The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History Part 2, Book 1 · Biography 7
SCANDERBEG
The life of George Castriot, alias Scanderbeg, King of Epyrus, who died Anno Christi 1466.
JOhn, the Father of this George, was descended of an ancient Family, which had long reigned in Epyrus, or Albania, a part of Macedonia; yet he surmounted his predecessors, in prudence, gravity, and magnanimity; in corporall beauty, and comelinesse of person, and in many vertuous endowments: His Mother was Voisava, daughter of the King of the Tribullians, a woman for beauty, wisdome, and excellency of spirit, surpassing most of her sex. God blessed these persons with nine Children; foure sons, and five daughters, whereof this George was the youngest, upon whose right arm, when he was born, appeared the form of a sword, as naturally imprinted, as if it had been engraven by the hands of a cunning Workman. About this time the Ottoman Empire had extended it selfe into Europe, and Amurath the great Turke having long afflicted Macedonia with a terrible and tedious warre: John Castriot, amongst other Princes, was fain to sue to him for peace; which he obtained upon condition, that he should deliver to him all his sonnes in hostage: which though it was very grievous, yet necessity forced assent. Thus was George, with his other brethren, delivered to the great Turk; who faithfully promised well and honorably to intreat them: But this miscreant having them in his power, falsified his oath, and caused them to be circumcised; giving to George (in whom something more then ordinary appeared) at his circumcision, the name of Scanderbeg; i. e. Lord Alexander: He was about nine yeares old, and Amurath taking a liking to him, appointed him good Masters and Instructers, under whom he quickly learned the Turkish, Arabian, Greeke, Italian, and Sclavonian Languages: His learning and valour.And as his strength increased, he acquainted himselfe with all those vertuous exercises which might fit him for the warre. And sometimes with his Sword, sometimes with his Bow, on Horse back and Foot, he gave forth incredible proofes of agility and readinesse of body, and of a forward and couragious spirit: Hereupon the Sultan made him a Sanziak, and Colonell of five thousand Horse: His brethren also proving very good Souldiers, he imploied them in severall parts of his Empire Scanderbeg being eighteen years old, was sent by Amurath into Natolia; where, in his first enterprise, his vertue, and good successe Victorious in his first enterprise.in warre appeared, and he returned victorious. And afterwards he, with his Regiment, alwayes made one in all enterprises; and the good successe was, by the common consent of all the Souldiery, still cast upon His fame.him, without the mention of other Commanders. And new troubles arising in Asia; he, at those yeares, was chosen Generall of the whole Army: And hereby he did easily surmount the glory of his former acts, by the quick and speedy defeat of his Enemies. Amurath wondred not so much at his happy successe, as at his wisdome and prudence. About this time came a Giant-like Scythian to the Court, demanding if there were any that durst encounter him in Armes and prove himselfe in fight against him. Amurath proclaimed and promised to the Conquerour a great reward, to encourage his men to undertake the combat. But when every one abhorred the purchase of honour upon such desperate conditions (for they A Duell, wherein he slue a great Scythian.were to fight in their shirts in a narrow place with their swords onelyonly) Scanderbeg stepping to him, said, Either shalt thou not, O Scythian, beare away this prize, and glory, or else being made more glorious by my death, thou shalt be enriched with these spoyles, and ornaments, &c. In the Duell, Scanderbeg slue the Scythian, without receiving the least wound from him; and presenting his head to Amurath, received the reward of his victory.
Afterwards two Persians of a faire and goodly stature came, and made the like challenge to fight on Horse back; and when all refused, he took up the Gantlet against them: and whereas (contrary to agreement) He slue two brave Persiansafter his first course, they both assaulted him together; he so acquitted himselfe, that he slue them both, and presented their heads to Amurath; and both by the Emperour and his Bassa's, was admired and rewarded with great and bountifull presents. If at any time he was imployed against the Christians, and he could not evade it without suspition, he used to pray to God that it might be farre from him, to purchase honour by shedding the blood of Christians: and therefore he ever sought as little as might be, to endammage them, and gave them opportunity to save themselves. Whatsoever money came to his His bounty.hands, he distributed it bountifully amongst his Souldiers.
About this time died John Castriot in Epyre, which Amurath hearing of, seised upon his Kingdome, put Garisons into all the Cities and strong Holds, and poysoned all the brethren of Scanderbeg, which was Amuraths perfidiousnesse.an extream griefe to him, yet durst he not discover the least signes of it, but carried himselfe, as if he had preferred Amurath before them all.
Yet the Tyrant grew jealous of him, and put him upon As Saul did with David.all desperate services, hoping that by his forwardnesse he would perish in some of them; yet knowing how much interest he had in the affections of the men of Warre, he carried faire weather towards him. But rather the admirable providence of God in preserving of him is to be taken notice of: for the Tyrant Gods speciall providence.wanted not will, nor power, nor opportunities, nor provocations from his Court-Parasites to have taken away his life, but the Lord preserved him to be the delverer of his people, a bulwark to the Christians, and a scourge to that proud Ottoman Empire in her greatest height and glory.
Not long after, Amurath fell out with Ʋladislaus King of Hungary, for assisting the Despot of Misia, and thereupon raising an Army of eighty thousand men, he sent Canambey the Bassa of Romania with Scanderbeg, and twentie thousand men to invade the Hungarians, himselfe following with the body of his Army: Ʋladislaus, with great Huniades that famous Huniades.Captaine, prepared an Army of fiue and thirtie thousand men to encounter him: the Bassa encamped by the river of Monavia, Huniades not enduring this bravado, with ten thousand men leaving the King in his Camp, passed the river to encounter with the barbarians, who contemning his small number, began the fight: Castriot (seeing an opportunity to accomplish what he had before determined) in the beginning of the battel, with his bands began to retreat, and afterwards fled, thereby striking a fear into the other Turks, who soone fled also: Scanderbeg having before imparted his purpose to his friends, especially Scanderbegs policy.to his nephew Amase, as they fled through a wood, he laid hands upon the Turks Secretary, and caused him with threatenings to write letters in the name of Amurath to the Governour of Croia (the regall City of Epyrus) to deliver up his command into the hands of Scanderbeg, as deputed by him to have the command thereof, and then killing the Secretary, he posted by very long journies into the upper Dibriae, where sending for some of the principall men of the towne, he discovered himselfe and purposes to them, who vnanimously assented to what he desired, presenting to him their estates & lives, for the setling of him in his Kingdom, and so taking good order for all his affaires, he hastened towards Croia, sending Amase before to carry news to the Governour, and to certifie him that Scanderbeg with his traine was not farr behind: he tooke with him his friends, and a select number of Dibrians, and so entring into Croia, he delivered the packet, which being opened He becomes master of Croia.and read was easily believed, and the Governour prepared to depart: the night after his men at Armes, which he had left secretly neere the towne, were let in, with whom many of the Citizens joined, who setting first upon the watch, and then on the Garison, put most of them to the sword, and so having made himselfe master of Croia, he presently sent to Dibria to giuegive his friends notice of his successe, & to stir up that countrey, and their allies to lay hold upon the opportunity for the recoverie of their liberty: he also gaue notice to all the countrey about Croia, stirring them up to take armes to free themselves from the Turkish yoake, who readily and with much joy received him, and came so flocking in, that he quickly had a good troop of resolute and couragious souldiers, with whom he presently marched to Dibria, where Amase also had raised an other company: Then he appointed two thousand men to guard the frontiers, and with the rest he went into base Dibria, where a noble and braue Captaine [Moses Galome] came to Moses Galome.him, that afterwards did him excellent service. In the meane while many of the Turks in those parts His first victory against the Turkes.assembled together to fight with him, but were easily vanquished, and most of them put to the sword. Then Scanderbeg imploying his Captaines to raise all the forces they could; and many Noble men of his kindred, with their followers coming to him, he quickly had an Army of twelue thousand souldiers well appointed, with these he marched to Petrella a strong Garison of the Turks, scituate upon the top of a steep rockie mountaine: and partly with faire words, partly with terrible threats, he so farr wrought upon the Governour, that he surrendred Petrella taken.the place to him, and with his garison departed out of it: From thence having Garisoned the place, he marched (though in the frost and snow) to Petra-alba taken.Petra▪alba, scituated upon the top of a mountaine also, as were all the Cities of Epyrus, there the Governour was content upon the same termes to quitt the place; and from thence Scanderbeg went to Stellusa, to which he profered the same termes as he Stellusa taken.gave to the other; the souldiers were willing to accept of them, but the Governour opposed, but at last they laid hold on him, and delivered him bound to Scanderbeg, and so departed: upon this newes all the weaker Garisons easily yielded to him: then he went to Sfetigrade, where he attempted to have entred Sfetigrade besiged.by a treaty, but the Garison standing out stoutly against him, and the depth of winter being come, he left Moses with three thousand horse to block it up, and to have an eie to the frontiers, and so he retired to Croia, where he disbanded his Army, till there was further occasion. Then he betook himselfe to the service of God, and setling of his civill affairs; but presently came newes from Moses, that many of the Turkes were gathered together neere unto him. Whereupon Scanderbeg taking his followers, and an hundred horse, went straight thither, which the Turks hearing of, presently scattered; Scanderbeg then took a thousand Horse, that were with Moses, and made He plunders Macedonia.an in-rode into Macedonia, spoiling all the Countrey, and returned loaden with the prey.
