THE

MODE RN PART

O F A N

Universal History,

FROM THE

Earliest Account os Time.

Compiled from

Original Writers.

By the A u T H o R S of the A N T I E N T Pa R T.
VOL. XIII.

11 ]

Modern History:

BEING A

CONTINUATION

O F T H E

i

Universal History.

BOO K XV.

C H A P. XX.

The Reign of Soleyman II.

SECT. I.

Troubles in the Othman Empire. The Siege of Belgrade,

and Battle of Nissa.

i

WHEN the Bojlanji BaJI/i (A) brought Sohym&n zo Soltait
the news of his brother's deposition, and his own Soleymaa
advancement to the Æ Othman throne, that H.
prince, contrary to every body's expectation,
was extremely grieved at the meslage; " Why, fays he, in
"the name of the immortal god, do you endeavour to dis*
"turb my tranquility? Suffer me, I beseech you, to pass
"in quiet, in my cell, the few days I have to live; and let
"my brother rule the Othman empire: for he was born to go-
"vern, but I to the study of eternal life." The Boftanji B&Jhi,
at first, is amazed at these words: but, recovering himself,
continues to pi;ess the prince; alledging, that the resolution

[A\ The chief of the gardeners.
Mod. Hist. Vol. XIII. B of

of the IVazirs, U/etna, nobles, and the whole people, could not be altered; nor Soltdn Mohammed restored, without great detriment to the empire. Soleym&n, still in fuspence, replies, "That he owed too great a reverence to his brother to take "possession of his throne, which he had quitted with reluc"tatice: I would come forth, however, continues he, but "am afraid of my brother."

At last the Bqfldiyi Bdjhi, impatient of delay, fays, "You "must give way, most resplendent emperor, to the entrea"ties and wishes of the Mussulman people;" and, with these words, forces him, as it were, out of his chamber, and leads him to the room where the throne was usually placed. When he came there, he first, not without signs of fear, desires his conductor and the door-keepers " to take "care, lest his brother should be within; since he dreaded "to appear in his presence." Having been assured, that his brother was removed to another apartment, he, at length, mounts the throne, and is saluted emperor by all the courtiers. But, as soon as the ceremony was performed, he leaps down again, as from an impure place, and demands abdeft (B). This done, he defers returning to the throne; and, when the courtiers press him to it, he puts his singer to his mouth, and enjoins them silence (C). At last, notwithstanding his reluctance, he.is again seated there; and admits the Ulema and nobles to kiss his robe.

Being thus advanced, he confirms the Wazir,Siavus Pafid, and commands him to appease the sedition. On the Wazir's return to his palace, the Biduk Agalari (D) do him their reverence; but then demand their pay, and a new BakhJhijh (E), which used to be given to the soldiers at the beginning of a new succession. Siavus Pajhd, finding the trea

, furies

(B) That is, water to wash his hands, head, and feet, as enjoined by the Koran, before prayers.

(C; The Turks draw presages from the first words or actions of their Soltdns, of their future conduct. Cant.

( D) Commanders of the regiments of Janizaries, and the superior officers made from among them. — Cant. — Buluk signifies a company of soldiers.

(E) A gift, or bounty bestowed out of kindness, by a new

Soltdn, to all the chosen troops then at Constantinople. It was first introduced by Soleymdn Kar.uni; and although it seems to encourage seditions, and has been the source of many rebellions, the Janizaries, for fake of the Bakhjbijh, having joined with the Soltdn's enemies: yet, whoever considers the end and design of this law, can never sufficiently admire the divine prudence of the legislator, and his consummate knowledge in politics: for this was calculated to preserve