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LORD MAHON'8 HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 



Z). Appleton cf- Company have just jmblished^ 

HISTORY OF ENGLAND, 

raoM 
THE PEACE OF UTRECHT TO THE PEACE OF PARIS. 

BY LORD MAHON. 

BDITKD BT 

HENRT REED, LL.D.» 
Pnf tfEnglith Literature in the Universitif of Pemui^wmim 

Two huidaome 8vo. toIohms. Price $5. 

Mr. Maea!ulay*» Opinion, 

V " Lord Mahon hu nndonbtedly tome of the most valnable qnalitiei of a ll 

Cnt dilii^nce in examininf^ aathorities, great jadf meat in weighing testimony, 
partiality in estimating characters." 

Quarteriy Revieio, 

** Lord Mahon has shown thronghoat, excellent skill in combining, as welV as 
trasting, the varinns elements of interest which his materials afforded ; he has continnod 
to draw his hinorical portraits with the same firm and easy hanj} ; and no one cap lay 
down the book without feeling that he has been nnder the guidance of a singularly clear, 
high-|mncipled, and humane mind ; one uniting a very searching shrewdness with a 
pnre and unaffected charity. He has shown equal courage, judgment, and taste, is 
availing himself of minute details, so as to give his narrative the picturesqueness of a 

■emoir, without sacrificing one jot of the real dignity of history His History ii 

well calculated to temper uie political judgment. It is one great lesson of modesty, for- 
bnrance, and charity. ' 

Edinburgh Review, 

** It was with no small satisfaction that we saw a history of this period announced 
ftom the pen of Lord Mahon, nor have we been disappointed in our expectations. Hit 
Birrative is minute and circumstantial, without being tedious. His History of the Ro- 
bellion in particular Is clear, distinct, and entertaining. In his judgment of persons he is 
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" Lord Mahon's work will supply a desideratum which has iXng been felt — a really 
good history of the last 150 years. It is written with an ease of style, a command of th« 
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tions for the great task which the noble author has proposed to himself. Lord Malioa 
avails himself extensively of the correspondence and private diaries of the times, which 

gives unusual interest and life to the narrative The authorities quoted foi 

Spanish or French details are always the ori^nal ; and we can hardly reinember a refa|- 
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lioit de cette expedition dans I' Histoire de Lord Mahon. Toutes les- relations y soM 
aiBapar6os tit jugdes avec une saine critique, et le recit presente le vif inter^t d'nn romaa.' 

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** I aiay recommend to others, what I have just had so much pleasure in reading my 
nif, the History lately published by Lord Mahon. All that need now be known ol th# 
•la from the Peaoe or Utrecht to that of Aix-la-Chapelle, will be there found.*' 



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D. AppUUm ^ Co.'t PvbUeaHoiu. 



HISTORICAL AND BIOQRA. 

PHICAL WORKG. 
IRNOLD. (Dr.) Euly Uuwry of 



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ItOLCOMRE'S Suprrnna Court 

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Crtdilor in ihu Unlied Sum «Rt 
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'S Popular and Pncli 



GEORGE CASTRIOT, 



SURNAMED SCANDERBEG, 



KING OF ALBANIA. 



i 



BY CLEMENT C. MOORE, LL.D. 



NEW YORK: 
D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY. 

PHILADELPHIA: 
GEO. 8. APPJiETON, 164 CHESNUT-STBEET. 

MDGCCL. 



I ^.' 



/ 



Entered acoordiiig to Act of Gongrees, in the year 1850, 

Bt D. APPLETON 4& COMPANY, 

In the Oerit's OiBoe of the Disttict Court of the United States for the Soott 

District of New Yoric. 






PRELIMINARY NOTICE. ' 



i 



The higli encomiums passed by Dr. Johnson, in the 1; 
number of his Rambler, upon KnoUes's History of 
Turks, induced me to procure that work from England, 
reading it, I was much interested and entertcuned by the 
count given of Scanderbeg, the heroic prince of Epirc, 
great enemy and scourge of the Turks. The idea afterws 
occurred to me of connecting in one series the portions 
the life of Scanderbeg dispersed in different parts of 
EDstory of the Turks ; and of thus forming an account oi 
extraordinary person, whose life and exploits afford a : 
narrative as interesting, if not more so, than most fA 
works of fiction with which the press has so long abounc 
and with which the minds of the yoxmg, of both sexes, 
so much occupied. 

In order to extend my sources of information, I gave 

rection to a bookseller to import for me any life of Scanc 

beg that could be procured. In the course of a few mon 

I thus obtained a small folio volume, entitled ** The Hist 

of George Castriot, sumamed Scanderbeg, King of Alba 

containing his famous actes, his noble deedes of am 

and memorable victories against the Turkes, for the Faith 

Christ^ Comprised in twelve bookes : By Jaqnes Lavw^ 

Lord of Plessis Bovrrot, a nobleman of France* He 

translated out of French into English by Z. T. GeatllSBi 

London, Imprinted for William Ponaonby, 1590.'* 

1* 



/ 



*mmmmmmmmmmmmmm 



6 PRELIMINARY NOTICE. 

Upon looking over that work, it was evident that t1 
author of it, and Knolles, in his History, had both draiN 
their information from the same source ; and this I subs( 
quently found to be stated in the two works themselve 
for in a marginal note of Elnolles to the portion of the hi 
tory that treats of Mahomet the Great, it is said — " Tl 
great wars betwixt Mahomet and Scanderbeg are at larg 
written by Marinus Barletius in thirteen books, De vita, ai 
gestis Scanderbegi, from whence this History is taken ; ai 
were done betwijit the years 1460 and 1467." And to tl 
translation of Lavardin is prefixed *' a catalogue of the a 
thors from which this Historic hath been drawen." Tl 
catalogue consists of nineteen names, at the head of whi 
stands *' Marin Barletius, priest of Scutarie in Epire ; frc 
whom the most part of this Historic is drawne word i 
word." And in "an advertisement, to the reader," it 
stated that other writers " could not so truly and exactly 
downe the truth of matters as they are here delivered 
this Historic by the Latine author ; who being native of 
same countrey with Scanderbeg, and living in the same ] 
and time that he did, is to be reputed the best witnesse ; 
most perfect reporter of his deedes." 

My business in this work has been to concentrate La^ 
din's history by rendering the language more concise ; 
omitting many observations which would naturally pre 
themselves to intelligent readers ; by giving only the i 
stance of many long speeches of which the language 
not be correct after being turned from Latin into Frencl 
Lavardin, and from French into barbarous English by 
translator of Lavardin'; by omitting the account of 



Wmmmmmmmmmmmm^mH^m^mmt^^^m^^^w 



PRBLIMINART NOTIOB. 
I 



taking of Constantinople, in Ti^ich Scanderbeg was not e 
gaged ; and by leaving out unimportant matters which see 
only to retard the progress of the story. The imcouth a 
liquated language of the English translation, it is hardly n 
cessary to state, has been changed to a more modem style 

I am aware that the character and exploits of Scanderlx 
are treated in a very cavalier and incredulous manner I 
Gibbon.^ But it seems imnecessary to attempt the rem 
val of particular objections, when that author has himse 
stated that, *' With such unequal arms, Scanderbeg resist< 
twenty-three years the powers of the Ottoman empire ; ai 
two conquerors, Amurath the second, and his greater so 
were repeatedly baffled by a rebel, whom they pursued wii 
seeming contempt and implacable resentment." Agai 
Gibbon says, " His sepulchre was soon violated by tiie Tur! 
ish conquerors ; but the Janizaries, who wore his bones e: 
chased in a bracelet, declared by this superstitious amul 
their voluntary reverence for his valor." 

As to the silence maintained by Italian writers with r 
gard to Scanderbeg's expedition into Italy, it is thus mei 
tioned by Lavardin: "I cannot in this place but great 
wonder, and in some sort also it doth not a little grieve m 
to see the ingratitude of writers to those persons whoi 
valor hath so well and excellently deserved. For wherej 
diverse of all sorts have written very diligently, and record 
ed the summe of this warre betweene Ferdinand and tl 
French ; yet is there not any of them that hath spoken i 
much as one word of Scanderbeg, as though he had n* 
beene (I may well speake it) the principall and chiefe caui 

* RoBi. Empire— Chap. LZVn. 



•PW^ 



8 PSELIMINABT NOTICE. 

of the happy successe of that warre ; nay (if I may law- 
fully sale the truth), the true defendor of the Crowne of 
Ferdinand, and the dehyerer of him out of the hands of his 
enemies. And hereof I need give you no other testimonie, 
then the liberall and bomitiful recompence and reward giyei\ 
him by the king ; for besides that he acknowledged and held 
him for his father as long as he lived, he gave him also in 
acknowledgment of his desertes, and the rewardes of his 
vertue, the towne of Trana, and two other townes of as good 
reckomng in Apulia, which the posteritie of Scanderheg did 
continually enjoy ; after that the afiaires of Epire (from the 
death of Scanderheg) fell to decay and ruine, and they do in 
part also enjoy them at this present, as may well be seen 
even to this day."* 

* Translator oS Layardin. 



9 



LIFE OF GEOKGE GASTRIOT. 



BOOK I. 

§ 

George Cdstriot, or Castriotto, surnamed Scanderbeg bj 
the Turks, among whom it was his lot to dwell many years, 
was the youngest son of a Grecian prince named John Cas- 
triot, who reigned in Epire, a country lying on the Gulf ol 
Venice, and now called Albania ; which name it also former- 
ly bore as well as that of Epire.* 

The family of Castriot had its ori^ in Macedonia, and 
anciently ruled over Epire with renown. 

John Castriot far surpassed his predecessors in prudence 
and magnanimity. He was of a hardy and invincible cour- 
age, and excelled in the qualities of mind, as well as in the 
comeliness of his person. His wife, named Yoisana, is cele- 
brated as a woman worthy of such a husband. She was 
daughter of " the noble king of the TribuUians,f'Tenowned 
for her beauty and wisdom, " and for the excellencie of hei 
spirit, farre surpassing that of other women."]; She is said 
to have been the mother of nine children, five of them 
daughters, named Mara, Jella, Angellina, Ulaica, and Ma- 
misa ; and the rest sons, namely, Beposius, Stanisitis, Con- 
stantine, and George, This George, the youngest of them 
all, was bom in the year 1404, and is the subject of the 
present work. 

It would be idle to mention the prognostics of Scander- 

mi^m^m^^m^mmk ■ ■■ ■■■■■--■.■ — ■■■ i.. ■ iii i i i. ■■ mimm.^ 

* In the oouree of. this w(»^ the two names are used indifforently ; and the in- 
babttants sometimes called JEjnroto, sometimes AXhcatMou, The exact diyisionB tA 
the territory I cannot state. 

t Translation of Lavaxdin. % lUd. 



10 LIFE 07 GEOBiGE CASTRIOT. 

beg's future greatness which are by some related to have 
preceded his birth. But there can be no doubt, from the 
accounts given of him, that, being yet a boy, while he dis- 
covered great respect for religion, he took pleasure in manly 
and martial exercises ; and, together with uncommon bodily 
perfections, possessed a mind which promised such future 
excellence as to excite general attention and wonder. 

After the Turkish monarch, Amurath the Second, had 
reduced Greece to his obedience, and had afflicted Macedo- 
nia with a long and tedious war, by which it was brought to 
extreme misery, John Castriot, despairing of being able to 
offer any effectual resistance to the Turkish arms, sued for 
peace. This was granted to him upon condition of his de- 
livering up all his sons to the Turk as hostages. George, 
together with his brothers, was accordingly put into the 
hands of Amurath, in reliance upon his promise that they 
should be well and honorably treated. It is stated that the 
loss of George caused greater distress, not only to his 
father, but also to the common people, than that of all the 
other brothers ; and that some persons appeared to enter- 
tain a presentiment that Amurath was about to nourish a 
domestic enemy, who was to bring confusion upon him and 
his family. No sooner had the Turk gotten these young 
princes into his power, than he violated his faith, and, to the 
great grief of their parents, he caused them to submit to the 
rites, and to be instructed in the tenets of the Mahommedan 
religion. At the same time, their names were changed. 
George was sumamed Scanderheg, which signifies Alexander 
the Lord, or the great. An ample allowance was, however, 
granted to them for their maintenance. 

The gentle disposition and tender age of Scanderbeg, he 
being but nine years old, rendered him more agreeable to 
Amurath than any of his brothers. He was provided with 
the best instructors in every department of learning. And, 
bdng endued with a prompt and ready intellect, he soon ac- 



^m 






r 






LIFE OF OEOROE OASTRIOT. ] 

quired the Turkish, Arabian, Greek, Italian, and Sclavonii 
languages. As his bodily strength increased, he delightc 
in nothing more than to improve himself in warlike exercise 
" without letting any one thing to overpass him wherein 1 
had not some knowledge and insight."* Sometimes wit 
his sword, sometimes with his bow and arrows, both on fo 
and on horseback, he gave daily proofs of wonderful read 
ness and agility, continually aspiring to some action beyoB 
the powers usually possessed by one of his age. As soc 
as the strength of his limbs became equal to the impetuosil 
of his courage, and that he could show himself able to ei 
dure the toils of war, he constantly engaged in shoWis < 
combats and martial strifes ; making these exercises a pr 
lude to his future glory and renown. At the same tim 
** he framed himself to gain the favor and good- will of a 
men, but especially of the prince, "f At length, when a 
rived at manhood, with full strength of body and a good] 
stature, he accustomed himself to ail such labors and hare 
ships as might be endured by a powerful and able-bodi€ 
man ; such a^ hunger, thirst, cold, heat, watching, and tl 
like. And by these daily practices, he rendered himself a^ 
complished in all martial ^^ues, and fit to be employed i 
any military service. 

Amurath now raised him, being still very young 
' above the condition of a private person, by conferrin 
upon him the dignity of Sanziack, which is next in degree 1 
that of Bassa. At the same time, he was intrusted with tl 
command of five thousand horse. His brothers were ah 
invested with similar charges, and sent abroad into varioi 
countries, where, by their conduct in military services, the 
procured for themselves an exalted reputation. 

Scanderbeg had scarcely attained the age of eightee 
years, when, together with other forces, he was sent inl 



/ 



12 LIFE OF OEORGE CASTRIOT.- 

Asia,* where, with great valor and good fortune, he made 
bis first essay in arms. Thenceforth, many broils occurring 
in those parts, rarely any expedition was undertaken in 
which Scanderbeg, with his regiment, was not employed. 
On all which occasions, his promptness, courage, and good 
fortune were conspicuous. And the happy success of the 
expeditions in which he was engaged was by all men, with- 
out contradiction, attributed to him. '* And to him alone, 
by the favor and acclamations of the soldiers, was adjudged 
the triumph and the glory of the enemy vanquished."! 

There appears to have been somewhat in the character of 
Scanderbeg, during the early part of his career, which pre- 
vented his brilliant actions from exciting envy, and which 
gained the good- will of all other men, as well as of the sultan 
himself, who bestowed upon him, not only gracious com- 
mendations, but munificent gifts and extraordinary favors. 

After a short abode at court, Scanderbeg was again sent 
into Asia, in consequence of new troubles which had arisen 
there. He was now, with universal approbation, invested 
with the supreme command of the army which went upon 
the present service. In this expedition he surpassed all his 
former exploits ; quickly vanquishing his enemies ; and, as 
proof of his worthy deeds, over and above the testimony of 
his soldiers, bringing with him great numbers of prisoners ; 
the spoils of the slain ; many of the ensigns of the enemies, 
and multitudes of engines and instruments of war. All this 
4aiumphant success was achieved with scarcely any loss of 
his own troops ; who, notwithstanding the numerous trophies 
gained from their enemies, scarcely exhibited any marks of 
injury to themselves. Amurath is said not to have so much 
wondered at the happy success of his actions, as to have 
admired his wisdom and prudence. 

* Lavardin, in the maigin, says ^atolia. The Toildsh capital, until tlie taking 
of Constantinople, was Adrianople in Europe. 
t TrandattonttfLayaidin. 



L"«*r -■ ^i^m MQ,* iw* Jf * iii»k ^- ^-'>>*'' I »* II . 



V 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

In consequence of this victory, greater forces were pla< 

f- under his command, and he was sent back and ordered 

remain in the same ** Marches/' until be should have 
duced certain towns and districts in those quarters to si 
jection under the Turkish power. Fortune did not forw 

^ the young soldier ; but every thing speedily succeeded to 1 

utmost of his desire. Having fulfilled the duties which 
had to perform, and the Ottoman empire be^ enlarg 
beyond expectation, his renown began to extend ei 
among foreign nations. 

Being returned to Adrianople, although no foreign ei 
mies were heard of, he met with an adversary at home, 
all appearance, more dangerous than any against whom 
had ever been opposed. An adventurer came from Scyt 
who defied and challenged the whole Turkish court, ( 
manding if any one dared encounter him m arms and pre 
himself in fight against him. The order of combat which 

^ proposed was, that both champions should be stripped 

their shirts, and, being inclosed in a straight and narr 
place, should with their swords alone decide the issue of i 
contest. It is not possible to ascertain what prompted t 
barbarian to offer a fight so brutal and disgusting ; whetl 
he followed the dictates of a reckless and ' savage nature, 
whether he thought, by proposing so horrible a danger, 
deter all from acceptmg the challenge, and thus, with* 
endangering himself, to retire with glory, and, perchao 
with reward for his show of valor. In order to anim 
some one of his servants to this combat, Amurath propoi 
; a great recompense to whoever should engage in it and co 

^ off conqueror. There was no one who did not abhor 

thought of obtaining honor by means so detestable. 1 
the courage and lofty spirit of our Albanian overcom 
every consideration, he advanced towards the Scythian, a 
among other things, told him that although such kinds 
fight were fit only for fierce and savage beasts, and t 



wm^ 



14 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

valiant men might and ought to decline them, yet, that for 
once he would contemn and neglect' the safety of his own 
person, and make a present of his blood to Amurath and to 
his own companions. To whom the Scythian answered in a 
contemptuous manner, calling him boy and child ; for he 
was so young as to appear but a beardless youth. The 
place for the combat being .then arranged as the barbarian 
bad demanded, they were both stripped entirely naked, and 
thus leaping into the lists, they excited, by such an unwont- 
ed spectacle, an extraordinary interest in the minds of the 
beholders. " And howbeit" (to use the language of Lavar- 
din*) " that Gcutriot, both by his voice and by his coimte- 
nance, did bewray in himself a wonderful resolution and as- 
surance, notwithstanding, an incredible kind of care inter- 
mingled with grief did assail the hearts of the regardants, 
and at one instant both the age and the comeliness of his 
person, joined with a gracious and pleasing carriage of all 
parts of hb body, had drawn them both to honor and to 
pity him. Goodly, high, and eminent was his stature ; his 
arms so seemly as the like had scarce been seen : his neck 
strong and somewhat bending, such as is much commended 
in great wrestlers : his shoulders large and marvellously well 
spread : his visage of color fair and white (and as it were 
stained with a little taint of purpure) : the cast of his eyes 
straight and pleasant, without blemish or imperfection, and 
in all points correspondent and agreeable. These corporal 
perfections did, him great service to his other virtues and the 
good qualities of his mind, which seemed to be augmented 
and increased by them." 

Each was armed with a short dagger ; for the straitness 
of the pl^ce of combat did not admit of a longer weapon. 
A universal silence prevailed. Both of them standing on 
theur guard, and each ready to assail his adversary, the 
^.•^"-^""""^■^^^~^"^'"~" ' 111 

* The orthocpnidiy is moderolaed. 



LIFB OF GBOSOB OABTRIOT. 11 

Scythian made the first onset, and directing his da^^^er againa 
*' the belly of his opponent, thought to have stabbed him 

But Scanderbeg, bending his body like a bow, seized, wit! 
his left hand, the arm of the barbarian, and "wiih the othe 
hand so cut the monster's throat that he fell to the groun< 
« with his tongue still quivering in his mouth, while his hug 

carcass nearly filled the place of combat. It was speedil; 
removed by those »who stood near; and the courtiers, ful 
of joy and exultation, flocking round the victor, led bin 
unhurt into the presence of Amurath, to whom, with hi 
hands still bloody, he presented the head of the Scythian 
Whereupon, the rewards promised to the victor were deliv 
ered to him, which he received with apparent unwillingness 
protesting that he had not risked his life for the sake o 
gold or silver, but to maintain the honor of the court, and U 
punish the arrogance of the barbarian.* 

Not long after this, he performed another exploit which i 
may be well now to recount. At a time when Amuratl 
made an excursion into Bithynia, more for pleasure than fo 
any serious business, Scanderbeg made one of his train 
There were, at this time, in the city of Bursa, once the cap 
ital of the Turkish empire in Asia, two Persians named lait 
and Zampsa, of a fair and goodly stature. They presentee 
themselves to the Turkish sovereign, arrayed in sumptuouj 
apparel, and asked for employment in his service. Eacl 
was so loud in the praise of the other, and their manner wai 
so vaunting and self-sufficient, that it appeared to indiciiti 
audacity rather than true valor. 

At length, Zampsa, the younger of the two, told th< 

r ^ sultan that, in order to make proof of their courage, the] 

challenged all his followers to take arms, that it might b< 

* ** So great (saith Layardin) was the modeatle of this hnre Epirot, that ttiereb: 

bo allured unto him more and more the good-wiU of each peracm: the natural) 

, bounfcle and dexteritie of his gentle heart abolishing the envie and hatred which tin 

aoellflnoy of exceeding yertoe dothuaaaUyengaMierinmeii of his sort andcaUfngJ 



/ 



16 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

tried whether he and his brother were worthy or unworthy 
to serve under the command of his majesty. They were 
horsemen, and armed only with a sword, lance, and shield, 
without any other armor for their bodies, and said that they 
would combat thus appointed. Amurath looked around to 
see if any one would accept the challenge ; and finding that 
none came forward, he at length addressed himself to Scan- 
derbeg, and invited him to enter the lists.* He needed little 
encouragement to induce him to engage in the conflict. 
Having kissed the sultan's feet, according to the Turkish 
custom, he called for horse and armor, and advancing, with 
great applause of the people, into the midst of a large plain 
appointed for the combat, and calling his adversaries to him, 
demanded of them what law of combat they meant to ob- 
serve. It was agreed that laia should first try his fortune, 
and that if he proved victorious the fight should be at at 
end ; but that if he were vanquished, his brother should take 
his place and continue the combat. The sultan's servanU 
who accompanied Scanderbeg objected to the inequality oi 
these conditions, affirming that it was not reasonable that, ii 
he proved victorious over one, he should, though weary oi 
wounded, have to encounter a second enemy fi-esh and 
sound. Scanderbeg, however, did not refuse these terms 
and when the ground was cleared of people, the trumpet 
gave signal of battle, and the champions putting spurs U 
then: horses, made a full career at each other. The Persiai 
fixed his lance in his adversary^3 shield, and couching clos( 
with all his force, thought to have unhorsed him; but 
instead thereof, he shivered the staff of his own lance. Th( 
Albanian, on the other hand, who only ran at the head, alto 



* The words of Amurath are thus reported: ** What is thy cause of stay (myscnme 
in whom all yertue and yalure doe abound so exceedingly T This doUi bdoog U 
thee, and the glorie of this victorie doth tarrie for thee. Go to then, once againe a 
this time let the gallantise and brav^y of thy youth, and thy invincible arme, b( 
made yet more fhrnoua and memorable, by some notable act in this q)ectfedS.'* 



ssa 



^^ 



LIFS OF 6SOR6E CASTBIOT. 11 

gether missed in his course ; so that, both having run in vain 
they held on their career, passing by each other with th^ 
intention of betaking themselves to their cutlasses.* Bu 
Zampm, not waiting for the issue of the contest between th^ 
two combatants, advanced and couched his lance agains 
Scanderbeg ; who perceiving the danger in which he wai 
placed, and that he had no time for expostulating with hii 
assailant on the treachery of his conduct, prepared to mee 
him, and pressing upon him with his lance, pierced bin 
through the throat. Scarcely^ had this adversary fallen U 
the ground ere lata, rushing towards Scanderbeg with swon 
in hand, and uttering a horrible cry, was on the point of slay 
ing him ; but quickly wheeling his horse about, and returning 
upon laia with his sword also drawn, he sustained his on 
set; and, after two or three mutual blows, Scanderbeg 
lighted upon his right shoulder near to his neck, and wit! 
oiie blow gave him so deep a wound that the horse trailec 
along the body of his master nearly divided in two. Thu 
these two stout and hardy warriors, to the great joy of th( 
beholders, were vanquished by the hand of one man. Bu 
had they escaped death in the conflict, they would not havi 
escaped the wrath of Amurath for their base and treacher 
ous conduct towards his champion. Castriot was conductec 
to the sultan charged with the heads of both his foes, in to 
ken of having gained a double victory. His former exploit 
seemed to be forgotten in the glory of this last achievement 
The sultan, the great lords, and his companions in genera] 
honored him with many and great presents, and styled bin 
their avenger, and the author of their honor and renown. 

No one thenceforth enjoyed greater credit and authority 
with the sultan, and no man was more beloved by the sol 
diers ; inasmuch as he was courteous, friendly, and fisunilia 
in his behavior towards them, not arrogatiog to himsel 



2* 



18 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

any honors which were due to all in common. He liberally 
distributed among them whatever money came into his pos- 
session, rendering himself so popular that every one was 
willing to range himself under his ensign, and,, for his sake, 
to encounter any dangers. 

While his affairs were in this state, news reached him of 
the death of his father, John Castriot, in Epire.* These sad 
tidings, as was natural, filled his mind with exceeding sor- 
row; but he permitted no outward sign of mourning to 
betray the grief that lay concealed within his heart. For he 
was w'ont so to carry himself towards the sultan as though 
he were his own father. 

Upon the death of John, Amurath, as though he were 
the lawful heir of the realm of Epire, immediately dis- 
patched thither Sebaly, one of his great captains, with a 
strong force, who seized upon Croia, the chief city, and 
other places of importance. And thus, without effusion of 
blood, Amurath obtained possession of all the fortresses and 
strongholds of the kingdom. 

Yoisana, the widow of John Castriot, after the death of 
her husband, remained at home with her daughter Mamisa, 
and she had a small portion of land in Macedonia assigned 
to her by Amurath for her support. It is said that she 
died at a great age, before the return of Scanderbeg into 
Albania ; who, finding his sister Mamisa still unmarried 
when he recovered his kingdom, provided her with a hus- 
band, and restored her to her former dignity. 

Scanderbeg concealed not only his grief for the death of 
his father, but also the resentment which he felt on account of 
the wrongs done unto him. Amurath, on the other hand, not 
doubting that his treacherous conduct would be very ill 
borne by Castriot and his brethren, who were residing in his 
court, continued his disloyalty towards them. He made 



LIFE OF GBOSGB OABTSIOT. II 

way with the three oldest ; causing them, as many hay< 
affirmed, to be secretly poisoned.* After this, he tume< 
his thoughts upon Scanderbeg, considering in what manne 
he might secure himself against the danger which his sua 
picions represented to him, without depriving his realm o 
one to whom he looked, as to another Hercules, in all peril 
ous and difficult adventures. 

Iliere appears, after this, to have been a mutual distros 
between Amurath and Scanderbeg ; the former endeavorinj 
to conceal his evil purposes under specious offers and fai 
promises ; and the latter lulling the suspicions of the sultai 
by a show of affection and loyalty. The anxiety and grie 
felt by Scanderbeg continued to increase more and more 
and he considered it necessary to be very cautious with re 
gard to his personal safety. The more suspicious he was o 
the designs of the tyrant, the greater was his care to gaii 
the affection of the common people and of the soldiers 
But being continually engaged in the tmnults of war, hi 
renown increased so much, that envy grew up witlj it ; an< 
some of the courtiers, not being able to endure in a strange 
the appearance of so great excellence, which every day be 
came greater, took advantage of every opportunity to spea] 
ill of him to Amurath, and to inspire the belief that his hbe 
rality towards those about him, and his endeavors to obtaii 
popularity, were only prompted by a desire to rise to powe 
and authority. . Such discourses did not fail of making ai 
impression upon the sultan, especially as the munificence aa( 
liberality with which Scanderbeg was charged were mani 
fest and notorious ; and the advanced age of Amurath in 
clining him to be fearful, jealous, and suspicious, he sa^ 
every thing in the worst light, and apprehensions arose b] 
degrees in his mind, not only with respect to the realm o 
Epire, but for the sovereignty of his own empire. Hi 



* KhoHm layi poiitiyely, <* he poiioned all the tbree elder brettueB.** 

2* 



30 LIFB OF GEORGE OA8TRIOT. 

guilty conscience also stirring within him, he began at length 
to entertun a secret hatred towards Scanderbeg, and to 
watch for some opJ)ortunity to cut him off secretly ; for, as 
he had no pretence for open violence, he dreaded, by such 
means, to effect his destruction, lest he should thus alienate 
from himself the hearts of the multitude ; and, by sueh un- 
disguised tyranny, deprive his kingdom of the services of 
foreigners of talent, to whom the Ottoman empire owed so 
much of its greatness. 

But these domestic intrigues were, for a while, interrupted 
by the weight and importance of foreign affairs ; for war 
was declared against George, Lord of Misia, commonly 
ealled the Despot of Servia. It is said that Amurath was 
induced by two reasons, which at first sight appear contra- 
dictory, to commit the charge of the expedition to Scander- 
beg : the one, that he could find no other commander so 
fortunate in war ; the other, that he hoped that, in conse- 
quence^of his readiness to expose himself to all dangers, he 
m%ht at length meet with some mishap. Castriot was, con- 
sequently, sent against the Misians. 

At this time Castriot did not venture to deal with the 
Christians as moderately as he was wont to do wh(|n sent 
agfunst them, lest he should excite the suspicions of Amu- 
rath, who was already but too much inclined to regard his 
actions with a jealous eye. He frequently defeated the 
Despot ; returning, after all his conflicts, victorious to 
Adrianople. And when the Despot had renewed his 
forces, and began again to make head, Scanderbeg being 
anew dispatched against him, vanquished him in battle, and 
put his army to flight ; and, having razed many of his 
strongholds and fortresses, led back his own forces laden 
with the spoil of then* enemies. 

^ Notwithstanding the important services rendered by 
Seanderbeg to the Turkish state, Amurath continued his 
evil designs against him ; in pursuance of wluch, he caused 



LIFE OF OEOE6B CA8TRIOT. 2) 

a solemn joust and tournament, both on horseback and 01 
foot, to be proclaimed, offering great rewards to those wh< 
should be victorious. This he did in order to expose Scan 
derbeg to the great perils which would be attendant upoi 
these exercises. But all his schemes proved abortive ; for 
"though numbers both of subjects and strangers, hardy, ac 
tive, and able men, dsuly presented themselves, Scanderbeg 
who continually showed himself among them, carried oi 
the prize in every rencounter, to the great admiration, o 
all men, as though he were fatally predestined to be vie 
torious. 

The distrust of Amurath increased in proportion to th< 
fame of Scanderbeg, until, inflamed with anger and hatred 
he became anxious to have him dispatched in some secre 
manner. Scanderbeg was well aware of the disposition o 
the sultan towards him ; and being convinced that, if he re 
mained about the court, he could not long avoid the snare 
which were laid for him, he set himself to devise some meanj 
of escape from the service of the sultan, and of returning U 
his own country, where his presence was vehemently de 
sired. , Of this secret purpose he never by word or ac 
gave the stightest intimation to any man Uving, althougl 
many of his own countrymen hved on tenns of intimate 
friendship with him ; and many came to him in behalf of th< 
chief and principal persons in Albania, offering him their ai^ 
to wrest his kingdom from the hands of the tyrant. But 
well knowing the inconstancy of mankind, and being awan 
of the great peril of the undertaking, he wisely continuec 
to dissemble the purpose which he still kept in view. Th^ 
chief difficulty which presented itself to him was, how U 
recover possession of Croia, the principal city of Epire. I 
was defended by so large a garrison of the Turks, and iti 
aituation was so strong, being placed on the crest of a higl 
and rugged mountain almost inaccessible on every nde, anc 
also fortified by art, that to lU^mpt to take it by aasaiyt 



22 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

would have appeared the effect of miuiness or folly. 
His only hope of success depended upon some secret art 
or device. 

While in this state of suspense, Scanderbeg prudently ad- 
vised his countrymen to beware of rushing upon any desper- 
ate enterprise by which they might rivet more closely the 
chains already put upon them : reminding them that their 
present servitude was not very grievous, and promising to 
use all his influence with Amurath to have it alleviated as 
much as possible. Thus he continued, with great wisdom 
and discretion, to repress the imprudent ardor of his coun- 
trymen, until some opportunity of rendering them effectual 
aid should present itself. ^ 

The time was approachmg for Scanderbeg to carry his 
design into effect. The Despot of Mysia, whose discomfit- 
ure has been mentioned above, having been reinstated in 
his sovereignty by the aid of his friends and the revolt of 
his people from the dominion of the Turk, Amurath deter- 
mined to march against him in person. This he accordingly 
did, at the head of a force against which the Despot was 
unable to contend, but fled into Hungary, leaving all his 
strongholds in possession of his enemies. It is said that the 
sultan, in this expedition, availed himself of the aid and 
counsel of Scanderbeg more than of any other of his officers. 
Amurath had scarcely brought back his troops to Adrian- 
ople, and licensed them to depart to their homes, ere new 
disturbances were threatened on the part of the Hungarians ; 
for, at the instigation of Pope Eugenius, Uladislaus, king 
of Himgary, took arms for the purpose of re-establishing 
the Despot of Mysia. The Turkish emperor thereupon 
speedily reassembled his forces, to the number of eighty 
thousand men. He ordered the Bashaw of Romania, named 
Carambey, together with Scanderbeg, to march, at the head 
of twenty thousand men, into Hungary, there to meet the 
Christian army before it could enter the territories of Mysia. 



LIFE OF OSOROE OABTRIOT. 28 

He himself, with the main body of his army, and the bag^ 
gage, followed on by easy marches. 

The army of the Christians amoimted to thirty-five thou- 
sand men, commanded by the renowned Huniades, com- 
monly surpamed Jancus, whose name alone, it is said, more 
than once vanquished the Turks. The Bashaw, hastening 
forward, encamped near to the river of Morava. Huniades, 
with ten thousand chosen troops, passed the Morava, and 
attacked the Turks. This appeared to Scanderbeg to be the 
opportunity he had so long sought, for carrying into effect 
his design of liberating his country.* Even at the com- 
mencement of the battle, he began gradually to retreat with 
his bands^ and at length converted his retreat into an undis- 
guised flight ; by which example he struck terror into the 
rest of the troops and a disposition to follow his example. 
The Bashaw, much alarmed at seeing one so noted for 
bravery take to flight, and perhaps suspecting treachery, 
charged the enemy more faintly and with less boldness than 
he would otherwise have done. The Hungarians; in conse- 
quence of this, easily broke and scattered the forces of the 
Turks, who abandoned their arms and baggage, and only 
sought safety in flight. Huniades, continuing the pursuit, 
made a great slaughter of the enemy, without much loss of 
his oijni troops. He plundered the camp of the Turks, and 
took many prisoners. The Bashaw, and a few of his fol- 
lowers, with difficulty escaped. It is thought that Scander- 
beg had a secret understanding with Huniades, and that by 
his instructions he aided him in giving this great overthrow 



* The revolt of Scanderb^ from the Turks is, by Knollea, stated to haye taken 
place in another battle fought not long after. But he says, ^ Out of this Battel (or 
as some others report, a little before, out of the Battel of Morava) fled the great 
Captain George Castriot.'" I have followed Lavardin : as it seems probable that 
he inquired more particularly into the acts of Scanderbeg than Knolles did, whose 
business was with the general histoiy of the Turks. At any rate, it is a matter of 
Tery litUe importance. 



94 LIFS OP 6EOE6B CASTRIOT. 

to the Turks. Scanderbeg had, a little before this txaMb, 
imparted his design to some trusty friends, and especially to 
his nephew, a son of Reposins, named Amesa,* a young 
man of singular courage and great promise. In the confu- 
sion of the Turkish army, Scanderbeg kept a vigilant eye 
upon the Bashaw's principal secretary, whom, diuing the 
flight, he, with his nephew Amesa and other of his faithful 
friends, closely followed. When the opportunity presented 
itself, he set upon the Turks who accompanied the secre- 
tary, and slew every one of them. Having fast bound the 
secretary, he carried him to a place suitable for his purpose, 
and there compelled him, much against his will, to write 
counterfeit letters, as from the Bashaw his master, to the 
governor of Croia, ordering him, in the name of Amurath, 
to deliver forthwith the command of the city and of the 
garrison Aerein to Scanderbeg, the newly-appointed gov- 
ernor. Many things were artfully interwoven with the sub- 
stance of those letters, in order to' give them the greater 
appearance of truth and probability. As soon as they 
were written, the secretary was also put to death, together 
with as many more Turks as came in Scanderbeg's way, 
that these transactions might be kept as long as possible 
from the knowledge of Amurath, who, from hearing no 
news of Scanderbeg,, would naturally conclude that he had 
perished in the general slaughter of the Turks. 

Scanderbeg arrived with wonderful celerity in the upper 
country of Dibra, or Dibria, in the borders of Epirus, about 
70 miles from Croia, accompanied by 800 Epirot soldiers 
gathered to him out of the battle. The Dibrians were 
noted for their activity and valor, and much esteemed by 
Scanderbeg on account of their fidelity, and for the many 
services which they had rendered in the protection and de- 
fence of the state under John, his father, when molested by 

* bi tha tranBlation of LaYardin written Amete* 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. S5 

the Turks.^ Scanderbeg had ordered his march so as to 
arrive at the town of Dibra in the night. He secretly sent 
for some of the principal people to come to him. Having 
made known his purpose, he was greeted with the most 
unbounded demonstrations of joy and affection ; and jevery 
aid and service which could be rendered, was proffered with 
the utmost alacrity. 

He remained but one day at Dibra. Of the 300 men 
who accompanied him out of the battle, he selected a few 
whom he purposed to take with him to Croia, as though 
they belonged to his private service. The remainder, to- 
gether with other 300 select soldiers from Dibra, he directed 
to go, by secret ways under the direction of skilful guides, 
through the woods and mountains, and approach as near as 
was possible to Croia, without being discovered ; and there 
to wait imtil he should get into the town, and be able to 
admit them also, in order to oppress the Turkish garrison. 

Early in the morning, before the break of day, it being 
towards the end of autumn, he, with a small company of 
attendants, took the way towards Croia. As he approached 
the city, he sent before him his nephew, Amesa, in the 
character of his secretary, with two attendants as servants, 
to give notice to the governor of his coming. This yoimg 
gentleman being of a sharp wit, and well spoken, and pos- 
sessing great courage, so well dissembled, that both in habit 
and speech he had the appearance of a native Turk ; and 
being received into the city, he was conducted to the gover- 
nor ; whom having saluted in the Turkish manner, he de- 
livered his message from Scanderbeg with so good a grace, 
and such an air of truth, and what he said was so imphcitly 



* Dibra was the only town or fortress in the parts of Epire towards Maoedoniaf 
with the exception of Sfetigrade. The people of that portion of the kingdom 
being dispersed among the mountains and valleys, without any walled inclosurea, 
protected themselves against the incursions of their enemiee by flivor of the natural 
defences ot the country. 

8 



26 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

believed, that the governor, before the arrival of Scander- 
beg, or that he had read the letters brought by him, beg^ 
to make preparations to leave the place. When Scanderbeg 
arrived, and delivered to the govei nr)r the packet of letters, 
he made no question of the truth of their contents, but im- 
mediately resigned to him the government of the city, and 
the next day, with all his household, departed from Croia 
towards Adrianople. 

Scanderbeg having thus obtained the government of Croia, 
was, both by the Turks and the inhabitants of the city, re- 
ceived with great satisfaction. The Turks were pleased 
with his manners, which were popular and familiar, and 
the Croians began to conceive secret thoughts of the real 
purpose of their prince. It was agreed upon between 
Castriot and a few of the citizens, that they should rouse 
the minds of the young men of the city, and, when the 
time served, excite them to take arms. It was enjoined that 
no sign of the intended movement should appear until the 
men-at-arms who lay concealed near the city could be in- 
troduced within the walls. In the dead of the night follow- 
ing they were accordingly admitted. Having disposed his 
forces in such manner as he deemed most advantageous, 
Scanderbeg gave the command to begin the assault upon 
the Turks. The sentinels upon the walls were first dis- 
patched, and others put in their place. The private houses 
were then entered, and slaughter made of the Turkish 
garrison, with the aid of the armed citizens who joined in 
the attack. The massacre is related to have continued 
until Scanderbeg was induced by the entreaties of the Turks 
to put an end to his proceedings until the following morn- 
ing, in the hope that his victims might be induced to em- 
brace Christianity. In the mean time, he set guards through- 
out the city, and sent word of what had taken place to the 
Dibrians ; exhorting them all to take arms, and to solicit 
their allies and neighbors to assert their liberty, and to 



\ 



LIFE OP 6£OR6E OASTRIOT. 27 

expel the garrisons of their enemies, before they should re- 
cover from their astonishment, and while Amurath was 
ignorant of what had happened," and occupied in the war 
against the Hungarians. He made the Dibrians to under- 
stand, that as soon as he should have cleared the city of the 
Turks, and made the necessary arrangements therein, he 
would join them with the best and bravest troops that he 
could assemble. 

The next morning he caused it to be proclaimed with sound 
of the trumpet, that all who were willing to be baptized, and 
would come to him imarmed, should have their lives spared, 
and be admitted equally with other citizens to all places of 
charge and dignity ; but that all who refused these conditions 
should be considered enemies, whom any one was at liberty 
to put to death. The greater part of the Turks chose to 
encounter the threatened destruction rather than abjure 
their religion, ^d fell by the hands of the Christians, or by 
their own act. Castriot was induced to spare some, by their 
entreaties not to be forced through fear to assimie the show 
of a profession which they could not make with sincerity, 
and to grant them life and liberty. This clemency, how- 
ever, availed them little ; for on their departure from the 
city, they were without mercy set upon by the Christians. 

Those who consented to be baptized, were well provided 
for at the public charge. A strict watch, however, was 
directed to be kept upon them, imtil such time as they should 
appear to be well settled in their new faith. 

Of those who had found means to conceal themselves 
until the first commotion was past, some, upon making their 
appearance, were put to death: the rest were retamed 
prisoners by such citizens as were of a more mild and mer- 
ciful disposition, having large sums promised by the prison- 
ers for their ransom. 

The city of Croia being thus happily recovered, the stand- 
ards and ensigns of the Turks torn or burnt wherever 



28 LIFE OF OEOEOE CA8TEIOT. 

found, and a]l vestiges of their former presence e£hced* 
Castriot dispatched some of the principal persons of the 
city to the places within its jurisdiction, to acquaint the in- 
habitants with the success of his doings, and to rouse them 
to arms. But they needed no one to excite them ; for they 
had almost all taken arms, waiting only for some one to be 
their leader. Wherefore, upon the arrival of Scanderb^'s 
messengers, quickly forming a good and sufficient troop of 
enrolled soldiers, they went forward to incite others to do as 
they had done ; putting to the sword all the garrisons of the 
Turks which they encountered. When a sufficient niunber 
of the Epirots were gathered together, from different quar* 
ters, they returned to Croia ; and Scanderbeg uniting all hk 
forces, immediately proceeded by forced marches to Dibn* 
where he found Amesa with another good troop of soldiers, 
and all things settled and quiet ; for he had, before the 
arrival of Scanderbeg, expelled the garrison which the 
enemy had in that place. In the general destruction of the 
Turks, the governor of Croia, while on his way to Adriano- 
ple, was also attacked and slain, together with all his reti- 
nue, and his baggage seized and plundered. Scanderbeg's 
first care was, to station 2000 good troops upon the fron- 
tiers near to Sfetigrade, as well to intercept the escape of 
any enemies from within his territories, as to prevent any 
incursions which might be made from without, by the forces 
of the Sultan ; for in that quarter was the entrance into 
Epire most easy from Macedonia and Thrace. He him- 
self with the remainder of his troops went into lower Dibra. 
And here he met, amongst others, a person highly renowned 
for the nobleness of his blood, and the greatness of his 
courage, Moses Goleme, who subsequently became a princi- 
pal sharer and assistant in many important and difficult 
enterprises. 

He then approached the places and fortresses adjoining, 
which not being surrounded by walls, nor defended by large 



LIF£ OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 29 

garrisons, offered him but little resistance. Thenceforth, the 
inhabitants of the country universally rose up in arms, with 
purpose to follow him whom they called the Protector of 
their liberty. The shout of liberty was heard from the 
mouths, and the desire of liberty was felt in the hearts 
of all.^ 

Many Turks, according to some accounts, having assem- 
bled themselves from divers quarters, made an attack upon 
the Christians ; but being defeated, those who remained alive 
surrendered themselves up to the mercy of Scanderbeg, who 
left it to the pleasure of his soldiers either to spare or to slay 
them as they thought fit. The greater part of them were put 
to death, a few only being reserved, in expectation of obtain- 
ing from them great ransoms. Scanderbeg then divided his 
forces, and sent some of the principal young men into dif- 
ferent parts of the country, in order to stir up their friends 
and defeat their enemies. Amesa with about 200 men was 
ordered to enter Croia, that being the place of greatest im- 
portance and the principal garrison. He himself ranged 
about into all quarters, sometimes on one side of the country, 
sometimes on the other, and carefully attending to every thing, 
spent several days in the recovery of places, and in strengthen- 
ing by his presence the good- will and affection of all parties. 

After the recovery of Croia, the object of greatest im- 
portance was to get possession of the other fortresses 
within his realm which were held by strong garrisons of 
the Turks. With this view, he sent orders to those whom 
he had dispatched into divers parts, to increase their num- 
bers as much as possible, and then to repair, as speedily as 
they could, to Croia. Scanderbeg himself returned there, 
and awaited the arrival of his forces. He was not obliged 
to remain long ; for his troops, greatly augmented in num- 
ber, were there not long after him. He was joined by many 
noble captains, well accompanied, among whom were Mu- 
sache de Angeline, his nephew by his sistef Angellma ; the 

3* 



80 LIFE OF OBORG£ CABTRIOT. 

two Streeses, Goique and George, also nephews by his sister 
Jella ; and Gyne Musache, the husband of Ulaicus. Stephen 
Cemoviche, who had married Mara, sent him large succors 
both of men and money. All his sisters had been married 
to nobility of the country, with the exception of Mamisa, 
who was given by Scanderbeg to Musache de Thopie, after 
he had recovered his realm, and restored it to peace. The 
forces, which continued to arrive, at length amounted to 
more than twelve thousand men. Scanderbeg, feeling much 
encouraged by the zeal which his friends and subjects mani- 
fested, and seeing them eager and ready to march, re- 
solved, first, to deliberate in full council upon the state of 
his affairs, and to address some words of exhortation to his 
army.* 

The modesty of the address made by Scanderbeg to his 
people was highly applauded ; and the course which he ad- 
vised to be pursued, implicitly followed. Moses, with three 
thousand horse, was sent forward to Petrella, and was soon 
followed by Scanderbeg himself, with the remainder of the 
forces. Petrella is a strong city, twenty-five miles from 
Groia, situated upon the top of a steep and rocky mountain, 
like the other cities of Epire, and well furnished by the 
Turks with men and munitions of war. Notwithstanding 
the strength of the place, Scanderbeg had good hope that 
the Turkish garrison therein, terrified by the fate of Croia, 
and the slaughter of their countrymen in the surrounding 
regions, would be induced to yield up the town upon rea- 
sonable conditions. With this end in view, Scanderbeg, 
after he had established his camp, sent one of his men, a 
faithful and intelligent fellow, who had followed him out of 
Hungary, to offer the garrison, upon condition of their deliv- 
ering up the place, the option either to enter his service 
upon liberal terms, or to depart in safety with bag and bag- 



* In LaTardin along speech is given. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTBIOT. 81 

gage, and a large sum of money to be divided among them. 
This messenger performed his task with great ability. He. 
set before the garrison of Petrella the example of Croia; 
exhorting them to bear in mind what that city had suffered, 
and to think how the dead bodies of their fellow-soldiers were 
exposed to the dogs and wolves in every corner of Epirus, 
the truth of which they had learned from divers Turks who 
fled for refuge into the town. Nor did he fail to remind 
them that Amurath, having lately lost a great battle against 
the Hungarians, and being engaged in other wars, had no 
leisure to turn his attention towards Epire. He concluded by 
offering the conditions above mentioned. After a short delay, 
the governor accepted the proffered terms : all but the tender 
to him of a large sum of money, lest he should be suspected 
by the sultan of having been bribed. The Turkish governor, 
accordingly, with his garrison, evacuated the city ; and were 
suppUed by Scanderbeg, agreeably to his promise, with pro- 
visions and money for their journey, and sent under a suffi- 
cient convoy safely out of Epire. 

The easy recovery of this town has been thought to 
afford an evidence of the favor of Providence towards Scan- 
derbeg. For, although Petrella be small in circuit, its po- 
sition on the top of a high mountain renders it impregnable. 
It was also well provided with men, arms, and other muni- 
tion. Yet, in the winter season, at which time an attack 
would have been most desperate, it yielded to him without 
resistance. 

When Petrella was thus gained, Scanderbeg made no de- 
lay, but having put therein a sufficient garrison, he neither 
entered the town himself, nor permitted any so to do, ex- 
cept the soldiers appointed to defend the place, although 
his men, at the time, were suffering much from the severity 
of the cold. He immediately directed his course to Petra- 
Alba, distant from Petrella thirty miles, and as much from 
Croia, in such haste, says Ejiolles, as if the city had been 



d2 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

miming away from him. Lavardin calls it a castle in 
(Emathia, on the summit of a mountain, near to the river of 
(Emathus. As soon as Scanderbeg had encamped before 
this place, a messenger was sent to him with an offer to sur- 
render the place upon the same conditions which had been 
granted to Petrella; which being agreed upon, the place 
was without delay given up, and the agreement entered 
into faithfully performed by Scanderbeg. 

Petra-Alba being thus recovered, and all things in it well 
ordered, Scanderbeg proceeded, without delay, to Stellusa, 
distant from Croia fifty miles. It is a small place, but 
strongly and very delightfully situated upon the top of a 
high hill in (Emathia, surrounded by pleasant and fruitful 
plams. Scanderbeg encamped near this stronghold a little 
before sunset, and remained quiet that night. In the morn- 
ing he summoned the place, offering the same conditions 
wluch had been received by Petrella and Petra-Alba. The 
greater part of the garrison were desirous of accepting these 
terms ; but Desdrot, the governor of the town, with a few 
others, resolutely refused them ; whereupon a fierce contest 
arose between the two parties in the garrison. At length, 
the majority set upon the governor and his adherents, and 
delivered them, fast bound, to Scanderbeg, at the same 
time yielding up the fortress. Those who had thus be- 
trayed their commander, being afraid to expose themselves 
to the vengeance of Amurath, either remained with Scan- 
derbeg and became Christians, or were provided for without 
a change of religion, or well rewarded, and suffered to de- 
part where they would. 

There remained yet the city of Sfetigrade in possession of 
the enemy ; for the weaker Turkish garrisons in Epire, when 
they heard that the strongest places were recovered by the 
Epirots, soon delivered themselves up to Scanderbeg. 
Sfetigrade, which in the Sclavonian language means The 
Holy City, is situated on the frontiers of Epire, in the upper 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 88 

ooimtry of Dibra, like an eagle's nest, upon a high and 
steep hill. To this city Scanderbeg advanced, with all his 
forces ; and having pitched his tents and arranged his 
camp, he demanded a parley with the inhabitants of the 
town. He endeavored at first to gain the place by compo- 
sition, as he had done the rest ; and to that end directed 
his messenger to declare what had happened at Croia, 
Petrella, Petra-Alba, and Stellusa : especially to set forth 
his liberal treatment of the garrison of the last place, and 
to say that the governor thereof, who was in his hands, 
should, together with his partisans, be executed in their 
sight, unless they delivered up the city. To this message, 
the governor, not being certain of the disposition of his men, 
was doubtful what answer to return. He therefore first 
received and entertained the herald with courtesy; after 
which, addressing himself to his soldiers, and styling them 
valiant and faithful men, he demanded of them what an- 
swer should be returned to their enemies. Whereupon one 
of the soldiers, a rough, bold fellow, brandishing aloft his 
sword, is reported to have made answer to this effect : — 
" Captain, since you call us valiant and fcdthful, and ccm- 
sider Scanderbeg as our enemy, this my sword shall make 
answer for us all. Why should we be told of what has 
happened at Croia and Stellusa ? Do they think to break 
down the courage of brave men ? The minds of men are 
as various as their countenances ; and each man should 
judge for himself. We gave no laws to them of Petrella nor 
of Stellusa, nor will we receive any from them. Let us 
take care that we be not corrupted by the examples of 
those base and infamous slaves. Courageous and independ- 
ent minds not only disdain to be imitators of what is dis- 
graceful, but are unwilling to be directed by others even in 
honorable actions. Let Scanderbeg slay, before our 6yes, 
the governor of Stellusa and his companions. Do you think 
that we shall die in their bodies ; that our spirits shall be 



84 LIFE OF GEORGE CABTftlOT. 

extrngoished in theirs ; or our blood spilt in them ? Happy 
are the bodies, and worthy of all honor are the souls of 
those men who, in their desire to maintain their faith and 
preserve their Hberty, equally despised gold, silver, the 
sword, and all that the miserable nature of man covets 
most or is most afraid of. Herald, return to our enemy, 
and carry to him this message from a private soldier. Tell 
him that, if he intend to impose terms upon us, let him 
show us the strength of his arm, which is not dreaded by 
men of courage. He may bring us into subjection, if God 
be not for us ; but I am sure he shall never do it by persua- 
sive words. Nor does your Scanderbeg show himself the 
man which he is said to be — of a kind and gentle spirit, 
ready to forgive, and no less just to his enemies than to his 
friends. Why is the governor of Stellusa kept prisoner, 
who, for his king, for his faith, and for his liberty, bravely, 
and as became an honest man, spoke his opinion ? Why is 
he to be butchered by the hands of the executioner ? He 
does not deserve to be put to the sword and to suffer death 
who has so nobly hazarded his safety for the preservation of 
his liberty." When this speech, which had been atten- 
tively listened to, was ended, the soldiers, thronging around 
the speaker, and beating together their swords and targets, 
gave a great shout, in token that they approved of what 
had been said. The governor, being encouraged by the dis- 
position which his troops manifested, sent away the herald 
with no other answer than that of the common soldiers. 
When this answer of the soldier was returned to Scander- 
beg, he smiled, and said, '' He is, no doubt, a valiant sol- 
dier, if his deeds coiTespond with his words; but, God 
willing, we will send him also to keep company with those 
happy souls of the Stellusians." He then ordered the gov- 
ernor of Stellusa and th^ other captives to be brought be- 
fore him, unto whom presenting a crucifix, some consented 
to be baptized, to the great grief of the other Turks. Desdrot, 




LIFE OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 35 

the governor, and the others, who refused to change their 
religion, as a terror to the defendants, were m their sight 
put to death. Whereupon the soldiers of the garrison 
gave a shout from the walls, and hitterly railed upon the 
Christians. 

The governor of Sfetigrade set all things in order for the 
defence of the place, sending out of the town the Chris- 
tians and former citizens who had been suffered to remain. 
He also spoke words of commendation and encouragement 
to his men ; and after having made his arrangements, he 
quietly awaited the attack of the enemy. A diversity of 
opinions, with regard to the manner of carrying on the 
operations against Sfetigrade, existed in the camp of Scan- 
derbeg. Some were for deferring all operations against the 
city, on account of the advanced season of the year and the 
inclemency of the weather. Others thought that an imme- 
diate assault should be made by a chosen body of men. 
But a third opinion, advanced by Mo&es Golemus, a valiant 
captain, finally prevailed ; which was, that the forces to be 
maintained upon the borders of Epirus for the purpose of 
repelling any attempts of the enemy from abroad, might 
serve at the same time to keep in check the garrison of 
Sfetigrade until Scanderbeg should find it convenient to re- 
turn to the siege. Moses was, accordingly, left with three 
thousand troops before the city to perform this double ser- 
vice. Scanderbeg then, with the rest of his army, returned 
to Croia, " having," says KnoUes, " in the space of a little 
more than one month, to his immortal praise, recovered his 
kingdom, and driven the Turks out of every comer of 
Epirus, excepting only Sfetigrade ; which city also, not long 
after, was, by composition, delivered unto him. During all 
this time, from his first coming into Epirus, he never slept 
above two hours in a night, but with restless labor prosecu- 
ted his affairs. He ever fought against the Tarks w th his 
arm bare, and that with such fierceness, that the blood did 



36 LIFE OF OEOEOI CA8TEIOT. 

oftentimes burst out of his lips. It is written, that he with 
his own hand slew three thousand Turks in the time of his 
wars against them. But of his great and worthy victories 
obtainBd against the two mighty Turkish lungs, Amurath, 
and Mahomet his son, more shall be said hereafter in due 
time and place." 

A council being held upon the return of Scanderbeg to 
Croia, there was a diversity of opinion as to the future pro- 
ceedings of the army. Some were very unwilling to inter- 
mit the war, but wished to follow up their victory, and in- 
vade the enemy's territory, in hopes of winning something 
from the Ottoman empire. Others alleged the unfavorable 
time of the year for such an expedition, as the snow, and 
frost, and rains would render the service extremely distress- 
ing to the men ; and the fields, during the winter, would af- 
ford no sustenance to the horses. Scanderbeg yielded to 
the latter opinion ; both to manifest the care which he had for 
his troops, and to take advantage of this time of rest to put 
his country into a better posture of defence. He accord- 
ingly dismissed his troops, after having first expressed to 
them his grateful sense of their conduct. He told them 
that he did not know which most to commend, their virtue 
or their good fortune, which had gone hand in hand and 
mutually aided each other : that, from what they had al- 
ready done, he drew a presage of the future glory of Alba- 
nia, and of their honor and renown : that it was hardly 
the thirtieth day since he (full of doubt and uncertainty after 
his long absence) set foot again in his native country, while 
in the possession of infidels and miscreants ; of whom, 
Sfetigrade excepted, not a vestige was left remaining in the 
province. He told them that they ought, before all, to ren- 
der thanks to God, that he had so blinded the understandings 
of their adversaries as to induce them to deliver up, with- 
out resistance, the possession of such good and strong for- 
tresses : that their patience and endurance of hardships. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTBIOT. 87 

and their steady perseverance in the pursuit of the object 
they had in view, spite of the severity of the weather and 
the inclemency of the season, merited great praise and com- 
mendation : that he admired the spirit of those who were 
unwilling to lay down their arms ; but that, if no harm was 
likely to result from a Httle delay, it would be well for 
them to take care of their bodies, and to remember that 
they were but men. He bade them therefore to retire, 
while crowned with victory, to breathe and Refresh them- 
selves ; for that they should have wars and military expedi- 
tions in abundance. After touching upon the probable 
course that would be pursued by Amurath, and what their 
own manner of proceeding ought to be, he observed that 
the feast of the Nativity of Christ our Saviour was at hand, 
and t&at he did not feel inchned to attempt any thing, dur- 
ing those festal days of life and light, by which any should 
be deprived of life, but that all should rather offer up daily 
vows and prayers and thanks unto God for their liberty, 
their state and empire, their wives and their children, and 
for themselves, thus freed from the bondage of their ene- 
mies. He concluded, by assuring them of the good hopes 
which were excitecT in him by the presence of so many val- 
iant youths and brave captains ; and of his desire to do all 
in his power to reward their services, and procure thejn 
honor and reputation ; for which reason, he desired that all 
should utter their thoughts, and freely open their minds 
unto him. 

Hereupon not only persons of the lower classes, but some 
even of the better sort, were so emboldened by the hberality 
of his speech, that they flocked around and urged upon him 
various petitions: some desiring the pay of horsemen and 
some of footmen ; others asked for money and horses, or for 
rents, revenues, and livings ; and many were importunate to 
have restored to them the possessions of which they had 
been despoiled by the Turks upon the change of govem- 

4 



38 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTBIOT. 

ment wbich took place when Amurath made himself master 
of Epire. What could be conveniently done without con- 
tention was freely granted to them : what could not be im- 
mediately executed without injury to others, was deferred to 
a future time. 

When the officers were dismissed, and Scanderbeg, with 
his own train, had entered into the town, the first thing he 
did was to cause Amesa and some other of his companions 
who came with him from Hungary, and a number of Turks 
who yet remained in Croia and other places, to be admitted 
into the communion of the Christian faith by the sacrament 
of holy baptism ; which had not been performed with respect 
to the Turks, in consequence of the haste with which it was 
necessary to prosecute the war. This ceremony taking place 
during the feast of Christmas, it was celebrated with much 
joy for many days. The inhabitants of the country, both 
publicly and privately, sent Scanderbeg, as was customary, 
many presents. The princes his neighbors also, as they 
had not long before presented him with gifts serviceable for 
war, now sent to him things suited to a time of peace and 
public tranquillity — such as furniture and valuable household 
articles — ^knowing well that he had brought nothing with 
him into his country besides his arms. 

Scanderbeg did not long enjoy this repose, for, in the 
midst of the festival, news came suddenly from Moses that a 
number of Turks, who had fled from Epire into the neigh- 
boring province, intended to surprise him. Upon this news, 
Scanderbeg himself hastened to join Moses, lest that gen- 
eral should be inclosed between the invading forces and the 
garrison of Sfetigrade, or be obliged to abandon the watch 
which he kept over that city. This alarm, however, was 
foimd not to be attended with any great danger. It was 
occasioned by the remnants of the garrisons of Petrella, 
Stellusa, and Petra-Alba, which had escaped out of the 
hands of the Epirots, and who perceiving all to be quiet m 



UFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 39 

Albania, that Scanderbeg had broken up his camp, and was 
passing the winter at Croia, and that Moses with his troops 
was near to Sfetigrade on the frontiers of the land, ralUed 
together near Alchria, a small town in Macedonia mider the 
dominion of the Ottomans, and joining to them a nimiber of 
others, they marched directly towards Sfetigrade, both with 
the desire of revenge and in the hope of performing some 
service by which they might in the eyes of their master ob- 
literate the ignominy of their former conduct. Although 
the Prince of Albania was not himself much moved by this 
rumor, yet, in order to avoid the appearance of negligence 
and of abandoning Moses, he mounted suddenly on horse- 
back, and accompanied by those who with him were cele- 
brating the feast, and about a hundred horsemen of the 
town, went forward to meet the threatened danger. As 
soon as the Turks perceived the approach of Scanderbeg, 
they retired in such haste as to leave no trace behind them 
of their attempt. This their folly, however, was the cause 
of great mischief to theu* land. For Scanderbeg, incensed 
at their audacity, took a thousand horse of the troops of 
Moses, and made such an inroad into the Turkish borders as 
provided his soldiers with victuals and munition for the 
residue of the winter, so enriching them that they desired 
no better pay : which was so usual a thing with this enter- 
prising prince, that it grew into a common saying in the 
courts of princes, that the spoil of Amurath's dominions was 
Scanderbeg's revenue. 