By this time Amurath heard of his escape, and of all that he had done in Epyrus, which exceedingly grieved and vexed him: Whereupon, calling a Councell, he made peace with the Hungarians, and bent all his thoughts against Scanderbeg. In the mean while Scanderbeg assembles a Parliament of all the Estates of Epyrus at Lissa, where he was chosen General of their Forces. The Spring coming on, Scanderbeg levied his Forces, and took the Field with six thousand men, and so marched to Sfetigrade: but the Garrison continuing obstinate, he spoyled the Countrey, that they might have no provision; and then with his Army he marched into Mocrea, a pleasant and fruitfull Countrey, which he quickly subdued, Mocrea won.and added it unto his Dominions. This further incensing Amurath, he commanded a puissant Army to be levied, which Scanderbeg hearing of by his friends at Court, he strengthened himselfe by confederating with his neighbours: And in the mean time Sfetigrade was surrendred to Moses. Amurath having Sfetigrade taken.raised an army of forty thousand choyce Horse, committed them to the leading of Hali-bassa, one of his most valiant & experienced Captains: with the report whereof, the common people of Epyrus were extreamly affrighted, betaking themselves to prayer for deliverance from so imminent a danger: many also flocked to Scanderbeg, to serve under him, out of whom he chose eight thousand Horse, and seven thousand foot, and dismissed the rest. With this Army, after prayers made to God, he went into the lower Dibria, where he heard daily of the approach of his Enemies: Hereupon he caused Gree Musach and Amase, with three thousand Horse, to lie in Ambuscado; which was no sooner done, but the Turks began to approach, pitching their Camp neer to Scanderbeg, yet knew not that he was so nigh them. Scanderbeg having appointed good watch, bade the rest of his men to betake themselves to their rest. The Turkes having discovered him, grew very insolent, and comming neer the Christians Camp, began to revile them, and challenge them to the battel: Scanderbeg made his men to be quiet till the rising of the Moone, then he caused them to refresh themselves with food, and so some of them to issue forth to skirmish with the Turkes, in the mean time he ordered his battel: Hali-Bassa, contemning the small number of his enemies, gave the first charge with a small Troop of Horse, who after they had charged, retired, hoping that the Christians with eager pursuit, would disorder their battell: But Scanderbeg finding their policy, kept his men in good order. So both Armies coming on, the Wings began the battell afresh; Scanderbeg bringing on the main battell in the face of the Bassa, valiantly charged him. No sooner were the battels throughly joyned, but the Ambuscado brake out, and charged the Rereward of the Turkes, making such a slaughter, that some of them began to flye. Thus was the Bassa's great Army distressed by a few. But he having placed his best Souldiers neerest to himselfe, with them renewed the fight, so that Scanderbegs fortune was at a stand, till Ʋranacontes coming on with some fresh Troopes from the Rere, brake through the Hall Bassa beaten by Scanderbeg.Bassa's Army, with incredible slaughter of them; so that the Turkes seeing their fellowes lying by heaps wallowing in their own blood, betook themselves to flight, whom the Christians fiercely pursuing, slue two and twenty thousand of them, took two thousand prisoners, and foure and twenty Ensignes of the Turkes: And so horsing all his Foot-souldiers with the horses of the slain Turkes, he made a road into Of the Christians were slaine but 120.Macedonia, laying all waste before him, and returned with a rich booty, besides all the spoiles gotten in the Turks Camp; and with it went back to Croia, where he was received with wonderfull joy. Hali-Bassa, with the remainder of his men, returned to Adrianople, where he had much adoe to make his peace with the Sultan, who was almost ready to make away himselfe for his great losses before in Hungary, and now in Epyrus.
About this time the Popes Legat perswaded the King of Hungary to break his League lately made with Amurath, saying, That Faith was not to be kept with Infidels and Miscreants, and he absolved the King and Popish perfidiousnesse.his Nobles from their Oath to the great Turk: and thereupon great preparations were made, and a great Army raised, whereof Huniades was made the Lieutenant Generall. The King of Hungary also wrote to Scanderbeg, to come and joyne his Forces with them: which Scanderbeg, after a Councel held with his Princes, assented unto, and raising a potent Army, and seeking to God by prayer, for a prosperous journey, he marched towards Hungary: But God intending to chastise the perjury of the Hungarians, and to preserve Scanderbeg from having any hand in so horrid a sinne, stirred up the Despot of Misia (a very Athiest) to deny him passage through his Countrey: Whereupon Scanderbeg resolved to force it, though it was like to prove a difficult work; and indeed before he could doe it, the Turkes and Hungarians had fought a dreadfull battell, wherein many were slain, and amongst others, Ʋladislaus with his perjured Nobles, and the Christian Army, was wholly Perjury punished by God.overthrowne. The newes whereof coming to Scanderbeg, he was so grieved, and enraged also at the Despot, that he spoiled his Countrey with Fire and Sword, and so returned home again.
Amurath hearing of the spoile that Scanderbeg had made in Macedonia, resolved in the next place to take him to task; but first he sought to undermine him by treachery, and offers of peace and amity, writing to him for that purpose. But Scanderbeg being well acquainted with his wiles, wrote back to him, rejecting his proffered peace. Amurath was much incensed at this, and hearing that Scanderbeg had dismissed his Army, and kept the Field onelyonly with his Horse, who also ranged up and down carelesly after prey, he sent for Feresey Bassa, a Captain of a fierce and ready spirit, and loading him with promises, if he returned Victor, he gave him nine thousand Horse, all chosen and pickt men, commanding him speedily and secretly to enter into Epyrus, before the enemy were aware: who accordingly proceeded, and promised to himselfe victory before he came thither. But all this was not concealed from Scanderbeg, who suddenly went and seized on a narrow valley called Mocrea, which the Turkes of necessity must passe through; where, hiding his men in Woods and Rockes, till the Turkes were intangled on all sides, they then violently brake out upon them, killing and slaying of Feresey Bassa overthrownthem at their pleasure. The Turkes made stout resistance; but their Horses in that place rather hindred then holp them, so that the greatest number of them were slaine, and the rest throwing away their Armes, upon their knees craved mercy, and had it, and so were made prisoners.
