-
dred cubits of large meaſure, the thickneſs e-
leven cubits, and the height fifteen: the ditch
was thirty cubits broad, and twenty wide: at
each corner of the place was a great baſtion, and
in the middle of each courtine was a gallery
with battlements, and a machine to caft ftones.
In fine, this prodigious undertaking, which the
greateſt emperors of antiquity were never able
to finiſh in a year, was compleated in a month,
notwithſtanding the exceffive cold and rains: the
readineſs with which Timur's orders were o-
bey'd, was abundantly more furprizing than the
execution of fo vaft a project. Never prince
carry'd a more majeſtic and terrible air in his
wrath; nor yet a more fweet and agreeable one,
when he was pleas'd to beftow his favors.
Timur gave the government of Bailacan, Ber-
daa, Ghendgeh, the country of Arran, Armenia,
Georgia, and Trebizond, to the Mirza Calil
1
Chahzade, or Mirza, is the fon or grandfon of a king or
emperor.
Sultan.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
321
Sultan. He honor'd Gelaleliflam's brother, Chap. 10.
nam'd Behramfcha, with the particular govern-
ment of the town of Bailacan.
And as water
vey
is what principally renders a country flouriſhing,
inaſmuch as it makes the land fertile, and nou-
riſhes the animals and vegetables; Timur form'd
a defign of cutting a canal, thro which to con-
the water of the river Araxes into Bailacan.
He iffu'd out his orders to that effect, and the
principal lords prepar'd themſelves to put 'em in
execution: the Tavatchis divided the ground
the canal was to take up among the foldiers,
which was fix leagues in length, and fifteen cu-
bits in breadth. The whole was finiſh'd in a-
bout a month; and it is one of the moſt magni-
ficent monuments of Timur's grandure and
power.
CHA P. X.
Timur fends intendants and doctors into all
the provinces of his empire, to examine
the affairs of particular perfons, and to
diftribute his juftice and favors among the
people.
DURIN
URING Timur's ftay at Bailacan, the
principal lords of Iran and Touran came
to court with all poffible magnificence, where
an affembly of the moſt learned men was held.
The emperor, who was very curious in hearing
the chief queſtions of the law explain'd, and the
diſtinction between pofitive commands and thofe
which contain only matter of advice, propos'd
the moſt fublime and profitable controverfys.
VOL. II.
X
One
322
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
1
Book VI. One day the converfation fell very à-propos up-
on Mahomet's advice, wherein he tells us that
God orders the princes of this world to prac-
tife juftice and beneficence: the pious Timur
attended to what was faid, and feriouſly re-
flecting on it, wou'd not fuffer this queſtion to
be ended by difcourfe only, but refolv'd to ac-
quire the merits of it by practifing good works;
and then he spake to 'em as follows.
..
<c
Kings have always taken the counſel of doc-
tors, when they excite 'em to do good, and
"ftrive to turn 'em from evil: how comes it
"then that you are filent, and neglect to tell
"me what I ought to do, and what I ought to
"omit the performance of ?"
Then all the learned men modeftly made an-
fwer, that his highneſs did not ſtand in need of
the counfels of perfons of their condition; but
that on the contrary, others ought to learn how
to conduct themſelves by imitating his example.
Timur told 'em, he did not approve this fort
of compliments, by which they might expect to
gain his favor; and that what he had faid was
neither thro vain-glory or intereft: "For thro the
CC
protection of God, fays he, I am too great a
"lord in this world, to ftand in need of fuch.
"trifles; but my deſign in this refults from the
"reflection I have made, that each of you
CC
coming from a different kingdom, muſt with-
"out doubt be inform'd of the affairs which
paſs there, and of the good or bad conduct
"of the Derogas, and commiffarys of the Divan.
"Communicate therefore to me what you know,
"and tell me whether the governors and offi-
"cers obferve juftice and the commands of the
"law as they ought; that being inform'd of
"the evils they commit, I may remedy 'em,
and deliver the weak from oppreffion.'
وو
Imme-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
323
Immediately all the doctors freely declar'd Chap. 10.
their fentiments, applauding the emperor's in-w
tention; and they reprefented to his highnefs
the condition the affairs of their reſpective pro-
vinces were in. Whereupon this juſt emperor
made choice of the moſt learned among 'em, and
thoſe who were moſt vers'd in the laws of their
country; and he nam'd an intendant to go with
each of 'em, to whom he gave a full power to
make laws or to difpenfe with 'em, always ap-
proving whatever he fhou'd do in relation to juf-
tice and the obfervation of the laws; fo that
right might be adminifter'd to thoſe who were
opprefs'd thro-out all the kingdoms and pro-
vinces of his empire: likewife permitting theſe
intendants to take out of the revenues of the impe-
rial treaſury of each country, what fums had been
extorted from poor perfons by violence againſt
the ordinary rules, and to reſtore the fame to 'em;
and alfo to punish the tyrants in an exemplary
manner: moreover they were order'd to regifter
exactly every thing that fhou'd pafs during their
commiffion, and at their return to give an ac-
count of it; that by this means the caufes of
vexation being entirely rooted out of the em-
pire, the people may live in quiet and tran-
quillity. Then Timur made this memorable
fpeech.
CC
cc
CC
My heart hath always been fet upon the
"enlarging the limits of my vaft empire: but
now I take up a refolution to ufe all my care
in procuring quiet and fecurity to my ſubjects,
"and to render my kingdoms flouriſhing. I
"will that private perfons addrefs their re-
"quefts and complaints immediately to my
"felf; that they give me their advice for the
"good of the Muffulmans, the glory of the
faith, and the extirpation of the wicked dif-
"turbers
1
X 2
324
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
cr
ત
66
(c
Book VI." turbers of the public quiet. I am unwilling
that at the day of judgment my poor op-
prefs'd fubjects thou'd cry out for vengeance
against me: I am not defirous that any of
my brave foldiers, who have fo often expos'd
"their lives in my fervice, fhou'd complain a-
gainſt me or fortune; for their afflictions
"touch me more than they do them. Let
હ none of my fubjects fear to come before me
"with his complaints; for my defign is that
"the world fhou'd become a paradife under my
"reign, knowing that when a prince is juft and
"merciful, his kingdom is crown'd with bleffings
"and honors. In fine, I defire to lay up a
"treaſure of juftice, that my foul may be happy
"after my death."
This fpeech of Timur, in which his piety
is much to be admir'd, was taken down by a
lord who was preſent at the aſſembly, and who
wrote at the bottom of it thefe words of the Al-
coran, We give teftimony only to what we have feen.
After this the whole affembly lifted up their
hands to heaven, and offer'd the following
prayer: "O God, who art the lord both of
this world and of the next, grant an ever-
lafting reign to this juft prince; hearken to
"his righteous petitions: and as thou haft fub-
jected the univerſe to him, after a long and
profperous reign in this world, let him reign
"with thee in glory in the other."
હર
66
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
325
CHAP. XI.
Continuation of the history of the princes who
were gone into Irac-Arabi.
TH
2
3
HE Mirza Rouftem having join'd the
Mirza Aboubecre near Hille, as already
mention'd, theſe two princes, who were the
Rouftem and Esfendiar of the age, pafs'd the
river together, and met Cara Youfef Turcoman'
over-againſt the town of Sib, on the banks of
the river Nahrelganam, below Hille. They had
then but three thoufand men, while Cara You-
fef had entrench'd himſelf on the other fide of the
river with a numerous army, ready to give bat-
tel: and as the Mirza Rouftem, being eldeft,
ought to have had the firſt rank, the Mirza
Aboubecre prudently advis'd him to take his poft
in the main-body; but the M.rza Rouſtem an-
fwer'd him, that he was only come to bring fuc-
cours according to the orders given him; that it
was better to ſeparate the army into two bo-
dys, that they might each command one, and fo
attack the enemy on both fides. In effect, the
Mirza Rouftem crofs'd the water, and attack'd
Cara Yousef with all imaginable reſolution; and
the Mirza Aboubecre did the fame on his part ;
the attack was brave on our fide, and as vigo-
rouſly fuftain'd on the other. In the battel, Yar
Ali, brother of Cara Youfef, was fhot off his
horſe with an arrow, and our men immediately
Chap.II.
* Two famous heroes mention'd in the oriental romances.
? Prince of the Accoyunlus, or white sheep.
X 3
But
326
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. cut off his head. The Emir Sevindgic diftin-
guifh'd himſelf bravely on this occafion, and con-
tributed very much to the defeat of the enemy.
Cara Youfef Aed into Syria with fome of his
domeftics; but his fubjects, who confifted of
between ten and fifteen thousand familys, his
oxen, ſheep, and camels were pillag'd by our
foldiers. Some of the Mirza Rouftem's men
brought Cara Youfef's wife, the queen of the
Turcomans, to him in chains: fhe was the mo-
ther of Eskender and Efpende, and was attend-
ed by the ladys of her court, and her rela-
tions.
Our princes alfo vanquifh'd Noayr, who was
abfolute commander of all the Arabian tribe's
of the defart: and they likewife defeated feve-
ral other princes of thefe quarters, who till that
time had never fubmitted to any conqueror.
During the rebuilding of Bailacan, Sarek and
Cofluc Coja, fons of the Dervich Buke, Abou-
bedre and Acbirdi Uzbec, officers of the Mirza
Rouftem, carry'd the happy news of thefe vic-
torys to court, where they prefented to Timur
the head of Cara Youfef's brother.
After the caufes of the diforders which Cara
Youfef and other rebels had occafion'd, were
remov'd, the Mirza Aboubecre employ'd him-
felf particularly in rendring this country as flou-
rifhing as ever: he encourag'd the people, and
oblig'd'em to cultivate the lands: and he caus'd
the city of Bagdad, which was almoſt ruin'd,
to be rebuilt.
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
327
Chap. 12.
CHA P. XII.
Arrival of the Mirza Omar from Samarcand.
Continuation of what happen'd during the
building of Bailacan.
TH
HE first of Jumaziulevel 806, the Mirza Nov. 25.
Omar, fon of the Mirza Miran Chah, 1403.
whom Timur had recal'd from Samarcand to
take upon him the government of Azerbijana,
arriv'd at the imperial camp before Bailacan,
where he had the honor to pay his reſpects to
his highneſs. At the fame time came likewiſe
to court a Circaffian officer, the fon of Toumen,
with the head of Malek Azeddin king of Lor
Coutchec, who had revolted: this officer
brought advice that Malek had been flea'd, and
his skin, ftuff'd with ftraw, hung up in pub-
lic view, to ferve as an example to all future
difturbers of the common tranquillity.
-
Timur about this time refolv'd to perform an
act of juſtice on the perfon of the famous
doctor Moulana Cotobeddin Carmi, who was
come to court with the other officers of
the Divan of Chiraz, becauſe of his having
tax'd the inhabitants of Fars at his departure
from that place, at the fum of three hundred
thouſand Dinars Copeghi, under pretence of a
preſent to the emperor. Moulana Saed, a doc-
tor of the fame country, who accompany'd him,
accus'd him to Timur in a private audience,
where the emperor had order'd him to give
him what light he was able in relation to the
affairs of Fars. This tyranny having highly of-
fended his majeſty, he immediately pafs'd judg-
X 4
ment
328
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. ment upon Cotobeddin, and iffu'd out an order
to the Cheik Dervich Allahi to bind his hands,
and placing the fork'd branch about his neck,
to fend him in that manner to Chiraz, with the
fum he had extorted from the inhabitants, to be re-
ftor❜d to thofe who had paid it. Argoun, inten-
dant to Cotobeddin, was condemn'd to be hang'd
becauſe of the troubles he had brought on the peo-
ple at his maſter's order. A declaration was alſo
publish'd to inform the people of the deftruction of
thefe tyrants, in revenge of the wrong they had
receiv'd after which the intendancy of the
finances of Chiraz was given to Coja Malek
Semnani. The emperor order'd Moulana Saed
to return to Chiraz, to declare to the inhabi-
tants of Fars, that what Moulana Cotobeddin
had done was not by his order; in proof of
which Argoun was hang'd as foon as they arriv'd
at Chiraz.
:
The following friday, the inhabitants of the
city and neighboring villages being affembled
in great multitudes in the old mofque, Moulana
Cotobeddin was expos'd with his hands in fet-
ters, and the fork'd branch about his neck, at
the foot of the preaching-chair, which was of
free-ftone. Moulana Saed mounting the chair,
told the people what the great Timur had or-
der'd him, in allufion to the words of Coja A-
mad Fakih. "If this kingdom, fays he, has
been ruin'd, don't impute it to the emperor;
" for Cotobeddin is only in fault." All the -
people applauded what he faid, and prais'd Ti-
mur, fo that the mofque echo'd out their ac-
clamations. The fum of three hundred thoufand
Dinars Copeghi, which Cctobeddin had extort
ed in the pace of two months, was entirely
re-imburs'd, according to the regifters of the
Cadis,
The history of Timur-Bec.
329
!
Cadis, notarys, and Emirs of the kingdom, to Chap.13.
thoſe from whom it had been taken.
Thus juftice was done in the perfon of one
of the greateſt lords of the kingdom, which
ought to eternize the memory of Timur's equi-
ty. After this the Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of
Omar Cheik, took off Cotobeddin's fetters, and
fork'd branch, and fent him back to Samarcand.
CHAP. XIII.
Timur paſſes the winter at Carabagh-Arran.
Relation of what happen'd there.
W
HEN Bailacan was entirely rebuilt, Ti-
mur march'd towards Carabagh, where
he had already given orders for Corias, or thatch'd
houſes, to be built, to paſs the winter in. Being
come to this place, he went down into the im-
perial Coria; and the Mirzas and Nevians quar-
ter'd in thoſe appointed for them, as did alſo
the officers and domeftics in theirs. Never was
there ſeen before fo magnificent a camp of fuch
vaſt extent. The Mirza Rouftem came by the
road of Coulaghi and Sunatai, according to the
orders he had receiv'd to repair to the Couroultai
or diet, which was to be held at Carabagh, to
inveſt the Mirza Omar in the government of
the kingdom of Hulacou Can.
In the mean while, on advice of the revolt of
Eskender Cheiki, who with Timur's permiffion
was return'd to his principality of Demavend
and Firouz Couh, Solyman Chah had orders to
go to Rei to obferve Eskender's motions. The
Mirza Rouftem was ſent to affiſt Solyman in this
affair: and they had orders, that if Eskender
fhou'd
330
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. fhou'd be fo happy as to return forthwith to his
obedience, to give him a handfom reception;
but on the contrary, if he continu'd obftinate in
his revolt, they fhou'd draw together all the in-
fantry of Com, Cachan and Derghuzin, and pur-
fue and exterminate him wherever they cou'd
find him. The Mirza Rouftem and the Emir
Solyman Chah immediately departed to exe-
cute this order.
Then the Emir Cheik Ibrahim, king of Chir-
van, prepar'd a great banquet to regale the whole
court; he made a prefent to Timur of feveral
pearls, beautiful women flaves, handfom boys,
cuiraffes, belts, arms, and a thoufand led-horfes:
he alfo made fine prefents to the empreffes, prin-
ces, and chief perfons of the ftate, and did
what he cou'd to difcover fome marks of his
affection to all the lords.
About this time Nour Elouerd, fon of the Sul-
tan Ahmed Gelair, about eighteen years of age,
having been born during the war, was brought
from Irac-Arabi. The venerable Cherif Seid
Bereke then alfo arriv❜d at court: the pious Ti-
mur went out of his tent to meet him. The
Santon having perceiv'd him, flung off his tur-
bant, and paid his compliments of condolence
on the death of the Mirza Mehemed Sultan.
Timur embrac'd him, and wept a long time with
him.
The doctors, Imams, and lawyers of Tran-
foxiana, Kech, Samarcand, Bocara, Termed,
and other places, as the fons of the Can of Ter-
med, Coja Abdelevel, Coja Afameddin, Coja
Afdal Kechi, Abdelhamid and Abdelrahman,
fons of the Cheik Eliflam of Kech, and other
great lords of thefe kingdoms, came to court,
where they were admitted to an audience: they
paid their compliments of condolence on the
death
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
331
death of the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, and en- Chap.13.
deavor'd to comfort the emperor by good coun-
fels taken out of the Alcoran and the fayings of
Mahomet. In effect, after they had ſomewhat
moderated his affliction, he was pleas'd to have
'em difpute before him on ſome queſtions of learn-
ing and religion; which they did every evening,
after Timur had done with the affairs of ſtate.
*
Berlas.
One of the moſt confiderable events which
happen'd during Timur's ftay at Carabagh, was
that the fecretarys of the Divan of Kirman had
taken Idecou's account, in which they had fet
down in his name an exceffive fum. Timur be-
ing inform'd of it during the building of Bai-
lacan, apply'd himſelf to find out the truth of it
in the Divan: but the princefs Bouyan Aga,
daughter of Timur's uncle *, prefented her felf Hadgi
big with child by Idecou, with her daughter
Agatche; and compounded for it, by promifing
he fhou'd pay a hundred Tomans Copeghi, and
to which Idecou confented, obliging himſelf to
pay that fum to the imperial treafury. Then
he was confirm'd in the government of Kirman,
and permitted to return home, with orders at
his arrival at Kirman to fend back from thence
to court the Sultan Bayazid, his brother's fon,
who had been diſpatch'd thither in his place, at
Idecou's departure for court.
Timur fent Anoucherouan, fon of Beyan Aga,
to Tauris, to receive the revenues of Azerbijana:
and he gave the government of Sari to Pir Me-
hemed Poulad, one of the Emirs of the Mirza
Charoc. At the fame time Bic Mulc Aga, wife
of the Mirza Pir Mehemed Gehanghir, fet out
from Gaznin and Candahar for court, with her
three fons Caled, Buzandger and Sultan Mehdi,
who were then very young: fhe paid her re-
ſpects to the emperor, and prefented him with
feveral
f
332
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. feveral precious ftuffs of India, and other cu-
rioſitys.
T
CHAP. XIV.
The emperor fends the Mirza Charoc to
Ghilan.
As
;
S the princes of Ghilan were not come to
court, but had only fent a few ſmall
prefents, Timur refolv'd to march againſt 'em
he fent thither the Caraoul, or vanguard, com-
manded by Deryai Coutchin, Belal, Mehemed
brother of Ali Sultan Tavachi, Bayazid, Bo-
rouldai, and Behloul Berlas, whom he order'd
to paſs the winter in the foreft on the frontiers
of Ghilan: and he likewife fent the Mirza
Charoc to Kzelygadge at the head of his troops.
This prince immediately fet out, accompany'd
b. his fon the Mirza Ibrahim Sultan, with his
body of ten thousand men, the Emir Gehan
Chah, the Cheik Ibrahim, Rouftem Tagi Bouga,
the Seid Coja fon of the Cheik Ali Behader,
and other generals of Tomans with their troops;
and they ftop'd at Kzelygadge, expecting other
orders.
As foon as the princes of Ghilan had receiv'd
advice of the army's march towards their coun-
try, they were difquieted, abandon'd their for-
mer refolution, and confented to pay a great
fum under the name of Carage. Charoc fent
an exprefs to advertiſe the court of this; and
made feveral perfons fet out to receive the tri-
bute.
The Seid Razi Kya, one of the princes of
Deylem, who was of Mahomet's race, and dif
tinguiſh'd
The history of Timur Bec. مجھے
333
tinguiſh'd by his knowledg of the belles-lettres, Chap.14.
and the Emir Mehemed Kechti, alſo a prince
of that country, departed together for court
with magnificent prefents: and each of the
commanders of Ghilan fent prefents and confi-
devable fums of mony. Being arriv'd at court,
they kifs'd the foot of the throne, and humbly
offer'd their prefents, faying that they were and
had always been obedient to his highness; that
they had us'd all their endeavors to collect the
fums of the Carage; and that they had re-
folv'd to live and die in perfect fubmiffion to the
emperor's orders.
:
Timur gave 'em vefts, and highly honor'd'em
and as the Seid Razi Kya was of Mahomet's
race, he was pleas'd to treat him in a very
handſom manner, and gratify'd him with ten
thouſand Mans of filk, that is, with fifteen thou-
fand Mans of legal weight, with feven thou-
fand horfes and three thoufand oxen, to be ta-
ken out of what the people had promis'd to pay
for the Crage impos'd on their country: he
gave the half of it to the Emir Mehemed, with
a third of what remain'd due; and he iffu'd out
an order for the receivers to pay 'em theſe fums.
Timur likewife gave the Seid Razi the go-
vernment of the caftle of Kemac, on the fron-
tiers of Natolia, which Chams, a relation of
the Emir Abbas, formerly poffefs'd; and he fent
him thither with troops.
: :
During the winter-quarters at Carabagh, the
Cherif Seid Bereke fell fick and tho his phv-
ficians employ'd all their skill, and adminifter'd
the moſt excellent remedys, they cou'd do him
no good; fo that this great perſon paſs'd from
this world into the other with an entire refigna-
tion to the will of God. Timur was fenfibly
afflicted, and wept bitterly at the death of his
beſt
1
334
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. beſt friend; and afterwards he caus'd his coffin
to be carry'd to Andecoud, to be there bury'd.
Then he gave the governments of Hamadan,
Nehavend, Ouroudgerd, Lircoutchek, and their
dependences, to the Mirza Eskender.
CHA P. XV.
f
Arrival of fome princes from Merdin and
Vaftan. A famous funeral banquet made
for the late Mirza Mehemed Sultan.
W¹
INTER being paft, Malek Iffa, prince
of Merdin, came to court with ſeveral
prefents, bringing with him his daughter, who
was betroth'd to the Mirza Aboubecre. Malek
Azeddin Chir came alfo from Vaftan with pre-
fents of abundance of horſes to Timur, who gave
him a handfom reception.
About this time the emperor iffu'd out a gene-
ral order to all the greater and lefler officers of
the kingdom of Hulacou Can, refiding in Azer-
bijana and Irac-Arabi, to fend each a brother,
or one of their relations, to refide at Samar-
cand: and that this project might be executed
without delay, he order'd feveral officers to re-
pair to the refpective places, to bring 'em away
forthwith.
In the month of Ramadan, Timur made a
funeral banquet for the prince Mehemed Sultan,
in which the poor were principally regal'd. The
Cherifs, doctors, and Imams of all parts, were
at the banquet, and took their places according
to their ranks and dignitys. The entire Alco-
ran was read over, and the feaft concluded with
prayers for the repofe of the Mirza's foul. Af-
terwards
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
335
terwards the princefs Canzade went to Sulta- Chap.15.
nia, and tranſported from thence to Samarcand
the Mirza's coffin, which had lain in the tomb
of the prophet Caidar.
Timur after this order'd a famous chace in the
plains of A&tam, beyond the Araxes, in which
the utmoſt magnificence appear'd. The dogs
had coverings of fattin imbroider'd with gold,
and the hunting-leopards had chains of gold fet
with precious ftones about their necks: there was
an infinite number of Grecian grey-hounds, fo
eſteem'd for their ſwiftneſs, as alſo a very uncom-
mon and excellent kind of beagles; but what
were moſt remarkable, were huge European maf-
tiffs, as ſtrong as the lions of Africa, as terrible
as tigers rous'd up to the fight, and as ſwift as
arrows. After three days the circle began to
cloſe, and the ſlaughter, which is call'd Camar-
michi, was made upon an infinite number of
wild beafts, as lions, antilopes, roe-bucks, as
well of the mountains as of the plains, and alſo.
ftags.
After the hunting was over, Timur return'd to
the camp, where he diftributed among the Cherifs,
doctors and Imams of Samarcand, Kech, Bocara,
and other citys of Tranfoxiana, an innumerable
quantity of uncommon curiofitys, which he had
taken from the kingdom of Natolia, among
which were ſeveral handfom ftuffs, belts of gold,
beautiful horſes, mules, women-flaves and boys;
after which he permitted 'em to return home,
which they did, loading his highneſs with their
praiſes and thanks.
CHAP.
336
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
'
CHA P. XVI.
Timur's return from a campain of ſeven years.
IMUR having made himſelf mafter,
TH during his campain of feven years, of the
kingdoms of Natolia and Syria with their de-
pendences; and having oblig'd the inhabitants
of Grand-Cairo, the capital of Egypt, to coin
the mony, and read the Coutbe, which is the
friday-prayer for the reigning prince, in his
name and titles; the Egyptians having alfo fub-
mitted to pay an annual tribute; and Timur
having likewife fulfil'd the precept of the Al-
coran in making war on the Chriftians of Geor-
gia, whoſe pride and power he affuag'd: he
found that to crown the triumphs of his happy
life, he had no more to conquer in all Afia than
the empire of China, the inhabitants of which
were infidels. Whereupon he immediately re-
folv'd on that conqueft, and departed from Ca→
April 8. rabagh the 14th of Ramadan 806, which an-
1704. fwers to the year of the Monky, for Samar-
cand. He crofs'd the Araxes on a bridge, and
encamp'd on the other fide in a meadow near
Nimet-Abad, one of the towns on the canal of
Berlas, which canal he had dug himſelf, as we
faid before: and he was join'd here by the
Mirza Charoc, who according to order had ta-
ken the road to Kzelygadge.