40 



BOOK II. 

When Amuratli became acquainted with the particulars 
of all the disasters which Scanderberg had brought upon 
him, it is said that he at first was so overcome as to remain 
for a time without uttering a word. But his feelings at 
length burs.t forth into violent exclamations, complaints, and 
threatenings. Tidings continuing to arrive from different 
parts of Epire of the successes of Scanderbeg; how that 
Croia was taken by him, that he had obtained possession of 
other important places, the garrisons of which were slain 
and dispersed, and that, in fine, the whole estate of his an- 
cestors was recovered by him with incredible favor and good- 
will of the nations ; the grief and vexation of Amurath was 
still more exasperated. Still he resolved, setting aside all 
other things, to bend his thoughts solely towards the war 
with Hungary. The opinions of Amurath's counsellors were 
divided in regard to the course to be pursued. Some were 
for bending at once the Ottoman strength against Scander- 
beg, that he might be crushed before his power shoiild be 
established. Others, again, were in favor of prosecuting the 
war with Hungary, without suffering it to be interrupted by 
the revolt of Scanderbeg. 

Amurath finally agreed with the Himgarians upon a truce 
for ten years, with other conditions which it is unnecessary 
here to mention. He did not, however, immediately pro- 
ceed to take vengeance of Scanderbeg, but suffered the win- 
ter and spring following and part of the summer to pass 
over before he aroused himself. 

Scanderbeg, having taken leave of Moses, returned from 
Dibra to Croia, where he passed the greater part of the winter 
in attending to the affairs of the state and to individual con- 



Ik 



LIF£ OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 4l 

cems. Upon the approach of spring, he took with him 
Amesa and a few horse, and went forth to levy forces ; and 
having mustered six thousand men, he went direct towards 
Sfetigrade. But this demonstration proved of no avail. 
Neither the difficulty of the siege nor the obstinacy of the 
defenders was diminished. Neither threats nor promises 
could avail any thing. He was without artillery ; and even 
if he had been supplied therewith, it is not probable that it 
would have enabled him to reduce the place. And it ap- 
peared to be a course of great imprudence and temerity to 
make an attempt which threatened not only the certain 
peril of his forces, but their probable ruin and destruction. 
Wherefore, in accordance with the opinion of the majority, 
he for the present abandoned the proposed attempt upon 
Sfetigrade, and resolved to turn his arms elsewhere. But, 
before departing, he proceeded to lay waste the environs of 
the town, in order to distress the inhabitants thereof. It is, 
however, reported that some of them came secretly to Scan- 
derbeg, and entreated him that, in regard of their past ser- 
vices to John his father, he would not utterly destroy every 
thing, by which proceeding he would do more harm to them 
than to the Turks ; and that these and other motives which 
were urged induced him to grant their request, seeing he had 
no reason to doubt the faith of men who were Christians, 
and who had been the subjects of his ancestors. 

There was a country called Mocrea in the vicinity of the 
dominions of Scanderbeg, which was exceedingly pleasant 
and well peopled, and containing many large towns and 
boroughs. Towards this country Scanderbeg led his army, 
and, taking possession of it, added it to his dominions, thus 
extending beyond the bounds of his father's empire. There 
was not an enemy to be found in all the country ; for the 
Turks, before that, had either been expelled or had voluntari- 
ly retired from those parts ; and the inhabitants, of their 
own accord, enrolled themselves in the service of Scander- 

4* 



42 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

beg, and marched under his ensigns and the eagles, in time 
past, well known to them.* Passing on from Mocrea, some- 
times showing himself gentle and lenient, and at others 
severe and terrible, he daily added to his conquests, and 
thus increased the extent and richness of his dominions ; at 
the same time continually taking order for one thing or oth- 
er, appointing guards for the passages, and providing for the 
garrisons. He frequently visited Croia, and examined all 
other places of importance : being seldom idle or quiet, but 
riding to and fro, he made himself acquainted with mount- 
ains, hills, forests, thickets, caves, dens, and secret lurking- 
places. All which care was with the view of rendering him- 
self more able to defend the country against the expected 
invasion of the Turks. The little leisure which he had was 
employed in making inroads into the territory of his ene- 
mies. He avoided nothing more than to suffer his men to 
be corrupted by idleness, having continually in his mouth 
this sajdng of Fabius Maximus : That it was not good for an 
army to continue long in one place ; but that frequent change 
of their place and camp was far preferable, and would much 
better fit them for military service. 

These things could not fail to reach the ears of Amurath. 
Messengers came to him from Pharsalia and other parts of 
Macedonia, filling his palace with clamor and outcries. It 
was reported that Scanderbeg had gotten possession of 
many places, and was d^dly pursuing his conquests with his 
wonted fierceness and severity : that both the one and the 
other Dibria had volimtarily surrendered themselves to him, 
killing with their own hands the Turkish garrisons, or de- 
livering them up prisoners to their new lord. These marches 
of the Upper and Lower Dibria of old appertamed to John 
Castriot, who had been constrained to yield them to Amu- 



* ** Fot in his standflnls, which were Gnelles, he bore an eagle with two headea 
■ahto. These being the auncient armes of his ftunily.''— Translation of Lavordin, 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 48 

rath. Those who brought these accounts to Amurath set 
forth that, m consequence of the revolt of the Dibrians, the 
Christians would soon become masters of Sfetigrade, being 
seated in Upper Dibria, and consequently unable to procure 
supplies from the surrounding country : that Mocrea and 
other places which were not of the dominion of John Cas- 
triot, had declared for Scanderbeg. By all these accounts, 
Amurath was of necessity stirred up to arms. After having 
assembled his council, and fully deUberated upon the state 
of affairs, he gave orders that a powerful army should be 
levied ; by which he thought to extinguish the name of 
Scanderbeg, and avenge himself for the revolt of the Alba- 
nians, and the many injuries which he conceived himself to 
have suffered from them. 

Scanderbeg also, on his part, was certified of the designs 
of the Turk, not only through persons imknown to him, but 
also by some of his friends, of whom he still had many about 
Amurath. Being wonderfully bold in exposing himself to 
all sorts of danger, he at the same time discovered singular 
prudence and wisdom in all his conduct. For as he foresaw 
that he should have to maintain a very severe struggle in 
the defence of his dominions, into the heart of which the 
war would probably be brought, and that his own resources 
might be insufficient to carry him through the contest which 
awaited him, he determined to seek the aid and alliance of 
the neighboring princes and nobles. 

In order to facilitate this object, he deemed it most ad- 
visable to invite them to a conference in some convenient 
place. He accordingly chose a town appertaining to the 
Venetian dominion, named Lissa or Alesia, distant some- 
what more than twenty-two miles from Croia. This place 
was thought suitable, not only on account of the convenience 
of its situation, but because the government of the Venetians 
was generally liked for its mild and gentle character. Those 
who were thus invited showed no backwardness or delay. 



44 LIFE OF 6E0R6B CABTIROT. 

for none refused to attend the conference, and all exhibited 
the greatest alacrity and zeal in the cause of Scander- 
beg.* 

The princes and nobles being assembled in the great 
church of Lissa, Scanderbeg addressed a speech to them, 
which, it is said, was much approved and highly applauded 
by the assembly. He was unanimously chosen the com- 
mander-in-chief of the armies, and to his sole direction was 
committed the conduct of the war. He was esteemed most 
worthy of the honor bestowed upon him on account of his 
skill and science in military affairs, his great prudence 
and deUberation, his long acquaintance with the manners 
and customs of the barbarians, and his wonderful judgment, 
which was confirmed by long use and daily experience. 
From all these considerations, an assured hope of success 
was entertained by those who displayed this confidence in 
him. His allies all voluntarily taxed themselves for the 
support of the war, except the Venetians, who would not 
bind themselves to pay a stated subsidy, but promised to be 
ready at all times to afford any aid which might be required. 

After the business of the assembly was concluded, and 
prayers had been offered up and processions made for the 
strengthening of the league, Scanderbeg was by some ac- 
companied to Croia, and the rest betook themselves to their 
own homes. The city of Sfetigrade had been so closely 
pressed by Moses, that it had surrendered to him, and he 
and his troops had been recalled, except those with which 
he garrisoned the place, and a few who were left upon the 
mountains in order to maintain a careful look-out. 

The troops thus recalled did not amount to more than 
five thousand men, as Scanderbeg had previously licensed 
many to depart. But commissions were now made out, and 



* The names of those who attended are giren by Layardin, but I think it use* 
toss to lepeat them. 



LIFS OF GEORGE 0A8TRI0T. 45 

officers appointed, and dispatched to various parts in order 
to levy forces. 

During these transactions in Epire, it must not be sup- 
posed that Amurath remained at ease and unoccupied with 
the care of the war against Scanderbeg, upon which he had 
resolved. He caused an army of 40,000 men to be raised, 
and committed to the conamand of Haly Bassa, a leader of 
tried valor in action and of approved wisdom in council, and 
who, by his merit, had risen to great mihtary honor ; whose 
high reputation, as well as that of his troops, inspired the 
Turks with full assurance of an easy triumph over the Alba- 
nians, and caused among them as much appearance of exul- 
tation as though Scanderbeg were already taken prisoner, 
and was going to execution. With respect to the inhabit- 
ants of Epire, they were much alarmed by the rumor of the 
Turkish preparations. The country people, driving their 
cattle before them, betook themselves to the walled towns for 
protection ; and the townspeople strengthened their fortifi- 
cations and stationed guards, as though the enemy was close 
at hand. The aged men and the women encouraged those 
who could bear arms to exert themselves in their defence, 
and ofifered up prayers and vows to Heaven for the preser- 
vation of their country. 

As to Scanderbeg, he was not at all moved by any of 
these things ; neither by the prospect of a Turkish invasion, 
nor by the greatness of the enemy's preparations, nor by the 
terror of his own subjects ; but made light of the threats of 
Amurath, and derided the fears which they excited. He 
nevertheless put every thing in readiness throughout his do- 
minions for the reception of the enemy, and so encouraged 
and inflamed the hearts of his soldiers that they wished for 
nothing more ardently than for the approach of the enemy. 
It is supposed that he had information of all Amurath's de- 
signs by means of secret friends at the Turkish court. 

Having ordered every thing for the safety of his country. 



40 MPK (IK liKoRfiK f'AHTRIOT. 

ho bf'^n to l«*vy an army at (*n>ia. Most of his subjects of 
KpiruA, who wrri' ra[Mif)Ii' of iN'arinj^ arms, then repaired to 
him. The oonfcdrnitt* C*hri>tian prinros, also, his neighbor8» 
many of whom wen* his kinsm(*n, furnished him with great 
HiippIitiH. Oth<*r devout and warhk«* Christians also resorted 
to him from far in }^n*at numU^rs. Out of this multitude, 
which mif^ht havo afforded him a vcr)' large army, he 
lee ted 8000 horsemen and 7000 foot : the remainder, 
the ex(;cption of Kuch hm he placed in certain frontier garri- 
sons, hv lieensed to depart home again. It was matter of 
great wonder, to both the friends and foes of Scanderbeg, 
that he should take the field with so few forces, when he 
might have had so much larger an army under his com- 
mand. But Sc{mderlM>g himself was wont to say, that the 
quality of an army was more to be depended upon than the 
size of it, as will be noted hereafter. 

Before commenting his march with this small army of 
l/),000 men, Sranderlx'g addresst^d his men in an animated 
speech, by whicli he stirred them up to an ardent desire for 
the combat ; and then, having given orders for their pay, 
and divine service having be(.>n devoutly celebrated, he pro- 
ceeded to the lower Dibra, and encamped, towards sundown, 
about eighty miles from Croia, near to a mountain full <^ 
woods, or rather to a forest of lofty trees, directly in the 
way which it would be necessary for the Bashaw to take, 
of whose approach he had received notice by means of his 
espials. Within this wood he placed Gnee Musachee and 
Amesa, with 3000 horsemen, in ambush; and gave them 
orders to lie close until they should see him completely en- 
gaged in battle with the Turks, and then to rush with their 
utmost force upon the rear of the enemy. Scarcely had Scan- 
derbeg placed his men in ambush, before the Turkish forces 
made their appearance ; and the Bashaw came and encamped 
near to the Albanians a little before the setting of the sun, 
and remained there that night. Many fires were kindled in 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 47 

his camp, and sounds of great mirth and joy were heard. 
Scanderbeg, on the contrary, ordered all to be silent, and no 
fires to be lighted in his camp ; and directed those who were 
not wanted on guard, to take their rest : whereby he ren- 
dered the Turks less vigilant, as they supposed him to be 
intimidated and discouraged. During the night the Turks 
approached his camp, and used insulting language towards 
his soldiers ; but he commanded all to remain quiet, and 
take no notice of the barbarians. When the moon rose, he 
first caused his troops to take refreshment; and he then 
drew them out, and, that he might obtain some knowledge 
of the strength and order of the enemy, directed his horse- 
men to engage in light skirmishes with the Turks. He then, 
in the morning, arranged his army in the following order. 

On the left wing he placed Tanusee, with 1500 horse 
and the like number of foot. In the front of the cavalry he 
intermingled a nimiber of archers on foot, that the battle might 
be begim by them, and that the rest of the infantry might 
be able to come speedily to the charge, and to retire if hard 
pressed, notwithstanding the engagement of the horsemen. 
Moses, who commanded the right wing composed of Di- 
brians, ordered his battle in the same manner. But in what 
manner soever the Dibrians might be arranged, and whether 
foot or horse, they were sure of performing their duty, and 
seldom failed of being victorious. Between the wings were 
arranged the remainder of the forces, bending inward, in 
form of a crescent, commanded by Scanderbeg himself. A 
thousand horse were likewise in the front of his division ; 
for, as the forces of the enemy were devoid of infantry, it 
was not deemed advisable to expose his troops to the first 
fury of the onset of the enemy's cavalry. Next to these 
1000 horsemen were placed nearly a like number of archers 
on foot, who were well trained and skilled, to accompany 
the horse, and shelter themselves under their sides; by 
which means they were able both to guard themselves and 



48 UFE OF GEO&GS CABTRIOT. 

to annoy the enemy, who were not aware of any such mode 
of attack. George Strese, a valiant knight, was also there, 
accompanied and surrounded by the soldiers and youth of 
Croia, having so disposed them that he might be able to en- 
courage them by his example, and to witness their conduct.* 
After the squadron of archers, followed the main body of 
the infantry, composed of bands armed with pikes and tar- 
gets, led on by Aydin, the brother of Gnee Musachee. 
Uranocontes, a sage and experienced warrior, commanded 
the rest of the horse, with the rearward and reserve. Thk 
was a strong and close battalion, composed of the flower of 
the old soldiers, holding themselves firm, like a bulwark, for 
the support of the other troops. 

When Scanderbeg had thus marshalled his army, he would 
not permit the trumpet to give the signal for battle, imtil he 
saw the Bashaw ready, and advancing to the fight. He 
feared lest the impetuosity of his men should cause them to 
rush forward, and break their ranks, and thus to fall into 
confusion. 

The Turkish commander, looking upon the arrangement 
of the Christian forces, advanced, uttering contemptuous 
speeches. " Ever, ever," said he, " do the greater devour 
the less ;" and he laughed outright at what he called the 
foolish pomp of the Christians, marching so formally and 
foolishly, as he thought, to their own funeral. 

One of the Ottoman legions came forward boldly before 
the others ; but being speedily and closely charged by the 
forlorn hope of the Christians, they suddenly gave way, and 
retreated quickly within their trenches ; but the Prince of 
Albania, suspecting some Turkish stratagem, sent forward a 
body of horsemen to stay the furious pursuit of his own sol- 
diers, and to bring every man back into his place. The 
same thing occurred in the left wing, and, when all were 

* I eamwt undentaiid the pradae plaoe aarigned by LaTwdin to tlieae troopk 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 40 

again in their places, they prepared themselves for a general 
engagement. 

When the fight began, the wings were fiercely led on by 
Tanusee and Moses ; and Castriot, with like fury pricking for- 
ward cheerfully with his cavalry, assailed the battalion of the 
enemy which he had selected. The ambush also broke forth 
from the woods with loud cries and shouts, before the forces of 
the Bashaw had all joined battle ; whereupon many compa- 
nies of the Turks — particularly of those in the rearward — 
betook themselves to flight ; and thus the front ranks, being 
hemmed in by the wings of the Christian army, were ex- 
posed to be slaughtered by the centre legion. One battalion 
of the enemy, for a long time, kept the event of the engage- 
ment doubtful. This battalion was composed of the flower 
of the army, and, as was afterwards known, surrounded the 
general. All Ba«haw. Aydin, who commanded the main 
body of mfantry, having charged the Turkish centre, was 
met by a determined resistance on the part of the enemy, 
who continued to pou;r in new forces, until Uranocontes, witili 
the reserve, fresh, and in high spirits, fell upon them, and 
decided the battle. Few of the enemy, in this part of the 
conflict, escaped the swords of the Christians, except 300, 
who, beggmg for quarter, and casting away their arms, were 
spared by order of the Christian prince. The troops, after 
their success and worthy exploits, came, with loud acclama- 
tions, into the presence of their commander, where they 
found all things as they could wish ; for the Croians had 
entirely broken the battalion of the Bashaw, and, after a 
dreadful slaughter, they pursued the Turkish commander, 
who saved himself with the relics of his army. 

The fight continued from sunrise until 9 o'clock (" the 
third hour"). Twenty-four ensigns of the Turks were taken, 
2000 of the enemy made prisoners, and 22,000 slain. The 
loss of the Christians was very small. It is said there were 
missing but about 120, though the number of the wounded 

5 



50 LIFE OF GEORGE CABT&IOT. 

was much greater. In this severe battle, nothing was omit- 
ted or overlooked, on the part of the Christians, that might 
tend to victory. With regard to both officers and soldiers, 
it has been affirmed that lions were led on by lions. Many 
of them were old soldiers, who had borne arms imder the 
father of Scanderbeg, and appeared to be masters in the art 
of war. 

Scanderbeg remained quiet in his camp the remainder of 
that day and the following night. The next morning, elated 
with the success of his arms, he prepared to make an incur- 
sion into the territories of the enemy. 

Having joyfully addressed his troops, he directed that the 
foot soldiers should mount the horses that were taken from 
the enemy, and that all should serve on horseback as men- 
at-arms ; and he invited every man, under the favor of the 
great God, to follow him cheerfully, and reap the fruits of 
their valor. The soldiers most gladly accepted this invita- 
tion, and, through contempt of the enemy, were for hurry- 
ing on without order or precaution. But the prince, not 
trusting to the fickleness of fortune, restrained the eagerness 
of his men, until such time as the scouts whom he had sent 
out brought him word that there was no danger. Great 
was the booty which they obtained. Men and cattle were 
driven away, and nothing spared but the women and chil- 
dren. Even the wounded soldiers took part in the pillage ; 
and so abundant was the spoil, that the men seemed more 
grieved at what they were obliged to leave behind them, 
than rejoiced at what they could carry away. At length 
Castriot ordered a retreat to be sounded, and his men retired 
overloaded with booty. The captains made themselves 
merry with the common soldiers, calling them sheep-stealers 
and shepherds, and asking them what Ali Bashaw, if he were 
now to see them, would say to his soldiers, for having been 
conquered by such a set of fellows. 

Thus the soldiers, with mirth and merriment, and joyful 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 51 

songs, dragged on their loads, until, with loud cries, they 
saluted the guards of their camp, who joined, and marched 
on before them. Having passed the following night in 
camp, Scanderbeg, the next morning, ordered the baggage 
to be trussed up, and, with his host, marched on triumphant 
towards Croia. The multitudes which encountered them on 
their way saluted them as valiant and triumphant, and won- 
dered at the spoil taken from the enemy. The newly-made 
men-at-arms could scarcely be distinguished from the old. 
These congratulations and rejoicings continued many days. 
Letters, crowned with laurel, were sent to the princes and 
lords of Epire, together with some of the standards taken in 
battle ; the remainder of which were hung up in the 
churches. 

After the defeat of the Turks under Carambey, at the 
battle of Morava, and this victory obtained by Scanderbeg 
over Ali Bashaw, the Christians of Hungary and Poland, 
aided by Pope Eugenius and Philip, duke of Burgundy, 
deemed the time favorable for an attack upon the power of 
the Turks, with the view of rescuing Christendom from their 
dominion. A letter was accordingly addressed to Scander- 
beg by Uladislaus, king of Hungary and Poland, in the fol- 
lowing terms : 

** Uladislaus, king of Hungary and Polonia, unto the noble Scanderbeg, 

prince of Epirus, greeting : 

" It may be that some good hap hath deferred this our 

late congratulation until this present, to the intent we might 

at this time, together with you, rejoice in the double success 

of your prosperity ; first, for the happy recovery of your 

estate, and then for that the same hath, by your wisdom and 

valor, of late been so notably defended. Wherefore in this 

we rejoice, not only in your behalf, but in the behalf of all 

good Christians, that it hath pleased God of his goodness, 

by your valor, to have given so great an increase and 



62 U¥E OF OEO&OX CABTRIOT. 

comfort unto the Christian commonwealth ; forasmuch at 
amongst others our great evils, the loss of the Albanian 
people hath not been to be accounted the least, at such time 
as John Castriot, a worthy prince, your father, oppressed by 
Amurath, and by the ungrateful destinies taken out of this 
world, had neither the means to leave unto you his kingdom 
and sceptre (as unto his son, then living in his enemy's 
power), neither was able yet otherwise to provide for his 
affairs. And would to God this your father, most happy in 
such a son, might have till now lived, whose felicity had in 
that surmounted all others, if he might have seen you before 
his death. For as you seem unto me above all other princes in 
the world (without ofifence be it said) most accomplished 
with all the good graces and perfections both of body and 
mind, so are you endowed also with a certain divine and won- 
derful fortune ; under the good conduct whereof, not only the 
whole kingdom of Epirus may think itself in security, but all 
the rest of the other nations also, lately by the detestable 
fraud and violence of the Othomon kings dismembered from 
the realm of Macedon, may also recover the former beauty 
of their ancient laws and liberties. For (to say nothing of 
those things which, even from your childhood — ^having con- 
tinually made you envied — ^have heretofore purchased imto 
you an immortal fame and glory even amongst the barbari- 
ans themselves) what can be more glorious than this victory, 
which (as we have heard, and believe) you, to your singular 
admiration, have obtained, by the overthrow and utter dis* 
comfiture of Alls Bassa, with his so great and mighty a 
power ? But now, Scanderbeg (God so appointing it» 
who, in his deep and secret wisdom, hath reserved you unto 
these so dangerous times, for the publique good, and com- 
fort of the Christian commonweal), there offers itself unto 
you an object of far greater glory, with a fair and fit occa- 
sion for you to revenge yourself of all the wrongs and inju- 
rieSf both new and old, by Amurath, the Turkish sultan. 




LIFB OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 53 

done, not in private to the person of yourself only, but unto 
the whole state and kingdom of Epirus also— and not the 
domestical and civil miseries of your own country only, but 
the publique calamities also, and those opprobrious disgraces 
done against the Christian faith and religion in general, now 
oppressed (I will not say extinguished) — and that is, if you, 
with your victorious forces, will succour us in this extremity 
of our affairs, not yet altogether desperate. Hereimto do all 
the princes of Hungary and Polonia, and all other men of 
courage, invite you — Julian, the cardinal of S. Angel, in- 
treateth you — with all those devout and courageous Chris- 
tians, which long since here with us, and ready in arms, wish 
for nothing more than the presence of your victorious en- 
signs ; which so fair an occasion (by God himself now ofifered)> 
if you refuse not, will, in all men's judgment, be a sure mean 
to vanquish and overthrow our common enemy, the Turk, 
and to drive him quite out of Europe, wrongfully by him of 
so long time possessed. I need not therefore (as I suppose) 
to use any kind of perswasion unto you in this cause and 
quarrel, the defence whereof doth purchase unto us health, 
light, and liberty ; but being neglected, I fear and abhor to 
forbode what may ensue thereof. We Christians have been 
too slack and backward in helping one another ; the flame 
hath now well near consumed us all, whilst no man thought 
it would have come near himself. What do we see of the 
Greek empire ? What of the Bulgarians and Servians ? 
Tea, mine own losses and many calamaties already, and yet 
also to be endured, who is able to recount ? The brave and 
most valiant princes, the surest bulwarks and defences of the 
kingdom of Hungary, from time to time lost, and the puis- 
sant armies, with one and the same fatal chance of war, con- 
sumed and brought to nothing, who is able to reckon up ? 
insomuch that there is no house, wife, nor matron, in all 
Hungary, which is not in some measure partaker of this 
heaviness. All this do the Christian princes hear of, and yet 

6* 



54 



UFB OF 6E0&6S CAST&IOT. 



the miserable estate and condition of their allies can nothing 
move any one of them, but suffer us thus, as a sacrifice for 
the rest, to be on all parts exposed to the rage and fury of 
the common and merciless enemy. Only Eugenius, the most 
holy bishop of Rome, and Phihp, duke of Burgundy, have 
not refused to bear a part of the burthen of this our afflicted 
fortune. The one hath sent hither his legate, Julian, the 
cardinal, with notable and puissant succours ; and the other, 
with his fleet at sea, and come as far as Hellespontus, so 
much as in him lieth, doth notably hinder the Turk's pas- 
sage into Europe. And one other hope there is, not now far 
from us, and that is your help, whereof we are so desirous — 
which we require of you — amoved thereunto partly by your 
valour so well known, and partly in regard of the imminent 
peril and common danger of us all. And albeit we are not 
ignorant, how evil you may be at leisure to take such an 
expedition in hand, for the late troubled estate of your affurs, 
and your new recovered kingdom, as yet scarcely established ; 
yet, notwithstanding, let it not withhold you, or keep you 
back, assuring you that as this expedition cannot be but unto 
you most honourable, even so this your present desert shall 
not be bestowed upon ungrateful and thankless men ; but 
that which you shall now first begin and undertake for 
our preservation and dignity, we will from henceforth and 
ever continue for your glory, and for the increase of your 
greatness. Fare you well. From our regal city of Buda, 
tiie fourth of July, 1444." (Lavardin says 1443.) 

Haly Bashaw had by this time returned with the remains 
of his defeated army to Amurath, who was already acquaint- 
ed with the disaster which had befallen the forces sent mto 
Epire. The Bashaw excused himself to the sultan in the 
best manner that he could ; calling his soldiers to witness 
that he had omitted nothing which became a good general, 
and that he had been wanting in nothing towards them, nor 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 55 

they towards him ; but that the defeat should be attributed 
to the fortune of war. He entreated Amurath to make 
another attempt, assuring him that he would pursue mea- 
sures which should change the fortune of Scanderbeg. To 
this counsel of Haly Bashaw, the sultan was inclined to 
listen ; but other counsellors, and particularly Caly Bashaw, 
persuaded him that, while the attack upon Epire might with 
safety be deferred, the afiairs of Hungary required his im- 
mediate attention. 

The letter of the king of Hungary appeared to Scanderbeg 
so just and reasonable, that he felt fully disposed to lend the 
aid required of him. He would not, however, act without 
the advice of those who, on all occasions, acted with him. 
Accordingly, his chieftains being called together, the letter 
of Uladislaus was read in full council. There was no one 
present who did not approve of the measure proposed, 
through fear of the increasing greatness of the Ottoman 
power, the most effectual check to which appeared to be 
the valor and fortune of the Hungarians, whose downfall be- 
fore Amurath would lead to universal desolation, and be- 
cause it was deemed of the utmost importance to secure the 
friendship and alliance of so great a king. Wherefore, it was 
determined unanimously that succors should be sent to him; 
but there was a great diversity of opinion as to the number 
of the forces which should be sent, and whether it was ex- 
pedient that Scanderbeg should In person lead his army 
abroad, or remain and take care of his own dominions. Al- 
though the mind of the prince was decided upon this sub- 
ject, and remained unaltered, he was imwilling to use his in- 
fluence one way or the other, and he remained silent. At 
length, an end was made of the discussion by the vehement 
earnestness of Prince Pwiil Ducagin, who addressed to them 
a speech, in which he freely declared that he was most in- 
clined not to send any succors at all, but that they should 
bend all their force and attention to the defence and preser- 



66 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

Tation of their own country. He, however, maintained that 
it would be altogether vain and improper, if they did take 
part in the Hungarian war, not to send an efficient force. 
" Shall Scanderheg" said he, " be so meanly accompanied 
into the midst of the Vamian fields, where all men m gene- 
ral do attend and wish for him ? Shall so many princes and 
great lords of Hungary, and of the Christian army, see your 
chief and sovereign (whose glorious renown is now dispersed 
and gone into all parts before him) — shall he, I say, be seen 
marching before a handful of men, no otherwise than as one 
accompanied with so many thieves and robbers ?" With re- 
gard to the question whether Scanderbeg should remain at 
home, or lead his forces in person, he exclaimed — " What 1 
shall we send these triumphant succors unto the Hungarians 
without Scaiiderheg, whose only name will yield them more 
succor than if all of us were with them, and he absent, whom 
they especially do invite, and whom all of them do demand 
and seek after ? .... As touching Scanderbeg, there is not 
any one of you but will confess, that it is more easy for you 
to find a man to govern you in peace, and to administer jus- 
tice, than to conduct and lead soldiers marching with their 
arms. But to the intent you may not think that in this dis- 
course I bring you nothing but great and glorious words, 
behold here, am I, who do oflfer myself, with five thousand 
men, to the war of Hungary ; and, if need be, do vow and 
consecrate my life for the service of Jesus Christ, principally, 
and next for the glory and reputation of all of you ; and for 
Scanderbeg, his honor, name, and dignity." 

To use the words and orthography of Lavardin's trans- 
lator — " This round and sharp oration of Ducagin, and the 
liberall oflfer of his paines and labour, together with the 
great authority which the man had with all the princes of 
Epyre, and with Scanderbeg especially, did soone work a 
chaunge and alteration in their mindes and opinions. Scan- 
derbeg him selfe was the first that approved his devise ; and 




LIFE OF 6EOR6E CASTRIOT. 57 

after he had recounted and numbered up his merites and 
worthy actes in the whole course of his Ufe before past, he 
sayed that there was not any one besides him in all the com- 
pany that had spoken rightly, and for the reputation of 
them in generall. And he did often times repeate it, that 
most happy and fortunate should the estate of Albany be, if 
it had many such men of like devotion. This Paul (as we 
have said) was one of the most puissant and noblest princes 
of Epire; and amongst other his vertuous conditions, he was 
most singularly commended for a certaine true, unfayned, 
and perfect zeale in religion, and was held in high accompt 
and estimate amongst all men, being descended out of that 
honorable family, from which very -many most famous and 
warlike captaines had been descended, and especially NickO" 
las, Sonne of the sayd Paul, who farre surpassed and ex- 
celled all his forefathers and ancestours in the honour and 
renowne of armes. Of this man there is yet at this day 
extant and remaining in Peneropole (a towne of Thrace, by 
the inhabitants called Persera) a notable monument or marke 
of his excellent vertue, and of the strength of his arme (if I 
may so tearme it) immortall ; and that is the reliques or 
peeces of an enemies target, the which in a certaine fight of 
late (whereof the memory is yet but new and fresh) he did 
with one onely blow of his cymitary cut quite in sunder from 
the one side thereof to the other ; that the hand of the barba- 
rian holding it then in fight was so maymed, as from thence- 
forward he was never able to use it any more in the warres." 
The whole command and ordering of the expedition was 
committed to Scanderbeg, who, before he commenced the 
levy of his forces, dispatched the Hungarian messenger with 
the following letter :* 



* Copied yerbatim teom Knollflfl. 



66 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 



• BeandBrheg^ Frinoe of the Epirota, unto Uladislaus, TTing of Hungary 

and PolonicLj greeting : 
"Your Letters, most invincible King, I have with like joy 
and contentment received ; which I in the General Assembly 
of my Chieftanes having caused publiquely to be read, there 
was not any one of them which was not of opinion, but that 
80 just an occasion of War by you offered, was forthwith to 
be joyfully on our behalf also embraced. And so every man 
doth both publickly and privately affirm, That nothing could 
have hapned unto them more acceptable from God, than 
that they might by some notable Service testifie their grate- 
ful lifinds, and bind unto 4;hem so excellent a Prince ; as also 
to give so fit Succours unto the Christian Commonweal. In 
which forwardness of my people I my self took great con- 
tentment and pleasure, both in regard of your self, and in 
the behalf of the Publick and Common Cause ; seeing my 
men of War, and all other my subjects, of what state or de- 
gree soever (without any perswasion used on my part), to be 
BO chearfuUy and couragiously minded in defence of the 
Faith, and of the Christian Religion : and so well affectioned 
towards your most Royal Majesty. And to say the truth, 
who is he (if he be not hateful unto God and man), albeit 
there were no question of Religion, or of the common dan- 
ger, that would refuse so just and lawful a War ? for such 
a King, as unto whom alone we may and ought to attribute. 
That we Christians do not only reign, but even live, breath, 
and enjoy the liberty of our Speech. Who would not wil- 
lingly take up Arms, and adventure himself into most mani- 
fest and certain danger for the People of Hungary; by 
whom in all Ages the Christian Common-weal hath with 
their so many Travels, and so much of their Blood, been so 
mightily supported and defended ? who even from the very 
cradle have been continual Enemies unto our Enemies, and 
have as it were even vowed themselves for the Honour of 



LIFE OF OEOEOE CASTRIOT. 59 

the Christian Religion and Name. Would God (most mighty 
and redoubted Uladislaus) it had been in my power to have 
brought unto you such Forces to this honourable War, as 
were answerable to my Courage and Desire ; then happyly 
Europe should not longer lie in this ignominious Estate, op- 
pressed by Amurath ; neither should the Fields of Varna or 
Basilia so often smoke with the Blood of the Hungarians ; 
nor every Comer of Macedonia with the Blood of the Epi- 
rots ; both Nations being as it were become the Expiatorie 
Sacrifices of others Sins and Offences ; we all now by turns 
perish, whilst every man thinketh himself bom but for him- 
self alone. But why do I unto my self pour forth these 
vain complaints ? Truly, it neither repenteth me of my 
Forces, neither (as I suppose, if it shall please God that our 
Forces my once meet and joyn together in so happy a War) 
shall the Christian Common- weal have any cause to sorrow 
or be agrieved with the issue and event of our Fortune, 
For unto those fifteen thousand good Souldiers which lately 
discomfited Alis Bassa on the Borders of Macedonia, my 
purpose is to joyn as many more unto them ; with all which 
Strength as soon as conveniently they may, I will begin to 
set forward, ready to follow your Ensigns to all Events what- 
soever. And so fare you well, From Croia the third of 
August, 1444." (Lavardin says 1443.) 

When Scanderbeg had dispatched this letter to the king 
of Hungary, he turned all his attention to the levying of 
forces. The troops which had served against Haly Bashaw- 
he reinforced with new supphes, and ordered them all to the 
war. He soon raised and enrolled 10,000 more. Paul 
Ducagin, in conformity with the offer made by him, presented 
himself among the foremost, with 6000 chosen men, singu- 
larly well appointed. Whereupon the domestic affairs <^ 
the province were set in order, and its wants provided fwr, 
Scanderbeg reviewed his whole army, arranged it, and ap- 



60 LIPB OF GEORGE 0A8TRI0T. 

pointed officers to the several corps. Public prayers were 
then oflFered up ; and " never did the people of Epire (who 
were alway more inclined to arms than to religion) so im- 
portune the divine majesty with their prayers and supplica- 
tions, as they did at that time for the happy return of their 
soldiers, who were then to march out of their own coun- 
try.**^ All things, both human and divine, having thus been 
attended to, the army began its march. 

With great alacrity they had advanced their ensigns as far 
as the borders of Mysia, when their progress was checked 
by the refusal of George Whorvich, commonly called the 
Ikspot of Servia^ to sufifer them to pass through his terri- 
tories. This man was advanced in years, and without reli- 
gion, making a mock of both the Christian and Mahommedan 
faith. Ho was inclined to favor the Turks, on account of the 
marriage of his daughter Catha^^usina with Amurath, and 
because of his hatred against the Hungarians, and especially 
against John ffuniades, the Despot of Transylvania, who 
was in possession of certain towns and places of Vervia, 
which he claimed for himself. Upon the approach of Scan- 
derbeg to the borders of his territory, he caused all the 
passes to be guarded, so as to prevent the entrance <^ the 
Albanian army. Ambassadors were dispatched by Scan- 
derbeg to remonstrate with the despot, and to threaten 
force if be refused to grant a passage through his country. 
Bat be remained deaf to the entreaties and threats of Scan- 
d<«beg, who, grcatiT agMnst bis inclination, and with a full con- 
Tvc^kmof the dangers and difficulties to which he should be ex- 
posed, resolved lo put his threats in executioiL But,a]thoi^ 
be m^t doobtkss have forced hk way throi]^ the Despot's 
tenilorieSfe jel^ dorii^ the delaj occaskned by this mdnaodij 
ooadvtet of Wkorwkky events occurred which raidered the 
good inteiitiQBS of the Epirots towards the Hut^ramns tuh 




LIFE OF 6EOROE CABTRIOT. 61 

and fruitless. Uladislans and his army, having marched 
through Wallachia, and passed over the Danube, came to 
Varna,* with the intention to unite their forces with those 
which were at sea, and thence to pass into Romania. 

Amurath, being made acquainted with these movementi} 
of the Hungarians, was not at all dismayed. But, having 
quickly repulsed the Caramanian, and secured the country 
of Natolia, his only trouble and difficulty was how to trans- 
port his troops into Europe, as the sea was commanded by 
the fleet of the Bishop of Rome and the Duke of Burgundy. 
From which embarrassment, it is related, he was dehvered 
by certain Genoese merchants upon the promise of a very 
great reward; it being stipulated that the army of the 
Turks should be transported across the Hellespont at the 
rate of a ducat for each man. The number of men thus 
transported was estimated at about one hundred th<fiisand, 
all Asiatics ; as Amurath distrusted the faith of his Euro- 
pean subjects. When his army had all passed the strait, he 
advanced with such rapidity that in less than seven days he 
pitched his tents within four miles of the camp of the Chris- 
tians, near to the city of Varna, by the ancients named Dio- 
nysiopolis. Upon the approach of the Turkish army, it was 
resolved by the Christians to hazard the event of a battle. 
The supreme command of the army was committed to Hu- 
niades, in the ordering of which he exerted and made proof 
of the skill and experience which he possessed in military 
aflfairs. As the description of this battle does not properly 
belong to the life of Scanderbeg, suffice it to say that, 
through the imprudent valor and impetuosity of King Ulad- 
islaus, in spite of the remonstrances of Huniades, the form- 
er was slain, and the latter taken prisoner by the Despot of 

* The country of Varna is a champaign valley, beyond the confines of Mysia, npon 
the sea called Maggiore, four days* journey fh>m Adrlanople, between two promon- 
tories, upon one of which is seated Galata— on the other) Macropolis. On the left erf" 
the valley, where Galata stands, is a lai^ marsh. 

6 



63 LIFE OP GEOKGB CA8TKIOT. 

Servia, and by him put in irons, and kept prisoner until the 
towns claimed by him were delivered up, and the Christian 
army was dispersed. This battle was fought on the Feast 
of St. Martin's, the 11th of November, in the year 1443.* 

The news of this defeat being conveyed to Scanderbeg 
while he was yet upon the borders of Servia, it caused him 
great grief and mortification. But, that the conduct of the 
Despot might not go unpimished, he broke into the country, 
and wasted it with fire and sword. Upon his return towards 
Epire, he gathered up many of the remains of the broken 
forces of the Hungarians, and, having supplied them with 
money and provisions, he also furnished them with vessels 
to convey them to Ragusa, whence they returned to their 
own homes. 

It would be rash, perhaps, to pronounce a judgment upon 
the conduct of Scanderbeg in this expedition, without the 
means of better information than can be obtained at this dis- 
tance of time. But, from all that can be learned, it would 
seem as if his usual prudence and foresight were not mani- 
fested in his setting out with so large an armament and on 
so important an expedition without having secured before- 
hand a free and open way for the march of his army. 

* ThJB ahowB the dates of the abore letten of UUuUalans and Scanderheg. 




68 



BOOK III. 

1444. 

Amurath did not reap mncli advantage from the over- 
throw of the Hungarians, which has just been related ; in- 
somuch that his courage seemed rather abated than in- 
creased by the victory obtained at Varna. His losses were 
so great as to deter him from inmiediately engaging again in 
active war. But this disposition to rest was disturbed by 
the accounts which came from the Despot of Servia and 
from the frontiers of Macedonia. The forces of Scanderbeg 
were reported to have committed such ravages, and to have 
carried off such an amoimt of spoil, as to inflame anew the 
anger and resentment of the Turks. The Despot, in particu- 
lar, was most urgent with Amurath to come to his pro- 
tection against the hatred of the Hungarians and the incur- 
sions of the Epirots ; whose resentment he had drawn up^n 
himself by refusing to afford Scanderbeg a free passage 
through his territories. These representations made to Am- 
urath had great weight with him and with his people ; and 
it was resolved to make war upon Scanderbeg. But, as 
Amurath had not been unsuccessful in his attempts upon 
others by means of artifice and deceit, he thought fit, before 
having recourse to war, to employ the same methods in re- 
gard to Scanderbeg. He accordingly addressed to him a 
letter in the terms following :* 



« 



Amurath Othomak, King of the Turks and Emperor of 



* KnoUes and Layardin have OTidently tranislated fh>m the same original ; I haye 
ftOowed KnoUes. 



64 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

the East, to the most ingrateful Scanderbeg, wisbeth neither 
Health nor Welfare. 

" I never wanted honourable Preferments to bestow upon 
thee all the while thou didst live in my Court, of all others 
most unkind Scanderbeg, but now I want Words wherewith 
to speak unto thee ; thou hast so highly oflfended my Mind, 
and touched mine Honour, that I know not in discretion 
what Words to use unto thee, but of late one of my Domes- 
tical Servants. For neither will hard speech mollifie the 
natural fierceness of thy proud disposition, neither art thou 
worthy of better, which hast far exceeded all Hostility. 
And because thou wouldest omit no occasion to provoke me, 
hast of late proceeded to that point of Folly, that thou hast 
had thine own Affairs and the Welfare of thine own Sub- 
jects in small regard, by confederating thyself in Arms with 
the Hungarians against me. It grieveth me to rehearse 
other thy imkindness, and as it were to touch those sores, if 
my mind would ever suffer me to forget the same, or that 
thine so manifold and horrible Treasons, and strange exam- 
ples of a most unthankful mind, were to be covered with 
silence. Yet I thought good to advertise thee (although 
perhaps too late), lest that thy unstaid heat do \mtimely 
overthrow thee, with thy unlucky Kingdom ; and then thou 
wouldst make humble confession of thy long transgression, 
when thou hast lost thyself, and left no hope of refuge in 
thy desperate Estate. We have hitherto sufficiently suffer- 
ed thy manifold injuries ; thou hast sufficiently provoked 
the Majesty of the Othoman Empire with wrong and con- 
tumelious despight ; and I with patience have bom all these 
thy contempts. Thinkest thou that my Army, by thee be- 
trayed unto the Hungarians, shall be imrevenged ? Think- 
est thou that so many Cities and Towns in Epirus, by thee 
rent from the body of my Empire, with my Garrisons there 
slain, shall be forgotten ? Or thinkest thou with thy late 
committed Outrages to escape my revenging Hand ? Re- 



LIFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 65 

member the destruction of mine Army under Alis Bassa ; 
the wasting and burning of my Dominions ; and lately, the 
Hungarian Wars, by thee, so far as in thee was, counte- 
nanced ; with the Territories of George, the Despot of Servia, 
my Father-in-Law, by thee spoiled. At length amend, 
thou graceless man, and expect not further, whether my in- 
dignation will break out. Let not these trifling allurements 
of thy good Fortune so puff up thy foolish desires, and 
sharpen thy conceits, that thy miserable Fortunes after- 
wards may move even thy greatest Enemies, or myself to 
compassion. I would thou shouldst at length remember my 
Courtesies (if any spark of humanity remain in thy savage 
Nature), and make me not longer sorry that I have so evil 
bestowed the same. And although it is not the part of an 
honourable mind to rehearse those things which we have in 
,boimty bestowed upon any man ; yet it is the token of a 
most unthankful Nature, so easily to forget all kindness 
past, as to need to be put in remembrance thereof. Where- 
fore Scanderbeg, I cannot bewail thy hap, and lament thine 
estate : For to let pass the health of thy Soul (which thou, 
a very Reprobate, esteemest as nothing), not to speak of the 
Laws of Mahomet by thee despised, and the holy Prophet 
by thee contemned, for the zeal thou hast unto the Chris- 
tian Superstition ; what hast thou (which now holdst thy 
poor and base Kingdom in such price) ever wanted at my 
hands of all those things which most delight the desires of 
men ? Didst thou ever want Armor, Horses, a great Train 
of Followers and Servants, Mony, or other Superfluities, 
the allurements of all Ages ? Or didst thou want matter to 
exercise thy Valour, for increase of thine Honour ? Wast 
thou ever denied Preferments, Dignities, and Honours of all 
sorts fit for thine Age, both at home and abroad ? Was 
any man in my Court dearer unto me than thyself ? What 
growmg Wit, not of Strangers only, but of them that were 
nearest unto myself, was better welcome unto me than 

6* 



66 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

thine ? With what careful mstmction did I cause thee to 
be brought up? When thou wast delivered unto me al- 
most a Child, I daily cherished and increased thy hoped to- 
wardlyness, with Learning and Nurture; I have at all 
times honoured thee with rich Rewards, magnificat Praises, 
and Honours of the Field (which of all worthy things is 
most glorious), so that in all Feats of Arms no Souldier 
was to me better known, or Captain of me more honoured. 
For all these great benefits, Scanderbeg, thou now shewest 
thyself such an one, that I may be thought not to have 
brought up such a man as I hoped for, but a very Serpent 
in mine one Bosome. But the love of thy Country did 
move thee ; which if thou hadst asked of me, would I have 
denied the same unto thee ? which (if thou dost well remem- 
ber) I so oftentimes voluntarily profered imto thee ? But thou 
hadst rather to gain the same by Treachery than to receive 
it at my Hands of Courtesie. So thine be it, therefore, on 
God his name, and that with my very good Will. And 
verily, accordmg to my accustomed Clemency towards all 
them whom I have once well known, and been familiarly ac- 
quainted with, I now pardon thee all thou hast offended me; 
not for any thy present deserts, which are none, but be- 
cause in this publique enmity it pleaseth me to remember 
my former kindness in private towards thee, and thy faith- 
fulness sometimes in my Affairs ; especially for that the time 
was much longer wherein thou servest me than the time 
wherein thou hast offended me. Croia and thy Father's 
Kingdom (although thou hast gained the same by foul 
Treachery) I give unto thee, upon condition thou willingly 
restore unto me the other Towns of Epirus, which by no 
right belong unto thee, but are mine by Law of Arms, by 
myself honourably won. Whatsoever thou hast taken from 
my Father-in-Law, the Prince of Servia, thou shalt forth- 
with restore, and make him an honourable recompence for 
the other harms thou hast done imto him ; and for ever 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 67 

hereafter thou shalt as well forbear to offer violence to any 
our Friends, as to aid any our Enemies. So shalt thou for 
ever avoid the displeasure of the Turks, and stand in my 
good grace and favour, as thou hast done before ; except 
thou hadst rather (being taught by thine own harms) then 
in vain cry for mercy, when thy furious outrage shall have 
me in Person an implacable Revenger. Thou knowest thy 
Forces, thou knowest the Strength of mine Arms ; thou hast 
before thine Eyes the fresh example of the Hungarian For- 
tune, so that thou needest no further admonitions. Yet I 
would thou shouldest write at largo what thou intendest to 
do. Thou maist also confer with Araydin, our Servant, our 
trusty and faithful Messenger, of whom thou shalt \mder- 
stand more than are in these Letters comprised. Farewel 
if thou be wise. From Hadrianople." 

Many of the Epirots were of opinion that it would be best 
for their prince to hearken to the proposals of Amurath. 
But Scanderbeg was of a different mind ; and after he had 
expressed his sentiments and set forth his reasons, they all 
cheerfully acquiesced in his opinion. Whereupon he dis- 
coursed much with the Turkish ambassador, sometimes 
privately and sometimes in full council, setting forth the 
causes of complaint which he had against Amurath. And hav- 
ing courteously entertained the ambassador five days with a 
cheerful countenance and unembarrassed mannep, lest, iJeing 
a spy, he should have to report any symptoms of fear 
among the Christians, and having shown him all the fortifi- 
cations and the disposition of his camp, Scanderbeg dismiss- 
ed him with the following answer in writing to Amurath : 

" The Souldier of Christ Jesus, George Castriot, simamed 
Scanderbeg, Prince of Epirus, to Amurath Othoman, King 
of the Turks, sendeth greeting : 

" Thou hast in times past, as thou wiitest, exceeded me 



68 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

in many kinds of Courtesies, and at this present I will ex- 
ceed thee in modest and temperate speech ; for I think 
there is no greater token of a base mind, than not to be able 
to forbear to give railing and opprobrious words even unto 
our most mortal Enemies. Wherefore we have with patience 
received and seen both thy Letters and Messenger ; and, to 
confess a truth, they have ministered unto me greater occa- 
sion of Smile than Choler ; whilst at the first thou shamest 
not to accuse me of much Ingratitude and Treason, and 
presently following a milder passion, seemest careful of my 
Soul's health, being ignorant of thine own Estate, as a 
studious Defender of a most damnable error. And at last, 
keeping neither Law of Arms, nor orderly course answering 
to our Affairs, dost most insolently and unadvisedly, as a 
valiant Conqueror to his vanquished Enemy, propound 
many Conditions of Peace, of such quality and condition, 
that mine Ears scorn to hear the same. Truly, Amurath, 
although thy immoderate railing might move a man of 
greatest patience to intemperate Speech, yet I impute the 
same partly to thy great Age, and partly to the waiward- 
ness of thy Nature, and the rest to thy conceived grief, 
which I know thou canst hardly moderate ; and the rather, 
for that I have not set down myself to contend with thee in 
foul and unseemly Language,, but with Arms, and the just 
Fury of War. Yet I pray thee, wherefore dost thou so ex- 
claim against me before God and Man? as though thou 
hadst first suffered wrong and injury from me, and that 
thou hadst not in truth first done the i^ame. Dost thou call 
my necessary departing a perfideous Treachery ? my native 
Country by my Policy and Valour recovered, dost thou ob- 
ject to me as a Yillany ? object the same still, and spare 
not ; charge me with such crimes for ever, I care not. The 
long Catalogue of thy kindness towards me, which thou re- 
hearsest, I could willingly remember, if it drew not with it 
the woful remembrance of my greater miseries; which if 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 69 

they were to be compared together, the greatness of thy 
good deserts would be overwhelmed with the multitude of 
thy greater Tyrannies ; which I had rather thou shouldst 
count with thyself, than blush whilst I repeat them. Every 
man that knoweth them, may marvel how I had power to 
endure them, or that thou wast not weary at last of thy 
Cruelty and secret Hatred. Thou tookest away my Father's 
Kingdom by force ; thou didst murther my Brethren, and 
myself thou didst most wickedly vow to death, when I little 
feared any such cruelty ; and doth it now seem strange to 
thee, O Amurath, that an invincible mind, desirous of Liber- 
ty, should seek to break out of the bonds of so great and 
insolent Slavery ? How long at length didst thou think I 
would endure thy proud Bondage ? which for all that, I 
many years endured, and refused not thy command. I ex- 
posed myself to publique and private dangers, both volun- 
tarily and by thy designment; speeches were given out 
dayly by thyself, and the admonition of my Friends con- 
cerning thy deep Treachery, was rife in mine Ears ; yet for 
all that, of long time I simply beUeved both thy words and 
deeds to have been devoid of all Fraud, until thy cankered 
malice began too apparently to shew itself ; then began I also 
to glose with thee, wholly metamorphosed into thine own con- 
ceits, until I found occasion to recover my Liberty. Where- 
fore there is no cause thou shouldst now grieve, if thou be 
well beaten with thine own rod. But these are but Trifles, 
Amurath, in comparison of those tilings which I have laid 
up in hope and resolution of mind. Therefore hereafter sur- 
cease thine angry threats, and tell not us of the Hungarian 
Fortune ; every man hath his own resolution, and every 
man a particular Governor of his actions ; and so will we 
with patience endure such Fortune as it shall please God to 
appoint us. In the mean time, for direction of our Aflairs 
we will not request Counsel of our Enemies, nor Peace of 



70 LIFE OF 6EOEGB CA8TEIOT. 

thee, but Victory by the help of God. FareweL From 
our Camp."* 

When the Turk perused the letter of Scanderbeg, and 
learned from Araydin, the ambassador, the conversations 
which he had held with the Albanian prince, he was moved to 
fear more than to anger by the great confidence and hope- 
ful spirit of the man, which he knew did not rest upon a 
false foundation; and he felt a presentiment awakened in 
him of the difficulties which he should have to encoimter in 
the Albanian war. That he might not, however, betray to 
his people his inward sentiments, it is reported that, smiling 
and stroking his beard, he would exclaim : " Thou dost 
covet, unhappy wretch, thou dost covet some memorable 
and distinguished kind of death ; and thou shalt have it, be- 
lieve me, thou shalt have it ; we ourselves will see thy ob- 
sequies performed. And without waiting thy commands, 
most mighty King of the Albanians, we wiU honor and grace 
thy funeral with our presence, lest that hereafter being in 
hell, thou do complain that thy end was ignoble and dis- 
honorable.'' Notwithstanding these bravadoes, the thoughts 
of the sidtan, in the midst of his difficulties, were very un- 
certain and irresolute. But being informed that Scan- 
derbeg kept the field with his horsemen only, and that he 
had dismissed the rest of his army, he sent Ferisey, one of 
his Bashaws, a man of an active and fierce disposition, with 
nine thousand horse, all chosen and picked troops, to make 
a sudden incursion into Epire, with the hope of taking Scan- 
derbeg by surprise. He was directed by the sultan to use 
secrecy and dispatch, and was promised great rewards in 
case of success. 

He, accordingly, with great secrecy, entered upon the 
frontiers of Macedonia ; and, standing carefully upon his 

* FromKnoltoB. 



UFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 71 

guard, he advanced more like a marauder than in the man- 
ner of an open and honorable warrior. Notwithstanding 
all his care, Scanderbeg was made acquainted with his ap- 
proach, and prepared to encoimter him. The Albanian 
prince took possession of a straight and narrow valley named 
Mocrea, through which it was necessary for the Turkish 
force to pass, and filled it with hardy and resolute soldiers. 
The approach of the Bashaw was indicated by clouds of 
dust raised by the trampling of his horses. The Albanians 
remained quiet until they perceived the enemy entered into 
the valleys, and environed by high and craggy rocks full of 
woods, and entangled on all sides in the dense forests. Then, 
suddenly issuing out, they fell upon them with great vio- 
lence and impetuosity. The troops of Scanderbeg amount- 
ed to fifteen hundred foot-soldiers and two thousand horse, 
the latter of whom were reserved for a subsequent service. 
The Turks, entangled in the difficulties of the pass, were as- 
sailed on every quarter by the infantry, who slew them at 
their pleasure. The horses of the Turks were rather a dis- 
advantage than a service to their riders. They, however, 
forsook not their ranks, nor quitted the place in which they 
were attacked, but defended themselves with great bravery 
as long as there was any hope of success ; and even when 
all hope of escape was taken from them, they almost all 
continued to fight valiantly to the last. A few only begged 
for quarter, which was granted them. Seven hundred and 
sixty prisoners were taken : the nimiber of the slain was 
much greater. Ferisey, seeing his advanced guard inclosed, 
and surprised at the mercy of their enemies, whose number 
he supposed to be greater than it really was, retreated with 
the rest of his troops. As he retired, he cried aloud that 
it was more commendable in an expert commander to pre* 
serve some of his forces than to expose all in a situation 
where they were liable to be slaughtered like dumb beasts. 
It is true, that some represent him to have been slain in the 



72 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

fight. by the hands of Scanderbeg. The Albanian cavalry 
did not suffer the retreat of the Turks to be without mo- 
lestation ; for, keeping close upon their rear, they slew 
many loiterers and stragglers ; nor did they desist until re- 
strained by weariness. 

The Turks being thus put to flight, without any great loss 
on the part of the Albanians, Scanderbeg, with the troops 
which he had about him, invaded the territory of the enemy, 
and gratified his soldiers by an abundant booty. 

The troubles which threatened the Ottoman empire on 
the part of the Hungarians, prevented Amurath from at- 
tempting to wreak such vengeance as he wished upon the 
Albanians. But, not to let the slaughter of his troops un- 
der Ferisey go unrevenged, he committed to Mustapha the 
care of filling up the broken companies of Ferisey, and of 
increasing those forces with six thousand horse. This whole 
armament was placed under his command ; and he was 
strictly enjoined to avoid, with the utmost care, falling into 
any ambush, or coming to action with the enemy, but to 
content himself with laying waste the country with fire and 
sword. These directions were implicitly followed by Mus- 
tapha. As soon as he entered upon the Christian territory, 
he sent forward three hundred horsemen, to scour the 
country, and reconnoitre the places where any danger of 
ambush might appear ; and, in case of need, they were or- 
dered to retreat immediately to the main body ; or, if the 
occasion should offer, to entice the enemy from their lurk- 
ing-places, and draw them within the reach of the miun 
army. When these scouts had carefully examined the 
country round, and reported on their return that no danger 
existed, the Turkish commander, retaining four thousand 
horse, formed an entrenched camp for them, situated upon 
a rising ground. Some of his men he disposed as secret 
sentinels and watchmen upon the simimits of several high 
hills, who, by certain signals, were to give warning of the 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 73 

approach of the enemy. Having made these arrangements, 
he gave license to the rest of his horsemen to spoil the 
country. In consequence of which, havoc and slaughter 
were widely spread around. His orders were, that who- 
ever- did not retire into the camp upon the first sound of 
the trumpet for retreat, should be accounted an enemy. 
That pleasant country was laid waste ; the trees and plants 
rooted up ; the meadows and pastures, to use the words of 
Lavardin, seemed to bewail and lament ; the flames of the 
towns and villages were seen on all sides ; the com was 
trampled under foot by the horses — ^for the season was au- 
tumn — and the husbandmen saw the prospect of losing the 
rewards of their labor. The men and women, however, for 
the most part, had retired into the walled towns and strong- 
holds, taking with them their families and most valuable 
effects. 

While the Turks were thus employed, Scanderbeg, al- 
though it was somewhat late before he received advice of 
the Turkish invasion, arrived at the valley of Mocrea, with 
four thousand horse and one thousand foot ; and his sol- 
diers entered, with great joy, into that place so well known 
to them, and which was still moist with the blood of their 
enemies. Ab Scanderbeg was reflecting upon the course he 
should pursue, and the men were examining the places which 
they had before occupied, a certain Epirot, just escaped 
from the Turks, and covered with blood and recent woimds, 
came, and threw himself at the feet of Scanderbeg, implor- 
ing his protection. He then, with a bold countenance, en- 
v/Ouraged and excited his countrymen, telling them that the 
fields were desolate, all things having been turned upside 
down by the Turks, who, scattered abroad, dreamed of 
nothing but prey and booty, and that they might easily, and 
without great danger, be surprised and made to render an 
account of their unadvised undertaking. Castriot was, at 
first, encouraged by this report ; but, after having more par- 

7 



A 



74 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

ticularly inquired into the state of things, as to how their 
camp was situated, and what were the movements of the 
enemy, he applauded Mustapha, and commended his pru- 
dence. He judged that it would he necessary for him, hi 
future, to be very cautious and circumspect in his move- 
ments. Whereupon, he called his army about him, and, 
standing in the midst, so as to be heard by all, he addressed 
them to this effect : 

'' I have been wont, my fellow-soldiers and companions 
in arms, to give advice and orders in the conduct of our af- 
fairs ; but it now appears proper that we should consult to* 
gether respecting the course we ought to pursue in our pre- 
sent circumstances. We were, at first, given to understand 
that the Turks, like robbers and freebooters, without any 
order or conduct, were wandering up and down the fields, 
flying hither and thither, like men totally unapprehensive of 
our approach. For this reason, you have, by my persua- 
sion and means, and under my conduct, come, intending to 
surprise and attack them with your forces. But I need not 
remind you that new counsels are rendered necessary for us 
by the fortunate coming of this man ; you have yourselves 
heard him recoimt what our enemies are doing, and how 
they conduct themselves. From the manner in which Mus- 
tapha has placed and ordered his camp, and the care with 
which he has fortified and guarded it, you may be assured 
that his conduct is not that of a robber, as we were led to 
suppose, but of a wary and well-advised enemy. For which 
reason, in my opinion, it behooves you to use more caution 
and deliberation towards your enemies than you seem hith- 
erto to have supposed necessary. Let us not meddle with 
those who are abroad foraging, lest by so doing we afford 
the advantage eagerly desired by the Turkish general, of 
issuing forth from his entrenchments, and obtaining an easy 
victory over us. For, it is to be feared, that while we are 
dispersed and out of order, thinking to pursue those who 



k. 



LIFE OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. 75 

« 

are scattered over the country, we may be inclosed and cut 
to pieces/ It is better that we issue forth all together, with 
our whole power, and assault the ramparts of their camp, 
which if with our wonted valor and resolution we carry, and 
put the Turkish commander to flight, or slay him, and get 
his head wherewith to terrify the rest of the barbarians 
(which may Almighty God in his mercy grant), there is no 
doubt that you may easily get the better of the rest of 
these plunderers, when separated from their companions and 
surrounded by your forces, and either kill them or take 
them prisoners, as you may think best. But beware, my 
good soldiers, lest you be tempted by the desire of pillage, 
to sack and spoil the camp ; for many a time such greedi- 
ness of spoil has been the cause of victory being taken from 
the victors and given into the hands of those who were van- 
quished." 