Feresey almost in the beginning of the fight, seeing his men enclosed and slaughtered, and not knowing his enemies number, turned back with those troopes that were about him, and so escaped, yet was pursued by the Christians, and lost many in his flight. Amurath, when he heard of it, was marvellously troubled and perplexed, bending all his thoughts against Scanderbeg: and therefore presently sent Mustapha, a Politick and hardy Captain, with a new supply of six thousand souldiers to take Feresey's charge commanding him in no case to enter farr into Epyrus, but to burne and spoile the frontiers of it: who accordingly coming into the Valley of Mocrea, pitched his Camp upon the side of an hill, placed his scouts upon the tops of the mountaines, kept foure thousand horse with himselfe in his Camp, and sent nine thousand abroad to spoile the countrey: Scanderbeg drawing neere to the valley with foure thousand horse, and one thousand foot, was informed of all these passages, and seeing that Policy was not to be used against so wary an enemy, he resolved to assault him suddenly in his trenches, before his dispersed Troops could retire to him: and so entring the valley, he was presently discovered, and warning given to Mustapha, who endeavoured to call back his men, and some that were neere, hasted to him: Mustapha Bassa overthrowne.Scanderbegs souldiers followed them at the heels, and assaulted them in their trenches, beat them from them, and fell pell mell upon them, filling all their Camp with feare, and slaughter: Mustapha seeing that all was like to be lost, escaped at the port which was furthest from the enemy, some of his men also following of him: fiue thousand Turks were slaine, three hundred taken, and Scanderbeg lost but twentie horsemen, and fiftie footmen.
Mustapha afterwards obtained an other great Army of Amurath, with which he went against Scanderberg, who lying at the siege of Dayna against the Ʋenetians, had present information sent him from his garisons upon the frontiers of Epyrus, whom he commanded by a speedy messenger in no wise to encounter with the enemy, but to keep themselves in their strong holds till his coming, and so leaving Amase to continue the siege, he tooke fiue hundred horse, and a thousand fiue hundred footmen, with which he hasted to the reliefe of his garisons: Mustapha had sought by all meanes to draw forth Scanderbegs men out of their holds, but seeing that they would not stirr, he began to burne and spoile all the countrey, till hearing of Scanderbegs approach, he called all his Army together and incamped within two miles of him: Scanderbeg drawing some forces out of his garison, had in all foure thousand horse, & two thousand foot, with which having strengthened his trenches, he left three hundred for the guard of them, and issuing forth with the rest, he placed them in order of Battell. Mustapha did the like; but before the battell began, there came from the Turks a man at Arms in rich and gallant furniture, challenging any one of the Christians to fight hand to hand with him: Paul Manessi thereupon stepped to Scanderbeg, desiring leave that he might accept the challenge, and chastise the proud Turk, which Scanderbeg assenting to, and praying for his successe, he presently mounted on horsback, rode forth to the Turke, bidding him to prepare himselfe to the battell: both Generalls agreed upon the Lawes for the combat, and so the champions taking their course, ran each at other with their speares, and Menassi ran the Turk through the head, and so slew him, and then alighting, he stroke off his head, tooke his Armour, and returned to the Camp loaden with A Duell fought, and the Turke slaine Mustapha beaten againe and taken prisoner.his spoiles. Scanderbegs men were much encouraged with this good Omen, and the Turks as much affrighted, whereupon Scanderbeg presently marched forward against them, and charged the Turks with such fury, that they presently began to retire: Mustapha seeing that, put spurs to his horse, resolving to win the field or die; most of his chiefe captaines did the like, which a little renued the battell; but presently Mustapha and twelue of his chiefe men were taken prisoners, the rest slaine and scattered: there were killed of the Turks ten thousand men, and fifteene ensignes taken: the Christians lost but three hundred; they found a rich prey in the Turks Camp: yet did Scanderbeg make an inrode into Macedonia, spoiled and tooke a great booty, then left two thousand horse, and one thousand foot for the guard of his frontiers, and so returned to the siege of Dayna.
Shortly after the Venetians made peace with Scanderbegs bounty to his souldiers.Scanderbeg: and Amurath sent him rich presents, with fiue and twentie thousand Duckats to redeeme his Captaines, whom Scanderbeg had used honourably, and sent them away with a safe convoy, the money he divided amongst his souldiers: and then he made an other inrode into Macedonia, and dividing his Army into three parts, he laid all wast, and brought away a rich prey, that he might leaue nothing for the reliefe of his enemies, when they returned againe: Amurath was so incensed herewith, that he resolved to send no more of his Captaines, but to goe in his owne person with such an host, that should fill every corner of Epyrus, and make an easy conquest of it: Scanderbeg either having intelligence, or suspecting the worst, when he heard of such great preparations, advertised his Christian neighbours to stand upon their guard, and mustered up all his men, took up all the provisions through Epyrus, where with he stored his Garisons, and thrust most of the common people with their provisions, into his strong holds, leaving nothing to relieve his enemies.
Then bending his chiefest care for his Regall Citie of Croia, he placed in it a Garrison of one thousand three hundred old Souldiers, sent away all the Citizens that could not beare Armes, into the Venetian Territories, who after earnest prayers and supplications made unto God, departed with heavy hearts. Out of all his Bands he chose ten thousand expert Souldiers for a Field-army: he made Ʋranocontes, a famous Captain, Governour of Croia; and so with his Army he marched into Dibria: and by the way he met with Moses, who had taken the like care for Sfetigrade as he had done for Croia. But Scanderbeg fearing that that Citie would be first assaulted, went thither, made a speech to the Souldiers and Citizens, exhorting them to be valiant and faithfull, &c.
In the mean time Amurath had assembled his Army, Amurath goes in person against Scanderbeg.consisting of an hundred and fifty thousand well furnished with all things needfull, with which he set forward towards Epyrus, sending fourty thousand Horse before, to begin the siege before Sfetigrade. The newes whereof comming to Scanderbeg, he marched thitherward also with foure thousand Horse, and one thousand foot: And having from the mountains viewed the encamping of the enemy, the night following, with much secresie, he brought his men in the coverts of the Woods and Vallies neer unto them: The next morning he sent out Moses and thirty others well mounted, driving some horses laden duplicate page duplicate page with Corn before them; which the Turkes espying, A stratagem.they sent out the like number to surprize them. But Moses and his men set upon them, seeing no more, and slue five of them, and chased the rest to the Camp. Hereupon the Turks Generall sent out foure thousand horse after them: these Moses drew along til they were within the compasse of Scanderbegs ambush, who presently rising out of the coverts, set upon them, slue two thousand of them, took a thousand Two thousand Turks slain.horse: and of the Christians were lost but two and twenty men. Eight dayes after came Amurath with all his Army in the beginning of May, Anno Christi 1449. and encamped before the City. His first work was to summon the City, and to seeke to corrupt the Governour; but that not prevailing, he planted his Ordnance, and having made a breach in the Walls, gave a terrible assault to it: but the Garrison gave The siege of Sfetigrade.them as valiant a repulse. And though the assault was renewed again and again, yet still they were repulsed; so that Amurath at last caused the retreat to be sounded. There were many other assaults given, during which time Scanderbeg was still in action, setting upon the Turkes Camp, sometimes in one Quarter, sometimes in another; and then presently departed, so that Amurath wondred what was become of him.
The siege continuing to the end of June, Scanderbeg brought all his Army towards the Turkes Camp, and understanding by his Espials, that they lay in great security there, the night following he set upon one of their Quarters, and slue two thousand Two thousand Turks slain.of them, and so retired, having taken two hundred and thirty horse, and seven of their Ensignes, with the losse of two and fourty men.