ร
CHAP.
The history of Timur-Bec.
337
CHAP. XVII.
}
Timur invests the Mirza Omar in the empire of
Hulacou Can.
A
BOUT this time a great feaft was made
at court on occafion of the emperor's
giving the Mirza Omar the government of the
empire of Hulacou Can, for which he iffu'd out
his letters-patent fign'd with the imperial feal,
which was the impreffion of his red hand. This
empire contain❜d the countrys of Azerbijana,
the kingdom of Roum or Natolia as far as Con-
ftantinople; and Syria as far as Egypt. The
princes who govern'd the kingdoms of Fars and
the two Iracs, were commanded to obey his
orders, and affift at his diets. Timur gave him
the troops and officers of the Mirza Miran
Chah, and permitted him to depart at the fame
time: he nam'd for his principal officers, who
were to have penfions, the Emirs Gehan Chah,
Rouftem fon of the Emir Mouffa, Tevekkul
Berlas, Juneid Bourouldại, and others; and gave
him ten thouſand horfe, recommending to him
to do nothing contrary to the fentiments of the
Emir Gehan Chah. Then Timur prefented to
this new king of the Medes a crown, a veft,:
a belt fet with precious ftones, and a horſe with
a faddle of gold; and to each of his Emirs a
robe and a belt.
The prince then took leave, and paid his re-
fpects to the emperor, who tenderly embrac'd
him as well as the Emirs, and then difmifs'd 'em.
The Emir Gehan Chah cou'd not refrain from
tears at parting from the emperor and court, be-
caufe of his long affection to his highness. Ti-
VOL. II.
Y
mur
Chap. 17.
338
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. mur afterwards gave vefts and belts to the Emit
Cheik Ibrahim, Malek Iffa the Sultan of Merdin,
Malek Azeddin Chir, Kuftendil a Georgian,
Tizec, Dialek, and Beftam, whom he order'd
to attend on the Mirza Omar, who took his
road thro the delightful country of Alatac.
Timur departed from this place, and hunted
in his march. After a day's journy he encamp'd
in a meadow on the bank of the river Abag-
loc, otherwife nam'd Tchaybelaroud, where he
ftaid to the end of Ramadan.
Timur celebrated the feaft of the grand Bai-
ram with great devotion and pomp. Moulana
Nezameddin Chanabi, one of the moſt eloquent
doctors of the age, who had wrote part of the
hiſtory of Timur, preach'd that day, read the
Coutbe, and perform'd the ceremonys of prayer.
Several alms and pious gifts were diftributed;
and the feaſt was finifh'd by a magnificent ban-
quet, in which were ferv'd up abundance of the
moft excellent diſhes and wines.
CHA P. XVIII.
Continuation of the hiftory of the Mirza Rouf-
tem and the Emir Solyman Chah, who were
fent towards Rei.
HE Mirza Rouftem and the Emir Soly-
TH
man Chah, who were gone to Rei to
gain intelligence of what Eskender Cheiki was
doing, being arriv'd at that country, found
that Eskender had revolted, and having fortify'd
the citadel of Firouz Couh, and plac'd in it his
fon and family, had fled to the mountains in the
foreſts of Tchelaoun and Rouftemdar. Our
generals ftaid twenty days at Tahran in the pro-
vince
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
339
vince of Rei; and having got together the in- Chap. 18.
fantry of Rei, Com, Cachan, Savé and Derg-
huzin, to the number of two thouſand, they
departed in purfuit of Eskender, enter'd the
foreft of Rouftemdar, and befieg'd the fortrefs
of Nour, which they took and raz'd. Malek
Keyoumerres came to find 'em in this place; and
as he was at variance with Eskender, they
feiz'd him, and fent him to Eskender: "Be-
hold, fay they, we fend you your enemy,
"that you may fee we are willing to accommo-
"date matters with you: therefore ſuſpect no-
thing, but come without delay to meet us.
c
¿
EC
If
you return to your obedience, we'll make a
treaty with you in the name of Timur: you
"have spent part of your life in his fervice; don't
the tree which you have planted.
root up
Eskender dar'd not come to 'em becauſe of
his revolt, but endeavour'd to ftrike up an ac-
commodation with Kyoumerres, and as well by
threats as promifes, engag'd him to be of his
party. Then having fworn a reciprocal friend-
ſhip, they join'd againſt us, and committed acts
of hoftility. Whilft the court was encamp'd on
the bank of the river Agloc, a courier came
from the Emir Solyman Chah, who gave advice
to the emperor of what had happen'd. Where-
upon Timur immediately refolv'd to march thi-
ther in perſon, and fent orders to the Emir
Mezrab, lieutenant-general of Coraffana, to
march with his troops by the road of Sari and
Ancol, to revenge him on Eskender.
1404.
The 7th of Chawal 806, an officer of the April 30.
Mirza Calil Sultan arriv'd from Tranfoxiana,
who affur'd the emperor from that prince that
the affairs of thofe parts were in a very good
condition, and that the people enjoy'd perfect
peace and tranquillity.
Y 2
CHAP.
340
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
t
CHA P. XIX.
Timur fends the Mirza Eskender and the Emir
Chamelic before the reft towards Rei.
TH
HE emperor being arriv'd at Ardebil,
fent the Emir Chamelic and Pir Ali Sel-
duz, with a thouſand men, to Rei before the
others, with orders to get together the foldiers
of the Arabian tribes and the hords of Caladge,
Turks who dwell about Savé, Com, Cachan,
Tchara and Perahan, as far as Kerchroud, and
to form 'em into a body to join the army: and
he order'd the Misza Eskender to join the Mirza
Rouftem and the Emir Solyman Chah
Timur having pafs'd by Ardebil and Myana,
went down to Sertchem, where he found Dou-
ladi governor of Avenic, who was come thither
to pay his refpects to him. Timur tenderly em-
brac'd him becauſe of his former fervices, and
having given him a veft and belt, faid to him,
"We are not certain we fhall ever be able to
"fee each other again; but don't neglect in-
"forming your felf of what fhall pass at my
"court. The Sultan Ahmed Gelair is at pre-
"fent retir'd, and in a low condition, fo there's
"nothing to be fear'd from him: but be upon
your guard againſt the Turcoman prince Ca-
ra Youfef." Then Timur difmifs'd his old
friend.
CC
Timur departed from Sertchem, and arriv'd at
May 13. Sultania the 20th of Chawal 806, to which place
came the perfons who had been fent into Ghilan
to receive the mony we mention'd before; they
brought thence a great quantity of mony, horfes,
ftuffs,
The history of Timur-Bec.
341
ftuffs, and curiofitys. The emperor departed Chap. 19.
next day but one from Sultania, and after fome
days journy arriv'd at Casbin, to which place
the Mirza Aboubecre came poft in nine days
from Ardebil by the road of Kelas, having for
his attendance Pir Huffein Berlas and Sevindgie.
He paid his refpects to his highneſs, and befought
him to permit the Mirza Miran Chah, his fa-
ther, to go to Bagdad, to refide there with him:
which requeſt was granted. Miran Chah re-
ceiv'd a gratification of four hundred thouſand
Dinars Copeghi', a hundred horſes, and ſeveral
toys, and then return'd to Sultania.
Timur being gone from Casbin to Saouc-
Boulac, gave the Mirza Aboubecre two hundred
horfes, a hundred pair of cuiraffes, and a hun-
dred thouſand Dinars Copeghi: he order'd him
to meet the Emir Solyman Chah, and march
with him againſt Eskender Cheiki. The em→
peror alfo made a preſent to Chahimulc, wife of
Aboubecre, and daughter of the Emir Hadgi
Seifeddin, of the lordship of Dudgyail, depen
dent on Bagdad; and this princefs then return'd
to Sultania.
K
Aboubecre having caus'd the fnow to be re-
mov'd, afcended the mountain of Acabay Tala-
goun, and join'd the Mirza Rouftem at Kud-
gyour, the Mirza Eskender, and the Emir Šoly-
man Chah, who were all encamp'd there with
a good trench round 'em, fortify'd with branches
of trees and they ftaid here twenty days, till
the arrival of the army. Having receiv'd freſh
orders to fall upon Eskender, they departed to
that end; and as the country was entirely co-
ver'd with wood, they cut down the trees to
2.
ོ
A Dinar Copeghi is a ducat of gold, in value feven livres,
Y 3
open
342
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. open a way crofs, and mended the paffages which
had been ruin'd with planks; and thus they purfu'd
Eskender, killing all the enemys they met.
Timur enter'd the meadow of Rei the firſt of
May 22. Zilcade 806, and encamp'd in the plain of Sari
1404. Camich: he order'd the fuperfluous equipages
to be conducted by the road of Rei and Khou-
var. Bic Mulc Aga, wife of the Mirza Pir
Mehemed, had leave to return with her fons to
Gaznin and Candahar. The Emir Chamfeddin
Abbas and others, who had the care of tranf-
porting the Caratatars and colonys, which had
remov'd from Azerbijana, had orders to take the
road of Khouvar and Semnan. Then the Emir
Chamelic, who had fet out before, arriv'd at Rei.
Timur being come to the caſtle of Ghulken-
dan, which lay in ruins, fituate at the foot of
mount Demavend, examin'd it, and gave orders
for its being rebuilt of ftone and mortar, and
render'd as flouriſhing as before. From thence
having paſs'd by Demavend at the head of his
army rang'd in order of battel, he arriv'd at
Firouzcouh.
May 31.
1404.
CHAP. XX.
The taking of the citadel of Firouzcoub.
MONG the ſtrongeſt places mention'd
in hiſtory, none deferves more notice than
the citadel of Firouzcouh, fituate on the ridge
of a mountain, with walls of the utmoſt ſtrength.
On the 9th of Zilcade 806, the imperial ftan-
dard arriv❜d there, and the troops form'd the
fiege, encamping at all the avenues round about
it. Every one having taken his poft, the machines
and
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
343
and arms neceffary were got ready: the throwers Chap. 20,
of wild-fire began the affault, and were ſecond-
ed by the bravest men of the army, who expos'd
their lives with the greateſt intrepidity. And
as one of the towers of the place was built at
the foot of the mountain, on the bank of the river,
and the walls of that tower were rais'd as high
as the level of the mountain, the befieg'd made
uſe of it to draw up water out of the river;
but our men turn'd the courfe of the river from
the foot of the mountain, and fpoil'd the water
which was left. This oblig'd the befieg'd to
fally out to hinder 'em, being refolv'd rather to
die than fuffer this.
During night an officer of the Mirza Ibrahim
Sultan, accompany'd by Mehemed Azad, Cheik
Behloul, Beyantencour, Acbouga, and other
brave men, got up one after another to the foot
of the walls, They were perceiv'd by the be
fieg'd, who ran thither in great numbers, fought
with all their ſtrength, and wounded feveral of
our men; but day being come, all the foldiers
afcended the mountain by different places, and
gave a general affault. The fon of Eskender
Cheiki, governor of the caftle, and all the others,
perceiving the intrepidity with which they were
attack'd, were feiz'd with fear, tho the garifon
confifted of three hundred men, or rather giants
of Mazendran, or fatyrs of the foreft. Their
inquietude oblig'd 'em to fend feveral of their
men to Timur, to beg quarter with ſubmiſſion,
The emperor gave thefe meffengers vefts, and
treated 'em with abundance of kindnefs: where-
upon they were no fooner return'd to the place,
than Eskender's fon, and all the reft of the offi-
cers and foldiers, came to caft themſelves at the
emperor's feet, and deliver up the castle, which
the troops enter'd, and made all the inhabitants
X 4
Y
go
344 The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. go out, that they might be tranfported to ano-
ther place. Thus this ftrong citadel, whofe
top feem'd to reach the heavens, was taken
after two days fiege: Timur left there, as go-
vernor, Zenghi Touni with a good garifon.
June 2.
3
Next day, the 11th of Zilcade 806, Timur
took horfe, and went to incamp in a meadow
half a league from thence. He fent back to Sa-
marcand the empreffes Serai Mulc Canum and
Touman Aga, with the Mirzas Oluc-Bec, I-
brahim Sultan, Aidger, and Sadvaccas, who
departed by the road of Sultan Meidan: and
afterwards the emperor march'd againſt Eskender
Cheiki.
$
t
#
Then advice was brought that the Caratatars,
being arriv'd hear the town of Damgan, had
wounded their Deroga, and were revolted; the
Doroga of another band, which march'd after
'em difcover'd Tangribirmich, who lay upon
the earth naked and wounded, and féarce alive,
and carry'd him into the town to drefs his
wounds. The other bands hearing this, re-
folv'd to fly; upon which the Emir Chamfeddin
Abbas, Atilmich, Chalveli fon' of Sevindgic,
and the other captains of companys who had
the conduct of the bands, fell fword in hand upon
thefe miferable wretches, of whom they de-
ftroy'd a great number and either within the
town of Damgan, or near it, flew about three
thouſand upon the fpot, fo that the dead bodys
ftop'd up the paflage of the streets. Several fled
into the forefts of Eftar-Abad, and the Emir
Chamfeddin brought away the reft."
•
$
Timur on advice of this immediately fent
away Peyan Coutchin, Fazel, fon of Seifelmu-
louc, fon of Hadgi Seifeddin, Dané Coja, Rouf-
tem Poulad, and Comari Behäder, with fifteen
hundred horſe, in purſuit of the fugitives. The
}
Mirza
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
345
+
Mirza Ahmed Omar Cheik and the Emir Beren- Chap.21.
dac were likewife fent after 'em on the fame n
account, and went as far as Damgan: but they
foon return'd to join the emperor, becauſe they
found that fome of the Caratatars had been
flain, others fled, and others brought away by
the Emir Chamfeddin and the Derogas. Beyan
Coutchin, and the others who went out firft in
purfuit of the fugitives, pafs'd by Beftam, crofs'd
the mountain of Lengheroud, enter'd the foreft
of Mazendran, and join'd the Caratatars at
Caratugan, on the fhore of the Cafpian fea;
and tho the Tartars were far more numerous,
yet they attack'd 'em immediately, and having
happily defeated 'em, flew above a thouſand,
and took more than ten thouſand familys prifo-
ners. After this expedition Beyan Coutchin re-
turn'd to court.
2
When the empreffes, who had taken the road
to Samarcand with the baggage, were arriv'd at
Beftam, the officers who conducted the Mirza
Charoc's baggage, parted from the reft, and
went, to Herat by the way of Nichabour; and
Serai Mulc Canum and Touman Aga went by
the road of Jadgerom and Efferain with the
greateſt baggage.
Th
* i
CHA P. XXI.
Timur marches to Tchelao.
<
IMUR being accuftom'd to execute the
greateſt part of his enterprizes himſelf, he
march'd in perfon againſt Eskender Cheiki and
as the Mirza Charoc was fallen fick, he return'd
to Herat with the officers of his houfhold,
f
while
346
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. while his Emirs and troops follow'd the impe-
rial army to Tchelao, at which place they ar-
riv'd in a few days, altho the ways were over
high mountains, and thro deep vallys. The
troops being arriv'd at the mountain of Tche-
lao, the ungrateful Eskender was oblig❜d to fly,
and retire into the defile call'd hell.
June 11.
:
The 20th of Zilcade Timur arriv'd at Tche-
lao; from whence, not being able to find Ef
kender, he departed the fame day. In this road
is a very deep defile full of woods, always
cover'd with mifts and fogs; in the middle of
which is a great and extremely rapid torrent,
which can neither be forded nor fwum over.
The great difficulty there is in paffing this defile
is the reafon of its being nam❜d the defile of
hell and as Eskender had broke the bridge over
the torrent, after having paſs'd it, Timur was
oblig'd to build another. The foldiers fhortly
built one of wood, on which forty brave officers
pafs'd firſt, and were follow'd by five hundred
men, whom they commanded. Youfef Berlas
afterwards crofs'd it with Couthin Touchcal,
as did the Seid Coja, fon of the Cheik Ali Beha-
der; and at length the Mirza Sultan Huffein,
follow'd by the Emir Cheik Noureddin, who
got up to the ridge of the mountain of the defile,
cutting down the trees to open a paffage in
fearch of Eskender. Timur alfo pafs'd the
bridge, and encamp'd on the top of a mountain
where there were no trees, but continual rains
and fogs. At this place Timur gave audience to
the Seid Ifmael of Kerfecan, one of the lords of
Termed.
Timur fent foldiers into all the forefts to find
Eskender, affigning 'em for guides the Cherifs of
Mazendran,
Among
1
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
347
Among thoſe who went in fearch of Esken- Chap.21.
der, the captains Deryay Coutchin, Chadimulc
Berlas, the Cheik Mehemed Coutchin, Bic Te-
mour Coutchin, Codadad Tchoura, and Vefa-
dar, met him on the 26th of Zilcade 806, in June 17.
the middle of a wood near the Cafpian fea. The
Cheik Dervich Allahi was feiz'd with fear, and
turn'd back on pretence of bringing Youfef Berlas
with more expedition to back 'em, he being
behind 'em with his troops.
In the mean while Eskender, at the head of
two hundred foot and thirty horfe of his ac-
quaintance, fally'd out of his little camp, and
prepar'd to attack our men, who were but twenty
in number, and were not ignorant of Eskender's
valor, having feen him feveral times in action;
for intrepidity and courage were hereditary to
him, being defcended in a right line from Bigen
fon of Keyou, aud Banou Kechafpe daughter of
the great Rouftem, as may be feen in the Chah
Name or Fardaoufi, which makes Bigen fpeak
theſe words," My grandfather was a lion in
"battel, my father was the great Keyou: this
re
day you ſhall behold my prodigious exploits.'
Our twenty men, notwithſtanding this, fearing
Timur's reproaches, refolv'd rather to die than
fly, reflecting that if the time deſtin'd for their
death was come, they might as well die here as
in another place: fo they collected all their cous
rage, and confiding in the ordinary good fortune
of Timur's arms, difcharg'd their arrows. Ef-
kender, follow'd by his horſemen, attack'd 'em
feveral times with their pikes; but our men fo
dexterously ply'd him, that he cou'd not only
gain no ground, but amefully turn'd his
back before a handful of men, with all his fol-
diers, Ingratitude is the fource of all misfor-
tunes. Eskender had preferv'd his honor, if he
had
t
348
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. had not abandon'd Timur, from whom he had
receiv'd fo many favors.
After Eskender was fled into the foreft, our
fcouts quarter'd in his camp, not knowing what
road he had taken. Then Youfef Berlas arriv'd
with Seifelmuļouc and Hadgi Abdalla, who al-
fo enter'd Eskender's camp, which they entire-
ly pillag'd; carrying away abundance of hor-
fes, mules, ftuffs of gold, and other riches.
They were join'd,there by the Mirzas Rouftem
and Aboubecre, accompany'd by, the Emirs Se-
vindgic and Solyman Chah, who came from the
left. At break of day there appear'd in the
mountain ſomething glittering, which advanc'd
towards 'em. The Emir Sevindgic march'd to
the left towards the mountain and forefts in
fearch of Eskender: aking with him his nephew
Leherafp and all his men, and met the Emir Ali,
Eskender's fon, with his daughter, wives and
domeftics, who were all made flaves.
#
CHA P. XXII.
Battel between the Mirza Sultan Huſſein and
Eskender Cheiki. The flight of the latter.
T
HE Mirza Sultan Huffein, and the Seid
Coja fon of the Cheik Ali Behader, join'd
our ſcouts with feventy men, and enter'd with
'em into the woods in fearch of Eskender. They
met him about noon in the midft of this foreft,
having with him two hundred foot and fifty
horfe, who prepar'd to defend themfelves. The
Mirza Sultan Huffein fell furioufly upon Esken-
der, and immediately retreated as if he wou'd
have fled. The enemy, who thought to im-
*
prove
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
349
prove this feeming advantage, fally'd out of the Chap.22.
wood to fall upon our men; but they turn'd
upon 'em fuddenly in good order, and made
a cruel flaughter of the foot. Vefadar perform'd
whatever cou'd be expected from a great man;
but,was wounded with a lance in his face, which
ftruck out his teeth: yet this did not hinder
his fighting. Two horfemen of Tchelao were
made priſoners by the officers of the Mirza Sul-
tan Huffein: and Eskender perceiving himfelf
vanquiſh'd, re-enter'd the woods, and went out
by the fide towards Ghilan. He was never
heard of more; tho fome fay that he took the
habit of a monk, while others affure us that he
died thro grief in the woods.
The Mirza Sultan Huffein fent one of the men
who were taken to Timur by Cazan Dervich.
The emperor was then encamp'd in the moun-
tain we ſpoke of before, and order'd the man
to inform him what he knew of Eskender.
The Mirza Sultan Huffein at his return met
on the fhore of the Cafpian fea the Mirzas
Rouftem and Aboubecre, with the Emirs So-
lyman Chah and Cheik Noureddin, who had
been in fearch of Eskender; they march'd toge-
ther along the fea-fide near three leagues, ad-
vancing towards Ghilan. They encamp'd there,
and were join'd by the Emir Mezrab Yacou,
who had likewife been ſeeking Eskender with the
troops of Coraffana by the road of Amol and
Sari. Then all the Emirs departed together for
the imperial camp. Timur, notwithſtanding all
the fatigues they had undergone, reprov'd'em
for not having continu'd to purfue Eskender, and
fent 'em all back again on the fame account
with the Emir Chamelic. They fatigu'd them-
felves exceedingly in the woods, which were
very miry, becauſe of the continual rains, which
hinder'd
350
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
B
bok VI. hinder'd their encampment. On advice of this;
Timur fent orders for 'em to return.
Then the emperor decamp'd from the moun-
tain, and croffing the bridge over the torrent in
the defile of hell, went to encamp before the
caftle of Nour in the province of Rouftemdar.
The foldiers brought before him Eskender's ne-
phew, and others of his relations, with feveral
of his officers: he gave 'em a handfom recep-
tion, and granted 'em quarter.
During night an exprefs came from the Mirzas
Aboubecre and Sultan Huffein, and from the
Emir Solyman Chah, with advice of their ar-
rival at the torrent of the defile of hell, which
they cou'd not pafs by reafon the bridge was
broken. Timur immediately fent to 'em Mehe-
med Azad and Toukel Baourtchi, with thirty
watermen of the Gihon, having for their chief
Ourdouchah, who with their ufual dexterity
built a bridge, on which the Mirzas crofs'd the
torrent with their troops, and return'd to join
his highneſs.
The army pafs'd the night in the fame place,
and next day march'd to the caftle of Harfi to-
wards Ghilan: and Timur being arriv'd at
Kelare Decht, encamp'd fome days in that mea-
dow, where the Emir Cayafeddin Ali, fon of
the Seid Kemaleddin, had a handfom reception
from the emperor, who gave him the principa-
lity of Amol, becauſe he had always carry'd on
a war with Eskender Cheiki.
CHA P.
The hiftory of Timur. Bec.
351
Chap:236
CHA P. XXIII.
Timur returns to the feat of his empire.
A
FTER the flight of Eskender, the taking
of his wives, children and domeftics, the
conqueft of his fortreffes, and the pillage of his
effects, horſes and cattel, the emperor refolv'd
to return to Samarcand. He order'd the Mir-
zas who had the government of the two Iracs to
go thither; and likewife the Seid Azzedin He-
zaregheri with his brothers, and the Seid Ali Ma-
zendrani, to return to their reſpective govern-
ments: and he gave vefts to each of 'em. The
Mirza Rouftem, attended by the Emir Said Ber-
las, departed for Ifpahan, the Mirza Aboubecre
for Bagdad, the Mirza Eskender for Hamadan,
the Seid Azzeddin for Hezaregheri, and the Seid
Ali for Amol.
At length Timur departed from Kelare Decht,
and in few days arriv'd at the country of Lar,
at the foot of the mountain Demavend, where
the emperor Argoun Chah had built a pavilion
in form of a dome, which is yet nam'd the
Kiochk of Argoun,
1404.
The 20th of Zilhadge 807, he decamp'd, and July 10.
march'd with fo great expedition with the E-
mirs and his domeftics, that on the 22d he en-
camp'd at the mountain of Firouzcouh. He
gave the Emir Solyman Chah a veſt wrought
• Emir fignifys commander: as alfo a prince of Mahomet's
race, likewife call'd Cherif and Seid. But all Emirs are not Che-
rifs; for there are fome Emirs who are not Mahometans, as
among the Drufes, Maronites and others.
with
352
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. with gold, and a cap enrich'd with precious
ftones, leaving him in the government of the
towns and provinces of Rei, Firouzcouh, and
their dependences: and he permitted Beyan
Coutchin, Deroga of Rei, to return to guard
the caftle of Ghule Khindan.