This coimsel of their general was universally approved 
by the army, and with the consent of all the soldiers imme- 
diately followed. The troops, being marshalled and set in 
battle-array, were drawn out of their hiding-places into the 
open fields, and discovered themselves to the Turkish scouts, 
who, from the tops of the hills, gave notice of their ap- 
proach to those who were in the camp, by fires blazing on 
high. The sound of tnmipets was then heard from the 
camp, much to the grief of the Turkish soldiers, who were 
dispersed abroad, and engaged in spoiling and plundering 
the country. Many of them, upon hearing the summons, 
retired within the trenches before the Christian troops could 
reach them. Many were imable to get into the camp, and, 
while laden with spoil, were charged by their adversaries. 
The trenches were assaulted on all sides ; and, at the first 
charge, the carriages and baggage, which had been placed 
as a barricade, and the targeteers, who were set to guard 
them, were overthrown with great noise and confusion, in- 
ereased both by the Turks who were excluded, and by the 



76 LIFE OF OEOEOK CABTBIOT. 

efforts of the Christian soldiers to enter the camp with them. 
The Turks and Christians were so closely mingled together 
that darts and shot were useless. They fought hand to 
hand with their swords and iron masses, a short weapon 
often used hy the Turks. It was strange to see the infidels 
fighting with their weapons in one hand and their booty in 
the other. The fury of the assault continuing to increase 
without intermission, and the place being filled with 
slaughter and dismay, Mustapha, who had kept himself in 
the safest part of his camp, and had rather stimulated his 
soldiers than acted the part of a soldier himself, seeing no 
hope of resistance left, escaped from the danger by the 
swiftness of his horse, through one of the ports which was 
least exposed to the enemy. The fierceness of the conflict^ 
after that, immediately abated. Some threw down their 
arms, and surrendered themselves ; others followed the ex- 
ample of their general, and fled for their lives. Many of 
the Turks who had wandered far in quest of plunder, hear- 
ing the distant tumult and cries raised in the camp, and sus- 
pecting the ill fortune of their fellows, also endeavored to 
save themselves by flight. Few of them, however, es- 
caped ; for troops of archers, lying in wait along the ways» 
dispatched them with their arrows. Some relate that the 
whole army of the Turks, except Mustapha and a few of 
those who were best mounted, was slain in that battle ; but, 
in the opinion of Lavardin, those come nearest the truth 
who write that the number of those who fell was about five 
thousand, and not above three hundred made prisoners, 
most of whom were grievously wounded and disfigured, in 
consequence of the fury to which the Albanians were roused, 
by the sight of the plunder taken from their countrymen, 
and the devastation of their lands. Of the victors, not more 
than twenty horsemen and fifty foot are said to have been 
missing after the battle, more of whom were overrun by the 
horses than slam by the sword of the enemy. The Albfi- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 77 

nians thus gaining possession of the camp, the ensigns, the 
baggage, and the carriages of their enemies, they also made 
an incursion into their territories, where they obtained booty 
sufficient to remunerate them for the losses sustained by the 
depredations of the Turks. 

It is reported that about this time, Lech, or Luke Zach- 
arie, was murdered by Lech Ducagin. Zacharie was pos- 
sessed of a moderate territory within the upper Zadrime, 
the capital of which was Dayina, or Daina. The two 
princes being neighbors, and Zacharie being without issue, 
and having no hope of lawful heirs, Ducagin, it is probable, 
thought he should be able to get possession of his inherit- 
ance ; and he accordingly seized upon a great part of his 
territory as soon as the murder was committed. He could 
not, however, succeed to the extent of his wishes ; for the 
inhabitants of Dayina, the capital town and chief fortress, 
remained faithful to their deceased prince. They, with 
great loyalty, defended the rights of the Lady Bola, mother 
to Zacharie, who was very aged at the time of her son's 
deathr She, being very much grieved at the loss of her 
son, and deeming the defence of his estate too much for her 
to endure, retired to Scutarie, or Scodra, and surrendered to 
the Venetians what remained to her of her son's principal- 
ity, together with the whole charge and burden of the con- 
tentions likely to arise respecting it with the neighboring 
princes and lords. This event was the cause of war be- 
tween the Venetians and Scanderbeg, as shall appear when 
we have first noticed the measures pursued by Amurath 
after the defeat of his army in Epire. 

On the return of Mustapha from his unfortimate expedi- 
tion, he was loud in the praises of the Albanian prince, ex- 
tolling highly his invincible prowess and matchless expe- 
rience in the art of war ; often repeating that it was neces- 
sary to provide a far diflferent armament, and to make war 
on a much greater scale than had hitherto been done : that 

7* 



78 LIFE OF OBOBOK CA8TBIOT. 

the fury and rage of Scanderbeg was not to be tamed hj 
such inroads and predatory expeditions, which only tended 
to encourage the Albanians, who were a spirited and braye 
nation : that wiles and ambushments were not likely to 
prevail against him who was a master in warlike subtleties ; 
but would always prove the ruin of those who should make 
use of them against him : that by such frequent victories 
the Christians would gradually conceive a contempt for the 
Ottoman name : that, in hb opinion, it would be best either 
to abstain altogether from making any attempt upon Scan- 
derbeg, or to prosecute it with such vigor as to insure 
speedy and complete success. 

Amurath was not pleased with these praises bestowed 
upon his adversary ; yet he did not impute the Bashaw's 
arguments to want of courage, since Haly Bashaw and 
Ferisey, who had also been as unfortunate, if not more so, 
than he, excused his failure to the sultan. Amurath, in 
consequence of these representations of his generals, deter- 
mined to discontinue active warfare with the Albanians 
until he should march against them in person. In the mean 
time, however, he ordered Mustapha to levy new forces, 
and to proceed to the borders of Epire, but not to overrun 
or lay waste the country, or on any account whatever to 
think of attacking Scanderbeg, or to suffer himself to be 
drawn from his post, but to be content with carefully guard- 
ing the Turkish frontier. 

When Scanderbeg was informed of the approach of Mus- 
tapha, and of the death of the Prince of Dayina, both 
events being reported to him at the same time, he was 
greatly perplexed. The coming of the Turks, whom he had 
so often vanquished, did not trouble him so much as the 
murder of his intimate friend the prince, which overwhelmed 
him with grief. He was vexed, moreover, to hear the de- 
termination of the Lady Bosa, and that the Venetians had 
espoused her cause, and made the quarrel their own. He 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 79 

felt himself much aggrieved by the pretension of the Vene- 
tians to any right in the estate of the deceased, since he 
considered the resignation made to them by that lady as of 
no force concerning what her son had, during his life, di- 
rected to descend to him ; and that the rash determination 
of the mother could not lawfully make void the will and in- 
tention of the son. For a compact had been entered into 
between Scanderbeg and Zacharie, confirmed by a solemn 
oath, that whichever of the two survived, the other should 
inherit the dominions of the deceased. In this divided con- 
dition of his affairs, Scanderbeg, more watchful than ever, 
kept near to the forces of Mustapha, and coursing up and 
down with a small number of men, he endeavored, by 
sometimes adventuring himself too far, sometimes by pre- 
tending a hasty and disordered retreat, to draw out the 
Tm-kish general to battle. But, finding all his efforts to 
circumvent the wily Turk fruitless, he left the forces which 
he had with him upon the borders of the country, to watch 
the enemy and prevent them from committing depredations 
and violence ; and, tiuning his attention to the war of Day- 
ina, he, with very few attendants, returned to Croia. When 
there, as he knew that the question between him and the 
Venetians must be decided by force of arms, he commanded 
an immediate levy of troops. He himself, together with 
some of his chief officers, rode to different parts of the prov- 
ince, and assembled a large army. Then, without delay, 
before the garrison of Dayina had time to provide them- 
selves with corn, he laid close siege to the place, and en- 
deavored, both by force and persuasion, to induce the in- 
habitants to yield themselves up to him ; for he apprehend- 
ed that when the Venetians received the news of his at- 
tack, they would send succors from Italy in order to oblige 
him to raise the siege. Yet, that he might not exasperate 
the Dayinians, and render them more obstinate in their de- 
fence, he refrained fron\ wasting the couintry ; nor did he 



80 LIFE OP GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

batter the walls with artillery, or attempt to enter the town 
by assault ; but, by keeping the inhabitants from supplying 
themselves with food and munitions, he threatened them 
with famine, of which there was great danger, and with all 
the evils of a long and tedious blockade. The governors of 
the nearest provinces, subject to the Venetians, gave notice 
to the Seigniory of Venice of the attack upon Dayina, who 
ordered an immediate levy of forces of various kinds, which 
were sent to the relief of the town. These troops were 
greatly augmented and strengthened by two persons — Lech 
Dusman and Peter Span, both of them Albanians. They 
had, under oath, promised to Scanderbeg their continual 
service and assistance against the Turks, in which they had 
never failed ; but their alliance with the Venetians was so 
intimate, that they now considered themselves bound to es- 
pouse their cause. 

Scanderbeg was not daunted by the dangers which 
threatened him. He forthwith divided the army he had 
just levied, which exceeded fourteen thousand men. Only 
seven thousand horse and two thousand foot were destined 
to act against the Venetians : the remainder he left to con- 
tinue tlie siege of Dayina, which he determined not to raise, 
notwithstanding the approach of the enemy. The forces of 
Scanderbeg were thus separated into three divisions ; one of 
which was opposed to Mustapha, another besieged Dayina, 
and the third was directed against the Venetians. This 
disposition of the forces of Scanderbeg gave his enemies 
hope of obtaining advantage over him. The result, how- 
ever, will show that he did not act unadvisedly. 

Mustapha was greatly elated at this diversion made by 
the Venetians ; and, encouraged by the absence of Scander- 
beg, he would willingly have attacked the Albanians who 
were left upon the borders, had he not been restrained by 
the positive orders of the sultan. 

While the Venetians, adsembled at Scutarie, consumed 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 81 

the time in making provision of things necessary, Scander- 
beg had boldly passed the river Drynon, into their own 
territory. The Venetians could not tamely brook this bra- 
vado, but immediately marched forward to meet the Alba- 
nians. Each party claimed to have justice on its side. The 
Prince of Albania was contending for the possession of a 
town, which he asserted to be withheld from him contrary 
to all right and justice. The other party fought to main- 
tain the rights of those who had placed themselves under 
its protection. The Albanians were encouraged by the suc- 
cess which had often crowned their arms. The Venetians 
hoped for victory, both because of the warlike preparations 
which they had made for the present occasion, and because 
they knew their resources to be such as could repair any 
immediate disaster which might chance to befall them. In 
truth, this enterprise against Dayina, appeared to threaten 
the downfall of Scanderbeg. 

When the armies came in sight of each other, they both 
maintained silence, halted, and encamped. The command 
of the Venetian army was committed to Daniel Jurich, of 
Sebenca, an experienced officer. When he had appointed 
his men to their proper places, previous to the combat, he 
addressed to them a speech wherein, among other things, 
he set before them the miserable condition of the Dayinians ; 
the injustice as well as rashness and malevolence of Scander- 
beg in making war against the Venetians ; his want of mil- 
itary skill in dividing his army, and coming against them 
with forces so inferior to those opposed to him ; and the 
evident ruin which he was about to bring upon himself. 

The speech which Scanderbeg made to his men before he 
drew them forth to battle, is reported to have been in a 
much more moderate strain than that of the Venetian gene- 
ral. He observed, that while the enemy were in sight it 
was not a proper time to inquire into the justness of his 
cause; yet, that since good men before going to battle. 



82 UFK OF 6E0R6K OA8TEIOT. 

were wont to be anxious about nothing more than to be 
sured that they were not going to fight against God as well 
as man, he was quite willing, if they felt distrustful of being 
in the right, or thought him rash and ambitious in undertak- 
ing the present war, that they all should truss up their bag- 
gage, and return home. But, he observed, that nothing 
can be more reproachful to him that is nobly minded, nor 
any thing more repugnant to the dignity and majesty of a 
prince, than, through pusillanimity, to suffer his right to be 
usurped by another, and to remain with his hands idle when 
he knows that his right can be maintained only by force 
of arms. He reminded them that they all knew the strict 
and intimate friendship which was ever between him and the 
Seignior Lech Zacharie, and that in consequence of their mu- 
tual afi^ction, they had entered into an inviolable agreement 
that whichsoever of them should first die without issue should 
be succeeded by the other in his heritage and dominions, by 
virtue of survivorship and the existing compact : that the 
Venetians had gotten possession of the lands of his deceased 
friend, and had left him only the heritage of tears and lam- 
entations over his cruel fate. He asked them if he did not 
by that agreement hazard the renouncing of his own patri- 
mony if he had first been taken out of this life ; and he de- 
clared that there was no reason why he should, and that he 
would not, unless, God being against him, he was put to 
the worst, give over the war until he had gained possession 
of Dayina, since none but fools could blame him for a war 
to which he was prompted by such good reasons and so 
honest a cause. But he woidd not have them treat these 
as they woidd other enemies : that they had not now to deal 
with savage barbarians, but with Christians, against whom 
they should contend according to the rules of just warfare, 
only to repel injustice, and to be enabled to live in rest and 
security. 

The above are but small part of the speeches reported in 




LIFE OP OBOROB CABTRIOT. 88 

the work from which this account is chiefly taken, but they 
are thought quite sufficient, as the words of the speakers are 
not pretended to be given by our author. 

The moderation displayed by Scanderbeg in his address to 
his soldiers increased their confidence in him. They flocked 
around him, and with many protestations of devotion to his 
person, and arguments in favor of prosecuting their enter- 
prise, manifested the greatest alacrity and ardor. " He," 
to use the words of our author, " praising and extolling the 
affection of every of them, speaking aloud unto them in man- 
ner of jesting and merriment ; smiling, he told them, that 
nature was much to blame in that she had not placed these 
noble and generous spirits of the Alhanois in a higher and 
better fortime.'** 

Scanderbeg then caused his troops to take refreshment, 
and, having also done the same himself, he, about noon, with 
a cheerful mind, drew them out into the field. The archers 
and light armed troops he placed in front of the ensigns. 
The heavier armed foot were placed on the two wings, to 
each of which were added 2000 horse. The main battle was 
committed to the command of Tanusee, where a number of 
foot soldiers were dispersed among the men-at-arms. He 
appointed no reserve, in order to show the confidence he had 
of victory. Neither did he leave more than a handful to 
guard his camp. He trusted, in case of defeat, to the forces 
which remained at the siege of Dayina, to the camp at which 
place it was his intention to retire, should he, contrary to his 
expectation, be obliged to retreat ; since neither the situation 
of his present camp nor the number of his troops would ren- 
der it advisable for him to retire thither. Scanderbeg has 
not escaped the charge of rashness, unworthy of a great com- 
mander, in not providing for a more safe retreat in case of 
being defeated. He seems, on every occasion, to have so 

*LaYardiiL 



82 



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n 



84 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

well understood the power of his own forces, and they were 
80 completely manageable under his command, that perhaps 
the charge of rashness may more properly be laid to those 
who censure him for his conduct on this occasion. 

The right wing of the Venetians was commanded by Daniel, 
strengthened by a chosen guard of Sclavonians. Colla Humoy, 
of Scutarie, who was second in command, led the left wing. 
His brother Andrew and Symon Volcathagne commanded the 
centre. I think it best not to attempt a minute description 
of the manner in which the battle was arranged, nor of the 
various turns in the engagement itself, as I do not feel cer- 
tain of understanding the antiquated phraseology of the au- 
thor by whom I am guided. Lavardin says, " In briefe, all 
the rankes were filled indifferently with souldiers of sundrie 
sortes, serving rather for an hindrance and impediment, than 
for anie defence or good assurance." The niunber of the 
Venetian troops amounted to nearly 13,000. 

The fight was begun by the Venetian pikemen and Alba- 
nian archers of the centre. The archers at first had the 
better of the pikemen ; but when the ranks approached so 
near to each other that the bowmen could not fight to ad- 
vantage, and the targeteers, covering themselves with their 
targets, and the other hght armed troops came to fight hand 
to hand with the sword, then Scanderbeg ordered his arch- 
ers to retire a little, and covering them with his cavalry, he 
afforded them a better opportunity to make use of their weap- 
ons. The Venetian pikemen, being armed with strong corse- 
lets, advanced so boldly as to excite in their companions a 
hope of victory. The wings on both sides then engaged. 
The Albanians exceeded in the niunber and quality of their 
horse ; and the battle was fought in the midst of a large 
plain near to the river Drynon, so that they suffered no im- 
pediment from the nature of the country. The contest was, 
a long time, m'amtained aroimd the general of the Venetians 
with doubtful success ; until Scanderbeg, with a body of horse. 



mm 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 85 

broke through their battle, and would have cut off all hope of 
victory from his enemies, had it not been for the Illyrians, 
who, with their wonted agility, came to the aid of the body- 
guard, and enabled them to keep their ground against the 
Albanians ; yet rather as acting upon the defensive than as 
assailants. 

The armies maintained the contest for a long time ; but, 
at length, the general of the Venetians perceiving his soldiers 
in every quarter put to flight, he also put spurs to his horse, 
and followed the example of the rest. The troops of Scan- 
derbeg could not pursue their adversaries with vigor, because 
the fight had been so long and so obstinate that their strength 
was nearly exhausted. Yet weary as they were, they did 
not suffer the flight of the Venetian troops to be without in- 
terruption ; for Scander^eg had commanded that all the en- 
signs should join in the pursuit even to the gates of Scutarie. 
Many prisoners were made by the Albanians, for Scanderbeg 
had ordered that none should be put to death ; and when 
they anived near to the town, and in sight of the inhabitants, 
they drew up in battle array, with their colors waving in the 
wind, and their prisoners exposed to the view of the towns- 
men. 

Scanderbeg having permitted his men thus to exult in 
their victory, at length, when the day was far spent, ordered 
a retreat to be sounded, and the army took up their march 
towards Dayina. Scanderbeg hoped the victory he had ob- 
tained would induce the inhabitants of that town to submit 
themselves to him ; but in this he was disappointed. When 
he returned to the siege with his victorious troops, he dis- 
played the ensigns which had been taken from the Venetians, 
and marched the prisoners around the walls. But, when he 
^ demanded that the Venetian garrison should be delivered up 
to him, the answer which he received was, in substance, that 
they were determined to hold out to the last ; and that they 
were in hopes that the Venetian government woidd not suffer 

8 



86 LIFE OF 6EOR6B CA8TKIOT. 

the bonds of the captives to be perpetual, nor the siege to be 
of long continuance. Instead of being incensed at this resolu- 
tion of the Dayinians, he exhibited no marks of resentment, nor 
did he treat his prisoners with severity ; but, on the contrary, 
having behaved kindly to them, he set them at hberty, all 
but two of the highest quality, named Andrew Humoy and 
Symon Yolcathagne, whom he detained as hostages. These 
were kept under safe guard in the fortress of Petra Alba, but 
hberally and respectfully entertained. It is supposed that 
Scanderbeg hoped thus to gain by generous conduct those 
whom he failed to reduce by force. 

Scanderbeg next entered upon the execution of a plan by 
which he hoped to advance the progress of the siege of 
Dayina, and of the war with the Venetians. 

At the foot of mount Sardonick^ called by the common 
country people, Marrany, were the ruins of an ancient town 
named Baleze, distant from Scutarie twelve miles, from Dri- 
vasta five, and fifteen from Dayina. It had of old been laid 
in ruins, as some say, by Attila. This place Scanderbeg de- 
termined to rebdld, thikg that, if it were weU garrisoned, 
it would afford him the means of annoying the Venetian 
territory, and of preventing succors from being sent to the 
relief of Dayina. He without delay set about carrying this 
his purpose into effect, and having restored the place some- 
what to the condition of a fortified town, partly by walls and 
partly by palisades and other fortifications of timber-work, 
and having furnished it with men, he appomted Amese his 
nephew, and Marin Span or Spaniard, an Albanian of tried 
prudence and fidelity, to have charge of the place and to 
see the work completed. This done, he without delay re- 
passed the river Drjmon, to prosecute the seige of Dayina, 
which he would not, on any account, suffer to be inter- 
mitted. 

And here one cannot avoid admiring the courage and de- 
termined perseverance of Scanderbeg, thus to permit no dan- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 87 

gers or difficulties to deter him from his purpose ; but, while 
threatened on one hand by the Turks, and on the other by 
the Venetians, to maintain what he conceived to be his right, 
and to be for the honor and advantage of his country. 

When the fortifications of Baleze were completed, Amese, 
prompted by his youthful ardor and the success which had 
attended him m some unimportant inroads upon the enemy's 
territory, resolved to take by surprise Drivasta, a town not 
far from Baleze. His heart was so much set upon this en- 
terprise, that he did not hesitate to weaken his garrison in 
order to effect it ; being in hopes of accomplishing his pur- 
pose without the aid of his uncle, and before he should re- 
ceive any intimation of it. Marin, who disapproved of the 
attempt, fearing to excite the ill-will of Amese if he openly 
opposed him, endeavored secretly to discourage the minds 
of the soldiery. But failing in this, he at length declared his 
mind to Amese ; representing to him, in a wise and grave 
manner, the rashness of the purposed attempt, and the mis- 
chiefs which might result from it. 

This wholesome advice of Marin Spaniard was very ill 
received by Amese, and, at first, very insolently treated. 
He replied, that they had been left by his imcle with equal 
authority; that he was not placed there to be directed, 
either in peace or w. by the will of another; that he 
should command his own troops in his own way. After a 
time, however, he became more modest and moderate in his 
language and behaviour. He told his colleague that he 
would willingly be swayed by his opinion, if the protection 
of Baleze and the affair of Drivasta could not both be secured 
at the same time, but that neither need interfere with the 
other ; that the forces under their command were sufficient 
for both ; that he did not unadvisedly undertake his pro- 
posed attempt ; that he would be upon the town of Drivasta 
80 suddenly that he should find the young men xmarmed, 
the gates unguarded, and the walls without sentinels ; be* 



88 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

sides which, that many of the inhabitants were disposed to 
yield to him, upon receiving a swnmons ; but that, supposing 
the enterprise more difficult than he expected, it was not his 
intention to expose his men by a long-continued attack upon 
the town. He ended by taking the hand of Marin, and bid- 
ding him to be of good courage, and to hope for the success 
of his undertaking. He then displayed his ensigns, and 
marched cheerfully forward. There were scarcely 2000 
men left for the defence of Baleze. Not that any one had 
been compelled to follow Amese, but because the Albanians 
were less pleased with inactive warfare, than with the as- 
saulting of towns and strongholds. 

Although Amese had been as careful as he could to con- 
ceal his intended attempt, and hastened on with as much 
speed as possible, yet the news of his approach reached 
Drivasta before him. The inhabitants, from the beginning 
of the attack upon Dayina, had kept courts of guard in dif- 
ferent parts of their town, and a number of armed men to 
keep watch. At first, however, they were much astonished ; 
and, mounting upon the walls, made preparation of such 
munitions as were fit to repulse an enemy. But when they 
saw the forces of Amese draw near, and perceived how few 
they were in number, their apprehension was changed to 
contempt. Notwithstanding the undaunted countenance of 
the garrison, the young chieftain advanced, with undiminished 
confidence, and, in the name of Scanderbeg, summoned the 
place to surrender. But receiving a bold and disdainful 
answer, he was filled with anger and indignation ; and re- 
tiring about a mile and a half from the walls, he consulted 
with his army in what way it might be possible, seeing he had 
no artillery, to bring the inhabitants of the town to terms. 
In the mean time, to prevent surprise, he posted scouts and 
sentinels around the place where he was encamped. 

The townsmen, at the instigation of Andrew Angell, one 
of the principal citizens, and distinguished by his long expe* 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 89 

lience in arms and his warlike actions, resolved to anticipate 
their enemies, and to attack them before they should assault 
the town. After addressing the forces in a speech containing 
the usual topics of encouragement, Andrew Angell led them 
forth, while they expressed their alacrity by loud shouts and 
cries, which were augmented by those of the troops upon 
the walls and by the sound of the trumpets. 

The sudden and unexpected approach of the Drivastines 
caused great alarm among the troops of Amese. He, how- 
ever, headed a troop of those whom he could most readily 
assemble, in order to keep the enemy in check until the rest 
of his men, who were scattered abroad in the country, could 
have time to return, and, together with those who were in 
the camp, set themselves in battle array, and march out to 
join their commander and the troops whom he had already 
led forward. But the wise counsel of the skilful captain of 
the forces of the enemy frustrated the purpose of this young 
and inexpenenced leader. ^Angell, dividing his forces into 
three parts, sent a company of Italians and some horsemen 
to attack the camp on the upper side. The rest of his cav- 
alry, being mostly archers and peasants, he directed to 
prevent the stragglers from re-entering the camp, and to 
intercept those who were within the trenches, if they sallied 
out. He himself, with the third troop, attacked Amese, and 
at the first onset overthrew his battalion and put him to 
flight. Nevertheless, he and his companions, making their 
way through the squadron of archers, saved themselves in 
the open country. The different bodies of the Drivastine 
forces having joined themselves together, they attacked the 
camp, and, after some resistance, drove froip their trenches 
the troops of Amese, who fled on all sides, fighting and 
fleeing at the same time, towards the open plain. Angell 
did not pursue his enemies ; but, being content with frustra- 
ting their attempt, he ordered a retreat to be sounded, and 
retired joyful into the town. 

8* 



90 LIFE OF 6£0£6E CA8TRI0T. 

Amese, having gathered up his scattered forces, in 
revenge for this discomfiture, of which the disgrace was 
greater than the loss, and abandoning all hope of taking 
Drivasta, turned his anger against every thing without the 
town which he could destroy — burning the houses and cut- 
ting down the trees, not sparing any thmg that served for 
use or for pleasure. Nothing remained but a few olive- 
trees, for the abundance of which the place was remarkable. 
These depredations, committed by the troops of Amese, did 
not provoke the townsmen to sally forth and risk another 
encounter, as they apprehended falling into some ambuscade, 
and having their return to the town intercepted. 

When Amese had vented his fury upon the environs of 
Drivasta, instead of returning to Baleze — where he felt 
ashamed to meet Marin, for contemning whose wise counsel 
he was so sadly disgraced — he directed his march towards 
Dayina, where he experienced a much worse reception from 
his uncle than he would have met with froni his fellow- 
commander. Scanderbeg, having received an account of 
what had passed, was gnevously offended with his nephew ; 
and as soon as he knew of his arrival he sent for him, and, 
in the presence of all his companions, very much to the 
mortification of the young soldier, reproached him with the 
fault he had committed. He laid to his charge the innocent 
blood of his companions, which, through his folly, he had 
caused to be spilt ; calling him, with a loud voice, both rash 
and arrogant, for having, without any authority from him, 
acted so foolish a part. When, upon inquiry, he found that 
the expedition had been undertaken without the concurrence 
of Marin, his anger was greatly increased ; and he moreover 
severely blamed Amese for adding cruelty to his rashness, 
by wantonly destroying the property of the citizens which 
lay without the walls of the town. Amese did not pretend 
to offer any excuse for his conduct ; but, turning a httle 
aside to his companions, he exclaimed — " Good God ! there 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 91 

is nothing more infamous than a man that is vanquished ; 
for he must, on one hand, endure the insults of his enemies, 
and, on the other, the wrathful countenance of his friends \** 
Hereupon all the bands, gathering around Scanderbeg, en- 
treated him to mitigate his anger, and to forgive the fault — 
alleging that the youth of his nephew was sufficiently pun- 
ished, and his misfortune greatly aggravated, by the severe 
rebukes which he had suffered, and that they themselves 
were as much to blame as he. Such was the generous 
nature of Scanderbeg that he was not long proof against 
these intercessions, but soon suffered himself to be entreated, 
and his anger to be pacified. 



92 



BOOK IV. 

While the Christians were thus quarrelling with each 
other, and Scanderbeg was lying idle before the walls of 
Dayina, Amurath, who was particularly informed of what 
was passing, both by his bashaw Mustapha, and by common 
report, deliberated much upon the course he ought to 
pursue. Sometimes he would consider that the opportunity 
for crushing the Prince of Albania appeared to be very 
favorable; then again he was struck with wonder at the 
invincible fortune and prosperity of the man. He, moreover, 
doubted whether the quarrels of the Christians were real, or 
only pretended. While Amurath, in his perplexity, thus 
remained inactive, the military ardor of the Venetians grad- 
ually abated ; still, the importunities of Mustapha, who 
wished to wipe off the stain of his former disgrace, finally 
prevailed with the sultan to take up arms. The command 
of the expedition was committed to the Bashaw, to whom 
Amurath directed a letter of wholesome advice for his con- 
duct m the war, in the following terms :- 

"The warre, Mustapha, which thou doest so earnestly 
demaund, now from henceforth we doe freely graunt it thee : 
if those reportes be true which are brought us concerning 
the tumultes of the Venetians. Thy vertue and thy valour 
shall winne thee honour and reputation uppon this enemy : 
yet see thou be well advised and carie thy selfe discreetly, 
and let not a light beleefe and vaine credulitie cause thee to 
take arms, which, afterwardes, when thou doest least thinke, 
thou shalt bee enforced to lay aside with shame and dis- 
honour. Peradventure it is but an appearance of a coun- 
terfeit and deceitfull warre, which is now betweene the 
Christians; and thou mayest be deceaved by their dis- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 93 

sembled contentions. Looke unto it, and consider this, that 
(as the common saying is) there is no quarrell so short as 
that of the father against the child. We (who are absent) 
can not give counsell to one present, nor yet do wee aprove 
a fond desire of fight, without good cause and inducement 
which may move thee thereunto. It is thou that oughtest 
to have an eye, and to discusse by thy selfe, particularly 
before thou take armes, all that which after (when thou hast 
taken armes) is to be put in execution. Thou hast good 
store of souldiours, fresh and resolute, and thy enemy is 
partly wearied with paines and travell, and partly weakened 
with his many battels. The rest we referre to thy suffi- 
ciencie and discretion, for we will not hinder thee from 
enterprising any thing, which shall seeme imto thee to be 
\for our honour and advantage." 

Mustapha, bemg thus gratified in his desire of making 
another attack upon the Albanians, was much elated with 
the hope of ending the war by one blow. So confident did 
he feel, that he used no precautions by which to conceal his 
preparations, but showed himself ready to make battle with 
the Prince of Epire whenever an opportunity should offer. 

In the mean time Scanderbeg received early information 
of the state of affairs, from the garrison upon the confines of 
Macedonia ; to whom he immediately dispatched orders to 
avoid, with the utmost care, giving the Bashaw an opportu- 
nity of obliging them to fight. He directed them to retire 
from before him into the woods and hills, and to amuse him 
with a show of timorous flight, in order to protract the time 
until he himself could arrive with the rest of his forces, 
whom they should join as soon as they perceived them to 
approach. He then prepared to march with part of his 
forces, towards the Turks ; and calling Amese to him, he 
gave him in charge to attend diligently to the siege of 
Dayina, ordering and entreating him not to make any chango 
in the settled plan of operations during his absence, nor to 



M UFE OF GEOR6S CABTRIOT. 

make any attempt against the besieged ; but to take warning 
from his former disgrace, and not to move from before the 
walls of the town, but closely to block up the inhabitants, 
and prevent them from obtaining any rehef. He then se- 
lected from the besieging forces 500 horse and 1500 foot, 
all picked men. The soldiers who had been foiled at Dri- 
vasta were very anxious to be among the number of those 
selected, in the hope of having an opportunity to wipe off 
the stain which they thought was upon them. He, however, 
did not gratify their wish ; but chose out such veterans as 
might most be depended upon for active service, and in 
dangerous encounters. 

Scanderbeg had scarcely quitted Dayina, before the Scu- 
tarians, taking advantage of the approach of the Turks, 
which required the attention of the Albanian prince, marched 
out, with a train of artillery, to attack Baleze ; for they were 
aware that, as long as that place should be in possession of 
the Albanians, there would be perpetual war within their 
own territories. But Marin, the governor, having timely 
notice of their approach, he and all the garrison departed 
secretly, with all their effects, to join the . troops before 
Dayina, leaving behind them nothing but the empty walls 
and naked ramparts. When the Scutarians first approached 
the place, and found every thing quiet, and no sign of in- 
habitants, they feared some surprise. But when they at 
length learned, from their scouts, that the place was really 
deserted, they were greatly enraged; and, having demol- 
ished the fortifications and razed the walls, they returned 
to Scutarie. 

Marin having joined the army before Dayina with the gar- 
rison of Baleze, a secret satisfaction was excited in the mind 
of Amese to see that his partner in arms was also a sharer 
with him in misfortune. Nor did he refrain from openly 
casting blame upon his uncle for the moderation shovm by 
bim towards the inhabitants of Scutarie and Dayina. The ill 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 06 

feelings were already at work within this fiery youth which 
afterwards broke out into undisguised rebellion. 

During these transactions, the forces stationed by Scan- 
derbeg upon the confines of Macedonia were not permitted 
by Mustapha to remain at rest. His troops harassed them 
by continual inroads and attacks. On their part, the Albani- 
ans kept themselves upon the defensive, within their trenches 
and fortifications ; only sallying forth occasionally in small 
parties, and quickly retreating as if through fear, in order to 
amuse the enemy and protract the time. Mustapha, think- 
ing that he could not, with a prospect of success, attack the 
Albanians within their fortifications, and not daring to pursue 
them in their flight, for fear of ambuscades and other warlike 
stratagems with which they were famiUar, placed guards to 
watch them in their encampment, and, with the rest of his 
troops, laid waste the adjacent country. At length, being 
informed of the approach of Scanderbeg, he assembled all 
his forces, and encamped within two miles of his enemies. 

The place where he encamped was called Oronochea, in 
the upper Dibria, upon a plain of no great breadth, about 
six miles from Croia. Scanderbeg, with his fresh and new 
troops, entered into the camp of the Epirots. Where he had 
no sooner arrived, than he proclaimed by sound of trumpet 
that no one should depart thence without special permission ; 
and immediately he set all his men at work to render his de- 
fences more secure. Mustapha likewise remained within his 
intrenchments. When Scanderbeg had completed his works, 
he made a general review of his forces. Many of the troops 
which were originally stationed there had been on different 
occasions withdrawn, so that of the old bands there remained 
but 3500 horse and 600 foot ; and the whole number of 
forces amounted to about 6000 fighting men, with whom it 
was the intention of the Prince of Epire to encounter the 
whole force of Mustapha, and out of this number he ap- 
pointed 300 picked men to guard the camp. He disposed 



96 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

his army into two wings and a main body. In the front 
of each wing he placed 1500 horsemen, with a few foot 
soldiers in their rear ; the most of his infantry he reserved 
for the centre or main battle, which was also covered by 
500 horse. The reason for placing his cavalry in front was, 
that he might more effectually meet the shock of the Turk- 
ish horse. 

While Scanderbeg kept his army in battle array, silent and 
without moving, but waiting for the approach of the enemy, 
a Turk, named Caragusa, advanced from among his com- 
panions into the field which lay between the two armies, and 
made a show of challenging some one of the opposite party 
to single combat. He approached near to the ranks of the 
Christians, and with a loud voice dared the boldest of them to 
measure his strength with him. This defiance was received 
in silence. But, at length, Paul Manessey, an excellent 
swordsman and expert rider, could no longer brook the bra- 
vadoes of the barbarian against his nation and countrymen, 
especially as his fellow-soldiers seemed to cast their looks 
toward him, as if he were the one whom this challenge espe- 
cially concerned. With great alacrity and a cheerful coun- 
tenance, he addressed himself to Scanderbeg in order to 
know his pleasure. The prince highly approved and com- 
mended this soldier, and told him to go forward under the 
conduct of the great God, and not only procure for himself 
immortal honor, but lead his fellow-soldiers by his example 
to a happy victory. Hereupon, those of his own troop flock- 
ing around, extolled him as though he had already gotten 
the victory. He delayed no longer than to arm and prepare 
himself for the fight. Then, leaping into his seat, and gal- 
loping into the open field towards the Turk, he told him to 
make ready for the combat. The Turk desired him to wait 
until he could address a few words to him ; which he did, to 
the following effect : 

" The victory must be decided between us by our valor 




LIFE OF 6E0R6B CABTRIOT. 07 

and our fortune, but respecting the conditions of the victory, 
we ourselves must take some order. If the destinies have 
decreed that I be vanquished, I am willing that you shall 
dispose of my dead body and of my spoils in whatever man- 
ner you choose, and I require the same condition with respect 
to yourself. And let this agreement be ratified by our gen- 
erals, lest, during the heat of the combat or after it is de- 
cided, some tumult arise between the two armies." To this 
proposal Paul made answer that he agreed to the terms pro- 
posed ; that the Turk might fight without the fear of being 
attacked by any other enemy than himself, whose dead body, 
if he fell, should be at his disposal. And, although he him- 
self would rather that his remains should be in the possession 
of his own companions, Scanderbeg would never consent that 
the body of one who had shown himself so weak as to be 
vanquished in combat should be received again into his 
camp. 

The bold reply of this cavaher, and the little account 
which he appeared to make of his life, so struck the Turk 
that he seemed to repent of having provoked the encounter. 
The two commanders-m-chief having ratified the agreement 
between the combatants, they were left alone in the middle 
of the field, with the eyes of all fixed upon them, and the 
thoughts of all anxiously and doubtfully occupied with the 
event of the contest ; for, in appearance, the two champions 
were nearly matched. They were both of the middle stature, 
and of the same age, neither of them dull or sluggish, and 
yet neither too full of the fire and rashness of youth. They 
were armed ahke, with lances and with shields which were 
barred with steel. At their sides they had Turkish cimeters 
and heavy clubs of iron. Their bodies were armed with 
cuirasses, and their heads with helmets. Over their armor 
they wore very bright scarfs* of silk ; which, although they 

* w CaMOCks."— Ziovanim. 

9 



98 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

were useless as armor, gave the combatants a showy ap- 
pearance. 

Being thus equipped, and manifesting in their coimtenances 
and carriage much fierceness and jinimosity, they took the 
field opposite to each other, and putting spurs to their horses, 
with their lances couched, the Christian knight running at the 
head of the Turk, struck him over his shield and pierced him 
through the right eye. This wound brought him to the 
ground, and the other speedily dismoimting, spoiled him of 
his armor, and severed his head from his body. Thus laden 
with the spoils of his enemy, he remounted his horse and re- 
turned to his fellow-soldiers, who rushed forward with great 
joy and congratulations, and conducted him to their general. 
Scanderbeg received him very graciously, and bestowed upon 
him high commendations. In the presence of the army, he 
rewarded him with a rich coat-of-arms of gold tissue, and 
with a large estate and revenue. As the time for giving 
battle had arrived, Scanderbeg first made a short address to 
his soldiers, in which he held up to them the conduct of their 
victorious comrade, and exhorted them to follow the example 
he had given them, and to consider his success as an omen 
of their own good fortune. 

After this address to his men, they having taken refresh- 
ment, Scanderbeg, about the seventh hour, ordered the 
trumpet to sound; whereupon the army immediately 
marched forward in battle array, and with loud shouts ad- 
vanced towards the camp of the enemy. Mustapha came 
out to meet them at first with a squadron assembled in a 
disorderly manner ; then with all his forces. But scarcely 
were they arranged in order of battle, when many of them, 
seized- with a sudden panic, betook themselves to flight, and 
returned in all haste to the shelter of their entrenchments. 
Mustapha, when he perceived that his men were giving way, 
resolved to encourage them by his own example. He cried 
out to them to follow him, and ordered the ensigns to ad- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 99 

vance where they should see him make head ; and then, 
couching his lance and putting spurs to his horse, he rushed 
forward against his enemies, firmly resolved either to obtain 
the victory for Amurath his master, or to sell his life dearly. 
Many of his officers followed him, and, little by little, the 
shame of deserting their leader induced others to join him ; 
so that the fight was maintained — yet not with that vigor 
and spirit which rendered the issue of the contest doubtful ; 
for the Christians from the beginning had evidently the ad- 
vantage, nor did it ever cease during the battle to be on 
their side ; so much did the courage of the infidels appear 
to be damped by the overthrow of their champion. Moses, 
sometimes advancing with his cavalry, and sometimes bring- 
ing on his infantry against the Turks, caused among them 
such disorder, that he without much difficulty broke in upon 
them. Paul Manessey, the victorious champion, fighting in 
the main battle, made a great slaughter. The Turkish ranks 
being thrown into confusion, and the greater part of the 
horses slain by the Albanian footmen, the Turks, with their 
lances in their hands, served as foot soldiers also, but at 
great disadvantage, in consequence of not being accustomed 
to that service, and because of the unfitness of their armor. 
Still, being prompted by shame, they maintained the fight, 
in hopes that their general on his part might be successful ; 
for, being accompanied by the most valiant men of his army, 
and being able to make head against the main battle where 
Scanderbeg commanded in person, he was in hopes to re- 
trieve the ill success of his other forces. The fury of the 
Turks was principally directed against Paul Manessey, 
through a desire to revenge their companions slain, and in 
hope of the reward set upon his head ; but the prowess of 
this cavalier caused their efforts to recoil upon themselves. 
Being well guarded with a troop of choice warriors, he con- 
temned their utmost violence ; and at length, perceiving at 
a distance one of the barbarians, who had separated himself 



100 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

from his own bands, and was attacking the Christians with 
great impetuosity, he rushed towards him without saying a 
word, and when near to him, discharged such a blow upon 
his head, which he followed up with one or two more 
strokes, that he unhorsed him and made him to measure his 
length upon the ground. The companions of the Turk, see- 
ing him lie dead, turned their bridles, neither attempting to 
revenge his death nor to rescue his dead body ; and the 
Epirots then pressing on more boldly, made them give way 
and retreat at full speed, while Paul pursued them with 
taunts and reproaches. 

The Turks, having gained the open country, paid no heed 
to the reproaches of their enemy, but continued their flight 
immolested, except by the archers, who pursued and har- 
assed them with great obstinacy — the rest of the forces be- 
ing too much exhausted to join in the pursuit. But, gath- 
ering up the ensigns and crescents which lay scattered over 
the field of battle, they strove with each other who should 
carry them to the tents of Scanderbeg ; while they made the 
air to resound with their exclamations and their rude rhym- 
ing songs. With Scanderbeg all had gone well long before. 
The Turks lay slain in heaps upon the field, or reserved as 
prisoners with their hands boimd behind them. Mustapha 
himself was brought prisoner in triumph upon a Hungarian 
horse, together with twelve other persons of distinction. He 
had rushed furiously into the squadron of Scanderbeg, where 
being inclosed and out oflP from his own soldiers, he was 
taken captive. 

It may be doubted whether in all the wars with Amurath, 
any exploit redounded more to the honor, both general and 
individual, of Scanderbeg and his forces, than this victory. 
It is reported that of the Turks were slain ten thousand ; 
that the prisoners amounted to no more than eighty-two, 
and that fifteen standards were taken. The loss on the side 
of the Christians was comparatively small ; scarcely amount- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 101 

ing, as is said, to three hundred men. In the camp of the 
enemy was found great and rich booty ; the spoils of the 
slain were also of great value ; and a number of good horses 
were obtained. But not content with all this, the fiery 
spirit of Scanderbeg still prompted him to action ; and after 
he had refreshed his forces, he spent the rest of the day in 
ravaging the territories of the enemy. Having laid the 
country waste far and near, with fire and sword, the troops 
returned laden with booty, and bringing away with them 
great numbers of beasts and cattle. What with the quantity 
of spoil which they bore, and the weariness caused by their 
great and long-continued exertions, it was not imtil an hour 
after night had set in that they got back to their camp. 
The remainder of the night was passed in taking their rest, 
in great quiet, without any bonfires or exulting shouts, or 
other tokens of victory : and the reason was, that the Prince 
of Epire appeared more than usually sad and downcast on 
account of the news of the destruction of Baleze. All 
those within ' the caifap who were discreet and sober-minded 
conformed themselves to the disposition of their command- 
er ; sometimes encouraging him with pleasant speeches, and 
sometimes breaking out into rage against the enemy. But 
the mind of Scanderbeg admitted no consolation, whenever 
he thought upon the outrageous conduct of the inhabitants 
of Scutarie, after the moderation which he had exhibited to- 
wards them. 

The morning after the battle, by break of day, Scander- 
beg, having appointed 2000 horse and 1000 foot for the 
defence of the frontiers, marched with the rest of his forces, 
his prisoners, and the best part of his booty towards Dayi- 
na. When he had learned from Marin Span more certain- 
ly and particularly the circumstances relating to the de- 
struction of Baleze f he delayed no longer than to put his 
troops in order, and then immediately with new forces 
passed the river Drynon, and dispersed his cavalry over the 

9* 



102 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

whole country, who laid waste all that came in their way, 
destroying the crops, cutting do^yn the vines and the fruit- 
trees, and putting to death such of the inhabitants as offered 
resistance. Thence turning his fury against other towns of 
the Venetian territory, he so harassed them that they had 
good cause to curse the rash exploit of the Scutarians 
against Baleze. Many of the people of the country went 
over to the side of Scanderbeg, rather than incur the calam- 
ities suffered in consequence of his hostility. 

This wasteful and cruel irruption of Scanderbeg has not 
escaped reprehension ; he appears to have been hurried 
away by anger and revenge. The cold and rain at length 
obliged him to seek for winter quarters under the walls of 
Dayina. 

During these troubles, the governors of the Venetian ter- 
ritory and the magistrates of Scutarie being greatly dis- 
tressed, especially with regard to the forces shut up in Dai/- 
ina, whom they knew to be reduced to the last extremity, 
dispatched letters to the senate of Venice, giving an accoimt 
of the wretched state of their confederates. 

At this time Turkish messengers arrived in the Christian 
camp, to treat of the ransom of the prisoners. Upon the 
payment of 25,000 ducats, Mustapha and all his companions 
were delivered up. The Turks, having been feasted and en- 
tertained as though all enmity had been forgotten, were fur- 
nished with attendants both as guides on the way, and as pro- 
tectors against the violence of the Christians. The money 

thus obtained was all distributed by Scanderbeg among his 
troops, as he desired that those should be partakers of the 
rewards who had shared in the labors and dangers of the 
war. At this time the severity of the weather prevented 
any attempts from being made against the town of Dayina, 
whose inhabitants continued resolute in their determination 
to defend it, although they suffered great distress, and their 
strength was much diminished. The victorious arms of 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 108 

Scanderbeg were thus stayed by the courage and constancy 
of an inconsiderable place. Yet he was not deterred from 
prosecuting his enterprise, and resolved to redCice them by 
famine if he could in no other way bring them to terms. 
But rumors were now abroad that the Venetian govern- 
ment was inclined to peace, for which reason Scanderbeg re- 
strained the violence of his incursions upon their territory. 
After not many days, information arrived that ambassadors 
from the senate of Venice were on their way to treat with 
him concerning peace. Whereupon, he sent the chief of his 
nobles, with a great train, to meet them. Having enter- 
tained them sumptuously, he the day following gave them 
audience. The conditions offered by the Venetians were, 
that the Prince of Epire should raise the siege of Dayina, 
and suffer it to remain under the jurisdiction of Venice ; 
and that Scanderbeg, in lieu thereof, should have possession 
of a tract lying upon the river Drynon, called Busegiarpeni. 
These conditions were no sooner propounded than they were 
accepted, and Scanderbeg felt well satisfied with the terms 
offered to him. Peace was accordingly concluded ; and the 
business being in an orderly manner dispatched, silence was 
commanded, and Scanderbeg made an address to the am- 
bassadors in which he expressed the satisfaction with which 
he laid down his arms, and the great respect and friendship 
which he felt towards the republic of Venice. 

When Scanderbeg had finished his speech, he sent heralds 
throughout the province to publish to the people the news 
of this so much desired peace. The siege of Dayina was raised, 
and the works erected by the besiegers destroyed. The sol- 
diers, full of mirth and joy, laying aside all enmity, welcomed 
the inhabitants of the town and entertained them in their 
tents and pavilions. Andrew and Volcathagne were imme- 
diately set at liberty; and all things which had been taken 
from the Scutarians, such as villages, castles, fortresses, and 
the like, were surrendered to the ambassadors. The day 



104 LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 

foUowing, the ambassadors, having been sumptuously enter* 
tained, were dismissed with many valuable presents. 

Scanderbeg then, giving way to the activity and impetu- 
osity of his nature, soon led his forces to the Turkish fron- 
tiers, with the intention of spoiling them as was his custom* 
The men cheerfully followed him ; for, in those days, they 
asked no wages besides the spoil which they took from their 
enemies. Whence it became a common saying among the 
neighboring princes that the enemy's territory was Scander- 
beg's treasury. Having divided his army into three parts, 
he spent two days in plundering the territory of the sultan. 
The lives of the inhabitants were not spared, except those 
who turned Christians, and th£y escaped only with their 
lives ; every thing was wasted by fire and sword ; so that, if 
Amurath had then marched against Epire, he would not 
have foimd enough to sustain his troops a single day. This 
desolation having been committed, Scanderbeg returned with- 
in his own confines; and with many commendations, dis- 
missed his troops to their homes, except 3000 who always 
remained as a garrison upon the borders. He himself, with 
his fellow-citizens and his ordinary guard, returned to Croia. 

When the Venetians received tidings of the peace con- 
cluded in Epire, and of the generosity of the Albanian prince, 
and heard the commendations bestowed upon him by their 
ambassadors, they were greatly rejoiced. And the senate, 
willing to honor the virtue and liberality of that prince, he 
and his posterity were, in a general council of the citizens 
and nobles, by public consent, created citizens of Venice, and 
enrolled among the number of the most noble families of the 
city and commonwealth. He was besides, by the unanimous 
consent of the senate, appointed sole governor and lieutenant- 
general for the commonwealth in those quarters ; and letters 
to that effect, together with rich presents, were forthwith 
^ dispatched to him. 

During these transactions between Scanderbeg and the 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 105 

Venetians, the Turks remained quiet. Amurath perceived 
that a war with the Albanians carried on in the manner it 
had hitherto been done, would only tend to increase their 
power. He revolved in his mind the course which ought to 
be pursued in order to obtain better success. At length, 
hearing of the peace between Scanderbeg and the Venetians, 
and of the spoiling of his provinces, he called his viziers 
around him, and opened his mind to them in the following 
address, which is given in the very words and orthography 
of the old author from whom the materials or this work are 
principally taken. 

"Hitherto (most worthy and trustie Councellours), we 
hauG both well nourished and much augmented the pros- 
perous temeritie of this fugitiue : and being occupied with 
the vrgent necessitie or the warre of Hungariey we have so 
long deferred the due pimishment of this our hate full ene- 
mie, that by the multitude of outrages and contumelious 
abuses, he hath freely and without chasticement, incensed 
the maiestie of the Ottoman Empire; such as neither my 
eares can endure to heare reported, nor my eyes can abide 
the sight of. His fierce and furious madnesse (I shame to 
speak it), is encreased so farre and is growne to that passe, 
that he dareth with all his forces, to be aforehand with vs, 
in assaulting vs ; and openly to condemne vs of faintnesse and 
want of courage. What availeth it heere to recoimt vnto 
you the misfortunes of Holy Bassa ? and the like mischances 
of so many other Captaines and leaders? We neede goe no 
further to take a view and coniecture of the image of our 
estate, but onely by the miserable prouince of Moucedon, 
which (as I vnderstand) by continuall roades, inuasions and 
burnings is brought to that extreamitie, that from henceforth 
we haue little hope left to see therein any markes or tokens 
that it is our prouince, but filled rather and replenished with 
our enemies : for euen of late did he enter it with an armie 
leauied of purpose, spending whole daies in spoiling and dis- 



106 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

peopling of the countrey. How long shall we endure the 
attemptes of this wicked and seditious wretch ? Shall we 
suffer him so long till we ourselues be fettered, and that he 
put irons vpon our owne legs : it is high time that wee sup- 
presse his pemitious endeuors ; for feare least by our negli- 
gence, this fire do increase : and then all too late (which my 
mind misgiueth me) we do begin to frame our complaints, 
and seeke remedie all in vaine : considering that an enemie 
being once contemned and neglected, of a small and meane 
beginning manie times doth amplifie and enlarge his forces, 
and lifteth vp his head to the mine of his aduersarie. All 
things (my masters) doe inuite you to the warres, and do 
seeme to minister the meanes vnto you : for if there were no 
other reason to induce vs thereunto, yet neuerthelesse, the 
onely regard and lamentable aspect of the miseries and ca- 
lamities of our subjects, were not that alone sufficient to so- 
licite the courages of men braue and valiant ? The daylie 
captiuities and imprisonments of so many our friends, the 
smoke of our towns and vilages on all sides fiered and burnt 
(which do euen call and crie in themselves for a revenge), 
would they not make us euen to blush for verie shame if we 
should suffer them ? Haue we so often heretofore restraind 
and repressed the rage of the Hungarians ? haue we by con- 
tini\^ll and memorable defaits, left Greece mourning in her 
own sorrowes and laments ? have we broken the forces of 
so many mighty and redoubted potentates and brought them 
euen to naught ? and shall we now suffer (through a time- 
rous kind of pusillanimitie) these troubles and tumults of 
Ejpire to gather strength and to encrease vpon vs ? shall we 
yet endure to see that prouince (which of late was tributarie 
Tnto vs) now to stand in contention and to braue vs by 
armes? What? hath the land of Albanie so* suddenly of 
late engendered another sort of Epirots ? and is it possible 
that a new and vnaccustomed kind of enemie should issue 
forth vnexpected against vs ? I am determined once againe^ 




LIFE OP GEORGE CASTRIOT. ' 107 

to make triall if this nation be so fierce and vntameable : and 
if the hardie and haughtie courage of their obstinate and 
proud prince can be brought vnder the accustomed yoke of 
their subjection. We must not from henceforth stand vpon 
points of subtiltie and vaine pollicies ; nor must we any more 
seek to surprize this enemie by ambushments : neither doth 
the time now seme (by the diversitie of the Leaders and 
Chieftaines and by ordinarie troupes one after another) to fill 
their hateful! soile with the blood of our souldiers : for we 
see that one and the same kind of . misfortune doth follow 
both our leaders and our armies : and whereas we made 
choise of them to do vs seruice, they haue serued to en dam- 
mage rather our selues then our enemies. Shall we commit 
another armie to Haly Bassa, or Feriseyy who besides the 
wounds and the deformed reliques of their owne forces, haue 
brought vs not so much as one standard or ensigne of the 
enemies ? Shall we follow the vnfortunate aduise and coun- 
selles of Mustapha : and minister paye vnto the Christians, 
and ease their charge in the maintaining of their forces : 
while he is carried onely with a desire to extinguish and free 
the infamie of his bonds and imprisonment ? We haue bene 
so often vanquished, taken prisoners, ransomed : and in briefe 
so often beaten and discomfited, that we haue reason from 
henceforth to abhorre, and to be ashamed of our owne estate 
and condition : we must now therefore take vpon vs the 
charge of this warre, with our best meanes and the vttermost 
of our endeuors. It behooueth vs to vndertake it with such 
forces, to employ so great a puissance, and to march into 
JSpire with so mightie an hoast ; that the countrey may be 
scant able to containe it, nor yet to sustaine the force and 
violence of our armie. By this meanes without any losse or 
bloodshed, shall we purge and dense all the countrey : and 
by a notable discomfiture of our enemies (being either ex- 
pelled and chased quite away, or vtterlie subdued and van- 
quished) we shall re-establish those townes in their auncient 



108 UFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

fonne and fashion : which by the disloialtie of this fierce na- 
tion, hath bene withheld from vs : or if the peruerse obsti- 
nacie and obdurate stubbomesse of this people (as it is likely 
and usual] with them) vpon a rash and desperate resolution, 
and of an inconsiderate desire to defende their prince, do be- 
take themselves to armes : we will then vtterly destroy these 
wretched soules (who do euen long for their deserued pun- 
ishment), and with a singulai reuenge (which we haue so long 
desired) we will recompence them for the old wrongs and 
iniuries which they haue done vs, both in publique and in 
priuate. It is your duties (valiant and worthie men) to vn- 
dertake this warre, not as you were wont to doe against the 
Hungarians, or other enemies : but with a farre greater wrath 
and indignation, as against those which are your slaues and 
fugitives, and who (being most mischieuously affected against 
you) haue now made shewe of their insolent and hatefull 
mindes, which for a long time lay close concealed and dis- 
sembled." 

The views of Amurath were approved by those around 
him; and it was unanimously agreed that preparation for 
war should be made without delay, so as not to lose the 
season of spring ; for the snow on the mountains was begin- 
ning to melt, and their summits to appear. Therefore, com- 
missions were immediately issued, ^nd proclamation made 
throughout the Turkish provinces and dependencies, and to 
such particular cities and towns by name as the sultan 
thought proper, that a certain number of thousands of horse 
and foot should without delay be furnished to him, and as- 
semble at Adrianople ; for Constantinople was still under the 
dominion of the Greeks. These great preparations of Amu- 
rath, as their destination was kept secret, caused great alarm 
among the neighboring Christians. The Hungarians, dis- 
trusting the faith of the Turks, began to assemble their forces, 
although weakened by their many disasters. The Greeks, 
notwithstanding the alarm which prevailed among them, re- 




LIFE OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. 109 

solyed to exert themselyes for the defence and maintenance 
of their enfeebled and decaying empire. 

But Scanderbeg, in consequence of his long acqumntance 
with the artifices of the Turkish monarchy, was not deceived 
by the practices of Amurath. It is also supposed that he 
had secret spies in the Ottoman court, from whom he re- 
ceived intimation of what was intended by his enemies. 
What chiefly induced him to think that he was the object 
of these warlike preparations, was the apparent remissness 
of the Ottoman government with respect to Epire — no new 
forces having been sent to revenge the disgrace of Mustapha, 
or even to secure the Turkish frontiers. 

Castriot, therefore, laying aside all private and civil affairs, 
and being not in the least dismayed by the tempest of war 
which threatened him, with prompt and steady resolution 
put in execution every measure which could be adopted by 
a vnse and experienced chieftain. He dispatched messengers 
to his confederates, directing them to be ready in arms, and 
to dispose sufficient garrisons in the towns and strongholds, 
together with more than ordinary store of provision and war- 
like munitions. For Amurath seemed to intend, not only 
the destruction of Scanderbeg, but the overthrow of the 
whole country of Epire. Scanderbeg himself, when he had 
dispatched Moses and other of his nobles to make levies of 
men and to collect provisions, went from place to place, 
taking Test neither day nor night, but continually and 
carefully examining all things with his own eyes. He 
caused such of the husbandmen and common sort of people 
as were not fit for military service, to retire, vnth their fam- 
ilies and effects, within the walled towns. All who were able 
to bear arms he retained, for various services in war. When 
the garrison of Macedonia, and other troops which daily 
flocked to Croia, were assembled, they made up a fair and 
goodly host. His next business was to arrange his forces, 
and appoint them their several charges. He accordingly 

10 



110 UFE OF OEORGE CASTRIOT. 

resenred for his own division 10,000 men, who had lately 
served in the war against Venice, on whom he knew that 
he could rely in every exigency. To the garrison of Croia, 
besides townsmen, he added 1300 soldiers, all Epirots, and 
men of approved valor. The Croians provided themselves 
with all kinds of munitions of war, for the defence of their 
walls and the maintenance of ^ their liberty, to the preserva- 
tion of which they were faithfully devoted. 

When the additional garrison was introduced into the city, 
the women and children were removed to the towns of Epire 
upon the sea-coast, and to other places that were under the 
dominion of the Venetians, or their confederates, whither 
many husbandmen and laborers, with their cattle and effects, 
had retired. None were suffered to remain vnthin the walls 
but those who could be of service in the war.* 

The useless mouths being sent away, and the tumult over, 
Scanderbeg employed himself in dealing with the victuallers, 
corn-merchants, and those who supplied other munitions ; 
in preparing public gamers, and in appointing to each soldier 
victuals to serve him for a year. He also made presents of 
great numbers of targets, and other warlike weapons. And 
thus he set all things in order, and secured the good- will and 
affection of his people. 

He then sent for Uranocontes, an Epirot by birth, whom 
he had lately appointed to the government of Croia, and 
whom he loved and favored, both for the sake of his ances- 
tors, and for his own deserts. With him he held a long 
consultation, respecting the wiles of the Turks and the 
defence of the city. When the conference was ended he 
proceeded to the market-place, and there, in the midst of his 
armed forces, he, with a loud voice, recommended to them 
the protection of the city ; assuring them of reward for their 



* The aocount gri^en by Lavardin of the distress of those who were thus separated 
from their relatlona and flrienda, I do not think it ueoessary to transcribe. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTHIOT. Ill 

fideKty, and of punishment for want of faith or neglect of 
duty. He exhorted them resolutely to repel the enemy, and 
on no acc6unt to be induced to listen to any propositions 
that they might offer. He said that, if they did not look 
well to themselves, the Turks would be apt to deceive them 
by false and flattering pretences ; and that the town was so 
strongly situated as to preclude their enemies from any 
probability of making themselves masters of it. Having ad- 
dressed these and other exhortations to his forces, Scanderbeg 
took leave of them, and departed. He was attended by a 
great concourse of people to the gate of the city, which was 
closed as soon as he had passed through ; and he then joined 
the rest of his forces, which lay encamped in a plain within 
sight of the city. After scouring the fields, he soimded to 
horse, and caused his camp to move. They had not pro- 
ceeded far before they met Moses, who came to Scanderbeg, 
accompanied by a well-appointed regiment of his own. He 
was just returned from Sfetigrade, which, being seated upon 
the Turkish frontier, was a source of much anxiety to Scan- 
derbeg. The Dibrian, however, had been careful to put its 
fortifications in good repair, and to furnish it well with men, 
and with all things requisite for its defence, and had removed 
from it all those who were incapable of military service. He 
had committed the government of the place to Peter Parlat, 
an experienced and judicious officer. The garrison was com- 
posed almost wholly of Dibrians, which people Moses had 
selected out of all the Albanian forces as being the best sol- 
diers among the inhabitants of Epire. Scanderbeg greatly 
commended what he had done, placed other forces under 
his command, and sent him to see all other places provided 
with what was necessary. He himself, with a small troop 
of horse, galloped to the gates of Sfetigrade ; for he felt 
much anxiety about that place, as though he had a presenti- 
ment of the misfortime which was to come upon it. In 
order to encourage the garrison, and put them on their guard 



112 LIFE 'OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

against the artifices of Amnrath, which he feared more than 
his open attacks, he entered the city, and there, in the midst 
of many of the principal citizens, addressed the soldiers of 
the garrison. 

Among other things, he declared to them, that if ever 
they had desired to manifest their faith and loyalty, and to 
render the memory thereof imperishable, God could not 
have afforded them a more favorable opportimity for so 
doing than the present : that the safety of the empire 
mainly depended upon their bravery ; for that the first 
attempt of Amurath would be against them, to the intent 
that, the chief bulwark being destroyed, he might with more 
ease lead his forces into the heart of the country : that a 
firm resistance on their part would discourage Amurath 
from further attempts ; and that, should he be so obstinate 
as to persist in his efforts against them, his troops would 
doubtless grow gray-headed before their departure, since 
the natural strength of the place was such that it might 
defy the most furious attacks of any enemy. "He ended by 
saying, that he forbore to address them any longer, lest, by 
using too many words, he should appear to have conceived 
some distrust with regard to them. 