Amurath resolving to shew his wrath upon the City by a generall assault, appointed twelve thousand horse, and six thousand foot under Feri Bassa, to attend Scanderbeg: In the mean time promising great rewards to those that should first ascend the Walls, and enter the Citie. There was also a great Tower of wood made equall with the walls of the City, so that they fought as upon even ground; and the Turkes pressing hard upon the Christians, advanced their Ensignes upon the walls: But Perlat the Governour coming with a Company of fresh Souldiers, beat them back, took their Ensignes, fired their Tower of wood, and so delivered the Citie.
Scanderbeg in the mean time came with nine thousand Souldiers to assault their Camp: But Feri Bassa contemning his small number, encountred with him, and withall sent foure thousand Horse to compasse him in behinde. But this Master of his Art having Moses in the Front, took two thousand Horse to meet them, and so fought with them, that they had no great cause to boast of their coming. He slue also Feri Bassa, fighting with him hand to hand, and Feri Bassa slain by Scanderbeg.drove the rest back to the Camp, making a great slaughter of them; yet Amurath continued his assault against the Citie till night came on, in which Seven thousand Turkes slain▪he lost seven thousand men, besides the wounded: Of the Garrison were slain onelyonly seventy, and ninety more hurt.
Amurath not prevailing by force, sought by large promises to corrupt the Garison, and at last so farr prevailed with one base minded traytour, that for a great summe of money he concluded to betray the City, and for that end he cast a great dead Dog into Treason.the only well which served the whole City, which being in the morning found by the souldiers, they upon a superstitious conceit refused to drink any more of the water, notwithstanding all the perswasions and arguments that the Governour could use, insomuch as he was forced to make a composition with Amurath, and then delivered up the City to him, and so marched away through the Turks Camp in safety, only Mahomet a Prince of a fierce disposition, would have perswaded his father Amurath to have put them all to the sword, which yet he refused. The traytour remaining in the City was richly rewarded by Amurath according to his promise, but within a few daies, was secretly, at his command, made away, as a just recompence for his trayterous wickednesse: Amurath placed in Sfetigrade a thousand The reward of treason.two hundred Ianizaries in garison, and so raising his Camp in the beginning of September returned home, having lost thirtie thousand of his souldiers in that expedition: Scanderbeg followed him at the heeles, and in many streites & passes assaulted him whereby he slue many more of his men, and then he besieged Sfetigrade, and gaue two great assaults to it, but hearing that Amurath was reassembling his Army, and winter growing on, he left it, spending the winter in setting all things in order, and preparing for the next summers warr, having intelligence that Amurath made extraordinary preparations against the next Spring: which being come, he had gotten together an Army of an hundred and sixtie thousand men strong: and so dispatching away Amuraths second expedition into Epyrus.fortie thousand horsemen under the conduct of Sebalias, a politick Captaine, to encamp before Groia, and not to venture any thing against Scanderbeg, himselfe followed with the rest of his great Army: & when he was come, he sent to summon the City, and made mightie proffers to Ʋranocontes, the governour of it, if he would surrender it to him: but the messenger was sent back with scorne and contempt, whereupon Amurath ordered ten great battering Croia battered.pieces to be cast, and with them battered the City for foure daies space in two places without intermission, so that he beat downe much of the wall, which exceedingly encouraged the Turks to make an assault: and Mahomet, besides the large proffers made by his father, promised ten thousand Aspers to him that should first advance his ensign upon the wall: the Christians within were nothing discouraged, but, trusting in God, resolved to defend it to the utmost. Iust as the Turks began the assault, Scanderbeg with fiue thousand men brake into one of their quarters, Assaulted.and at the first encounter slue six hundred of them, and was spoiling their tents: but Mahomet with his guard, and foure thousand more sent by Amurath, hastening thither, Moses also (having done them much harme) retreated with his men to the mountaines, whilst Scanderbeg in the heat of the Scanderbeg in dangerfight, had so farr engaged himselfe amongst the Turks, that he was in much danger to be slaine, or taken prisoner, but at length resolutely breaking through them, he escaped, and came to his Campe to their great joy and comfort: then Amurath caused the assault to be renewed with more fury, and continued it till almost night, in which he lost eight thousand men, without any considerable damage to the garison, Mahomet, hearing where Scanderbeg was encamped, tooke all the best souldiers in the Camp, and lodged in that quarter which was next him, hoping at his next assault thereby to entrap him: which Scanderbeg being by fugitiues informed of, appointed Moses the night following with fiue hundred horse to alarum that quarter, and then to retire to his campe, whilst himselfe with the rest of his men, going through by-waies, brake in on the other side of the Turks Army, where he made such havock amongst them, that their losse in the storme was forgotten in comparison of this: and then fearing to be oppressed with multitude, he retired to his Camp. The next morning Amurath encouraged his men againe to make a new assault, which they did The second assault.performe with much fury, and continued it long by fresh supplies, but they were so brauely repulsed by the Christians, that at last he sounded the retreat, grieving much to see so many of his men slaine: His next designe was to undermine the City, and as he was doing of it, a great convoy of victualls coming towards his Camp, Scanderbeg, having intelligence of it, met the convoy, slew them, and divided the provision amongst his owne souldiers; And having encreased his Army with two thousand recruits, he divided it into three parts, giving one to Moses, another to Tanusie, and tooke the third himselfe, appointing in the dead of the night to assault the Turks Camp in three parts; but himselfe being discovered by the Scouts, whilst all men ran to that side, Moses and Tanusie brake into two other parts, where they slue a number of the Turkes, and made great spoile. In the mean time Scanderbeg retreated, and sate down on the side of a Hill, in the sight of the Turkes Army; which they taking as a bravado, requested leave of Amurath to goe against him, and accordingly they issued out seven thousand Horse, and five thousand foot of their best Souldiers.
Scanderbeg seeing their approach, retreated softly, waiting for Moses and Tanusi's coming to him: The Turkes followed with much difficulty, till perceiving the other Forces coming, they began to retreat; The Turkes beaten.whereupon Scanderbeg charged them with much fury, and slue many of them. Moses also came upon them, killing some, and taking many prisoners in sight of the Turkes Camp, and so retreated again into the mountaines. All Amuraths hopes failing, he sent a Bassa to the Governour of Croia, to try, if by large and glorious promises he could win him to surrender the Citie. But Ʋranocontes scorning the presents which he brought, and the promises Fidelity.that he made, charged him, that neither he nor any other should presume to come to him any more; but if they did, he would cut off their hands, noses, and eares, and so return them to their master.
Hereupon Amurath, in a great rage, commanded all things to be prepared for a new storm, which the next day he put in execution, but to his owne great losse, the Christians valiantly defending themselves against the Turkes fury: This put him almost out The third assault.of his wits, that he pulled off his haire; and though his Bassa's endeavoured to comfort him, yet hee became Pride.sick of griefe, that a small town should eclypse all his former glory; and finding that his end approached, he called his Sonne, and great Captaines, Malice. Amurath dieth.charging them not to leave his death unrevenged: and so shortly after he gave up the ghost.