&
From thence Timur pafs'd by Sultan Meidan,
July 14. and the 24th of Zilhadge arriv'd at Beftam,
where he visited Sultan Elaarefin, whoſe prayers
he befought, diftributing alms among the poor.
Pir Padichah, prince of Efterabad, who had
follow'd Timur in this expedition, and had been
permitted to go before the reft to his own town,
return'd to this place to meet the court, and
offer his prefents, among which were nine fets
of horſes, nine in each. Timur gave him a veft,
and fent him back.
404.
Dané Coja, who had been fent in purſuit of
the Tartars, arriv'd at the fame place, and gave
an account of what he had done. Timur or-
der'd that the Tartar chiefs he had taken fhou'd
be laid in irons, and conducted to Samarcand
by the Derogas of the countrys they ſhou'd pafs
thro. The emperor departed from Beftam the
fame day; and being arriv'd at the town of Ja-
gaz, the lord Hafan Soufi Tercan came to him
from the Mirza Charoc, to be inform'd where
his highneſs wou'd appoint that prince to meet
him. Hafan Soufi was fent back poft, to let
Charoc know he might meet the emperor on the
bank of the river Joucoudgecan.
Then Timur march'd with expedition, and
July 20. the first of Muharrem 807, departed from Nicha-
bour, and went down to Achcabad. The 3d
he encamp'd at the tomb of Dgyam, where he
paid his devotions, imploring the prayers of that
Santon. Afterwards he fet out from thence,
and went to encamp on the bank of the river
Joucoud-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
353
Joucoudgeran, where the Mirza Charoc had the Chap.23.
honor to kifs his hands, and offer his prefents,
which were generously diftributed among the
lords who attended the court. Hendouchah
brought to this place Acbouga, and Carabougai
Joun Garbani, whom he had made prifoners,
becauſe they had revolted during the emperor's
abfence, who order'd 'em to be hang'd in an
hoſpital near that place.
About the fame time Timur fent the Coja
Ahmed Toufi, to be treaſurer-general of the
revenues of Coraffana, and comptroller of the
regiſters of the commiflarys: this lord col-
lected in forty days the fum of two hundred
Tomans Copeghi from the monied-men and the
commiffarys.
Then Timur took leave of the Mirza Charoc,
and departed. When he was arriv'd at Corlan,
he encamp'd at the brink of a fountain near the
hofpital, to which place Temour Coja Acbouga
came from Samarcand to mect the emperor, to
whom he prefented nine race-horfes. From
thence Timur went to encamp at the bank of
the river Morgab, where he receiv'd the com-
plaints of the inhabitants of Chiche&tou, a-
gainſt the oppreffions of Apactelpa, their De-
roga, who was condemn'd on that account to
have his feet bor'd thro, and himſelf hang'd
with his head downwards; which was accord-
ingly executed.
The emperor then departed, and on his road
was met by the Derogas of the towns and the
Kelanters of the tribes, who preſented to him
freſh horfes, which the officers mounted, to
make the more hafte. Then he pafs'd by Leng-
her Cheik Zade Bayazid, Andecoud, Ducca,
the defile of Ghez, and Ali Abad; and en-
camp'd near the town of Adina Meſdgid, where
VOL. II.
Z
he
354
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. he receiv'd the principal inhabitants of Balc
who came to meet him. From thence Timur
went to Syahghird, and croffing the Gihon in a
bark, quarter'd at Termed in the palace of the
lord Acalmulc, where this Can's fon made a
magnificent banquet, and confiderable preſents.
Afterwards he pafs'd by the iron-gate of Coluga,
and by Chekedalic, and went to encamp at
Doulburdği. From this place he march'd to
Kech, and lodg'd in Acſerai: then he vifited
the tombs of the Santon Chamfeddin Kelar,
whoſe prayers he implor'd, and of the prince
his father, the Mirza Gehanghir his fon, and all
his children and relations. At length he took
horſe, cross'd the mountain of Kech, and lay
in the garden of Tact Caratche; from whence
he went down to the garden of Caratopa, and
quarter'd in the palace of Gehannuma, where
he was complimentnd by the Mirza Caidou,
fon of the Mirza Pir Mehemed Gehanghir, be-
ing. conducted by Coja Youfef, and Argoun
Chah governor of Samarcand, who kifs'd the
ground, offer'd their prefents, and ſprinkled pre-
cious ftenes upon the emperor. The empress
'Toukel Canum, with all the ladys and Emirs,
alfo paid their refpects, and offer'd their pre-
fents. As the emperor had made fuch haſte, that
no one cou'd know of his arrival, the Cherifs, Ca-
dis, and principal perfons of Samarcand, had not
an opportunity of meeting and paying their
reſpects to him at any other place than this.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
355
Chap.24
CHA P. XXIV.
Timur's entry into his imperial city of
Samarcand.
IMUR departed from Gehannuma in
TH
the month of Muharrem 807, and went July 1404
down to the garden of planes in Samarcand,
from whence having made his entry into the
city, he visited the college of the Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan, which he had not feen fince it
was built; and afterwards he return'd to the
garden of planes, where preparations were made
for the banquets. The empreffes and Mirzas,
who had fet out firft with the baggage from
Firouzcouh by the way of Baverd, Macan and
Merou, not being yet arriv'd, Timur difpatch'd
couriers to haften their coming. The empress
Touman Aga having crofs'd the Gihon at A-
mouye, met the courier in the meadow of Bo-
cara, who faid there three days to wait the
great emprefs Serai Mulc Canum. Then leaving
the baggage there, they went with expedition to
Vabkyanab, thence to Rebatmulc, and the mea-
dow of Tchacmounar, thence to Tatkent, and
afterwards to Kutche Malek, where a feaſt was
ready prepar'd for 'em, while a fecond courier
arriv'd to advertize 'em to haften. Hereupon
they inſtantly took horfe, and in a fhort time
came to Samarcand. Serai Mulc Canum went
down to Baghi Tchenar, and Touman Aga to
Baghi Behicht, whither Timur immediately re-
pair'd. But God was not pleas'd to fuffer him
to attain to this utmoſt pitch of glory and
power, without fome mixture of bitterness; for
Z 2
this
356
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. this good fuccefs in the conquefts of Syria, E-
gypt and Natolia, was follow'd by a diftemper
which feiz'd him in Baghi Behicht, but did not
laft long. After his diftemper was gone off, he
went to Baghi Chemal to refide there for fome
days, where he gave a handfom banquet to all
the Mirzas and lords of the court, on the birth
of a fon to Beghifi Sultan.
Timur afterwards enter'd Samarcand, and
lodg'd in the palace of the late Mirza Mehe-
med Sultan, for whom he caus'd a magnificent
fepulchre to be built in form of a dome, cloſe to
the college built by that prince: the cincture of
the dome was of marble fet off with gold and a-
zure; within it was dug a vault, to lay the prince's
body in; and a charming garden was made round
it on the ruins of fome houfes. Then the em-
peror apply'd himfelf to render juftice to the op-
prefs'd, and remedy the evils which had crept
in among the inhabitants of Samarcand. When
he pafs'd by the great mofque, which himſelf
had built, he thought the gallery, which had been
erected during his abfence, was too little fo he
ordei'd another to be made, and reprimanded
in the hall of audience the architect Coja Mah-
mord Daoud for his not having done it as it
ought to have been. Timur lodg'd in the col-
lege of Serai Mulc Canum fituate over-againſt
the mofque; and to render his juſtice the more
confpicuous, he order'd the commiffarys and
comptrollers to be arreſted and bound, who be-
ing interrogated, thofe who were found culpa-
ble receiv'd the puniſhment they . merited, ac-
cording to the wrong they had done the people;
and Mafaoud Daoud and Mehemed Dgilde,
who had been the principal fecretarys, and du-
ring Timur's abfence perform'd the function of
:
Vifiers,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
357
#
Vifiers, were both hang'd, at Canighcul, during Chap.24.
the banquet which we shall relate hereafter.
Afterwards Timur went to the gaiden of
planes, where by the procurement of the Emirs
he gave audience to an ambaffador of Idecou
emperor of Capchac, who prefented to him a
Choncar and other things, and made his ha- * A bird
rangues, which contain'd his maſter's fubmiffion of
and teftimonials of obedience.
*
From hence the emperor went to the garden of
Dileucha, where he ftaid feveral days, and re-
ceiv'd an ambaſſador from one of the greateſt ſo-
vereigns of Europe 3, who made him feveral
curious and magnificent prefents, among which
were pieces of tapiftry, which the Europeans
had work'd with fo much nicenefs, that if they
were to be compar'd with the great perfor-
mances of the painter Mani on the cloth of
Artene, Mani wou'd be cover'd with fhame,
and his works appear deform'd.
Then Timur order'd the architects, who had
been brought from Damafcus, to build a magni-
ficent palace in the garden fouth of Baghi Che-
mal, which was fquare, each of its fides being
a thouſand five hundred cubits. This palace
was the largeſt and moſt magnificent of any
Timur had built. The chief ornaments of the
buildings in Syria are of marble; and run-
ning ftreams are common in their houſes:
the Syrian architects are alfo very ingenious
in mofaic work and fculpture, and in con-
triving curious fountains and perpetual jets-
d'eau; and what is moft remarkable is, that
with ftones of divers colors they do the fame
f
From the king of Caftile, of which we have an account
written in Spaniſh, mention'd more particularly in the French
editor's preface to this book.
Z 3
fort
prey.
358
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. fort of work, which the artificers in inlaid work
do with ebony and ivory, and that with equal
nicenefs and delicacy. They likewife made fe-
veral fountains in the palace, the beauty of
which was augmented by an infinity of jets-
d'eau of divers forms, with a furprizing and in-
imitable art. Afterwards the workmen of Per-
fia and Irac enrich'd the out-parts of the walls
with porcelane of Cachan, which gave the
finiſhing ſtroke to the beauty of this palace.
Then Timur order'd a noble banquet to be pre-
par'd, with all the delights which mortals can
defire, or by which the fenfes can be gratify'd.
He was there congratulated by the princes his
children, the empreffes and princeffes, who
fprinkled upon him gold and precious ftones.
Spanish. The European ambaffadors were alfo invited
to this great banquet, and partook of the diver-
fions; for the Caffes have alfo their place in .
the fea.
CHA P. XXV.
Timur holds a general diet. A great feast for
the marriage of the princes at Canighul.
TIM
IMUR having long fince form'd a de-
fign of conquering all Afia, cou'd not re-
frain from finishing what he had intended.
Neglectful therefore of the delights of repofe, he
A little animal, about the fize of a barly-corn, which are
feen upon the ſurface of the ſea.
By this expreffion we perceive the great contempt the Za-
gataian court bad of the Spanish ambafladors.
took
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
359
took up a refolution to fubdue the empire of Chap. 2 5
China, which was inhabited by infidels. But
before he wou'd begin this great enterprize, he
was willing to execute the command of the Al-
coran by the marriage of his grandchildren.
Hereupon he order'd a feaft to be made; and
fent out his circular letters to all the governors
of provinces, generals of his armys, and Cherifs
and nobles of his empire, to meet at a general
diet, where they were to celebrate the nuptials.
The princes Taizi Aglen and Bachtemour Ag-
len, who were defcended from Genghiz Can,
intreated Timur to fummon the Mirza Pir
Mehemed who was at Gaznin, and the Mirza
Charoc who was in Coraffana, to this famous
Couroultai: they obtain'd their requeſt for Pir
Mehemed; but as to Charoc, Timur anfwer'd,
that it was not proper he fhou'd come, he being
the main fupport of the kingdoms of Irac and
Azerbijana.
Canighul was the place appointed for the Octob. 17.
marriage-feaft; and the firſt of Rabiulevel 807, 1404.
which anſwers to the year of the Monky, Ti-
mur went to lodg there. This palace and the
neighboring places were adorn'd with the
greatest magnificence; fo that this autumn-
feafon render'd, in a manner, even the fpring
jealous. The tents were tied with filken cords,
in which were abundance of carpets wrought
with gold: the curtains were of velvet of
Chuchter; and the cielings of ebony and ivory
exquifitely engrav'd. The emperor's apartment
confifted of four great incloſures, which are
call'd Seraperd, built on very regular plans: his
Kherghiah or imperial pavilion made two hun-
dred tents, gilt and adorn'd with precious
ftones. Each tent had twelve columns of filver
inlaid with gold; the out-fide was fcarlet and
feven
Z A
360
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. ſeven other colors, and the infide fatin of all
colors. The upholsterers, of whom there was a
great number, had employ'd a whole week in
erecting and furnifhing this magnificent apart-
ment. The Mirzas and Emirs had alfo each a
Seraperd, a Barghiah, tents, and a great pavi-
lion nam'd Kherghiah. The columns of the
tents were of maily filver, and the floor was
cover'd with the richest carpets.
The governors of the provinces, the generals
of the army, the lords and principal command-
ers of the empire, affembled in this place, and
pitch'd their tents in good order. The people
alfo came there from all nations, as China,
Mufcovy, India, Greece, Zabul, Mazendran,
Coraflana, Fars, Bagdad, Syria, and in fhort
from all the kingdoms of Iran and Touran, that
is to fay, from all Afia.
During theſe entertainments Mengheli Bou-
gai Hadgeb, one of the principal lords of the
court of Malek Ezzaher Barcoc, king of Egypt,
arriv'd in quality of ambaſſador from Malek En-
nafer Farrudge, who had fucceeded Barcoc his
father. This Mengheli was endow'd with very
rare qualitys, cou'd repeat the whole Alcoran by
heart, was maſter of a great deal of eloquence,
and acquainted with feveral fciences, which
render'd him the moſt agreeable perfon in con-
verfation. He brought abundance of uncom
mon prefents, ready mony, precious ftones, rich
ftuffs, and nice toys. Among other raritys
was a Giraffa, one of the ftrangeft animals
6
Serapeid is an inclofure, Baighiah a great ball of audi-
ence; and Kheighiah a great pavilion. The two laſt are in-
clos'd in the Serapeid.
"A long neck'd creature about the bigness of a calf, bred in
Africa, and, according to fome, got by a camel upon a pan-
ther. It is call'd in latin Camelopardalus.
upon
The hiftory of Timur. Bec.
361
upon the earth, and nine of the largeft of- Chap.25.
triches of Africa.
The Mirza Calil Sultan came from Turkeſtan
to this affembly, where he faluted the emperor,
the great Emirs of ftate, as Birdi Bei, Yadghiar
Berlas, and others, who all made a very ſplendid
appearance. The Mirza Pir Mehemed came
from Gaznin, according to the orders he had re-
ceiv'd; he paid his refpects to Timur, who em-
brac'd him, and by his tears teftify'd his forrow
at the death of his brother the Mirza Mehe-
med Sultan. The Mirza made his prefents,
nine of a fort and next morning Timur gave
him a veſt wove with gold, a crown and belt;
and vefs to the officers of his houfhold, who
left off their mourning-habits.
Then Coja Ahmed Toufi, receiver of the re-
venues of Coraflana, arriv'd, and prefented the
fums belonging to the treafury of Coraffana,
with abundance of curious toys, nine of a fort.
The emperor was not the only perfon who par-
took of the joys and diverfions; for both high
and low had their fhare. The moft skilful ar-
tifts prepar'd ſome mafter-pieces of their art, as
trophys and cabinets of flowers to reprefent
triumphs, which were adorn'd with garlands
made up with perfect fymmetry. There were in
the jewelers fhops necklaces of pearls and precious
ftones, eſpecially of grenadin and balafs rubys,
with an infinite number of pieces of rock-chryf-
tal, coral and agat, and ſeveral rings, bracelets
and ear-rings; all which render'd Canighul a
mine of gold and precious ftones, inftead of a
mine of flowers, which its name implys.
An amphitheatre with four corners was built,
call'd Tchartac, which was cover'd with pieces
of brocade and Perfian carpets. There were
feats for both the vocal and inftrumental mufic;
and
362
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. and alfo places for the buffoons and jefters, who
with their facetious fayings excited mirth and
laughter. There was likewife another Tchartac
for all forts of tradeſmen; and a hundred of
a different manner, fill'd with thoſe who fold
fruit, each of whom had made a kind of gar-
den of pistachios, pomegranates, almonds, pears
and apples, in great order; which perfum'd the
air, and made an agreeable fight. The butchers.
were particularly taken notice of for the neat-
nefs of their reprefentations: they drefs'd up
a theep in a man's fhape, and other skins in di-
vers other ridiculous figures. There were fpeak-
ing goats which had horns of gold, and run af-
ter one another: they appear'd outwardly like
goats, but were handfom young women difguis'd
in this manner: fome were drefs'd like fairys
and angels, with wings, while others took the
figure of elephants and ſheep.
:
The skinners alfo appear'd in maſquerades,
fome like leopards, others like lions, and others
like other animals, with whofe skins they were
cover'd there were thofe likewife who re-
fembled foxes, and tigers. The defign of the
maſquerade was to reprefent genii who had
transform'd themſelves into thefe feveral figures.
The upholsterers likewife produc'd a mafter-
piece of their trade; for they made a camel
of wood, reeds, cords, and painted linen,
which walk'd about as if alive: and the man
within it, drawing a curtain, difcover'd the
workman in his own piece. The manufacturers
of cotton alfo made birds with cotton, which
look'd as if they were alive: they alſo made a
Minaret of the fame material with the help of
reeds, which every one imagin'd to be built
with brick and mortar, and which was higher
than the Minarets of the mofques; it was co-
*
ver'd
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
363
ver'd with brocades and imbroidery-work, car- Chap.25.
ry'd it ſelf about, and on its top was plac'd a
ftork. The faddlers were not behind the reſt;
fot they gave proofs of their skill by two litters.
for women, which open'd at the top, and after
the uſual manner were laid upon a camel, in
which fat two of the moſt beautiful women of
the city, each holding a skin in her hand; and
they made pleaſant poſtures as well with their
feet as hands, to divert the affembly. The mat-
makers likewife fhew'd their dexterity, having
very neatly work'd with reeds two lines of wri-
ting of Coufi, and other large letters.
On the other fide were the rope-dancers, who
by their agility attracted every one's admiration;
their rope at the fame time feeming to touch the
heavens. Thus the whole company was employ'd
either as actors or fpectators, all endeavoring to
contribute to the celebrating the marriage of the
princes the emperor's children, that is, of the
Mirzas Olouc-Bec and Ibrahim Sultan, fons of
Charoc, Aidgel fon of Miran Chah, Ahmed,
Seidi Ahmed, and Biera, all three fons of the
Mirza Omar Cheik.
The emperor order'd the aftrologers to chuſe
a happy moment for an affair of ſuch importance;
which being done, the firſt officer of the houf-
hold drew the curtain of the gate. The Cadis,
Cherifs, Imams and doctors of the empire, met
the emperor; and having agreed on the articles
of marriage, the great doctor Cheik Chamfeddin
Mehemed Jazari was chofen to read 'em to the
affembly. The grand Cadi of Samarcand, Mou-
lana Selahheddin, receiv'd the mutual confent
of the partys, which he regiſter'd; and then,
The antient character of the Arabians,
ac-
364
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. according to the maxims of the Hanafyan law,
he join'd the princes and princeffes together in
marriage; on whom every one fprinkled gold
and precious ftones.
The emperor being feated on his throne,
order'd a banquet of the utmoft magnificence to
be ferv'd up to the brides and the other ladys
of the court, by the moſt beautiful young wo-
men of his feraglio, who wore crowns com-
pos'd of flowers. The princes of the blood,
Emirs, Nevians, Cherifs, and foreign ambaffa-
dors, took their place according to their rank
and dignity, as well as the Emirs of Tomans
and Hezares. Theſe lords were feated under a
canopy of twelve columns, diftant from the
nuptial hall about a horfe's courſe.
The Yefaouls, or exempts, whom the Turks
call Chaoux, were there backwards and for-
wards to perform the function of their pofts,
mounted in a magnificent manner upon horfes of
great price, with faddles of gold, adorn'd with
precious ftones, and habited in vefts of gold bro-
cade, with an air of authority and command.
୨
On another fide there were elephants of a
prodigious fize, on whofe backs were plac'd a
kind of thrones, with abundance of ornaments.
Under the canopy with twelve columns, were
plac'd earthern urns, with ftrings of precious.
ſtones tied about 'em, fill'd with gold and filver
pofts; and on the tops were cups of gold, a-
gat, and rock-chryftal, adorn'd with pearls, and
feveral forts of jewels; all which were prefent-
ed on falvers of gold and filver. The drink was
The Yefaouls cary in their hands, as a fign of their
office, a filver-wand.
3
Cam-
The history of Timur-Bec.
365
Cammez', Oxymel, Hippocras, brandy, wines, Chap. 26.
Sirma, and other liquors. It is reported that
the wood of ſeveral large foreſts was cut down
to drefs the victuals at this banquet. The head-
fteward with his under-officers conftantly at-
tended to give all neceffary orders as to the
ferving up of the difhes, before which an officer
always walk'd. There were tables furnifh'd in
different places thro-out the whole plain, and
flaggons of wine fet near the tables, with an
infinite number of baskets full of fruit. Be-
fides the flaggons for the emperor's ufe, and for
the lords of the court, there were feveral
jars rang'd in all the plain for the people's
drinking and that the joy might be uni-
verfal, the emperor order'd a proclamation
fhou'd be publifh'd that all the people might en-
joy what pleaſures they pleas'd, and no one take
cognizance of 'em. The crier read the procla-
mation as follows: "This is the time of feaſt-
"ing, pleaſure and rejoicing. Let no one com-
plain of or reprimand another. Let not the
"rich encroach upon the poor, or the power-
"ful upon the weak. Let none ask another,
Why have you done thus ?" After this de-
claration every one gave himfelfup to thofe plea-
fures he was moft fond of, during the feaft:
and whatever was done pafs'd unobferv'd.
CC
<c
At length the feaſt was finiſh'd; after which,
according to cuſtom, a vaſt quantity of curious
movable goods was laid upon mules and camels
for the new-marry'd princes; among which
were all forts of rich habits, crowns, and belts
› Cammez is a drink us'd among the Tartars. The way
of making it is mention'd in the history of Genghiz Can,
book 5. chap. 10.
fet
366
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. fet with precious ftones. The mules had cơ-
verings of fatin embroider'd with gold; their
little bells were gold, as well as thofe belong-
ing to the camels and both were handfomly
adorn'd. This pompous equipage pafs'd before
the people, who were ftruck with admiration.
The bridegrooms with their brides were cloth❜d
nine times in different habits, with crowns and
belts fet with precious ftones; and each time
they chang'd their clothes, they paid their re-
fpects as ufual, while gold and precious ftones,
pearls, rubys, and balafs rubys, were fprinkled
upon 'em in great numbers, with which the
ground was cover'd, and which became the do-
meſtics profit.
The following night there were every where
illuminations with lanthorns, torches and lamps;
and the new-marry'd princes enter'd the nuptial
chamber. The next day Timur did 'em the
honor to pay 'em a vifit at their own apart-
ments, being accompany'd by the empreffes, and
great Emirs and Cherifs of his court. The re-
joicings were fo great thro-out the whole em-
pire, that from Canighul as far as Tous in Co-
raflana, there was not one place, where the
found of drums and trumpets was not heard.
The ambaſſadors of Egypt, Spain, India, and
Decht Capchac, Gete, and others, were wit-
neffes of this magnificence, and particularly of
the pleaſures of the feaft, which lafted two en-
tire months. Timur diftinguifh'd 'em by parti-
cular favors, and gave vefts to them, as well as
to the Cherifs and other great lords, who were
affembled from all parts of the empire; he did
the fame to the generals, the governors of the
provinces, and all the officers.
After the marriage-feafts were over, Timur
again betook himſelf to the adminiſtration of
public
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
367
public affairs, ordering every one to return to Chap. 26.
his proper employment. The licence which had
been granted during the feaſt was recal'd; and for
the future no one was allow'd to drink wine, or
commit any thing unlawful. Afterwards Timur
retir'd to his clofet, to addrefs himſelf to God
by the following prayer.
"O Almighty-being, who art above whatever
man can conceive, and whofe effence is un-
"known to any but thy-felf, being all in all;
"how can I recite thy praiſes, and how return
"thanks in proportion to the favors I have re-
"ceiv'd, fince they are infinite? Out of no-
cr
<<
cc
CC
•
CC
<<
thing haft thou created me; from poverty
"haft thou made me rich; and from a petty
prince haft thou render'd me the moft mighty
emperor of the univerfe. To thy great boun-
ty I owe the gaining of fo many battels, and
"the conqueft of fo many kingdoms: for what
am I, a poor and vile creature? I fhou'd be
incapable of every thing, were I not affifted
by thy grace. In peace thou favor'ft me with
quiet and joy; and in war thou giveſt me
"victory, and maintaineft me in fovereign au-
thority, fear'd by my enemys, and lov'd by
my fubjects. Continue then, O thou great
Creator, thy goodness towards me: fince
"thou haft chofen me in thy clemency, don't
"chafe me away in thy wrath. I know that I
am but duft; and that if thou doft not favor
me with thy protection, all my glory and
grandeur will be turn'd into vilenefs and dif
"honor. O Lord, put me not to fhame be-
"caufe of my vices, who have been fo long
"accuftom'd to partake of thy favors
"then I fhall reft contented."