While Scanderbeg was thus employed, the Turkish army, 
which was levied in Asia, was transported to Europe, and 
by long marches arrived at Adrianople. This army did not 
exceed 40,000 men. For it was usual with the sultan, when 
he made war in Europe, to raise the greater part of his 
forces in the countries near to the seat of war, both on ac- 
count of their being better acquainted than the Asiatics with 
the Christian mode of warfare, and because the preparations 
could there be made with greater facility. 

When^ Amurath had raised a mighty host, and had nearly 
prepared all things necessary, he called a council of his 
bashaws and other officers, in which the manner of com- 
mencing the war was debated. The opinion of some was, 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 113 

that a frying camp of horsemen (called Alcami or Achimzi), 
** and whom," says Lavardin, " we may well resemble to 
our adventurers — (a most cruel and brutish kind of people, 
and given extremely to robbing and stealing)," should 
without delay be sent before the main army into Epire : 
that these troops should rush upon their enemies like a 
tempest, and suddenly throw every thing into confusion, and 
by their manner of fighting, draw the Epirots within the 
reach of the main army, which should regularly advance. 
Others held an opposite opinion ; they thought it best not 
to provoke the enemy by this kind of warfare, nor to risk 
the consequences of it : that the whole province of Albania 
was reported to be in arms, and to be thoroughly prepared : 
their towns strongly fortified, and their fortresses well gar- 
risoned ; and that every thing else had been provided : that 
all the passes and straits were filled with soldiers ; and that 
Scanderbeg, with the rest of his troops, was continually ri- 
ding in every direction, examining the thickets and recesses 
6f the woods and forests in order to find places fit for his 
secret ambushes : that it was most dangerous to attempt 
such a kind of warfare against an enemy hke him : that it 
was best to march with the whole army, and put an end at 
once to this troublesome war. Neither of these opinions 
prevailed ; but a middle course was adopted. It was re- 
solved that a third part, or little less, of the whole army 
should march before the rest, and by their sudden invasion 
disturb the Albanians, so as to afford an easy entrance for 
the remainder of the Ottoman forces. Agreeably to this de- 
termination, 40,000 light horsemen were immediately sent 
forward, whose armor consisted of a sword and target, a 
lance, a plate of mail, and a mace of iron. They were com- 
manded to march by the shortest way to Sfetigrade, and to 
begin the siege of that place in such manner as should ap- 
pear to them best. Amurath ordered the remainder of his 
forces to be mustered and put in order. The description of 

10* 



114 LIFE OF OEOR6E CASTRIOT. 

these forces, as given by the translator of Larardin, is as 
follows, his orthography being modernized : — " Infinite al- 
most was the number of the leaders and commanders, for 
ordinarily their troops are divided into divers regiments, or 
charges, which they call Flamburats or Saniacks, and are 
governments of provinces, under whom do march the Tim- 
ariots, which properly are those which have a yearly fee or 
stipend allowed them ; and every Flambur hath under him 
also many Subassides or chiefs of companies, who are of a 
higher regard and accoimt, and have a larger stipend than the 
Timariots ; and, according to their qualities, are allowed 
either a greater or lesser number of horsemen under their 
charge. The foot-bands likewise, both of Asia and Europe^ 
have their order certain, and are distributed into several com- 
panies under their captains. In like manner, the aui[iliary 
forces or extraordinary succors (which in time of war are 
commonly decreed and sent to the Grand Seignor), were not 
of any mean or small number. Besides there were a great 
midtitude of voluntary men (as in all expeditions commonly 
there is no want of such). After all these followed about 
three thousand men-^^all of them bankrupt and indebted, or 
for some misdeed and forfeiture razed and cashiered out of 
the prince's pay, with a great number also of other youth- 
ful and lusty gallants : all which live in hope and expecta- 
tion, and do seek by some notable and valiant act, either to 
abolish their former disgrace and ignominy, and to be re- 
stored to their former estate and degree ; or else, to deserve 
of their king and emperor some new reward, or some mili- 
tary pay and stipend. The tent or pavihon of the sovereign 
is continually guarded by more than YOOO armed men, 
whereof some were on horseback and are named Spacki, 
Sulastari, and Vlufagi. The others (who are called Janis- 
saries, and may be properly accounted of the Sultans fam- 
ily) are all footmen and like to the Macedonian phalanx, or 
squadron of pikemen amongst the ancient Macedonians. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 115 

These were newly instituted and raised by Amurath, a 
most warlike and martial kind of men, picked and chosen of 
pm^ose ; and them he commonly reserved for the last ref- 
uge in fight, and for the security and defence of his person ; 
and by the valor of these both he and his successors have 
obtained so many great and mighty conquests, and subdued 
all the Levant. Besides all these, for the greater show and 
ostentation of his forces, there marched with them a most 
wonderful and marvellous multitude of slaves and base per- 
sons unarmed, whom he had brought together and joined to 
his army, to terrify rather than to employ them against the 
enemy ; and to the intent also that these being offered to 
the sword and butchered (as a flock of sheep appointed to 
the slaughter) might so weaken and weary the enemy by 
overlaboring themselves in killing them, as they might have 
the better hand and more easily prevail against them, which 
is one of the greatest and most notable stratagems that the 
Turks do account of amongst the whole number of their 
martial policies." The army was commanded by two prin- 
cipal generals, styled Beillerhiez, or Lord of Lords, one be- 
ing the chief commander in Asia, the other in Europe. 

The number of this army is not certainly known : it is by 
some estimated at 150,000 fighting men, 90,000 horsemen, 
and 60,000 foot-soldiers ; by others it is rated at 70,000 
horse, and 50,000 foot. The preparations for this expedi- 
tion were rather with a view to the besieging of towns than 
to great actions in the field. 

When Scanderbeg had done all that he could to encour- 
age and secure the garrison of Sfetigrade, he visited other 
places of his dominion, and endeavored to excite his subjects 
— sometimes by commendations, sometimes by gifts, and 
sometimes by representing to them the greatness of the 
dangers with which they were threatened. Moses, in the 
mean time, had fortified all places with strong garrisons and 
abimdant munitions of war. These things having been at- 



116 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

tended to, Scanderbeg speedily returned to his army in the 
neighborhood of Croiay where he had given orders to wait 
for his return. The Dibrian, with his forces, overtook him 
on the way, and, joining company, they proceeded cheer- 
fully to the camp. Scarcely had he arrived before messen- 
gers from various quarters brought him news that the ene- 
my were within the borders, and the coimtry on all sides in 
a blaze. Prompted by fear, they reported to him that Am- 
urath was there in person, and had already gotten posses- 
sion of the mountains and valleys and plains ; and besought 
their prince not to await the Turk in the plain field, but to 
retire into some stronghold whence he might watch the 
movements of the enemy. 

Scanderbeg was not much moved by these exhortations, 
nor would he remove from the position which he had chosen 
for his encampment. But when his scouts from all quarters 
returned to him in haste, and agreed in their reports, except 
as to the numbers of the enemy, the Turks not being yet all 
within view, Castriot chose out of his army 4000 horse and 
1000 foot, and, dislodging as secretly as possible, went di- 
rectly towards Sfetigrade, where he knew that the enemy 
would encamp. It was at the dawn of day that the signal 
was given to march. The day following, towards the 
third hour of the night, he encamped with his men within 
seven miles of Sfetigrade, which is nearly sixty miles from 
Croia. The place which Scanderbeg chose for his camp he 
caused to be surrounded by a trench. Having ^distributed 
the horse and foot into their several- quarters, he commanded 
the sentinels and the guards to be set, and secret search to 
be made for places fit for ambuscades. He forbade any fires 
to be kindled, and ordered all to keep silence. Then, taking 
with him Moses and Tanusee de Thopy, he went to recon- 
noitre the enemy. With great secrecy, sometimes through 
thickets and forests, sometimes through hidden passes in the 
valleys, he gained the top of a moimtain opposite to Sfeti- 




■pff 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 117 

grade; from which having accurately observed and noted 
every thing in open daylight, he speedily returned to his 
own camp. After consultation held among the officers, the 
mode of proceeding which appeared safest and most likely 
to succeed, was, by stratagem to divide the forces of the ene- 
my and draw them into disadvantageous situations. No- 
thing, however, was done that day, in consequence of its 
being too far advanced ; only scouts were sent out far and 
near, to discover the approach of Amurath, and to prevent 
being entrapped by any secret ambush of the enemy. Half 
the night was allowed the men, to take rest. The other half 
was employed by Scanderbeg in moving his camp to within 
five miles of the enemy ; for he thought that if they could 
be enticed forth to fight, the nearer he was to them the more 
easily they might be overthrown. After every man had 
sufficiently rested himself, he filled the places fit for am- 
bushes with able-bodied men ; among the thickets and bushes 
he placed a great number of soldiers ; the footmen he sta- 
tioned on the sides of the mountains in situations difficult of 
approach, or in the woods ; he himself took his place among 
the horsemen at the foot of the mountains, along the plain, 
and in the crooks and turnings of the valleys. 

He then called to him Moses and Musache de Anpelina, a 
gentleman of special mark, and one of the principal horse- 
men, whom having exhorted in a friendly manner, he sent 
them with thirty bold and hardy young men, to endeavor to 
allure the enemy out of their intrenchments and draw them 
within reach of the ambushes which he had prepared. 
These men and their horses were picked from all his forces. 
They were dressed as common soldiers, that the meanness of 
their appearance might prevent any suspicion of their pur- 
pose. They nearly all drove before them horses laden with 
corn, that they might be taken for foragers who were return- 
ing with what they had gathered. And to render their stra- 
tagem more like to reality, they were ordered to direct thehr 



118 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

course towards the town through the most unfrequented 
ways, and on that side of the mountain which was not 
guarded by the enemy, as though their purpose was to enter 
Sfetigrade on that quarter. The leaders of this troop, being 
very quick and intelligent, omitted nothing which was or- 
dered, and the soldiers fearlessly obeyed them with great 
alacrity. About the dawn, of day, and when the stars began 
to disappear, this troop had approached to within a Uttle 
more than a mile of the tents of the enemy, when the Turk- 
ish sentinels, having perceived them from above, began by 
signs and then by cries to give notice of them to the army. 
They, nothing troubled by the noise of the Turks, only quick- 
ened their pace a httle. At length, one of the Turkish 
squadrons, being aroused by the sentinels, took their arms 
and advanced to attack them, supposing them to be shep- 
herds or peasants laden with com. The Albanians, disdain- 
ing the small number of those who were about to assault 
them, prepared with more courage than prudence to meet 
the onset. Upon the first approach of the Turks, however, 
turning their backs and retreating a little way, they made a 
show of fear ; to which cause the barbarians imputing their 
flight, furiously charged them in the rear. But the Alba- 
nians suddenly halted and wheeled round, and with drawn 
swords prepared to meet their pursuers, as though enforced 
by necessity to resist the manifest danger to which they ap- 
peared to be exposed ; for the horses of the Turks were 
breathing close at their backs. This movement of the Alba- 
nians did not repress the ardor of the Turks, for covering 
themselves with their large targets, and misled by the ap- 
pearance of the troop, they were the first to make the onset. 
One of them, an Asiatic, of great strength and stature, pre- 
ceded his fellows with a heavy mace qj iron in his right hand, 
which, after whirling it about several times to give it more 
momentum, he threw, with great force and a loud shout, at 
the troop of Albanians, who, being in close array, could not 




LIFE OF 6£0RG£ CASTRIOT. 119 

avoid the blow which fell in the midst of them. But, not- 
withstanding its violence, they sustained no injury from it, 
for it was received and sustained by a young Dibrian upon 
his target. Hereupon the fight began between the two 
troops, which were nearly equal in number, and their arms 
not much unlike. The Turks were no better armed than the 
Christians, because of the haste with which they sallied from 
their trenches, and the contempt which they felt for their 
enemy ; they carried only a cimeter and shield. In this re- 
spect, however, the Christians had greatly the advantage ; 
they were all picked men, the flower of the Albanian youth ; 
whereas the Turks were composed of good and bad troops 
confusedly mingled as they had been tumultuously roused 
by the sentinels. For this reason the superiority of the 
Christians was immediately apparent. .The Asiatic, in whom 
consisted the strength of the troop, being slain by the hand 
of Moses, the rest were seized with a panic, and at first re- 
tiring gradually, they at length turned their backs and fled 
outright. They were not pursued nor exulted over by the 
Albanians, who quietly gathered themselves together about 
their leaders, without regarding the spoils of the slain, and 
returned to their beasts of burden, and, like men who only 
wished to save themselves, hastened to drive them the way 
they had been going. One of the troop, distinguished for 
his warlike exploits, was grievously wounded by one of the 
Turks who with his sword had thrust him through the left 
shoulder, so that he had not strength enough to carry his 
arms or to manage his horse. His complaints, occasioned 
by the pain of his wound, greatly troubled his companions 
and diminished their joy. Moses felt great compassion for 
him, and dismounting from his horae, he with his own hands 
took him down and placed him behind one of the soldiers, 
whom he charged to be careful of him, and not to ride so 
violently as to risk his falHng oflf ; but to make such speed 
with him as he could to the camp, that he might get among 



120 ^^^^ or GEORGE CA8TEIOT. 

the tents and hl<i companions before any new attack should 
be made by the enemy. 'J lie rost of the troop were all un- 
hurt. Of the Turks live were slain and eight woundcKi. 

By the time that the wounded man and his compaimm 
were out of sight, a great uproar was perceived in the ene- 
my's camp. The comphiints of those who returned wounded^ 
and the sight of their large wounds, set the Turks in a tumult 
and rage, especially those who were related to the slain. 
Wherefore, without waiting for orders, they were about to 
rush forth tumultuously ; but were restrained by the procla- 
mation of the general, who ordered that no man should stir 
from the camp ; and they arranged themselves in battle array 
before their tents in expectation of the word of command. 
The general suspected some stratagem on the part of the 
Chris tiims, which suspicion was strengthened by the ghastly 
wounds inflicted upon his men, such as could not have been 
given by common peasants. He consequently chose from 
his whole army 4000 of his boldest and most fierce horsemen, 
and ordered them to scatter and unhorse those foragers ; 
and then to search the mountains, the ^-alleys, the woods 
and fastnesses, in order to discover the ambuscades of the 
Albanians. 

At about the time when these directions were given, the 
soldier who had been commissioned by Moses arrived with 
his wounded companion in the presence of Scanderbeg, and 
delivering the wounded man to his fellows that they might 
take ciire of him, he mn up and down like one distracted, 
crj'ing out to the soldiers to arm, for that all the camp of 
the enemy had taken the alarm, and would soon be upon 
them, and pcMuttnl to the dust as an evidence of the truth of 
what he said. Soanderln^g was. at first, somewhat moved, 
and feartnl that his people had Invn unfortunate, as he saw 
only two of the tnn^p n^turn. one of them half dead and cov- 
enni with bWd. while the other, by his tooMi outcries, ap- 
peared to be overcome with dismay. Bui when he learned 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 121 

from him tlie particulars of what had occurred, his depres- 
sion was succeeded by laughter, and his anxiety by boldness 
and confidence. He told his men to be of good courage, 
and ordered every one to have his horse and armor ready. 
By this time, the sentinels, who were on the heights of the 
mountains, perceived Moses, pursued by the Turks, who were 
crossing the plain, and ready to fall into the ambush of the 
Epirots. The disguised men at first had made no great haste, 
but rode on, driving their beasts leisurely before them, and 
bending their course sometimes in one direction and some- 
times in another, waiting for their enemies rather than fleeing 
from them. But when they perceived afar off that the infi- 
dels had issued forth from their trenches, quitting their sacks 
of com and the beasts which bore them, they began a round 
and speedy flight. Having in a moment crossed the plain, 
they got to a hill, on the north side of which was a valley 
where the troops lay concealed, among whom, before they 
could be perceived by the enemy, they secretly retired, so 
out of breath, both they and their horses, that it was evi- 
dent they had fled in earnest. The enemy finding that they 
had suddenly disappeared, and thinking that they had con- 
cealed themselves in the bottom of the valley, followed di- 
rectly after them without fear or consideration. They spread 
themselves abroad, with the view of surrounding them, some 
preparing to climb the hill, and others to make their way 
into the valley. But when they got near to the place they 
heard the neighing of many horses, at which they were sur- 
prised and stood still, and the noise of the horses becoming 
more distinct, they discovered the ambush that was laid for 
them. Their uncertainty as to the true state of things so 
worked upon their imagination, that they immediately betook 
themselves to flight. At this moment Scanderbeg ordered 
the trumpets to sound, which increased their fear ; and, com- 
ing out upon them, he himself attacked them on the right 
and Tanusee on the left, and the foot soldiers at the same 

11 




122 LIFE OF GEOROB CA8TEIOT. 

time rushed upon them from the rugged and woody places 
m the mountains where they had heen concealed. The Turin 
being forced by necessity to offer resistance, set spurs to 
their horses, and got possession of the mountain, and, throw- 
ing their spears as if they had been darts, they for a time 
kept off the Christians. But Peic Manuel, having mounted 
the hill from the opposite side with 200 archers and as many 
crossbow-men, soon drove them down again. On lower 
ground they were beset on all sides, and were dreadfully 
galled from above by the bow-men. In this extremity, 
drawing their cimeters and dividing themselves into two 
troops, they rushed upon their enemies, but were beaten 
back by superior numbers, who also were fresh and free 
from fatigue ; especially were they repelled on their right, 
where Scanderbeg was in person with a large troop both of 
horse and of foot soldiers armed with pikes. At length, the 
Turks forming themselves into a compact body cut their way 
on the left hand through their opponents, not without great 
loss, being more borne down by each other than by our 
troops. A general pursuit then began. Of the fugitives 
near 2000 escaped, for Scanderbeg recalled his men very 
speedily, not thinking it safe for them to go too far. About 
eighty prisoners were taken and three ensigns. The booty 
was enriched by above 1000 horses of the slain. Of the 
victors only twenty-two were missing and about fifteen 
wounded. 

Thus the Prince of Albania amply repaid himself for the 
loss of his com, the capture of which had caused the Turks 
great joy. And when it was carried into their camp they 
expected soon to see the supposed victuallers from whom it 
was taken brought in bound, and condemned to expiate the 
manes of the five Turks whom they had slain. But when 
they knew the defeat and slaughter of their companions they 
were overwhelmed with astonishment, grief, and fear ; and, 
as their danger and the niunber of their enemies were mag- 



k 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 123 

nificd by their apprehension, they set the army in array to be 
ready to resist any attack which might be made upon ihek 
camp. But such was not the intention of Scanderbeg, nei- 
ther did he suffer himself to be elated by his victory, but 
stood as much on his guard against the enemy as they did 
against him ; for he hourly expected that they would make 
some attempt upon him, to wipe off the disgrace of their 
overthrow, especially as it was confidently reported that the 
royal army was at hand. He consequently, for greater se- 
curity, as soon as it was dark, quietly removed his camp five 
miles further off from the enemy. The day following, before 
sunrise, he sent Tanusee to Croia with fifty horsemen, each 
attended by a servant, both to hasten away the forces which 
he had left there with George Streese, as well as to conduct 
the horses and other spoil lately obtmned from the enemy 
into the interior of the province, where they might be in 
safety. This was done in the space of seven days, and all 
his troops united and arranged. Two days before the rein- 
forcements arrived in the camp of Scanderbeg, there came 
in sight 6000 Turks, being the vanguard of the royal army. 
Three hours before night they pitched their tents before 
Sfetigrade. The day following, at evening, came also Amu- 
rath in person with the rest of his army and all his baggage. 
The day on which Amurath arrived before Sfetigrade was 
the 14th of May, in the year 1449, nine years after Scan- 
derbeg had recovered his dominion. The corn was beginning 
to ripen, and the meadows were covered with grass, so as 
to afford abundance of forage. This season is usually chosen 
by the barbarians for their foreign expeditions. The sultan, 
in order to secure supplies for his army, gave express orders 
to his men not to waste or spoil any thing within the terri* 
tories of their enemy. The Turk, in order to terrify the 
inhabitants of the town, made a great display of his forces. 
First in order were the squadrons of foot and the Asappy ; 
after them the cavalry, the Tymariots, the Subassys, the 







124 LIFE OF OEOROE CASTRIOT. 

Saniackes, and other chieftains, each in his place. These 
marched round the walls in a triumphant manner, with loud 
clamors and military cries, accompanied by the thundering 
of the artillery. After this parade, -Ihey fixed their ensigns 
in the ground and pitched their tents. The greatest part of 
the infantry and common soldiers were encamped at the foot 
of the moimtain, near the walls of the town, and in places 
most exposed to danger. The quarters of the horse were 
from three to four thousand paces from the town. The 
royal pavillion was distant from the walls above eight hun- 
dred paces. The first night was occupied in arranging the 
camp and in setting the guards, with songs and merriment. 
The mind of Amurath, however, was not free from care, 
both on account of the disaster lately befallen his troops, 
and of the difficulty which he foresaw would attend the 
reduction of the place, as it was situated upon the summit 
of a craggy mountain, and apparently impregnable ; so that 
his hope of success rested upon corrupting the garrison, and 
not upon the power of his arms. For this reason nothing 
was attempted against the walls the following day, but the 
soldiers remained quiet in the camp, and were not permitted 
to skirmish with their enemies. But towards evening the 
sultan sent heralds to summon the town, and to acquaint the 
inhabitants of the danger that hung over them, unless at the 
first summons and sound of the trumpet they voluntarily 
yielded themselves up. The terms which he oflPered were, 
that the state and condition of the citizens should remain 
unchanged ; that their hberties and privileges should be the 
same as those granted to them by Scanderbeg. Great oflPers 
of preferment were also made to the governor, and the gar- 
rison were promised permission to retire wherever they 
might see fit. He, besides, made an offer of 300,000 aspers,* 
and allowed that night for them to make up their minds ; 

— " ■ J > " ■■■■■■ I I ■ — ■ ■ ■ ■■■ — ■-■■— I ■■■ I ■ ■ ■ ■ — ■ »■■ ■! .^.I I ^— — i— — w^— 

* A coin among the TurkB, says LaTsrcUn, worth ISd. sterling. 







Bfs; 



LIF£ OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. ^ 125 

but threatened that, if his proposals were rejected, they 
should the next morning see a force brought against them 
sufficient to demolish their walls, and cause them to repent 
of their obstinacy. The governor was in the market-place, 
accompanied by a great number of soldiers, when one from 
the walls came to him, saying that messengers had arrived 
from the sultan, and desired to parley with him. He imme- 
diately repaired to the quarter where the heralds were 
waiting for him, and desired them, from the walls, to declare 
their minds by an interpreter. But they requested him to 
send away all who accompanied him, as they had a message 
from the sultan, and matters to treat of which none must 
hear but himself. Whereunto Perlat jeeringly replied : — 
** Truly, my friends, you have done well to choose the 
darkness of the night in which to dehver your secret com- 
munications, that they may be concealed, not on^y from my 
soldiers, but also from the light of day, which makes me 
suspect that the message you bring is ashamed to look upon 
the open face of day. It may, however, be through modesty 
that you do so, in which case you ought to be commended. 
But this I have learned from my ancestors : never to consult 
upon affairs of importance without the privity and presence 
of my soldiers, who are my companions in danger — whom I 
have chosen for their fidelity, for the defence of Scanderbeg, 
of ihe liberties of Albania, and for the guard of my own 
person. Besides which, it is not my custom to call the 
darkness to witness the conferences which I may have with 
any out of the walls of the town, especially in such a time 
as this, of trouble and confusion." He said that they must, 
for that time, hold him excused ; that, if they pleased, he 
would the next morning hear what they had to say. Having 
thus spoken, he ordered them to retire from the walls. 

The soldiers and common people were much incensed at 
this behaviour of the heralds; and assembling around the 
governor, they cried out that they only came as spies, to 

11* 



126 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

reconnoitre the place, and not in reality to treat of any com- 
position. They desired that the gates might be opened, and 
that those messengers shoidd be brought into the town and 
forced to confess the truth ; that their hands should be cut 
off (the ordinary punishment of spies), and that they should 
thus be sent back to then* camp. But the wise and prudent 
governor not only refused to listen to their foolish demand, 
but severely reproved them for their unruly desires. He 
told them, that men should be more careful about nothing 
than to avoid the violation of their fidelity and truth : that 
they took upon them, either to be prophets and diviners, or 
to place too great confidence in their own suspicions : that 
it was possible they might, merely upon their own surmises, 
be guilty of a violation of the usages of nations, and of the 
law of arms. The heralds, therefore, in as much uncertainty 
as when they came, were permitted freely to return to their 
sovereign, without suffering any outrage or offence, either in 
word or deed. 

The old sultan was at first very indignant at the thought 
of being treated with contempt, and was disposed to assault 
the town at once, without any further attempt to treat with 
the garrison. However, he at length concluded that it 
woidd be the part of prudence to make another effort to 
gain his. object, without having recourse to arms. He ac- 
cordingly sent the messengers again the day following, with 
the same instructions as before ; and joined with them one 
of his bashaws, a grave old man, very subtle, land a native 
of Albania, who could fluently converse with the Christians 
in their own language. Perlat had been careful, before 
entering upon any conference, to have a ^ood lookout kept 
from the walls towards the mountain and the woods in the 
vicinity of the town, for fear of some ambush which might 
there be placed. Afterwards, by a postern gate, called the 
Dibran, he admitted the ambassadors into the town. Only 
the bashaw, with three soldiers and two of his servants, were 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 127 

suffered to enter, and were conducted through the market- 
place to the Church of the Virgm Mary, where the elder 
persons and principal men of the town were assembled, the 
younger sort being excluded, lest some tumult should arise 
among them. The Turkish ambassador, claiming the right 
to speak first, as he had proposed the conference, began at 
once, by plausible and flattering language, to endeavor to 
gain the good-will of the citizens. He cited the example of 
many cities and nations, and discoursed so well and so elo- 
quently, that nothing in what he said could be reprehended, 
except the extravagant account which he gave of the power 
and might of his master. 

Perlat replied to him, that he had treated his subject well 
and eloquently, but that he addressed himself to men who 
were devoted* to the maintenance of their liberty. That 
could the threats of the Ottoman damp their courage, or 
were the dominion of Scanderbeg grievous unto them, they 
might be tempted to yield ; but that they had no charge to 
bring against Scanderbeg, nor did they know in what way 
they had been so benefited by Amurath as to be induced to 
prefer a stranger before their own countryman, an enemy 
before a friend, or an infidel before a Christian. Let Amu- 
rath, he said, first make proof of what he can effect against 
us by force of arms, and then try whether we shall be ready 
to submit : that he should deem it infamous to yield up the 
town before they had seen the ensigns of their enemy in 
battle array against the walls, before any conflict had taken 
place, or any injury had been done : that the sultan would 
do much better to rest from the troubles of war and return 
to Adrianople, there to pass the remainder of his age quietly 
at home, and no longer to incense by his arms a people who 
had been fatal unto him, whose faith in the maintenance of 
their liberties, and whose singular affection and devotion to 
their rulers, both public and private, he had so often made 
proof of with the bloodshed and ruin of his soldiers and sub- 



128 LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 

jects : that, for his own part, he should never abandon the 
duty and fidehty which he owed and had sworn to his prince, 
nor the defence of the town which had been committed to his 
care ; and that his ambition was, either to live to see the 
salvation of his country, or, should she be ruined, to exert 
all the strength of his right arm in revenging her, until such 
time as his soul should pass to the liberty of a better 
country. 

This answer of the governor being greatly approved by 
the magistrates and townsmen who were assembled, the 
council broke up, and the Turks, without saying any thing 
more, left the church in company with the governor and his 
suite, and it being near dinner time, he entertained them 
sumptuously, and then conducting them to the gate of the 
town, dismissed them. 

The sultan was not a little moved by the resolution and 
firmness of the garrison and the prudence of the governor, as 
well as by the report made of the abundance of provisions 
with which the town appeared to be supplied ; for Perlat 
had purposely made a show of the plenty which was enjoyed. 
But Amurath, enraged at the check offered to his arms by 
so inconsiderable a place, and especially by their boast of 
being fatal to him, he assembled his bashaws in his tent, to 
consult upon the measures to be taken, and when the day 
was nearly spent, he adjourned the council to the following 
day. 




129 



BOOK V. 

The arrival of the Turkish emperor and the report of his 
mighty army caused great dread throughout the kingdom of 
Epire and among the neighboring princes. Embassies were 
sent from all parts to Scanderbeg, entreating him not to 
venture single handed to attack the Ottoman power. They 
also offered hirp. arms, horsemen, munitions, and whatever 
might be requisite to ward off the imminent danger with 
which they were threatened. The ambassadors went directly 
to the mountains of Sfetigrade, where they knew that Scan- 
derbeg was encamped. He was, however, at that time ab- 
sent from his camp ; for, upon the arrival of the Ottoman 
forces, and when the alarm which it occasioned had spread 
over the coimtry, he, together with Tanusee, Geo. Streese, 
and ten chosen men of his guard, and in his usual dress, the 
simple cassock of a common soldier, secretly left his army in 
order to visit the towns which were nearest to the danger, 
and to encourage those who might be dismayed by the ex- 
aggerated rumors which reached them. Beginning at Croia, 
the chief place in his realm, he sent for Uranocontes to come 
to him at the gate, with a number of soldiers and the prin- 
cipal citizens, for he would suffer no one to enter the town. 
He addressed them in such a manner as he thought would 
tend to confirm them in their duty. But the governor, 
Uranocontes, returned an answer so characteristic of an hon- 
est, rough warrior, that it shall be given in the words of 
Lavardin's translator, the orthography only being mod- 
ernized. 

" It had been much better at this instant, Scanderbeg / 
if the Croians had seen Amuratk himself, and the show of 



130 ^ LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

that his glonous and excellent army (which thou tellest us 
of), than to see thee here as thou art at present ; for this is 
certain that as thy speech is nothing pleasing ndr agreeable 
unto us, neither in general nor in particular : so is thy com- 
ing at this time no less grievous and discontenting unto us. 
For what could the sight or the hearing of the enemy have 
done, either more to have troubled the minds of men that 
are courageous, or to have worse offended the hearts of those 
that are fierce and generous ? We are now at that point, 
and such is our love and devotion towards thee, and to the 
dignity of the estate of Albanie, that as long as these troubles 
shall continue within this province, and as long as Amurath 
shall prevail or have any authority with his armed forces in 
Epirt, it shall be more pleasing, and far more acceptable 
unto us beyond comparison, to see the face and countenance 
of the enemy, than to have thy presence and company : be- 
cause thou bringest us nothing but secret plaints and doubt- 
ful fears, as though we were inclining to a revolt, or that we 
were like to prove disloyal ; whereas the presence of ou^ 
enemy could not but minister unto us good and fit matter to 
merit praise and commendation, and might yield some notable 
and worthy experience of our fidelity, and be a perpetual 
occasion for the purchase of renown and glory." 

To this speech of Uranocontes, Castriot replied, that his 
motive in visiting the town 'Was not to exhort them to the 
performance of their duty, but to inform them of the condi- 
tion of a£fairs. Whereupon, after embracing the governor, 
he took leave of him and of those who were with him, and 
proceeded to visit other places, where finding every thing 
according to his mind, he returned to his camp somewhat 
before day, much wearied with the length of his journey. 
But seeing that ambassadors from his friends were waiting 
for him, he scarcely took time to refresh himself before he 
gave them audience in the presence of his chief officers and 
the prindpal persons in bis camp. When he had heard what 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 131 

they had to say, he with the assent of all present highly 
commended the spirit and affection manifested by their rulers. 
With respect to the succors offered by them, his answer was, 
that they should be of good courage ; that he did not intend 
immediately to increase his forces, nor to expose the flanks 
of his confederates ; but that he desired them to be in a state 
of readiness, and to keep a careful watch upon the move- 
ments of the enemy, who were so crafty as to render it very 
difficult to discover their intentions ; that whenever any op- 
portunity of gaining an advantage over them should present 
itself he would attack them with his own forces, and that if 
he should ever require the aid of his allies he would not fail 
to have recourse to them. This answer being returned the 
tables were spread in soldier*s fashion, and the messengers 
having refreshed themselves and received handsome presents, 
they were, at about the ninth hour of the morning, honorably 
dismissed. 

While Scanderbeg was thus employed the Turk began his 
operations against Sfetigrade. He placed two very large 
pieces of artillery, for he had brought no more with him, 
upon an eminence directly opposite to the town where the 
walls were most open and unprotected. Three days con- 
tinually the walls were battered, at the end of which time a 
large breach was effected ;* and the sultan felt assured that 
his men would be able to enter and get possession of the 
town. Of the progress of the enemy Scanderbeg had notice 
by means of his espials and those whom he had appointed to 
keep watch, and conjecturing the purpose of Amurath, and 
fearing lest the garrison should be overpowered by the mul- 
titude of their enemies in the defence of so wide a breach, 
after mature deliberation he resolved to take a share of the 
peril, and to make a diversion in favor of the inhabitants of 
the town. Accordingly, about midnight, faking with him 

* Knolles sayi a small breach. 



182 UFB OP 6BOR6B CA8TKIOT. 

provisioiiB for one day only, and leaving every thing else in 
his camp, he approached to within five miles of the eoemy, 
and intrenched himself in the same place where he had 
formed his last ambuscade. He sent before him two of his 
chief nobles, Musacke and Ghiirize de Vladrenne, men of 
great shrewdness and abihty, to reconnoitre the camp of the 
enemy, and discover what would be their way of attack. He 
himself remained without stirring and without noise, that he 
might know, after hearing their report, upon what measures 
to decide. 

These two gentlemen returned to Scanderbeg, at about 
the seventh hour of the morning. At the same time the 
Asappi and Janissaries, fearless men, issued from their in- 
trenchments, and began to ascend the mountain. The 
ascent was so steep that the horsemen were not able to rise 
more than a very few steps from the bottom, and were 
obliged to be content with shooting their arrows at the be- 
sieged, by which they caused no great harm; while the 
inferior sort of soldiers were led on to expose themselves to 
the first fury of the Christians who defended the walls, in 
order that they might be exhausted by their efforts against 
this baser multitude, when more eflficient troops should 
advance to the assault. In this manner the attack was 
ordered on the side where the breach had been made. But 
the townspeople had employed the night in repairing and 
fortifying their defences ; and so steep was the approach and 
the footing so insecure, tha^; the assailants were easily beaten 
back and overthrown. On other sides of the town, and 
particularly near the gates, where the ground was more even 
and open, the Asappi, with their targets and pavishes, were 
ranged in the front. Behind them were placed two large 
and chosen squadrons of arquebusiers and crossbow-men, to 
cover the assault of the Janissaries, who were appointed to 
mount the walls by scaling-ladders. To this service they 
80 boldly advanced that some, unhurt, and some, in spite of 




LIFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 188 

being wounded, succeeded m grappling the top of the bat- 
tlements. Their attempts, however, proved fruitless; for 
many were overturned by their own weight and exertions, 
and many had their hands cut off by the defendants. But 
the greatest execution done upon the assailants was by 
means of stones, and other missiles, which fell from such a 
height as to cause great destruction. Yet the Turks con- 
tinually brought up new troops in the place of those who 
were slain, and with undiminished fury continued the attack. 
Many of the Turks might have been taken alive, but the de- 
fendants would not remit the fury of their battle in order to 
make prisoners. At length, the sultan seeing the efforts of 
his men fruitless, notwithstanding the encouragements and 
threats of the officers, sent a reinforcement of 3000 men 
imder Feribassa, who was one of his chief captams, and 
much renowned for great strength and dexterity, of both 
body and mind. He was supplied with a vast quantity of 

- scaling-ladders, and all other kinds of warlike engines. The 
approach of these new forces produced a stillness in the 
town, as though the minds of the inhabitants were impressed 
with a sense of their new danger. Notwithstanding the 
missiles with which the besieged endeavored to disorder 
the approach of the Turks, they marched boldly with 
their ensigns up to the walls. The defendants then threw 
down upon them huge pieces of timber, and multitudes of 
stones of all sizes, together with fireworks, which last so 
terrified and confused the assailants that they could not 
place many ladders against the walls, and most of those 
which they set up were burned. During the heat of this 
assault, the Turkish commander, with part of his forces, 
having slain some of the defendants of a part of the wall a 

, little distant, and having placed his scaling-ladders, he en- 
couraged his men there to enter the town where the defence 
was but feeble. There was no want of readiness on the part 
of the soldiers, for they were inflamed with great rage and 

12 



184 UFB OF 6BOR6E CA8TRIOT. 

foiy, and each individual was incited by the ambition of 
being the first to mount the wall, well knowing the crown 
and the rewards which awaited him who should be so for- 
tunate. But Perlat, with a number of Dibrians, rushing to 
the scene of action and replacing with fresh men those who 
were slain, and pouring down a tempest of shot upon the 
assailants, they were repulsed, and their weapons of attack 
broken in pieces. Still the attack was obstinately continued 
by the Turks imtil such time as they heard the retreat 
soimded, when the Christians at length had leisure to 
breathe and to refresh themselves. 

But now the approach of Scanderbeg began to be per- 
ceived by clouds of dust and the trampling of horses. The 
assault had continued more than three hours before tho 
arrival of Scanderbeg ; for, after much deliberation in 
council, it ift^as agreed to delay the attack upon the enemy 
a while, in the expectation that the tents would be left 
empty, and the force of the whole camp employed against 
Sfetigrade, when the most effectual onset might be made 
upon them. But Amurath was too experienced and skilful 
a commander to employ his forces in such a manner as to 
leave them open to be attacked in the rear. He had placed 
a very strong guard at about five hundred paces from the 
walls, in the midst of which he in person stood, surrounded 
by his ordinary guard, both to overlook and to encourage 
his men. He had, moreover, formed a troop of 15,000 
chosen horsemen, appointed to course up and down, and to 
keep a strict lookout everywhere, lest some imforeseen 
mischief should come from behind. Scanderbeg having 
arrived within two miles of the enemy, with 7000 horse and 
8000 foot, he, as he was wont, divided his forces, directing 
Moses to li<3 in ambush with all the foot and 2000 horse, as 
a corps de reserve in case of need. He himself, with the 
rest of his cavalry, advanced furiously over the open cham- 
paign to attack the enemy, at the same time raising a great 




LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 185 

shout, which tended to encourage the besieged and to dis- 
hearten the assailants. Thereupon the royal battalion of 
Turkish horsemen, who stood ready drawn up, made a full 
career to meet him. But the Albanians, nothing discour- 
aged by the number of their enemies, kept in such close and 
good order and advanced to the charge with such bravery, 
that, at the very first onset, they repulsed the Turks and 
threw them into disorder. But many of the Christians 
and infidels becoming intermingled, and maintaining a close 
fight with one another, and the number of the Turks being 
very great, they did not immediately, in a body, give way. 
But, after a while, they all began to recoil, and by open 
flight to confess that the Epirots were not men with whom 
they were able to deal. Amurath, perceiving that he fought 
on all sides with such ill success, as if God himself was 
against him, ordered a retreat; and pointing with his 
finger to the small number of the Christians, he upbraided 
his soldiers for suflfering themselves to be overcome by a 
handful of thieves and robbers, whom they might swallow 
up whole, both horses and arms. The rebukes of their 
emperor caused them suddenly to turn, their faces against 
the Epirots, and those also who were on the mountain 
rushed down to join in the charge. But, althomgh the 
attack was made in a disorderly manner and by men out of 
breath, Scanderbeg thought it best to retire to the place 
where Moses was stationed, and not risk the advantage 
which he had gained, with the loss of only one man killed, 
and three wounded. Of the Turks, sixty or more were 
slain, of which number it is said that Scanderbeg slew five 
with his own hand. The barbarians did not continue the 
pursuit a great way, as Amurath, fearing some secret strat- 
agem on the part of the Christians, ordered a retreat. 
When the Turks made this last charge, those who had 
turned from assaulting the town were charged in the rear 
by the townsmen. And while the Turks scoffed at the 



136 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

Epirots for retiring before them, Perlat, with 300 active, 
well-armed men, pursued those who had quitted the assault, 
not only with scoffs and reproaches, but with missiles, by 
which he made slaughter of them until they reached the 
foot of the mountain. 

This was a day of misfortune to the Ottoman. The as- 
sault of the town had been broken off by Scanderbeg's 
attack, and he and his forces had vanished out of sight 
without loss. The courage of the defendants was thus 
raised. A great many of the best Turkish soldiers lay dead 
before the town. The number of Tui-ks slain during the 
assault was estimated at full 3000, and the wounded at 
more than 4000. Great destruction had also been made of 
the implements of assault. This victory cost the besieged 
but forty men killed ; the number, however, of those who 
were wounded was very great. An immense quantity of 
arms and other spoil was found before the walls, and carried 
into the town, while the enemy were in pursuit of Scan- 
berbeg. The Joss of the townspeople was in this manner 
somewhat compensated. The Turks having retired from 
before the town, spent the remainder of that day and the 
following night in brooding over their misfortune. 

Scanderbeg, content with having thus afforded some 
respite to the besieged, remained no longer than was neces- 
sary to breathe his soldiers, but returned as speedily as 
possible to his first camp, where he had left his baggage ; 
and there his troops refreshed themselves with sleep and 
food. Early the following day he dispatched messengers to 
Uranocontes, and the towns in his dominions, to acquaint 
them with his success. The day after, he, with only 200 
horse, taking his way over the heights of the mountains, 
went to reconnoitre the enemy. Finding every thing among 
the Turks quiet, and the town at rest, he returned to his 
tents; and remaining there two days longer, he, on the 
third day, trussed up his baggage and removed his camp to 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 137 

the upper Dibria, and there intrenched himself in a strong 
position, about fifteen miles from Amurath, The reason of 
his so frequently changing his position, is supposed to be, 
either to prevent his soldiers from contracting idle habits, 
or to avoid the attempts which might be made by the Turks 
to surprise and overwhelm him. 

Amurath, in the mean while, was greatly troubled by the 
ill success of his first assault ; and, after a while, callmg 
together his oflScers, he charged them to examine diligently 
the situation of the town, and to consider on what side it 
might with most prospect of success be attacked. When it 
was decided where the attack should be made, he directed 
ordnance to be planted, and then three whole days were 
consumed in battering that part of the wall. But all this 
labor proved to be in vain. For, although the flankers on 
that quarter were beaten down, and the fortifications which 
had been erected fell to the ground, yet so great was the 
natural strength of the place that it resisted all the efforts 
made against it. Even had no resistance been offered, it 
would have been difficult for men encumbered with armor 
to make their way into the town. The mountains were so 
cragged and covered with wood, and so full of steep gullies 
and crooked turnings, that they rendered the town, which 
was seated upon them, nearly inaccessible. .On the other 
side the wall might have been battered, had it not been pro- 
tected by a projection of the mountain, which rendered it 
impossible for the enemy to plant their cannon with any 
effect. The frequent attempts of the Turks were met by 
sallies of the besieged, who broke in pieces the engines 
intended to annoy them, and repelled the assailants by 
shot and other missiles sent from the walls of the place. 
Although Amurath appeared to have little prospect of suc- 
cess, yet he resolved, by continual skirmishes, to exhaust 
the defendants and wear out their forces. Thus was the 

12* 



188 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

siege carried on without any vigorous assault, each party 
annoying the other by distant shot, and each watching the 
other with the view of seizing any advantage which might 
occur ; no material loss being sustained on either side, nor 
any exploit performed worthy of being recorded. 

No new assault was made against the place, until at 
length it was perceived by some Janissaries, who had secretly 
left the camp, that on the opposite side of the town there 
was one part which the inhabitants did not think required 
any defence, on account of its height and inaccessible nature, 
the top of the hill being disjoined from the mountain. This 
being reported to the sultan he was much rejoiced, and sent 
a number of men, at different times, who, creeping to the 
summit, at length amounted to a considerable troop, or 
squadron. It happened, fortunately, that at that juncture 
the governor himself went the rounds, to visit and examine 
the ramparts and fortifications. One of the sentinels gave 
him notice of what was going on; whereupon he imme- 
diately repaired to the spot where the danger was, accom- 
panied by a number of chosen soldiers, and well provided 
with missiles and defensive weapons. At first he kept him- 
self close, in order to watch the bold attempt of the enemy, 
at which he much wondered, because of the recklessness of 
danger which they displayed. In order to meet craft with 
craft, he kept himself quiet behind the ramparts, and 
watched their proceedings. They had raised their ladders 
against the wall; some had already mounted, and some 
were climbing up towards the top, when the governor, 
rushing forward singly, so terrified them that they fled in 
all haste before a shot reached them. Many of them were 
so bruised and disfigured, that when they returned to their 
camp they could scarcely be recognized. Of the defendants 
no one received any injury. During this time all was quiet 
within the town ; for during the day the garrison turned 
their attention to the quarter against which the battery was 




UFB OF OEOR6E CASTRIOT. 139 

directed, and in the night repaired the damage which had 
been done in the course of the day. 

While the Turks did thus rather inflame the anger of the 
defendants than affright or discourage them, Scanderbeg, 
with 2000 horse, scoured the country, in hopes of meeting 
with parties of the enemy sent out to forage, or to seek for 
water or plunder. But" in this he was disappointed ; and 
finding nothing upon which to vent his anger, he returned 
to his camp more vexed than when he left it. 

It was now the 2 2d of June, about two hours after noon, 
when Scanderbeg again mounted on horseback, and taking 
with him Tanusee and fifty able-bodied soldiers, he betook 
himself to his wonted task — that is, to endeavor to learn 
something with respect to the enemy. It happened that as 
he viewed their camp at a distance, he observed that all 
was motionless and without noise, as though no enemies 
were there, but only the ensigns and standards. But upon 
a more distinct view the men were seen, stretched out under 
their tents and among their horses, in consequence of the 
heat of the weather, which was excessive. Castriot, seeing 
them in this state, turned to his company with a smiUng 
countenance, and with many expressions of contempt for the 
beastly appearance of the enemy, he and his troop returned 
to their camp to bring out the forces. He ordered the en- 
signs to be displayed, and the companies to follow him 
immediately, with provision for only one day. Besides the 
servants and camp-followers, he left but forty soldiers to 
guard the camp. A little before sunset a dark mist was 
spread abroad, by favor of which Scanderbeg, with a quiet 
and easy pace, drew near to the Turkish army. But while 
advancing, he had horsemen continually scouring the coun- 
try before him, to prevent his falling into any ambush. For 
this wary commander, who was himself a master of military 
stratagems, ^was ever anxious to discover the artifices of his 
enemies. And it is reported that he was wont to say, that 



140 LIFE OF OEOR6E CA8TRI0T. 

more good commanders with their armies had been over- 
come by surprise, than in open battle ; and that he would 
rather fight ten men, when he knew that all was fair and 
open, than two, about whom he felt any imcertainty ; be- 
cause all things which are doubtful are apt, upon a sudden, 
to excite apprehension. 

When Scanderbeg had approached within a quarter of a 
league of the enemy he halted and sent forward two soldiers, 
with the promise of a good reward, to reconnoitre the Turk- 
ish camp. Moses voluntarily joined himself to these two 
men, through fear that their skill and ability were not suflS- 
ciently to be depended upon. Leaving their horses, they 
proceeded on foot, Moses disguised in a servile habit, with a 
Sclavonian sword by his side, and followed boldly by the 
two soldiers. The gallant Dibrian not only compassed the 
trenches and defences of the infidels, but even penetrated 
into the midst of their camp. It is by some maintained that 
this service was performed by Scanderbeg himself ; the plu- 
raUty of voices, however, attribute it unto Moses, The reck- 
less boldness with which Scanderbeg is known to have ven- 
tured his life in such expeditions is censured as not becoming 
the caution which a good general should use in the exposure 
of his person. But it has been observed, that Fortune her- 
self appeared to have exempted Scanderbeg from reproof 
and bTame in this respect, so uniformly did she favor his 
efforts and shield him from harm in his boldest adventures. 

As soon as Moses was perceived by his own people, for 
the moon was then shining full and bright, they went for- 
ward with great joy to meet him, and accompanied him to 
the general. So great was the eagerness of all to learn what 
news he brought, that the common soldiers might have been 
seen mingled promiscuously with the officers and nobles, all 
crowding anxiously around him. When it was known that 
every thing appeared to favor the enterprise in hand, Scan- 
derbeg set his troops in order, bestirring himself actively 




LIFE OF OEOROE CASTRIOT. 141 

among tbem, and encouraging them by his animated exhor- 
tations, at the same time warning them not to be tempted 
by the pillage of the enemy*s camp to remit the vigor of 
their attack upon the enemies themselves. 

After prayers oflfered to God for victory, Scanderbeg 
about the fourth hour of the night ordered the ensigns to 
advance. The clattering of the armor and the neighing of 
the horses discovered their approach to the Turkish scouts, 
who giving the alarm to their officers, filled the camp of the 
enemy with tumult and confusion. Although Scanderbeg 
perceived that the alarm had been given, he did not desist 
from his enterprise nor abate the fury of his attack. In the 
quarter first assailed was a body of Asiatic troops, whose 
tents and lodgings were overthrown in a moment, and they 
themselves partly slain and partly put to flight, which same 
fate awaited those who succeeded in their room. The Chris- 
tians continuing to advance, found some of the tents and pa- 
yilions deserted ; to these they set fire and cut asunder their 
cords. Scanderbeg continued thus for a long time to make 
havoc without any loss on his part, until a strong battalion 
of -Turks advanced in close order from the interior/ of the 
camp with the determination to wipe off their disgrace and 
to retrieve their honor. A doubtful contest was then begun. 
The place was covered with the bodies of the slain, and 
deluged with blood. The number of the enemy was so great 
that the Albanians could not press through them ; but clo- 
sing with them, man to man, they encountered them foot to 
foot, sword to sword, and target to target ; at the same time 
taking care not to get intermingled with their opponents, and 
thus be prevented by the darkness from distinguishing friends 
frpm foes. The fight was so furious, and maintained with 
such animosity, that it resembled that of madmen. At 
length the main army of the Turks, arranged in as orderly a 
manner as circumstances would permit, advanced upon their 
enemies; but those who had first opposed the Albanians 



142 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

having retreated into the most secure places of the camp, the 
Albanians, being wearied and glutted with slaughter, had 
retreated in their turn, so that the advance of the Turks was 
fruitless. Scanderbeg and his men were scarcely a mile dis- 
tant, but none dared to follow them. The Turkish troops 
remained stationary until the morning light discovered the 
horrible slaughter which had been made, the sight of which 
excited them to bitter lamentations. It is generally agreed 
that the number of slain amounted to 2000, and the number 
of th^ wounded to more than 500. Two and forty of the 
Christians perished among their enemies, who by tearing in 
pieces the dead bodies, gave vent to their rage and mahce. 
When the Albanian prince had gotten out of sight and 
hearing of the enemy, he made a stand in a valley called by 
the inhabitants The Fair Valley^ which was at the distance 
of about five miles from Amurath. He remained there some 
time, in order to breathe his troops, and to set them in better 
order when he should have the benefit of daylight, and also 
to look to the condition of his wounded men, which he did 
in person, visiting them one by one, and, like a kind com- 
panion in arms, examining and handling their wounds. Hav- 
ing carefully ordered every thing, he dislodged with his 
ensigns displayed and arrived at his camp a Uttle before noon. 
He moved with less than his usual speed, being hindered by 
his wounded men, by the great heat of the weather, and by 
the booty and prisoners taken from the enemy. Among 
other things were taken 230 horses and seven ensigns, igut 
the heads of the Turks carried by the soldiers in their hands, 
as evidences of their individual prowess, did, in the estima- 
tion of Lavardin, " singularly grace and beautifie the sight 
of this triumph." Upon the soldiers who had thus distin- 
guished themselves Scanderbeg bestowed rich rewards and 
public commendations. The prisoners were distributed 
among the neighboring towns, there to remain until they 
should be ransomed. The ensigns, and some of the richer 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 143 

spoils, were sent to the princes his allies. The remainder of 
the plunder was divided among his soldiers. After this ex- 
ploit the Christian camp remained in tranquillity long enough 
for the losses sustained to be repaired by new supplies. 
After the third day they removed, with every thing they 
had, to the plain country of Emathia, where they encamped. 
The rage of the Turkish emperor is said to have amounted 
to phrensy. Seeing no other way of >evenge, he resolved to 
vent his fury upon the besieged. For three successive days 
the Bashaw of Romania with great vigor assaulted the walls 
of Sfetigrade, but was repulsed and overthrown with great 
loss ; in consequence of which, the courage of the defendants 
was increased, and the rage and indignation of the sultan 
boiled more vehemently within his bosom. Notwithstanding 
the advanced age and wasted frame of Amurath, such was 
the vigor of his spirit, that he encouraged his men not to 
despair of success ; telling them that nothing was too difficult 
to be overcome by vigorous perseverance. Having encour- 
aged his troops by his spirited exhortations, and by promises 
of greater rewards than any he had offered since his coming 
to the emphre, he appointed the day following for a new 
assault. 

Nothing of all this was concealed from Scanderbeg ; for 
as soon as any thing was resolved upon he had notice thereof 
from his spies, and from the Turks themselves, of whom 
numbers daily deserted to him, either through inconstancy 
or weariness of the tyranny of then: rulers, or desire to fol- 
low the good fortune with which Scanderbeg appeared to be 
blessed by God himself, or by the frank and liberal nature 
of the Albanian prince, by which he won the hearts of all 
who attached themselves to him, so much so, that even those 
who repaired to him with fraudulent and evil designs were 
vanquished by his bounty, clemency, and benignity. Upon 
notice of the design of Amurath, Scanderbeg, while waiting 
the return of Moses whom he had sent to levy some new 



144 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

supplies, kept the troops whom he had with him in battle 
array, to be ready for any emergency. 

On the day appointed by Amurath for the assault, the 
ensigns were brought early in the morning close under the 
walls of the town, and upon the signal given, at break of 
day, the assault began. Every part of the town which could 
be approached was invested by armed forces, for the sultaa 
having declared that this should be the last assault, he was 
resolved to spare no effort to render it successful. In order 
to prevent any diversion on the part of Scanderbeg, he 
placed under command of the brave warrior Ferihassa, at 
his earnest request, 12,000 troops, horse and foot, wherewith 
to watch the motions of the Albanian prince, and repel any 
sudden attack, such as he was wont to make. The military 
reputation of Feribassa stood very high from his long expe- 
rience in arms, and he had long desired to try his fortime in 
single combat with Scanderbeg whenever an opportunity 
should present itself. Having received the charge committed 
to him, he ceased not to course in every direction, in hopes 
of meeting his enemy. 

At length much of the town was destroyed and part of 
the fortifications overthrown. The walls were filled with 
ladders, and the assault made with various weapons, but 
especially with long hooks directed against the defendants ; 
while, at the same time, others in vain attempted to make 
their way into the town through mines and caves. Balls of 
wild-fire were also thrown into the city, for mortars and 
shells were not yet in use. But the fire was speedily 
quenched by the inhabitants, who freely exposed their lives 
in defence of their town, and carefully guarded and defended 
the walls on all sides. But the chief violence of the assault 
was near the great gate, where, by means of planks and 
boards heaped together, and many ladders, a sort of tower 
or platfoim was raised qp which numbers could ascend at a 
time, and with their missiles endeavor to dislodge the defend- 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 145 

ants from their stations. At this point of attack the number 
of assailants continually increased. Some brought large and 
long beams to strengthen and enlarge the platform, some 
made secret lodgments close to the wall and endeavored to 
undermine it with pickaxes and bars of iron. To this spot 
the fury of the fight was at length directed, and, little by 
httle, abated in other quarters. The hearts of the Christians 
began to fail when they found that however many of their 
enemies were beaten down and repulsed, their numbers still 
appeared to increase, fresh men continually succeeding in 
crowds to those who had fallen, so as to aflPord the defend- 
ants no time to breathe and recover their strength, which, as 
well as their weapons, began to be exhausted. In this ex- 
tremity they dispatched messengers to the governor to ac- 
quaint him with their situation. But the rumor of what was 
doing had already reached Perlat, and those who were sent 
to him met him near at hand with a troop of citizens making 
all speed to bring relief to those who were oppressed. The 
presence of this bold and hardy chieftain at the first onset 
beat the enemy oflf the wall, and some Turkish standards 
which had been raised upon it were torn down and sent to 
the market-place as trophies which might serve to raise the 
spirits of the citizens. It still remained to break and destroy 
the mass of wood and beams of timber which, as has been 
said, afibrded shelter to the men who were endeavoring to 
undermine the wall, and who supplied their companions with 
weapons, and upon which the assailants still maintained a 
furious fight. By rolling down heaps of large stones, ac- 
companied, as Lavardin says, by great quantities of oil, vine- 
gar, and water, all boiling hot, the defendants at length 
succeeded in breaking down the work ; and under its ruin^ 
were destroyed the offensive engines of the enemy. More 
than 100 common soldiers also, together with two officers 
of high rank, were crushed to death. The town being de- 
livered from this danger, the ramparts repaired, and the 

13 



146 LIFE OF UEOEGE CA8TEIOT. 

walls furnished with new troops, the governor and his train 
betook themselves to other places where their presence was 
required ; for so fiercely were the walls beset by the Turks 
that the town was far from UI.:^ "Vtt nf danger. When the 
enemy perceived that the goveiMO. had retired from the 
quarter where they had made the desperate attack just de- 
scribed, they again advanced with the intention of renewing 
their efforts against the same point. They were beginning 
again to raise beams and timber against the walls which were 
fuming with the blood of tlicir compunions. But the sudden 
return of Perlat rendered their present efforts as fruitless as 
those which they htid before made ; for, the work being only 
just begun, he easily disjoined the materials and threw them 
to the ground. 

While the fight was thus raging about the walls of the 
city, Scanderbeg approached with his army, and when nearly 
at the distance of 600 paces from the enemy, he resolved 
suddenly to break in upon their camp. But Feribassa, with 
the forces committed to him by the sultan, was prepared to 
r< "ive him. The bashaw supposed that the intention of 
Sciiiderbeg was only to make a feint in order to draw off 
the men who were engaged in the assault upon the town. 
To frustrate this stratagem, he marched against the Chris- 
tians, determined that they should not advance without con- 
testing the matter with him. Scanderbeg, as though intim- 
idated, retreated slowly with the Turks at his heels, about 
140 paces, when suddenly facing about, with his forces all 
well ordered, he made upon them a most furious charge. 
The Turkish commander, who was desirotis of coming to 
battle, willingly received the attack. The Christians were 
little more than 9000 men in number, Scanderbeg having 
left the residue, which at most did not exceed 1600, with 
Musache, about a mile and a quarter distant, as a reserve. 
The Turk, seeing the small number of his enemies, opposed 
to them all his foot soldiers and 4000 horse, whom he placed 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 147 

in front. The rest of his cavalry he ordered to withdraw 
secretly from the main hody, and to make a compass, that 
they might come upon the rear of the Albanians, so as to 
inclose them, and perhaps take Scanderbeg alive. But that 
veteran and expert soldier presently discovered the strata- 
gem. Whereupon, leaving Moses to command the main 
battle, he himself, with a chosen troop, setting spurs to his 
horse, and turning to the right, rushed upon the forces which 
were ordered to surround him and instantly stopped their 
progress ; then, coming to blows with them, he forced them 
to give ground, and at length to think only of providing for 
their own safety. Against the 4000 Turkish horse were op- 
posed not quite 2000 Albanian cavalry. Yet the victory for 
some time continued doubtful, although the number of Turks 
who fell exceeded that of their enemies. Mv^sache, who 
stood aloof with the reserve, being called up, charged the 
enemy on the left. Thus was the fight aivided into three 
separate battles. Moses, in the centre, exhibited excellent 
conduct. He restrained the ardor of his soldiers, and kept 
them in firm and close array while the contest on the wings 
remained doubtful, in order to have his forces fresh and vig- 
orous when the time for them to act should arrive. This 
conduct of the Albanian general rendered Ferihassa more 
furious and eager to press on ; and it is reported that he 
addressed his men in a speech which ended in this manner : 
" But what do I blame these," (the Albanian soldiers,) 
"or why doe I presse upon them, whose obstinacie will 
soon cease, and vanish as the surges of the sea, when the 
tempest is gone and past ? We must cut off their head, 
and then the bloud of the other (as it is but vile and base), 
so is it of no force nor resistance. Where is this wicked 
fugitive, the author of so manie mischiefes ? I my selfe alone 
will dispatch him of his life, without the hazarde of any of 
you, if it be my good happe to encounter him in the battell. 
And I will sacrifice the blood of this savage and wilde beast 



148 LIFE OP GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

(whom so many theftes and robberies have made msolent), 
to the soules of our slain brethren, friendes, and kinsfolkes. 
I have (my friendes) of a long time bene of this minde, and 
this my desire is not of any sudden or new affection. It is 
long since that my thoughts did ayme at this combat ; and 
my spirit hath beene ever enflamed to seeke the punishment 
of this wretched, unhappie runnagate. I will once make 
proofe whether this my sword can cut well or not ; whether 
that bodie of his be penetrable, or that it be fatall to those 
that encounter him. And I will see from whence he hath 
that corporall strength and \ngour, and in what this happie 
warriour (whose fortune hath been of such long continuance) 
doth excell and surpasse all others."* 

After thus addressing his men, he rode to and fro in a 
furious manner, not becoming a general officer, seeking for 
Scanderbeg, and expressing by his voice and gestures the 
greatest eagerness to meet him. The common soldiers are 
said to have been pleased with the expectation of witnessing 
a single combat, although aware of the extraordinary prowess 
of Scanderbeg ; and to be in hope that the conflict between 
the generals would decide the engagement, and relieve the 
men from exposing themselves to the danger of battle. 
However, many of those under the command of Ferihdssa 
whose minds were of a loftier cast, endeavored to dissuade 
him from this combat, as being both dangerous, and unusual 
for generals of armies, who ought not to expose their own 
persons more than was necessary, or to make themselves 
the actors in a scene of which they should rather be the 
spectators and judges : that such combats were suited to 
private men ; but that it was the duty of general officers to 
give counsel and ^ command, rather than to act as swords- 
men : that enough might be found to undertake this enter- 

* The whole speech, as reported by the translator of Lavardin, is not repeated* 
because the above specimen is believed to be sufficient. The orthography to not 
altered. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTKIOT. 149 

prise, without his exposing himself to the danger of losing 
the victory, of which they felt assured. 