After whose death Mahomet presently raised the siege, and returned to Hadrianople; yet shortly after sent Embassadors to Scanderbeg, proffering peace, if he would pay him a certain tribute: Which motion Scanderbeg scornfuly rejected, and so dismissed the Embassadours, and presently after hee made an inrode into the Turkish Dominions, which he grievously wasted, and returned home loaden with spoil. But Mahomet to requite him, sent Amesa, one of his best Captaines, with twelve thousand Horsemen, to doe the like in Epyrus: which Scanderbeg understanding by his Espials, he lay close in ambush with six thousand Souldiers upon the great mountain Modrissa, over which the Turkes were to passe; who, with much difficulty, having almost got to the top thereof in the night, were suddenly charged by Scanderbegs Footmen, who made a great slaughter of them, their Amesa Bassa beaten.Horses being rather an hindrance than an help to them, so that they were driven down the mountain amain; & when they came to the foot of it, they were again charged by Scanderbeg, and Amesa, who with their Horsemen were set in places of advantage: hereby they were totally routed, seven thousand slain, and Amesa, with most of the best Captains, taken prisoners, with whom he returned with great joy to Croia, And taken prisoner.using his prisoners very courteously. Amesa desired of him, that he might send to Mahomet, to informe him of their state, which he assented unto, and set their ransom at thirteen thousand Duckets. Mahomet stormed extreamly at this disaster, and refused to ransome the prisoners; yet afterwards, by the perswasion of his Bassa's, he sent it, with other rich presents, to Scanderbeg. Whereupon he sent them back with a safe Convoy, and divided the money amongst his Bounty.Souldiers.
The proud Tyrant resolved revenge, and therefore sent Debreas, one of his best Captaines, loaden with promises of great preferment, if he prevailed against Scanderbeg, and under him fourteen thousand choyce Horsemen, which were as many as Debreas desired, and with which he promised to chastise Scanderbeg. Scanderbeg having intelligence hereof, resolved not to stay his coming into Epyrus, but to meet him by the way: And so taking six thousand horsemen, he went into the enemies countrey, and came by night into a great plain, where the Turkes lay, hoping not to have been discovered; but the Moon shining bright, the Scouts had discovered him, and gave the Alarm to their Camp, and Debreas mindfull of his promise to his Lord, sent out some Troops to skirmish with him, whiles he set the rest of his Army in order: Scanderbeg sent out some to encounter them; and ere long both Armies charged each other with much resolution: And Debreas did so encourage his men, and A terrible fight.fought so valiantly, that Scanderbegs Fortune seemed to be at a stand▪ Thus both sides did their uttermost to conquer, one while one party prevailing, and then the other, till at last Scanderbeg encountred hand to hand with Debreas, and slew him, with whose fall Debreas Bassa slain and his at my routed.the whole Army was discouraged and fled, whom the Christians eagerly pursuing, slue more in the chase then in the battell; for of the Turkes were slain four thousand one hundred and twenty; but of the Christians very few. Scanderbeg returned thanks to God Thankesgiving.for that great and doubtfull victory, dividing the spoyle and prisoners amongst his Souldiers, and so returned with great joy to Croia.
At the report of this defeat Mahomet grew very melancholy; whereupon his great Bassa's offered to spend their lives in that service: But the crafty Tyrant intended to go another way to work, viz. to corrupt some of Scanderbegs chief Commanders, which would easiliest turn to his ruine. And amongst others singling out Moses Galome, which was counted the best Captain next to Scanderbeg himselfe, hee found Treacherymeans secretly to send to him, proffering him store of gold, and promising golden Mountaines, honours about himself, yea the Kingdom of Epyrus, if he desired it. Moses was at last prevailed with, yet presently left not Epyrus, but perswaded Scanderbeg to besiege Belgrade in the confines of Epyrus, which was held by the Turkes, giving him hopes of an easie conquest. Scanderbeg deceived by him, made all things ready for Belgrade besieged.the siege, and sent to Alphonsus, King of Naples, his speciall friend, for some men that were versed in managing of Sieges; which he obtained from him, and so sate downe before Belgrade, with an Army of fourteen thousand brave men, and in a short time so distressed the Citie, that the Turkes desired truce for sixteen dayes, promising that if reliefe came not in that space, they would surrender the Citie to him. This Scanderbeg consented to, & so himself encamped on an high Hill with three thousand Horse, and one thousand Foot, and sent Musachius and Tanusius with the rest of his Army, into a great plain, where they might lie freelier in that hot season, and withall appointed five and twenty Scouts to keep continuall watch towards the enemies Countrey.
Mahomet hearing of this siege, presently dispatched Sebalias Bassa sent. to the reliefe of Belgrade.away Sebalias, a great Captaine, with fortie thousand horse to relieve Belgrade, promising him great rewards if he could bring him Scanderbeg aliue, or dead. This Bassa by long journeies prevented the fame of his coming, and drawing neere to Scanderbegs Campe, he intrapped, or corrupted his scouts, so that they gaue noe warning of the Turks approach: yea he came so suddenly on that part of the army which lay in the plaine, that they had not leysure to bridle their horses, or put on their armour: Musachius arming himselfe, endeavoured to order his men, seeing equall danger in fight, and flight, and therefore resolved to sell his life as deare as he could, but seeing his men slaine by heapes about him, he endeavoured to have broken through, and escaped to the mountaines to Scanderbeg, but being oppressed with multitude, he continued fighting to the astonishment of his enemies, till he and Musachius slaine.all about him were slaine. Tanusius made diverse brave attempts to hauehave rescued him, but finding it impossible, he exhorted his men to flie, yet most of them were slaine by the Turks in their flight: Scanderbeg from the mountaine saw this miserable slaughter of his men, and would with his handfull of souldiers have gone downe to their rescue, or died with them, but was with-held by his Captaines, who told him, that he would thereby expose himselfe and them to certaine destruction: Sebalias being in the pursuit of Tanusius and his party, with most of his Army, Scanderbeg came downe Scanderbeg slew many of the Turks.suddenly upon the rest, and slew them in an instant, and then followed at the taile of the Turks, did them much mischief, till Sebalias gathering all his forces together, made head against him, yet Scanderbeg againe charged them, and slew with his owne hand two braue Champions which had before sworne to Mahomet, to kill him if they met with him. The fight continued till the night parted them, and then both Armies retreated, Sebalias to Belgradeward, and Scanderbeg towards Epyrus, whither he marched the next day, leaving good guards upon all the streight passes, lest the Turks should break into Epyrus: of Scandrebegs men were slaine fiue thousand, but most of them the Italians that Alphonsus had sent him, and the Turks lost three thousand: Sebalias repaired the battered walls of Belgrade, reinforced the Garison, and then returned Belgrade relieved.with great triumph to Constantinople: being the first Captaine that ever gaue a defeat to Scanderbeg: and he was received there with such applause, as if he had conquered a great Kingdome, everie man talking of the praises of Sebalias: and noe preferment was thought too great, or reward sufficient for him: The poore Christian captiues taken by him, were some sold for slaues, others impailed aliue upon sharpe stakes, others hanged on iron hooks, and others Turkish cruelty.cruelly tortured to death at the proud victors pleasure.