CC
CC
cc
and
CHAP.
368
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
CHAP. XXVI.
The cauſes which incited Timur to under-
take the conquest of the kingdom of China.
I
N the beginning of Timur's rife Afia was in
the poffeffion of ufurpers, who had rais'd
themſelves to fovereignty, either by the extinc-
tion of the race of former kings and empe-
rors, or by intrigues and revolts: but as the
world cou'd not be peaceably govern'd by fo
many fovereigns, there were continual wars
amonft 'em, and the poor people were drove
into great extremitys. Virtue and tranquillity
were banish'd the places which robbers only pof-
fefs'd; fecurity was no longer to be met with on
the high-ways, which were full of thieves; and
in fine, every thing was in confuſion and dif-
order. The world might then be well com-
par'd to a human body, which being infected
with fome corrupt matter, neceffarily falls fick,
and can receive no benefit but from a ſtrong
medicine, which purges out the cauſe of the
difeafe; and yet this purgation can't be under-
gone without fome inconveniences which may
arife from a deprav'd appetite. In the fame
manner, God, who was pleas'd to purge the
world, made ufe of a medicine, which was both
fweet and bitter, to wit, the clemency and the
wrath of the incomparable Timur; and to that
effect, infpir'd in him an ambition to conquer all
Afia, and to expel the feveral tyrants thereof.
He establish'd peace and fecurity in this part
of the world; fo that a fingle man might carry
a filver-bafon fill'd with gold from the eaft of
Afia
!
The history of Timur-Bec.
369
Afia to the weſt. But yet he cou'd not accom- Chap.26.
pliſh this great affair, without bringing in fome
meaſure upon the places he conquer'd, deftruc-
tion, captivity, and plunder, which are the con-
comitants of victory.
4
After this hero was happily return'd from the
conqueſts of Syria, Natolia and Georgia, and
of confequence found himſelf abfolute mafter of
all the empires of Iran and Touran, he gene-
rouſly took up a reſolution to make preparations
for the conqueft of China, which was inhabited
by infidels; that by this good work he might
rectify what had been amifs in other wars,
wherein the blood of fo many of the faithful
had been ſpilt. Thus, after the marriage of the
princes his grandchildren was confummated, he
fummon'd the Mirzas his children, and the
great Emirs of his council to court,, to whom
he made the following fpeech.
ર
66
CC
"God hath favor'd us with fuch extraordi-
nary good fortune, that we have conquer'd
"Afia, and overthrown the greatest kings of
"the earth; few fovereigns in paft ages having
acquir'd fo great dominions, or attain'd fo
great authority, or had fuch numerous armys,
66 or fo abfolute a command. And as theſe
"vait conquefts have not been obtain'd with-
out fome violence, which has caus'd the de-
"ftruction. of a great number of God's crea-
cr tures; I have refolv'd to perform fome good
action, which may atone for the crimes of
my paft life, and to accomplish that which all
the world befides is not capable of, that is,
to make war on the infidels, and exterminate
"the idolaters of China, which can't be done
"without very great ftrength and power. It
"is therefore fitting, my dear companions, that
"thofe very troops which have been the inftru-
VOL. II.
cr
<c
cc
A a
"
ments
370
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. "
ments whereby thofe faults were committed,
"fhou'd alſo be the inftruments of repentance;
" and that they march into China, to acquire
"the merit of that holy war, in demolifhing
"the temples of the idols of the fire, and erect-
"ing in their places mofques and chappels.
"By this means we fhall obtain the pardon of
our fins, as the Alcoran affures us, faying
"that good works efface the fins of this world."
Timur having finifh'd this fpeech, the princes
of the blood and Emirs befought God to blefs
his good intentions, unanimoully applauding
his fentiments, and loading him with praifes:
"Let the emperor, fay they, diſplay his ftan-
"dard; and we his flaves will follow him, and
"facrifice our lives in his fervice."
Then orders were given to the Tavachis to
take an exact number of all the foldiers by
thouſands, and to augment and enroll the regi-
ments. Timur commanded all the Emirs of
Oulous, and the governors of provinces, to
affemble their foldiers: they took copys of the
Toutcal from the great Tavachis, that they
might know in what order and with what arms
they fhou'd come; and they departed, to get
together their troops in all the provinces.
*
Timur then went from Canighul, and en-
ter'd the city of Samarcand, where he lodg'd
in the college of Serai Mulc Canum. He gave
the Mirza Pir Mehemed a crown, belt and horfe,
and permitted him to return to Zabul; he alfo
gave to each of his domeftics a horfe and a fuit
• The Emirs of Oulous are the natural lords of the Tartar
hords, who are inferior to the governors of provinces.
→ The order for the war.
of
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
371
of clothes: he order'd the Mirza Sidi Ahmed, Chap.26.
fon of Omar Cheik, to accompany him. And ✔
they took the road to Candahar.
The emperor did particular honors, and gave
veſts and belts to the ambaffador of Egypt,
who obtain'd leave to return home: he order'd
Moulana Abdalla Kechi to accompany him,
whom he fent with a convoy in embaffy to the
Sultan of Egypt, for whom he gave him a letter
feventy cubits long, and three in breadth, wrote
in letters of gold by Moulana Cheik Mehemed,
fon of the doctor Hadgi Bendeghir Tebrizi,
who wou'd not yield to his father as to the beau-
ty of his ftyle and the art of writing finely.
The fubftance of this letter was an anſwer to
what the Sultan of Egypt had writ with regard
to the Sultan Ahmed and Cara Youfef. He fent
with this letter feveral curious preſents worthy
of the greatest princes.-
Timur likewife granted particular honors and
favors to the ambaffadors of Europe', Decht
Capchac, Gete and other parts, and permitted
'em to return home. He likewife difmifs'd the
princefs Melket Aga, who had affifted at the
feaft, and afterwards return'd to the Mirza Cha-
roc at Herat. He fent to Hamadan the princefs
Beghifi Sultan his daughter, to the Mirza Esken-
der her husband: and fhe pafs'd by Bocara and
Macan.
4 I believe this Sidi Ahmed was the father of Baber Mirza,
whofe defcendents reign in India at this preſent, under the
title of the great Moguls.
"The Spaniſh ambaffadors, whom we have mention'd in
the preface, were difiifs'd at the fame time as thofe of Egypt
were, without obtaining an audience of leave of Timur, who
was reported to have been very fick; on which account, in the
Spaniſh relation it is faid thro miſtake that he was dead.
A a 2
Timur
37.2
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
Timur gave the Mirza Olouc Bec the govern-
ment of the towns of Tachkunt, Seiram, Yen-
ghi, Achira, and all the kingdom of Gete as
far as China; and to the Mirza Ibrahim Sultan
that of Andecan, Acfiket, Taraz and Cachgar,
as far as Cotan; which he confirm'd by letters-
patent feal'd with his red hand. Among the
Emirs of the Mirza Pir Mehemed, Tagi Bouga
and three others fet out to affemble the troops
of thoſe provinces, and bring 'em to Tachkunt,
which was the general rendezvous of the army.
Temour Coja Acbouga was banish'd to Affig-
heul in Mogoliftan, for a fault he had com-
mitted.
Timur went from the college of Serai Mulc
Canum to Arec, and lodg'd at Gheuc Serai, a
palace he had built.
CHA P. XXVII:
Timur Jets out for the war against the infidels
of China.
T
HE Alcoran remarks, that if any one in
his pilgrimage to Mecca fhou'd be fur-
priz'd by death, the merit of this good work is
written in heaven in his name, as furely as if he
had had the good fortune to execute it: it is the
fame in relation to the Gazie, where with troubles
and fatigues mix'd with dangers an eternal me-
6
Arec is the inclofure of the antient royal palace of Sa-
marcand.
rit
The history of Timur-Bec.
373
rit is acquir'd; and he who dies during the ex- Chap.27.
pedition is deem'd to have executed his defign.
It was fitting that fo great a hero as Timur
fhou'd die in the bed of honor, and that this
inevitable accident fhou'd happen during a jour-
ny he undertook for God's glory, and to acquire
the rewards the Alcoran promifes to the Gazie,
that is, the war againſt the infidels. And as the
death of this great man was nearly approaching,
when he took up a refolution to march into
China, God permitted that neither the feafon,
nor the countrys he muft pafs thro, which were
always cover'd with fnow and froſt, ſhou'd be
able to divert him from his refolution, or ob-
lige him to retard his departure till the fpring.
He gave orders to the Emir Berendac to re-
view the troops, and bring him an account how
many men there were in the army he defign'd
to carry into China. This Emir reported, that
the troops of Tranfoxiana, Turkeftan, Balc,
Bedakchan, Coraffana, Siftan, Mazendran, the
Caratatars brought from Natolia, the colonys
from Perfia, Azerbijana and Irac, amounted to
two hundred thousand men compleat, capable
of undertaking the greateſt enterprizes. Timur,
very much pleas'd at the good ſtate of his troops,
diftributed his treafure among 'em, and com-
manded 'em to begin their march.
The Mirzas Calil Sultan and Ahmed Omar
Cheik, accompany'd by the Emirs Codadad Huf-
feini, Chamfeddin Abbas, and other generals of
Tomans and Hezares of the right wing, were
order'd to pass the winter with their troops at
Tachkunt, Chahroukhia, and Seiram; and the
Mirza Sultan Huffein was to take up his winter-
quarters with fome troops of the left wing at
Ÿaffi and Sabran. Chahroukhia, which was
formerly nam'd Fenakunt, was fo ruin'd by Gen-
A a 3
ghiz
374
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. ghiz Can's army, that there remain'd no foot-
ſteps of any edifices till the year of the Monky,
An. Dom. which anfwers to the year of the Hegira 794,
139 when Timur order'd his lieutenants to rebuild
and repeople it: and as Timur then gave it to
the Mirza Charoc, it was call'd from his name
Chahroukhia.
1495:
The emperor having entruſted the government
of Samarcand to Argoun Chah, and the care of
his treaſures to the Cheik Tchoura, order'd the
great ftandard to be difplay'd; and he departed
Jan. 8. from Samarcand the 23d of Jumaziulevel 807,
the fun being in the middle of Aquarius, in a
fextile afpect with Jupiter; and the moon being
in Libra, in a fextile afpect with the fun, and
in a trine aſpect with Jupiter. He laid hold on
the happy moment which the aftrologers had
fix'd for his departure, and took the road to Ac-
foulat. He went directly to Caraboulac in Sog-
diana.
Then the ſtandard departed from Caraboulac,
and took the road to Ilanoti; and after feveral
days arriv'd at Tambic, where great rains and
fnows fell, the wind blew exceffively, and the
cold was extremely violent: yet this did not
hinder Timur's departure and arrival at Acfou-
lat. And as this place was full of fands, and
there was abundance of fmall wood for burning,
orders had been given before to build cottages
of reeds, and fome houſes fit to lodge in. The
emperor being repos'd in his apartment, the
Mirzas and foldiers encamp'd each in their re-
fpective pofts. The fun was then enter'd into.
Pifces, the cold daily encreas'd, and the winter
was more violent than ufual
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
375
Chap.28
CHA P. XXVIII.
An account of certain adventures, the know-
ledg of which is necessary to the understand-
ing the latter part of this history. A rela-
tion of what pass'd at Acfoulat.
L
OVE is often the caufe of many difor-
ders. The Mirza Calil Sultan, after ha-
ving got with child the princefs Dgehan Sultan,
daughter of the Mirza Ali, Timur's fifter's fon,
became deſperately in love with one of the con-
cubines of the Emir Hadgi Seifeddin, nam'd
Chadi Mulc. This paffion got ſo great an af-
cendent in his foul, that he cou'd not reft till
he had marry'd her, which was during Timur's
abſence; of which the princefs his wife being
inform'd, fo great a jealoufy kindled in her
heart, that the difcover'd the cafe to the em-
peror at Samarcand. Orders were immediately
given out for Chadi Mulc to make her appear-
ence but the Mirza conceal'd her, which fo pro-
vok'd Timur, that he order'd diligent fearch to
be made after her; and being found, fhe was
condemn'd to die, and wou'd have fuffer'd im-
mediately, if the Mirza Pir Mehemed Gehang-
hir had not beg'd for a reprieve. Nevertheleſs
advice was given the emperor at Acfoulat, that
the Mirza Calil Sultan had again conceal'd her
in his apartment: whereupon the Emir Berat
had orders to go and feize her, and bring her
away; which being done, Timur in a great
paffion commanded her to be put to death. The
empreſs Serai Mulc Canum cou'd not bear to fee
A a 4
the
376
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. the deep anxiety and defpair the poor Mirzą
fell into: but confidering moreover the great
love Timur bore to the princes his children, fhe
endeavour'd to accommodate this difference, by
the help of the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and
Chamelic; and perfuaded 'em to inform the
emperor, that this lady was with child by the
Mirza. On this account the order was revers'd,
and the princefs entrusted to the care of the
emprefs Bouyan Aga, that after her lying-in the
might bring up the child, and commit the
lady to fome of her black flaves".
The emperor being at Acfoulat, order'd the
Mirzas his fons, the commanders of kingdoms,
the governors of provinces, the Derogas of
citys, and other grand officers and lords of his
empire, to write to their lieutenants, to adviſe
'em to take great care during the expedition
into China that the laws be duly executed, and
juſtice diſpens'd every where, fo that the people
might enjoy quiet and fecurity; that they fhou'd
not give heed to the difturbers of the public.
tranquillity, as knowing it was their duty to
treat the people well, fince they were entrafted
to 'em by the Creator; that they behave them-
felves in fuch a manner, that when an account
fhall be demanded of their conduct, they may
have no cauſe to repent, nor be the reafon of
Timur's blufhing for fhame before the throne of
God, at the day of judgment. This order was
carefully executed, and fent into all the provin-
ces by men of probity.
• The black flaves are eunuchs, and the ordinary guardians
of the Mahometan ladys. The reafon of Timur's putting this
Jady into their hands, was to hinder the Mirza Calil Sultan's ha-
ying any future commence with her,
Then
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
377
Then the Mirza Calil Sultan went to Tach Chap.28.
kunt, according to the orders he had receiv'd;
and the Mirza Sultan Huffein to Yaffi and Sa-
bran. There was nothing to be feen any where
but carriages and waggons, which were brought
from all the provinces, and fill'd with all forts of
ammunition ; and an infinite number of horſes
brought from all parts to be fold, which the em-
peror bought, and diftributed among the Mirzas,
Emirs and foldiers. Then the Seid Coja, ſon of
the Cheik Ali Behader, came from Coraflana
from the Mirza Charoc, with advice of the good
health of that prince.
The emperor fent the Emir Berendac to
Tachkunt, to bring away the provifions and he
publifh'd an order for all the generals and great
officers to keep an exact account of the ſtate
of their Tomans, Hezares and Sedes; that
in this long expedition no one might be oblig'd
to ftay behind for want of either proviſion or
arms. This order had fo good an effect, that in
this numerous army each horfeman had enough
to fuffice ten men, as well in victuals as in arms.
Befides this, feveral thouſand loads of corn
were carry'd in the waggons which follow'd the
army, to ſow the fields on their road, that at
their return they might not have a fcarcity.
Several thouſands of fhe-camels were alſo car-
ry'd, that on a preffing occafion their milk
might ferve for nouriſhment to the foldiers.
Thefe precautions were neceffary to an army,
fo numerous as not to be match'd in antiquity.
Thofe who had feen the immenfe riches at the
feaſt of Canighul, were ftruck with admiration:
and men of the beft fenfe reflected upon the
Arabian faying, That when a man has attain'd the
highest degree of profperity, he is upon the point of
abafement. Moft perfons faid, even in public,
after
378
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. after having feen the prodigious grandeur and
magnificence which appear'd in the pleaſures of
Canighul, and the fine appearance which this
innumerable army made, with the vaft quantity
of arms and baggage which were in the im-
perial camp, that they no longer doubted the
profperity of Timur being arriv'd at its utmoſt
perfection, and confequently fear'd with reafon
the diminution of his good fortune. People be-
gan to miſtruſt fome difgrace wou'd befall 'em ;
and their hearts fluctuating between hope and
fear, they daily befought God to preſerve the
emperor from the misfortunes which attend the
greateſt profperity, and to turn the evil and de-
ftructive eyes from off this reign, which they
book IV. hop'd wou'd endure a great while longer.
chap, 32.
* See
*
T
CHA P. XXIX.
Timur departs from Acfoulat.
HE fun was yet in Capricorn, and the
violence of the cold fo great, that ſeveral
men and horſes perifh'd in the road, fome lo-
fing their hands and feet, others their ears and
nofes: the fnows and rains were continually fal-
ling, the whole face of the heavens ſeeming to
be cover'd but by one cloud, and the whole earth
by one piece of fnow. Aftronomers remark,
that at this time there was a conjunction of the
three fuperior planets in Aquarius; which was a
prefage of fome great misfortune. Yet the defire
of acquiring the merit of the Gazie prevail'd
in the mind of our conqueror above the greateſt
difficultys: he wou'd not wait till the cold
abated, but inform'd himfelf of the nature and
cir-
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
379
circumſtances of the roads, of the water, paf- Chap.29.
turage, defarts and mountains, which he order'd
to be taken down in writing, that all neceflary
precautions might be us'd.
Then Timur fet out from Acfoulat; and fent
freſh orders to the Mirzas Calil Sultan and Ah-
med, accompany'd by the Emirs Codadad Huf-
feini, Yadghiar, Chal Erlat, Chamfeddin Ab-
bas, Berendac, and eight others, who were in
winter quarters with their troops about Tach-
kunt, Chahroukhia, and Seiram; as alfo to
the Mirza Sultan Huffein, who was with his
about Yaffi and Sabran in Capchac, not to fail
of leaving their winter-quarters at the begin-
ning of fpring, in order to join the court.
Timur having march'd two days and one
night, went to Ouzoun-Ata to encamp, then
to Yofcadgiai Cheik, from thence to Sourkent,
and afterwards to Comarcha Ata, to Sultan
Cheik, and at length to the town of Zernouc,
from whence he departed, and croffing the Si-
hon upon the ice, encamp'd on the other bank.
This river was froze fo hard this year, that
they were oblig'd to dig two or three cubits to
get water; and from the fun's entring Sagitta-
rius to his coming out of Pifces, waggons, men
and beaſts, cou'd pafs either the Gihon or Si-
hon in any part of 'em.
1405.
Timur having decamp'd from the banks of
the Sihon, arriv'd at Otrar on wedneſday the
12th of Regeb 807, and lodg'd in the palace of Feb. 27,
Birdi Bei, where all the princes and lords had
likewife each their refpective apartments. The
day of the emperor's arrival, one corner of the
roof of the palace, where he was lodg'd, fet
fire, by the tunnel of a chimney running by it;
but the fire was foon extinguifh'd. This acci-
dent difquieted the lords of the court, inaſmuch
as
'
380
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI, as moſt of 'em had had frightful dreams which
prognofticated ſome misfortune; and it feem'd
as if nature had given the people an inſight into
what fhou'd happen to their prince. But fate
f
is in evitable.
Timur fent Mouffa Recmal to difcover whe-
ther there was any paffage over the bridge, who
carefully examin'd the whole, and brought an-
fwer that it was impoffible to croſs it. Ano-
ther, who had been fent towards Seiram and the
mountain of Coulan, on his return declar'd that
the fnow of this mountain was two pikes high.
Then Cara Coja, an antient domeftic of To-
catmich Can, heretofore emperor of Capchac,
arriv'd at court in quality of ambaffador from
that prince, who had a long time wander'd a-
bout as a vagabond in the defart of Capchac.
Timur being pleas'd to grant him a magnifi-
cent audience, enter'd in ftate into the Divan
Cané, and afcended his throne; the princes
Taizi Aglen, of the race of Octai Caan, Bach-
temour Aglen, and Gicr. A glen, of the race of
Touchi Can, fitting on his right hand, and the
Mirzas Olouc-Bec, Ibrahim Sultan, and Aidgel
on the left. The ambaffador was conducted to
the audience by the Emirs Birdi Bei and Nou-
reddin two brothers, Chamelic and Coja Youfef;
and having proftrated himſelf, had the honor to
kifs the imperial carpet: he made an harangue
from his maſter in theſe words. "I have,
" fays he, fuffer'd the puniſhment my ingrati-
"tude merited: the flight acknowledgment I
"have made for fo many favors receiv'd of your
•
(c
highnefs, hath drawn upon me the miferys
"I find my felf reduc'd to. I have no other
* Caan fignifys Can of Cans.
refuge
1
The history of Timur-Bec.
381
Sc
ແ refuge than the hopes of pardon from your Chap.30.
bounty and if I can be affur'd you'll forget
your fervant's faults, I will diſcover a grateful
"fenſe of the favor by a conſtant ſubmiſſion to
your imperial orders."
cr
Timur, according to his wonted goodneſs,
treated this ambaffador with civility, and even
affur'd him that at his return from the war of
China, he wou'd again conquer the kingdom of
Touchi Can, which he had a deſign to put into
the hands of Tocatmich Can his mafter. After
theſe civil treatments he difmifs'd the ambaf-
fador Cara Coja, fending by him a preſent to
Tocatmich. And Timur's intention being to
depart forthwith from Otrar to continue his
expedition into China, he deſign'd to ſend back
the empreffes and the young princes his children,
who out of ceremony were come thither to wait
upon
him. But fate had otherwife order'd it.
T
CHAP. XXX.
Timur's death at Otrar.
HE Alcoran remarks, that God created
the world for the fake of man, but man
for his own fervice. By this we fee that the
dignity of the human foul is too great to re-
main for ever in this material body; and that
fo pure and excellent a being can't find fatisfac-
tion but in the enjoyment of him who crea-
ted it, and gave it immortality.
Timur, after the campain of feven years, in
which he had conquer'd almoſt all Afia, turn'd
the whole of his ambition towards the eſtabliſh-
ing of juftice in the world, informing himſelf of
the
382
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. the ſtate of his fubjects, and redreffing all evils
March 25.
if they were opprefs'd by tyrants, he did 'em
juftice; and if in poverty, he enrich'd 'em by his
favors; and by this means render'd the world
flouriſhing, and rejoic'd the people's hearts. As
foon as he was return'd to the feat of his em-
pire, without repofing himſelf from his fatigues
any longer than five months, he form'd a deſign
to make war on the idolaters of China, hoping
by that to obtain pardon of God for his former
crimes and having fet out for that expedition,
he came to Otrar, ſeventy fix leagues or para-
fangas diſtant from Samarcand.
Ön wedneſday the 10th of Chaban 807, Ti-
1405. mur was attack'd with a burning fever, and be-
liev'd he heard the Houris' fay to him, Re-
pent, for you muſt appear before God. On this,
he became fincerely penitent for his crimes, and
refolv'd to make fatisfaction for 'em by good
works. His ficknefs increafing, he found him-
felf very much weaken'd, having no reft: af-
fliction feiz'd the heart of all the court, which
appear'd the greater as the distemper augmented.
Then neither empire, nor armys, nor riches, nor
crowns ftood him in any ftead.
And tho Moulana Fadlalla Tebrizi, one of the
moft skilful phyſicians of the age, employ'd all
his care in preſcribing the moft excellent reme-
dys, yet the fickneſs became more violent.
Phyfic is ufelefs when fate has ordain'd the
death of any one. All hopes of the emperor's
health were loft; his phyficians having given
him over.
But tho his body was weaken'd, yet
his mind continu'd found; and notwithſtand-
The Houris are continual vigins, who the Mahome-
tans believe are appointed for their pleaſures in their prophet's
paradife.
ing
The history of Timur-Bec.
383
:
ing his violent griefs, he was always informing Chap.30.
himſelf of the condition of his army. When he
found his fickneſs ſo ſtrong, that all remedys
prov'd ineffectual, he refolv'd courageously to
face death; and calling the empreffes and prin-
cipal Emirs into his prefence, he made the fol-
lowing teftament.
CC
"I am fatisfy'd that my foul is about to leave Timur's
my body, and that my afylum is at the laft will.
"throne of God, who gives and takes away
"life at his pleafure. I befeech you to utter
"neither crys nor groans at my death; and
"inſtead of rending your garments, and run-
CC
ning to and fro like madmen, pray to God to
"have mercy on me; fay Allah Ecber', and the
"Fatiha, that my foul may find comfort.