Ferihdssaf deaf to this wholesome advice, set spurs to his 
horse, and being followed by a strong squadron of cavalry, 
called aloud upon Scanderbeg to prepare to defend himself. 
The Prince of Epire had heard the vaunting of his adversary; 
but, while the issue of the battle remained doubtful, he 
would not take notice of him, and continued to urge the 
Turks with unremitting fury. When, at length, the victory 
was evidently inclining to his side, and the barbarian still 
continued to challenge and importune him, his anger was 
roused, and he no longer refused the challenge; but, all 
besprinkled with the blood of his enemies, he went, well 
accompanied, to meet Ferihassa, The two armies at once 
suspended the fight, by the command of their generals. All 
was quiet, except that some of the Albanian officers of high- 
est rank surrounded their prince, and earnestly dissuaded 
him from his intended combat ; entreating him not to meddle 
with the clamorous, railing beast, whose destruction was 
their business and duty : that it would redound more to his 
honor and to the advantage of the state of Albania, that the 
Ottoman sovereign should see that the soldiers of the Epirots 
were equal in prowess with the leaders of the Turks, and 
that there could, in that respect, be no comparison between 
their generals : that it was not beseeming that so great a 
prince should peril the glory and renown of so many exploits 
performed by him in the course of so many years, by com- 
batting with a slave and bondman to Amurath : that it 
could be no augmentation of the fame of Scanderbeg to 
overcome this barbarian, but that Ferihassa might possibly 
obtain more honor and glory than by all the deeds of his 
past hfe. Notwithstanding these remonstrances, Scanderbeg 
prepared himself for the combat, and having thanked his 
friends for their affection and care for his safety, addressed 
them to this effect : — 

13* 



150 LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 

" God defend (my friends), that as long as this hand of 
mine can handle the sword, and as long as this body of mine 
retaineth his wonted strength and >Tgor, that any of you 
should carry away from me the success of this adventure ; 
the which (whatsoever it be) I refer to Him that is the giver 
of all victory. Reserve, therefore, these your offices of good- 
will to some other season when you shall see me aged and 
stricken in years, when my limbs begin to fail, and when I 
shall assure myself that my strength doth decay. At this 
time you ought to have a care, lest whilst you show your- 
selves too careful of my life, you do en\y my honor and rep- 
utation. And what would the enemy say if (according to 
your request) I should yield you the hazard of this combat ; 
but that my holding back and refusing of the fight were but 
a mere dissimulation of my cowardice, and a true confession 
of a fearful and faint heart, and that I durst not encounter 
him, nor were comparable unto him. For (to answer your 
objections) it is not amiss sometimes for a general of an army 
to undertake a combat as well as a private soldier. That 
glorious combat of Alexander the Great with Porus, king of 
the Indians, was it any diminishing to his honor and reputa- 
tion ? Did our ancestors ever discommend the fight that 
was between Pyrrhus and Pantachm? I will not here 
speak of the Marcelli and Torqitad, and the Cornini, who 
with the singular glory both of themselves and their citizens, 
have overcome their enemies that challenged them to the 
combat. These are the hands that must imdertake this 
hazard : for me it is that the enemy calleth with so many 
menaces and bra^-adoes : to me it is that this cruel beast 
speaketh. I could do httle if I should refuse him in such a 
matter, and he might think me very unkind if I should not 
satisfy his desire in so honest and reasonable a request. He 
is a man of sufficient worth to feel the weijsrht of this mv 
sword, whom Amurath thought so worthy to have the charge 
and command of so great an army." 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 151 

After this address to his men, he sent one of his guard to 
tell the barbarian to make ready to receive him. And he 
inmiediately presented himself upon the place assigned for 
the conflict, accompanied by the shouts and acclamations of 
his soldiers. The inferiority of the Turk to his opponent, 
and his speedy defeat, in the estimation of Lavardin, " did 
make the sight and spectacle lesse delightfuU, and made the 
combat lesse notable then otherwise it might have been." 
For at the first encounter Ferihassa was pierced through the 
face and head by the lance of Scanderbeg, and fell to the 
ground, leaving at the same time both his steed and his life. 
Scanderbeg, without regarding the dead body or the spoils 
of his foe, returned immediately to his troops, and urged 
them to renew the fight and again attack the enemy. But 
when the Turks saw their general slain, they at first rushed 
towards his body, with the view of rescuing it from the 
Christians. In this attempt, however, they failed. Where- 
upon they turned their backs and fled with all their speed, 
pursued by the Albanians who were advancing to charge 
them, until the retreat being sounded they were obliged to 
desist from the pursuit. Scanderbeg, full of joy for this 
victory, when all was quiet, and nothing was to be seen but 
the traces and dead bodies of the enemy and the ground 
stained with their blood, sent the common soldiers to gather 
the spoil, while he himself with his best and bravest troops 
stood on his guard arranged in order of battle, lest any force 
should be sent against him from the camp of the enemy. 

This discomfiture and slaughter of his troops overwhelmed 
Amurath with distress and apprehension. But when he be- 
came more calm he displayed the part of a wise and skilful 
general in the measures which he adopted. He stationed 
soldiers on all sides, with orders to watch carefully the mo- 
tions of the enemy. He removed to his camp some light 
pieces of artillery from before the town, and planted them 
on that side where the townsmen most usually sallied out 



152 LIF£ OF GEORGE CASTKiOT. 

upon him. He added to the troops which had been under 
the command of Ferihassa a supply of 4000 men, for so 
many had fallen in the conflict with Scanderbeg. To this 
body he particularly gave in charge the defence of the 
trenches and fortifications of the camp, with strict orders 
that no one should go beyond the trenches to meet the Al- 
banians, but await their attack, and, if they entered the 
camp, to throw up barricades and play upon them with the 
artillery provided for that purpose. He thus made such 
arrangements for his security as should not interrupt the 
siege of the town. Nevertheless, the courage of the Ma- 
hommedans was greatly abated by this triumph of their ene- 
mies ; and it seemed as if the extraordinjiry good fortune of 
Scanderbeg had turned the minds of even some of his ene- 
mies in his favor ; for it is recorded that on the day of the 
defeat of Ferihassa more than fifty Turks deserted to the 
Christian chief. The inhabitants of Sfetigrade were greatly 
encouraged by this victory of their prince, and they soon 
afforded to their assailants a bloody testimony of the spirit 
with which they were actuated ; for Amurath having made 
another assault, which lasted until night separated the com- 
batants, he therein lost 7000 soldiers, at the least, killed, and 
the greater part of those who returned from the assault were 
woimded. Of the defendants seventy were slain and ninety- 
two dangerously wounded: by which diminution of their 
niunbers, the defendants began to be much troubled lest 
they should not be able to hold out against the numbers 
brought against them. They, however, apphed themselves 
with all diligence to the repairing of their walls and other 
defences, so as to afford as much protection as possible to 
their persons against the efforts of the enemy. Still, the 
good fortune of their prince sustained their spirits, as well as 
the diminution and impairing of the Turkish forces in conse- 
quence of the defeats which they had sustained. 

The Albanians, having gathered the spoils of their ene- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 153 

mies, returned exulting to their camp, and passed the night 
in singing and making merry. The hooty obtained was so 
abundant that the soldiers scarcely appeared to care for it. 
The nimiber of horses, especially, which they took was such 
that almost all the soldiers had some allotted to them ; many 
were also presented to the neighboring princes, together with 
rich spoils taken from the enemy. Much of what was thus 
obtained was purchased by merchants from Italy and other 
places, who gave in exchange ready money or merchandise. 
The whole province of Epire now began to lose all fear of 
the Turks ; and Scanderbeg himself thought it probable that 
Amurath, after so many reverses, would raise the siege of 
Sfetigrade and retire from the country. He daily sent out 
spies to discover, if possible, the intentions of Amurath ; but 
he could obtain no information from the camp of the enemy. 
Wherefore, as he could not endure to remain idle, he selected 
2000 horse, and directing his course towards the mountains, 
he went forth to ascertain what might be the general state 
of affairs. But he continued in great perplexity with respect 
to the counsels which the Ottoman intended to pursue. The 
only way in which he hoped to gain the desired information 
was by intercepting some of the foragers or servants of the 
Turk ; for he considered it mere folly openly to engage all 
the Ottoman forces or to attempt their camp, which he knew 
from the deserters was provided with artillery for its defence. 
Scanderbeg, however, continued to course about in all direc- 
tions, and to show himself to his enemies, sometimes on one 
part and sometimes on another, in hopes that if the smallness 
of his force should tempt them to sally out upon him, he 
might be enabled to perform some notable exploit. But all 
his efforts proved fruitless ; for the Turks were strictly for- 
bidden by Amurath, on pain of death, to issue without leave 
from the camp, or even to make mention of fighting with the 
Albanian prince. Scanderbeg being disappointed in his 
hopes, returned to his camp with a troubled mind, in order 



154 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

to consult upon the course to be pursued. To attempt to 
meet Amurath with open force, he was aware, would be 
rash and unadvised ; to solicit his confederates of Epire to 
take arms and adventure the fortune of the whole state upon 
the chance of battle, appeared to be incurring too great a 
risk, for, even were he assured of victory, it could not be 
obtained without much bloodshed and the sacrifice of the 
lives of vast numbers of his people. Among many opinions 
expressed in council, the most judicious appeared to be that 
which advised to continue the war in the manner in which 
it had hitherto been carried on, that the strength of the ene- 
mies might be wasted and wearied out by the force of their 
own exertions. Scanderbeg, it was observed, had no reason 
to complain of his own fortune, nor of want of faith or loy- 
alty in any of his followers ; and it was thought that the 
defences of Sfetigrade were so strong, the provisions so 
abundant, and the countenance shown by the defendants so 
resolute, that no apprehensions need be entertained for its 
safety. 

The language of Scanderbeg, which he openly held, was 
to the above effect, accompanied with a great appearance of 
cheerfulness and confidence ; but inwardly he was much 
troubled and perplexed with doubts and fears as to the plans 
of Amurath, nor did the event prove his suspicions to be 
groundless. He was so well acquainted with the usual pohcy 
of the sultan that he dreaded his inactivity and appearance of 
sloth more than his open assaults. He considered that bribes 
and rewards might prevail against the strongest fortress. 
He knew that if once the love of gold took hold upon the 
hearts of men, they would thereby be rendered unfaithful 
and sacrilegious, and hurried away, Hke brute beasts, by the 
violence of appetite. These considerations filled him with 
apprehension ; for he was aware " that the walls of many 
towns, and the bodies of many men who had contemned all 
danger of sword and armor, who were unconquerable by 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 155 

force, and against whom iron could not prevail, yet had been 
tempted and overcome by gold and silver."* He thought it 
not improbable that among the multitude of his people some 
traitor might be found upon whom the Turk would success- 
fully employ his means of corruption. Nor did he fear for 
Sfetigrade alone, but for the other towns of his dominion, 
and especially for Croia, lest some of its inhabitants should 
have a secret understanding with the Ottoman. In order, 
if possible, to ascertain whether there existed any ground for 
this last mentioned apprehension, he disguised himself as a 
piivate soldier, and taking with him only Tanusee and Mu- 
sache, and about thirty more, he used all diligence to search 
out and inquire whether any thing that justified his fears 
could be discovered. 

Thus Scanderbeg and Amurath were both in a state of 
much perplexity. The Turk began to despair of taking 
Sfetigrade by force, and, keeping within his trenches, occu- 
pied himself with consulting upon some other means by 
which to eflfect his purpose. Although he was advised by a 
part of his council to continue his open assaults, he felt con- 
vinced that in this way he should never subdue the spirit of 
the defendants, and determined to assail them in some other 
manner. Many advised him to raise the siege and to lead his 
forces through the country and lay all waste with fire and 
sword ; and to pursue the enemy, who had grown so fearless 
and insolent that they com-sed in every direction with (com- 
paratively) a handful of vagabonds as though they were free 
from all danger. The opinion of others was, that he should 
leave Sfetigrade and direct all his eflforts against the capital, 
Oroia, which being a place of so much importance, it was 
probable that Scanderbeg would not intrust the defence of it 
to any commander but himself ; by which means their efforts 
would not be interrupted by any incursions from an enemy 

* Translator of Lavardin. 



156 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

without the town. None of these counsels were approved 
of by the sultan. As to laying waste the country, he ob- 
served, that every thing had been so carefully gathered in 
by Scanderbeg before their coming that it would be folly to 
think of obtaining any thing worth having in that manner. 
He ridiculed the idea of pursuing the Epirot, as nothing, he 
observed, was more silly than to entangle themselves in the 
extensive forests and thick woods of Epire, which were cov- 
erts for wild and savage beasts, but not for men endued with 
reason and discretion ; and that the enemy would desire to 
have them place themselves at no greater disad\'antage. As 
to attacking Croia, he thought the hazard and difficulty 
would be greater than those which they encountered before 
Sfetigrade, because the place being so important, it was to 
be presumed that the Croians would make a more stout de- 
fence than even the inhabitants of Sfetigrade had done ; that 
Croia had its Gods as well as Sfetigrade ; and he demanded 
of his council if they thought it reasonable to abandon their 
first attempt, and leave behind them on the enemy's borders 
a town before which they had been disappointed, and rush 
into the heart of Albania to attack the capital and strongest 
city. 

Amurath was thus in a state of suspense, doubtful and 
irresolute, yet striving to conceal his vexation and disappoint- 
ment. Finding open force unavailing to conquer the town, 
he directed his eflPorts towards corrupting the fidehty of the 
inhabitants. He after a time succeeded in opening a commu- 
nication with them, so as to make them alluring offers and rich 
rewards if they would consent to admit a Turkish garrison into 
the town. The answers given by different citizens all concur- 
red in rejecting the proffers of the Turk, and in declaring their 
resolution not to violate the allegiance due to their own 
prince. The sultan, however, did not despair of succeeding, 
as the bribes offered by him were so enormous as seemed to 
him too great to be resisted. At length one man was in- 



LIFE OF 6E0B6E CASTRIOT. 157 

duced to become a traitor, and to hold conferences yrith the 
spies of the enemy ; but so great was the danger and diffi- 
culty of carrying into eflPect his treasonable purpose, that he 
did not dare to attempt it. 

As the town was placed upon the summit of a high rock, 
it was watered neither by springs nor by the river which 
ran near it. There was but one well in the place, which had 
been digged in former times for the common use of the in- 
habitants, and e^ecially as a resource in time of war. The 
whole garrison consisted of Dibrians, who, though subject 
to Scanderbeg, were not properly Albanians either in 
name or language. The coimtry of Dibria is divided into 
upper and lower Dibria. The latter is a champaign terri- 
tory, rich and fertile, and abounding with productions of every 
kind. It is inhabited by a hardy and warlike people upon 
whom Scanderbeg principally depended in his most arduous 
warlike enterprises, and considered them as his principal de- 
fence against the Ottoman power. He thence drew, as often 
as he had need, the most valiant and excellent supplies of 
both officers and soldiers. The upper Dibria is mountainous 
and abounding with wood, although fertile. It is near to 
Macedonia, which it resembles in the manners of its inhabit- 
ants. It is peopled by Bulgarians or TribulHans, a fierce and 
warhke race, who were as much esteemed by Scanderbeg as 
the people of the lower country, both for their prowess and 
their fidelity and devotedness. Still, their habits are rather 
those of foreigners than of the Epirots, and some of their 
customs are abhorrent to those of the Albanians, as they re- 
tain the ceremonies and superstitions of the Greeks. 

Of this peculiarity in the character of the upper Dibrians 

did the traitor whom we have mentioned take advantage to 

succeed at length in his traitorous designs. He knew that 

if the Dibrians should once see the carcass of any beast that 

was drowned in the city well, they would submit to ruin or 

desolation, or to any conditions whatever of peace, rather 

14 



158 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

than drink of its water. And the event proved the justness 
of his opinion, for during the night he threw into the well a 
dead dog, which being perceived in the morning, the rumor 
of it was immediately spread through the whole town, and 
eager mquiries were made as to who could be the perpetra- 
tor of so detestable an action, and as the author of it could 
not be discovered the tumult increased almost to a sedition. 
The Dibrians declared that they were betrayed, and that 
they should soon die of thirst, for there was not one of them 
who would not rather be made slave to the infidels than 
drink of the water of that well. Some of them cried out 
that it would be best to set fire to the town and sally forth, 
and either cut their way through the enemy or meet an hon- 
orable death. But of all the evils to which they were ex- 
posed, they deemed a coming to terms with their assailants 
the least. And thus by a groundless superstition was the 
fidelity of the Dibrians shaken. They became willing to lis- 
ten to Amurath ; and the soldiers of their own accord were 
ready to ask of him the conditions which they had not long 
before magnanimously rejected. The Dibrians were much 
superior to the citizens in number and strength, so that they 
were not in danger of being quelled or driven out by them. 
And if the citizens had been able to rid themselves of these 
soldiers, their own numbers would not have been suflScient 
for the defence of the town. All they could do was to give 
vent to their feelings in loud complaints against the infidelity 
and superstitious folly of these Dibrians. They did not even 
spare Scanderbeg, but blamed him for having committed the 
care of their city and of their lives to such unfaithful guar- 
dians. Perlaty the governor, was greatly astonished, and 
could not help suspecting that the polluting of the water was 
a mere fiction of some who held traitorous correspondence 
with the enemy : he therefore prohibited all parley or inter- 
course with the assailants without his permission and pres- 
ence ; and forthwith assembling the multitude in the market- 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 159 

place, addressed to them such arguments and exhortations 
as ]ie hoped would dissuade the Dibrians from their mischie- 
vous intention; and, when he had finished his speech, in 
order to ascertain whether what he said had produced any 
effect, he and most of the commonalty went to the well, and 
in the presence of them all he took a large draught of the 
water, which example was followed by most of the inhabit- 
ants. But when presented to some of the oflScers and chief 
persons of the garrison, nothing could prevail on them to 
taste it. 

The governor, finding his entreaties and promises of no 
avail, was obliged to frame his conduct by the exigency of 
his situation. He assembled some of the Dibrians and of the 
principal citizens to deliberate upon the course to be pursued. 
The terms on which they would consent to surrender were 
soon decided upon among themselves. They required that 
the garrison should be suffered to depart in safety, with all 
their baggage, and that the citizens should have the choice 
either to remain unmolested in the town or to depart when 
they pleased. The Grand Seignior consented to the article 
touching the garrison, but he would in no wise consent that 
the citizens should remain within the town. The keys were 
thereupon delivered to Amurath, and the place surrendered 
empty of inhabitants. Some of the inhabitants lingered 
without the walls ; but those who could not endure the 
idea of living under the dominion of the Turk, abandoned 
every thing, and went in search of Scanderbeg. The traitor 
who had polluted the water remained within the town, and 
being known by those who had practised with him, was by 
them conducted with great exultation to the Turkish tents. 
He was graciously received by the sultan, and honored both 
by words and valuable presents. He received 50,000 aspers 
and three rich suits of apparel. He also had bestowed upon 
him demesnes of which the yearly revenue amounted to 
2000 crowns. But he derived little benefit from all these 



160 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

favors openly bestowed upon him, for although much caressed 
by the infidels, he in a short time suddenly disappeared and 
was never more heard of. It was supposed that he was se- 
cretly put to death by Amurath, who could repose no confi- 
dence in so vile a traitor. 

The garrison of Sfetigrade was permitted to pass without 
molestation through the Turkish squadrons, which stood 
ranged in order on each side of them, although the prince 
Mahomet, a fierce and cruel youth, urged his father with 
great earnestness either to put them all to the sword or to 
retain them in strict bondage until such time as they should 
be ransomed ; oflfering as one reason among others, that no 
injunction of their law and of the religion of Mahomet was 
more imperative, than the duty of showing themselves in 
every possible manner mortal enemies to the Christians. 
Thus did this arrogant youth betray in his early years the 
temper of mind which he was afterwards to exhibit when 
seated on the Ottoman throne. This cniel advice of the son, 
however, had no influence upon his father, who sharply re- 
proved him, and reminded him that nothing among men was 
more necessary than the strict observance of their faith, with- 
out which neither kingdoms nor empires, nor society itself, 
could remain firm and in security. Other words to the same 
efifect he addressed to him, and demanded of him wherein 
the inhabitants of Sfetigrade had offended, or what fault 
they had committed against the majesty of the Turkish em- 
pire. They had defended their country, then* wives, and 
their children ; and if, he asked, they have faithfully observed 
the conditions agreed upon, what morehave we a right to 
require of them ? 

The Dibrians and other Christians having evacuated Sfeti- 
grade, and a garrison of 12,000 Janissaries having been there 
established, Amurath directed all his efforts towards repair- 
ing the injury which the walls had sustained from the bat- 
tering of the cannon. 




LIFE OF 6£0£6£ CASTKIOT. 161 

Scanderbeg, in the mean time, when he returned from his 
progress through the country, learned the misfortime of 
Sfetigrade and the infidelity of the Dibrians ; whereupon, 
being moved with greiit vexation and wrath, he remained 
close within his tent. At length Perlat came with his dis- 
honored forces. He himself was sad and downcast; but 
much more so were the citizens, down whose cheeks the 
tears trickled abundantly for the loss and desolation of their 
country. The Dibrians also appeared with their eyes cast 
to the ground, and overwhelmed with shame and remorse. 
But when they came in presence of their prince, and per- 
ceived the fierce displeasure of his countenance and the deep 
indignation with which he was possessed, they, every one of 
them, cast their armor to the ground, and taking the girdles 
from their waists and putting them about their necks, fell 
prostrate at his feet, and with bitter tears besought him to 
pardon their grievous and disgraceful fault. Scanderbeg 
was naturally kind and merciful. It was no easy matter to 
punish so many men ; and he was aware that their ill con- 
duct was occasioned solely by a blind superstition, and they 
openly confessed their guilt with wonderful humility and 
contrition. These considerations mitigated his anger, and 
turning towards them, he said that he granted them their 
lives in consideration of the good service which they had be- 
fore performed in defence of the town. To the citizens he 
gave lands and possessions according to the former estate of 
each one, and he appointed many to honorable offices in the 
wars. Nor did he absolutely deny any request of the Dib- 
rians ; but the shame of their late disgrace caused them to 
shun the presence of their fellow-soldiers, and prevented 
them from remaining long in the camp. 

Perlat received great commendation from Scanderbeg for 
the bravery with which he defended Sfetigrade, and the testi- 
mony of those who served under him was in his favor. Yet 
it has been doubted whether he did not deserve more censure 

14* 



162 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

than prsuse on account of the laxity of discipline mamtained 
by him in permitting his men to hold intercourse with the 
enemy. Scanderbeg, however, rewarded him not only with 
words but with a large sum of money, with fine horses and 
other presents, which Perlat accepted with great reluctance. 
He retired to his own dwelling with high honor and reputa- 
tion. He was a native of Emathia, and was preferred to the 
spiritual dignity of abbot by his countrymen, called that of 
ProtO'Sengeli. He led a very austere and strict life, of great 
virtue and integrity ; and to his other accomplishments he 
added great learning and eloquence. 

When Scanderbeg perceived that the sultan was wholly 
intent upon fortifying Sfetigrade, he went with all speed in 
that direction, taking with him 5000 horse, in hopes of in- 
terrupting the progress of the work. But, after ranging 
through the woods and over the moimtains without finding 
an opportunity to perform any notable exploit, he still con- 
tinued to watch the enemy, in hopes of surprising their fora- 
gers or scouts, or of annoying them in some other manner. 
Nor did his soldiers return without booty, for they took 
many men and horses, who, as is usual in a great army, 
ranged carelessly about the country. 

After Amurath had repaired the walls of Sfetigrade as 
well as his haste would permit, and had stored the place 
with provisions for a year, he resolved to withdraw his forces 
from Epire and to return to his own country. Various are 
the conjectures offered to explain the cause of this sudden 
determination of the Ottoman monarch. Some impute it to 
the disturbances in Hungary, some to the troubled state of 
Greece, and some to that of Persia. Many suppose that the 
losses he had sustained were the cause of his evacuating 
Epire, with the intention, however, after his forces were re- 
paired, of returning to undertake the siege of Croia. Sub- 
sequent events appear to indicate that this last is the most 
probable reason of the departure of Amurath. Whatever 




LIFE or GEORGE CASTRIOT. Id3 

may have been the cause, on the last of July, 1449, he or- 
dered the baggage with tJie carriages and part of the horse- 
men to precede him. The following day, at sunrise, he 
himself began his march with the remainder of the forces. 
As was his usual custom, he placed himself in the midst of 
his battalions, mounted upon a white horse and surrounded 
by his Janissaries, the centre being protected in front by the 
Beglerbey of Asia, and in the rear by the Bashaw of Roma- 
nia, with their troops ranged in order of battle. All who 
have given an account of this expedition agree that the loss 
of Amurath amounted to 30,000 men, besides a great part 
of what he had provided for the assault, and many of his 
ensigns which were destroyed or taken. To all these mis- 
fortunes was added another which was inflicted by Scander- 
beg. For upon the retreat of the sultan he pursued him 
with 8000 horse and 3000 foot, harassing him and picking 
up all the stragglers, sometimes appearing in front, some- 
times in the rear, sometimes on one flank and sometimes on 
the other. The Turks frequently made head against him 
with their whole army, when he would retire among the 
neighboring valleys and hills, and then again suddenly appear 
in sight. He thus, for several miles, pressed close upon the 
Turks, causing much annoyance and mischief. 

The sultan, being greatly vexed and shamed by the insults 
thus offered to his power, and by the slaughter of his troops, 
ordered the Bashaw of Romania to stay behind with 30,000 
horse to cover the retreat of the army ; commanding him, if 
Scanderbeg should continue his attacks, either to force him 
to fight, or oblige him to retreat. Scanderbeg, perceiving 
that the manoeuvering of the enemy was changed, and fear- 
ing to be inclosed between two armies, quietly withdrew his 
forces from the multitude to which he was opposed, and 
took possession of passes in the mountains, where he knew 
that he should be able to defend himself. There, for a 
while, he kept his army arranged as though he intended to 



164 LIFE OF 6£OK6£ CASTRIOT. 

t 

attack the enemy ; and so, probably, he would have done, 
had not his men been exhausted by fatigue, and the Turkish 
power so greatly superior to him as to render such a move- 
ment altogether rash and hopeless. As he retired he said 
to his soldiers — " I would rather that this place should be 
noted for the flight of Scanderbeg, than for his cross.*' For 
it was the custom of the country to erect a cross in the place 
where any Christian, especially if a man of note, had been 
slain, or met with adverse fortune. 

When the Bashaw of Romania perceived that Scanderbeg 
kept within his lines, he gradually drew off his forces and 
joined the main army. Scanderbeg also retired, being ear- 
nestly entreated by his men not to continue the pursuit of 
the enemy, but to let them go their way out of the country. 
Thus Scanderbeg returned to Croia; and Amurath, pro- 
ceeding through Macedonia and over the mountains of the 
Tribullians, arrived at the city of Adrianople. Both Scan- 
derbeg and Amurath were much downcast by the events 
which had taken place. But the vexation of Amurath was 
much greater than that of his adversary ; for that he had 
failed to subdue an enemy whose destruction had been the 
chief aim of the expedition which he had undertaken, and 
because he did not esteem the capture of Sfetigrade a suffi- 
cient recompense for the losses and humiliations which he 
had sustmned. 




165 



BOOK VI. 

Tranquillity being restored to the kingdom of Epire by 
the retreat of the Turks ; the trade of the country having 
returned to its wonted channels; the garrisons being dis- 
missed ; and the people having resumed their several trades 
and occupations, the Prince of Albania also gave leave to 
his troops to rest a while from their mib'tary labors. He, 
however, gave orders that at the end of two months they 
should again repair to him, that he might lead them to Sfet- 
igrade, with the purpose of recovering that town from their 
enemies. In the mean time he retained in arms but 2000 
horse and 1000 foot; which force he sent to the frontiers 
of Macedon, to protect the inhabitants of that part of the 
country from the inroads of the Turks. 

While Scanderbeg was thus at rest from war, and engaged 
within Croia in a kind of exercise entirely new to him — that 
is to say, the administration of justice, and the affairs of 
state — the nobles of Epire, and the princes his allies and 
neighbors, regretting that one of such rare excellence should 
pass the prime of his life (for he was then forty years of age 
or more) without any lawful issue to inherit his estate and 
kingdom, assembled with one accord, and approaching him 
as they had often before done, endeavored to persuade him 
to marry, and have children, by whom he might continue 
his name and memory ; alleging, among other things, that 
good fortime and the favor of God would accompany his 
subjects only while the sceptre of Albania remained in the 
hands of his posterity. 

The mind of Scanderbeg was far from any inclination to 
follow this counsel, for his thoughts were set upon much 



166 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

loftier purposes — as one who appeared to aim at things be- 
yond the ordinary reach of human capacity. And it is 
reported that he at first opposed this advice of his friends 
by many specious reasons, telling them that nothing was so 
oppressive to a free mind as the dominion of a wife ; that 
when the troubles of matrimony once entered into a man*s 
house, his body and spirit became enslaved ; that fortune 
herself (as though by marriage she were lamed) would, in 
such a state, diminish the greatness of a man, and deprive 
him of the means of rising to the height of prosperity. At 
length, however, he so far yielded to the importunity of his 
advisers as to consent to take the yoke which they wished 
to impose upon him, provided he might have a respite until 
Sfetigrade should be recovered ; for he maintained that it 
would be a reproach to him, if he should engage in marriage 
festivities while his friends and allies remained under the 
tyranny of the enemies to Christianity. The princes and 
nobles of Albania were pleased with having prevailed so far 
over him, and would not importime him any more ; but, 
rendering him many thanks, they quickly proclaimed the 
news throughout the country, to the great joy of all the 
people. 

During these consultations, tidings were daily brought 
from the frontiers of depredations committed within the 
territories of the Turks, and of their scouts being defeated 
and put to flight. The garrison of Sfetigrade was also con- 
strained to keep close within the walls of the town, in conse- 
quence of the continual and watchful onsets of the Christian 
horsemen, who concealed themselves in the woods near the 
town, and suffered none to escape who incautiously wandered 
in the open country. Those who attempted to sally forth 
were generally driven back more speedily than they came out. 
The Christians, apprehensive of the disadvantage of the 
ground, did not venture very near to the walls ; but, by 
pretended flight, endeavored to allure the Turks into the 



LIPE OF 6£0RG£ CASTKIOT. 167 

open fields. On one occasion, 300 of the garrison issued 
out, and advanced about a bow-shot beyond the foot of the 
mountain, being desirous to take vengeance of the Christians, 
with whom encountering with more fury than prudence, 
forty-three lost their hves and fourteen were made prisoners ; 
nor would any of them have escaped, had not their hasty 
retreat been covered by their companions of the garrison. 
The troops of Scanderbeg might, in the confusion, have 
gotten possession of the place, if their pursuit had been 
hotter, or their numbers greater. After this the Turks 
dared no more to show themselves without the walls ; but 
remained shut up, and in a manner besieged by a handful 
of Christians. 

In this rencontre were engaged but a part of the Chris- 
tians left by Scanderbeg upon the frontier. Although his 
troops had acted without his orders, still this sage and pru- 
dent prince was so well pleased with their conduct, that he 
determined to take advantage of the panic which had seized 
the Turks, and hasten as speedily as he could to the assault 
of the place. Accordingly, he at once dispatched to Sfeti- 
grade 300 horse and 500 foot, of the troops which he had 
with him, to the aid of their companions ; to whom he also 
sent many presents, in token that he approved the exploits 
which they had already performed, and as an encourage- 
ment for them to act in the same manner until he should 
himself arrive with more forces, and with all things necessary 
for carrying on a siege. He then set about gathering new 
forces ; and within a few days he assembled an army of 
18,000 men, of whom 8000 were horsemen, the residue 
foot soldiers. 

All his preparations being completed, and the carriages 
sent on ahead, he himself followed with all his army ; and, 
on the 20th day of September, he planted his ensigns before 
the walls of Sfetigrade. His own person and his horsemen 
were lodged just beyond the distance of an arquebuse-shot ; 



168 LIFE OF GEOKGE CASTKIOT. 

for the Turkish garrison was almost entirely composed of 
arquebusiera, the best which Amurath could procure. The 
footmen were quartered somewhat nearer ; and to prevent 
the enemy from annoying them with their shot, they erected, 
in the manner of a palisado, a large number of rafters and 
planks, whereof a great store had been provided, behind 
which they were securely sheltered. The Albanians were 
almost all of them archers; the rest, being Italians and 
Germans (Almaines), served with arquebuses and cross- 
bows. There were also some Sclavonums, more skilled in 
the use of the sword than of the bow ; who, upon news of 
the levy of soldiers, being allured by the hope of plunder, 
came to serve with the Albanians as volunteers, and without 
any pay. In those days, people came constantly into Epire 
from the nations around, to serve under Scanderbeg, who 
was the only captjiin perpetually under arms and engaged 
in war with the Turks.* There were also among the forces 
of Scanderbeg fifty Frenchmen or more, who had charge, 
as cannoniers, of some small field-pieces, intended rather to 
annoy the defendants than to batter the walls of the town. 
There do not appear to have been any great pieces of artil- 
lery brought against the town, as the intention was to take 
it by escalade. In order to secure his army from being 
attacked by the Turks in the rear, he sent out, in different 
directions, two bodies of troops, the one under the command 
of Streese, the other under that of Tanusee, to protect those 
who were engaged in the siege, and to prevent succors from 
being sent in to the besieged. During the first seven days 
after the Christians had presented themselves before Sfeti- 
grade, they were incessantly occupied in fortifying their 
camp and in preparing their lodgings, as they expected to 
winter before the town. And in all this time they had not 
molested the besieged by word or act. But the soldiers at 



* Lavardin'8 translator aayi, " Toikes and Miacreants." 




LIFE OF dEORGB CABTRIOT. 169 

length began to assemble around their prince, and urgently 
request him to suffer them to assault the enemy. But CaB- 
triot, not willing to employ force until he had first essayed 
all other means, restrained the impetuosity of his men, imtil 
he could sound the minds of the defendants. He accord- 
ingly sent to them two soldiers, with the offer of terms of 
capitulation similar to those which the citizens of Sfetigrade 
had accepted from the sultan. But the Turks haughtily 
rejected his proposals, and answered, that the place which 
had cost them so much blood was not to be sold 'for words ; 
that he should boldly offer the bodies of his men, and even 
his own head, for the redemption of the town ; and that he 
would then learn whether their faith, like that of the Dib- 
rians, depended upon the water of a well. 

This answer did not surprise Scanderbeg ; and he deter- 
mined to permit his men to act as they desired, and, instead 
of giving words to his enemies, to let them feel the weight 
of his blows. At daybreak, therefore, the next morning, 
an assault was made upon the suburbs lately assigned by the 
Turks to the poorer citizens, which Scanderbeg caused to be 
overthrown and burnt.- Many of those who inhabited these 
suburbs, at sight of the Christian ensigns, jomed their ancient 
friends and allies. The rest took refuge under the walls of 
the town. The buildings nearest the town were not much 
injured by the assailants, as they were chiefly occupied by 
Sfetigradians and Epirots. 

Moses, in the mean time, was not idle ; for while the gar- 
rison were engaged m the defence of the suburbs, he made 
an attack upon the great gate with 3000 ^ble-bodied and 
brave men. But the Turks, whose numbers were very great 
in proportion to the size of the place, ran from all quarters 
to repel the assault ; some of them annoying the Christians 
T^h shot from above, and some placing beams and large 
stones against the inside of the gate, so as to baffle the 
attempts of the assailants. This affiur was not attended 

16 



t 



" 170 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

with any great loss; for, no scaling-ladders having hieii 
brought up to the walls, the fight was maintained on both 
sides with only bows and arquebuses. While Moses was 
calhng to his men to bring up their l.uUlers and other engines, 
Scanderbeg caused k retreat to be sounded, and the tatx>ps 
retired unwillingly to their quarters. This unimportant 
conflict served but to sharpen the minds of the two parties 
against each other. 

The remainder of that day was employed by Scanderbeg 
in consulting about the method which should be employed 
in order to reduce the town. It was finally thought most 
advisable not to risk an open assault ; but by stratagem to 
induce the garrison to make sallies, in some one of which 
' the Christians might be enabled to enter the place together 
with the Turks upon their retreat. 

The execution of this plan of operations was attempted 
the following night. Moses, at the head of 300 chosen 
horse, was appointed to provoke the enemy to cpme forth. 
Zacharie Oroppe, with 500 horse, and Scanderbeg with the 
like number, placed themselves in very close and secret 
ambush : for having put out and covered their fires, they 
issued as silently as possible from the rear of their camp, 
and, taking advantage of a dark and stormy night, they got 
into the hollows and windings of the valleys, among woods 
full of bushes and briers, where the scouts of the enemy 
could not discover them. . The Dibrian, in the mean time, 
with his men, watched and pried about in the manner of a 
freebooter ; and gradually approaching near and nearer to 
the walls, he coursed up and down in sight of the towriS- 
men, and within reach of their weapons. The garrison were 
divided m opinion. Some were for sallying forth, exclaim- 
ing that it was shameful to suffer so fair an occasion to be 
lost : others thought it best not to stir without mature 
advice and deliberation. The latter opinion, in the end, 
prevailed. The gates were kept closed, and none suffered 




, LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 171 

to go out. The Albanians, sometimes in troops, sometimes 
in a scattered manner, with their bows bent against the de- 
fendants upon the walls, galloped backwards and forwards 
in hopes of enticing the garrison to sally forth. At length 
Moses, finding that he gained nothing but blows, and that 
there was more prospect of increasing danger than of a Suc- 
cessful event — ^for two of his men were slain, and six or seven 
of them so badly hurt that he could hardly carry them off, 
gradually withdrew from the walls and the sight of the 
enemy, full of shame and indignation. Scanderbeg also, 
and his men, dripping- wet with ram, soon followed, in great 
vexation and disappointment. This failure and ill plight of 
their enemies, afforded the Turks great merriment. 

Scanderbeg did not patiently endure this mockery, but 
determined to requite it by open force and a general assault. 
The day following, having arranged his companies in order 
of battle, and assigned to every man his duty, he at about 
two hours before noon led 10,000 men up to the walls of the 
town. The remainder of his forces were partly assigned to 
the protection of the trenches, and part were retained as a 
corps de reserve, that the assault might not be interrupted. 
Moses first, with a squadron of stout and brave* youths, ad- 
vanced in hope of carrying the town by escalade ; for Scan- 
derbeg from beneath, with a great band of Italiaix archers 
and crossbow-men, drove the defendants from their stations, 
so that many of the assailants mounted their ladders and 
got footing on the walls, and there valiantly engaged the 
Turks. The artillery which was planted on the other side df 
the town did not suffer that part of the garrison to remain 
quiet ; for although they made no great breach, yet they 
caused injury to the walls, and swept away many of the de- 
fendants. But the most violent and furious assault was made 
by Zacharie Groppe with the chief strength of the army, and 
especially with the Germans (Almaines), who preferred to 
die rather than to retreat. These being protected by the 



172 LIFE OF GEORGE CA0TRIOT. 

targets of their companions and by baskets close jcHoed to- 
gether, endeavored with pickaxes and crowbars to undermine 
the walls. The garrison could not, from above, prevent this 
work ; for although many of the assailants fell, others suc- 
ceeded them without respect of danger or apprehension of 
death. But, notwithstanding the annoyance suflFered by the 
besieged, they purposely protracted the fight, because they 
knew that the sultan had caused the foundation of 'the wall 
to be made so secure that it required no defence. Zaekarie 
persevered for a while in his attempt, but at length finding 
all his efforts likely to be fruitless, he changed his mode of 
attack, and determined to scale the walls, crying out to his 
soldiers, " To the scalado ! to the scalado !** When the 
Turks perceived the mode of attack changed by the Chris- 
tians, they suffered some of them to mount even to the top 
of their ladders, and then discharging a volley of arquebuse 
shot and rolling upon them a multitude of great stones, they 
easily drove down both them and their ladders to the bottom 
of the valley ; for the foothold between the ramparts and a 
steep precipice was very narrow. Little better success at- 
tended the assailants imder Moses on the opposite side ; for 
having several' times succeeded in planting the Albanian 
colors upon the ramparts, the defendants, in great wrath, 
collected and kept Up such a force as finally succeeded in 
throwing the assailants with their ladders in confusion to the. 
ground. Castriot was excessively grieved to see his troops 
thus handled, and especially on account of Moses, who was 
wounded, and whom he had with much difficulty withdrawn 
from the range of the enemy's shot, and sent to his quarters 
that he might have his wounds dressed. Scanderbeg, a little 
retired from the wall, caused himself to be covered by the 
targets of two of his soldiers, and had some of his men to 
stand by him and with their shot to pla/ upon the enemy ; 
others, who were fresh and soui^d, he commanded and en- 
couraged to brmg up their ladders/ and fiercely to renew the 




I 
lilFE OF GEORGE OA8TBIOT. 173 

assault. Scanderbeg himself that day fought with bow and 
arrows, find it is said that the number 'of Turks which he 
slew was wonderful, for that he drew not one shaft in vain. < 
It was not difficult to have the ladders brought up and set 
against the walls, but the soldiers advanced in small troops^ 
and dreaded to mount ; so that, notwithstanding the great 
promises of their chief, the^ at lehgth ceased to fight, and the 
darkness of the night put an end to that day's service. The 
Albanians remained very quiet in their camp during the 
night, as having no reason to exult ; for 200 of their best 
soldiers were slain and 600 woimded, more than thirty of 
whom afterwards died of their wounds. Although the loss 
c^ the defendants was greater, and the cries of their woimded 
were heard in all quarters, yet their success in the repulse, 
of their enemy, and the preservation of the place, caused 
them to pass the night in great mirth. They kindled large 
fires, and incessantly ran up and down lUpon the walls and 
ramparts, singing songs and exhibiting great triumph and 
joy. 

The news of the siege of Sfetigrade caused Amurath much 
disturbance of mind, especially as winter had begim, and in- 
duced him to. make immediate preparations for the relief of 
the place. He caused proclamation to be made of his in- 
tended return into Epire, partly, it is probable, with the 
view of discouraging the Christians from prosecuting the 
siege. 

Scanderbeg did not abate his activity and diligence in 
consequence of his repulse and his loss of men, but exerted 
himself to the utmost to annoy the garrison. Sometimes in 
the day, and at other t^mes in the night, he would lead his 
troops close , under the walls and throw balls and pots of 
wild-fire among the enemy. He would also dispatch small 
bands of soldiers to draw away the dead bodies, thinking to 
entice forth the enemy. But all his efforts and devices 
proving ineffectual, he determined to make another assault^, 

16* 






174 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

and if that failed to raise the siege. AccordiDgly, after 
sunrise the next day, he caused proclamation to be made 
with 'Sound of trumpet throughout the camp, that, besides 
the great rewards offered to those who should first enter the^ 
town, he gave his men permission to plunder it. He also 
urged them by other motives to make another vigorous effort 
to get possession of the place. Having thus stirred up tiie 
courage of his troops, hie divided them into companies, and 
leaving about 600 for the custody of the camp, he with tl^e 
others pressed the town on all sides where it was approach- 
able. The attack was begun with shot alone, and answered 
with the same by the defendants. After skirmishing some 
time in this manner, the boldest of the assailants took to theic 
ladders, in order to get nearer to their enemies. Once or 
twice they were repulsed by the defendants. But at lengthy 
such was the courage and violence of the Albanians, who 
rushed on like lions without fear of danger, that the garrison 
were so far driven in, that the Christians might have estab- 
lished themselves upon the walls had they not, when they 
saw the enemy relaxing their defence and retiring from the 
fighti been seized with a panic lest the movements of the 
enemy were intended to cover an ambuscade, by the dread 
of which their efforts were so much relaxed as to give the 
^ enemy time to recover from the disorder into which they 
were thrown and to bring on fresh troops to the defence. 
In this part of the attack many were slain on both sides, but 
many more on the |)art of the assailants than of the defen- 
dants. The slaughter would have been greater if it had not 
been prevented by the good conduct of Zacharie; for he, 
against another part of the wall, having raised many ladders, 
made a new onset, by which a diversion was effected and 
the garrison obliged to divide their forces. All this while, 
Castriot was to be seen 'with his squadrons, sometimes lead- 
ing them up to the walls that he might strike terror into his 
enemies, sometimes doing the duty of a common soldier ; and 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 175 

ur^g on his troops, at one time by entreaties, at another 
by reproaches. Those who were armed with missile weapons 
kept their stations abound the walls, and played incessantly 
upon the Turks as they passed along upon the curtains. The 
defendants perceiving their own numbers to decrease, and 
the courage and obstinacy of the Christians to increase be- 
yond all reasonable expectation, they began to dread what 
might bo the issue of that day's conflict. In order to gain 
time and stop the fury of the assault, they had recourse to 
stratagem. They caught up the Turkish ensigns from the 
ramparts, and calling out aloud to the Christians, they de- 
sired a short suspension of arms in order to hold a parley 
with Scanderbeg. This request was granted by the Alba- 
nians, with the consent of their general. Both sides ceased 
hostilities, and the defendants were permitted to declare what 
they had to say. Whereupon, a grave old man, after Ihank- 
ing the commander and his forces for their courtesy, pro- 
posed, on behalf of the defendants, that a truce should be 
made for one day, during which the garrison might consult 
together upon terms of capitulation, which should be sub- 
mitted to him the following day. Scanderbeg, suspecting 
this to be but a device of the Turks to gain time, at first was 
altogether averse to granting the truce, and required them 
to declare immediately what terms they had to ofier ; never- 
theless, at length wearied by their importunity and fair 
speeches and by the entreaties of his own soldiers, he retired 
from the assault, and the remainder of that day and the fol- 
lowing night were passed in tranquillity. 

The next morning four Turks, men of great craft and sub- 
tilty, came to consult with the Prince of Albania, and pre- 
sented to him valuable gifts. The conditions oflered were 
such as those who proposed them knew would not be ac- 
xepted ; for it was intended, upon the rejection of the first 
ofiers, to come forward with others, so as to prolong the 
time of negotiating. The conditions ofifered were, in sub- 



176 LIFE OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 

stance, the following : That the ancient citizens hemg read- 
mitted to the town with their fonner privileges and immuni- 
ties, the houses and fields should be equally divided among 
them, and that they should thereupon renounce the Ottoman 
dominion and yield faithful obedience to the Prince of Epire. 
They also required that 10,009 aspers should be paid down 
■to their governor. The Christians returned no answer to 
these propositions except the cry of To arms/ to arms/ 
The Turks, however, did not desist from their manoeuvres, 
but sent again the same men, to know what terms Scander- 
beg would accept, and, if nothing else could be done, to sub- 
mit all to his discretion. This sudden alteration in the minds 
of the defendants excited in the Christian general a suspicion 
of insincerity on their part ; yet he deemed it not well en- 
tirely to reject their overtures : he therefore told them dis- 
tinctly, th^t he would not depart in any respect from the 
offers which he had first made to them ; that if they would 
be content with them he would take the town into his pos- 
session, but that if then* intention was only to deceive him 
m order to gain time, they must expect to be treated with 
the utmost rigor of war. 

Three whole days being spent in these pretended negoti- 
ations, the purpose of the garrison became manifest. News 
also arrived of the preparations and speedy coming c^ the 
Turks, by ^hich the mind of Scanderbeg was greatly dis- 
turbed and perplexed. His indignation at the conduct of the 
garrison prevented him £rom raising the siege ; and, on the oth- 
er hand, he was prompted thereto by the expected approach 
ei Amurath and the importance of attending to his affairs else- 
where. He resolved, however, to remain a while Icmger, until 
he should receive more certain accounts of the movements of 
the sultan. But the elements seemed to conspire against him, 
for such torrents of rain continued for some time to fall that 
the soldiers could not leave their trenches. When, at length, 
the rain ceased, Scanderbeg proclaimed one assault more 



LIFB OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. 177 

against the town for the following day. He passed the 
whole night without sleeping, being occupied in getting all 
things necessary in readiness and in encouraging his mefl. 

Before day, Scanderbeg, drawing forth his troops, marched 
them towards the walls. The late nuns had rendered ^e 
groimd so slippery that their advance was toilsome, and they 
with difficulty dragged up their ladders and other warHke 
implements. But anger and resentment lent them strength 
and courage to forget and overcome their difficulties. The 
defendants, to whom this attack was unexpected, were at 
first remiss in their efforts, but soon collecting their forces, 
they were able to repulse the assailants. The assault of the 
Epirots was less ardent than the former one ; for they were 
impressed with the idea that Amurath would soon be upon 
them. ' At length Scanderbeg, finding that his men were 
discouraged and in confusion, was constrained to raise the 
siege. 

At the ninth hour of the day, when the troops had dined, 
Scanderbeg commanded them to truss up their baggage, 
after throwing down and setting fire to the defences of the 
camp. Had Scanderbeg given loose to the fury of his sol- 
diers, the country would have been laid waste ; but he re- 
strained their violence, and told them that he hoped some 
day, when it should please God to be more favorable to 
them, to recover the town and re-establish it in its former 
state. He therefore dislodged as secretly as he could, with- 
out leaving any marks of hostility in his course, and pro- 
ceeded directly towards Croia, It is reported that Scander- 
beg lost at this siege more than 500 men, which seems much 
more probable than the account given by those who say that 
when he raised the siege, his loss did not amoxmt to more 
than sixty. \ * 

On the three and twentieth day of October, Scanderb^ 
with his army returned to Oroia, where he gave immediate 
orders for enrolling troops. He appointed officers, and gave 



178 LIFE OF GEORGE OA8TRIOT. 

to them their several charges, in anticipation of the expected 
invasion by Amurath. All persons unfit to bear arms were 
sent out of the town, in which was placed a garrison of 2000 
men, composed of Albanians, Italians, Germans,* Sclavo- 
nians, and Frenchmen. These different nations kept peace 
and harmony among themselves, of which their worthy de- 
fence of the town against Amurath was a convincing evidence. 
Uranocontes was continued in the government of the place, 
with full powers and authority, and with the warmest appro- 
bation of all men. It would have been difficult to find any 
person in the whole army more fit for the station, or more 
worthy of it, or who was more acceptable to the soldiers. 
He was a man of singular resolution and self-possession in 
the midst of all dangers. He was ever prompt in the dis- 
charge of his duty, whether to command or to obey. He 
always, with the best imaginable grace, attributed the merit 
of any service to those whose due it was, and never sought 
to diminish the credit of his soldiers that he might exalt his 
own reputation. He had through life conducted himself well 
and valiantly, and by his character, as well as by the good- 
ness and gravity of his person, he commanded the respect 
of all men ; and to all these qualities was added lustre by the 
noble blood which ran in his veins. He promised to spare 
no efforts, nor to shun any danger, in order to maintain the 
general good opinion which he had obtained. Garrisons 
were also placed in Stellusa, Petra-Alba, and other places 
of strength, and governors set over them. And in all the 
towns many persons were appointed to provide from all 
quarters store of victual and mimitions. But, notwithstand- 
ing all their efforts, three months elapsed before they could 
obtam the requisite supplies, in consequence of the waste 
which the country had suffered from the wars, and the neg- 
lect of tillage the preceding year; caused by the military du- 



Almaios. 




UFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 179 

\ 

ties which the inhabitants had been obliged to perform. It 
is reported that, although the Venetians were at peace with 
the Turks, the merchants of Venice secretly supplied the 
Epirots with provisions. Certain it is that Scanderbeg never 
failed of obtaining large supplies of money from that state ; 
and during his whole life his wars were carried on with the 
assistance ami under the favor of the Venetians, and to them 
he attributed the glory of his most memorable exploits and 
triumphi^ 

Croia was stored with grain and other provisions sufficient 
to last for a year. All kinds of missile weapons were also 
provided. The artillery was continued in charge of the 
French, who received each man five crowns per month pay, 
both in peace and war. Most part of the garrison were 
armed with arquebuses and crossbows. When the prepa- 
rations in Croia were completed, whatever provisions were 
not there wanted were sent to other parts of the province. 
Before raising any new forces to be under his immediate 
command, Scanderbeg thought it advisable to visit the troops 
which had lately been appointed to defend the frontiers. 
He took with him Moses and a few other horsemen, with 
whom he went to give the necessary orders and directions, 
and to send out spies to obtain information respecting the 
movements of the Turks. Neither cold nor frost- nor snow 
impeded the active motions of this vigilant chieftain. He 
was not discouraged by the greatness of his labors nor by 
the difficulties with which he had to contend ; but visiting 
and revisiting, now one place and now another, he with in- 
creasing spirit discharged the various duties of his station. 
Sometimes he disguised himself as a shepherd, and woidd 
get under the walls of Sfetigrade in hopes of discovering 
some way to rescue the place out of the hands of Amurath. 
The garrison within were kept on the alert, not stirring out 
of the gates, but keeping continual watch and ward as 
though they were actually besieged. 



r 



J 80 UFB OF OEOEOB OA0TRIOT. 

While Scanderbeg was thus busily engaged in preparing 
for the expected invasion of the Turks, information waa 
brought to him by his emissaries, that Amurath had resolved 
to delay his march imtil the following spring. He was in- 
duced to do this by hearing that Scanderbeg had raised the 
siege of S/etigrcuie, so that there was no need of his pressing 
forward during the approach of winter. He consequently 
issued a new edict, that the forces which had been levied for 
the expedition against Epire, should rendezvous at Adrian- 
ople the following spring, on the 15th of March. He was 
very desirous that his intention to attack Croia should be 
kept secret. But it was evident to every one that his 
preparations were directed against Scanderbeg. This delay 
of the Turkish monarch gave the Christians time to breathe. 
O^e garrison upon the frontier was diminished one-half ; so 
that not more than 2000 men at most remained there, who 
built huts, and prepiared winter-quarters {or them^lves. 
The rest were dismissed, and permitted to return to their 
homes. 

The Prince of Epire, with Moses and others, being returned 
to Croia, occupied him^lf some time in causing the fortifi- 
cations to be repaired and increased. After this he was in 
continual motion, hastening from place to place. Aiid being' 
meanly dressed, in company with only ten men, he visited 
the neighboring princes, his allies, and the governors of the 
Venetian towns, warning them of the danger which threat- 
ened them, and endeavoring to rouse them to a vigorous 
participation in the war. The greater part of the winter he 
passed secretly in the confines of Macedonia, among the 
troops there stationed, in a camp not more than fifteen milea 
distant from Sfetigrade, the nearness of which prevented 
those within the town from venturing much abroad, and 
kept them in continual apprehension. 

After the winter had passed, the spring of 1450 brought 
to Scanderbeg frequent intelligence of the Turkish move* 




LIFB OF GEORGB 0A8T&IO!l\ 181 

ttients : fbr, 9it <me time, some of the infidels would eoniie 
to him and ofifer to ^iter his service ; at another, some, who 
remembered their former friendship, would send him an 
accoimt of Amm^th's designs. Having provided for the 
safety of his towns, he now turned his attention to the 
raising of forces wherewith to annoy the army of the sultan 
when it should invade his territory. He sent Tanusee^ 
Streese, and the Dibrian, the only chief officers who were at 
leisure, to levy men throughout the province. But the 
flower of the population being already employed, it is said 
that he took into pay many of the subjects of the Venetian 
government, and some also of the inhabitants of Dalmatia. 

Amurath also was not remiss in his preparations. Orders 
were given that each soldier should furnish himself with 
provisions for many days, as it was expected that the prov- 
ince of Epire woidd be foimd waste and barren. His store 
of warlike implements was immense ; among the rest were 
tools for mining and breaking through wa^s, and small 
pieces of artillery, which could be carried upon camek. 
Great quantities of brass and other metal were collected, to 
be carried with the army, and to be cast into battering ord- 
nance upon the territory, of the enemy. When all things 
were in readiness, it is generally agreed that the invading 
army amounted to 160,000 fighting men, besides carpenters,, 
masons, and all sorts of handicrafts-men, and laborers, some 
of whom were paid by the sultan, and others went without 
pay, being allured by the hope of plunder. 

About the 5th of April, 1450, the van of the Turidsh 
army*^ was sent into Macedonia, imder the conduct of Seba» 
litis Zeurenefm, an officer of experience and judgment. The 
Prince of Epure, at the same time having disposed his soouta. 
and guards throughout the moimtains and woods, and hav^ 
ing withdrawn the garrison from the frontiers, and collected. 

* The Mehamet, 
16 



182 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TEIOT. 



troops together, rode through his dominions, examining 
the condition of all things. It is by all admitted, that, du- 
ring the siege of Croia, this army of observation, if it may be 
so called, did not exceed 8000 fighting men, of whom 2000 

I were foot, the others cavalry. 

i A few days before the arrival of the Turks, Scanderbeg, 

with lys troops, had ' Jaid waste and burned the corn, and 
whatever within his territory could afiford the enemy nour- 
ishment. And when, at length, he received frequent advice 
of their approach, he retired to a moimtain called Tumenista, 
distant about four miles from Croia, there to wait and ob- 
serve what course it would be advisable for him to pursue. 

The Turkish cavalry held on their march towards Epire 
without meeting with any opposition, and passing quietly 
into that province, they entered upon the territory of Croia. 
After reconnoitering the environs of the city to ascertain 
where their camp might be most advantageously pitched, 
and on what quarter it would be best to assault the town, 
they chose a fair and fertile plain, extending from Croia to 
the town of Parthiruns, 

Sebalias^ having encamped his troops so as to be secure 
against any force which the Christians were able to bring 
against him, turned his attention entirely to watching the 
people within the town. He stopped all access to it, that 
they might be debarred from any succors. These troops 
composmg the vanguard, had brought with them no arms 
but lances and cimeters ; and Sebalias, warned by the mis- 
fortunes of others, determined to make no predatory incur- 
sions into the country. He had, moreover, been expressly 
commanded by the ^ sidtan, to make no attempt upon the 
enemy except in case of necessity. Scanderbeg, with a part 
of his men, took a view of the Turkish camp ; and finding 
the force very great, amoimting to 40,000 men, and the 
conduct of the commander extremely prudent and skilful, 
he retired into his fortress without making any attempt upon 



LIFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 183 

the invaders, resolvM there to await the combg of Amor 
rath, in the expectation of being able to act more efficiently 
"vrlien the hostile army should be spread abroad and engaged 
in attacking the, town. 

While Scanderbeg was wisely ordering his affairs, the 
Ottoman ensigns continued daily to arrive, and the country 
Cippeared full of armed men. At the end of April, Amurath, 
^cuscompanied by his son Mahomet, with his chief nobUity, 
smd the main body of his army, joined • the forces already 
< encamped before Croia, in the place which was destined to 
1>e his grave. Nearly twenty days intervened between the 
arrival of the vanguard and the main body of the army. 
TThe tardy advance of the troops was caused by the weight 
and quantity of the baggage, and the advanced age of the 
sultan, which rendered him indisposed to proceed with ra- 
pidity. So great was the space occupied by the Turkish 
multitude, that the quarters of the troops extended six miles 
from the town. The courage of the besieged was not abated 
l)y the dangers with which they were surrounded, but rather 
lieightened by the hope of the glory which they should ac- 
~ quire by triumphing over such a mighty host. The soldiers 
on the walls presented a most resolute countenance, and 
gave every token of confidence in their own strength. The 
other fortified places of Epire also continued undaunted ; for 
their former experience, and the habit of exposure to perils, 
had blunted in them the apprehension which was wont to be 
caused by the Ottoman power. 

Four days were spent by the Turks in arranging their 
camp. And when that was done, they flocked around the 
sultan, demanding and entreating to be employed. That 
day, however, Amurath would not hearken to them, but 
strictly commanded them to remain quiet within the camp. 
The reason of which order was the strange apparent inac- 
tivity of Scanderbeg, which made the Turk Suspect some 
plot laid by that master of warlike stratagems. The follow- 



1S4 LIFE OF 6B0RQB CA8TEIOT. 

mg cbiy Amumth sent two heralds to UranoeonUs, to sum- 
moo the town, and to offer the following terms, namely : 
That if the place were delivered up, the governor and his 
garrison should be sufi^red to depart, bag and baggage ; 
that the governor himself should receive 200,000 aspers, 
and be honorably entertained, if he would, among his great- 
est friends and favorers. As to the citizens of Croia, if they 
disHked the religion of the Turks, the sultan offered to grant 
them the free exercise oi their own faith, tc^ether with the 
enjoyment of their imcient rights and immunities, and any 
other favor with which he could gratify them. The heralds, 
bearii^ these conditions, approached the gate — ^there being 
but this one entrance, as the mountain prevented access to 
the city -in ^very other part. The governor being apprised 
by the guard of their ooming,*went, well accompanied, to 
that part of the fortress. The heralds requested to be ad- 
mitted to speak with him. He would not permit them to 
enter the town ; but when they were near enough to be dis- 
tinctly heard, he made a sign for them to deUver what they 
had to say. They had scarcely finished their message, 
when the soldiers, not waiting for the governor to make 
answer, cried out that the enemy should be answered with 
arquebuse-shot, and not with words ; uttering, after the 
manner of soldiers^ many soof^ and abusive terms against 
the messengenk 

The sultan was ezceedin^y indignant at the reception 
given to his heralds, and, in great wi^th, commenced his 
preparations for the assault of the town. He first caused 
the rude masses of metal, which he had brought with him^ 
to be founded. This work occupied about fifteen days. 
Ten pieces of battering ordnance were cast ; four of which 
are said to have been large enough to throw a shot of 600 
pounds, and the other six would throw shots of 200 pounds 
weight Four of the lesser pieces and two of the larger 



LIFE OF GE0R6B OASTRIOT. 185 

'Ware planted against the walls, on the east i^de of the town ; 
the others were pointed directly at the gate. Those were 
the only parts of the fortifications upon which they expected 
to make impression, because they were constructed by the 
luuid of man. In other parts the natural strength of the 
place was so great as to be considered impregnable. 
- The ordnance being moimted upon carriages and ready for 
■enrioe, four days were spent in battering the walls. The 
mjury sustained by the defences was very great, so that the 
Turks were much encouraged in their hopes of carrying the 
town. The men, with great alacrity and emidation, got 
ready their scaling-ladders and other implements for the 
attack. The bashaws themselves, and other prmcipal offi- 
een, used every exertion in their power to win the favor of 
Aiaurath. Mahomet particularly distinguished himself by 
his zeal and activity, being constantly about his father, and 
exerting himself with as much diligence as a common soldier. 
It is also said that, besides the reward publicly offered by 
the sultan, he promised 100,000 aspers to the man who 
•hould first enter the town and plant the Turkish colors 
upon the walls. 