Moses hearing of this losse, thought it a fit time for him to revolt in, and so went to Constantinople, where, by Mahomet, he was joyfully received, and honorably entertained; Scanderbeg hearing of his revolt, was at first much astonished, but after a while Moses turnes traitourhe said no more, but that he wished that all treason was together with Moses gon out of Epyrus: Moses much solicited Mahomet to continue his warrs with Scanderbeg, promising to doe great matters therein: yet the crafty Tyrant durst not at first trust him too farr, till in time he had discovered that his affections were wholly alienated from Scanderbeg: Moses goeth against Scanderbegthen the spring following, he gaue him fifteene thousand horse, which were as many as he desired, and furnished him with all other warlike provision, with which he marched into Dibria: Scanderbeg hearing of the coming of Moses, and what strength he had, stood not upon policy against him that had beene privy to all his stratagems, but marched with true valour to encounter him: when the two battells were ready to joine, a messenger came from the Turks, to see if any durst proue his valour against a Champion of the Turks hand to hand: the challenge was accepted, and the Turk appearing, A Duel.Zacharie Groppa, having obtained leave of Scanderbeg, went out against him, and after a short parley, they ran with their lances each against other with such fury, that both horse and man were overturned: then nimbly recovering themselves, they drew their scimitars, and encountred each other with such sturdy stroaks, that at last both their swords fell out of their hands, then grapling together, they wrestled so long till Groppa overthrew his adversarie, and with his dagger thrust him into his throat, then taking a sword, he cut off his head, and returned loaden with his spoiles to Scanderbeg, who most honnorably rewarded him; the Christians shouted for joy, and the Turkes were as much discouraged: then came Moses with a loud voice challenging Scanderbeg. But when he saw him preparing to meet him, he went back with shame to his Army: Then the signall of battell being given, both Armies met, and fought furiously, and Moses with his choise men attended Scanderbeg hoping Scanderbeg in danger.to have killed him, and a couragious Turk with his horsmans staffe, bare him quite backward upon his horse, so that the Turks shouted for joy, hoping that he had beene slaine: but Scanderbeg chafed with such an unwonted disgrace, furiously assailed the Turk, and slew him: Moses did what was possible to encourage his men, but seeing at last he must Moses and the Turks beaten.yield or die, he fled through by-waies to him well knowne; eleven thousand of the Turks were slaine, and not aboue one hundred of the Christians, and eighty wounded: Moses before admired, was now scorned by the Turks, and Mahomet would have A guilty conscience.put him to a cruell death, had not the Bassa's interceded for him: besides he was tormented in the conscience of his owne guilt, and so at last resolved to escape, and cast himselfe upon the mercy of Scanderbeg, and accordingly taking his opportunity, he fled, and coming to Scanderbeg with his girdle about his neck, he fell at his feet, and craved pardon: Moses return's to-Scanderbeg.Scanderbeg tooke him up, kissed him, restored his estate, honour and offices, forbidding any man to speake to his disgrace of what had formerly passed: this vexed Mahomet exceedingly, yet returning to his former artifices, he inveigled Amase with the promise of the Kingdome to revolt to him, who to giuegive Amase turn's Traitour.him the better assurance of his fidelity, carried his wife and children with him to Constantinople; there he was kindly intertained by Mahomet, and the Spring following he sent Isaac, the great Bassa of Constantinople with fifteene thousand into Epyrus, and with him Amase with fiue thousand more, who was to be proclaimed King at their coming into Epyrus, Isaac Bassa sent against Scanderbegto draw the people to them: Scanderbeg hearing of it, sent for all his great Captaines into Dibria, where the storme must first fall, and causing all the store, and cattell to be removed into strong holds, he left all naked. By this time Isaac was entred Epyrus, and Scanderbeg with six thousand horse, seeming to be affrighted with the great Army of the Turks, fled towards Lyssa in the Ʋenetian territories, that thereby they might suspect noe subtilty. Isaac Scanderbegs policy.glad hereof, sent out some Troops after him to marke which way he went, and so rested his Army after their long journey: the horsemen at their returne certified him that Scanderbeg was fled out of Epyrus, and not an enemie to be seene in all the countrie
Hereupon the Bassa created Amase in the name of Mahomet, King of Epyrus, and so marched forward, Amesa proclaimed King.yet commanding his men upon paine of death, not to breake their Rankes: at last he came to the famous Pharsalian plaines. In the mean time Scanderbeg in the night had sent some excellently well mounted, to the tops of the mountaines, to give notice of the motions of the Army of the Turkes, and with his own Army he conveyed himselfe secretly by night as neer as he could unto them. The enemy finding some stragling Cattell in those plaines, fell to seeking after booty, as men without feare; and at night encamped without any great watch, but onelyonly towards Lyssa, whither Scanderbeg went. The next morning the Bassa came to the same mountain, on the other side whereof Scanderbeg lay, and there encamped with halfe his Army, sending Amase with the other halfe to burn and spoile the countrey.
Scanderbeg, like a politick Captain, divided his Forces into three parts, one under Moses, another under Tanusius, the third he takes to himself, appointing every one his part, and what he should doe, and so marched to the top of the mountain, from whence he beheld how the Turkes lay in the plaines, especially they which were lately returned from spoyling the countrey with Amase, how their horses were unbridled, and unsadled, themselves some resting on the ground, others victualling of themselves, others at severall kinds of sports, and many fast asleep on the grasse. The like negligence was in the Bassa's Camp, all being without feare of Scanderbeg, of whom they had heard nothing for many dayes.
Scanderbeg delighted with this sight, placing more Drums and Trumpets in every part of his Army, then ordinary; himselfe, with some of his best Horsemen, descended from the Mountain to oppresse the Turkes Scouts, and slue them all but one, who escaped, and gave the Alarm to the Camp. The Turks could not believe that Scanderbeg was so nigh them on that side: but Scanderbeg following at his heeles with his Horse, and his foot hasting after, began to break in upon them; and the other parts of his Army descending from the Mountaine with such horrible shouts and noise of instruments of warre, as A great battell.if Heaven and Earth should presently goe together; the Hills and Vallies with their hollow eccho encreasing the terror of the Alarm. Amase first made head, and encouraged the Turkes; with whom Scanderbeg encountred, and whilst the Bassa was coming to his rescue, Moses on the one side, and Tanusius on The Turks beaten.the other, charged him so hotly, that he was glad to retire to his Trenches.
Amase still with great courage withstood his Uncle, and encouraged his Turkes: yet Scanderbeg still prevailing on them, they at last turned their backes and fled: Scanderbegs Horse pursuing the chase, slue very many, and took Amase prisoner. Moses also had dispersed the Bassa's Army, and pursued them till they were out of Epyrus: many were slain, and many taken prisoners, and twenty of the Turkes fairest Ensigns, of whom were slain about twenty thousand, & of the Christians about sixty. Scanderbeg possessed the rich pavillion of the Bassa; and his Captains had Tents with much rich furniture, never prepared for their use.
And so with his victorious Army he marched to Croia, all the countrey coming forth to meet him with acclamations of joy. Amase was condemned to perpetuall imprisonment, and sent to Alphonsus, King of Naples, with part of the spoyle, by him to be kept in durance.
Mahomet was much grieved for this losse, and angry with the Bassa; yet afterwards was pacified again. After which he concluded a peace with Scanderbeg A peace concludedfor a year: and when that was expired, he sent an Army under Synan-beg of twenty thousand into Epyrus, with which Scanderbeg forthwith encountered Synan-beg overthrown.and overthrew, so that few escaped by flight.
Then Asam-beg with thirty thousand, whom Scanderbeg Asam-beg.in plain battell vanquished at O…rida, and took Asam prisoner, and used him honourably, and afterwards dismissed him.
Jussum-beg came after with eighteen thousand, was And Jussum beg.set upon by Scanderbeg, had many slain, and himself hardly escaped by flight.
Then Carasa-beg, an old and expert Captain, desired Mahomet to let him try his fortune, who sent him with an Army of almost fourty thousand. Scanderbeg more feared him then any of the former, and therefore raised more forces then ordinary: And to welcome him the better, he sent two thousand of his best Horsemen to lie in ambush in the enemies country, who set upon the Vauntguard of four thousand Turks, who expected no danger amongst their friends, and slue most of them. With which unfortunate beginning Carasa was so vexed, that had it not been for shame, he would have returned back againe; yet coming into Epyrus, whilst he was resolving what course to take, Scanderbeg suddenly assailed him before Carasabeg beaten.he could order his men. But at the same time there fell such a violent storme, that the Armies were sundered: The storme continued three dayes, yet Scanderbeg was alwayes vexing the Turkes on one side or other: Whereupon the old Generall returned back to Constantinople with the remainder of his Army, and was well derided by his Master for having promised so much, and performed so little.