"Since God has fo highly favor'd me as to en-
"able me to give laws to the earth, whereby
66
at preſent thro all the kingdoms of Iran and
"Touran no one dare encroach upon his neigh-
"bor, nor the great opprefs the poor, I have
hopes that he will pardon my fins, tho they
cc
sc
<<
“
<<
are without number. I have this confolation,
"that during my reign I have not permitted the
ftrong to injure the weak. Tho I am not ig-
norant of the inftability of the world, yet I
"do not adviſe you to leave off caring for the
affairs thereof; fince that will caufe diforders
among men, banish fafety from the high-
ways, and be an obſtacle to the people's quiet:
"and it is certain that at the day of judgment
an account will be demanded of thofe, to
"whom the care of theſe things have been
"intrufted.
σε
<c
• God is the moſt great.
}
* The first chapter of the Alcoran, which the Mahometans
recite, as Chriftians do the Lord's-prayer.
"" I
384
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
cr
"I declare my fon Pir Mehemed Gehanghir
my univerfal heir, and lawful fucceffor to
Pir Mehe- the empire. He muft poffefs the throne of
"Samarcand with an abfolute and independent
med Ge-
hanghir
declan'd
Timur's
fovereignty, that he may carefully manage
"both the religious and civil affairs, and take
fucceffor. <s care of the neceffitys of the army, and of
"the citys and countrys ſubject to my juriſdic-
"tion. I command you all to obey him, and
"unanimoufly to facrifice your lives in maintain-
ing his authority; that the world may not
"fall into diſorder, and that my labor for fo
༩་ many years may not be loft. If you agree
together, no one will dare to oppofe you, or
"offer the leaft obftacle againſt the execution of
my laft will."
CC
66
Timur then order'd all the Emirs and great
lords of the court, and the generals of the ar-
my, to come before him, whom he ſtrictly en-
join'd to fee to the execution of his teftament;
and made 'em promife in his prefence with fo-
lemn oaths not to confent that any one fhou'd
oppoſe it and he ſent orders to all the Emirs and
generals who were abfent to take the fame
oaths.
The lords having heard this diſcourſe, were
in the utmoſt confternation, melted into tears,
and fell with their faces to the ground. The
Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic, whofe
hearts were feiz'd with grief and deſpair, ſaid to
Timur, "We cou'd facrifice our lives with a
"great deal of pleaſure to purchaſe one fingle
cr
day more for our gracious mafter. If our
"death wou'd be of fervice to you, our lives
"fhou'd coft us nothing: but it is impoffible to
"alter the decrees of providence. We are your
"flaves; and tho being depriv'd of your pre-
"fence we have no longer any joy or content-
"ment,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
385
"ment, yet we can affure your highnefs, that Chap. 30
"as long as we live, we will not fail of continu-
cc
cc
ing obedient to your orders, tho at the hazard
"of our lives. May heaven never grant us fuc-
cefs, if we have the leaft thoughts of doing
cr any thing contrary to the will of our benefactor.
"We will always walk in the fame paths of obe-
"dience after your death as during your life."
CC
While they were thus fpeaking, tears gufh'd
out of their eyes, their minds no longer enjoy'd
any quiet, and their bodys loft all their natural
ftrength. They told the emperor that if he
pleas'd, they wou'd write to the Mirza Calil
Sultan, and the Emirs who were at Tachkunt,
to come to court, that having the honor to ſee
their maſter's face once more, they might learn
from his own mouth his laft will: For, fay
"they, tho we fhou'd declare to 'em the form
"of your laſt will with all poffible exactness,
yet
it will not have the fame force on 'em, as
"if they had heard it themſelves." But the
emperor anſwer'd that his hour was approaching;
that thoſe who were abfent cou'd not come
time enough to ſee him; and that it was impof-
fible for 'em to meet again till the day of judg-
ment. This, fays he, is the laft audience
you will have of me. I have no other defire
"than to fee the Mirza Charoc once more; but
"that is impoffible: God will not have it fo."
The ladys and princes, who were in the anti-
chamber to obferve the courſe of his diftemper,
on hearing this, loft all patience, and fell into
the utmost confternation. Then Timur turning
towards the princes his children, ſpoke to 'em
as follows.
66
cr
ર
"Remember to do every thing I have recom-
"mended to you in relation to the public tran-
"quillity; and be conftantly informing your
VOL. II.
Bb
felves
386 The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. "felves of the affairs of your fubjects. Be va
"liant, and courageoufly keep poffeffion of your
"fwords, that like me you may enjoy a long
reign and a vaſt empire. I have purg'd the
<c
rr
countrys of Iran and Touran from the enemys
"and difturbers of the people's quiet; and have
"render'd'em flourishing by my juftice. If you
"do what my teftament directs, and make equi-
r ty and juftice the rule of your actions, the
kingdom will remain a long time in your
"hands: but if difcord creeps in among you,
"ill fortune will attend your undertakings;
your enemys will breed wars and fedition,
"which it will be difficult to put a stop to;
" and irreparable miſchiefs will ariſe both in
"religion and government."
c
"
After this difcourfe the distemper increas'd:
and tho there were feveral Imams and readers
without the door of the chamber, who read the
Alcoran from one end to the other, yet Timur
was pleas'd to have the doctor Moulana Hebe-
tulla, fon of Moulana Obaid, to read the word
of God at his bed's-head, and often repeat the
belief of the unity of God. At night, between
the evening-prayer and bed-time, (that is about
eight a-clock) Timur feveral times made pro-
feffion of his belief of Lailahillallah', remem-
bring the promife of Mahomet, that he whofe
laft words are, There is no other god than
God, fhall affuredly enter into paradife. Then
*Ifrael. he gave up his foul to the angel Efrafiel *, who
call'd him in theſe words: "O foul, that
<c
(6
c
hopeft in God, return to thy Lord with re-
fignation. We belong to God, and muſt re-
turn to him.”
There is no other god than God.
This
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
387
This fatal event happen'd on wedneſday-night Chap.31.
the 17th of Chaban 807, which answers to the
14th of Esfendarmez 326 of the Gelalian epo-
cha, the fun being in the eighth degree of Pifces.
Several learned men have compos'd verſes on
his death, in which the date of the year is con-
tain'd; and among others Moulana Behadedin.
Dgyami: they fay he was feventy-one years
of age, and that he had reign'd thirty-fix, a
number equal to that of his children and grand-
children, as we ſhall fee in the laſt chapter.
Apul 1.
1405.
CHA P. XXXI.
Relation of what happen'd after Timur's death.
TIMUR having pafs'd from this manfion
of pride to the paradife of eternal delights,
fear and horror feiz'd both upon his friends and
enemys; every one was jealous of diforders and
wars, and did not in the leaſt doubt but the fe-
curity and tranquillity of the ſtate wou'd en-
tirely perish. The affliction wou'd have been
infupportable, had not his horofcope predicted
the continuation of the crown in his auguft fa-
mily, and that the kingdoms he had conquer'd
by the ſtrength of his arm, and which he had
render'd flouriſhing by his juſtice, wou'd remain
in peace under the protection of his children
who fhou'd fucceed him in the empire. Not-
withſtanding this, the princes of the blood caft
their crowns upon the earth; the empreffes and
ladys tore their faces and their hair; the Emirs
and principal perfons rent their robes, and fling-
ing themſelves upon the ground, pafs'd that dif
mal night in grief: and it feem'd as if the hea-
vens had ſhar'd in this affliction, fince rains and
Bb 2
thun-
388
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
1
Book VI. thunder, ftorms and tempeft did not ceafe all the
night.
Next morning the grandees of the court
ended their lamentations, to perform the empe-
ror's funeral obfequys. The doctors Hendou-
chah Caznegi and Moulana Cotobeddin Sedre
had the care of the ceremony. They order'd
the prayers and verfes of the Alcoran, appointed
on theſe occafions, to be read. Then the body
was wafh'd, and embalm'd with camphire, musk
and rofe-water; and being wrap'd up in linen,
was laid in a coffin of ebony, after having re-
commended his foul to God.
When they had finish'd this ceremony, the
great Emirs who attended his perfon, as Birdi
Bei, fon of Sai beuga, and his brother the Emir
Cheik Noureddin, Chamelic, Coja Youfef, and
feveral others, folemnly fwore they wou'd always
aflociate together, and ufe their utmoft endea-
vors, even to the hazard of their lives, to fee
Timur's teflament executed. And as the de-
fign of the war in China was not yet abandon'd,
they kept Timur's death conceal'd, and forbad
the ladys changing their habits, or ſhewing any
exterior ſigns of grief, that the enemy might not
have prefent advice of it.
Afterwards they went to meet the empreffes,
and held a council with 'em in relation to what
muſt be done at this prefent conjun&ture. They
fent advice of the misfortune to the Mirza Ca-
lil Sultan, and the Emirs who were at Tachkunt.
They diſpatch'd expreffes to Yaffi and Sabran,
to the Mirza Sultan Huffein, to advertiſe him
that the emperor's ſickneſs increas'd, and that he
fhou'd come to court with but few of his men.
They fent Kezer Coutchin to Gaznin, with let-
ters to the Mirza Pir Mehemed Gehanghir, to
inform him of Timur's death, and of his will,
in
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
389
in which he had declar'd him his univerfal heir Chap. 32.
and fucceffor to the empire; and they befought
him to repair immediately to Samarcand. They
alfo wrote letters to all the Mirzas and gover-
nors of provinces, inviting 'em to obferve all
the vigilance neceffary on the like occafions, to
guard the countrys entrulted to 'em,' and fecure
themſelves from all reproach; praying 'em to
inform themſelves exactly of whatever fhou'd
paſs on their frontiers, and give advice of it to
court; in fine, to neglect nothing which might
hinder any furprize, becauſe the enemys and
diſturbers of the public tranquillity had kept
themſelves conceal'd for feveral years as it were
in exile, and waited only fuch a favorable op-
portunity as this: that in the mean while they
fhou'd execute juftice, and continue their favors
to the people, that no one might have any
thoughts of revolting. The Cheik Temour went
expreſs to the Mirza Charoc at Herat, Ali Der-
vich to the Mirza Omar at Tauris, Aratmour
to the Mirzas Miran Chah and Aboubecre at
Bagdad, and another into Fars and Irac.
CHAP. XXXII.
Timur's coffin transported from Otrar.
TH
1405.
HE Mirzas, empreffes and Emirs, who
were at Otrar, on thurſday-night the
18th of Chaban 807, at the time of even- April 2,
ing-prayers, cover'd the coffin with velvet and
black damask; and with it took the road to
Samarcand: they pafs'd the river Jaxartes in the
night upon the ice, and went into a wood on
the bank of the river: from Otrar to the Jax-
Bb 3
artes
390
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. artes are but two leagues or parafangas. Next
morning the grief became fo violent, that no-
thing was heard but the moſt piteous groans and
lamentations, no one being able to abftain from
forrow. The Emirs, Hafekis and Coutchins
caft their turbants upon the ground, and cover'd
their heads with duft; while the ladys rent
their hair, and tore their cheeks with their
nails.
After thefe demonftrations of affliction, the
wife Emirs gave the following advice.
"Since
"fate, fay they, begins to make us feel mif-
"fortunes, we must give way to its force, no-
66
thing being able to hold out againft its efforts.
"The moft refin'd politics can't retard its
"courſe: death makes no difference between
<<
kings and flaves. On this account, the beſt
"method is to fortify our felves with patience,
"fince there is no other remedy, and endeavor
"by alms, works of piety, prayers, and read-
r
ing of the Alcoran, to rejoice, if poffible, the
"foul of our deceas'd mafter. Death lies in
"ambuſcade to furprize us; it gives the finifh-
"ing ftroke to all affairs, as well to the con-
"queft of the world, as to the leaft trifle: no
CC
one is exempted from it; and he who never
"dies can't be born again." Theſe counfels
not being powerful enough to appease the great
deſpair in which every one was plung'd, the
Emirs had recourfe to Mahomet's death, at the
fame time befeeching him to intercede for the
confolation of the afflicted. They fhew'd that
tho this great prophet was the most excellent of
God's creatures, and the feal of the prophets,
yet the moment deftin'd for his death being
come, his pure foul broke the cords by which it
was tied to his body, and with an entire refig-
nation took its flight towards paradife; that
fince
The history of Timur-Bec.
391
fince this illuftrious man cou'd not be immortal, Chap.33,
others muſt not expect to be fo; and however
afflicting this misfortune might appear, there
was no other remedy to be us'd than to refign
our felves to fate, and implore the affiftance of
God, whofe orders we must obey.
CHA P. XXXIII.
The empreſſes and Emirs hold a council con-
cerning the war of China.
T
HE reading of the hiftory and death of
Mahomet having a little moderated the
univerfal grief, the Emirs took this opportunity
to give the following counſel to the empreffes
and princes.
"There is no doubt, fay they, that if fo pow-
"erful and numerous an army, which was ne-
ver exceeded by any in paſt ages, nor proba-
<<
<c
bly ever will be in times to come, fhou'd
"march into the enemy's country, we fhall
eafily exterminate the infidels in a fhort time:
" and tho the news of our mafter's death fhou'd
"be carry'd to the Calmacs and Chinefe, yet
"all news being thought either true or falfe, if
rr
we lead our army as far as their frontiers, they
"will be jealous they have receiv'd falfe advice,
"and fay that if Timur was dead, no one wou'd
"be powerful enough to head an army of that
"ftrength; and thus imagining he is yet alive,
"and that we fpread the rumor of his death
"thro artifice and defign, they will be feiz'd
"with fear, while we hall gain an eafy vic-
❝tory. It is requifite that we put all Timur's
"intentions in execution, and confiding in God,
carry
Bb 4
(C
392
The hiſtory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI."
tr
k
cr
carry our arms into China, where we may
employ all our ſtrength in profecuting this re-
ligious war with vigor, which the empe-
ror had refolv'd to wage with the idolaters
of China, in order to procure glory to the
Muflulmans. And after we fhall have fatisfy'd
our confciences in this point, we will diſplay
the victorious ſtandard, and return to Samar-
cand, where we will employ all our joint en-
"deavors in the well-governing of the empire.
"Thro the grace of God, there are more than
<<
'
cc
rr
thirty kings or fons of kings whom our maſter
"has left for his fucceflors to the crown, one
"of whom muſt neceffarily inherit it. For
wou'd it not be moſt unhappy that fo mighty
66 an army, equip'd with fo much difficulty
and care by Timur, after having began its
march, and gone fo many days journy with
deſign to make war on the infidels, fhou'd re-
turn without having executed any thing of
"confequence?"
<<
cc
The princes, empreffes, and great Emirs re-
volving theſe things in their minds, unanimoufly
refolv'd, That the Emirs with their regiments
fhou'd march under the command of the Mirza
Ibrahim Sultan, whom Timur had chofen to at-
tend him in the expedition into China; and
that they fhou'd join the Mirza Calil Sultan at
Tachkunt, to whom the Mirza Ibrahim Sultan
fhou'd refign the command of the army, as be-
ing the eldeſt of the Mirzas then prefent; and
that Calil Sultan fhou'd bear the name of empe-
ror thro-out the whole campain; but that the
great Emirs of the council fhou'd adminifter
the affairs of ftare under him as ufual: and
laftly, that they shou'd march into China in this
order, from whence, after having vanquifh'd the
idolaters, ruin'd the towns, burnt the temples,
and
The hiftory of Timur-Bec
393
and ſeiz'd on the fpoils, they fhou'd return to Chap.34-
Samarcand, where the empreffes, Mirzas and
Emirs fhou'd hold a general diet, to execute
Timur's laft will and teftament.
CHA P. XXXIV.
Timur's coffin is tranſported to Samarcand.
TH
HE foregoing refolution being taken, the
Emirs Coja Youfef and Ali Coutchin,
with feveral lords, took the road to Samarcand
with Timur's coffin, where they arriv'd on
monday-night the 22d of Chaban 807, and April
bury'd Timur with the ufual folemnitys.
(C
CC
After they were gone, the other great E-
mirs gave the following counfel to the em-
preffes. Tho our deceas'd mafter of happy
memory has by his teftament ordain'd the
"Mirza Pir Mehemed his fucceffor in the em-
pire; yet as this prince is at Candahar, and
"has perhaps pafs'd into India, fo that he is at
a great diſtance from us; and if we wait his
arrival to continue the Chineſe expedition,
we ſhall not get there in a proper feafon for
"making war, we will therefore immediately
depart for that campain: and when that
"Mirza fhall arrive at Samarcand, which will
"be in a little time, becauſe he muft foon re-
"ceive the news of the emperor's death, it is
cr
CC
cc
requifite that he enter the city with pomp
"and ceremony, and afcend the throne of the
"empire according to the will of his deceas'd
grandfather; for to him the crown lawfully
"belongs. Timur has always cherish'd this
" Mirza's children more than thofe of any
CC
..
"other,
140
1
394
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
CC
Book VI. " other, becauſe he was the fon of Gehanghir
"his eldeſt fon, to whom and to his children the
"fucceffion belongs according to the Mahome-
"tan law. We may alfo truly fay, that good-
"fortune has always attended him, and that
"the majefty of kings may be feen even in his
countenance; that he is of a pure faith, go-
"verns himſelf by good maxims, has a gene-
"rous and brave heart, a noble mind, and a
princely behavior. His juftice, equity and
clemency towards the people are more confpi-
cuous than the fun: and we ought to expect
"that this great prince's reign will add new
"fplendor to the throne, great advantages to
"the fubjects, peace and tranquillity in the king-
"doms dependent on this great empire, and a
"univerfal fatisfaction among the people; fo
"that the approaching inftallation of this
prince may take away from ill-defigning per-
"fons all means of fowing divifion, or procu-
' ring revolt "
CC
<c
This difcourfe being ended, the empreffes
Serai Mulc Canum, Tekil Canum, Touman
Aga, and the other ladys, departed with the
Mirzas Oluc-Bec and others for Samarcand,
after the emperor's coffin. The Emirs recom-
mended to 'em to uſe all imaginable precautions,
eſpecially where they encamp'd, and to ſend out
conſtantly to gain intelligence for fear of being
furpriz'd. This feparation was not without a
mutual affliction.
At ten in the morning of the fame day, the
Mirza Ibrahim Sultan, and the great Emirs
took horſe at the head of the army, with defign
to march into China, to execute the emperor's
intentions in a Gazie againſt the infidels.
Timur's imperial ftandard, his drum and
kettlcdrums, with the enfigus of his victorys,
were
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
395
were carry'd by a troop of horfe of the Mirza Chap.34.
Ibrahim Sultan's court. At the view of this
great train an ingenious perfon made theſe re-
Aections: "Behold the ftandards which are
"the figns of command: to beat the drum, be-
"longs only to kings: fince the fame has been
"done by this young Mirza, he ought to hope
"for the fcepter. Thefe are good omens: and
"fince he is the first who has taken the place
"of empire, in all likelihood it will return to
"him again in time." All this happen'd as
predicted.
When they had paſs'd the Sihon, and march'd
one league, they went to encamp on the bank of
the river Ardge, near the bridge of Caldurma,
eaſt of Otrar. An imperial tent and large
pavilion were erected there for the Mirza; and
the horſe-tail of the deceas'd emperor was fix'd
over-againſt the camp with the ufual ceremony.
From thence expreffes were fent to the Mirza
Calil Sultan and the great Emirs of the right
wing, who were at Tachkunt and Charoukia,
to inform 'em that they had fent Timur's coffin
to Samarcand, and that the empreffes were
gone after 'em; that for their parts they had
refolv'd to continue the war in China, and were
fet out with that intent. They alſo fent couriers
with the fame news to the Mirza Sultan Huffein,
who commanded the left wing, defiring him to
march immediately with his troops to join them
at Jouclec, where they might fee Timur's laft
will and teftament, and prepare to march with
'em into China. Jouclec, which was the place
of rendezvous, is a town five leagues eaft from
Otrar.
CHAP.
396
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
{
CHA P. XXXV,
The Mirza Sultan Huffein, Timur's grandson,
oppofes the fentiment of the Emirs.
NOTHING is more certain, than that
every enterprize which is not favor'd by
providence will prove unfuccefsful. Fate had
not refolv'd on the defign of making war in
China; on which account all the efforts for that
purpoſe were render'd uſeleſs, and fortune over-
turn'd this hopeful project: for the Mirza Sultan
Huffein had no fooner heard of Timur's death,
than the defire of revolting, which had lain
conceal'd in his breaſt ſo long, and the effects of
which he had difcover'd in the war at Damafcus,
where thro an unheard-of cowardice he aban-
don'd our party, when the Syrian army fally'd
out of the city to attack us; the defire of re-
volting, I fay, re-kindled in his breaft on this
occafion and excited by a deprav'd imagina-
tion, he disbanded part of the troops of the
left wing, and taking from 'em their horfes,
pafs'd the Sihon at Cogende with a thouſand
men, each having two horfes, with whom he
took the road to Samarcand by the way of Ca-
zac, defigning to furprize the inhabitants of
that place by a ſtratagem, that they might fuf-
fer him to enter the city. At noon of the fame
day the courier, who had carry'd him the expreſs,
return'd with this news. Every one was fur-
priz'd, and thought of taking the neceffary
meaſures for preventing his ambitious defigns.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
397
Chap. 36.
CHAP. XXXVI.
The Emirs write circular letters to give ad-
vice to all the provinces of the Mirza Sul-
tan Huffein's undertaking.
W
"The
HEN the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and
Chamelic were inform'd of the unjuſt
proceedings of the Sultan Huflein, they imme-
diately wrote the following letter to the Emir
Argoun Chah governor of Samarcand.
"Sultan Huffein has begun to act his follys
"afreſh: he has disbanded the troops he com-
"manded, and with a thouſand horfemen, each
"having two horfes, has taken the road to
"Samarcand: wherefore be upon your guard
"for the defence of the city, and omit so
cc
precautions. If this rafh young prince ap-
"proach the city, and you meet with an oppor-
"tunity of taking him, fail not of fecuring
"him; that no misfortunes happen thro his
"means; for he ought not to be trufted."
They wrote another letter with the fame advice
to the empreffes, befeeching them to ftop where-
ever they then were, till they had join'd 'em.
They alfo fent a courier to Coja Youfef to inform
him of what had happen'd, advifing him to uſe
all neceffary precautions in relation, to the litter,
and endeavor to convey it into the city as foon
as poffible; left the Sultan Huffein, excited by
his ambition, under pretence of feeing Timur's
coffin enter Samarcand, fhould get in himſelf, and
ftir up a revolt. They difpatch'd an exprefs to
the Mirza Calil Sultan and his great Emirs who
were at Tachkunt, which is diftant from Otrar
fix
398
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. fix days journy in the caravan, to let 'em know
of the evil defign of the Sultan Huffein, who
had broke their meaſures in relation to the war
with China; that it was proper for the Emirs
at Tachkunt to return with their troops to
Acar, which is a famous meadow full of
good pafturage; to which place themſelves.
wou'd alſo repair, and make known to 'em
Timur's teftament, which he had order'd at the
point of death, and which they had fworn to
execute; that afterwards they wou'd endeavor
in concert to take care of the public concerns,
as they thou'd agree together in the diets which
were to be held.
When the couriers were fet out, the Mirza
Ibrahim Sultan, with the Emirs Cheik Nou-
reddin and Chamelic, departed from Otrar,
and took the road to Samarcand. The Emir
Birdi Bei ſtaid in his government of Otrar: and
as the revolt of the Sultan Huffein had occafi-
on'd ſome confternation, the whole army march'd
in order of battel towards Samarcand. In the
evening they pafs'd the Sihon, where the ice
broke, and three camels laden with gold were
drown'd. They march'd all night, and next
morning the Emirs join'd the empreffes.
On the other hand, there happen'd a very
croſs affair, which was, that the Emirs of Calil
Sultan's court, and even the ſoldiers of his body
of the army, Turks and Tadgics, Iracians and
Natolians, had had advice before the arrival of
the exprefs who fet out from Otrar, that the
Sultan Huffein had difpers'd his troops, and
taken the road to Samarcand with a thouſand
horfe; that at the reception of this news the
fear caus'd by Timur's death was much in-
creas'd; and that imagining they ſhou'd in ſome
meaſure remedy it, the Mirza Ahmed Omar
Cheik,
The history of Timur-Bec.
399
Cheik, and the great Emirs Codadad Huffeini, Chap.37.
Yadghiar Chah Erlat, Chamfeddin Abbas,
Berendac, and other principal officers, had af-
fembled at Tachkunt; and without fending for
the advice of the other Mirzas, the empreffes,
or great Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic,
had advanc'd the Mirza Calil Sultan to the
throne of the empire at Tachkunt, and fworn to
obey him, not confidering the ill fuccefs which
muſt attend an undertaking of that importance.
CHA P. XXXVII.
A letter to the great Emirs who were at
Tachkunt.