The courage of the Croiam was not broken by the breach 
made m their fortifications. The encouraging speeches of 
their governor, Uranocontes, had great effect in keeping up 
thdr spirit. He sometimes addressed them in th^ Albanian, 
•ometimes in the Italian language, and sometimes by inter- 
preters^ preparing them for the expected assault, and urging 
every man to the performance of his duty. The governor 
and his garrison continued actively employed until two hours 
of the night were spent. The remainder of the night was 
given to repose. 

The infidels also pass^ that night quietly, for it had been 
resolved that the assault should be made the following day ; 
and proclamation was made in the evening for the troops to 

16* 



mmmmm 



186 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

assemble, armed, before seven o'clock in the morning, at the 
head-quarters of the sultan. These orders were punctually 
obeyed ; when, the chief officers of the army being called 
together, the old sultan addressed them more vehemently 
than comported with his age and debility. Young Mahomet, 
also, scarcely waited for his father to finish speaking, before 
he broke out in so furious a manner, that, like another Han- 
nibal towards the Romans, he betrayed his deep-rooted 
animosity against the Christians in general, and the Epirots 
in particular. After him, the other chiefs and officers en- 
couraged each his own men. When they had dined, and 
all things had been well ordered, it was near noon, at which 
time the squadrons were marched out of the trenches and 
displayed upon the plain. They advanced with a great 
noise of trumpets and drums, and shouts of the soldiers. 
They had reached the walk, and the foremost of them had 
begun the attack, when the Turkish camp was suddenly 
alarmed and tlirown into an uproar. This was caused by 
Scanderbeg, who, a long time, had watched the motions of 
the enemy ; and now, with a strong troop of horsemen, the 
abledt and best-mounted of his army, rushed in upon their 
tents. The Turks, in the quarter where the onset was made, 
at first opposed him very vigorously ; but were beginning, 
at length, to give way, when they were sustained by their 
fellows, who came to their aid from other quarters. The 
Albanians, however, keeping their ranks close, made such a 
charge upon their opponents as laid 600 of them dead, and 
put the others to flight. They succeeded in destrojdng two 
tents, and carrying off the ensigns and whatever else was 
found within them. The news of this onset was brought to 
the ears of Amurath, while busied in ordering the assault of 
the town. He supposed that abundant provision had been 
made to resist any attack upon the camp ; but as he was 
wont to say ** that nothing was sufficient to make resistance 
against the fierceness and fury of this beast," he thought it 



# 

LIFE OF GEOR6S CA8TRIOT. 187 

hest to send Seremet, one of his captains, with 4000 horse, 
to repel the Christians. Mahomet also, against the wish f>f 
hiB father, was induced, by his hatred of Scanderbeg, to 
accompany this troop, with his ordinary body-guard. But 
Scanderbeg, before these forces could act, perceiving that 
he should not be able to resist the numbers that were coming 
upon him, turned bridle and retreated ; not, however, with- 
out the imminent peril of his life ; for it is said that the 
heat of the fight had so excited him, that he broke in among 
the thickest of the enemies, and was nearly overpowered by 
them. His own strength, as well as that of his horse, was 
80 exhausted that it was with the utmost difficulty he could 
extricate himself. At length both he and his troops got out 
of sight of the Mahommedans. Thiis tumult ended, the 
Turkish soldiers returned to their camp ; and the sultan's 
son rejoined his father, much grieved that his enemies, after 
such a bravado, and the loss of so many of his men, should 
have escaped from him. And he publicly took oath that he 
would never cease to watch an opportunity to get that sav- 
age wUd beast into his snares. 

The Prince of Epire, having freed himself from his ene- 
emies, rejoined his own troops, who were greatly alarmed at 
his danger, and had sent soldiers on all sides in quest of 
him. Many, who feared he had fallen, could not refrain 
from lamenting the fate which awaited their country, in 
consequence of the loss of such a leader. But his safe re- 
turn converted their heaviness into exultation and songs of 
joy ; and vows which had been made for his sale return 
were performed, in the full belief that through them he had 
been preserved from his enemies. His shield was so bat- 
tered and hewn that its original shape could scarcely be 
discerned, yet he was himself without wound or hurt. 

The loss of the Christians in this afifair did not amount to 
more than about ten slain and as many wounded ; for 
Scanderbeg, leaving his infantiy behind and the men who 



188 ~ LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

were worst mounted, made this attack with 5000 horse- 
men, all stout and valiant, and prompt either to fly or to 
fight. ThejOhristian forces having recovered their general 
returned joyfully to their camp. But this success could not 
make glad the heart of Scanderheg, when he contemplated 
the danger to which Croia was exposed, the great impor- 
tance of the place, and the incalculable loss to his country 
which would be caused by its capture. Nor could the bra- 
very of the governor and garrison, and the almost impreg- 
nable situation of the town, relieve his mind from these 
apprehensions. 

Although this exploit of Scanderbeg did not entirely in- 
terrupt the assault upon the town, yet it somewhat retarded 
the efforts of the assailants, imtil Amurath had ascertained 
the truth of what had taken place. He then renewed the 
attack with greater violence than before. He ordered those 
who were armed with missile weapons to be placed so as to 
annoy those who defended the walls. The smaller pieces 
of artillery were brought nearer to the ramparts that they 
might play upon the defendants, while the meaner of his 
soldiery brought the scaling-ladders and other engines up to 
the walls. Some brave troops of the Janissaries and Asappes 
were appointed to follow, and to mount the ladders as soon 
as they were raised. The principal effort was directed 
against that part of the town where the defences were 
weakest, for some parts were naturaUy such as to be almost 
inaccessible. Whilst the enemy were making their ap- 
proaches, the defendants were not idle, for they discharged 
such vollies of shot as slew many of the assailants and greatly 
disturbed their ranks. But they were urged on by the ex- 
hortations, the menaces, and the blows of their officers ; and 
the ladders were at length placed against the walls ; not, 
however, without great loss to the Turks. Although the 
assault was made with great spirit, and the ladders when 
thrown down were often let up again, yet they were con- 




LIFE OF GEORGE CAflTRIOT. 189 

tixmally oyertbrown and broken in pieces, and the men 
mounted upon them cast headlong to the groimd. The 
baser sort, who brought up the scaling-ladders, were so se- 
verely handled that they could not be induced to stand their 
ground; but it availed them Uttle to retreat, so roughly 
were they handled by the sultan, who watched them from ^ 
behind. 

The greater part of those who were in this low estate were 
Christians under the dominion of the Turk, great numbers 
of whom he was wont to take with him unarmed in his ex- 
peditions, to perform the menial and laborious services of the 
camp ; and, in an assault or in battle, to be exposed to the 
first efforts of the enemy. 

The boldest of the Mahommedans being either slain or re* 
pulsed, the townspeople caused sixty chosen men of the 
garrison to sally forth from a small postern on the other side 
of the town, and^ fall unexpectedly upon the enemy, who 
were greatly alarmed by this sudden attack. This small 
body was composed of launce-knights and Epirots armed 
with arquebuses, who had, with great difficulty, obtained 
leave of the governor to leave the town. They did not ad- 
vance far from the walls, and having made considerable 
slaughter of the Turks, they retired, with the wish to renew 
their attack ; but Uranocontes would hearken to no entreaties, 
nor suffer 4hem again to quit the place. But he bestowed 
great commendations upon their conduct and large rewards 
for their bravery. The assault was continued, with great 
loss to the Turks, imtil about two hours after noon ; when 
the sultan, seeing how many of his troops were lying dead, 
and how much the others were exhausted with fatigue and 
heat, while the courage of the Croians appeared to increase, 
"he hesitated whether to renew the assault with fresh forces, 
or to defer it until another day. But he was at length per- 
suaded by his officers to continue the attack, and not to^uffer 
the disgrace of being repulsed by the Christian8, with so little 



■■^■■■■■■iV 



190 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

loss on their part. Other motives were urged by them which 
i^duced Amurath to follow their advice. Whereupon, he 
ordered up fresh troops to the assault, in the hope of over- 
coming their enemies who had stood the brunt of the day. 
But the Croians had providently prepared for such a con- 
tingency ; and, bringing on new men to oppose those who 
were new, they still repelled the eflPorts of the enemy. The 
Turkish Jiorsemen pushed on to the walls, and with their 
lances couched endeavored vainly to break through the gate. 
So great was the slaughter among his men, that the sultan 
could not endure the hideous spectacle, and at length 
caused a retreat to be sounded. This respite was most wel- 
come to the defendants, and they passed the remainder of 
the day and the night following in refreshing themselves with 
rest and food. 

The same night Scanderbeg had tidings of this success of 
the Croians, which caused him great joy, and he immediately 
spread the good news among the neighboring princes and 
people. The enemy, on the contrary, were much depressed 
by their ill success and by the loss they had sustained, which 
amounted to more than 8000 good soldiers ; while the loss 
of the Croians was comparatively trifling. It is reported 
that Amurath remained two days within his tent in close 
consultation with his viziers and captains. But young Ma- 
homet, above aU others, was chagrined and eilRtged. He 
became more attentive to the business of the camp, and 
watched particularly that quarter of it which had been in- 
vaded by the Albanians ; and he^ there stationed a strong 
guard, and placed troops in ambush, and watched whole 
nights in person, hoping that Scanderbeg might fall into his 
hands ; but all his schemes were rendered vain by the skill 
and prudence of that wise chieftain, who, by his spies or by 
those who came to surrender themselves to him, was daily 
informed of aU that was done by his enemies. Hb continued 
within his camp, ordering his aSdra and providing for their 



LIFE OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 191 

safety, and by delays drawing on his enemies. He could 
not, however, endure to remain long inactive, and bethought 
him of a stratagem by which to entrap those who were intent 
upon getting him into their snares. In pursuance of his de. 
sign, he one night trussed up his baggage very secretly, and 
removed his forces to a place called Monticlea, whence he 
could commodiously annoy the enemy. He left Moses and 
Tanusee at Tumenista with 500 horse. Having communi- 
cated his intentions to them, he directed them to attack the 
trenches of the enemy the following night a little after mid- 
night, on the same side where the former attack had been 
made, and when they had given a false alarm by the show 
of forcing the barriers of the camp, to retreat suddenly, with- 
out giving the enemy time to come to blows with them. He, 
in the mean time, was to break in upon' the tents of the ene- 
my on the opposite side. According to this arrangement, 
the alarm given by Moses and the real attack of Scanderbeg 
were nearly simultaneous ; for as soon as Scanderbeg per- 
ceived the agitation caused by the Dibrian, he charged the 
opposite side with full career where there was no suspicion 
of an attack. The camp was thus filled with fear and con- 
fusion ; some running to one side and some to the other, in 
order to oppose themselves to the Christians. So great was 
the number opposed to Moses that he did no more than 
cause an alarm. He was not pursued, however, because of 
the night an>d the fear of ambuscades. 

Scanderbeg, on his part, caused the enemy great mischief. 
Their camp was beaten down and laid waste by fire and 
sword ; although this destruction did not continue long, as 
the Turks hastened in such numbers to oppose the invaders 
that the conflict was soon ended. The Christians were not 
able to stand against the multitude which opposed them, 
especially in a plain and even place ; for it was in Tyranna 
that Scanderbeg made his onset. Yet, when the Christians 
retreated, the infidels showed no disposition to follow after— 



192 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

in which they probably acted with prudence ; for the wise 
and wary prince had stationed all his infantry and 8000 
horse near at hand, so as to be a guard in his rear, and 
ready for any casualty which might occur. By these troops 
he was received with great joy and loud acclamations ; and 
they set forward with their leader towards their camp, in 
marching to which they passed the remainder of the night. 
It is said that Scanderbeg never performed any exploit upon 
his enemies with I9SS injury on his part ; for he brought back 
all his troops without the loss of a single man, and left to 
the. Turks no token of his having been among them, save 
the destruction which he had caused. It is said that no one, 
after this, dared ofifer any advice to Amurath, for this so 
notable disaster seemed to cast a reproach upon all- their 
former counsels and deliberations. 

In this their dilemma, they had recourse to the measuro 
which had proved serviceable to them the year before, at 
the siege of Sfetigrade ; that was, to fortify their camp on 
aU sides with artillery. They, therefore, in pursuance of 
this plan, drew down many small pieces which they had 
planted against the walls of the town, and disposed them in 
such places as were judged most* advantageous ; especially 
in that quarter where the late assault had been made. Their 
baggage was so cumbrous, and the heat of the weather so 
oppressive, that their dififerent lodgments were too extend- 
ed and too far apart from each other, to admit of being all 
equally well guarded. All these circumstances were soon 
made known to the Christians, both by fugitives from the 
enemy, and by their own spies. Scanderbeg resolved to 
remain quiet until an opportunity should offer of obtaining 
jsome further advantage. It also became necessary for him 
to turn his thoughts towards the procuring of supplies for 
his army, since a dearth of provisions began to prevail, and 
nothing could be obtained from his own country. He, there- 
fore, resolved to remove his camp to the river Isme^ near 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTBIOT. 193 

upon the sea, where he might be furnished with every thing 
necessary. The inhabitants also of Duraz, a town not far 
distant, agreed to supply him with as much com as he re- 
quired. The governors and magistrates of the Venetian 
territories Ukewise secretly yielded him assistance. 

The Turks, in the mean time, continued to batter the walls 
of Croia, in hopes of reducing them to such a condition as 
to render another assault likely to be successful. Amurath 
thought that to undermme the walls would require too long 
a time, and be attended with too much difficulty, on account 
of the height and steepness of the rocks upon which they 
were built. As soon as a breach was made that appeared 
to be practicable, the sultan ordered every man to be ready 
for another assault on the following morning. This order 
was received with so little alacrity, that he assembled the 
chief men of his anny» and addressed them in a harangue 
which, if truly reported, was made up of reproach and en- 
couragement. The spirits of the army were revived by the 
words of their commander. Another circumstance also 
tended to embolden them to the intended assault, which 
was, that measures were taken to prevent Scanderbeg from 
attacking them, during their attempt upon the town. For, 
besides other precautions, the following device was adopted^ 
in order to lure away Scanderbeg from the place during the 
assault : Sebalias, who has been before mentioned, was or- 
dered to march with some of the troops to another part of 
the province, as if to lay waste the country. Accordingly, 
that Turkish officer, having strict orders from Amurath not 
to give the enemy an opportunity to engage him, quietly 
proceeded on his way at evening, with 16,000 horse. When 
he had marched about twenty miles the news of his expedi- 
tion reached the Christians, and caused much commotion 
among them. The general opinion was that they ought to 
mount their horses, and, as silently and secretly as possible, 
get possession of the passes in the moimtains and forests 

17 



194 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

through which the enemy would probably attempt to go. 
But the Christian prince would not risk the danger of trav- 
elling in the dark, and deferred his departure until the next 
morning ; when, at dawn of day, he set out, with ensigns 
displayed, towards the mountains and the covert and secret 
places, preceded by his scouts, who beat the country before 
him as he advanced, to secure him against falling into any 
snares of the enemy. 

The assault against Croia was begun nearly at the same 
time that Scanderbeg began his march ; as it was thought 
best to commence as early as possible, in order to avoid the 
heat of the day. The absence of Scanderbeg afforded to 
the Turkish host great encouragement. They brought up 
their scaUng-ladders, and other implements, in great num- 
bers to the walls ; and some, with mattocks and bars of 
iron, endeavored to break down the gate, and in that way 
gain entrance into the town. On the side towards Tyranna a 
grelit quantity of wild-fire was thrown within the walls ; and 
the artillery continued to play during all the time of the 
assault, although it caused great loss to the assailants. But 
it is said that the sultan did not think the head of a Chris- 
tian dearly paid for, if it cost him twenty heads of his own 
men. The defendants did not escape without loss ; but their 
valor, added to the natural strength of the place, rendered 
them secure from the danger of being finally overcome. Of 
the Turks who ventured to attack the gate, scarce any re- 
turned ; great slaughter was also made among them in the 
other quarters, and very few, if any, of the ladders were 
placed against the walls. Still Amurath continued, with 
great fury, to urge on his people, and with fresh troops to 
fill up the places of those who fell. At length the slaughter 
became so great that he consented to order a retreat, being 
urgently persuaded so to do by his bashaws, who besought 
him not to destroy and waste his army to no purpose, as 
there was no probability of getting into the town by the 



LIFE OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. 195 

means which were then employed ; and that he woidd be 
most likely to succeed by reserving his men for the purpose 
of working mines under the city walls. 

This new mode of attack proceeded slowly, in consequence 
of the great dearth of victuals suflFered by the Turkish army. 
Commissaries were therefore sent to Lyssa, and other places 
in the Venetian territory, whence the sultan supposed he 
might derive supplies, in consequence of the peace sworn 
between him and the Venetians. 

In the mean time Scanderbeg had intelligence, by his 
scouts, of the course which Sebalias had taken ; who, having 
spread some of his troops about the country, destroyed the 
vines and fruit-trees. Wherefore Scanderbeg followed, as 
secretly as possible ; and when he had arrived within three 
miles of the enemy, he selected 4000 able horse to make a 
charge upon them in the open fields. The remainder of his 
forces, both horse and foot, he left with Moses, and stationed 
them on a high hill, near to the road through which it was 
hoped that the Turks would pass, with orders, if they 
fled in confusion, to attack them fiercely ; but, if they stood 
their ground gallantly, immediately to join his forces with 
those of his chieftain, that the barbarians might have to 
encounter the whole Christian army. As to the flight of 
the enemy, Scanderbeg was not deceived, but the event 
proved different from what he hoped ; for Sebalias, being 
advertised by his sentinels of the approach of the Christians, 
drew all his troops together, except a few who were scat- 
tered afar off, and who fell an easy prey to the Albanians, 
and, before his enemies were in sight, he hastened away by 
a different road from that by which Scanderbeg was ap- 
proaching. Nothing of any consequence resulted from this 
expedition. Castriot would not suffer his men to pursue the 
enemy, as the toil would be too great for his foot soldiers, 
and as he thought it best to take back his army in good 
condition to watch the progress of the siege. The Turkish 



196 LIFE OF GEORGE OA8TRIOT. 

general returned to the sultan, with great joy at having so 
deluded Scanderbeg, and at having kept him, the whole of 
the day, from troubling their trenches. Scanderbeg, on the 
other hand, returned to his camp much disappointed at not 
having met the enemy, and very anxious concerning Croia, 
from which he was not wont to be so long absent. 

It is related that he met many persons by the way who 
told him of the Turkish commissioners being abroad in search 
of provisions, and gave him information of the strength of the 
convoy which was appointed for their protection. Upon this 
information he disguised himself in ordinary attire, as he fre- 
quently did during his wars, and taking with him a hundred 
soldiers similarly habited, he followed those victuallers the 
way they had gone, and having ascertained by what road 
they were to return, he and his men placed themselves in 
ambuscade. He then sent two of his soldiers, men upon 
whom he could depend, to Lyssa, to observe carefully the 
troops of the enemy, to mark whether they returned by the 
same way they went, or whether they took a diflferent course ; 
and, in the latter case, to come with all speed and give him 
notice of it. The victuallers, however, did not change their 
first route, and upon their return fell into the hands of Scan- 
derbeg, some of whom he slew and took the remainder pris- 
oners. The com, the cattle, and horses he conveyed to his 
camp, and distributed the booty among his soldiers. After 
this Moses returbed with the infantry under his command to 
the camp near Isme, 

The news brought to Amurath of the capture of his pro- 
visions caused him vexation, but he was relieved by a 
message from Alchia, which informed him of supplies that 
were coming from Macedonia. In order to secure the safety 
of these supplies, a large escort of 20,000 able men was de- 
tached from the Turkish army, who conducted all in safety 
to the camp. 

The undermining of the walls of Croia was continued with- 



LIFS OF GEORGE OABTBIOT. 197 

out intennission, and the labor systematically apportioned 
among the troops. At the same time the assailants did nof 
oease to annoy the garrison on the waUs, with the view of 
drawing off their attention from the work which was going 
on under ground. Although some of the Turks perished 
daily during these efforts which they were making, still their 
numbers were so great that these losses were not accounted 
of any moment. 

In addition to the provisions brought from Macedonia, the 
Turkish camp was daily supplied with com, wine, oil, and 
all sorts of victuals by merchants from the neighboring towns 
under the Venetian government : nor was 'there any want 
of mercery, being abundantly afforded by the traders who 
flocked to the camp. All this was very well known to Scan- 
derbeg, but he would not offend the Venetians, nor prevent 
the gain of individuals, by taking any notice of it. He busied 
himself with matters of greater importance, and studied how 
he might by force of arms, and not by famine, drive this 
outrageous enemy out of Epire, In pursuance of this pur- 
pose, he turned his attention to the augmenting of his forces ; 
for, of the 8000 men whom he had levied at the beginning 
of the war, near 1000 had either perished or were suffered 
to return to their homes, these latter being such as he thought 
deserving of some refreshment after their toils. Tanusee and 
Moses were charged with the duty of rabing new troops. 
They were not able to levy, throughout the province, more 
than 2000 men, of whom 500 were cavalry and the residue 
infantry ; for Scanderbeg had so vigilantly ordered his affairs 
that it was difficult to find an able-bodied man in Epire who 
was not already appointed to some service. 

While this levy of forces was going on, the Croians were 
so provoked by the daily alarms caused by the assailants, 
that they could not contain themselves within the walls of 
the town, but, making frequent sallies, encountered their en- 
emies with good success. One day in particular, 600 men 

11* 



198 LIFE OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. 

issued forth, and having slain and put to flight those who 
opposed them, advanced even to the trenches of the enemy. 
The Mahommedans perceiving the rashness of the Christians, 
did not regret the loss which they had sustained, because 
they hoped that this temper of the defendants would afiford 
an opportunity of revenge. In this, however, they were 
mistaken, for Uranocontes, dreading the consequence of 
such hardihood, would not thereafter suffer his men to set 
foot beyond the gates. 

The new bands levied by Scanderbeg being incorporated 
into the old forces, he divided the whole army into three 
parts. One was placed tmder the command of Moses, an- 
other under that of Tanusee, and the third was reserved by 
himself. About the close of the evening,* he ordered his 
ensigns to advance very secretly towards the camp of the 
enemy ; but before he had proceeded as far as within two 
miles of their trenches he was discovered by the Turkish sen- 
tinels. His approach caused a great timiult among his ene- 
mies. They hastily assembled about 8000 men to oppose 
him, which made him pause a little and proceed with more 
caution. The Mahommedans with loud cries advanced to 
meet him, but he gradually retired, in order to draw them 
away from their trenches ; and now Moses and Tanusee sud- 
denly breaking into the ramparts and barriers on the quarter 
which was assigned to them, filled the camp with alarm and 
confusion. While the attention of the Turks was principally 
directed to the quarter attacked by Scanderbeg, Moses and 
Tanusee had leisure to do great execution within the camp. 
This attack did not continue long, for the Turks mustered in 
such force that the Christians thought it prudent to retire. 
Fortunately the camp artillery remained silent, either because 
the enemy did not know how to make use of it in the dark, 
or because, in their terror and confusion, they forgot to em- 

* I do not flud tbe date of the diqr nMnttoned. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 199 

ploy it. Tlie day was beginning to appear, and Scanderbeg 
retired in the hottest of the fight to a hill about two miles oflF, 
where it was easy to see him, and waited for Moses and his 
squadrons, that having been appointed the place of rendez- 
vous. When the Turks perceived Scanderbeg to make a 
stand, they hastened to the tent of Amurath, and entreated 
hira to permit them to issue forth and attack the Albanians, 
at the same time pointing out to him the smallness of their 
numbers. The old man was prevailed upon by their impor- 
tunity and yielded to their request : whereupon a detach- 
ment was immediately made of 12,000 powerful troops,— 
^7000 horse and 5000 foot. Scanderbeg, seeing the large 
body which was advancing towards him, and considering the 
nearness of the whole Ottoman army, was in doubt whether 
to stand their attack or to retreat. The course which he 
adopted was, neither to await the enemy nor to flee precipi- 
tately before them. He retired gradually towards the 
highest and roughest parts of the mountains, trusting to the 
advantage of the ground and the assistance of his other 
troops, whose approach he perceived by the clouds of dust 
which rose in the air. The enemy advanced with great fury 
to the hill, but perceiving the difficulties of the ground they 
slackened their pace. Scanderbeg would not quit his po- 
sition imtil he should be sure of the approach of his troops. 
This, however, could not be concealed from the enemy, who, 
when they perceived that more forces were advancing, turned 
bridle and fled with all speed, in their flight casting many 
of their ensigns to the ground. Their great haste did not 
preserve them entirely from harm, for Scanderbeg and his 
men had begun to engage them, and with their shot from 
aloft had laid many dead. The Dibrian, on his part, coming 
on with all diligence, made many prisoners of those who 
were not able to keep up with their fellows. When Amu- 
rath saw and heard all that had taken place, especially the 
waste and slaughter that had been made in the camp, he 



200 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

was so overcome as to remain speechless ; and that day 
nothing was attempted against the Christians. It is reported, 
that the day following Scanderbeg was seen with a small 
train, as usual, walking on the top of the mountain which 
overhangs Croia, and holding conference with Uranocontes, 
and that being pointed out to Amurath, he, with a sardonic ' 
laugh, said " that the best way was to let alone that furious 
and untamed Uon : and not from thenceforth to feede that 
unhappy beast with the bloud of his men," <kc. 

The army of the Turks was greatly dispirited by these 
occurrences. And to these was added an event of no less 
importance : the working of the mine had been discovered 
by the inhabitants ; and whether, as some relate, they issued 
in the night and destroyed the works of the enemy ; or 
whether, as is maintained by others, Amurath of his own 
accord abandoned the attempt, when he found that the gar- 
rison knew what he was about and prepared to counteract 
his efforts ; or whether he found the difficulty of the work so 
great that he gave it up in despair ; — whatever be the reason, 
he determined to change his mode of attack, and instead of 
violence wid menaces, to employ bribery and corruption. 
In pursuance of this design he sent to the governor, Urano- 
contes, one of his bashaws, a man of high degree and great 
authority, and noted for intelUgence and judgment. This 
officer took with him two servants, charged with rich and 
valuable gifts, which Amurath directed his messenger to 
present to Uranocontes, before entering upon the business 
for which he was sent. The bashaw, when he had received 
his instructions, proceeded directly to the town, and was 
stayed by the guards as he approached the gate, and obliged 
to wait until the governor should be apprised of his coming. 
Uranocontes soon appeared, and the Turk began to present 
his gifts, accompanying them with insinuating and high- 
wrought speeches. But the governor cut him short, telling 
him that he had adorned his gifts with enough of goodly 




LIFE OF GEORGE OABTRIOT. SOI 

and elegant phrases, and desired him to deliver his master's 
message, that they might better know whether to accept or 
reject his presents. 

In answer to this, the messenger made a harangue com- 
posed of threats, and promises, and exhortations, tending to 
show how much^better it would be for Uranpgontes to enter 
into the service of Amurath, and for the Ci-ifians to yield 
themselves to him, than to remain under Scanderbeg ; and 
to persuade the garrison that their efforts to defend them- 
selves must, in the end, prove imavailing. 

The address of the Turk was delivered in a graceful and 
agreeable manner; and when he had ended, he watched 
the effect of what he had said upon those who heard him. 
But perceiving that the soldiers were not pleased with his 
discourse, and were beginning to murmur, he requested the 
governor to permit him to speak a few words with him in 
private. This was granted ; for the garrison felt such confi- 
dence in Uranocontes that they made no opposition to it. 
The opportunity being thus afforded him, the Tm-kish mes- 
senger opened his proposals to the governor, in a most 
plausible and insinuating manner. But Uranocontes again 
interrupted him, and ordered him to get out of his sight. 
Thus was the messenger dismissed with disgrace, and with- 
out having delivered any of his bribes. And, as he depart- 
ed, the governor gave him warning that if he, or any oth^ 
persons, again dared to approach the town and demand a 
parley, they should lose their hands, their noses, and their 
ears, and be otherwise ill treated. 

When the bashaw returned to the camp and made known 
the failure of his mission, and the resolute words and coun- 
tenance of the besieged, the effects upon the multitude were 
sorrow, and fear, and fury, according to the natural tempers 
of the different individuals. The aged sultan, more excited 
than the rest, had recourse again to arms, and resolved upon 
another assault. Orders were accordingly issued to have 



202 UFE OF GEORGE OABTRIOT. 

the scaling-ladders and other engines ready for the following 
morning. He passed the greater part of the night m ma- 
king preparation for the intended attack ; placing the artil- 
lery, and providing for the safety of the camp, as he knew 
that Scanderbcg was ever on the watch to do him some 
mischief. T^this service he destined 30,000 men, well 
appointed, wlRe horses were kept in readiness for action. 
The next morning, at about daybreak, the cannon of the 
assailants and of the town both opened ; but the shot of the 
garrison did much more execution upon their enemies than 
was suffered by themselves, and the Turks were so careless 
of the lives of their own people, that, while bombarding the 
town, they drove from the field many of their men by the 
deadly wounds which their shot inflicted, and by the danger 
to which they exposed them. When the cannon ceased to 
roar, an attempt was made to scale the walls. But such 
was the slaughter among the assailants, that Amurath at 
length put an end to the assault, and retired to his pavilion, 
overcome with grief and rage. He passed the remainder of 
the day tearing his hair and his beard, and pouring out blas- 
phemous speeches against the majesty of heaven, seeming 
to call the Almighty in question for suffering his gray hairs 
and his former glory, and the Ottoman name, to be disgraced 
and himibled for the sake of a paltry castle in Epire. His 
bashaws and friends endeavored in vain to console him. 
The next day, notwithstanding his feebleness of body and 
distress of mind, he held a council of certain of his chief 
oflBcers, who were said to be two bashaws, one of Romania, 
and the other of Asia, and two viziers, or counsellors. After 
long deliberation they were divided into three different opin- 
ions. One was, to continue the siege until the besieged 
should be reduced by famine. Another was, to luise the 
siege of Croia, and with all their forces to pursue and straiten 
Scanderbeg, so as to oblige him to surrender. The third 
opinion was, that it would be best to send ambassadors to 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTEIOT. 203 

Scanderbeg, and endeavor to persuade bim to become tribu- 
tary to tbe Ottoman power ; and tbat, in case tbe Albanian 
listened to tbe proposals made to bim, a yearly tribute 
sbould be demanded from bim of 10,000 crowns. Tbe first 
com^e tbat was proposed did not please Amm-atb, because 
tbe winter was approacbing, and tbe providing for tbe mul- 
titude of bis forces would be very difficult ; in addition to 
wbicb, tbe incursions of Scanderbeg were not a little to be 
feared. ISTeitber did tbe sultan Uke tbe idea of coursing up 
and down tbe mountains of Albania in pursuit of tbe Prince 
of Epire, as be foresaw tbat sucb a proceeding would be 
attended witb many and great dangers. Tbe tbird opinion, 
tberefore, appeared to bim preferable to tbe otbers. 

It being determined to send an ambassador to Scander- 
beg, tbe person cbosen for tbat office was a Turk named 
Isup, a man of great credit and autbority witb Amuratb. 
He was directed by tbe sultan, in case Scanderbeg sbould 
tbink tbe tribute demanded of bim too great, to remit one- 
balf of it. A difficulty still presented itself, and tbat was, 
bow to meet witb Scanderbeg ; for, as tbe country was aU 
in arms, it would be most dangerous to wander about, even 
in tbe cbaracter of an ambassador, not knowing wbere witb 
certainty to find bim. But tbis dilemma was removed by 
some Dibrians, prisoners in tbe Turkisb camp, wbo, upon 
condition of regaining tbeir Uberty, engaged to conduct tbe 
messenger safe to tbe presence of Scanderbeg. Tbese terms 
being agreed upon, tbey led tbe way to tbe Cbristian camp. 
Wben tbey arrived at tbe river Isme, tbey found tbat tbe 
prince bad removed to a place in tbe open country, called 
tbe Red Plain, not far from tbe river Isme. Tbe Dibrians, 
baving obtained information from tbe inbabitants, followed 
bim, and in less tban an bour arrived at bis encampment. 
Tbe wbole company did not enter togetber into tbe camp ; 
but one of tbe Dibrians, leaving tbe otbers witbout, went 
alone to pay bis respects to Scanderbeg, and to ask bim 



SM Un OF CEOftOB CA0TBIOT. 

w^fiit WM }iM pI'Muiai^ with Tff^wi iff the Turldih amboan- 
A'fT, 'Hift f>i(/mn wan jnyfuWy wftlc^^med by the men of his 
ffwn nt\Msyi\rtmt ftivj \mmt'AviU:\y rj^nducied to Bcanderbeg. 
f f^ wtih'jfiwA ihtt %*Mitzr ; htui when he learned his buunesSy 
fr/rthwith m'.ni TtintW'ji, with a train of horse and foot, to 
•/company th<; amFiaMfia/Jor to bin presence. The Turk did 
n/;t erit4?r uit^m bin biinin'sMi that day, as it was far spent; 
but jftmmui the ni^ht amon^ the t^;nt» of the Chnstiaos, 
iKfin^ tuturU'rjm]y rwjtlvfA and Humptuously entertained. 
Bui, while thin was doin^, l/lfrntsu was commanded by Scan- 
derUif; to scour the country round with a large troop of 
horNe, and the guardu were doubled ; lest, under this fair 
show, Mmie treafJiery should Ho concealed. Early the next 
day, the princifyal ofHcers of the army being assembled, 
HcHn(liirt)e^ gave audietice to the Turkish messenger. Isup 
delivered hJN mesNage, in u speech which, as reported, is too 
long Ui be hero ifmerU^J. The t^trms offered so roused the 
Indignation of the hearers, thai the Turk could not proceed 
with liiH h»riingu<i. The answer of Scanderbeg is reported 
to have en<le<l thus : ** (lod forbid, that any age or time 
Mhouhl see, or that any man living should ever hear, 
that this province was Ix^como tributary, as long as Scan- 
dtn'beg is alive. Assure yourselves, if the Ottoman would 
restore unto me the whole and entire possession of Mace- 
donia, and all the patrimony of my ancestors; nay, if 
Amurath would divide with me and make me copartner 
with l\im of all his empire, I would never suffer the name of 
AUtnniti to \w stained imd blemished with this blot of dis- 
grueo and infamy. In vain, therefore, dost thou heap up 
theH(\ (Examples of strangers and foreign states ; in vain dost 
tl\ou n^prt^Mont befont our eyes the subjection of the Pelo- 
ponimHians. and st^rvitude of them of Asia ; for there is no 
tucaiuplo i\or pri»oedi»ut whatsin^ver of so great weight and 
^nioaey. which may mt>vo a free and liberal heart to subject 
Md submit iUoIf to »o base, viUainous, and foul an indignity !** 




LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 205 

From the temper with which his proposals were received, 
the Turk saw that to make an offer of receiving less tribute, 
or to urge the negotiation any longer, would be of no avail. 
When the council broke up, the ambassador and his train 
were conducted to the quarters of Scanderbeg where they 
dined and were treated with distinction ; after which, Ta- 
nusee and a troop of horsemen escorted him the distance of 
a mile from the camp, to prevent any violence which might 
be offered by the soldiery. The Turk was scarcely out of 
sight before Scanderbeg with all his army, for fear of some 
stratagem of the enemy, marched to the mountain Tume- 
nista, where he placed guards and scouts on all sides with 
more care than he had ever been wont to do. 

The return of Isup without having effected his purpose, 
much troubled Amurath, who lay at the lesser Tyranna, 
and it also aggravated the violence of the illness with 
which he was afflicted. His disorder continumg daily to in- 
crease, the attention of the bashaws was almost entirely di- 
verted from military affairs to the care of the sultan. But 
the nature of his malady being imknown to them, they 
could bethink themselves of nothing better than to amuse 
him with agreeable conversation and entertaining discourse. 
Affairs continued in this state for some time. Yet, not- 
withstanding his indisposition and uneasiness, the sultan 
was able to give audience to his people and direct what 
was to be done in matters of importance, until Scanderbeg, 
by two or three attacks upon his camp, broke down his re- 
maining strength. The first and second inroad of Scander- 
beg were of no great consequence, as the Turks were on 
their guard, and promptly repulsed the Epirots ; but these 
disappointments only served to chafe the hardy spirit of 
Scanderbeg, who, choosing the night season for his third 
attack, marched with all his horsemen towards Tyranna, 
which being more plain than the rest of the country, was 
better adapted to the movements of tiavalry. It was past 

18 



206 UFE OF GEORGE CASTEIOT. 

midnight when the approach of the Christians was discov- 
ered by the tramp and the neighing of their horses. The 
darkness was greater than usual, which obliged the Turks to 
order their defence by hearing and not by sight. The Al- 
banians also were somewhat daimted by the obscurity, so 
that no one appeared willing to advance before the rest. 
But in this uncertainty Scanderbeg, taking about 100 of his 
vanguard, rushed forward with great fury to the trenches of 
the enemy in the hope of provoking them to issue forth. 
Having incensed them by taimts, and by throwing darts 
among them, some were drawn forth from their stations 
with the intention of setting upon hhn ; but, part of them 
being overthrown, the rest were glad to return within their 
camp. Scanderbeg continued for a while to attempt to de- 
coy the enemy to attack him ; but at length finding his ef- 
forts fruitless, he returned to the main body ; and, dividing 
his troops between Streese and Tanusee, for Moses was 
left with the infantry at Tumenista, he led them on against 
the enemy. The first onset was with shot on both sides, 
for Scanderbeg feared to let his ranks be intermingled with 
those of the Turks during the darkness, lest his men shoidd 
mistake one another for the enemy ; and it is probable that 
they would not have come to close quarters had it not been 
for the Turks, who, trusting to their great niunbers, de- 
tached a large battalion of horse towards the left with the 
view of inclosmg the Christians ; but Scanderbeg withdrew 
from the trenches into the open field, and charged the enemy 
with great fury in front and rear. The Turks at first re- 
sisted bravely ; but at length, not finding themselves sup- 
ported by any fresh succors, and their spirit flagging as that 
of the Albanians rose, they gave way and fied with all 
speed back to their trenches. A great niunber of Turks 
and some Christians were slain in this conflict. When day- 
light came, the midtitude of Turks which showed them- 
selves was so great that Scanderbeg's forces were obliged 



LIFE OF OEOR6B CASTRIOT. 207 

to retire. The Turkish troops would gladly have pursued 
them, but for fear of displeasing the sultan, they desisted. 
This fight being without the trenches, caused no disorder 
within the camp; neither was any spoil obtained by the 
•victors except what was found upon the bodies of the slain. 
The principal officers of the Turks endeavored to conceal 
this misfortime from the sultan, lest it shoidd increase his 
malady. But the whisperings and murmurs of the com- 
mon soldiers did not fail to betray to him what had hap- 
pened. 

Greatly was Amurath perplexed to decide upon what 
course to pursue. Shame would not permit him, after the great 
armament which he had brought into the field, to raise the 
siege and evacuate the kingdom. Some advised him to 
leave the greater part of his army to continue the siege, and 
himself to retire to Adrianople and recruit his health by rest 
from the fatigues and miseries of war. But his health con- 
tinuing to decline, and a difficulty of breathing coming upon 
him, his attendants perceived that his days were numbered, 
and that no change of place could restore him : therefore, 
although they ceased not to apply such remedies as they 
still hoped might be of use, yet the chief caife of every one, 
like mariners without a pilot, was, how to provide for the 
safety of the army. The tents, which lay scattered at a 
distance from each other, were placed nearer together ; the 
intrenchments were contracted to a less circuit ; and strong 
guards were carefully placed around. Having thus pro- 
vided for their safety, the army remained in expectation 
either of the death of the sultan, which would put an end 
to the war, or of his recovery, when some new plan of oper- 
ations might be devised. Scanderbeg was daily informed 
of all these things; and many of the Turks surrendered 
themselves to him, from whom he learned the proceedings 
and councils of the enemy ; and especially did they resort 
to him after it was rumored abroad that the sultan was 



208 LIFB OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

drawing near his end. Scanderbeg thought it best not to 
continue his attacks upon the enemy, but to reserve his 
most vigorous effort until after the death of Amurath : but 
he often, by day and by night, ascended to the top of the 
mountain called Crajma, and considted with Uranocontes ; 
or coursed with troops of soldiers over the neighboring hills, 
in hopes of surprising some of the Turks employed in the 
service of the camp, and with the intention of keeping them 
in continual alarm. 

This state of suspense did not continue long ; for, within 
a few days, Amurath breathed his last. It is reported that, 
when he found his end approaching, he caused himself to be 
raised up on his low bed, and uttered long complaints against 
the destinies for having decreed that the former glories of 
his reign should be tarnished by such a disgraceful termina- 
tion of his career. He admonished his son Mahomet to take 
warning from the example before him never to despise an 
enemy, however contemptible he might appear ; and ended 
his address in words to this effect : " Thou therefore, my son, 
shalt receive both the sceptre, and the other marks of our 
empire : but principally and above all, I leave unto thee this 
enemy, charging thee that thou do not leave our death un- 
revenged ; but that thou have this thing only and continually 
before thy eyes, and in thy mind, in acknowledgment of so 
large and honorable a patrimony from me as thou art to re- 
ceive and enjoy. Other sacrifice than this neither my aged 
trembling hands, nor my grieved departing spirit require of 
thee/' 

His power of speech now began to fail him ; and, after 
continuing about half a day in a dying condition, he breathed 
his last. His body was embalmed, and kept in state, to be 
taken to Bursa, formerly named Pnisa, in Bithynia, there to 
be deposited in the sepulchre of his ancestors. Mahomet 
was immediately saluted as sovereign lord. He was advised 
by his chief officers to keep the death of his father carefully 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 809 

concealed, that the report thereof might not reach the 
enemy. Late at night, the baggage was made ready, and, 
before the dawn of day, they began their march. It is said 
that Amurath died about the middle of August, 1450, five 
months after the siege of Croia was begun. His age is 
variously stated ; but all agree that he had attained to 
eighty-five years. Mahomet was very unwilling to raise the 
siege, and to abandon a war which had brought such dis- 
honor upon the Turkish arms. But he was under the neces- 
sity of hastening to Adrianople, to take the investiture of his 
crown and empire, according to ancient custom ; and to be 
ready to quell any tumults which might arise upon the ac- 
cession of a new sovereign. Scanderbeg did not fail to fol- 
low him in his retreat, and hang upon his army, picking up 
the stragglers, and sometimes pressing on his main body. 
And he thus continued to harass his enemies until they were 
beyond the bounds of his country. He then returned in 
triumph towards Croia. He was received by a concourse of 
people, and welcomed with every demonstration of joy and 
affection by Uranocontes. The common people expressed 
their delight and reverence by prostrating themselves, ac- 
cording to their manner, at the feet of their prince, and by 
kissing the skirts of his garments ; and by songs, acclama- 
tions, music of instruments, ringing of bells, bonfires, ban- 
queting, and whatever else could give vent to the joy of their 
hearts. The conduct of the Croians during the siege was 
highly commended by Scanderbeg ; and the garrison, over 
and above their stipulated pay, were rewarded with large 
sums of money, and good and rich clothing. The governor, 
besides a large sum of money, received from Scanderbeg two 
purple coats of armor, and one richly wrought with gold, 
and four valuable manors ; and, unexpectedly to him, he was 
created Duke of Emathia, and received the immediate inves- 
titure and possession of that dignity. 
Scanderbeg sent messengers to the neighboring princes 

18* 




210 UFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

and people to announce the events that had occurred. 
Which news, when spread abroad, brought multitudes of 
people to visit Croia, and congratulations to Scanderbeg even 
from distant countries ; and his name became renowned 
above that of all other men. The princes of Christendom 
to these congratulations added substantial tokens of their 
gratitude and esteem. Nicholas, -bishop of Rome, Ladis- 
laus, king of Hungary, and Philip, duke, of Burgundy, 
seeming emulous of one another, sent their ambassadors into 
Epire with succors of large sums of money. Alphonsus, 
king of Aragon, a faithfid friend of Scanderbeg, not only 
sent him liberal supphes of treasure, but furnished him with 
300,000 measures of wheat and 100,000 measures of bar- 
ley, when he had learned the wants of the country occa- 
sioned by the interrupted cultivation of the land, and the de- 
vastation caused by the Turks. He also sent many work- 
men, at his own charge, to assist in repairing the walls of 
Croia, which he knew had been sorely battered by the 
enemy. 

In honor of the success of his arms Scanderbeg proclaimed 
a tournament under the walls of Croia, which attracted 
many gallant youths, who came to contend for the prizes, 
and was attended by multitudes who assembled as specta- 
tors of the games ; and afforded, it is said, a brave and noble 
spectacle. ^ 



211 



BOOK VII. 

While Mahomet was establishing himself in the throne 
of his ancestors, the Prince of Epire was engaged in repair- 
ing the ruins of Croia. He entirely renewed the old forti- 
fications, which were in a dilapidated condition, partly from 
the effects of time, and partly from the cannon of the enemy. 
He added other defences of a more modem description, and 
not like to those which were constructed before the use of 
ordnance, and when the chief security of cities consisted in 
the valor of those who defended them. Among the new 
fortifications of Croia, Scanderbeg caused a large and strong 
tower to be built at the city gate, decreasing gradually in 
circumference as it rose. The other parts of the town were 
strengthened by works constructed under the direction of 
able engineers. 

While Scanderbeg was thus occupied, his nearest relations 
among the princes and nobles incessantly urged him, now 
that there was a cessation from the troubles of war, to 
marry, and have children. Although the Albanian prince 
was dismclined to follow this advice, yet he deemed it most 
expedient, all things considered, to yield to the wishes of 
his friends and subjects. Accordingly a marriage was con- 
cluded upon between him and Doniqua, the daughter of 
Ariamnites Comminat, chief for power and wealth among 
the lords of Epire. She was of remarkable beauty, and 
brought him a dower worthy both of him who bestowed, 
and of him who received it. The nuptials were celebrated 
without delay, and the bride was attended by the neighbor- 
ing princes and nearly all the nobihty of the country ; and 
iKich as could not be present in person sent ambassadors. 



212 LIFE OF 6E0R6B CASTRIOT. 

together with costly presents. The alliance thus formed with 
BO powerful a prince, raised the hopes of the people that 
their liberty might be permanently established. The gov- 
ernment of Venice expressed its approbation of the marriage 
by sending an embassy and rich presents. The same tokens 
of satisfaction were exhibited by other princes and poten- 
tates. The presents from the King of Aragon were so 
magnificent, that Scanderbeg would not have received them 
but for the importimity of his friends and the Spanish am- 
bassadors ; but, in return, he sent very valuable spoils 
which he had taken from his enemies. Thus was this mar- 
riage celebrated with universal approbation and joy, and not 
without jousts and tournaments, and other spectacles. 

Mahomet was not ignorant of these transactions, nor of 
the fortifications of Croia. It is thought that he would wil- 
lingly have interrupted the proceedmgs of Scanderbeg, but 
that he was too busily engaged in establishing himself upon 
his newly-inherited throne, and in providing treasure for his 
intended warlike enterprises. But he spoke openly of his 
purpose, ere long, to convert the happiness and joy of Scan- 
derbeg's marriage into tears and lamentations. 

Scanderbeg now effected what he long contemplated, but 
from which he had been hindered by the continual occupa- 
tion given him by his wars. This was, to visit the frontiers 
and other parts of his dominions. He made this tour, which 
lasted many days, accompanied by his bride and by a good 
troop of horsemen. Wherever he went he was received with 
every mark of joy and liberality ; and to all, from tho 
highest to the lowest, he showed kindness and condescen- 
sion. His course extended to the furthest limits of his king- 
dom. In Lower Dibria he observed a pass through which, 
as being the most convenient, the Turks had ever been accus- 
tomed to invade his territories, and make sudden inroads for 
the purpose of foraging or of laying waste the country. 
Through the same the ChristiaDS had been wont to enter 




LIFE OF GEOROE CABTRIOT. 218 

the lands of their enemies. He determined to deprive the 
Turks of this facility to annoy his subjects. Near this pass 
was a rugged mountain called Modrissa, of great height, 
jfrom the top of which the frontiers of the enemy might be 
seen to a great distance. On the summit of this mountain 
he resolved to build a fort, whose cannon might give notice 
to the neighboring country of the approach of the Turks, 
and which might also, in case of need, afford a place of 
refuge to the inhabitants in its vicinity. He had long pur^ 
posed to do this, but had not been able to effect it on ac- 
count of his continual wars. In pursuance of this design he 
speedily returned to Croia, whose fortifications were now 
complete, and took thence a number of masons, carpenters, 
and other workmen belonging to the town, and about four 
thousand soldiers as guards to the workmen against any in- 
terruption that might be caused by the enemy. With this 
band he proceeded to Modrissa, and engaged in the work 
with so much diligence that it was finished without any an- 
noyance from the Turks. For although Mahomet was burn- 
ing for revenge, and was assembling a powerful army against 
Scanderbeg, he was alarmed by the rumor of war intended 
against him by the Persians, and by this for a time di- 
verted from his intended operations against the kingdom of 
Epire. 

Mahomet, as may be supposed, was not a little annoyed by 
seeing the good fortune of Scanderbeg, and by hearing the 
complaints of his own subjects that they were perpetually 
harassed by the inroads of the Christians. He at first 
vented his wrath in violent menaces against Scanderbeg, but 
finally determined to make an effort to obtain peace. For 
this purpose he sent an embassy offering terms of pacifica- 
tion similar to those formerly proposed by Amurath. Scan- 
derbeg was made acquainted with all the proceedings of the 
Ottoman court by friends high in rank whom he had about 
Mahomet, so that when the ambassadors arrived they were 



214 LIFB OF 6EOR6B CABTRIOT. 

not long detained for an answer. The reply of Scanderbeg 
was a decided rejection of the terms proposed to him ; and with 
this the ambassadors were dismissed. Scanderbeg continued 
diligently to get ready the defences of his coimtry. The for- 
tress of Modrissa in less than six months was inclosed and 
encompassed with walls, and provided with accommodations 
for the soldiers. Whatever else was wanted was added 
from time to time. The place was so strong by nature that 
it required no ditches nor ramparts. Pieces of ordnance 
were taken there from Croia, and the men instructed how 
and for what to use them. 

When all this was done, Scanderbeg, with his troops, 
made an incursion into the territories of the Turks, and find- 
ing the places defenceless, he laid waste all that came under 
his hand. After which some of the men returned with 
their chieftain to Croia laden with spoil; but the greater 
part were left in garrison, as had been customary, upon the 
frontiers. For although the fortress of Modrissa was a 
great security to the country near it, it was not sufficient 
for the whole frontier, the forces in garrison being also 
specially designed to repulse the incursions of the barbarians. 
And in case an attack should be made upon, them by a 
power too great for them to resist, they were to retire to 
the tops and fastnesses of the mountains, or into the interior 
of the coimtry. 

When Scanderbeg returned to Croia, being desirous to 
take advantage of the time during which the sidtan could 
not move against him, and to perform some action for the 
benefit of his country, he assembled his nobles, the prin- 
cipal citizens, and the greater part of his troops, and 
having a long time considered the state of affairs, in order to 
try how their minds were affected, he made an address, in 
which the following thoughts were embodied. They had 
long enough been engaged in feasting and amusement, and 
ought not any longer to neglect their arms, and let their 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 215 

courage sleep ; they had spent a whole year in recreation, 
in repairing their towns, and in erecting new works, and had 
not once met their enemies. While Mahomet was engaged 
in attending to the Persians, weakened in power, and per- 
plexed with various concerns, was the time to arouse, and 
not wait for the assaults of the enemy. Sfetigrade, with all 
the difficulties which might attend their efforts, called upon 
them to attempt its recovery. Or if they felt averse to at- 
tack that city, other places might be found whose capture 
would be some compensation for the loss of Sfetigrade. 
He mentioned the city of Belgrade as worthy of all their 
efforts, and added many motives to induce them to immedi- 
ate action. But his speech did not meet with that hearty re- 
sponse with which what he addressed to his troops was wont 
to be received. At length Uranocontes, in the name of the 
rest, representecji to him that the unwillingness of his troops 
arose from the lateness of the season, and apprehension of 
being overtaken by winter. And he is reported to have 
thus concluded what he said to Scanderbeg. "All this 
notwithstanding (most vahant prince, the mirror of mag- 
nanimity), we will not hinder thy determinations ; but if 
thou dost think that thine own opinion and conceit in this 
point be more for the benefit and advantage of the estate, 
and for the public and common reputation, we will march 
on with a good will, and will cheerfully follow thy ensigns 
wheresoever it shall please thee to lead us ; will frame and 
fit our tongues and our speeches, our hands and our actions, 
yea, the very times and. seasons, to serve only at thy good 
will and pleasure, and as it shall seem good unto thee. In 
thy company the snow shall be pleasant, the showers shall 
seem sweet, the winter shall be thought mild, and all things 
shall be gracious, acceptable, and pleasing unto us ; no 
troubles, no difficulties, no hazards, nor any kind of dangers 
shall grieve or discontent us, so long as thou art our leader 
and commander ; so long as we may enjoy the happy pres- 



216 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

ence of thy virtues, and may follow the greatness of thy 
fortunes." 

Scanderbeg, perceiving the temper of mind of his sub- 
jects, and being conscious that they had reason on their 
side, with his usual candor and good nature, by which he 
- won the hearts of all who were connected with him, yielded 
his own desire to the inclination of others ; and, when the 
assembly broke up, licensed every one to depart to his own 
home. In the beginning of summer he had left his queen 
at Petra-Alba, which, as long as he lived, was his practice 
ever after at that season of the year, as being an agreeable 
retreat during the summer heats. The rest of the year she 
generally passed at Croia, except when the Turks were in 
the country, or extraordinary dangers were imminent; at 
which times the king took her, with all her household and 
most valuable property, to Colchina, a maritime town of the 
Venetians, or to some other place far removed from danger. 
Now that his army was dismissed, he, with Amese, and a 
very small train, joined the queen in Petra-Alba. Beneath 
this castle extended a plain of great natural beauty, which 
was cultivated with great care, and enriched with all man- 
ner of shrubs, vines, and trees. In this retreat, as has been 
said, the queen passed a part of the year, with the ladies of 
her court, her maids of honor, and her officers* This plain 
was encompassed on all sides by woods and thickets, valleys 
and narrow passes, which made it difficult of access. In 
these Scanderbeg always kept a large force to watch and 
guard the place, which was also well provided with men 
and with munitions of war. After a short stay at Petra-Alba, 
he returned with his queen to Croia. Here he was not per- 
mitted to remain long in tranquillity ; for, as Uranocontes had 
wisely predicted, news arrived, which was daily confirmed, 
that the probability of war between the Persians and Turks 
no longer existed, and that Mahomet was bending all his 
thoughts against the Albanians. 




LIFE OF 6E0R0E CASTRIOT. 217 

These tidings gave Scanderbeg great uneasiness, but he 
told his subjects that recourse must be had to arms and good 
counsel, and not to anger and indignation. Though he was 
in hope that the enemy would not march when the season 
was so far advanced, he immediately mounted his horse, and 
taking with him not more than fifty horsemen, he quitted 
Croia and went towards the frontiers, where Moses was sta- 
tioned, in order to consult upon the course which it would 
be proper for him to pursue. Upon his arrival at the fron- 
tiers, he foimd that the reports which he had heard at Croia 
were true. Thereupon he in great haste levied about 6000 
men, and retired with them into the lower Dibria, where he 
usually encamped his army during the winter season. He 
gave charge to Moses and others not to move or attempt any 
thing before they saw him approach with his forces. Ten 
days scarcely elapsed between these preparations and the 
coming of the Turks. Their advance was first discovered by 
the garrison in the new fort of Modrissa, who, according to 
their instructions, gave notice by firing the cannon. This 
signal being commxmicated to Scanderbeg by the inhabitants 
of the coimtry, he trussed up his baggage in the night, and, 
as silently as possible, made towards the enemy. Moses was 
not present with Scanderbeg in this service, for the Turks 
directed their course far off from the place where he was 
stationed, and he would not leave unguarded the passes 
which had been committed to his charge. The Turkish force 
advanced the same night with great celerity. It consisted 
of about 12,000 chosen troops, all horsemen and well ap- 
pointed. The Christian army was composed of horse and 
foot nearly equal to each other in number. Near break of 
day, notice being given by the Christian scouts of the road- 
taken by Amese,* the general of the Turks, Scanderbeg sta- 
tioned himself upon the mountain Modrissa, with the intent 

* Or Ameeaf 
19 



218 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

to surprise the enemy, who had now advanced beyond the 
mountain Mocrea, and had entered the valley which lay be- 
tween that and Modrissa. When the foremost Turks had 
ascended the mountain, and had become entangled among 
the rocks and declivities, their horses being out of breath 
with the exertions they had made, the Christian general gave 
the signal of attack, and, with loud cries, his troops rushed 
like a torrent upon the Turks, and overthrew and beat them 
down, being, both men and horses, already breathless and 
wearied. The attack was led by the infantry, because the 
nature of the ground was ill adapted to the movements of 
cavalry, and the chief credit of this victory is due to the foot 
soldiers. The Turks who had reached the top of the hill 
threw away their lances and defended themselves with their 
cimeters ; but, as their horses had no sure footing, their 
eflforts were unavailing, and the Christians, covering them- 
selves with their targets, first slew the horses and then their 
riders. Many of the Turks dismounted, and either fought 
on foot or endeavored to save themselves by retiring into the 
valley towards their companions. Scanderbeg sent his neph- 
ew Amese with a strong troop of horse down the other side 
of the mountain, where the descent was more gradual, and 
a new engagement began in the passes of the valley. When 
it was broad daylight, Scanderbeg's battalion of horse having 
repulsed the enemy, descended into the plain. Of the in- 
fantry, some pursued the enemy, and others from the foot 
of the mountain showered their arrows upon them while 
broken and disordered. Scanderbeg pressing them hard on 
one side and Amese on the other, they inclosed the Turkish 
general, who being often summoned to surrender, at length 
most unwillingly yielded himself prisoner. He was granted, 
by the law of arms, to Amese, the nephew of Scanderbeg, 
by whose desire he took his prisoner to Croia with some part 
of the spoils, especially the standards. The rest of the booty 
was given up to the soldiers. In this encounter all the 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 219 

Turkish standards were taken, seven thousand men were left 
dead upon the place, and most of the horses were killed or 
wounded. The loss of the Christians was trifling ; for, at 
the utmost, it amounted to not ahove thirty men. 

Scanderbeg remained some days in the parts where the 
battle was fought, that he might overrun the frontier of the 
enemy, dismiss his soldiers, and order the rest of his affairs. 
After this he returned to Croia in time for the festival of 
Christmas. As he approached the city, the mhabitants of 
all ages rushed out in troops to meet him with loud and joy- 
ful acclamations, such as were never heard on the like occa- 
sions ; for they looked upon the late victory as an omen that 
they should be as fortunate against the young sultan as they 
had been against his father. During the Christmas festivi- 
ties Scanderbeg directed that the prisoners should not be 
kept in confinement, and that Amese, the Turkish general, 
should be brought to him. He received him very kindly and 
entertained him sumptuously ; making him, as much as was 
in his power, partaker of the pleasures of the season. The 
Turk requested Scanderbeg to permit one of the captives to 
go to Adrianople, in order to treat of the ransom of the pris- 
oners ; to this Scanderbeg acceded, and their ransom being 
agreed upon for 13,000 crowns, two of the prisoners were 
immediately dispatched in company with a Christian, who 
was to see them safe beyond the borders. Such were the 
events with which the year 1451 was signalized. 

When Mahomet heard the news of his misfortime, and 
saw the remnant of his army return without a general, with- 
out standards, and without arms, the grief and indignation 
felt by him as well as by the public at large may be more 
easily imagined than described. The sultan was very minute 
in his inquiries concerning all the particulars of the battle 
with Scanderbeg. But, when he had obtained the informa- 
tion which he sought, he endeavored to conceal the mortifi- 
cation which he felt by plunging into revelry and banqueting. 



i 



220 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

His covetous disposition was mucb troubled by tbe message 
sent from his general Amese respecting the ransom of the 
prisoners. He was much inclined to refuse to listen to any 
treaty on the subject, imder pretence that the whole misfor- 
time was attributable to the folly or the cowardice of his 
general. But the principal persons of his court, and the 
friends and relations of the prisoners, dissuaded him from act- 
ing in such a manner. They represented to him that the 
whole course of Amese's hfe proved him to be incapable of 
any want of fidelity, and that supposing him to be in fault, 
the rest of the army ought not to be neglected on that ac- 
count. The reasons offered were so cogent that the money 
was soon procured and dehvered to the messengers, besides 
many valuable presents which were sent privately to Scan- 
derbeg, and the ransom was quickly brought to Epire and 
paid. The greater portion of the sum was by Scanderbeg 
delivered to his nephew, the remainder was partly divided 
among the soldiers, and partly sent to Moses to be distributed 
among his garrison. Scanderbeg's nephew showed himself to 
be as liberal as his imcle ; for, keeping very httle for himself, 
he divided what was received by him among his friends and 
those who had shared in his perils. When the ramsom was 
paid, the prisoners were suffered to depart. It is said that 
Amese, the Turkish general, left Scanderbeg with great re- 
gret, and that before his departure he conversed much with 
the prince upon the nature and disposition of Mahomet, and of 
the manner in which the war should be carried on agamst 
him. The prisoners received many gifts when they departed. 
Many days' provision was likewise afforded them, and a good 
convoy which took them safe to their own borders. 

Before the arrival of Amese at Adrianople a new levy of 
troops had begun, and the old companies were filled up with 
new men in place of those who were wanting. The com- 
mand of these forces was given to an experienced and brave 
ofSk^er named Debreas, who had attained to the rank of Sa- 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 221 

niacke (Sanziak). This commander, relying upon his own 
talents, and allowing nothing to fortune, promised the sultan 
a certain victory ; at the same time assuring him that he 
would not risk all his forces in one engagement, but that he 
would proceed carefully and by degrees. He did not require 
a larger force than had been sent with his predecessor 
Amese ; prompted, in all likelihood, by ambition to restore 
the fortune of the Turkish arms by a power not exceeding 
that which had suffered defeat. 

Debreas was not the only one who desired this command, 
for many others were anxious to be intrusted with this dif- 
ficult and dangerous service. And by how much the fame 
of Scanderbeg increased, by so much did the desire of those 
who had a high opinion of themselves become more vehement 
to have the honor of serving against him. The great rewards 
offered by Mahomet to the one who should vanquish the 
Albanian, also contributed not a little to render men anxious 
to engage in this service. But when Amese returned, such 
was the account which he gave of Scanderbeg and of his 
fortime, and so liberal was he in his commendations of him 
and his troops, that the courage of those who were before 
so eager was much abated ; and the opinion of Debreas was 
so much changed that the sultan nearly resolved to put a 
stop to the expedition. But, for the honor of the empire, 
he thought it better to increase the number of his forces 
than to show a distrust of his Sanziak before he had been 
put to the proof, or to leave the discomfiture of Amese and 
the disgrace of his arms imrevenged. He therefore added 
to the troops already levied 3000 horse. 