Mahomet finding that he could not prevail by force, betook himselfe to craft, writing kinde Letters to Scanderbeg, by his Embassadors, concluded a peace A peace made.with him, which was proclaimed with great joy, and faithfully kept for a season, whilst Mahomet made warre with the Venetians; but there being provocations of both sides by the Borderers, Scanderbeg entred with an Army into Macedonia, made much spoil, and returned with a great Booty. Hereupon Mahomet sent Seremet Bassa with fourteen thousand Souldiers, to lie upon the confines of Epyrus for a Guard, but to attempt nothing against it.
Scanderbeg having intelligence hereof, marched thither with twelve thousand, lying in ambush neere the Citie where the Turkes were; and in the morning he sent five hundred towards the Enemy, to draw him out, if they could, into the Field: But if he came forth, to retreat to the place where the Army Seremet-Bassa beaten.lay, which fell out according to his desire; so that rising up, he assaulted the Turkes on every side, slue ten thousand of them, and tooke twelve principall men prisoners, for whom hee had fourty thousand Duckats in ransom. Then Mahomet sent Balabanus with fifteene thousand horse, and three thousand foot to invade Epyrus, who knowing that Scanderbeg lay not farr from him with a small power, he intended in the night to set upon him at unawars, but Scanderbeg having intelligence by his scouts, set forward in good order to meet him. Balabanus perceiving that he was discovered, made an Alt: Scanderbeg when he drew nigh him, considering the ground where the enemie lay, encouraged his souldiers, which were but foure thousand horse, and a thousand fiue hundred foot, charged them on their lives, that if the enemie in the fight retired, they should not pursue them beyond the streites of the hill, suspecting an Ambush behind it: and so retired a little, which Balabanus, seeing his small number, judged to be a flight, and therefore hastily marched A great Battell.after, till Scanderbeg watching his opportunity stayed, and set couragiously upon them, yet the battell a great while stood doubtfull, but such was the fury of Scanderbeg and his souldiers, that at last the Turks fled, and they pursued to the streits of the mountaines, where Scanderbeg had commanded them to stay. But his best Captaines in the heate of fight, Scanderbegs best Captaines taken.forgetting his command, entred the streits, and were set upon by many that lay there in ambush, where fighting like Lyons, at last they were oppressed with multitude, taken prisoners, and sent to Mahomet: they were Moses, Musachius, Perlot &c. The least of them able to have conducted a braue Army.
Scanderbeg presently sent to have ransomed, or exchanged them for others, but the Tyrant knowing that they were his best Captaines, refused, and flayed them by degrees, so that they were fifteen Turkish cruelty.daies in dying. Epyrus mourned for the great losse, but Scanderbeg resolving to revenge their blood, with fire and sword, entred into the Turks dominions, sparing nothing that he could burne or destroy: Mahomet sent Balabanus rich presents for his good service, commanding him to recruit his Army, Scanderbegs scouts corrupted.and prosecute the warrs, which he performed with all diligence, yet using policy, he corrupted Scanderbegs scouts, and had like to have oppressed him ere he was aware; but Scanderbeg himselfe, who spent most of the night in carefull watch, discerned the approach of the enemie by the noise of their horses, and so speedily ordering all things, encountred with them, and after a great fight put them to flight, slew most of them in pursuite, Balabanus Balabanus beaten.with a small remnant hardly escaping. Yet Mahomet sent him again with 14000 horse, and and three thousand foot, knowing his deadly hatred to Scanderbeg, who first tryed by subtilty to circumvent him, and when that prevailed not, he resolved by plaine force to subdue him, and so marching forward, Scanderbeg met him with eight thousand horse and a thousand fiue hundred foot neere to Sfetigrade.
The fight beginning (though the Turks were two to one) yet Scanderbegs men fought like enraged Lions, without regard of danger: Scanderbeg carefully ordered all things, himselfe fighting at the head of his Army, performing all the parts of a worthy Chieftaine, and valiant souldier; but whilst he thus fought in the middest of his enemies, his horse was slaine under him, and in the fall sorely Scanderbeg in great danger.bruised one of his armes: the Turks pressed on vehemently to have slaine him; but God delivered him, his souldiers rescuing, and remounting of him; he forthwith encountring with one of the Turks great commanders, slew him hand to hand, which so terrified the Turks, that they, first retired, then fled, whom Scanderbeg pursued with such execution, that few returned home with Balabanus. Balabanus beaten.Mahomet was extreame angry with him, but when his fury was over, Balabanus told him, that the way to conquer Scanderbeg, was to enter Epyrus with two puissant Armies, to spoile the countrey, and enclose Scanderbeg betwixt them, and neither to fight, but when the other was neere at hand, by which meanes he might certainly be destroyed: the Tyrant liked this advise so well, that he gave him commission to take what forces he would, and to choose his associate out of all his men of warr &c. Balabanus chose out fortie thousand good souldiers, and one Iacup, a valiant Captaine, for his companion, whom he sent with sixteene thousand one way, and himselfe with twentie thousand horse and foure thousand foote went an other way: Scanderbeg, having secret intelligence of all these projects, gat in readinesse eight thousand horse, and foure thousand foot, choise souldiers, and sent out his Espialls: who hoping for great rewards, proved false traytors, and went to Balabanus, acquainting him with Scanderbegs scouts turne traitoursso much of Scanderbegs designs as they knew: Scanderbeg marvelling that they returned not, went out himselfe with fiue more to see how the enemies lay: but he had like to have fallen into an ambush, had Scanderbeg in danger.he not seasonably discovered it, and speedily retired, yet he lost foure of his men: and so coming to his Army, he suddenly prepared to fight with Balabanus before the other Army came, and so presently marched into the valley where Balabanus lay: and divided his army into foure parts, one under himselfe, the other three under three of his best Captaines, and so advanced towards the Turks. But Balabanus waiting for the coming of his partner, would not stirr out of his trenches: Scanderbegs men derided and provoked them all they could, till the Turks, enraged with the affront, would have issued forth without the Generall, had he not led them. When therefore he saw no remedy, he advanced in good order, and Scanderbeg furiously assaulted him, so that there was a dangerous and doubtfull battell, Balabanus againe beaten.yet Scanderbeg and his men so pressed upon them on all sides, that at last they were broken in pieces, most of them slaine, only Balabaenus with some few escaped: Scanderbeg had scarce divided the spoile, and breathed himselfe, when a post brought him newes, that Iacup, was burning and destroying all in an other part of his countrey: whereupon he presently marched thitherward, and his men went as to an assured victory: Iacup hearing of his coming, retired into a corner of the plaine: Scanderbeg coming Iacup beaten.neere him, rested one whole day, then brought forth some of his prisoners before the enemies campe, which before knew nothing of Balabanus his overthrow: yet Iacup ordered his Army, and fiercely charged Scanderbegs men, where the fight lasted not long, but the Turks fled, and most of them were slain, In all there were slaine in the two battells foure and twenty thousand men, and six thousand taken prisoners: Iacup escaped with a few; after which Scanderbeg entred into the Turks territories, made havock of all, and so returned with his victorious Army to Croia, where he dismissed them everie man Two Assasinates sent to slay him.to his owne home. Then Mahomet with great rewards hired two villaines to goe, and kill Scanderbeg, who went into Epyrus, declaimed against Mahomet and his superstition, desired to be instructed in the principles of the Christian religion, and to be Baptized, and thereby found much favour with Scanderbeg, yet watching their opportunity to murther Gods care of Kings.him: But treason against Princes, whom God hath in his most mighty protection, cannot be long concealed: these assassinates falling out betweene themselves, let some words fall which gaue occasion of suspition, and so being examined, they confessed the Traitors executed.the treason, and were justly executed according to their demerits: Mahomet then resolved to goe himselfe into Epyrus with such an army as should speedily end the warr, and for that end he raised an army of two hundred thousand men: Scanderbeg having intelligence of it, fortified all his Cities and strong holds, especially Croia, which he furnished with all things necessarie for a long siege, put into it a choise Garison, and made Balthasar Perduce, a worthy Mahomet invades Epyrus.Captaine Governour thereof. He left nothing abroad in the Countrey, removed all the inhabitants into Garisons, or other places of refuge: no sooner was this done, but Balabanus came with fourscore thousand Horsemen, and sate down before Croia. In few dayes after came Mahomet with his huge Army, and incamped there also: Hee summoned the Citie; to which the brave Governour made no other answer then by continuall thundring shot into his Camp. Mahomet caused great Ordnance to be cast, and planted his Batteries. In the meane time Scanderbeg with a small Army of choyce Souldiers, Scanderbeg troubles him.lay in the woods, cut off his Forragers, and such as brought victuals to the Camp; and oft in the night suddenly brake into one or other of the Quarters of Turkes Camp, with great slaughter of them, and kept them in such continuall Alarms, that hee never gave them rest.