T
HE empreffes, Mirzas, and Emirs Cheik
Noureddin and Chamelic, having receiv'd
advice of the oath taken by the great Emirs to
the Mirza Calil Sultan, whom they had plac'd
on the throne, wrote the following letter to 'em
by way of reprimand.
«Ε
"The great Timur our mafter, of bleſſed
memory, has ordain'd by his laft will the
"Mirza Pir Mehemed Gehanghir his heir and
"lawful fucceffor to the empire, whom we have
"fworn to obey, tho at the peril of our lives.
"At preſent you have acted contrary to the
"exprefs will of our great mafter and bene-
"factor. By this diſobeying his laft will, you
"have forgot the obligations you lie under to
"him. We did not doubt that if any one had
"but advis'd to do as you have done, you
"wou'd have oppos'd 'em with all your power.
"We can't comprehend how lords of fo great
experience have dar'd to commit an action of
CC
"fuch
400
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI." fuch ill confequence; which in the end muſt
produce repentance and mifery on your fide.
"Your manner of acting will doubtless be
«Ε
charg❜d as an excefs of ambition: how comes
"it then that you have wounded your reputa-
"tion by ingratitude towards your benefactor?
"You have violated your oath of fidelity to
"Timur, which you ought never to have done,
"efpecially at a time when fo many misfor-
"tunes have been caus'd by the death of our
"gracious mafter. Don't you confider the ill
name you'll acquire by this action in hiſtory,
"which will remain to the end of time? How
cc can you conſent to this difhonorable deed,
"who have fo often facrific'd your lives in the
ર
CC
cc
purſuit of honor? How can you become
"traitors to an emperor, for whoſe fake you
"have fo often and fo generouſly expos'd your
"felves to the greateſt dangers? What is moft
"furprizing is, that your confciences muft re-
prove you at the fame time that we do, fince
you are not ignorant of the crime you have
"committed. How can perfons of your high
quality, of fo great underſtanding, and long
experience, dare to commit fo enormous a
"fault?"
<<
cc
66
This letter was feal'd, and fent by a meffen-
ger nam'd Abou Dgyoura; who having deli-
ver'd it to the Emirs, they read it, and after a
ſerious reflection, acknowledg'd their fault, and
were forry for it: but repentance was too late,
they having refign'd their liberty to another.
CHAP.
The history of Timur-Bec.
401
Chap.38.
CHAP. XXXVIII.
The Emir Berendac arrives at the empreffes
court, with an anſwer to the letter fent the
Emirs, who were at Tachkunt with the Mir-
za Calil Sultan.
TH
HE Mirzas, empreffes and Emirs being
encamp'd at Acfoulat, the Emir Berendac,
fon of Gehan Chah, arriv'd from Tachkunt, and
being admitted into their prefence, paid his
compliments of condolence; and afterwards
took his place in the council-hall with the E-
mirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic, where he
prefented the following letter written by the
Emirs Codadad Huffeini and Chamfeddin Ab-
bas.
"We have taken an oath to obey the Mirza
"Calil Sultan, for the good of both church and
"ftate, and to maintain the fucceffion of the
kingdom in our mafter's family for ever.
cc
CC
<<
CC
"6
The
misfortune which has happen'd appear'd fo
terrible to us, that we fear'd fome unexpected
revolt, which it wou'd have been impoffible
to have remedy'd. All we have done was
with a fincere
fincere intention. A general was
"wanting to our troops, that no one might
"have any pretence for revolting, which wou'd
"have brought the ftate into confufion and dif-
"order: we therefore imagin'd you wou'd have
"had the fame fentiments with us. But fince
our proceedings do not agree with the laft
"will of our mafter, we receive his orders
"with reſpect and fincerity; and God forbid
VOL. II.
r
Cc
<<
we
402
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. " we fhou'd in any wife contradict 'em. We
"fhall be always ready to join in whatever you
judg proper to do as to the execution of the
emperor's teftament."
cr
CC
The Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic
having read this letter, which was conformable
to what the Emir Berendac had declar'd to 'em,
told him they cou'd by no means confent to any
thing done in contradiction to Timur's will, and
that they wou'd never acknowledg the Mirza
Calil Sultan. "If we diſobey our emperor's
"orders, fay they, and acknowledg any other
"for his fucceffor than whom he has declar'd,
<c we ſhall deferve to be loaded with misfor-
tunes and ſhame, and to be for ever accurs'd.
"We'll take great care as to what we do in this
"affair, of which every fenfible and impartial
man may judg."
66
Then the Emirs wrote a fecond letter to thoſe
at Tachkunt, whom they invited to ſubmit en-
tirely to the will, and annul the oath they had
taken thro inadvertency; as likewiſe to remem-
ber the obligations they were under to the em-
peror, and not have caufe to blufh before him at
the day of judgment. "This action, added
they, will look ill both in the fight of God
"and man, and be an eternal blot upon you,
"which you will never be able to wipe off."
<c
This fecond letter was put into the hands of
the Emir Berendac, to whom they ſpake as fol-
lows: "You have committed a great fault,
"which you ought to repair by vacating the
"oath you have fo wrongfully taken, and by
ર following our mafter's orders, which we are
"all oblig❜d to obey. Submit your felves to the
"Mirza Pir Mehemed, and perfuade the Mirza
"Calil Sultan to do the fame. You muſt fign
EC
an agreement to that purpoſe, and fend it to
us
The history of Timur-Bec.
403
us at Samarcand, that we may deliver it to Chap.38.
"the Mirza who is the true and lawful heir to
Then the Emir Berendac fet out
CC
the empire."
for Tachkunt.
سلام
Next day the Mirzas, empreffes and Emirs
departed to continue their road towards Samar-
cand. The Mirza Olouc-Bec, with the Emir
Chamelic, at the head of one body of the army,
march'd towards the right: and the Mirza Ibra-
him Sultan with the Emir Cheik Noureddin,
commanding another body, towards the left.
Theſe two Mirzas were then but eleven years
old: and Olouc-Bec being eldeſt by four months
and twenty days, the Emir Chamelic, when
they were arriv'd at Caradgec, fet out before,
in purſuance of the reſolution taken in the aſ-
fembly; and being arriv'd at Samarcand, the
governor Argoun Chah fhut the gates againſt
him, and even plac'd a guard upon the walls.
The Mirza Calil Sultan had written a letter to
him full of fine promifes, by which he engag'd
him to be of his fide, telling him that if he
was willing to gain his favor, he fhou'd re-
fufe entrance to the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and
Chamelic.
Argoun Chah, puff'd up by this Mirza's fair
promifes, which flatter'd the ambition and in-
gratitude inherent in his Turcoman blood, a-
bandon'd himſelf to folly, and was won over to
the Mirza Calil Sultan. The Emir Chamelic
went from the gate of Cheik Zade, which is upon
that road, to the gate of Tchehar Raha, where
the Emirs Argoun Chah, Coja Youfef, and other
chiefs of the city commonly keep their ſtations.
Argoun Chah wou'd not fuffer him to enter, pre-
tending to ftand by the orders he had receiv'd of
Timur. He moreover told him that he was
ready to believe the emperor had by his tefta-
Cc 2
ment
404
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. ment ordain'd the Mirza Pır Mehemed his fuc-
ceffor; but that he wou'd wait till all the Mir-
zas and Emirs being affembled together agreed
on it; that he wou'd then open the gates to 'em,
and they might proclaim the Mirza, and place
him upon the throne; after which he wou'd de-
liver up the government of the city.
The Emir Chamelic belicving that what Ar-
goun Chah had told him was all grimace, and
that he was refolv'd not to open the gate, re-
turn'd very much afflicted: he crofs'd the river
Couhec, and being arriv'd at Ali Abad, a town
of Sogdiana Kelana, he met the Mirzas and
empreffes, who had pafs'd the mountain of Ca-
radgec. He told 'em how affairs ftood, and his
thoughts of Argoun Chah's real defigns. This
renew'd their afflictions, and oblig'd 'em to en-
camp. Serai Mulc Canum and Touman Aga
held a council with the Emirs on what was
moft fitting to be done, and agreed that it
wou'd be beft to go to Bocara, while they
fhou'd fend the Emir Cheik Noureddin to Sa-
marcand, to perfuade the Emirs there to give
'em entrance.
April 14.
This Emir departed the the firft of Ramadan
1405. 807, and being arriv'd at the gate of Tchehar
Raha, counfell'd the Emirs within, who gave
him the fame anfwer as they had the Emir Cha-
melic. Neverthelefs Noureddin got off his horfe,
pafs'd the bridge on foot, and fpake to 'em be-
fore the gate.
"Emirs, faid he, what we are
now talking of is no trifling matter, Per-
"mit me then to enter alone into the city, that
EC
we may examine together the good and bad
"confequences of what you are doing, left you
"have caufe to repent at laft." Whatever Nou-
reddin cou'd fay, fignify'd nothing; for they
were buoy'd up with the Mirza Calil Sultan's
pro-
空
​The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
405
promiſes. The Emir feeing his words had no Chap,39.
effect, return'd to Ali Abad, where he gave an
account to the Mirzas and empreffes of all that
had pafs'd.
CHA P. XXXIX.
Relation of what happen'd on the Emir Be-
rendac's return to Tachkunt.
W
E faid before that the Emir Berendac
had made a treaty at Acfoulat with the
Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic, which
he had confirm'd with an oath, wherein he had
promis'd to risk his life in the defence of Timur's
laft will; and that he went back to Tachkunt
with letters to the Emirs there. Thefe Emirs
having read thofe letters, became very forry
for having proclaim'd and fworn to the Mirza
Calil Sultan, and unanimously approv'd of what
the Emir Berendac had told 'em from the other
Emirs, faying that the throne belong'd to him
whom Timur had declar'd his heir by will, and
that they wou'd never confent to alter it. After
which they drew up a manifefto, which every
one fign'd and feal'd, and the Mirza Calil Sul-
tan was likewife oblig'd to fubfcribe. The
Mirza order'd Atilmich to carry this paper, with
preſents, to-the Emirs Noureddin and Chamelic,
from whence he was to convey it to the Mirza
the lawful heir; and before his departure, he
faid to him, "When you have affur'd the Mirza
"Pir Mehemed of my refpects, tell him I am
his fincere friend, and according to the will
"of the emperor our father and maſter, I ac-
knowledg him his fucceffor in the empire."
Cc 3
In
4
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
406
Book VI.
In this the Mirza acted the part of a hypocrite,
his fole defire being to command: and there
were fome Emirs who egg'd him on to the exe-
cution of his defigns, tho they had had accefs
to his perfon but for a fhort time. "The
"ftrongeft, fay they, ought to govern; and he
"who has any advantage fhou'd make uſe of it.
"You must, my lord, embrace this opportunity
to depart immediately for Samarcand, and
"afcend the throne, after which you ſhou'd open
"the treaſurys, and by your liberalitys make
"both high and low your fervants; for man is
tr
cc
CC
a flave to favors. Arm your felf with policy
"and courage for your advancement, and lofe
t no time; for fuch an affair as this won't ad-
"mit of delay or cowardice. Such an oppor-
tunity may not be met with for feveral ages;
"do not therefore neglect it. The poet fays,
r protract not the happy minute; for next mo-
ment an infuperable difficulty may be ſtarted."
Thefe advices were fo often repeated, that
the Mirza's ambition furmounted his reafon: he
got together all the horſes, mules and camels
belonging to Timur, and to the Mirzas and
Emirs of his attendance, which he had left to
graze at Tachkunt and Seiram, and diſtributed
em among the Emirs and other officers of Irac
who were of his party; he gave 'em a great deal
of mony, ftuffs, belts, cuiraffes, arms and uten-
fils, which belong'd to the foldiers of the army
who were in thofe quarters: and then he de-
parted at their head for Samarcand. When he
was come near the Sihon, he encamp'd; and
afterwards refolv'd that the Emir Berendac,
with the troops of the right wing, fhou'd cross
the Sihon forthwith on a bridg of boats above
Charoukhia; and that himſelf wou'd pafs over
after
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
407
after him; and then the Emirs Codadad, Cham Chap.40.
feddin Abbas, and the other Emirs.
The Emir Berendac had already made a fecret
propofal to theſe Emirs, that he ſhou'd join
the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic; to
which they confented, faying, they wou'd do
nothing repugnant to Timur's will, and that
their intention alfo was to abandon the Mirza
Calil Sultan, and march towards Atchic Fer-
kint. Berendac advis'd 'em to ftay fome days
near Tachkunt, that he might inform 'em of
what fhou'd happen; and that afterwards they
fhou'd unanimously profecute what was juft and
reaſonable, that fo their defigns might have the
defir'd fuccefs.
CHA P. XL.
The great Emirs oppoſe the Mirza Calik
THE
Sultan.
HE Emirs Berendac, Rouftem Tagi Bou-
ga, and Abdelkerim fon of Hadgi Seifed-
din, being arriv'd at the Sihon, paſs'd it on a
bridg; after which Berendac broke it down,
and then went to join the Mirzas and emprefles
who were on their road to Samarcand. The
Emirs Codadad and Chamfeddin likewife aban-
don'd the Mirza Calil Sultan, and march'd to
Atchic Ferkint; on advice of which, that Mirza
went to the Sihon, and having rebuilt the bridg,
pafs'd the river next day with his troops. The
Emir Berendac being arriv'd in the neighbor-
hood of Douabe, met Gelal Baourdgi, who on
the Emir Chamelic's return to Samarcand had
abandon'd the Mirzas and empreffes, and was
going
Cc 4
408
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. going over to the Mirza Calil Sultan: he gave
Berendac an account of the Emir Chamelic's
journy to Samarcand, and of Argoun Chah's re-
fuſing him entrance into the city.
The Emir Berendac furpriz'd at this news,
and mov'd as well by his ambition as his cowar-
dice, prefer'd policy to juftice and reaſon; and
regardleſs of his oath, or the obfervance of the
rules of equity, immediately return'd to find the
Mirza Calil Sultan. On the contrary, Rou-
ftem Tagi Bouga went to Ali Abad, where he
inform'd the Mirzas of the Emir Berendac's
return. This latter, afham'd and confounded,
beg'd pardon of the Mirza Calil, and folemnly
fwore to him a fecond time. The Mirza with
thofe of his party declar'd the paper void, where-
in they had promis'd obedience to the Mirza
Pir Mehemed, tho he had fet his feal to it, and
fent it by Atilmich; and at the fame time he
continu'd his road towards Samarcand, with de-
fign to ufurp the empire. This news being
come to the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Cha-
melic, they thus addrefs'd the empreffes. "The
"evil counfel of feditious perfons has at prefent
"obtain'd: the Emirs have again taken an
"oath to the Mirza Calil Sultan; they have
"violated the treaty which they fubfcrib'd
"and feal'd, and are all on their march to Sa-
"marcand. He who breaks his word and oath,
ought to be abhor'd by every one, as an
enemy to mankind. Every body's heart
"fhou'd now be rent into a thoufand pieces;
"for the most powerful emperor, who was in
CC
r
}
a manner the foul of the world, is dead: but
"fcarce is he expir'd, when fome raw youths,
"whem from the lowest flate of life he has
"rais'd to the greatest honors, become trai-
"tors to him, and forgetting the obligations
they
66
The history of Timur-Bec.
499
they owe him, contravene his orders, and Chap.41,
"violate their oaths. How can we diffemble
ri
tr
tr
rr
our grief at fo terrible a misfortune? An
emperor, whofe equal is no where to be met
"with, who has oblig'd the kings of the earth
to ferve at his gate, and has juſtly acquir'd
"the name of conqueror, is no fooner pafs'd
out of this world, than his laſt will is tram-
"pled upon. Religion is barter'd for this
"world. What unheard-of ingratitude is it,
"that abject flaves, after fo many benefits re-
"ceiv'd, fhou'd become the enemys of their
great benefactor? If rocks had but a heart,
cc
•
they wou'd mourn at the fight of fo abo-
"minable an action. Why are not ftones
"rain'd down from heaven to punish theſe un-
grateful wretches? As for us, may God
grant us his grace, that we may not forget
( our maſter's favors; but that after we have
befought his interceffion, we may employ all
our care in the execution of his laſt will, and
"in being obedient to the young princes his
"children, and facrifice even our lives as faith-
"ful fervants, rather than difobey him in the
"leaſt point."
tr
ct
CHAP. XLI.
The Emirs hold a council with the empreffes,
in relation to their marching to Bocara.
FTER the Emirs Cheik Noureddin and
A Chamelic had finifh'd this fpeech, they
repreſented to the empreffes, that fince affairs
had took fuch a turn, it feem'd requifite that
while their majeſtys fhou'd go to Samarcand,
the
410
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. the Emirs fhou'd attend upon the Mirzas to Bo-
cara, from whence they might go to meet the
Mirza Pir Mehemed to fhew him Timur's teſta-
ment. The empreffes approving their propo-
fal, the Emirs took leave of 'em; and having
affembled a great number of Emirs who were
faithful to the deceas'd emperor, and refolv'd to
execute his orders, they held a council with
'em, and ſpake as follows.
tr
ર
Every one knows that no body had freer
"accefs to the late emperor than we: if there-
"fore we forget the favors we receiv'd of him,
we fhall deferve to be made miferable for ever.
"And tho fince his death every one has turn'd
"his back upon us, yet for our parts we'll ne'er
"quit our refolution to obey his laft orders. If
"others have no thoughts of blufhing before
"him at the day of judgment, we have. Our
"intention is to feek the Mirza Pir Mehemed,
"who is declar'd by Timur's teftament the
"lawful heir to the empire, and to offer our
"fervice to him: and if to fulfil our benefac-
"tor's will, we muſt risk our lives, and for-
"fake our worldly goods, we'll do it a thouſand
"times rather than fail in our promife, or vio-
"late our oath; for if we fhou'd be guilty
"of fo infamous an action, we cou'd never
"hope to enjoy one day in paradiſe. You, E-
"mirs, who were the neareſt officers of that
happy emperor, let us know your fentiment
"with regard to this refolution."
..
The Emirs of this affembly, whoſe hearts
were fenfibly touch'd, unanimouſly anſwer'd,
"Our fole intention is to obey our maſter's
"orders: fince you are refolv'd to execute his
"laft will, we'll follow you with the greateft
"alacrity, and in what relates to us, we'll em-
"ploy our utmost care, and facrifice our very
‹‹ lives."
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
411
« lives." The chief of theſe faithful fervants of Chap.42.
the emperor, were Atilmich, Tevekul Carcara,
Hafan Jagadaoul, Aflan Coja Tercan, Uftoui,
Chamfeddin Almaleghi, Moufa Recmal, Ber-
teri, Vefadar, and others.
CHAP. XLII.
The Mirzas and Emirs march to Bocara.
A
FTER the refolution was taken of going
1405.
to Bocara, the 3d of Ramadan 807, the April 16.
Mirzas Olouc-Bec and Ibrahim Sultan took
leave of the empreffes, who, after exceffive
grief on both fides, embrac'd the Mirzas with
the greateſt tenderneſs, and recommended 'em
to the divine protection. Theſe princes took
horfe, and departed from Ali Abad, truſting
only in the affiſtance of heaven. The Emirs
Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic follow'd 'em,
having with 'em Timur's treaſury, which con-
fifted of ready mony, jewels, habits, arms and
other riches, which this emperor always kept
by him and they fent Rouftem Tagi Bouga
to Bocara before the reft, to give all neceffary
orders.
:
CHAP.
412
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
CHA P. XLIII.
The empreffes march to Samarcand. Their
mourning, after the two Mirzas departure.
TH
HE empreffes, accompany'd by the young
prince's the Mirzas children, as Baiera,
Aidgel, Sadvaccas, Siorgatmich and others, with
feveral faithful domeftics, departed from Ali
Abad; and having the deceas'd emperor's horfe-
tail and drums carry'd before 'em, and his bag-
gage following behind, they took the road to
Samarcand, and arriv'd at the gate of Tche-
har Raha, with their hair difhevel'd, and
their eyes gufhing out with tears. The E-
mirs of the city had the infolence to refuſe o-
pening the gate to 'em that day on which
the empreffes went down into the garden of
the Mirza Charoc near that gate, where they
pafs'd the night. Next day they enter'd the city
with the Mirzas and officers of their houshold,
and lodg'd in the Canicah of the Mirza Mehe-
med Sultan, where Timur's coffin lay. At their
arrival there they uncover'd their heads, and
tore their hair; they mangled their faces, and
caft themſelves on the ground, to testify their
forrow for the emperor. The princeffes Can-
zade and Roukia Canica, the Mirza Mehemed
Gehanghir, with feveral grandees of the em-
pire, as the Coja Abdulevel and others, with
the wives of the Cherifs and principal perfons,
having felts about their necks, and their faces
torn, aflembled together in different mourning-
habits. The inhabitants fhut up the fhops and
markets; and every one made lamentations over
the
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
413
the emperor's corps. The affliction was not on- Chap.44.
ly among the inhabitants of Samarcand
alfo fpread thro-out all Afia.
but
CHA P. XLIV.
Account of what pass'd among the Mirzas
and Emirs who were gone to Bocara.
HE Mirzas Olouc-Bec and Ibrahim Sul-
TH
tan, who had taken the road to Bocara
from Ali Abad, arriv'd the fourth of Ramadan April 15
807 at the walls of Debbous, a very high for-
trefs, at the foot of which runs the river of Sa-
marcand. They were met there by Beyan Te-
mour Cazen, brother of Mengheli Coja, from
Samarcand, who brought a letter from Coja
Youfef and Argoun Chah, the tenor of which
was as follows. "After the ufual falutations,
CC
(C
<<
we let you know that tho we have refus'd to
open the gates of the city to you, it was not
"thro any motive of treafon, or with intent to
"revolt: our defign is only to obferve Timur's
"laft will, to the alteration of which we'll ne-
ver confent. If the Mirza Calil Sultan fhou'd
come hither, we wou'd ufe him in the fame
manner. We are refolv'd to preferve this
city, it being the feat of the empire, and not
"deliver it up to any one till the coming of
"the Mirza Pir Mehemed, the lawful fucceffor
to the crown, into whofe hands we will re-
(C
«Ε
(6
fign it according to the emperor's teſtament.
"We thus let you know the ftate of affairs, that
you may not be incens'd againſt us." At the
end of the letter they fwore to perform what
they promis'd.
The
414
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
The Mirzas, notwithſtanding the oath, fuf-
pected the promiſes of theſe flatterers: but not
to irritate 'em in this bad conjuncture, they dif-
fembled their fufpicion, and order'd the meflenger
to falute the Emirs, and tell 'em that if their
intention was to do what they had promis'd,
it wou'd be better for 'em, fince it was the way
which every honeft and fenfible man wou'd take.
Befides this they wrote a letter, in which they
mildly advis'd 'em to continue firm in the refo-
lution they had taken, and to govern the city
according to their duty, without hearkning to
any inſtigations to the contrary; for if they kept
their word, and acknowledg'd the obligations
they had receiv'd from the emperor, in main-
taining the city for the Mirza Pir Mehemed,
they wou'd fulfil their maſter's will; it being
an indiſpenſable obligation on every one to do
that which is well-pleafing both to God and
man, that fo their integrity might be mention'd
with honor by pofterity. They likewife or-
der'd him to tell 'em they need not doubt but
that, when the Mirza fhou'd be fix'd upon the
throne, he wou'd diftinguifh them above all
others, as they had preferv'd it for him; but if
they fhou'd tranfgrefs the orders of their bene-
factor, they wou'd commit a very heinous and
treaſonable action, and befides the difhonor and
infamy of it, wou'd incur a fevere puniſhment,
and muſt in the end repent in vain. They
feal'd up
this letter, which they deliver'd to Be-
yan Temour Cazen, who immediately return'd
with it to Samarcand.
CHAP,
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
415
CHAP. XLV.
The Mirzas and Emirs at Bocara receive
advice of the Mirza Calil Sultan's arrival
at Samarcand, and of the obedience paid
him by the Emirs of that city.
B
EYAN Temour Cazen being return'd to
Samarcand, the Emirs continu'd their jour-
ny towards Bocara, and two or three days after
receiv'd advice that the Mirza Calil Sultan, who
had taken the road of Samarcand from Tachkunt,
with the Emirs of his party and his troops,
being excited by a defire of ufurpation and do-
minion, had made great hafte; that being arriv'd
near the city, the Emir Coja Youfef went out
to meet him with prefents, and had receiv'd him
as emperor, having caft gold and precious ftones
before him, and kiſs'd his hand at Chiraz, a vil-
lage four miles from Samarcand; that the Cherifs
and principal perfons of the city had done the
fame; that when the Mirza was arriv'd at the
bank of the river of Couhec, Argoun Chah went
out to make his fubmiffion to him, and had de-
liver'd the keys of the city and caftle, with thoſe
of the treafury of that capital, into his
hands; and that all the traitors of the city and
of the Mirza's court had unanimouſly refolv❜d to
acknowledg him for their fovereign, regardleſs
their oaths, or the obedience due to Timur's laſt
teſtament.
