The History of the Holy War, Book 4 · Chapter 19
Chap. 19. The Common-wealth of the Mammalukes described, presenting us with many unexampled remarkables.
NOw more largely of Tarqueminus, and his killing Melechsala, and of the common-wealth of the Mammalukes begun by him. And because great is the merit of this story, as very memorable, we will fetch it from its first originall.
Saladine (as is touched *Book 2. chap. 40.before) was the first of the Turkish Kings who began the gainfull trade of the Mammalukes. These were Christian captives, brought out of Taurica Chersonesus, and instructed as in Mahometanisme so in all military discipline; Saladine disposing them in martiall nurseries, and continuing a constant succession of them one under another. It is above belief how much and speedily they were improved in warlike exercises: Art doubled their strength by teaching them to use it. And though they came rough out of their own countrey, they were quickly hewen and polished by education: yea, their apprehensions prevented the precepts, and their practice surpassed the presidents of those that instructed them. As it is observed in fruits and flowers, that they are much bettered by change to a fitter soil; so were these people by altering their climate: The cold countrey wherein they were bred, gave them big and robustious bodies; and the hot climate whereinto they were transplanted, ripened their wits, and bestowed upon them craft and activity, the dowrie of the Southern countreys. They attained to be expert in any service; especially they were excellent horsemen: and at last they began to ride on the backs and necks of the Turkish Kings themselves.
True it is, Saladine kept his distance over them, used them kindly, yet made them not wantons; and so poised these Mammalukes with his native Egyptians, that in all actions he still reserved the casting voice for himself. But Meladine and Melechsala his successours, entertained them without number, and instructed them beyond reason, so that under them in a manner they monopolized all places of strength and command; till at last, the stemme of these mercenary souldiers being too great for the stock of the natives, the Turkish Kingdome in Egypt, like a top-heavy tree, became a windfall. Indeed, the dastardnesse of the Egyptians made these Mammalukes more daring and insolent. For the Egyptians more loved profit then honour, & wealth then greatnesse; and though contented to abide labour, would in no wise undergo danger. Merchandise they were wholly imployed in; and it seemed they used trading so long, till at last they made sale of their own spirits. Yea, one could not now know Egypt to be Egypt, but onelyonly by the overflowing of Nilus, not by any remaining ancient marks of valour in the peoples disposition. Thus the genius of old Kingdomes in time groweth weaker, and doteth at the last.
But to come to Tarqueminus; He being one of these Mammalukes, and perceiving how easie it was for those that did support, to supplant the Turkish Kings, with another of his associates slew Melechsala, as it was said. And because it was unfitting so great a Prince should go to the grave alone, he also sent his children and intimate friends thither to attend him. Tarqueminus afterwards procured of his society to be chosen King of Egypt. He was the Solon or Lycurgus of this slavish common-wealth; and by the consent of the rest of his company he enacted many laws: Whereof these were those of the Grand Charter, which admitted of no revocation:
First, That the *Knolls, Turk. Hist. pag. 107.Sultan, or chief of this servile Empire, should be chosen alwayes out of the Mammalukes.
Secondly, That none should be admitted to the Order of the Mammalukes which were either Jews or Turks by birth, but onelyonly such as being born Christians, were afterwards taken captives, and then from the time of their slavery had been instructed in the Mahometane religion.
Thirdly, That though the sonnes of the Mammalukes might enjoy their fathers lands and wealth, yet they might not take upon them the name or honour of a Mammaluke.
Fourthly, That the native Egyptians should be permitted no use of weapons, but onelyonly such as with which they fought against weeds, to till and manure the land.
In surveying this State, we can turn no way but must meet with wonders:
First, one would think that there was such an indelible character of slavery in these captives, and such a laesum principium in them, that none of them ever should make a good Prince, as knowing no more how to sway a sceptre then a pure clown to manage a sword; or else that they should over-state it, turn tyrants, and onelyonly exchange their slavery, by becoming vassals to their own passions. Yet many of them in their kinds were worthy Princes for government, no whit inferiour to those which are advantaged with royall birth and breeding.
Secondly, it is a wonder they should be so neglective of their own children. How many make an idol of their posterity, and sacrifice themselves unto it, stripping themselves out of necessaries to provide their heirs a wardrobe! yea, it is a principle in most moderate minds, to advance their posterity; thinking hereby in a manner they overcome death, and immortalize their memories, in leaving their names and honours to their children: Whereas the contrary appeared in these Mammalukes.
Thirdly, it is admirable that they fell not out in the election of their Prince, being in a manner all equall amongst themselves. We see elective States in Christendome, though bound with the straitest laws, often sagge aside into schismes and factions; whereas this strange Empire in their choice had no dangerous discords, but such as were quenched in the kindling.
Lastly, who ever knew a wall that had no better cement, to stand so sure and so long? Two hundred sixty and seven yeares this State endured; and yet had it to do with strong and puissant enemies. Some Kingdomes ow their greatnesse not so much to their own valour and wisdome as to the weaknesse of their neighbours: but it fared not thus with the Mammalukes. To omit Prester John, who neighboured them on the south; on all other sides they were encompassed with potent opposers: From whom right valiantly they defended themselves, till in the yeare 1517 they were overcome by Selimus the great Turkish Emperour.
To conclude; As for the Amazons and their brave atchievements, with much valour and no manhood; they and their State had onelyonly being in the brains of fabulous writers: As for the Assasines, or regiment of rogues; it never spread to the breadth of any great countrey, nor grew to the height of a Kingdome; but being the jakes of the world, was cast out in a place betwixt barren hills: But this Empire of vassals was every way wonderfull, stretching so farre over all Egypt and most of Syria, and lasting so long. A strange State! wherein slavery was the first step to their throne, and apostasie the first article in their religion.