Mahomet seeing his men to decrease, and that the Citie was not to be taken but by Famine, and a long siege, and fearing some disaster, as had there happened to his Father, left Balabanus with the greatest Mahomet returnes home.part of his Army, and returned himselfe to Constantinople. As he went back, he corrupted the Governour of a Fort called Chidna, in which were eight thousand of Scanderbegs Souldiers, promising them liberty, and safety to depart. But having them in his power, the Tyrant caused them cruelly to be Mahomets perfidiousnesse and cruelty.cut in pieces, sparing neither Souldier nor Inhabitant, Man, Woman, nor Childe.
Scanderbeg scorning to have his chiefe Citie besieged by Balabanus, and yet wanting Forces of his own to raise the siege, sent to his friends the Venetians, and other confederate Princes; so that by their help in few dayes, he got an Army of above fourteen thousand choyce Souldiers, with which he marched to Croia: But by the way understanding that Jonima was coming with a new supply to Balabanus, with some choyce Horsemen he posted over the Countrey, fell upon them, slue and put them to flight, tooke Jonima and his sonne prisoners, whom the next day Jonima beaten.he shewed to Balabanus. And so with plain force he drave the Turkes from a mountain neere to the Citie of Croia. Balabanus seeing this, with some others, he rode up to the City gate, and with infinite promises would have perswaded them to deliver up the City to him; but they sallying out, drave them away, and one of them shot him through the throat, whereof he Balabanus slain.presently died.
The Turkes discouraged with these things, rose in the silence of the night, and retreated eight miles The siege raised.from the City. Scanderbeg the next morning found in their Tents great store of Corne, and other provision, which he conveyed into Croia in great triumph.
The same day hee sent select Souldiers to take the streights through which the Turkes must needs passe, when they went out of Epyrus: Which the Turkes hearing of, they sent two Messengers to Scanderbeg, promising him to deliver up their Horse and Armes, if he would permit them safely to passe out of the Countrey. From whom they received this short answer, That as they came into his Countrey Scanderbegs imprudence.without his leave, so they must depart without his leave also. Whereupon in the dead of the night they desperately brake through those passes, yet not without great losse.
Shortly after Scanderbeg recovering what he had lost, and putting all the Turkes to the Sword, brake up his Army, retaining onelyonly two thousand Horse, and one thousand foot for the guard of his Frontiers. Mahomet was so vexed at this evill successe, that he could neither drink nor sleep for a season; yet at last he resolved the next Spring to goe thither againe in person, to make a full conquest of it. And Scanderbeg provided for him as he had done formerly.
Mahomet with a mighty Army, when the Spring Mahomet again invades Epyrus.was come, entred into Epyrus, and with much labour and charge built a Citie, which he made a Garrison. From thence he marched to Dirrachium, a City belonging to the Venetians, which he had thought to have found unprovided: But it proved otherwise, insomuch as having spent some time there, to his great losse, he suddenly arose, and returned into Epyrus, and Mahomet besieges Croia.sate down before Croia, proffering large priviledges and great gifts, if they would surrender the Citie, or else threatned them with all the calamities of war. To which they made no answer but with the mouth of the Cannon: Scanderbeg also continually molested his Camp, and brake into their Quarters every night. Whereupon Mahomet rose with his Army, and hearing of many Epyrots, retired into the mountaines; The siege raised.he went to seek them out, but was by them repulsed with great losse. Scanderbeg also following him at the heeles, daily cut off part of his Army: So that at last the Tyrant despairing to doe any good, went back with vexation and shame to Constantinople.
After all this, Scanderbeg viewed the state of his kingdome, ordered his affaires, and then went to Lyssa, to conferre with the Venetian Embassadour and the other confederate Princes: But within few dayes he fell sick of a Feaver, and perceiving his end to draw nigh, he sent for his Wife, and Sonne, and the confederate Princes, discoursed to them of his troublesome life, fore-warned them of the dangers that were like to ensue, perswaded them to persevere in unity, made the Venetians protectors of his Son and Kingdome: And so after he had with most fervent prayer commended his soule into the hands of Almighty God, hee quietly left this life, January 17. Anno Christi, 1466. and of his age sixty three, of his Scanderbegs deathreigne twenty foure.
His death was much lamented by all Christian Princes, especially his neighbours, who had lost their most carefull Watchman, and invincible Champion. The sorrow of his subjects is not to be expressed: He was royally buried in the Cathedrall in Lyssa. Yet nine yeares after the Turkes having taken the City, with great devotion digged up his bones, reckoning it some part of their happinesse, if they might see or touch the same: such as could get any part thereof, set it in silver or gold, and hung it about their necks, His bones digged up by the Turkes.perswading themselves, that it would make them valiant and prosperous.
He was a man of rare parts, and of an indefatigable His Character.spirit: During all the time of his warres he never slept above two houres in a night: He ever fought against the Turkes with his Arm bare, and that with such fiercenesse, that the blood did oft-times burst out of his lips. He with his owne hands in those wars slue at least three thousand of the Turks. What his strength was, may appeare by these examples. There was in a part of Epyrus a mighty wilde Bull, that had murthered many, & committed a thousand outrages: him Scanderbeg encountred with on Horseback, and with one onelyonly blow of his Cimitar, he cut his neck clean from his shoulders.
Also a monstrous Boare in Apulia, that had wounded many of King Ferdinands Courtiers, Scanderbeg being hunting with the King, encountred with this Beast, and soon parted his head from his body.
His Cimitar was made at Damasco in Syria, and was of an excellent temper: he oft carried two of them in one Scabbard, and sometimes would break them both in one battell.
Mahomet hearing that he would cut Helmets, Headpieces and Pouldrons clean asunder with it, he sent to him for one of his Swords, thinking that there had been some extraordinary vertue in them: And when Scanderbeg had sent it, he put it into their hands, who had the strongest Arms about him; but perceiving no such wonders as was reported of it, he sent it back with scorn, saying, That he would not be beholding to him for that which he could get for his money: and that he credited not what was related to him of that sword.
But Scanderbeg, in the sight of the Messenger, having made strange and admirable proofes of it, bade him tell his Master, that it was not the vertue of the Sword, but the strength of his Arme, which hee reserved against his enemies.
God raised up this worthy Christian Prince, and endowed him with such excellent parts, as another David, gainst those proud Goliahs, Amurath and Mahomet, who were cruell and bloody persecutors of the Church of God: God made him successfull and victorious in above twenty battels that he fought against the Turkes.
Collected out of the History of Scanderbeg, and out of the Turkish History.