The Emirs Cheik Noureddin and Chamelic
having heard this news, loaded the ingrateful
perjurors with curfes; and wrote a letter to
em
Chap.45-
416
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. 'em full of reproaches, which they fent by an
expreſs. Then continuing their road, they met
Rouftem Berlas, brother of Hamza, governor of
Bocara, whom they had fent thither before, and
was return'd to meet the Mirzas, who being ar-
riv'd before the city went to vifit the fepulcher
of the prophet Job, whofe affiftance they im-
plor❜d.
They made a new treaty in this holy
place, which they confirm'd by Tolemn oaths.
Afterwards they took horfe, and enter❜d Bo-
cara; they lodg'd in the caſtle, which they re-
built, and augmented the fortifications. As to
the guard of the city, they agreed that the gate
which opens upon it, with one half of the caftle,
fhou'd be under the care of the Mirza Olouc-Bec,
affifted by the Emir Chamelic; and that the gate
which looks upon the out-parts, with the other
half of the caſtle and walls, fhou'd be command-
ed by the Mirza Ibrahim Sultan, attended by the
Emir Cheik Noureddin; that the city fhou'd be
guarded by the Emirs Rouftem Berlas, his bro-
ther Hamza, Atilmich, Teveckul Carcara, and
others, each of whom fhou'd have the care of a
gate, as well as of the baftions and walls.
Having all come to this refolution, they began
immediately to put it in execution, and to re-
build the walls of the city.
CHAP.
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
417
Chap.46.
CHAP. XLVI.
Coronation of the Mirza Calil Sultan at
Samarcand.
T
HE aſtrologer Moulana Bedreddin having
made choice of wedneſday the 16th of April 27.
Ramadan 807, which anſwers to the year of the 1405.
Hen, the fun being in the fixth degree of Aries,
for the coronation of the Mirza Calil Sultan ;
that prince made his entry the fame day into
Samarcand, and took poffeffion of the great im-
perial palace, where the treafures of all Afia
were amafs'd. Being feated on the throne in his
imperial habits, he receiv'd the fubmiffion of the
Mirzas, Emirs, and principal men of the ftate,
who on their knees congratulated his acceffion to
the throne.
As foon as he was inftal'd, to fhew he had an
outward regard to Timur's teftament, he gave
the title of Can to the Mirza Mehemed Gehan-
ghir, fon of the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, and ne-
phew of the Mirza Pir Mehemed, tho this young
prince was but nine years of age: and his name
was plac'd at the top of all the patents and im-
perial orders according to cuſtom, tho the Mir-
za Calil Sultan had the fole diſpoſal of every
thing, as if he had been the lawful fovereign of
all Tranfoxiana.
Two days after, this new emperor went to the
Canicah of the deceas'd Mirza Mehemed Sultan,
where Timur's tomb was, to pay his devotions,
and perform the public ceremonys of mourning.
The empreffes, Mirzas, Emirs, and all the peo-
ple came there in black habits, and wept and
VOL. II.
Dd
made
418
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. made bitter lamentations. By the Mirza Calil
Sultan's order the whole Alcoran was read thro,
alms were diſtributed among the poor and fick,
and a great funeral-banquet prepar'd.
Then the emperor's drum was beat in a very
mournful manner, after which it was broke to
pieces according to cuftom. The learned men
and poets compos'd panegyrics and epitaphs
upon the emperor; and among others the fon of
the Coja Mafaoud Bocari, and the Coja Afmet
Ulla.
As the pious Timur, by reafon of the love he
always bore to the Cherifs, had feveral times de-
fir'd that his tomb fhou'd be plac'd under that of
the great Cherif Seid Bereke, that Cherif's coffin
was tranfported from Andcoud, and inter'd un-
der the maufoleum Timur had erected near the
alcove of the Canicah; and Timur's body was
plac'd underneath that of the Cherif, according
to the orders he had given; the corps of the
Mirza Mehemed Sultan was alſo tranſported to
the ſame mauſoleum, and bury'd at the emperor
his grandfather's fide. May God enlighten their
fouls with the lamps of his mercy.
When the Mirza Calil Sultan was fix'd on the
throne, he open'd his treaſures, and diftributed
them very liberally among the Emirs, principal
lords, and foldiers: but why fhou'd it be call'd
liberality? it was rather imprudence and prodi-
gality, for he diftributed his gold like meaſures
of wheat, and it was carry'd away by loads, as
corn out of barns, to the great amazement of
the people.
$
СНАР.
The history of Timur-Bec.
419
CHA P. XLVII.
Abridgment of the history of the reign of the
Mirza Calil Sultan: and the cause of his
ruin.
L
EARNED men have accounted kings
the fhadow of God, and acknowledg'd
that the power of fovereigns is as a ray of the
Divinity. But nothing is likewife more cer-
tain, than that he who believes himſelf capable
of worthily acquitting that great charge with-
out the divine affiftance, gives credit to what
is both abfurd and impoffible: for God always
favors with his mercy the good man, and pre-
fers above all other potentates thofe who regu-
larly pay their devotions to him, and diftribute
alms to the poor. We may alfo be affur'd that
a ftate is not well govern'd by its vaft treaſures.
and magazines, nor by the multitude of its
troops or the great number of its captains; but
by the protection of the Almighty. In fine, there
is fomewhat befides valor requifite for the go-
verning of a great empire.
The truth of this plainly appears in the caſe
of the Mirza Calil Sultan, who thro injuftice
and favorable conjun&tures became maſter of ſo
vaft an extent of ground, as fcarcely ever any one
emperor poffefs'd fo much. His birth, as grand-
fon of the great Timur- Bec, drew on him the
attention of the whole univerfe: and at his
grandfather's death, moſt part of the Nevians
and great Emirs were with him at Tachkunt.
When they receiv'd the news of that misfor-
tune, their hearts were fill'd with fear: and as
Dd 2
of
Chap.47.
420
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. of Timur's children, there were none at that
place older than the Mirza Calil Sultan, eve-
ry one took an oath to him, thinking by this
means to preſerve the crown for ever in Timur's
family.
The Mirza at the fame took the road to Sa-
marcand, and at his arrival there perceiv'd a
general confternation among the people, the
chief of whom, judging it beft fo to do, went
to meet him, and congratulate him on his com-
ing to the crown. The Emirs who had the keys
of the city and treafurys, likewife refign'd 'em
to him; and fo he eafily became maſter of the
throne of Samarcand. This city was then in a
very flouriſhing condition, being inhabited by
princes and great lords, learned doctors, and the
moft skilful artiſts in the world; for moſt of the
tradeſmen of the towns conquer'd by Timur,
had left their own country to dwell in this great
city, it being the feat of the empire of Afia.
We will not mention the immenfe treaſures of
ready mony, precious ftones, ſtuffs, belts, cu-
rious veffels and toys, which were innumerable;
nor the arms, bucklers, tents, pavilions, canó-
pys, thrones, and other marks of grandeur,
riches and magnificence, which had been amaf-
fing for ſeveral ages by the princes of all the
kingdoms of Afia, and had been pillag'd by
Timur from the emperors and princes of the
countrys of Iran and Touran, from the country
of the Calmacs to the frontiers of Greece and
Natolia; and from the farther part of India to
the frontiers of Syria, and from Carezem and
the great Capchac to the limits of Ruffia, Cir-
caffia, Bulgaria and Europe: befides which was
the tribute of thirty-fix years receiv'd from all
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
421
This city, tho fo vaftly rich, and fill'd with Chap.47.
great quantitys of goods, and abundance of
foldiers, fell into the hands of the Mirza Calil
Sultan without his ftriking a blow for it: but this
prodigal prince fquander'd away all thofe trea-
fures, brought all this grandeur to nothing, and
entirely ruin'd this vaft power in lefs than four
years; which was one means made uſe of by
fate to ruin his good fortune.
The fecond caufe was the Mirza's violent
paffion for Chadi Mulc, one of the concubines of
the Emir Hadgi Seifeddin, whom he had private-
ly marry'd in the emperor's abfence, and cou'd
never vifit except in fecret: but when he
found himſelf an abſolute ſovereign, he reſign'd
every thing up to the will of this beauty, and
took no pleaſure but in her company, her
charms being the fubject of all his thoughts;
while fhe fhew'd no regard either to princes or
nobles, but accounted every thing below her;
and even the emperor, laying afide his fove-
reignty, became her flave, and breath'd only by
her permiffion. This brought diforder upon the
ſtate, and upon the Mirza's affairs, fo that no-
thing fucceeded in which the fovereign authority
had any concern. He fquander'd away all his
riches, and chiefly among thoſe who were after-
wards the inftruments of his ruin: and tho he
was fo rich that all the wealth of Hatem and
the tribe of Tai did not amount to a tenth part
of one of his treaſurys, yet he foon ſpent all.
He had neglected the counfel not to be over-
liberal, for fear of being at laft left naked:
and he feem'd ignorant, that one thou'd give
only to thoſe who deferve it, and that in mode-
ration.
On this account, the first thing to be men-
tion'd as done by this prince was his exceffive
Dd 3
pro-
422
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI. prodigality. He fprinkled handfuls of precious
ftones on the heads of thofe, upon whom it
wou'd have been a crime, in a manner, to fling
a little earth; while perfons of extraordinary
merit cou'd obtain nothing, or at leaſt but a
trifle. It was then a perfect game of hazard;
for he who put in a penny, carry'd away a
million; and thoſe who deferv'd vaſt treaſures,
died without having a tenth part. Moreover,
the Mirza advanc'd feveral ftrangers of mean
extraction, made 'em Emirs, and gave 'em the
first places in the ftate; which difcover'd a
great want of policy and conduct; for it alie-
nated the hearts of the great Emirs of his
court, and the generals of his army from him:
and even thoſe upftarts whom he had enrich'd,
fell into an excefs of felf-love and pride, which
was the root of many diforders. "Beftow
cc
not honors, fays the poet, upon him thou
"lov'ft, unleſs by degrees; for if you advance
"him on a fudden, he will become infenfible
"of the favors you have heap'd on him, and
"of the obligations he owes to you."
Befides all this, as the Sultan Calil's miftrefs
was inferior in rank to the deceas'd emperor's
wives, and theſe empreffes became jealous of
her growing greatnefs, the conceiv'd a great
indignation againſt 'em, and perfuaded Calil to
give each of 'em, as well as Timur's concubines,
to fome brave Emir in marriage, who might by
that means, as ſhe pretended, become more at-
tach'd to his intereft, and fo bring the ſtate into
better order. Accordingly he behav'd himſelf
towards thofe venerable empreffes, whom he
ought to have reverenc'd as his own mother,
in a manner condemn'd by all men of fenfe,
forcing them to marry thofe who were unworthy
to be their porters: he caft angels into the
mouths
The history of Timur-Bec.
423
*
mouths of fatyrs, gave eagles to crows, ftrung Chap.47.
pearls with pieces of glafs, and rubys with
Hints; which he did without the leaft remorfe.
But he did not confider, that a king who had
caft off all thoughts of honor and juftice, will
fhortly loſe his kingdom. In effect, his actions.
drew on him the averfion of his foldiers, and
even of all his fubjects: and as he no longer
acted with fincerity, the public affairs fell into
the utmoſt diforder and confufion." He run,
fays a certain poet, the fhip of empire a-
"ground; both himſelf and his lady were caft
"away; for the kingdom flip'd out of his
hands, and he fell from the utmoſt height."
The fource of all theſe diſorders was the great
familiarity the Mirza had with ftrangers, and
perfons of no figure or merit. The good ought
to avoid the wicked; for the wicked are the
cauſe of their ruin. Thefe events fhew the
great foul and admirable conduct of Timur-Bec
in his governing the empire: they let us fee that
his ordering the death of this woman was not
without the providence of God, tho at that time
every one was ignorant of the ill confequence
of her being fuffer'd to live.
D d 4
CHAP.
}
424
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
CHAP. XLVIII.
Conclufion of the history of Timur-Bec, where-
in the qualitys by which that conqueror fur-
pass'd all the kings who preceded him, are
Jet down.
The names of his children who ſurviv'd him.
TH
HE glorious perfections by which the in-
comparable Timur-Bec adorn'd the regal
dignity, were his fincere piety, the great vene-
ration he bore to religion, his ftri& juftice, and
unbounded liberality, the effects of which were
daily feen and felt by his people.
As his great qualitys have been mention'd in
the feries of this hiſtory, our deſign at prefent
is to take notice of certain which were pecu-
liar to him. And among others, with regard to
his birth, it is proper to be inform'd, that tho
his ninth grandfather was Toumene Can, of
the race of Buzendger Can, chief of a branch
of the tribe of Cayat, who was defcended from
Turk, the fon of Japhet, the fon of Noah, on
whom may falvation reft; (from whence we dif-
cover that his anceſtors were Cans and emperors)
yet the Emir Tragai his father, as well as his
grandfather the Emir Berkulk, having abdicated
the kingdom, and left the government of the
principality of Kech, which they had preferv'd
with the Toman of ten thoufand men annex'd
thereto, to the children of their uncles of the
family of Berlas; we may fay that Timur-Bec
brought the crown into this auguft family, he
being the first emperor in it.
At
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
425
At the age of twenty-five he attain'd to the Chap.48.
higheft dignitys, with admirable courage, and
an ambition admir'd by all the world, endea-
voring to bring the great talents he had re-
ceiv'd from nature to perfection. He pafs'd nine
years in different countrys, where his good
fenſe and great genius appear'd in councils and
affemblys, while at the fame time his intrepidity
and valor drew upon him every one's admiration,
whether in perfonal combats, or in pitch'd bat-
tels, wherein no conqueror before him cou'd boaſt
performing even the tenth part of his actions.
The truth of what we advance may eaſily be
conceiv'd, when we reflect on the actions re-
lated in this book: and we are not at all appre-
henfive that our history will be tax'd with ex-
aggeration. He mounted the throne of the
empire when thirty-four years old, and reign'd
fuccefsfully for thirty-fix years, during which
time he gain'd a confiderable number of con-
queſts; for he made himſelf mafter of the three
empires of Zagatai Can, Touchi Can, and Hu-
lacou Can; he fubdu'd the greateſt citys, and
kingdoms of Afia; and extended the limits of
his dominions as far as the borders of that part
of the world; fo that his power, riches and
magnificence were greater than we can poffibly
imagine. This is fo certain, that we need only
read the hiftorys of other kings and princes,
in whofe familys the crown has continu'd a long
time, to be affur'd of it. But the chief proof
of his great power was, that to whatever place
he march'd to wage war, he foon conquer'd it,
and gave the government thereof to fome of his
children or officers; not acting like antient con-
querors, who were contented with thofe tokens
of fubmiffion which vanquifh'd princes might
make by a tribute.
One
426
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
One thing further remarkable in this monarch
was, that tho he always obferv'd the wholefom
maxim of holding diets, yet he never folely con-
fided in 'em; but conftantly did what his own
good genius infpir'd in him, and had fuch
good fuccefs in all his undertakings, that it
feem'd as if he had been always the care of di-
vine providence. He cou'd not be fhaken in his
refolutions: he had the policy to be preſent at
the execution of his moft important enterprizes,
either as to the ſtate or religion. Both in peace
and war he wou'd put forward every thing him-
felf.
}
Befides his great and continual employments
in war and the government, there remain ma-
ny monuments of his ambition and grandeur,
in citys, towns, caftles, and walls which he
built; in rivers and canals which he dug; and
in works of piety, as mofques, chappels, hofpi-
tals, bridges, palaces, monafterys, gardens,
vineyards, and pleaſure-houſes, which he erec-
ted in divers parts of Afia, in fo great a num-
ber, that it wou'd take up a large volume only
to enumerate 'em, without defcribing each in
particular. And it wou'd be no exaggeration
to fay, that a king wou'd be accounted very
powerful and magnificent, who fhou'd have
employ'd thirty-fix years only in building the
great edifices which Timur did; and that he
wou'd be thought to furpafs all the kings of
the earth on that account, without carrying on
thofe long wars, and obtaining the furprizing
conqueſts which he did. Are not all the cara-
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the fick and travellers reap fo great advantages.
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}
The hiftory of Timur-Bec.
427
I fay, the good works of this pious emperor, Chap.48.
who now reaps the fruits of 'em in eternity?
We may alſo confider the bleffings this em-
peror receiv'd from heaven in the great num-
ber of children he left behind him; which were
thirty-fix fons, and feventeen daughters living,
according to the following detail.
The deceas'd Mirza GEHANGHIR his el- Timur's
deft left eleven princes; for the deceas'd Me- children.
hemed Sultan had had three fons, Mehemed Ge-
hanghir, then nine years of age, Sadvaccas fix,
and Yahia five. The Mirza Pir Mehemed
Gehanghir twenty nine years old, had feven
fons, Caidou nine years of age, Caled feven,
Buzendger, Sadvaccas, Tendger, Caifer, and
Dgehanghir.
The deceas'd Mirza OMAR CHEIK left
nine fons ; Pir Mehemed, twenty-fix years
old, who had one fon, of ſeven years of age,
nam'd Omar Cheik; Rouftem, ag'd twenty-four,
who had two fons, Ofman fix years old, and
Sultan Ali one year; Eskender twenty-one years.
of age; Ahmed eighteen years; Sidi Ahmed fif
teen; and Bayera Hafan twelve.
The fons of the Mirza MIRAN CHAH,
thirty-eight years of age, were in all feven:
Aboubecre, twenty-three years old, who had two
fons, Alengher nine years of age, and Ofman
Chelebi four; Omar twenty-two years old;
Calil Sultan twenty-one; Aidgel ten; and Sior-
gatmich fix.
twenty-eight
The Mirza CHARO C,
years of age, had feven fons: Olouc-Bec and
Ibrahim Sultan, both eleven years old; Bailancar
eight years; Siorgatmich fix; Mehemed Jouki
three years; anaglen two years; and Yaroui one
year.
Theſe
428
The history of Timur-Bec.
Book VI.
+
Thefe thirty-fix princes were all living at Ti-
mur-Bec's death: befides whom he had one
daughter nam'd Sultan Bact Begum, and fixteen
grandaughters: the Mirza Omar Cheik had
three daughters, the Mirza Mehemed Sultan
three, the Mirza Miran Chah four, and the
Mirza Charoc one; the Mirza Pir Mehemed
Gehanghir three, the Mirza Aboubecre one, and
the Mirza Calil Sultan one.
The Mirza Sultan Huffein, twenty-five years
of age, was the fon of Timur's daughter nam'd
Akia Beghi or Tagi Can; and his father was the
Emir Mehemed Bei, fon of the Emir Mouffa.
:
And as it was written in the book of fate,
that the crown fhou'd continue in this illuftrious
family by the branch of the Mirza Charoc and
his children after having now finish'd the
hiftory of the glorious actions of Timur-Bec, we
intend to compile a hiſtory of the Mirza Charoc,
and give a true relation of his great actions,
which prov'd him the worthy fucceffor of the
moſt illuftrious conqueror who ever appear'd in
the world.
The end of the fecond volume.
I
HAVE read by order of my lord
chancellor the hiftory of Timur-Bec,
grand Can of Tartary; and believe the
public will receive as much pleaſure
as advantage from a work, in which
the reader will diſcover the geography
of the vaſt regions of Tartary, folit-
tle known in this part of the world.
Paris Decemb. 24.
1720.
L. De VERTOT.
THE
THE
CONTENTS
OF THE
First VOLUM E.
BOOK I.
14
HAP. I. Of Sultan Cazan, grand Can of
Zagatai; his defeat and death. Mir Cazagan,
a Turkish prince, takes upon him the government
of the empire, and establishes a grand Can. The
war of Mir Cazagan against Malek Huffein,
prince of Herat.
Page 1
Chap. 2. Of the government of the Mirza Abdalla,
the Son of Cazagan; and of the difference which
happen'd between the princes of Zagatai.
Chap. 3. Togluc Timur Can, king of the Getes,
marches into Tranfoxiana. The flight of Hadgi
Berlas.
Chap. 4. The rife of Mir Huffein, grandson of Mir
Cazagan: he is affifted by Timur-Bec.
Chap. 5. Several intrigues between Timur and Hadgi
Berlas; as alſo between the other princes.
Chap. 6. The king of the Getes returns to Tranfoxia-
na with a great army. The death of Hadgi Berlas.
The Can confirms Timur in the poſſeſſion of his
country of Kech, and of a Toman of ten thousand
men.
18
19
22
28
Chap,
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 7. Timur-Bec marches in fearch of Emir Huf-
fein.
31
37
44
Chap. 8. Several warlike exploits of Timur and Huf-
fein.
Chap. 9. The rencounter of the army of Gete, and its
defeat, caus'd by the policy of Timur-Bec; with
the reduction of the city of Kech.
Chap. 10. The death of Togluc Timur Can, king of
the Getes; and the defeat of his army by the prin-
ces Timur-Bec and Huffein.
Chap. 11. The aſſembly of the princes conven'd by
Timur and the Emir Huffern, in which they eleva-
ted Cabulchah Aglen to the dignity of grand Can.
47
52
55
6I
Chap. 12. The battel of Lai, or of the floughs.
Chap. 13. The Retreat of Timur-Bec and Huffein.
Samarcand befieg'd by the Getes.
Chap. 14. Departure of the princes for Samarcand,
and the diffenfion which happen'd between 'em. 66
Chap. 15. Timur-Bec brings an army into the field
against Emir Haffein.
72
Chap. 16. Several exploits of Timur, and intrigues
of the princes. The march of Timur to Carfchi. 77
Chap. 17. Mir Huffein brings an army into the field
to oppoſe Timur.
Chap. 18. The fiege and taking of Bocara by the army
of Huffein. Timur defeats the army of the Coro-
nas.
86
89
92
Chap. 19. Timur fends an ambassador to Malek Huf
fein at Herat.
Chap. 20. Timur defeats the army of the Emir Huf
Sein in Tranfoxiana.
Chap. 21. The Emir Huffein fends an army againſt
Timur, which is defeated.
94
ΙΟΙ
Chap. 22. The Emir Huffein again feeks to make peace
with Timur.
Chap. 23. The Emir Huffein brings an army into the
field from Bedakchan.
f
IOS
108
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 24. Timur marches at the head of an army to
repulſe the Getes.
Chap. 25. Timur returns from Bedakchan.
III
115
Chap. 26. A fecond rupture between Timur and Huf
Sein.
BOOK II.
117
HAP. 1. The establishment of Timur on the
throne of the empire of Zagatai.
Chap. 2. Timur returns from the city of Bale to Sa-
marcand: the building of the castle and fortress of
that metropolis.
132
136
Chap. 3. The Couroultai, that is, the diet or affembly
of the ftates, conven'd by Timur's orders.
Chap. 4. Timur marches to Cheburgan at the head of
an army.
138
Chap. 5. Timur fends an army to Balc and Termed.
140
Chap. 6. Timur fends the Emir Takou to befiege Che-
burgan.
141
Chap. 7. Timur marches an army into the country of
the Getes.
Chap. 8.
142
A fecond expedition of Timur against the
144
Getes.
Chap. 9. The embally from Timur to Huffein Sofi,
king of Carezem.
147
149
Chap. 10. Timur departs from Samarcand, to make
war on the king of Carezem.
Chap. 11. Timur makes peace with Youph Sofi, who
fucceeded Huffein; and demands in marriage the
princefs Canzade for the prince Gehanghir his eldeſt
fon.
Chap. 12. Timur marches a fecond time into the king-
dom of Carezem.
Chap. 13. The famous embally from Timur to the king
of Carezem, to demand the princefs Canzade.
155
157
158
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 14. Timur marches a third time into the coun-
try of the Getes.
163
Chap. 15. Timur's marriage with the princeſs Dilcha-
daga, daughter of Camareddin king of the Getes.
Timur is in danger of lofing his life by a confpiracy
which he narrowly efcap'd.
Chap. 16. Timur marches a third time to Carezem,
and returns on the revolt of Sar Bouga and Adel-
chah.
1
}
166
168
171
Chap. 17. Timur's fourth expedition to the kingdom of
the Getes,
Chap. 18. The death of Mirza Gehanghir, Timur's
eldeft fon.
Chap. 19. Timur's fifth expedition against the Getes.
174
176
Chap. 20. Timur's fifth expedition to the country of
the Getes against Camareddin. Tocatmich Aglen,
defcended from Toufchi, Son of Genghiz Can, ar-
rives at court, and puts himself under the protec-
tion of Timur.
178
Chap. 21. Timur gives Tocatmieh Aglen the princi-
palitys of Otrar and Sabran; and affifts him in
making himself master of the empire of Capchac
which he claim'd as his right; tho Ourous Can,
defcended from Genghiz Can, was in poffeffion of
it..
1
180
183
Chap. 22. Preparations for war. Timur brings an
army into the field againſt Ourous Can, emperor of
Capchac and grand Ruffia.