When every thing was prepared, and the troops ready to 
march, a storm of rain came on, and continued so long as to 
delay for some time the advance of the expedition. The 
foul weather at length ceased ; and the season, in consequence 
of the approach of spring, became more mild. Whereupon, 
the Turkish forces, with all speech, began their maroh. 

19* 



222 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

Scanderbeg also drew into bis camp to consult witb bis cbie& 
about tbe ordering of bis affairs ; and, in a sbort time, he 
assembled a force of 7000 men, or somewbat more. 

Tbe speed witb wbicb tbe armies of Epire were assem- 
bled and equipped was owing to tbe provident care of Scan- 
derbeg ; for be bad distributed tbe greater part of bis rev- 
enues and domains among tbe cbief men of bis country, 
upon condition of tbeir being always ready to bring into tbe 
field, in time of war, a certain number of troops well pro- 
vided and equipped, to be employed under tbeir command, 
in sucb service as be sbould direct. Tbis body of forces 
was, consequently, always prepared for action. Tbe custom 
of tbe country also required a certain number of tbe hus- 
bandmen to accompany tbeir chiefs in military service, with- 
out receiving any pay. And the hope of prey and plun- 
der induced more to offer themselves as soldiers than tbe 
prince required. From this it appears how Scanderbeg, 
without great revenues, was able so constantly to recruit his 
armies. His fame also, and the confidence which men felt 
in his talents and good fortune, were alone suficient to allure 
numbers to bis standards. His mercenary troops were 
chiefly paid by the sums which he received from the Bishops 
of Rome, the King of Naples, and other Catholic Chris- 
tian princes. 

When the Turkish general Debreas had arrived near to 
the confines of Epire, Castriot, who was well advised of his 
movements, ordered his men to mount without delay. He 
selected 6000 horsemen from his whole army. As the ser- 
vice required great expedition, he could not conveniently 
employ his infantry. Before he began his march, he sent 
Moses with ten horsemen to reconnoitre the enemy ; and 
then followed leisurely with the rest of the squadrons. The 
moon shone so bright that the Dibrian was enabled to ob- 
tain a full view of the enemy. The Turkish general, wait- 
ing for the break of day, was encamped in a plain, bounded 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTEIOT. 223 

on one 'side by the mountain Mocrea, on the other by the 
town of Scopia, belonging to the Turks, and was also in- 
closed by two mountains of considerable height, called by 
the general name of the mountains of Pologue. Moses 
brought back a distinct account of every thing which he had 
observed to his chief, who immediately ordered his troops 
to hasten their pace. They had just left Mocrea, and en- 
tered upon the plain, when the heavens were suddenly over- 
cast, and a gentle rain at first fell, which was succeeded by 
a violent tempest of wind and storm, and thunder and light- 
ning. Hereupon the ensigns halted, and the troops were 
seized with a panic as though they were met by an omen of 
ill fortune. Scanderbeg treated the apprehensions of his 
men with derision, and ordered the standard-bearer in front 
to push on, and his men to take advantage of the weather 
to charge the enemy, telling them that the sudden storm 
was but a usual occurrence at that season of the year, be- 
ing the month of March, and that they would soon see the 
sky as serene as ever. He in this manner allayed the super- 
stitious fears of his men; and, as he had predicted, the 
moon again shone out. When the approach of the Alba- 
nians was perceived by the Turks, their astonishment at the 
boldness of the Christians was very great ; and they at first 
appeared irresolute how to act ; but Debreas, confiding in 
the superiority of his numbers, gave the signal to charge, 
and passing up and down through his troops, encouraged 
and animated them by his speeches. 

He then sent forward a detachment to skirmish with the 
Christians and repress the fury of their attack, that he might 
have leisure to arrange his battle to the best advantage. 

Scanderbeg also addressed his men ; and was particularly 
careful to keep them in firm array and order of battle, 
with the view of preventing their ranks from becoming in- 
termingled and confounded with those of the enemy, espe- 
cially as his forces were inferior in number. As he did not 



wmm 



224 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

trust to the strength of the light troops who had begun to 
skirmish with the enemy, he directed Moses and Amese, 
with a strong squadron of chosen men, to encounter the 
Turks who were coming on. He kept the rest of his squad- 
rons in close and regular order, and in great silence. The 
Turkish general also kept his troops quiet, and the engagement 
was carried on between the avant-couriers of the two armies. 
But the Dibrian* soon put an end to this kind of combat, 
for, rushing into the midst of the enemy, he slew a great 
many and put the remainder to flight ; and in the heat of 
his fury forgetting himself, he would have rushed into the 
main battle of the Turks, had he not been restrained and the 
men called back by Amese. Moses was doubtless a brave 
and able commander, but, when his blood was heated, he 
was apt to be led away by his eagerness. It is said that 
Scanderbeg sharply reprehended him for his imprudence, 
telling him that a private soldier might be excused for such 
hardihood, but that it became a leader to have more com- 
mand of himself. 

The main body of the Turks remained quiet, and Scan- 
derbeg was, at first, imcertain how to act ; but at length, he 
sounded a charge and made a furious onset upon them, at 
the same time animating his men with encouraging words. 
The Turks received the attack very coolly, and Debreas ad- 
vanced to the front to inspire his men with courage ; so 
that the ardor of the Albanians was somewhat repressed. 
Whilst the two armies were thus face to face, and the battle 
not completely joined, one of the Musaches was sent with a 
detachment of horse from the left wing to charge the enemy 
on that side, and there their ranks first began to be dis- 
ordered. Scanderbeg continued pressing on the front, and 
eagerly watching for the general of the Turks. It is re- 
ported that, in all his battles, he was desirous of attacking the 



Moeei. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 225 

commander ; and was wcmt to say, that be knew of no crea- 
ture in the world that could live after its head was taken oflF. 
But the brave charge made by Musache thwarted the 
purpose of Scanderbeg, for Debreas, leaving, the front of the 
battle, hastened to prevent his troops from getting into con- 
fusion. The soldiers in the van, perceiving that the general 
had left them, became discouraged, and suffered themselves 
to be easily driven in among the other battaUons. Moses 
broke furiously among them, and snatching an ensign out of 
the hands of one of the Turks, threw it to his companions 
who followed him. The Christians were so much excited 
by this act, that they pressed upon the enemy with a fury 
which could not be withstood, and which completely routed 
them. While Debreas was in vain exerting himself to rally 
his men, Scanderbeg, who had all along been on the watch 
for him, charged him with his lance, and ran it through him 
a Httle above the breast. When he fell from his horse, his 
people covered him with their bodies, in hopes that he was 
not killed and would be able to moimt again. But when 
they found that he was dead, they turned bridle immediately, 
and abandoning their standards and carriages, fled with the 
utmost precipitation. Musache on one side, and Moses oijl 
the other, pursued them so vigorously, that more were slain 
in the chase than on the field of battle, and some were taken 
prisoners. Those who had served under the Turk Amese, 
in the former expedition, having that adventure in their 
minds, fought more warily than the others, and were the 
foremost and most fortunate in their flight. More execution 
would doubtless have been done upon the Turks, had the 
Christians been provided with archers and arquebusiers ; but 
their only offensive weapons were lances and cutlasses.* 
When the chase had continued a considerable distance 
within the Turkish frontier, Scanderbeg ordered the pursuit 

* CourUeaxes. 



226 LIFB OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

to be stayed, and collecting his troops together, returned 
with his prisoners, and without the loss or hurt of a single 
man. The Turks lost 4120 men ; so that it has been re- 
marked, this victory might be said not to be bought, but to 
be given. 

The booty being displayed in sight of all, was equally di- 
vided among the soldiers, to the intent that they who had 
continued the pursuit, without staying to pillage the camp 
or spoil the dead, might not be rewarded less than their fel- 
lows. Scanderbeg presented with his own hand to Moses, the 
horso and armor of Debreas, with an honorable testimony of 
his great deserts. A young Turkish prisoner fell to the 
share of Musache : his physiognomy and appearance indica- 
ted that he possessed rank and courage. A controversy 
arose between Musache and his prisoner which afifbrded 
some amusement to the bystanders. The young man de- 
manded how much would be required for his ransom ; and 
at length it was agreed that he should pay 200 crowns. 
These he immediately took out of a small bag, and counting 
them to his owner, asked leave to depart. Hereupon the 
Epirot began to smile, telling him that his ransom must be 
found somewhere else ; that all he had, by the rules of war, 
belonged to the one whose prisoner he was. The Turk de- 
bated the matter, until the question was brought before 
Scanderbeg, who desired both parties to state the argu- 
ments which they had to urge ; after which, turning to his 
people, he spoke to this eflfect : — " Truly, here is a pretty 
controversy. Both of these contend for that which is mine. 
The money, Musache, I did not bestow upon you, for I 
knew not of it. Nor should you, young man, attempt to 
deal in so crafty a manner ; for you know very well that 
even your life is not your own, but depends upon our 
clemency- — so far are you from having a right reserved to 
yourself over any thing. But not to insist upon the rigor- 
ous laws of war in the case of a captive, I freely give to 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 227 

you, Musache, all that this prisoner has about him, and do 
jou as frankly give him his liberty, upon condition that if 
ever he fall again into your hand, you will dispose of him 
as you may think -fit." The young Turk was greatly re- 
joiced thus to obtain his Uberty, His horse and arms were 
also generously given to him by Scanderbeg ; and he de- 
parted highly commending this his liberality, and praying 
God to prosper both the king and the state of Albania. 
The Christians, gathering up their baggage, retired towards 
evening into Dibris ; during their abode in which place, 
the prince, in general council, set on foot a deliberation con- 
cerning the prosecution of the war, and the assaulting some 
of the towns of the enemy. But it was at length concluded 
that the most prudent course would be to wait for some 
time, and see what steps would be taken by Mahomet after 
the defeat of his forces. With this view, it was resolved 
that no enterprise should be commenced before the end of 
two months ; but spies were sent out in all directions, al- 
though deserters from the enemy came in daily from Adrian- 
ople and other places. In the mean time, Moses retired to 
his garrison upon the frontiers; and Scanderbeg, with 
Amese and his other princes and nobles, went to Croia. 

When the Turkish army returned to Mahomet, broken and 
discomfited, although they were in miserable plight and 
greatly distressed, he showed no pity towards them ; for 
both he and the great men of his court openly declared 
that so many able men as had returned were sufficient to 
have decided the fortune of any battle. But when the sul- 
tan inquired into the particulars of the engagement, his 
anger was inflamed still more, and he ordered them out of 
his sight, casting blame and reproach upon them, and ac- 
cusing them of sloth and cowardice. The fate of Debreas 
was a cause rather of gladness than of grief among those of 
his own condition, whether prompted by envy of his former 
reputation, or by indignation at his audacity and presump- 



L 



228 BIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

tion. Mahomet himself was much mortified, and not with- 
out a touch of fear, at the result of this expedition. He at 
first could not be persuaded that Scanderbeg with so small 
an army had dared to enter so far within his frontiers, and 
encounter Debreas even upon the open plains of Polonia ;* 
but, finding that the different accounts which he received'all 
agreed together, he was obliged to give credit to what was 
told him. He wanted not abundance of flatterers to gloss 
over the real importance of the defeat which his arms had 
sustcdned, and to persuade him that enough talent and 
strength would be found to get the better of Scanderbeg. 

Mahomet listened with satisfaction to the expressions of 
good-will and fidelity uttered by his subjects ; but he had 
in his mind a different method of dealing with his enemy 
from that intended by his courtiers. His purpose was to 
excite against the Prince of Epire some of his own friends ; 
and in this he was not altogether disappointed. 

Scanderbeg had about him many in whom he reposed 
great confidence in regard both to civil and military affairs, 
and Moses was the one whom he loved and esteemed above 
all others. Against this person Mahomet determined to di- 
rect his efforts, and to endeavor by the greatness of his of- 
fers to overcome his faith and loyalty. One circumstance 
in particular gave him hope of success ; which was, that the 
estates of Moses, especially in the neighborhood of Sfeti- 
grade, bordered upon the Turkish dominions, so that he 
might conveniently and secr^etly treat with him of this mat- 
ter. He therefore, for the present, resolved to intermit his 
warlike preparations, feigning to his courtiers that for good 
reasons, he had deferred to execute the vengeance which he 
meditated against the kingdom of Epire. Having then com- 
mimicated his secret to one or two of his most faithful coun- 
sellors, he wrote a letter to the governor of Sfetigrade to 

— — ■ — — - - _ _ _ 

* Fblogiie. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 229 

m 

/ 

tliis eflfect : — ^That he should enter into a negotiation with 
Moses, in the name of Mahomet, and make him the offer 
either of money or of estates and preferments, upon condi- 
tion that he should cause Scanderbeg to be made away 
with, or at least, that he should quit his service and follow 
the arms and fortunes of the emperor. Other motives were 
proposed for the governor to urge, although throughout 
the letter the name of Moses was not mentioned. The 
time and manner of conducting this business was left to the 
discretion of the governor. He neglected nothing that was 
enjoined upon him ; but with singular dexterity and address 
proceeded in his scheme for bringing Moses to a conference. 
For this purpose he imparted his design to a Christian, one 
of his own household servants, and an Albanian by birth, 
promising that he and his house should forever be enriched 
if he could manage to bring him and the Dibrian to converse 
together. This fellow was dispatched by the governor to 
Moses. He departed in the night, and knowing the country 
perfectly, never missed his way, but arrived without delay 
on the frontiers where Moses was stationed with his garrison. 
The Dibrian, upon the arrival of this messenger from the 
enemy, took him apart and gave him an opportunity of 
speaking. Before broaching the business upon which he 
was sent, he prayed Moses to take the trouble of going to 
Sfetigrade ; but perceiving that he not only refused so to 
do, but was ready to laugh at the impudence of the request, 
he changed his tone, and drew the general's attention by 
flattering and fair speeches ; after which, entering upon his 
business, he gave a hint of the purpose of the sultan. 
Moses was attracted by what the messenger said to him, 
especially when told that the sultan considered him as the 
only one in Epire who was worthy of being solicited. But 
he so demeaned himself, both by his words and his counte- 
nance, that the messenger did not know how to imderstand 
him — ^whether he approved or disapproved of what had 

20 



330 LIFB OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

been proposed to him : wherefore, not urging the matter 
any further, but saying that he would return ag^ shortly, 
he took his leave and departed. It is generally reported, 
that when Moses was asked by some of his soldiers what 
had passed between him and his visitor, he replied that the 
man was a spy from the neighborhood of Sfetigrade, who 
came to give him information by means of which he hoped 
to be able to render good service to the king. The soldiers 
readily beheved what was told them, especially as the ap- 
pearance of the man, and his being a Christian, seemed to 
confirm what was said. !N'or had they any reason to 
doubt the truth and fidehty of their general, which had so 
often been tried, and into whose hands the safety of the 
whole state had been so often committed. But ever after 
this conference the Dibrian was thoughtful and downcast, 
and appeared to be touched with the thought of how much 
he owed to his generous and kind master, and at the same 
time to be allured by the greatness of the oflfers made to 
him by Mahomet. While the Dibrian was thus agitated by 
opposite thoughts and affections, the messenger again ar- 
rived with an ample provision, not only of fair and plausible 
speeches, but also of valuable and sumptuous gifts. It 
does not appear that Moses accepted any of these gifts ; 
but the answer which he returned sufficiently showed that 
his mind was corrupted. He desired the messenger not to 
meet him again, but to tell the sultan that he most humbly 
thanked him for his favor and good- will, and promised so 
to conduct himself that he should not thereafter find him to 
be his enemy. 

It has been stated that the entering upon any enterprise 
had been deferred by Scanderbeg and his people to a certain 
period. This period being now arrived, and all appearing to 
be tranquil on the part of the Turks, Scanderbeg set himself 
to consider in what direction he should turn his arms, and 
what preparations were requisite to be made. Although his 



LIFE OF 6EO&QB CASTRIOT. 231 

troops were excellent in plain combat, he was aware that 
they were deficient in the skill requisite to conduct sieges, 
and operations of that nature ; he therefore resolved to 
supply this defect, if possible, by the aid of the Italians. 
In prosecution of this design, he deferred the levy of troops, 
and caused two vessels to be well equipped, and laden with 
presents. These he sent, with two of the principal and no- 
blest persons of his kingdom, to Alphonsus, king of Sicily 
and Naples, together with a letter to the folio wmg effect : 

^ To the most noble and yictorious Prince Alphonsus, king of Aragon, 
Naples, and Sicily, Scanderbeg, king of the Epirots, sendeth health 
and prosperity : 

"Our soldiers, most Catholic king, know how to fight 
with men only in the field ; but for the assaulting of walls 
and holds, they are utterly ignorant. You Italians, as I 
hear, are very skilful in that kind of service, and you love it 
well : this is the cause that we at this time have need of 
your good aid, which we desire you to impart imto us. The 
infidels are possessed of certain of our towns in Epire : and 
I have for a long time had a singular desire to pluck this 
thorn, if God be so pleased, out of my foot ; but the con- 
tinual impediments and hindrances of the wars having ever 
withheld me, I have not been able to this day to bring it to 
any good pass. Wherefore, to the intent I might accom- 
plish my desire, I have made choice of this opportunity; 
being most fit, both in regard of the season now present, as 
also of the leisure and rest which Mahomet hath permitted 
us, whose fury we have now repressed in two several com- 
bats and battles. You may guess, by few words, what it is 
that we have need of : all other things are in readiness, only 
we stay for succors and aid from you, which, if it shall 
please your majesty, you may send unto us ; namely, arque- 
busiers and crossbows, such as are skilful to fight aloof, and 
to trouble the enemy afar off — for of other soldiers our do- 
minions are sufficiently well furnished. But, oh ! how happy 



282 UFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

may I account Naples and Sicily, which are governed by , 
such a king as my Alphonsus, from whence, as out of a 
treasury, a man may have choice of all precedents and ex- 
amples of virtue ! If we have need of your people, either 
in peace or in war, both our estate hath been furthered by 
your laws, and our wars have been maintained by your arms. 
For my part, I do so highly esteem of your love and good- 
will ; and the memory of your exceeding great benefits doth 
remain so sacred and inviolable in my mind, that many time 
I wish — ^though perhaps therein I overshoot myself — ^that 
your fortime and estate were such as you might have occa- 
sion to try and prove, rather than to purchase and tie your 
friends unto you. For so should I be able, by some certain 
and evident proof, to testify my devotion and ready service, 
and the entire aflfections of my unfeigned love towards you."* 

When the ambassadors were departed, Scanderbeg made 
a journey into Dibria, where the garrison then was, accom- 
panied by Amese his nephew, Musache his brother-in-law, 
and some other of his nobles, in order to consult together 
with them and with Moses, upon the state of his affairs. 
When arrived at the garrison, he asked Moses whether he 
had learned any news from the Turks — near whose borders 
he was stationed — that affected the state of Epire. He an- 
swered that he knew of none ; but he said that he had had 
a conference with a man of Sfetigrade, to endeavor to ascer- 
tain whether any way could be found to recover that place ; 
but from what he was told of the care with which it was 
guarded, and the abundance of munitions with which it was 
provided, he concluded there was no hope of success. This 
representation was made by him in order to turn the 
thoughts of Scanderbeg from attacking Sfetigrade, which 
movement would prevent him from fulfilling his engagement 

* This is copied Terbatim fh>m the translation of LaTardin, the orthography 
being moderadzed. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 238 

with the sultan, and in the hope of inducing the pnnce to 
direct his efforts against Belgrade. 

Mahomet was not pleased at having no pledge by which 
to bind Moses to his engagement. Yet, being hindered by 
other concerns from turning his whole attention towards 
Epire, and not having it in his power at that time to send 
thither an overwhelming force, nor to go there in person, 
and thinking that it did not comport with his dignity to 
carry on a petty warfare, he sent other letters to the gover- 
nor of Sfetigrade, commending his diligence, and directing 
him to continue his negotiations with Moses, and, for the 
present, to take no measures with regard to the Albanian 
war. 

While the affairs of Scanderbeg were in this quiet state, 
Alphonsus received his ambassadors and his letters with 
great distinction. He immediately caused a hasty muster of 
troops, amounting to 1000, of whom 600 were arquebusiers, 
and the remainder crossbow-men. The king would have 
increased the number, had not the ambassadors informed 
him that they were sufficient, as the places to be attacked 
were of small circuit, and that the Prince of Ejnre had 
abundance of good and expert archers. But instead of more 
troops, they requested that they might be furnished with 
engines of assault, such as artillery and bars of iron; all 
which was granted, and cannoneers were also appointed to 
serve the ordnance. Alphonsus also sent a supply of com, 
and a large sum of money. He had two vessels of his own 
equipped, in which the soldiers being embarked upon the 
Adriatic sea, where the passage was not more than sixty 
miles over, he recommended them to God and the winds. 
Some time after he sen^ a new supply by Gilbert Ortafan, a 
knight of great valor and experience, by whom he also sent 
most friendly letters to Scanderbeg, proffering all the aid 
which it was in his power to afford him. Of his soldiers, he 
jestingly remarked that the Albanians should keep a sharp 

20* 



234 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

eye upon them ; for that the gallantry of the Italians was 
not wont to be confined merely to the enemies with whom 
they had to contend in the field. 

The Italian soldiers were wafted by a prosperous wind to 
Epire, where they were landed with their baggage, and im- 
mediately conveyed to Croia, while the Prince of Epire was 
busily engaged in Dibria mustering his forces, and carefully 
watching whatever might be stirring among the Turks. 
When he had every thing in readiness, he returned with his 
army towards Croia to join the Italian forces, of whose arri- 
val he had received intelligence. Moses was left in garrison 
with 1000 horse and the same number of foot. He was very 
desirous that Moses should be with him in this expedition. 
But he artfully excused himself, alleging that it would not 
be safe to leave that part of the country unprotected ; and 
that his estates being situated in that quarter, he was the 
most Ukely to defend them with care : that if Sfetigrade 
were the object of attack, or if Belgrade were not-so distant, 
being more than one hundred and forty miles from Dibria, 
he would gladly accompany the rest of the army, and was 
earnestly desirous so to do, as he thought he might thereby 
gain honor to himself and profit to his soldiers ; but that ho 
was persuaded there would be enough else for him to do, as 
Mahomet, he was confident, would not remain quiet when 
he heard of the movements of Scanderbeg ; and that to draw 
him oflf from Belgrade, he would invade Albania. These 
reasons appeared so plausible, that he was not only permit- 
ted to remain where he was, but authorized to increase the 
garrison as circumstances might require. 

When Scanderbeg approached Croia, the Italian bands 
came out to meet him, and accompanied him into the city, 
the rest of the troops pitching their camp without the walls. 
The ambassadors declared to Scanderbeg the purpose of 
their coming, and deUvered to him the money and the let- 
ters sent by Alphonsus. The letters were publicly read in 




UFB OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 235 

the assembly of the people, and excited much merriment. 
Castriot, in a speech of considerable length, applauded the 
liberality of the King of Naples, and his singular friendship 
towards the people of Albania. After which, he directed 
that the foreign troops should be suitably entertained and 
provided with accommodations. The chief officers of the 
army turned their attention to having the artillery mounted 
and properly ordered. When all things were in readiness, 
Scanderbeg, accompanied by the whole multitude, proceeded 
to his camp. He there mustered and received his troops, 
and after pubhc processions and prayers for victory and a 
happy return, while the soldiers were only waiting for the 
stroke of the drumi and the sound of the trumpet, their 
prince addressed them (as reported by Lavardin) to the fol- 
lowing effect-: 

" This is now the eleventh year of our continual travails 
(my good soldiers) which we have sustained for the recovery 
and possession of our country of Epire, and for the seat and 
dwellings of our ancestors which were lost unto the harha' 
rians, rather by a certam kind of fatal necessity, than by 
any default or want of courage either in them or us. The 
time is now come that we must employ our whole power 
and endeavors to disnest these infidels, and to expel them 
wholly out of our country, and with no less glory to impose 
the yoke upon the necks of our enemies, than we have 
already by the divine clemency and your unspeakable prow- 
ess, shaken it off from our own shoulders. If the life and 
the death of Amuratk have heretofore given you a large and 
ample subject of glory, you have now a fitter occasion and 
a more noble matter to purchase honor: and it may be 
that his son is reserved for your geater glory. You have 
had even of late some pledge and experience of your good 
fortune, and the t)rrant gave you some proof and trial 
thereof, whilst that with the one hand (as it were) holding 
the funerals of his father, with the other he demanded 



2S6 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

peace of you, yet under a certain color and honest show of 
tribute. The which we having denied him, he would with 
a strong hand have enforced and exacted of us, sending 
hither certain of his captains and soldiers as collectors of 
that his tribute, throughout all this province. But the val- 
leys of Mocrea, and the fields of Pologne, can testify that they 
had but ill payment, and that they made but a bad audit. 
The consideration hereof ought to spur us on to follow and 
pursue that which remaineth yet undone. Amongst the 
rest the town of Belgrade doth seem to promise us no less 
good success : in the siege whereof, we will continue as long 
as yourselves shall think convenient : in such sort that if 
either the fortune of war, or the obstinacy of the defendants, 
do protract and draw it out at length, we are not determined 
to continue there longer than till the end of autumn. How- 
beit I am in good hope, that we shall not be enforced to 
stay there to the end of that season, considering both your 
accustomed valor, the flower of so many goodly troops, such 
great store of engines, and pieces for battery, wherewith 
the King of Sicily hath most bountifully furnished us. Be- 
sides, you know that Belgrade is a town of Christians, peo- 
pled with our own kinsmen and friends, and that Amurath, 
after the death of Theodore Corona the last lord of that city, 
did traitorously seize and possess himself of the same. This 
place is yet full of her ancient citizens, who do only attend 
to be freed and delivered out of the servitude of those 
infidels. I am much deceived if they do not greatly fur- 
ther and favor our attempts, whereby the enemy shall be 
assailed both within and without. Go to, therefore (my 
good friends and companions in arms) ; march on a God's 
name resolutely and courageously, succor them that attend 
in expectation of your virtue : at leastwise spare not to en- 
force both them and the residue, if you find them perverse 
and obstinate." 

This speech excited great applause among the soldiery ; 



UFB OF GEOSGB CASTRIOT. 237 

and they were about to set forward without delay. But 
Scanderbeg commanded them to remain stationary until he 
should send forth scouts to explore the country and mar- 
shals to select a place in which to encamp. Tanusee, with 
3000 good horse, immediately led the way. The carriages 
and baggage proceeded next, and after them followed Scan- 
derbeg with the main army. The fame of this expedition 
reached the city of Belgrade sooner than the army of the 
Christians ; so that when Tanusee arrived there, he found 
that he could take nothing by surprise. The peasants had 
retired with their crops into the strongholds, and had left 
no forage for their enemies, Tanusee's men would haye 
overrun and laid waste the country, but he restrained them, 
saying that he had no order to that effect from the com- 
mander-in-chief. Wherefore, keeping strict watch, he qui- 
etly lodged his men imder the walls, without offering any 
"violence by word or deed. Nor did the townspeople make 
any effort to prevent their approach ; but carefully ordered 
every thing within the town, setting their guards and ap- 
pointing to every man his station. 

The Turkish garrison was very strong, consisting of at 
least a 1000 men. The inhabitants were Christians, but 
not accustomed to bear arms. There was a diversity of 
opinion among the soldiers of the garrison whether or no 
the citizens, as they were Christians, might be trusted and 
suffered to remain in the town. Their long and quiet resi- 
dence there, the good treatment they had received at the 
hands of the Turks, and the pledge afforded for their good 
behavior by their wives, their children, and their property, 
all which were as hostages in the power of their rulers, these 
considerations tended to allay the suspicions of the garrison ; 
but the governor thought proper to have some further assu- 
rance that no disturbance should be raised by them while 
the Turks were engaged in defending the walls. He ac- 
cordingly called together some of the oldest inhabitants. 



238 LIFE OF GEO&GE CASTRIOT. 

and, after conferring with them, it was finally agreed that a 
number of the Christians should be delivered as hostages. 
As the governor could not send them to Adrianople on ac- 
count of the troops who were besieging the town, they were 
confined in the castle or fortress, which was occupied solely 
by Turks. In the conference held with the governor the 
Christians declared that, as they had never been under the 
dominion of Castriot, they had no desire to be so now, and 
were well satisfied with the treatment they had received 
from Mahomet. The confidence of the garrison being estab- 
lished by this measure, all things within the town were or- 
dered and made ready for the expected attack. The gov- 
ernor is reported to have then addressed the soldiers and 
citizens in a short speech, which so inflamed the courage of 
the soldiers that, besides exciting boasts and bravadoes, some 
of them flocked around the governor and besought him to 
give them leave to sally out and attack the enemy. But to 
this he would not consent, as he was informed of the ap- 
proach of Scanderbeg, who, in fact, soon arrived. The Al- 
banian troops reached Belgrade at about 10 o'clock in the 
forenoon, and encamped close together in an extensive plain 
under the walls. They quietly took their repast, and then 
retired by companies into the quarters assigned to them. 
The army of Scanderbeg amounted to 16,000 men — 8000 
cavalry and YOOO foot. They were distributed about on 
the plain and on the mountain, which, not being very lofty, 
served for the horse to encamp in as well as for the foot. 
By the time that the artillery was planted, and all things in 
readiness for the siege, night came on. The bold appear- 
ance of the Christians and threatening array of the artillery 
tended much to abate the courage of the besieged. 

At break of day the ordnance opene,d furiously upon the 
town, and the curtain in several places began to be disman- 
tled, and the flankers to be beaten down ; so that the defen- 
dants, although they strove to repair the breaches, consult- 



UFE OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. 239 

ed together about demanding a parley before the enemy 
should advance to scale the walls, and become so heated 
with the fury of the fight as to render a conference imprac- 
ticable. But the governor would not consent to it, telling 
his men that the danger was not yet so great as to render 
that ignominious measure necessary, to which they might at 
any time have recourse. The battering of the walls con- 
tinued the next day with great fury. After the cannonade 
had continued two days, and a practicable breach was effect- 
ed, Scanderbeg appointed the third morning for the assault, 
and commanded his men to be ready by break of day. 
When the ensigns, at the appointed time, were displayed, 
and the soldiers, with loud shouts, were advancing in good 
order to the assault, two men came suddenly from the town 
to meet them ; who, being conducted into the presence of 
the prince, requested a truce. This was readily granted. 
They then asked what terms would be conceded to them if 
they yielded up the town. Scanderbeg replied, "Such 
terms as are due to men who submit ; that is, their lives, and 
liberty to depart with their arms and with bag and baggage ; 
that, as for the rest, all should belong to the victors." When 
the messengers returned, and declared the answer which 
they brought back, the defendants were much grieved that 
such hard terms should be demanded, when as yet so 
little injury had been done to them. The Christians in the 
town said not a word, although by the terms proposed their 
property would all have gone into the hands of the besieg- 
ers. It is true that they hoped, if the place were surren- 
dered, to obtain from Scanderbeg more honorable treatment. 
But when asked by the governor what was their mind, they 
replied that they did not expect to be questioned but to be 
commanded by him, and that whatever he thought for the 
general good, they would adhere to. The greater part of 
the day was spent in consultation ; and it was at length re- 
solved that a truce for one month should be proposed^ during 



240 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

which time if no succors arrived, that at the expiration <^ 
the month the town should be surrendered upon the con- 
ditions that had been proposed. These terms being sent 
to the Christian camp, Scanderbeg treated them very Ughtly, 
and desired the besieged to be better advised, or to prepare 
. themselves for a general assault. Finding, however, that they 
would not remit even five days of the truce required by 
them, he was much enraged, but was restrained from further 
action by the coming on of night. He called a council to 
deliberate upon the matter. Some of his principal lords 
and officers were of opinion that he should not altogether 
reject the proposition of the besieged, but endeavor to as- 
certain whether they might not be brought to admit of a 
shorter cessation of arms. It was urged that the situation 
of the place upon the top of a mountain rendered the access 
to it difficult ; that the natural defences were very strong, 
and that the siege might be of long continuance ; that if 
the sultan should come upon them when they were exhaust- 
ed by fighting, their danger would be much greater than if 
he should attack them before they had been engaged in 
combat ; and that if he should not come, or come too late, 
the town would be won without any bloodshed. Other ar- 
guments were offered which had not much weight with 
Scanderbeg, for he entirely dissented from the opinion of his 
officers, and thought that the siege should be immediately 
lu-ged on. However, he at length yielded to the will of the 
majority ; and after much discussion, a truce for sixteen days 
was at length agreed upon. A cessation of hostilities be- 
ing thus determined, Scanderbeg directed his attention par- 
ticularly to the keeping of a careful guard on all quarters ; 
and, in addition to the scouts under the direction of Tanu- 
see, he selected twenty-five soldiers upon whom he thought 
he could depend, and stationed them upon the summit of a 
neighboring mountain, with orders, if the enemy should be 
seen afar oflf, to give notice thereof by fires and torches, and 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 241 

to descend speedily and return to the camp. In order to 
allow more room to his troops, that they might be less op- 
pressed by the heat of the weather, he himself, with Amese 
and some of his nobles, took up their quarters upon the 
mountain next the town, accompanied by 3000 horse and' 
1000 foot. He disposed all things with singular care and 
discretion, planting some pieces of ordnance against the town, 
to guard against a sudden sally by the garrison. Musache 
and Tanusee with the rest of the army were encamped on 
the plain beneath him. The soldiers were ordered to ab- 
stain from all acts of hostility imtil the truce should be 

ended. 

21 



242 



BOOK VIII. 

When the news of the siege of Belgrade reached Ma- 
homet he was near to Romania, marching to the assault of 
Constantinople. He gave vent to his vexation and rage in 
violent exclamations against Epire, and he resolved to delay 
his attempt upon Constantinople, and to turn his immediate 
attention to the relief of Belgrade. Some of his bashaws 
would have persuaded him not to interrupt his great enter- 
prise for the sake of an object so comparatively trifling as 
the town of Belgrade ; but he resisted all their arguments^ 
alleging, among other things, that a fire within their own 
doors ought to be quenched before it increased in violence 
and spread abroad. 

For the expedition into Epire, Mahomet chose as com- 
mander Sebalias, an officer who was more remarkable for 
subtle policy than for adventurous daring, and who had 
more than once been tried against Scanderbeg. This gene- 
ral was intrusted with the command of 40,000 horse, .all 
X^hosen troops and well appointed : a powerful force, and for- 
midable both for numbers and valor. Mahomet, before the 
departure of Sebalias, in a long discourse offered him all 
manner of rewards if he brought the war to a happy con- 
clusion, and especially if he should bring to him the head of 
Scanderbeg or Scanderbeg himself as prisoner. It is also 
stated that two of the boldest and most powerful soldiers of 
the whole army, named Acmath and Barach, engaged with 
the sultan, for a large sum of money, to accomplish the death 
of the prince. 

Sebalias, wlien he had received his orders, made no delay, 
and being very anxious about Belgrade, lest the garrisou 




.r- 



LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 243 

should not hold out until his arrival, he determined to dis- 
patch a messenger at once to give them notice of the intended 
relief. The service was so dangerous that a man could not 
immediately be found to undertake it, notwithstanding the 
great reward offered.* At length a very quick and light 
fellow was mounted upon the swiftest horse in the army, 
who, spurring on night and day, and not being overcome by 
fatigue or heat, ii\^ three days or little more arrived at a town 
under the dominion of the Turks, named Gyrocastra, about 
125 milesf from Belgrade. Having communicated his busi- 
ness to the magistrates of the place, he in pursuance of their 
advice remained there until night, when, changing his dress^ 
he continued his journey on foot, and at length got near to 
the town on the side where Scanderbeg was encamped ; and 
so carefully and secretly did he approach, that he got close 
to the wall almost imperceived by the town sentinels them- 
selves. He, however, made himself known to them, and was 
immediately drawn up by cords into the city. His coming 
excited great interest among the inhabitants, as the truce was 
nearly expired. The governor dispersed the crowd, and in 
the presence of but a few persons conferred with the mes- 
senger, to whom, when he had read the letter brought by 
him, he gave credence ; and it was resolved upon by the 
officers of the garrison to defend the place imtil the coming 
of Sebalias. The news was on the following day imparted 
to the people, not by proclamation, but quietly, and they 
were enjoined to keep it secret from the besiegers ; for it was 
intended that the Christian army should both be deceived 



* <^ The Turks liave no ordinary and aet posts in Turkeyy but instead of them, 
and because upon such occurreuces their couriers (whom they call Vlach) shall not 
be unprovided of horses, the Sultana have ratablished and laid down this order: 
that in running on their Journey, they may dismount as many men as they meet 
with on the way without any exception ; and so by often chang^ing of their horsoi 
they may make way with incredible speed and diligence."— Z.avard*n, 

1 1 knaw Qot if the miles mentioned by Lsrardin be Freooh. 



d44 LIFE OF 6EOB6B CA8TRIOT. 

with respect to the truce and be taken unawares by the foroe 
which was coming to the relief of the town. 

The inhabitants were somewhat doubtful whether the sao- 
cors could arrive before the expiration of the truce. If they 
did not arriye in time it would become necessary for them 
either to defend themselves, in violation of the articles of 
agreement, or to dehver up the town. Such being the 
state of things, they set themselves to repairing the walla 
where they had been battered by the cannon. The Chris- 
tian chief when he perceived this suspected dome treach- 
ery, and being greatly enraged, was tempted to assault 
the place ; but, as the truce was to expire in three days, he 
moderated his anger, and contented himself with sending 
word to the people of the town that what they were about 
was an infringement of the articles agreed upon and a plain 
indication of some intended fraud ; that they should cease 
from the work or be ready to impute to their own want ci 
fiaith the miseries which might be brought upon them. 
Hereupon the inhabitants in appearance discontinued their 
repaurs ; but they still did, under cover of the ramparts, what 
could be done without being perceived by their enemies. 
They day and night carried earth to strengthen the walls^ 
and collected large heaps of stones and other missiles where- 
with to annoy the assailants. As was natural, those within 
the walls anxiously watched the arrival of the army which 
was coming to their rehef, ascending to the tops of the 
houses, the towers, and the highest places in the city, to 
seek some indication of the approach of Sebalias. Nor did 
the Christians less anxiously watch the coming of the Turks, 
and look to the tops of the mountains to see whether the 
scouts there stationed gave any signal of the approach of the 
enemy, so that they might have time to arm and prepare to 
mount ; for the heat of the weather was so great that they 
could not keep their horses continually saddled and them- 
selves armed. But the standards of the enemy appeared in 



LIFB OF GEORGE OA8TRIOT. 945 

sight, and their shouts'were heard, without any warning bdng 
given by the scouts who were stationed upon the heights. 
This was the only instance of Scanderbeg's ever having been 
surprised by so sudden a tempest ; for in all his wars he had 
never failed to be well informed, by means either of spies, or 
deserters, or letters or tokens from his friends. The great 
armament made by Mahomet having been long in prepara- 
tion, and intended against Constantinople, and a part of those 
forces having been suddenly and secretly detached against 
Scanderbeg, there may have been no time for information of 
their coming to reach him soon enough to put him on hk 
guard. As for the scouts stationed upon the heights, they 
gave no sign of the enemy's approach, nor was it ever known 
what became of them ; it was said by some that they were 
corrupted by the Turks ; by others it was supposed that, 
being very remiss in their duty, they were surprised and put 
to the sword by the van-couriers of the Turks. It appears 
improbable that so many could have been bribed ; and, as 
their dead bodies were not found, it is not likely that they 
were slam. It is thought most probable that they were ta- 
ken prisoners. The other sentinels who were to watch the 
enemy did not perceive them until they were very near. Nor 
had it been in the power of Scanderbeg to send out troops 
as he was wont, and to beat about the country, as it was in 
possession of the enemy. 

The troops under command of Musache were encamped 
in the quarter opposed to the advance of the Turks, and 
where their first attack would be made. The account most 
generally credited is, that he had very little time to prepare 
for the enemy, but that as soon as their light troops and 
standards came in sight, he made the best disposition which 
the shortness of the time would allow ; and that he was at 
first in doubt whether to abide the assault of the Turks or to 
flee to the main body of the army ; but as the enemy was 
so near that he thought his retreat would cause him the 

21* 



246 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TEI0T. 

greatest loss of men, and as he did not suppose the hostile 
force to he so strong as it really was, and heing, moreover, 
unwilling to lose his life with dishonor, he resolved to stand 
the charge. For a while he hravely maintained his groimd, 
heing determined not to lose his life without heing avenged 
upon his foes ; hut perceiving the slaughter of his men to be 
so great that his flanks were exposed, and that resistance was 
vain, he endeavored to make his way to the mountain as the 
only place of refuge. But the multitude of his enemies being 
so great as to inclose him on every side, and seeing no chance 
of escape, he fought with a rage and fury which astonished 
his foes, and feU gloriously in the midst of them, leaving a 
reputation worthy of all honor and commendation for the 
worthy services he had rendered to his prince and to his 
country. Tanusee Thopie, on his part, was in no great dis- 
tress ; yet the situation of his uncle so affected him that he 
appeared to forget every thing else, and by charging fu- 
riously, again and again, upon the enemy, endeavored to 
open a way for escape. But at length, finding all his efforts 
vain, he thought it best, in order to save those who had not 
fallen, to endeavor to escape by flight. Tanusee Gynache 
did the same. But their flight did not serve much to dimin- 
ish the slaughter; for the Turks dividing themselves into 
separate bands, some continued to invest the troops of Mu- 
sache as long as any remained ; and others pursued the fu- 
gitives, making such slaughter that Fortune seemed at length 
to have deserted the Albanians and to have transferred her 
favor to the infidels. Scanderbeg, whose tents were some- 
what removed from this scene of action, was more than once 
on the point of rushing down into the plain to succor his 
men, even at the sacrifice df his own Ufe ; but he was earn- 
estly entreated by his nobles not to attempt any thing with- 
out a favorable occasion, nor to expose himself to certain 
destruction. He gnashed his teeth, and, with his mouth all 
bloody, rushed about in every direction, storming with fury 




N 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 347 

and rage. It is remarked of him, that when he was about 
to charge his enemies, and also in the heat of battle, besides 
other uncommon changes in his countenance, his under lip 
would commonly burst open ajid discharge a great deal of 
blood. The same would happen to him in his civil trans- 
actions, when he was roused to an unusual degree of anger. 

The Turkish general having cut to pieces Musache and 
his troops, pursued the bands of Tanusee with great slaugh- 
ter, not appearing to make account of the Christian troops 
that were encamped upon the mountain. Whatever may- 
have been the cause of this indiscretion, it was the occasion 
of his failing to obtain a complete victory over his enemy. 

When Scanderbeg saw that no danger was to be appre- 
hended from the rearward of the Turkish army, he drew out 
his squadrons with great skill and judgment, and descended 
into the plain as fast as the prevailing confusion would per- 
mit. He placed his infantry in the midst, and surrounded 
them with his cavalry. It is remarkable that the besieged 
made no sally upon the Christians at this time, nor while they 
were engaged in fight, nor when they departed, especially 
as they must have seen the great advantage which their 
friends possessed. 

Scanderbeg with great fury followed and attacked those 
who were in chase of the Christians, crying out to the fu^- 
tives to turn and take advantage of the succors which he 
brought to them. Those of the Turks who were not in chase 
of the Albanians dispersed themselves over the field to spoil 
the bodies of the slain, by which means Scanderbeg was 
much reheved from danger, and enabled to give more effec- 
tual aid to his flying troops. When Sebalias foxmd that 
Scanderbeg was pressing upon his rear and retarding his vic- 
tory, he ordered his troops to face about and attack the 
Christians, in doing which some loss was., sustained on both 
sides. After a while the Turk withdrew a Uttle, in order to 
arrange his battle and gather his scattered men. Scanderbeg 



S48 UFB OF OBOEGB CABTRIOT. 

did not interrupt him, for he also took that opportomty to 
reorganize his troops. But although the Turks were much 
weaned, and not yet completely in order, their general could 
not restrain his impatience, but again made a charge upon 
the Christians, at the same time threatening Scanderbeg that 
now was the end of his pride and insolence, that he should 
receive the reward of his rebellion, and that he would ut- 
terly destroy that handful of enemies, both men and horses. 
And, in truth, their numbers were greatly diminished, for 
besides those who were slain in the flight of Tanusee, more 
than 3000 were killed with Musache, of whom 2000 were 
foot, the rest cavalry. Yet Scanderbeg encouraged his men 
to try the fortune of another battle, crymg out to them with 
a terrible voice to follow him, their companion in arms, to 
the slaughter of those miscreants ; and uttering exhortations, 
reproofs, and encouragements, he threw himself into the 
thickest of the enemy's squadrons, filling every place where he 
fought with blood and terror, and surpassing all his former 
deeds of valor. His troops also, animated by his example, 
followed their general through all dangers as men incapable 
of fear. 

George Thopie, the brother of Tanusee, being thrown to 
the ground, and nearly overwhelmed by the shot of the ene- 
my, his companions had great difficulty in rescuing him and 
setting him on horseback. The infantry of the Albanians 
found themselves inferior to the cavalry of the Turks, and to 
remedy this evil they seized and mounted the horses of those 
who were slain, both of their enemies and of their own men ; 
and thus, it is said, nearly doubled the strength of their 
army. This circumstance seems to show how different the 
relative power of infantry and cavalry in those days was from 
what it is at present. 

Scanderbeg had broken and disordered a strong laoop'of 
the enemy's cavalry, and had pressed in even to the bo 1y- 
guard of the general, intending, as he was wo^t, to attack 



LIFE OF OEOaOB CABTaiOT. 249 

him, and begin the yictory by his death ; but just then, the 
two soldiers who had offered their services to the sultan, to 
slay Scanderbeg, came forward with their swords drawn. 
Musache de Angeline, in the effort to assist his uncle, re- 
ceived a grievous wound in his right shoulder. The Epirots, 
at the same time, were so beset by their enemies, that they 
could afford no relief to their general, so that he alone was 
obliged to contend against both his adversaries. These two 
Turks, with hand and voice, kept back their companions, 
that they might obtain for themselves alone the honor of the 
death of the Prince of Albania, and the reward offered by 
the sultan. These men continued a while moving about 
him, in hope of taking him at a disadvantage. At length, 
both at once, spurring on their horses, charged him in full 
career. The noted prowess of Scanderbeg gave comfort to 
his followers, as they had often known him victoriqps over 
more than two enemies at once, although the bold bearing 
of the Turks: caused many to be apprehensive of the issue of 
the combat. While the forces of Scanderbeg were endea- 
voring to advance to his relief, he discharged a blow upon 
the head of Barach, which, cutting him over the eyes, nearly 
clove his head in twain. The other Turk, after many inef- 
fectual blows on both sides, let his sword fall, and, being 
very active, pressed his horse close to Scanderbeg, and 
clasping both his arms about his neck, and quitting his horse, 
he hung upon the prince's shoulder, thinking to have pulled 
him to the ground. The infidels, anxious to aid their com- 
panion, pressed forward, and surrounded the prbce; but 
their efforts were vain, for Scanderbeg cut off his adversary's 
head as he was hanging upon him, and thus freed himself 
from that danger. This act of their commander greatly en- 
couraged the Christians, who furiously rushed forward in \m 
defence, and beat down and slew great numben ol Ite 
enemy, who now be^an to give way. Although 
tian forces were elated'with the hope of fiotoiy^ 




250 LIFB OF GEOaGB CA8TEIOT. 

of body and the approach of night obliged both parties to 
give over the combat. Sebalios was the first to withdraw* 
and ordering his troops to keep close to their standards, he 
retired with them to an eminence, before night closed in. 
Soanderbeg, wearied and grieved, did the same with his 
forces, taking possession of another momitain, about two 
miles distant from that occupied by the enemy. About two 
hours after dark, he quietly decamped, neither he nor his 
troops having had any refreshment of food or sleep. 

The general of the Turks did not enter the town that 
night, but having abundance of victuals furnished by the in- 
habitants, he lodged his army partly on the heights, and j 
partly in the suburbs. He placed strong guards on all sides, 
and the victory was celebrated with great joy and triumph. j 
It was thought by Sebalais that the Christians would attack 
him tl^ next morning. He therefore had his army in good 
order by break of day, and led them down into the plain, 
sending out troops to entice their enemies to combat ; for 
although he had perceived noises in the night which seemed 
to indicate the departure of Scanderbeg's forces, he supposed 
they had only removed to some other station, where they 
might be more commodiously lodged, or where they might 
lie in ambush to surprise and entrap him. But when it was 
found that the Christian forces had departed, and that the 
country round was quite free from aaj hostile power, the 
Turks vented their anger and malice upon the dead and 
wounded of Scanderbeg's army. Some, whose Hmbs were 
broken, so that they could not move, were still further man- 
gled, and left to languish and die. It is, however, said that 
some who had been beaten down by the maces of the Turks, 
and left for dead, crept out of the field to other places in 
the night, and, when the danger was over, got without further 
harm to Croia. The Christians lost in that fight about 5000 
men, 3000 of whom were foot, and the rest horsemen. Few 
or none of^the Neapolitan succors escaped, except some 




LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TEI0T. 251 

squadrons which Scanderbeg kept with himself on the moun- 
tain, as the greater part of them were with Musache, and 
shared his fate. About eighty of the Albanians were sur- 
prised and made prisoners. The brutality exercised by the 
Turks upon the dead bodies was very great, cutting off their 
heads, to take with them as trophies of victory, and scatter- 
ing the limbs and trunks in the places around, to be de- 
voured by wild beasts and birds, so that the smell of putre- 
faction might not infect the city. 

Scanderbeg, not despairing of revenge for his losses, filled 
up his army with new recruits, and closed up and fortified 
certain passes through the woods and thickets, lest the 
Turks, pursuing their advantage, should proceed further into 
the country. He would gladly have adventured some des- 
perate attack upon them, but was deterred by the great 
superiority of their numbers, and the wounds of his own sol- 
diers. The news of this defeat soon spread over all Epire, 
and caused universal sorrow. It was by some reported that 
the whole army was routed, and the king himself slain. 
Others said that Scanderbeg alone, after a long and extra- 
ordinary fight, had escaped by means of the swiftness of liis 
horse. The report which came nearest to the truth was, that 
a great number of the Epirots were slain, and that Scander- 
beg had shown such incredible proofs of valor and of bodily 
power, that, by ♦his personal efforts alone, he had broken the 
forces and the courage of his enemies, and, having snatched 
from them the honor of the combat, had retired in safety to 
Croia with the remainder of his army. In consequence of 
these different rumors, the country was filled with apprehen- 
sion and tears. 

While the good fortune of Scanderbeg continued un- 
checked, the infidelity of Moses feared to show itself ; but 
after the imfortunate battle of Belgrade, he no longer con- 
cealed his treachery ; and, to make it less odioiiB in himself, 
and of more worth to Mahomed be mitKmtnd ta ejEoite 




352 LIFl OF GIORGE CASTRIOT. 

others to take part in his defection. He bethought himself 
how he should seduce some of his most familiar friends, 
whom he considered as the fittest instruments to effect hk 
purposes. At first he artfully represented to them, and at 
the same time deplored, the condition of Scanderbeg and his 
country, and proceeded to hint the good-will of the Turkish 
monarch towards himself, and the great offers which had 
been made to him ; so that, by plausible arguments in favor 
of Mahomet, and slanderous accusations against Scanderb^> 
he finally succeeded in drawing them off from their allegi- 
ance to their prince, and induced them to join with him in his 
treachery. He would have attempted to seduce the com* 
mon people also, had he not been aware that their affection 
towards the Prince of Epire was so deeply rooted, that all 
his efforts would prove fruitless, and that any such attempt 
might be the occasion of his own ruin. He therefore made 
his preparations, and having appointed a time for the con- 
spirators whom he had obtained to be in readiness, he led 
them, in the dead of night, to Sfetigrade, in order to obtain 
from the governor letters and a safe conduct to the Ottoman 
court. The governor received him courteously, and granted him 
both letters and an armed force to protect him in his journey. 
Sebalias remained at Belgrade a short time, during which 
he caused temporary repairs to be made to the fortifica- 
tions, and took measures to have them effectually repaired, 
when proper materials could be collected. The garrison 
was increased by 700 effective men, and good store of pro- 
visions laid up. The £u*tillery taken from the Christians was 
placed in the town, with the exception of some small pieces. 
When their hostages were delivered up to the citizens, who 
received great commendations for their behavior, the Turkish 
general began his journey to Adrianople with great joy and 
exultation, although he also was not without cause of regret^ 
for his loss at the battle of Belgrade amounted to little less 
than three thousand. • 



LIFE OF GEORGE OASTRIOT. S^58 

The morning after the departure of Moses from the gar- 
rison of Dibria, his absence caused great surprise and dis- 
turbance. Some supposed that he had gone secretly to re- 
connoitre the enemy ; but from seeing the private consulta- 
tions of the day before between him and his confederates, 
it was by others suspected, as was the truth, that he had 
been corrupted by the Turks. The troops of the garrison 
were in great perplexity and apprehension at being left with- 
out a commander-in-chief, while their enemies were still in 
Epire, and they were sorely grieved that their prince should 
be deceived and abandoned by one whom he could the least 
have mistrusted ; but by the majority of voices, they elected 
a chieftain, and made such other arrangements as the exi- 
gency of the time required. 

Among the chief and noblest young men of the country 
were two brothers named Demetrius and Nicholas, of the 
great and ancient family of the Berisians, noted for the good 
and faithful service which they had often rendered to the 
Prince of Epire by their deeds of arms and valorous ex- 
ploits. These brothers, when they heard of the loss sus- 
tained by their army at the unfortunate siege of Belgrade, 
and of the defection of Moses, hearing it also rumored that 
Sebalias was still within the limits of Epire, betook them- 
selves with |all speed to the garrison on the frontiers, from 
which Moses had deserted ; and being apprehensive that the 
soldiers of the garrison might disband themselves and leave 
the passes into the province without defence, they, with 
great promptness and decision, levied new forces with which 
they strengthened the garrison ; and at the same time they 
encouraged the men to be of good heart, and to remain 
faithful to their prince, telling them that they could hardly 
believe Moses had left them with an evil design, but that he 
would probably soon return. The garrison being ihvm 
strengthened, and the men quieted, Demetrius left hii' 

22 




354 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTEIOT. 

brother there, and, together with some Dibrian gentlemen, 
proceeded by long journeys to join Scanderbeg*. 

In the mean time, it was ascertained by scouts sent abroad 
over the country, that Sebalias had left Belgrade and was 
beyond the limits of Epire. The troops, when this was 
known, were very desirous that the bodies of their compan- 
ions who had been slain should be buried, and not left to be 
devoured by wild animals. Scanderbeg yielded to their 
wishes ; and to prevent any further misfortune, he sent such 
a force as would be secure against any attack from the ene- 
my without, and from the garrison within the walls of the 
town. Tanusee requested to have the conducting of this 
force, which was granted to him ; and without colors or 
standards' or any warlike pomp, he speedily departed with 
7000 chosen troops towards Belgrade. 

When Scanderbeg, with his army, approached Croia, he 
was met without the town by the mass of inhabitants, whose 
conduct, as it is described, was such as might be expected 
from a multitude anxious to learn the fate of their rela- 
tions and friends, and every particular which they could 
gather concerning them. 

Demetrius and the gentlemen of Dibria who accompanied 
him overtook Scanderbeg just before he reached Croia. 
Their language to him was that of condolence, on account 
of his misforrune, mingled with words of ^encouragement to 
induce him not to despond, but to be persuaded that all was 
ordered by Providence for the best. Yet were they not 
able always to restrain their tears. At length they informed 
him of the treachery of Moses, and expressed apprehen- 
sion that he had gone to Sebalias with the intent to draw 
him into Epire. 

Scanderbeg was at first thunderstruck, and appeared 
scarcely to credit what was told him. But when he had 
learned the particulars of what had taken place, this con- 
duct of his friend caused him more distress than his ill sue- 



LIFE OF GEOROE CA8TEI0T. 255 

cess at the siege of Belgrade. Yet, with a loud voice, he 
openly declared, that with all his heart, he pardoned Moses, 
because the calamity which had induced him to desert was so 
great as might have caused any other man to waver in his 
fidelity ; nor would he listen to the opinion of those who 
maintained that Moses had long intended this defection, 
which was the reason of his not going to the siege of Bel- 
grade, and that he took advantage of the unhappy termina- 
tion of that expedition to carry his purpose into effect. 
Scanderbeg received information which reheved him from 
the apprehension that the Turks would return into the coun- 
try. But as it was a matter of hnportance to secure the 
province and to relieve the apprehensions of the timorous, 
he remained in Croia only one night, and the next morning 
by break of day he proceeded towards Dibria, accompanied 
by Amese and a good troop of horsemen. 

Tanusee had by this time arrived at Belgrade. When 
the inhabitants first perceived him, they supposed he had 
come to renew the siege, and they hastened to their several 
appointed stations, to resist the expected attack ; but when 
they saw how comparatively small his numbers were, and 
that the troops marched in an irregular manner, they were 
relieved from their alarm. The duty which the Christian 
troops had to perform was sad and disgusting, from the 
mangled and decayed state in which they found the remains 
of their slaughtered companions in arms. Tanusee caused 
pits to be dug, in which the dead were laid, and the earth 
thrown upon them, making a number of hillocks or small 
mounds. Scanderbeg could not have chosen a more fit man 
to perform this office than Tanusee Thopie. He manifested 
great tenderness of feeling while engaged in the mournful 
task which he had undertaken ; but when he had finished 
his duty towards the slain, he resolved to leave with the 
living some such token of his resentmient and vigor as Bhould 
prevent his enemies from jeering at him' for leading an armj' 




256 UFB OF 6EOR6B CASTRIOT. 

only to bury the dead. He accordingly laid waste the 
country all around, and approached to the very walls of the 
city ; from which, according to some accounts, the garrison 
sallied and had a sharp encounter with the Christian army, 
who finally drove them back within the walls ; after whic^ 
Tanusee, fearing to be attacked by the frontier garrisons of 
the Turks, retired with many execrations from the place 
which was rendered hateful to him by being the scene of so 
much bloodshed among his fellow-soldiers. 

While Scanderbeg was in Dibria, he endeavored, by con- 
sulting with the principal and old inhabitants of the country, 
to discover whether Moses had left behind him any of hk 
fellow-traitors, and if any seeds of mischief still remained. 
Besides the secret inquiries which were set on foot, proc- 
lamation was made by sound of trumpet, offering great re- 
wards to those who should discover any such conspirators. 
But nothing came to light that could justify a suspicion of 
any such treachery remaining. Whereupon the Dibnans 
received great conmiendations, and had liberal rewards dis- 
tributed among them for their good faith and loyalty. The 
property of Moses was confiscated, and his pensions and 
offices were either retained by the prince, or bestowed upon 
others. The government of Dibria and of th€^garrison was not 
immediately filled, but retained by Scanderbeg for a while in 
his own hands, much to the satisfaction of all men, and partic- 
ularly of the soldiers. The affairs of Dibria being arranged, 
and a good garrison established, Scanderbeg returned to 
Croia, where Tanusee had just arrived with his army, which 
he delivered to the pri&ce, and retired sorrowful to his own 
house amid renewed lamentations for the death of Musache, 
whose widow Mamisa, having assembled many ladies, as was 
the custom of the country, continued long with tears and 
lamentations to celebrate his obsequies. 

Scanderbeg, having disbanded his own army, resolved also 
to send back to Alphonsus, together with an embassy, the 




LIFE OF OEORf»B CABTRIOT. 957 

Neapolitan troops who survived the battle -of Belgrade. 
And as soon as they were in condition to depart, he coiur- 
teously thanked them for their services, and embarked them 
for Italy. After this, Scanderbeg proceeded to that part of 
the country which appertained to Musache, to visit and con- 
dole with his sister, and to consult upon the affairs of the 
realm. Tanusee was appointed tutor and guardian of the 
persons and property of Musache's children ;* and a parent 
could not have shown more affection, care, and diligence 
than Tanusee exhibited in the discharge of his trust. The 
government of the territory, and the accompanying honors, 
remained with Mamisa, the widow. And with so much 
moderation, skill, and address did she conduct her affsiirs, 
that there never had been known greater union and concord 
among the people than during her government. It is gen- 
erally acknowledged that Scanderbeg availed himself much 
of her counsel and advice, in the management of his own 
concerns. She would never consent to a second marriage, 
esteeming the loss of her husband irreparable ; who, indeed, 
is represented as having possessed every quality, both of 
person and mind, which could render the loss of him such 
as was not to be repaired. 

The account of the good success of Sebalias at Belgrade 
was rumored at Adrianople before his own arrival there. 
This good fortune of the Turks against the Epirots had be- 
come so unusual, that the sultan was in doubt what to 
believe ; but as Moses reached the Turkish court before Se- 
balias, his account of all the circumstances which had taken 
place tended to confirm the truth of what had been reported, 
and the defection of Moses was hailed with exceeding joy. 
Sebalias was received with great triumph by all. the people; 
and his successful expedition is said to have caused more 
general exultation than all the conquests obtained by their 
sovereign. The captives, with their hands bound behind 
them, and the ensigns of the Christiant, were first preeeptad 

22* 




258 LIFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. ' 

to the sultan ; next were exhibited the other spoils and war- 
like implements, together with the heads of the slain. These 
heads, from which the brain had been taken and the void 
filled with straw, were sold for their weight in gold, and 
kicked about the streets by the children like footballs. The 
Italian prisoners were offered for sale, and many of them 
sold to the highest bidders. Some who were aged, and all 
the Epirots, were either impaled, or hanged upon hooks, 
and left to die in the midst of their torments. The cruelty 
which was exercised upon the Albanians, and from which 
scarcely any of them escaped, exceeded that shown to the 
others, either on account of the malice borne them by the 
Turks, or because they were considered as not fit for slaves 
— ^being, hke the Hungarians, of too proud and lofty a na- 
ture, and men who never would make good Mussulmen. 

When Mahomet heard of the chivalrous conduct of Scan- 
derbeg at the battle of Belgrade, he declared that his own 
army was vanquished, and that the Epirots were the victors ; 
and that the fame of Scanderbeg would be more increased 
by this battle than by all his other exploits. And, indeed, 
almost superhuman qualities were generally attributed to 
Scanderbeg, as though his body was not liable to be injured 
by the sword, or by any human violence. Sebalias, how- 
ever, received large rewards, and was held in great honor, 
as being esteemed the first who had shown that Scanderbeg 
was not invincible. Moses was treated with great favor, and 
gratified with an ample pension. But when he asked of the 
sultan a body of troops wherewith to attack Scanderbeg, his 
request was not complied with, upon the plea that winter 
was too near at hand. Whether this was the true reason or 
not, Mahomet resolved to rest for a while, and intermit the 
war with Epire. 