Chap. 23. Timur's irruption into the country of Ourous
Can: Tocatmich Aglén plac'd on the throne of Cap-
chac, otherwife call'd the empire of Touchi Can.
185
187
Chap. 24. The birth of prince Charoc, fon and heir
to the emperor Timur.
Chap. 25. Timur fends Tocatmich Can to attack Ti-
mur Melic Can, emperor of Capchas.
189
Vol. II.
E e
Chap,
The CONTENTS.
$
191
Chap. 26. Embaſſy from the emperor Timur to Jo-
Seph Sofi king of Carezem.
Chap. 27. Timur's fourth war in Carexem: death
of Fofeph Sofi: conquest of that kingdom.
Chap. 28. Foundation of the walls of Kech, the coun-
try of Timur : the building of the palace of Acferai.
194
199
200
Chap. 29. The Emir Hadgi Seifeddin fent ambaſſa-
dor to Herat, to Malek Cayafeddin Pir Ali, king
of Coraffana.
Chap. 30. Mirza Miran Chah, fon of Timur,
marches into Coraffana, to make war on Malek
Cayafeddin Pir Ali, prince of Herat.
202
Chap. 31. Timur's army marches to make war in
Perfia, and the reft of the empire of Iran. 204
Chap. 32. Reduction of Fouchendge, a town of Coraf
fana.
207
Chap. 33. Reduction of Herat, capital of Coraffana.
209
Chap. 34. The army marches to Tous and Kelat.
213
215
216
Chap. 35. Timur returns to Samarcand.
Chap. 36. Death if Akia Beghi, daughter of Timur,
and wife of the Emir Bei, fon of the Emir
Moufa.
Chap. 37. Timur's fecond expedition into the kingdom
of Iran or Perfia.
Chap. 38. Reduction of the town of Terchiz in Co-
rafana.
Chap. 39. The arrival of an ambaſſador from Fars,
219
P. 225
229
or the true Perfia, at the court of Timur. 227
Chap. 40. Timur marches into the province if Ma-
zendran.
Chap. 41. Timur marches to Samarcand. Death of
the empress Dilchadaga, and of the princess Cotluc
Turcan Aga, Timur's fifter.
231
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
235
236
Chap. 42. Timur fends a fixth army into the country
of the Getes.
Chap. 43. Timur marches to Mazendran, and thence
to Siſtan.
Chap. 44. Town of Siftan befieg'd and taken. 239
Chap. 45. Timur marches to Boft.
Chap. 46. War against the Ouganians, inhabitants of
the mountains, fouth of Candahar.
Chap. 47. Timur returns to Samarcand.
245
247
-250
Chap. 48. Timur marches into the province of Ma-
zendran.
251
Chap. 49. Timur marches into the province of Irac
Agemi.
256
Chap. 50. The emperor Timur marches to Sultania.
257
259
Chap. 51. Timur returns to Samarcand, the capital
of his empire.
Chap. 52. Timur enters the kingdom of Iran, where
he ftays three years fucceffively.
Chap. 53. Timur marches to Azerbijana, or the
country of the antient Medes.
261
263
Chap. 54. Timur enters Georgia at the head of his
army. The defcription of the Perfian way of hunt-
ing; as alfo of the Gerke and Nerke.
Chap. 55. Timur returns to Carabagh.
267
269
273
277
Chap. 56. The march of Timur to Berda. The mo-
tion of the army of Capchac. Defeat of the troops
of Tocatmich Can.
Chap. 57. The arrival of the empress Serai Mulc
Canum, and the princes her fons.
Chap. 58. Timur's army marches against Cara Me-
hemed, prince of the Turcomans.
Chap. 59. Timur marches to Van and Vaftan. The
letter which Cha Chuja king of Perfia wrote to Ti-
mur at his death.
278
282
Chap. 60. Timur marches again into the countrys of
Fars and Irac Agemi.
289
Ee 2
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
294
Chap. 61. Timur marches to Chiraz, the capital of
Fars or the true Perfia.
Chap. 62. Reaſons which induc'd Timur to return to
the capital of his empire.
297
Chap. 63. Timur returns to Samarcand; and gives
the government of Fars and Irac to the family of
Muzaffer.
Chap. 64. The emperor orders a process against fome
Emirs, whom he had left in Tranfoxiana.
BOOK III.
301
303
HAP. 1. Timur-Bec departs for his fifth ex-
pedition into the kingdom of Carezem. 305
Chap. 2. Some accidents during Timur's expedition
<
308
317
into Carezem.
Chap. 3. Timur departs to make war in Capchac,
and is victorious over Tocatmich Can.
Chap. 4. Timur fends the Mirza Miran Chah into
Corafana.
323
Chap. 5. Timur's expedition into Mogoliftan againſt
Kezer Coja Aglen, and the prince' Ancatoura ;
which made the fifth campain in that country. 325
Chap. 6. Timur holds a diet, and fends his armys
into all the quarters of the Moguls, to fight the
Getes.
331
Chap. 7. Timur returns to the feat of his empire. 338
Chap. 8. The Couroùltai, or diet, held by Timur's
order.
342
Chap. 9. Timur fends his troops into the country of
the Getes.
344
Chap. 10. Timur marches into the defart of Cap-
chac.
Chap. 11. Timur reviews his troops.
347
356
Chap. 12. Timur fends the Mirza Mehemet Sultan
at the head of the Scouts.
359
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 13. Battel between the Scouts of the two ar-
mys. Death of the Emir Aicoutmur, and other
famous men.
367
Chap. 14. The army rang'd in order of battel in an
extraordinary manner. A terrible fight which en-
fu'd thereupon.
371
Chap. 15. Timur returns from the defart of Capchac
to the feat of his empire.
382
Chap. 16. The government of Zabuleftan given to
Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of Gehanghir. 38+
Chap. 17. Timur departs for a war of five years
continuance.
386
Chap. 18. Timur departs from Jouidez after his re-
covery.
388
390
Chap. 19. The taking of Amol, Sari, and Maha-
nafar.
Chap. 20. Timur fends a letter to Samarcand. 396
Chap. 21, Timur makes war a fecond time on the
kingdoms of Fars and Irac.
399
Chap. 22. Timur marches to the kingdoms of Loref
tan and Coureftan.
402
Chap. 23. An account of the motions of the princes of
Fars, or of Perfia and Irac, on which the prefent
affairs depend.
Chap. 24. Timur marches to Chiraz against Chah
Manfour.
406
411
Chap. 25. Battel between Timur and Chah Manfour.
The death of the latter.
416
Chap. 26. Timur feizes the princes of the houfe of
Muzaffer, and difpofes of their effects among his
#
lieutenants.
421
424
Chap. 27. Timur marches to the kingdom of Irac
Agemi, or Hircania.
Chap. 28. Timur inveſts the Mirza Miran Chah in
the kingdom of Hulacou Can.
426
Chap. 29. Timur vanquishes the Turcoman Hachan
Sarec.
Chap, 30. Timur marches to Bagdad.
Ee 3
427
43 I
Chap,
The CONTENTS.
2
Chap. 31. Return of Mirza Mehemet Sultan after
the defeat of the Courdes robbers.
438
Chap. 32. Timur fends an ambassador to the Sultan
Barcoc in Egypt.
439
Chap. 33. The taking of the town of Tecrit. 441
Chap. 34. Timur continues his journy, and fends his
princes and Emirs to make inroads in feveral
kingdoms.
Chap. 35.
Timur marches to Diarbekir.
Chap. 36. Timur marches to Edeſſa.
448
450
452
Chap. 37. Death of Mirza Omar Cheik, Timur's
Son.
Chap. 38. Timur marches to Gezire.
455
460
Chap. 39. Timur's fecond enterprize upon Merdin. 461
Chap. 40. Birth of the Mirza Oluc Bei. 463
Chap.41. Timur marches to Amed or Hamed, capi-
tal of the country of Diarbekir.
Chap. 42. Timur returns to Alatac.
454
467
Chap. 43. Timur fends bodys of foldiers into feveral
countrys to enlarge his conquefts.
468
Chap. 44. The taking of the town and fortress of
Avenic.
471
Chap. 45. Timur's return after the taking of Ave-
nic.
477
Chap, 46. Timur fends an army into Georgia. 479
Chap. 47. The birth of Ibrahim Sultan, ſon of Cha-
roc.
480
Chap. 48. Solemn rejoicings for the birth of Ibrahim
Sultan, fon of Charoc.
482
Chap. 49. Timur conftitutes the Mirza Charoc gover-
nor of Samarcand.
484
Chap. 50 Timur goes in perfon to the Georgian war.
485
Chap. 51. Timur marches a fecond time into Cap-
chac against Tocatmich Can.
487
}
490
Chap. 52. Timur reviews his army.
Chap. 53. Battel between Timur and Tocatmich Can.
493
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
498
Chap. 54. Timur goes in purſuit of Tocatmich Can,
and inftals a new Can of Capchac.
Chap. 55. Timur marches into Europe; and pillages
the western Capchac, as alſo. Muscovy and Buſſia.
501
505
Chap. 56. Timur makes war in Circaffia.
Chap. 57. Timur marches to Alburz Couh, or mount
Caucafus.
506
Chap. 58. Timur attacks the fortreſſes of Cqula,
Taous, and others.
Chap. 59. Timur marches to Senfem.
507
511
513
515
Chap. 60. Timur marches into Capchac, and pillages
the town of Hadgi Tercan, or Aftracan.
Chap. 61. Timur returns to Capchac.
Chap. 62. Timur gives the government of Azerbijana
to the Mirza Mirancha, who befieges Alengic. 519
Chap. 63. Taking of the town of Seirjan; and the re-
treat of Behloul to Nebavend.
Chap. 64. Timur fends the Mirza Mehemet Sultan to
520
conquer the kingdom of Ormus. The reduction of
Tezd.
524
Chap. 65. Timur returns to the feat of his empire. 525
Chap. 66. The building of the palace of Baghi Che-
mal.
530
Chap. 67. Timur gives the principality of Coraffana
to the Mirza Charoc.
531
Chap. 68. Timur Stays fome time at Kech. Return
of the Mirza Mehemet Sultan from the campain of
Fars.
534
Chap. 69. Timur demands in marriage for himfelf
the daughter of Kefer Coja Aglen. He celebrates
the nuptials of the Mirza Eskender with the prin-
cefs Beghifi Sultan.
537
Chap. 70. Timur gives orders for making the gar-
den of Dilencha, and building a stately palace in
it.
53.8
E e 4
THE
}
THE
CONTENTS
}
OF THE
Second VOLUME.
༣ཏྭཱ
BOOK IV.
HAP. I. The caufe of Timur's war in In-
C dia.
E
1
Page 4
Chap. 2. Timur brings his army into the field, to
make war against the Guebres in India. .
7
Chap. 3. Timur marches against the inhabitants of
Ketuer. He defeats the Siapouches, who were
cloth'd in black.
}
8
Chap. 4. Timur fends Mehemed Azad to gain intelli-
gence of Mirza Rouftem and Burhan Aglen. His
return to Ketuer,
1
13
Chap. 5. Timur fends Mirza Charoc to Herat. 17
Chap. 6. The arrival of ambaffadors from feveral
places. Taizi Aglen returns from the country of
the Calmacs, and Cheik Noureddm from that of
Fars.
*
18
Chap. 7. The repairing the fortress of Injab, and
the deftroying of the Ouganis robbers.
23
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
{
}
Chap. 8. Timur marches to Chenouzan and Nagaz;
and deftroys the robbers of the nation of the Per-
vians..
Chap. 9. Timur paſſes the river Indus.
25.
28
Chap. 10. Chehabeddin Mobarec Chah Temini com-
mits hoftilitys against the emperor after his fubmif-
fion.
Chap. 11. Timur's arrival at Toulonba.
29.
32
Chap. 12. Timur marches in fearch of Nufret Cou-
keri.
34
Chap. 13. Arrival of prince Pir Mehemed Gehanghir
from Moultan.
35
Chap. 14. The taking the town of Bend, and the
fortress of Batnir; the inhabitants of which places
are put to the fword.
+
1
39.
Chap. 15. Timur departs from Batnir, for Serefti,
Fatabad and Abrouni.
45
Chap. 16. Timur marches against a nation of rebel-
lious Getes.
46
Chap. 17. A review of the whole army marching in
order of battel.
48
Chap. 18. Timur marches to the east side of the
town of Louni. Maſſacre of a hundred thousand
Indian flaves who were in his camp.
Chap. 19. Timur gives battel to Sultan Mahmoud,
emperor of India.
52
55
Chap. 20. Flight of Sultan Mahmoud, and his ge
neral Mellou Can, prince of Moultan. Reduction
of Deli capital of India.
61
68
Chap. 21. Timur departs from Deli; and purfues his
conquefts in the remoter parts of India, near the
Ganges.
Chap. 22. Conqueft of Myrthe. The Guebres are
flea'd alive.
Chap. 23. Several battels upon the great river Gan-
ges, against the militia of the Guebres.
Chap. 24. Timur's three Gazies, or expeditions a-
gainst the Guebres.
69
72
74
Chap,
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 25. Timur exterminates the Guebres aſſembled
in the famous defile of Coupele. Defcription of a
marble statue of a cow ador'd by the Indians. 78
Chap. 26. Timur's refolution to return to the feat of
his empire.
81
Chap. 27. Timur's irruption on the mountain Soualec.
82
83
Chap. 28. Several combats in the woods near Soua-
lec.
Chap, 29. Timur's Gazies and expeditions in the
province of Tchamou.
87
Chap. 30. Relation of what pass'd at Lahor, with
regard to. Chicai Couker, prince of that city. 91
Chap. 31. Deſcription of the little kingdom of Cach-
mir, or Kichmir.
95
Chap. 32. Timur returns to the feat of his empire,
97
102
Chap. 33. Timur croffes the Oxus, and is met by
the princes and princeſſes of the blood.
Chap. 34. Building of the great mofque of Samar-
cand.
C
BOOK V.
#
105
HAP. I. The caufes which oblig'd Timur to
make war in the country of Iran, that is, in the
western parts of Afia, from the river Gibon to the
Mediterranean Sea.
108
Chap. 2. Timur's departure for a campain of feven
years.
113
Chap. 3. The tranfactions of the Emir Solyman Chah.
117
Chap. 4. The arrival of good news from feveral parts.
120
Chap. 5. Timur marches into Georgia, and to the de-
file of Comcha.
125
Chap
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 6. Timur's return from the defile of Comcha.
128
Chap. 7. Continuation of the history of the Mirza
Rouftem, who was gone from Dgiam to Chiraz.
A great crime committed by his eldest brother, the
Mirza Pir Mehemed.
130
Chap. 8. A diet in relation to the affair of Georgia.
136
139
Chap. 9. Timur marches against prince Jani Bec, a
Georgian.
Chap. 1o. The taking of the fort of Zerit, and the
town of Suanit.
141
Chap. 11. Timur marches against the Georgian prince
Aivani.
143
144
Chap. 12. Timur returns from Georgia.
Chap. 13. Reaſons which oblig'd Timur to march a-
gainst the city of Sebafte, capital of Anatolia.
145
Chap. 14. Timur's letter to the Caifer Roum, that is,
the Ottoman emperor.
147
Chap. 15. Timur marches to Sebafte, and takes that
city.
Chap. 16. Timur marches to Abuleftan.
151
155
Chap. 17. The reaſons of Timur's carrying his arms
into Syria and Mefopotamia.
Chap. 18. Timur marches into the kingdoms of Syria
and Egypt.
157
160
Chap. 19. The taking of the caftles of Behefna and
162
Antapa.
Chap. 20. The fiege and taking the city of Aleppo.
165
Chap. 21. The castle of Aleppo attack'd and taken.
173
Chap. 22. The taking of the towns and caftles of
Emella and Hama.
177
Chap. 23. Conqueft of the town of Balbec. 180
Chap. 24. Timur marches to Damafcus,
Syria,
capital of
181
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
Chap. 25. Timur gives battel to the Sultan of Egypt,
- and gains the victory.
Chap. 26. Taking of the city of Damafcus.
187
189
Chap. 27. Taking of the caftle of Damafcus. 194
Chap. 28. Timur returns out of Syria.
202
Chap. 29. Timur croffes the Euphrates, aud hunts
in Mefopotamia.
205
Chap. 30. Timur marches to the town of Merdin. 206
Chap. 31. Timur fends troops into Georgia, and to
Bagdad.
'
Chap. 32. Timur befieges and takes Bagdad.
208
211
Chap. 33. Timur's return from Bagdad, and
march towards Tauris.
217
219
Chap. 34. Timur fends the Mirza Charoc to Ar-
zendgian.
Chap. 35. Arrival of the fecond emprefs Touman
Aga, and the young princes, from Samarcand. 221
Chap. 36. Timur marches into Georgia, and to Cara-
bagh Arran.
222
Chap. 37. Timur paffes the winter at Carabagh. Ar-
rival of the Mirza Mehemet Sultan from Samar-
cand.
}
224
226
Chap. 38. Timur fends troops to make inroads in di-
vers places.
Chap. 39. The cauſes which oblig'd Timur to return
A
to make war on Bajazet the Ottoman emperor. 23'0'
Chap. 40. Timur digs the river of Berlas. 234
Chap. 41. Timur departs from Carabagh for the
plains of Chemkour.
Chap. 42. Taking of the caſtle of Tartoum.
Chap. 43. Taking of the castle of Kemac.
of ambaffadors from Bajazet.
Chap. 44. Timur reviews his army.
Chap. 45. Taking of the castle of Harouc.
235
238
Arrival
240
243
245
246
Chap. 46. Timur marches to Cafarea in Cappadocia,
and to Ancora.
!
Chap. 47. Timur ranges his army in order of battel,
to fight Bajazet
250
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
252
Chap. 48. Timur gives Bajazet battel, and gains the
victory.
Chap. 49. The taking of the Ottoman emperor, who
is brought in chains before the throne of the con-
queror.
Chap. 50. Timur orders troops to make inroads in dı-
255
vers parts of the Ottoman empire. He fends re-
lations of his victory to the citys of Iran and Tou-
ran, with orders to make public rejoicings. 258
Chap. 51. The continuation of the hiftory of the Mir-
za Mehemed Sultan, who had been ſent to Prufa
in Bithynia...
Chap. 52. Account of the Mirza Sultan Huffein,
and the Emir Solynian Chah, who were gone out to
make inroads.
261
265
Chap. 53. Timur departs from Kioutahia 266
Chap. 54. Timur diſpatches couriers into divers coun-
trys. The arrival of feveral ambassadors.
}
268
Chap. 55. Timur regulates the winter-quarters. 271
Chap.56. Timur befieges Smyrna, and takes it. 275
Chap. 57. Second arrival of ambaffadors from Ba-
jazet's fons.
Chap. 58. Timur departs from Smyrna.
278
280
283
Chap. 59. Taking of the towns of Egridur and Na-
fibine.
Chap. 60. The death of the Ottoman emperor Baja-
zet, and of the Mirza Mehemed Sultan, Timur's
grandfon.
285
Chap. 61. Mourning for the death of the Mirza Me-
hemed Sultan: and the tranflation of his coffin. 288
Chap. 62. Arrival of ambaſſadors from Egypt. 289
Chap. 63. Timur marches against the Caratatars, or
black Tartars.
Chap. 64. Timur returns from Natolia.
291
294
Chap. 65. The manner in which the death of the
Mirza Mehemed Sultan, fon of Gehanghir, was
made known to Cansade his mother.
296
BOOK
The CONTENTS.
CH
BOOK VI.
HAP. 1. Timur marches into Georgia. 299
Chap. 2. The government of Chiraz a fecond
time given to the Mirza Pir Mehemed, fon of O-
mar Cheik; and that of Ifpahan to his brother the
Mirza Rouftem.
Chap. 3. Timur fends the Mirza Aboubecre to re-
build the city of Bagdad, and gives him the go-
vernment of Irac-Arabi and Diarbekir.
Chap. 4. Timur's arrival at the frontiers of Georgia.
301
302
306
Chap. 5. The taking of the famous caftle of Cortene
in Georgia.
308
Chap. 6. Relation of what pass'd without during this
frege.
Chap. 7. Timur marches to Abkhaze.
313
314
Chap.8. Timur returns from Abkhaze. The caufe
of bis return.
319
321
316
Chap. 9. Timur orders the town of Bailacan to be
rebuilt.
Chap. 10. Timur fends intendants and doctors into all
the provinces of his empire, to examine the affairs
of particular perfons, and to diftribute his juftice
and favors among the people.
Chap. 11. Continuation of the hiftory of the princes
who were gone into Irac-Arabi.
Chap. 12. Arrival of the Mirza Omar from Samar-
cand. Continuation of what happen'd during the
building of Bailacan.
327
Chap. 13. Timur paffes the winter at Carabagh-Ar-
ran. Relation of what happen'd there. 329
Chap. 14. The emperor fends the Mirza Charoc to
Ghilan.
325
332
Chap. 15. Arrival of fome princes from Merdin and
Vaftan. A famous funeral banquet made for the
late Mirza Mehemed Sultan.
1
334
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
望
​L
Chap. 16. Timur's return from a campain of feven
years.
336
337
Chap. 17. Timur invests the Mirza Omar in the
empire of Hulacou Can.
Chap. 18. Continuation of the history of the Mirza
Rouftem and the Emir Solyman Chah, who were
Sent towards Rei.
338
Chap. 19. Timur fends the Mirza Eskender and the
息
​Emir Chamelic before the reft rowards Rei. 340
Chap. 20. The taking of the citadel of Firouzcoub
Chap. 21. Timur marches to Tchelao.
↓
342
345
Chap. 22. Battel between the Mirza Sultan Huffein
and Eskender Cheiki. The flight of the latter. 348
Chap. 23. Timur rtturns to the feat of his empire.
351
Chap. 24. Timur's entry into his imperial city of Sa-
marcand.
355
Chap. 25. Timur holds a general diet. A great
feast for the marriage of the princes at Canighul.
358
Chap. 26. The caufes which incited Timur to under-
take the conquest of the kingdom of China.
368
Chap. 27. Timur Jets out for the war against the in-
fidels of China.
372
Chap. 28. An account of certain adventures, the
knowledg of which is neceffary to the understanding
the latter part of this hiftory. A relation of what
pass'd at Acfoulat.
Chap. 29. Timur departs from Acfoulat.
Chap. 30. Timur's death at Otrar.
375
-378
381
387
Chap. 31. Relation of what happen'd after Timur's
death.
Chap. 32. Timur's coffin transported from Otrar. 389
Chap. 33. The empresses and Emirs hold a council
concerning the war of China.
Chap. 34. Timur's coffin is transported to Samar-
391
cand.
393
Chap.
The CONTENTS.
1
J
•
Chap. 35. The Mirza Sultan Huffein, Timur's grand-
fon, oppofes the fentiment of the Emirs. 396
Chap. 36. The Emirs write circular letters to give
advice to all the provinces of the Mirza Sultan
Huffein's undertaking.
>
31
1.397
Chap. 37. A letter to the great Emirs who were at
7
399
Tachkunt.
Chap. 38. The Emir Berendac arrives at the em-
preſſes court, with an answer to the letter fent the
Emirs, who were at Tachkunt with the Mirza Ca-
lil Sultan.
401
Chap. 39. Relation of what happen'd on the Emir
Berendac's return to Tachkunt.
405
Chap. 40. The great Emirs oppofe the Mirza Calil
1
Sultan.
407
Chap. 41. The Emirs hold a council with the em-
preffès, in relation to their marching to Bocara! 409
7. Chap. 42. The Mirzas and Emirs march to Bocara.
=
}
* *
411
· 413
Chap. 43. The empreſſes march to Samarcand. Their
mourning, after the two Mirzas departure. 412
Chap. 44. Account of what pass'd among the Mirzas
and Emirs who were gone to Bocara.
Chap. 45. The Mirzas and Emirs at Bocara receive
advice of the Mirza Calil Sultan's arrival at
Samarcand, and of the obedience paid him by the
Emirs of that city.
415
"Chap. 45. Coronation of the Mirza Calil Sultan at
Samarcand.
417
Chap. 47: 'Abridgment of the history of the reign of
the Mirza Calil Sultan: and the caufe of his run.
419
Chap.48. Conclufion of the hiftory of Timur-Bec,
wherein the qualitys by which that conqueror fur-
pafsid all the kings who preceded him, are fet down.
The names of his children who furviv'd him:
The end of the contents.
424
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SCIENTIA
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LIBRARY
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CIRCUMSPICE
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FROM THE LIBRARY OF
CHASE SALMON OSBORN
LL.D., UNIV. OF MICH., 1911
REGENT, UNIV. OF MICH., 1908.11
GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN, 1911.12
AUTHOR, EDITOR, SCHOLAR,
STATESMAN.
FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
1HROUGHOUT HIS LONG LIFE.