Scanderbeg's ambassadors returned from Italy, loaded 
with presents, as was customary, and accompanied by am- 
bassadors sent by Alphonsus, to offer consolation to Scan- 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. S5& 

derbeg for his misfortunes, and to tender him whatever 
supplies he might stand in need of. Many messages to the 
like purport came to him from other princes and states in 
Italy, and from neighboring powers. To all of these he 
made suitable answers ; and desired them not to be appre- 
hensive for the fate of Epire, which possessed strength and 
vigor enough to resist its enemies and to recover its former 
prosperous state. 

He spent the following winter partly in Croia, and partly 
in Dibria, and other places of the province. The garrison 
of Dibria he reduced to its former number of 2000 horse 
and 1000 foot. Strong guards were appointed, and many, 
spies were dispersed abroad, to watoh the motions of the 
Turks. No mcursions were made into the enemy's country 
during the winter by the garrison, both on account of the 
season of the year, and because the land had already been 
overrun and wasted ; to which may be added, that Scander- 
beg had in his mind schemes of more bitter revenge against 
his mortal foes. The winter consequently passed away in 
great tranquillity. 

When the spring of 1463 opened, Moses was very urgent 
wijth the sultan to renew the war against Epire. During the 
winter Mahomet had taken great pains to become thoroughly 
acquainted with the character and abilities of Moses, who, in 
conversations which they had together, endeavored to lower 
the reputation 'of Scanderbeg, and engaged to encounter him 
in single combat, if permitted to have the command of an 
army of 16,000 horsemen, to be chosen and ordered by 
himself. 

The sultan was easily persuaded to intrust such a force to 
the command of Moses, who had full power to direct it as 
he thought best. The soldiers who were put upon this ser- 
vice felt apprehensive that the force would not be strong 
enough ; nevertheless, they were encouraged by the sanguine 
confidence of their new general. It was also a consideration 



260 LIFB OF OEOaGE CASTRIOT. 

of some weight, that the credit and authority of Moses in 
his own country, and the connections which he had there, 
might be of great assistance to him. And he assured the 
sultan that he held correspondence with some of the princi- 
pal men, who were ready to join him with a number of able 
followers, as soon as his troops should set foot within th^ 
territory, and to turn their forces against Scanderbeg. 
When all his preparations were completed, he began his 
march from Adrianople, about the 23d of February, 1453, 
and displayed his ensigns within sight and in the bosom of 
his own country. While Moses was engaged in this attack 
upon Scanderbeg, Mahomet resumed his movements for the 
siege of Constantinople, which had been interrupted by the 
war of Epire, and marched against that renowned capital 
with an immense force ; the history of which famous siege 
does not properly belong to the biography of Scanderbeg. 

The rumors which preceded the approach of Moses caused 
Scanderbeg to hold his forces in readiness. Although pre- 
pared to meet with firmness and resolution any attack which 
might be made upon him, he ' could not persuade himself 
that Moses in reality entertained hostile feelings towards 
him ; but hoped that, under the appearance of an enemy, he 
intiended to subserve his interests and to work mischief to 
the Turk. He did not prepare any stratagems by which to 
overreach the army which was coming against him ; for he 
knew that, whatever might be the purpose of its commander, 
his own forces were sufficient to encounter it openly. 

In consequence of this moderation on the part of Scan- 
derbeg, Moses entered without interruption into lower Di- 
bria, and encamped near to the plain of Oronichea in Epire. 
But he made no attempt to excite the inhabitants to revolt, 
nor did he plunder or lay waste the country. For, being 
informed that Scanderbeg was approaching, and as he pur- 
posed to engage with him in single combat, he thought 
best not to spend the time in skirmishes and devastaticm. 



UFB OF GEOaaE OASTRIOT. 361 

but to come at once to open battle. Scanderbeg made 
no delay ; but, meeting his enemy in the open plain, made 
ready for battle. The soldiers in his army were greatly 
excited, and could with difficulty be restrained from rush- 
ing to the charge. But the feelings of Scanderbeg were 
different from those of his men ; he would willingly have 
conferred with Moses, his old friend and companion, and 
have discovered the real state of his mind; but neither 
his own dignity, nor the fury of his soldiers, nor the 
purpose of Moses himself, would permit this. For the 
Dibrian was desirous of beginning the onset, that he might 
have an opportunity of engaging in single combat with 
Scanderbeg, as he had promised the sultan. But his pur- 
pose was delayed by a private soldier, named AkimaZf 
who suddenly proposed to him to permit a single combat 
to take place before the armies should engage. This 
proposal of the soldier was approved, and he was per- 
mitted to arm for the combat. A trumpet was sent to 
Scanderbeg, who consented to what Ahimaz had suggested. 
When the Turkish trumpet returned with Scanderbeg's 
answer, Zacharie Groppe, an Epirot horseman, came for- 
ward amid the shouts of his companions, and presented 
himself to his general with the request that he might have 
the honor of being chosen for the combat. He was ap- 
proved by Scanderbeg, and commended for his bravery. 
His fellows, who assisted him to arm, prayed to God that 
he might be as successful as Manessey. He equipped him- 
self with only his ordinary weapons; but wore rich orna- 
ments upon his armor. The Turk, who was not inferior to 
his opponent, was the first to take the field, imagining that 
hardly any one could be found bold enough to encounter 
him. But when he saw the. Epirot completely armed 
advancing towards him with his lance on his thigh, he 
called out to hun to stop, that they might have a parley 
before they engaged. He asked the name and condition of 



263 LIFE OF OEOEGB OA8TRIOT. 

the Epirot, and began to propose terms much like those 
which, on a similar occasion, had been proposed to Paul 
Manessey, and by him rejected. Zacharie interrupted his 
speeches as not worthy of regard, and they both wheeled 
about, to such a distance apart as might afford a fuU 
career to the horses ; then, putting spurs to their chargers 
and giving them the reins, they rushed upon each other at 
full speed with their lances couched. Keither of them 
missed his blow, but their spears striking their targets they 
were shivered in pieces without reaching their bodies; they 
held on their course, however, and met each other with so 
rude a shock that both men and horses were overthrown 
and fell to the ground. The two combatants quickly sprang 
to their feet unhurt, and began a fierce conflict with their 
swords. This lasted a long time without injury to either 
party, until their swords, which were crooked and heavy, 
more fit for horsemen than for foot-soldiers, fell from their 
hands; whereupon, throwing away their targets also, they 
closed upon one another, and each endeavored by wrestling 
to overthrow his adversary. The two armies stood and 
looked on in a state of suspense. After a long struggle 
they fell together, the Turk on his back underneath tiie 
Epirot, who, quickly clenching his dagger, stabbed his 
adversary in the throat. Ahimaz gradually became faint, 
and his hands relaxing their hold, Zacharie freed himself 
from him, amidst the loud acclamations of the Albanians, 
and springing to his feet seized his sword, which lay near, 
and cut off the head of the Turk, before the breath was 
yet quite out of his body. "Vi^lth this trophy and the 
spoils of the slain, the Epirot returned towards his compan- 
ions, who came to meet him. The horses of the combatants, 
at the beginning of the fight, both fled to the army of 
the Christians, which was considered by them as a happy 
omen. Zacharie received from Scanderbeg rewards equal 
to those which had been bestowed upon Manessey ; but the 



LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 263 

praises which he received from the whole army were far 
greater than those which had been given to Manessey, be- 
cause the difficulty and variety of the combat appeared to 
enhance its merit. 

This success of their champion greatly encouraged the 
Epirots, and equally disheartened Moses; yet, notwith- 
standing the remonstrances of his troops, he put spurs to 
his horse, and making towards Scanderbeg, he challenged 
him to single combat. The troops of Scanderbeg were 
astounded at the suddenness and strangeness of this conduct 
on the part of Moses. As to Scanderbeg himself, his for- 
mer feelings were not yet quite obliterated ; and he hesitated 
to imbrue his hands in the blood of his old friend. But the 
other continuing to defy him, and upbraiding him in a most 
insolent and provoking manner, all his other feelings were 
converted into wrath and fury ; and disregarding the per- 
suasions of his nobles, who would have taken upon them- 
selves to avenge the insults offered to him, he made directly 
towards the Dibrian. ^But as soon as Moses saw him ap- 
proach, he suddenly wheeled about and galloped back to 
his own army, and ordered his troops to advance to battle. 
Scanderbeg also, on his part, returned to his forces, who 
were well pleased that their prince had not engaged in the 
expected combat ; and still greater was the satisfaction of 
the Turks, who well knew the great disparity between the 
two warriors.* 



* '^ He that should compare the braverie of the challenge made by the defiant 
with the ahamefiihiesse of his flight, would thinke that either Moses being ashamed 
of his promise made to the aidtan, was willing to be acquitted of it as of an iU 
debt, and that being terrified with the present danger, it made him to tume his 
backe: or else that he did it of a foolish and rash presumption, thihking that 
Seaiiderbeg would not have stirred out of his place to meete him, and himselfe 
confessed no lesse afterwardes at such time as he returned into Albany. But for 
my part I am rather of this minde, ttiat God, even that great God which hath 
established the kings of the earth in their thrones, hath imprinted in their counte> 
nances certaine characters of his divinitie, which maketh them venerable and tep> 
fible above other men. And so Moses, who had never seen his king in eh<rfler and 



264 LIFB OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

The army of Scanderbeg, which consisted of six thousand 
horse and four thousand foot, was so numerous, and his 
men were so encouraged by what they considered happy 
omens, that he felt confident of victory. Still he omitted 
nothing which his consummate skill could suggest to render 
his victory certain. And having addressed his men in a 
manner which excited loud shouts of approbation, they ad- 
vanced against the enemy. 

The Grecian army was divided into two wings, one of 
which was commanded by Muaache cte Angelifie, and the 
other by Oiurize de Vladienne, Scanderbeg took his wont- 
ed station in the centre, supported by a squadron of ^ pikes 
and halberts and a number of Italian horsemen. In the 
front of his wings he distributed his archers, crossbow-men, 
and such as fought with missile weapons. The rearward 
was similarly disposed. 

The front Ime of the Turkish army consisted of about 
four thousand horse. The second line was composed of the 
same number, intermingled with some of the best troops, so 
ordered that they might sustain the front line, and check 
them if they gave way. The rearward was commanded by 
Moses in person ; who was principally attended and guard- 
ed by Epirots, with whose language being most familiar, he 
could most easily consult with them, and give them direc- 
tions. To many of this nation he had also intrusted divers 
commands in the battle, without any opposition on the part 
of the Turks, because the whole ordering of the expedition 
had been intrusted to him by the sultan. 

When the two armies met, the Christians bore upon the 
vanguard of their enemies with such force and fury that 
they obliged them to give way. Many of those in the 



displeasure with him, could not then beaw nor endure the maiestie of his angrie 
visage: so that herein he verified the olde and common proverbe: namely, when 
the eye seeth that it never saw, the heart thinketh that whidi it never thought."— 
IVmuiatun ^ Jxamrdin, 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 265 

second line also deserted their ranks in spite of the cries of 
their companions, who endeavored to recall them. This 
was especially owing to Scanderbeg's arquebusiers, who ad- 
vancing very boldly did such execution as to cause great 
terror. Moses, during the conflict, was not inactive, but, 
without regard to danger, presented himself wherever he 
thought he could be of service, and omitted no exertion to 
restore the battle ; in which he was partly successful, for 
the second line was preserved from entire defeat by the 
troops which were placed in the rear to support it. But 
the continual charges made by Scanderbeg at length forced 
a way even to the rear line. When Moses perceived this, 
he led on a strong corps of his bravest men to meet the 
Albanians, and by his presence rendered the conflict more 
bloody, but his defeat not the less certain ; for the squad- 
rons of Scanderbeg followed close upon him, and the two 
wings hemmed in the Turks, whose general, however, with 
great courage endured the assaults of the Christians, and 
refused to yield notwithstanding the great slaughter which 
was made of his troops. When he saw Scanderbeg coming 
against him he shunned a single encounter, but urged for- 
ward the strength of his battle in hopes to overwhelm him. 
The Christians pressed upon the Turks in front and in 
flank, overthrew their vanguard, broke their main battle, 
got possession of many of their colors and ensigns, and slew 
many officers, whose heads they put upon spears and spikes 
to the terror of their companions. Yet the Turkish com- 
mander, although both his flanks were exposed, and the 
battle appeared to be irretrievable, still continued to defend 
himself, and manifested no disposition to retreat. He ral- 
lied his scattered troops, reproaching them with their cow- 
ardice, and continued the fight with such obstinacy as to 
excite the wonder of Scanderbeg, who declared that he did 
not believe that Moses could fight with such fury for his 
country or for his children. But the prince, accompanied 

23 



I 



] 266 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

by Amese, Tanusee, and the two Streeses, his nephews, 

again made towards him with great violence ; and some o^ 

: the Epirots called upon him by name to stay and obtain the 

crown of Epire, which was ready for him. The Dibrian 
heeded not these taunts, but with his rear-guard bravely 
withstood and checked the impetuosity of the charges made 
upon him. At this juncture one of the Turks, of singular 
address and boldness, as Scanderbeg was approaching, put 
spurs to his horse, and with his lance bearing full upon 
I him, encountered him so rudely that he threw him back- 

■ ward upon the crupper of his horse, and the Turks, sup- 

posing him to be dead, raised a loud shout of exultation. 
This accident tended to renew the spuits of the Turks, who 
still maintained the fight. But "our peerless chieftain" 
^ having recovered his seat and his stirrups, and a feeling of 

: disgrace making the blood to mount into his face, he would 

sufifer none but himself to avenge the insult. In a furious 
rage he rushed upon his enemy, and followed him so hard 
with many wounds, that he at length left him dead at his 
feet. Scanderbeg pressed on, calling aloud to Moses, and 
directing all his wrath against him ; but he being forsaken 
both by the light of day and by his troops, was obliged to 
flee with the rest of his army. The Epirots continued the 
pursuit of their enemies for a mile or more, in the hope of 
taking Moses alive or dead, of which Scanderbeg was very 
desirous. But, although many who were hmdmost fell by 
the sword, Moses escaped, and being well acquainted with 
the country, he arrived at a place of safety, worn out with 
fatigue and hunger, accompanied by the remnant of his 
army, which did not at the utmost exceed 4000 men. And 
here he remained until daylight. The loss of the Epirots is 
represented to have been not as many as 100 missing, and 
about 80 wounded. Among the prisoners of the Turks 
was only one of special note, who, being grievously woimd- 
ed, had yielded himself to Zacharie Groppe, and was after- 




LIFS OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 267 

wards ransomed at a 'great price.. This was the only pris- 
oner kept alive. The others, whether by the command of 
Scanderbeg or not is uncertain, were put to^ death with tor- 
tures, to satisfy the revenge of the soldiers for the cruelty 
practised by the Turks at Belgrade. 

The army of Scanderbeg retired with their own baggage 
and the spoils of the enemy to the stationary garrison. But 
they made no long abode there ; for Scanderbeg, on the 4th 
of April, commenced his progress towards Croia. The tri- 
imiph for this victory was particularly celebrated by the 
Dibrians with more than common exultation, because they 
thought the stigma brought upon their country by the de- 
fection of Moses now wiped away. Scanderbeg also sent 
an embassy with presents to his friend Alphonsus, king of 
Naples, in token that his affairs were in a more flourishing 
condition than they had for some time been. This embassy 
was honorably received, and after a while dismissed with 
valuable presents in return ; although by a late war with 
the Florentines, and an unsuccessful attempt upon Plombyn> 
the treasures of Alphonsus were much exhausted. 

Moses and his companions, in the mean time, for several 
days wandered up and down upon the marches of Albania, 
uncertain what course to take or what counsel to decide 
upon. He felt ashamed to present himself before the sul- 
tan, and his forces were so much weakened, that to renew 
his attempt to overcome the Prince of Epire would be alto- 
gether vain. Still he endeavored to persuade his men that 
his knowledge of the country was so perfect that he could 
lead them without being discovered to the Christian garri- 
son upon the frontiers, which they might easily overcome. 
But his efforts to persuade the soldiers were all ineffectual, 
and they forthwith began their march towards Greece. 
Their general, with a heavy heart, was obliged to go with 
the multitude. 

Between the departure of Moses and his return f^ *^ ;. 



268 UFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 

saltan nearly two months elapsed. During this tone Ma- \ 

hornet remamed in a state of uncertainty and of great anx- 
iety respecting the fate of his army and of its commander. 
But when those who had escaped returned discomfited and 
in eyil plight, the wrath of the sultan was extreme, and 
Moses was generally blamed as the cause of what had come 
to pass. He himself was overwhelmed with shame and 
confusion, and dreaded to appear openly among men. His 
soldiers, however, with whom he had much ingratiated him- 
self, testified to the bravery and conduct which he had ex- 
hibited in the battle of Orinochsea ; and as to his declining 
his own challenge to Scanderbeg, that was attributed to the 
invincible valor and virtue of the Albanian prince. 

Mahomet would have inflicted signal punishment upon 
the unfortunate general, had not some of the tyrant's in- 
timate friends interceded for him. But although all pro- 
ceedings against him were stopped, he lived in such con- 
tempt and neglect that scarcely any care was taken for his 
maintenance. He dissembled as well as he could the pain 
and anxiety caused by his situation ; but when he had come 
to a sense of the unworthiness of his conduct, after much 
consideration, he finally resolved to throw himself upon the 
mercy of his prince, being especially induced thereto by the 
known clemency of his disposition. Having resolved upon 
this course, he constantly turned his thoughts to the means 
by which he might escape from the Ottoman court and 
carry his purpose into eflPect. The night-time being most 
suitable for his design, he one evening departed so as not to 
be perceived by the watch, and continued his journey that 
whole night and the day following without intermission un- 
til he reached the borders of Macedonia, when he proceeded 
more deliberately. When he had thus within a few days 
arrived on the borders of Epire, he went directly to the gar- 
rison of which he had formerly held the command, intend- 
ing to go thence and prostrate himself at the feet of Scan- 




LIFE OF GEOB6E CASTRIOT. 269 

derbeg. The former feelings of the Dibrians seemed to 
revive and their hearts to melt at his presence, and he was 
received by them with marks of great kindness. Being in- 
formed that the king was not far distant, he went immedi- 
ately to present himself, and was accompanied by a number 
of the garrison. The evening was not far distant when he, 
putting his girdle about his neck, proceeded to the place 
where he found Scanderbeg walking before his tents. Fall- 
ing on his knees before the prince, while tears trickled down 
his cheeks, he besought his pardon, protesting that if his 
life were spared, it should ever after be devoted to the ser- 
vice of his country. Those who accompanied him joined 
their entreaties to his. Scanderbeg took him kindly by the 
hand, and raised him up, freely granted his pardon, and re- 
ceived him to his favor. After many embraces, he con- 
versed with him in so frank and friendly a manner as to show 
that he was truly reconciled to him, and that his heart re- 
tained no feeling of revenge. The generosity of Scanderbeg 
was not content with merely pardoning the offence of 
Moses, but he also restored to him his property, which had 
been confiscated, and reinstated him in his former offices. 
All this was very pleasing to Scanderbeg's subjects, who 
testified their joy for the return of the penitent offender by 
bonfires, and other tokens of rejoicing. And it is stated 
that a decree was made that no one should ever mention 
the rebellion of Moses. 

While the people of Epire were rejoicing at the return of 
Hoses, the sultan was beyond measure exasperated at his 
departure. He heaped opprobrious epithets upon him, and 
declared that all, from the beginning, had been a stratagem 
contrived by Scanderbeg, Although bent upon revenge» 
Mahomet was persuaded to defer his attempts upon Epire 
for the present year, as troubles were threatened in Asia^ 
and it would be desirable to be free from all other wars be- 
fore his attention should be turned towards the contest with 



270 LIFB OF GBORGS CABTEIOT. 

Scanderbeg. A small force was, however, dispatched towards 
the borders ; of which Scanderbeg receiving notice, he as- 
sembled a running camp, and kept on the watch for several 
days ; but as the TWks proceeded no further than Alchiiay 
the expedition produced no efifect of consequence. Scander- 
beg having, from different sources, learned the intentions of 
the Ottoman court, after settling some affiurs of consequence, 
and having left Moses on the borders, he retired with the 
queen to a country on the sea-coast called Bedona, and there 
passed the remainder of the sunmier, and most of the 
autumn, in huntmg, and other rural sports. 

Moses was continually making inroads with his garrison 
upon the territory of the Turks, both by day and night, and 
whatever spies, foragers, or others, fell into his hands, he put 
to the sword. But as the Mahometans ventured upon no 
undertaking of any importance, nothing worthy of note oc- 
curred. 

While Mcses was endeavoring to do away the remem- 
brance of his ill conduct, a spirit of evil took possession of 
Amese, the nephew of Scanderbeg, and induced him to re- 
volt from his uncle. The object of his defection is not cer- 
tainly known, but it is supposed that, being of the blood 
royal, he was prompted, by the suggestions of Turkish emis- 
saries, to aspire to the crown of Epire. He took with him, 
when he went over to the Ottoman court, his wife and chil- 
dren, as pledges of his fidelity, and delivered them into the 
hands of the Turk. His departure caused great astonish- 
ment and tumult throughout the province, and was bitterly 
compliijned of by Scanderbeg. 

The winter season having arrived, Scanderbeg retired with 
his train to Croia, and there passed the winter. He did not, 
during that season, levy any forces, or make warlike prepar- 
ations, but he frequently visited the garrison in Dibria, and, 
by spies, and other means of information, kept himself in 
readiness to meet the troubles which were soon to arise. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 271 

The Turkish monarch was not so much struck by the ap- 
pearance of Amese, as he was by his power of speech. His 
stature was so small and unsightly as to aflford no indication 
of the rare qualities of his mind, for he was of a quick and 
subtle spirit, never at ease when idle— courteous and liberal. 
Whatever he obtained for himself, he distributed among his 
soldiers and friends. He was ready to serve others, and 
very friendly and accessible, but withal possessing great 
power of dissimulation. By these qualities, he so gained the 
good-will of all men, that, next to Scanderbeg, he stood 
higher in general estimation than any other person. It is 
even asserted that some of the most intimate friends of 
Scanderbeg advised him to be on his guard against a spirit 
so keen and aspiring ; but the generous-spirited prince 
would hearken to no such insinuations. Yet, when the re- 
volt of Amese took place, his uncle, in consequence of the 
hints which he had received, more readily credited it than 
he had done that of Moses, and, when too late, reflected 
upon the natural disposition of the man, which had been 
more accurately observed by others than by himself. 

The address which Amese is reported to have made to 
Mahomet, when admitted to his presence, was made up of 
complaints against his uncle, the Prince of Epire, and of 
professions of fidelity to Mahomet, and of abject submission 
to his will. 

Amese was well received by the sultan, and a large and 
honorable pension assigned to him. 

Not long previous to this time, Mahomet had suffered a 
great defeat by Huniades, before Belgrade, in Hungary, 
formerly called Alba Graeca, or Taururum, having lost 
40,000 men, and all his artillery, baggage, and munitions ; 
he himself also having been grievously wounded and put to 
flight. Although sorely grieved and tormented by a desire 
of revenge for this disgrace, the sultan, by the advice of his 
council, resolved to intermit the Hungarian war, and to bend 



272 LIFE OF 6EOS6E CASTBIOT. 

all his efforts against Albania, so as to put an end, if pos- 
sible, to his troubles in that quarter. A commission was 
consequently granted to levy 50,000 horsemen, and Amese 
was appointed to attend the expedition, and to take part in 
its guidance and direction. 

The heats of summer (1456) began to prevail before Maho- 
met's preparations were completed. When all things were in 
readiness, the army commenced its march under the conduct 
of Isaac, the bashaw of Romania. Amese had command of 
6000 horse, and it is by some said that he was created a 
Sanziack. 

Scanderbeg did not at first credit the rumors of these 
great preparations of the Turks, for he could not believe that 
Mahomet would direct his wrath against Epire, and submit 
to the disgrace of the overthrow which he had lately re- 
ceived in Hungary. He, however, neglected no means of 
obtaining information respecting the movements and inten- 
tions of the Turk ; and when he received certain advice of 
the magnitude of the force that was coming against him, 
and that his nephew was there in person, whom the bashaw 
was expressly directed by the sultan to crown and invest as 
King of Albania, he no longer delayed to assemble his forces. 
He called a council of his confederate princes, and of the chief 
men of the country, as well as of certain Dibrians, to delibe- 
rate upon the course to be pursued in the existing posture 
of affairs. The place of meeting was in Lower Dibria, where 
the camp was usually situated. Moses, with some of his 
garrison, also attended the meeting. The number of volun- 
teers from different countries which flocked to the standard 
of Scanderbeg was so great, that he soon assembled a suffi- 
cient army of able and high-spirited men. So confident and 
eager were they, that he thought it advisable, in some mea- 
sure, to* repress their ardor. He therefore made an address 
to them, of which the chief purport is represented to have 
been the danger of riskuig all in an open battle against the 



LIFE OF GEOKGE CASTRIOT. 273 

powerful force which was coming upon them, and the pro- 
priety of being cautious and wary in their mode of carrying 
on the war. He represented to them the evils which always 
attend a battle, whether it be lost or won ; and that there- 
fore the enemy should be overcome by stratagems, and not 
by open force, which, however, would require great judg- 
ment and discretion, as Amese was among their enemies, 
and was well acquainted with that mode of warfare. He 
also gave it as his opinion that the country people should 
retire into the fortresses and strongholds. 

The address of Scanderbeg was listened to with great 
silence and attention, and when he ended Tanusee and Uran- 
ocontes arose in their places and declared that their prince 
had so admirably discoursed upon every point, there was no 
need of any further deliberation. Hereupon the ardor of the 
common soldiers was cooled, but some of them could not 
forbear to request their prince to inform them more particu- 
larly by what means he purposed to repel the enemy. Scan- 
derbeg, smiling, answered that they ought to be content to 
'put their trust in him, for that he would share the same for- 
tune with them, and that it would be useless to give them 
any assurances in a case which Fortime might take into her 
own bands and turn in her own way. 

After this, Scanderbeg immediately named the several 
charges throughout the country, and the officers were sent 
to the different places, and their duties assigned to them. 
The harvest was not yet quite ended, so that the com waa 
gathered into the towns and castles partly in the sheaf ; for 
the rumor of the approach of the Turks grew every day 
louder, and so great was the haste that the soldiers were 
employed to aid the husbandmen. But at length a suffi- 
cient provision was made to last many months. Scanderbeg 
havmg left Moses in command of part of the army, went to 
Croia, where he remained about three days engaged in the 
ordering of important matters, and especially in having ihe 



274 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

queen and her household removed to Petra-Alba. He ihen 
returned to Dibria, and set himself to attend diligently to his 
business, and with a watchful eye to prepare himself for the 
reception of his nephew, whom he resolved to treat as a nuur- 
tal enemy. 

The Turkish army had now passed nearly through Mace- 
donia and were entering upon the borders of Albania. They 
sent forward their scouts to explore the country, lest they 
should fall into any of Scanderbeg's wonted snares. And it 
is said, that for this reason Amese would never suffer them 
to march during the night, insisting that his imcle would not 
have the rashness to meet so powerful a force in the open 
field during the day, but would take advantage of the night 
in order to practice his accustomed stratagems. Although 
Scanderbeg was ready to march at any moment, he would 
not retreat until the enemy was very near to him ; when, 
trussing up his baggage, he retired in such manner that they 
who followed could perceive which way he went. The Turks 
would not pursue him, because of the roughness of the way 
and through fear of ambuscades. Only some horsemen were 
dispatched after him with orders to harass his army as much 
as possible, and to discover the course which he was taking 
and whither he was going. The main army of the Turks 
entered the upper Dibria by the way of Alchria, and marched 
on leisurely, scouring the country on all sides as they ad- 
vanced. When they found that no enemy was near they 
gladly spread themselves over the country in the hope of 
plunder ; but their joy was turned to disappointment when 
they found that every thing which could invite their rapacity 
had been placed in security. They held on their course until 
about an hour before noOn, when they pitched their tents 
near to Oronichea, in Dibria, where the Christian forces had 
been used to encamp ; and there they waited for the return 
of their scouts, and rested themselves during the extreme 
heat of the day. They remained in this place at least two 




LIFE OP GEORGE CASTRIOT. 275 

hours, keeping strict guard, until the men who had been sent 
forward returned and reported that Scanderbeg and his forces 
drew towards the sea-coast, in the direction of the city of 
Lyssa ; and, on being questioned as to their number, they 
said that they were scarcely sufficient to make up a legion.* 
The truth, however, was, that the Albanian army amounted 
to more than 11,000 fighting men, of which 6000 were 
horsemen and the rest foot soldiers. The mistake probably 
arose from this circumstance, that the foot had been sent 
forward from Dibria ahead of the cavalry, in order to be se- 
cure from a sudden attack, so that they were screened from 
the view of the Tiu-kish horsemen. 

The author, of whose work this biography is in a great 
measure an abridgment, is of opinion that the intention of 
Scanderbeg in suffering the enemy to approach so near to 
him before he retreated, was to induce the belief that his 
first purpose was to meet them in open field, but that upon 
discovering their great supenority of force he was intimi- 
dated and hastily retreated ; and that his reason for going 
towards Lyssa rather than among the forests and valleys, 
was to prevent the suspicion of his meditating any stratagem, 
and to make it supposed that he was retiring through real ap- 
prehension of his danger, and that he thus designed to render 
the Turks less careful and more likely to afford him some 
opportunity of taking them at a disadvantage. The event 
seems to justify these conjectures. 

The bashaw, not being free from apprehension with regard 
to the stratagems of ScSipderbeg, asked Amese what he 
thought to be the cause of his so unusual conduct. The an- 
swer of Amese was, that his uncle expected the troops under 
Moses, and had consequently only assembled a flying camp 
as was his custom, and fed himself with the hope of victory, 
but that upon discovering how idle his imaginations were, that 



♦6000. 



276 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

he could have no chance of success against such mighty odds» 
nor remain in safety within his own dominions, he had fled 
towards Lissa in order to ohtain succors from his neighlxvB 
the Venetians. This opinion of Amese was by the bashaw 
thought very probable, but subsequent events proved it to 
be very ill founded. 

The bashaw, after dinner, assembled his officers to take 
counsel with respect to the course which appeared most ad- 
visable to be pursued. In this coimcil it was deliberated 
whether the camp should be moved that day, or whether it 
were best to remain quiet until some certain intelligence 
should be received concerning the movements of Scanderbeg. 
It was the opinion of Amese and of some others that they 
should remain stationary that day, and not move until the 
next morning. But the majority were for pressing on im- 
mediately ; and the trumpet sounding to horse, the men vnth 
joyful cries trussed up their baggage, and with ensigns dis- 
played began again to march forward. Amese himself, being 
of a cheerful and accommodating disposition, was not much 
averse to this movement. He thought there could be but 
little danger, for a day or two, of any attempt on the part 
of Scanderbeg ; yet, as he was very guarded and wary in his 
military proceedings, he advised the bashaw to be extremely 
circumspect, and to maintain strict discipline ; which advice 
of Amese was carefully followed. The battalions and squad- 
rons were well ordered and divided ; and the men were for- 
bidden, on pain of death, to quit without leave the places 
assigned to them. The bashaw, having oflfered up his pray- 
ers to God for victory, sent for Amese who was engaged in 
arranging his regiment, and after bestowing upon him many 
great commendations, caused him to be proclaimed by the 
soldiers King of Epire. Useless invectives were also uttered 
against Scanderbeg and his noble deeds. Amese did not 
reject the honor conferred upon him, but manifested great 
activity and diligence in the ordering of his affairs, and 




LIFE OP GEORGE CASTEIOT. 277 

sought to win the favor of the multitude both by his words 
and his actions. 

The Turkish army now resumed their march, sending 
forward their van-couriers to scour the country; part of 
their baggage being in front and a portion of it in the rear. 
The part of Epire to which, by the advice of Amese, they 
directed their march, lay to the eastward of Croia, at the 
distance of about eighty miles. They chose this district be- 
cause, being the least furnished with forces, it was likely 
to aflford the best opportunity for plunder. There was also 
some hope of surprising the town. The heat, however, 
was so intense that they did not advance far that day ; nor 
did they find any spoil to reward their search, for the 
whole country was stripped of every thing valuable which 
could be borne away ; and they abstained from destrojring 
the trees, and committing such ravages as are prompted by 
fury ^d revenge ; for they hoped to meet Scanderbeg and 
to reduce the province to subjection. 

At the approach of evening, the bashaw ordered his 
troops to halt, not daring to advance during the night. He, 
with part of his army, encamped on a mountain, having first 
caused Amese with some horsemen to reconnoitre the place. 
The remainder of the army took up their quarters along the 
valley and in other places as securely as they could. And 
care was taken to set strong guards both in the plain and on 
the surrounding mountains, especially on the side towards 
Lissa. It was purposed here to pass the night, and, on 
the next day, to proceed to Emathia.* 

It has been related that some peasants, issuing unadvised- 
ly from the neighboring forests, were surprised by the 
Turks and put to torture, and that they were thus forced to 
betray some of the secret recesses in the mountains of Epire 
known to Scanderbeg ; for in those mountains are thickets 

* Or Pharaalia. 
24 



278 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

of wood SO inaccessible that the country people consider 
themselves more secure from enemies in them, than in the 
strongest fortresses. It is also said, on the other hand, that 
a number of Turkish deserters came over to Scanderbesr, 
and that some scouts or spies fell into the hands of the 
Christian guards, who put them to death, with the excep- 
tion of one who was brought to Scanderbeg, and gave him 
much information concerning the purposes of the Turks. 

The direction taken by Scanderbeg towards the town of 
lissa was with a very different view from that imagined by 
his enemies. When he had gotten out of their sight, he 
directed his course to those parts on the borders of Albania, 
in which were many passes into the coimtry well adapted to 
ambuscades. He remained there one day, until simset; 
when, leaving his forces, he went with a few horsemen to 
the high grounds, whence he could descry all the plain coun- 
try about Emathia. He disposed, upon the tops of the 
mountams, watchmen with penons or streamers in their 
hands, which they were ordered to hold aloft that they 
might be seen, and to throw them down the mountain on 
that side where they should perceive the enemy i^) be en- 
camped. These were the only signals which, on this occa- 
sion, were made use of. The men who were placed upon 
this service were from among the best soldiers in the army ; 
one of whom was Peic Manuell, a gentleman of sound wis- 
dom and approved valor ; for upon the care and fidelity of 
these sentinels the success of. Scanderbeg's designs greatly 
depended. Having made these dispositions, he returned to 
his camp in the dead of the night, the greater part of which 
he passed in silence and repose. He then very secretly and 
without noise, removed with all his forces into a valley, very 
near to the one last mentioned, where he placed himself in 
ambuscade, waiting to be guided in his further operations 
by the signals which should be given from the mountains. 

At early dawn, the bashaw drew forth his troops from the 



UFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 279 

camp, with the intention of reaching before the heat of the 
day, the plains of Emathia, where, he was informed, some 
booty might be fomid for his soldiers. Marching on there- 
fore, greedy of prey, while the grass and herbs were still 
wet with the dew, they trod those j&elds which had long 
before been rendered famous by the blood and slaughter of 
the Romans. As another bloody battle was soon to be fought 
on these far-famed plains of Pharsaha, there are those who 
relate prodigies or omens which preceded it, such as the 
stumbling to the ground of the Turkish standard-bearer ; 
the flight of innumerable birds of prey ; and the raining of 
blood. Upon which pretended prognostics Lavardin thinks 
it worth while to offer a philosophical discussion. 

The entrance of the Turks upon the plain country of 
Pharsalia, was soon annoimced to the inhabitants by the 
artillery of the neighboring fortresses ; by which those who 
had driven out their cattle to pasture, were warned to drive 
them back again with all speed. At the same time, the sig- 
nals upon the mountains gave notice to Scanderbeg of the 
route taken by the hostile army. Whereupon, calling in his 
scouts, and arranging his bands, he marched secretly under 
cover of the valleys and the mountain passes, still following 
the Turks without being perceived by them. When he 
thought himself near enough to them, he again placed him- 
self in ambush, where he waited for the commg of night, 
near to a hill called by the inhabitants Tumenistiola ; hav- 
ing first placed sentinels, and carefully ordered every thing. 
The Mahometans, on their part, continued, during the whole 
of their march that day, to lay waste and spoil the plain 
country ; growing more and more confident and secure, the 
longer they proceeded without any enemy in sight. This 
was perfectly known to Scanderbeg, and was the effect he 
intended to produce by his movements ; he did not, however, 
think it yet time to show himself, but secretly led his troops 
that night towards the enemy, with much difficulty, through 



280 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

the deep and extensive forests, without giving any alarm 
to their camp. The Turks, being thus left midisturbed, 
passed the night in mirth and amusement. Amese also was 
much pleased to be attended with pomp through the camp, 
as though he were already settled firmly on the throne of 
Albania. Although not entirely free from apprehension, yet 
the three days which the Turks had passed without moles- 
tation or the appearance of an enemy, produced so much re- ■ 
missness that they even neglected to place guards and sen- [ 
linels anywhere but towards Lissa, which was the only 
quarter whence they apprehended any danger. 

At break of day, they displayed their ensigns, and con- 
tinued their ravages ; lapng waste that part of the country 
which had not been spoiled, and committing all kinds of 
outrage and cruelty. The main body of the army, with 
the baggage, encamped on a plain between the river Mathia 
and the waters named by the inhabitants AlbulcB, placing 
guards and sentinels only on the side towards Lissa. At the 
foot of the mountain Tumenista, towards the west, a guard 
of horsemen was placed, in order to secure that pass. Their 
camp was extremely well fortified. The bashaw himself 
and many of his principal officers remained within it, while 
Amese, as being better acquainted with that kind of war- 
fare, had the command of those forces which went out to 
forage and to plunder ; and far and wide did he extend his 
excursions ; even to the Suffades, as they were called, and 
to the sea-coasts. The husbandmen had not secured all 
their property, because they did not suppose that Scander- 
beg would so long permit the enemy to spread themselves 
at random. He might probably have performed some nota- 
ble exploit, had he suddenly attacked their camp while they 
were so dispersed ; but he was not yet near enough, and 
thought there was danger of being inclosed between the 
forces in the camp and those which were abroad. At 
length, hunger and the heat of the day recalled the Turkish 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 281 

soldiers to the camp ; when the booty was divided, which, 
after after all, amounted to very little. 

By this time Scanderbeg had concentrated his forces, and 
placed them upon the tops of the mountains, where, with 
their weapons in their hands, they prepared to call the Turks 
to account. 

Scanderbeg, in preparing for the approaching conflict, is 
related to have exhibited wonderful diligence and activity. 
In order to impress the enemy with dread, he had provided 
an unusual number of tnmapets, drums, and other instru- 
ments, which he distributed among the squadrons. He then 
arranged his forces, both horse and foot, according to the 
nature of the groimd and the number of his men ; reserving 
the greater number for his own immediate command, amount- 
ing to 4000 horse and as many foot. With this force he 
immediately seized upon Tumenista, 

The Turkish troops, who had returned weary from their 
predatory expedition of the morning, quitted, for the most 
part, their ensigns, and stretched themselves on the groimd 
to rest, all over the extensive plain, suffering their horses, 
without saddles or bridles, to go loose and feed. Some of 
the men lay in the shade and amused themselves ; others, 
having fed to the full, slept upon the grass without fear or 
suspicion. The heat of the season, which was the month of 
July, and of the time of day, which was near noon, produced 
a general lassitude in the army, and as general a negligence 
and want of discipline. 

The bashaw and his principal officers, together with 
Amese, were in consultation as to what plan they should 
adopt, and whither they should direct their course at the 
next remove. Two different opinions were entertained. One 
was, that they should spread desolation over the whole prov- 
ince by fire and sword, and leave the ruin of the country as 
a token of their victory ; the other, which originated with 
Amese, was to march direct to Croia and try the minds of 

24* 



282 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

the inhabitants, whether they would be willing to come 
under the government of the nephew of Scanderbeg, and to 
threaten them, if they refused, with the total ruin of their 
country, and with sieges so unremitting as should at length 
compel them to surrender and yield themselves to an igno- 
minious bondage. The latter opinion prevailed ; but they 
delayed to move their camp until the heat of the day was 
abated, and the men had somewhat recovered from their 
fatigue. 

But Scanderbeg no longer put off the execution of his 
purpose. Having carefully surveyed the enemy from the top 
of Tumenista, he arranged and encouraged his soldiers, tell- 
ing them what order they should observe, how to terrify 
their adversaries, and on what quarter to assault them. But 
seeing the guard placed by the Turks at the foot of the 
mountain, some asleep, and the others very negligent of their 
duty, he himself, with only eight others, descended very 
silently And put them all to death, one only excepted, who 
escaped by the swiftness of his horse. The rest of the army 
then began to descend into the plain, unperceived by the 
Turks. The guard who had escaped ran with all haste, and 
with a loud cry gave the alarm to his fellows, telling them 
that Scanderbeg was there ; that the guard were all cut to 
pieces, that the army of the Christians was coming, and was 
close upon them. The Turks would hardly have believed 
him, had not the terror which he showed added credit to his 
words ; for they felt no apprehension of an attack on that 
quarter, nor did they suppose that the enemy could so soon 
be at hand. But Amese was not so incredulous. He thought 
the alarm very likely to be well founded ; and hasting imme- 
diately to his troops, many of whom were asleep, he ordered 
them to mount with all expedition, and did every thing he 
could to encourage them. Scanderbeg, perceiving that his 
approach was no longer concealed, ordered his infantry to 
follow him with as great speed as possible ; and while the 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 283 

enemy were preparing to receive him, he charged them most 
furiously, his soldiers at the same time uttermg loud shouts 
and cries, which were augmented by the noise of the drums, 
trumpets, and tamborins, which he had disposed so as to 
excite the idea of a large force, and also to give notice to the 
other bands which lay concealed in the moimtains. Amese, 
with his own regiment of horse and others who had been 
appointed to guard the camp, was the first to oppose the 
Christians, and with great bravery sustained the first charge. 
Many also joined him on foot, not having had time to saddle 
and make ready their horses. A great tumult was excited 
in the camp, and the men were filled with dread at the name 
of Scanderbeg. The bashaw would not move from the camp 
before his squadrons were put in order, and flanked with 
chosen horsemen, well armed and appointed. While this 
was doing, the neighboring moimtains and valleys echoed 
with the mingled soimds of voices, trumpets, drums, and 
clarions, heightened by the discharges of nimierous arque- 
buses, which struck great terror into the Turks, and, to- 
gether with the other noises, made them much to overrate 
the number of their enemies. On all sides they were ready 
to fly, ere Moses with his troops could descend from the 
mountains and reach the plain ; but they feared to be inter- 
cepted in their flight, and their horses, terrified by the sur- 
rounding noises, broke from them while they were getting 
them ready. Amese, however, saw through the stratagems 
of his uncle, and cried out to his men not to heed the clamor 
of voices and soimds of instruments, which were only con- 
trivances of Scanderbeg to hide his weakness, but firmly and 
quietly to await the onset of their enemy. By such words 
he persuaded many to stand to their duty, yet without firm 
and resolute minds, so much were they confounded by the 
sudden alarm which had come upon them. 

The bashaw, not less firm than Amese, led on his troops 
to the combat with great resolution. As he was advancing 



284 LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 

to the aid of Amese, lie was checked in his progress by Mo- 
ses, who had now descended to the plain, and made a stand 
imtil Tannsee and Peic Manuel], who commanded a squadron 
of archers and arquebusiers, could come up with him. As 
soon as they joined him, the cavalry on both sides rushed 
furiously upon each other. The infantry also fought bravely; 
and the arquebusiers played upon the Turkish troops where 
they saw them thickest, so that their shot all told ; and at 
length the bashaw was obliged to withdraw his forces in 
disorder within the camp. Whereupon the arquebusiers 
and bowmen took to their swords and followed bard upon 
the Turks, doing great execution both upon those who fled 
and those who offered resistance. The greatest slaughter 
was where Scanderbeg fought, because the forces under his 
immediate command were the most numerous, and because 
the enemy on that side were most suddenly surprised, and 
unprepared. Amese, by his words and deeds, endeavored 
to keep up the spirits of his men ; telhng them that the 
Christian forces were so few that their only hope was in the 
fury of the first onset ; and that when that was abated they 
would become an easy prey to their more numerous adver- 
saries. He thus endeavored to prolong the conflict, in hope 
that the bands which were dispersed over the fields would 
rally and restore the battle. But in this hope he was dis- 
appointed ; for many of the scattered Turks were intercepted, 
and the rest so panic-struck that they betook themselves to 
flight ; so that the number of those who maintained a regu- 
lar fight was not great, and, for the most part, they were 
put to the sword by the Albanians. And now Moses, anx- 
ious to retrieve his honor, took advantage of the disorder of 
the enemy and pressed hard upon the bashaw, giving him 
no respite, and at every blow of his sword fiercely calling 
aloud to his men to charge and destroy the miscreants who 
opposed them. 

A few squadrons of the Turks, both horse and foot, more 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 285 

xnindfol of their duty and honor than the others, formed a 
body which continued unbroken until attacked by a number 
of arquebusiers led by Moses. Scanderbeg had sent some 
horsemen to pursue Amese, charging them not to kill him : 
he was by them taken alive. Scanderbeg, as long as there 
was a possibility that the enemy might rally, pursued after 
the bashaw ; but he escaped by the fleetness of his horse. 
The companions of his flight were not so fortunate, for many 
of them were made prisoners ; and among the rest, a San- 
ziack named Messeit, The Christians did not think of spoil 
as long as they could pursue the enemy. Great numbers of 
those who had thrown down their arms and yielded them- 
selves prisoners were bound and fettered. 

This battle or rout of Pharsalia continued imtil night. 
Neither weariness nor darkness prevented the Christians 
from reaping the spoils of their victory. The bodies of 
those who had fallen were stripped, and many not yet 
dead were put to the sword. Twenty standards or ensigns 
were taken, and the prisoners amounted to about 5000. 
The horses and other articles of all sorts were given to the 
soldiers as a reward for their exertions, and amounted to an 
immense value. The reports of the number slain vary from 
20,000 to 30,000. It is agreed by all that not sixty of the 
Christians were missing. This vast difference between the 
losses of the two armies is not considered at all incredible 
by Lavardin, who asserts that many battles are recorded in 
which the disparity is equally great. Many tents and pa- 
vilions were foimd prepared and furnished, which were occu- 
pied during the night by the victors. 

Amese was brought prisoner to his imcle, with his hands 
bound behind him, silent and downcast, exposed to the gaze 
of the soldiers, who commiserated his misfortunes, and some 
of them lamented his unhappy lot. 

The next morning, lest the air should be infected by the 
heaps of dead bodies, Scanderbeg caused them to be buried. 



286 LIFE OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 

together with their horses, in pits dug for the purpose. 
Great numbers were found dead upon the shores and banks 
of the nearest river, and of the waters of AlbulcB. Thus 
the plains of Emathia, or Pharsalia, were again distinguished 
by a battle as remarkable as any which had there before 
been fought. The greatest part of the day was consumed 
in burying the dead ; and thus the multitudes of Inrds 
of prey, as Lavardin observes, assembled to little pur* 
pose. 

When this work of interring the dead was finished, the 
Albanians began their march towards Croia, which, however, 
was somewhat delayed by a dispute between two soldiers 
belonging to the same squadron. They had agreed to share 
the fortune of the day, and to divide equally whatever 
booty should be obtained by either. Having been very for- 
tunate, when they came to the division of their spoil a dis- 
pute, as usual, arose between them ; and from abusive lan- 
guage they were about to proceed to blows, and to decide 
the matter by the sword. Scanderbeg being informed of 
what was going on, had them both brought before him, 
and asking them if they had dined, they answered yes. 
Whereupon smiling, for he was of a most pleasant disposi- 
tion, he said to them : ** Bacchus has made you enemies, 
and I will have Bacchus, and not Mars nor any other of the 
gods, make you friends again ;** and when he had privately 
rebuked them, he sent them away, commanding them to go 
and drink together ; and he directed that Uranocontes 
^should settle the contest between them, and see that each 
had his proper share. 

As the prince and his forces advanced towards Croia, 
they were joined by a multitude of the coimtry people who 
had concealed themselves in the neighboring forests untU 
after the battle. The citizens of Croia also met them,^ and 
all proceeded, with the sound of instruments and loud 
shouts of joy, to the town, making a glorious triumph and 




LIFE OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 287 

a noble display ; for Scanderbeg caused his army, arranged 
in battle array, to follow the multitude, and marched the 
troops into the suburbs. There was not one of the com- 
monest soldiers who had not obtained at least one horse 
from the enemy, loaded with much spoil ; all which was 
marched in front of the army. A long train of prisoners, 
bound together two and two, preceded the prince, many of 
whom were made to carry the standards which had been 
taken from them. The pavilions, tents, and canopies of the 
Turkish general, all of purple, and very showy, were carried 
aloft by some of the Albanian soldiers, and spread abroad so 
as to increase the magnificence of the spectacle. ' Amese 
had entreated his uncle not to lead him into Croia in this 
degraded condition of a captive ; he was therefore suffered 
to go unbound, and to march side by side with the Sanziack 
who had been taken prisoner. At their entry into the city 
gate, the companies were dismissed, and the soldiers were 
sent away joyful to their own homes, after the abundant 
booty, including prisoners, had been fairly divided among 
them. The ensigns and other things which served for pub- 
lic show, and which fell to the share of Scanderbeg, were 
carried with great joy into the city. The Sanziack and 
Amese were placed in safe custody, until they could be 
otherwise disposed of. 

The fame of this victory spread abroad among the 
Christian countries, and was a subject of admiration to all 
who heard it, and became a favorite theme of the songs 
which the inhabitants of Epire were in the habit of singing 
at their entertainments and public banquets. Nmnerous 
presents were sent to Scanderbeg ; many were the feasts 
given in honor of his victory ; and countless the congratula- 
tions which he received from all quai-ters. Mahomet him- 
self was so confounded with amazement that, contrary to 
his usual manner, he heard from the bashaw the circum- 
stances of the battle without uttering any invectives or ex- 



288 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

pressing any anger ; but silently devoured his disappoint- 
ment and vexation. He turned his attention to the redeem- 
ing of the prisoners of greatest note who had been taken 
from him, and especially the Sanziack, for whom he was 
much interested. Money was therefore provided in the 
usual manner, partly by contributions from the friends and 
relations of the prisoners, and partly from the coffers of the 
sultan. It remained that Scanderbeg should name the 
amoimt of the ransom, and that a messenger should be sent 
from Epire with a safe conduct for those who were to trans- 
act this business. Scanderbeg sent to the sultan two per- 
sons named by the Sanziack, for whom the sum demanded 
was 15,000 crowns, and for the other prisoners, about 
40,000 were required ; all which was agreed to without diffi- 
culty. 

The mind of the sultan was much perplexed as to what 
course would be best for him to pursue. Some advised him 
to entirely discontinue the Albanian war until the condition 
of his affairs should be such as to permit him to direct his 
imdivided attention to that quarter, as the late misfortunes 
in Hungary, and the tumults newly raised in Misnia, 
put it out of his power to make any immediate effectual 
attempt against Albania : others were for placing a strong 
garrison upon the confines of Macedonia, with orders not to 
enterprise any thing against the enemy, nor to be drawn by 
them into any conflict, but only to guard with care the 
frontiers of the country : the opinion of others was, that a 
truce should be demanded of Scanderbeg for a number of 
years, during which the Ottoman empire might take breath 
and recover from its troubles. This last advice was em- 
braced by the majority of the council, and although not a 
little displeasing to the haughty spirit of Mahomet, yet 
such was the distracted state of his affairs, that he deemed 
it advisable to submit to the will of his counsellors. When 
this was decided, he called into his presence one of the mes- 



LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 289 

lengers who were to cany the ransom for their companions, 
and intrusted him with the object he had in view, and de- 
aired him to treat with Scanderbeg about it in his name, and 
to undertake the management of the business. He also 
wrote privnte letters to the Sanziack, which afterwards fell 
into the hands of the Christians, telling him to beware, 
while seeking peace with the Albanian, of lowering the dig- 
nity of the sultan, and of exciting the pride and disdain of 
the enemy. The messenger departed very joyfully, in the 
expectation that the Turks would now have some respite. 
But when Messeit, in counting the money for the ransom, 
introduced much conversation in accordance with the com- 
mands of his master, Scanderbeg received the money, but 
put an end to his overtures by words to the following effect : 
he said, that when he was in adversity he had refused to 
make peace, and that it was not to be expected that he 
would now hearken to overtures on that subject when his 
afiGsdrs had become more prosperous ; that he was well aware 
of the instability of all human afifiedrs, but that notwith- 
standing he would agree to no peace but such as he should 
conquer by the sword, and when once so obtained, he was 
resolved to maintain it by the sword. This and much more 
he is reported to have said, which, nevertheless, did not re- 
strain the Sanziack from urging his suit, and employing all 
the arguments he could devise to persuade Scanderbeg to 
yield his consent to a truce of ten years. Scanderbeg at 
length appeared to relent somewhat from his first resolution, 
but he absolutely refused to hearken to any cessation what- 
ever of arms unless Sfetigrade and Belgrade were yielded 
up to him. Thus Messeit and his companions returned to 
their own country without having concluded any thing re- 
specting peace. A cessation of arms was granted until the 
sultan could be informed of the terms upon which a truce 
might be obtained. Many other prisoners besides the forty 
who were ransomed, were permitted freely to depart with 

26 

i 



290 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

the Sanziack. The remainder were also delhrered out of 
prison, of whom some became Christians and' remained in 
Epire. The rest were sent with other presents to the 
princes of Europe. To the kings of France and Spain were 
ako sent many horses and other spoils. The city of Rome 
was not only j&lled with the renown of the late victory, but 
also decked with many of its trophies. Together with these 
presents, Scanderbeg sent ambassadors who were charged 
to exhort the European princes to rouse themselves against 
( the Mahommedan power, and unite to avert the ruin which 

was threatened by it to the Christian liberty and religion. 
He also sent magnificent presents to his friend Alphonsna^ 
His nephew Amese was also sent to Naples, at the same 
time with these presents, where he was kept in close con- 
finement, which was intended to be perpetual. 

When the terms upon which Scanderbeg would consent 
to a trace were stated to the sultan, he would not deign to 
give an answer, or to take any notice of them. He main* 
tained this haughtiness of spirit, although much embarrassed 
by the affairs of Hungary, and aware that the Pope was 
without intermission endeavoring to stir up the powers of 
Christendom against him. A strong garrison was prepared 
. to be sent towards Epire, for the defence of his own fron- 
tiers. This force was placed imder the' command of two 
experienced and prudent warriors, named Hamur and Sy^ 
nam. Each of them led ten thousand horse and four thou- 
sand foot, which was thought to be a power sufficient to 
keep the stoutest enemy in alarm, and to wear out the strength 
of Epire, Yet they were both expressly forbidden, upon 
any account whatever, to engage in any enterprise, but 
ordered merely to protect the limits assigned to them. It 
was about the middle of autumn when these forces marched 
from Constantinople, whose intended movement had not 
been known to Scanderbeg ; for he relied upon the Sanziack 
to acquaint him with the answer of the sultan to the terms 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 291 

proposed for the truce. But when the rumor of their ap- 
proach reached him, he left Croia with all possible speed, 
and hastened to Dibria ; where, having levied new troops 
and reorganized his old companies, he anxiously watched 
the coming of the enemy. It was not long before they 
came within ten miles of Albania, where they encamped, 
but did not at all encroach upon the limits of the kingdom. 
Scanderbeg did not stir ; but, learning that the Mahomme- 
dans approached, he arranged his troops for battle and re- 
mained quiet in his camp; for rumor represented these 
forces to be so great that he doubted not they would with- 
out hesitation attack him in his trenches. Afterwards, 
being informed by his spies and scouts, who had been 
placed upon the moimtains, that they were encamped under 
Alchria,* with all their carriages, he supposed that, after 
having refreshed themselves during the night, they would in * 
the morning offer him battle. He therefore, very noiselessly, 
in the dead of the night, filled some of the neighboring woods 
and valleys with armed men, intending by this ambuscade 
to have inclosed them with his forces when they approach* 
ed. Two days and nights he kept watch in this manner, 
but neither saw nor heard any thing of them. Scanderbeg, 
who hated all delay, determined to visit them the following 
day and provoke them to battle. But he received informa- 
tion that the infidel host was divided into two parts ; that 
Hamur remained still at Alchria, and that Synam, with the 
other division, had occupied the fields of Polonia towards 
Mbcrea, where was the usual entrance into the lower Dibria 
and Modrissa. Alchria, where Hamur was stationed, ad- 
joined the upper Dibria and Sfetigrade. Thus they lay 
close upon the two provinces of Dibria, in order to hold the 
Albanians in continual alarm on both sides. Between these 
two garrisons was a distance of at least thirty miles ; for so far 

• III Bfaoedoota. 



892 UFB OF OBOKGB OABTBIOT. 

it 18 from Modrissa to Sfetigrade. Bcanderbe^, iheaeeiare, 
gathered in all his soldiers, and determined to levy mofe 
troops, to the intent that he might be able to divide hie 
forces against the enemy. He quickly augmented his army 
with fifteen himdred foot soldiers, for horsemen could not so 
easily be raised, and divided it into two bodies. To the 
command of Tanusee, to one of the Streezes, and to Peie 
Manuell, one third part was committed, for the protectioo 
of the lower Dibria ; with orders not to scatter themselveSy 
ncMT to be drawn beyond the limits prescribed to them, nor 
to attack the enemy except in self-defence. The other two 
tiiirds Scanderbeg retained under his own command in upper 
Dibria, keeping Moses with him. Thus having about him 
the greater part of his army, and especially his horsemen ; 
and bearing in mind that Albania was most accessible on 
that quarter, he resolved to induce the infidels to advance 
and try the fortune of the field with him. As winter was 
approaching, which would embarrass his proceedings, he 
made no long delay ; but, the next morning, before day- 
light, he left his camp with one thousand horse, and pro- 
ceeded 'directly towards Alchria. Before he began his 
march, he placed a number of soldiers in some thick woods 
and other suitable places, lest he should be inclosed be- 
tween Sfetigrade and the camp of the enemy. He marched 
on for awhile in the dark, and placed his men in ambush in 
dififerent places near the town, after which he returned to 
his camp. It being now near daybreak, he took no repose, y 
but commanded his troops to march, taking with them pro- 
visions for one day. The tents and carriages were not 
moved, but he left a strong guard for their protection. 
The whole morning was spent before he came within a mile 
of his ambuscade ; when it was time for the troops to take 
some refreshment, and for Scanderbeg to determine how 
he should entice the enemy from their camp and bring them 
to battle. Moses desired to be intrusted with that service^ 




JA1?E OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 89S 

which request was granted. Nor could a man hare been 
found more suited to perform such a duty. Scanderbeg 
gave him six hundred horse, fearing that if he gaye him a 
fewer number, the artifice would be discovered. But this 
attempt proved altogether fruitless ; for Moses, having spenl 
the greater part of the day in unavailing skirmishes, re- 
turned to Scanderbeg, who was in great perplexity, not 
knowing how to deal with the enemy ; for he could not^ 
without imminent danger, attack the whole force of the 
Turks within their camp and under the town, beneath which 
Hamur had entrenched himself. He led his forces to an 
adjoining hill, where he remained until night, and gave sig- 
nals to his men who were in ambush to join the main body. 
The next morning he displayed his ensigns in the field, and, 
by wasting the coun^, thought to have provoked the ene< 
my to issue from their trenches. But the Turk was not to 
be moved, and remained patiently within his camp. It is 
said that when the Albanians were about to depart, a herald 
was sent by Hamur to entreat Scanderbeg not to weary him- 
self and his enemies with that improfitable kind of warfare, 
and at the same time informing him of the sultan's purpose. 
To which Scanderbeg is said to have replied, that they 
might for a time put off their fate, but that he was deter- 
mined no dangers nor difficulties should prevent him from 
eventually forcing them to fight. The cold weather ap- 
proaching, things were )eft for the present in this state. 
Moses was appomted with his ordinary force to guard the 
province, and the greater part of the army was permitted 
to depart. Scanderbeg with a small company went to visit 
the lower Dibria, which was then under the command of 
Tanusee. He there also attempted, by devices similar to 
those above described, to have entrapped Synam ; but all 
his arts proved vain ; and, leaving there one of the Streeze» 
with a small force, he returned to Croia. 

During Ihe following winter, Moses was very koublesome 

26* 



2M UFE OF 6EOR6B CASTBIoV. 

to the MahommedanSy by continually disquieting them with 
alannSy but without any advantage ; for which reason, Scaa- 
derbeg would that neither he nor the garrison of Modrissa 
should any more waste their strength in such unavailing at- 
tempts. The spring of 1457 being arrived, Scanderbeg 
again assembled his troops, and led them towards the Turks, 
hopmg, by continual efforts, to bring them to battle. One 
day in particular, having entered boldly into the country of 
Alchria, he was tempted to attack the enemy's camp ; but 
from the i^ature of its position, which was very strong, and 
by the vigorous resistance of those within it, he was easily 
repulsed. Although foiled in this attempt, he determined 
not to abandon his design of forcing the camp, but to aug« 
ment his army, and to keep his troops exercised, with the 
view of finally accomplishing this purpose. 

Whilst the war was thus inefficiently carried on, Hamiuv 
thinking that he should not only be doing great public ser- 
vice, but obtain much favor with the sultan, if he could per- 
suade Scanderbeg to a cessation of arms, obtained from him 
leave to confer with him. For this purpose, he went to 
Dibria, where Scanderbeg was then encamped, taking with 
him very rich presents. The Turk began by enlarging upon 
the adv^tages of peace, in order to work upon the mind of 
Scanc^erbeg, and bring him to a more pacific disposition. 
Then after expressing an ardent desire to enjoy his favor 
and esteem, he at length concluded with often repeating "how 
goodly and desirable a thing it would be to see two such 
great and powerful princes united in the bonds of friendship 
and peace. Scanderbeg would not rudely reject the pres- 
ents of the Turk, but gave him, in return, others of equal 
value. To the proposal of peace and amity, he indignantly 
replied, that the conduct of Mahomet had been such as to 
render any overtures from him suspected and odious. As' 
to Hamur himself, he was willing, as far as he could with 
propriety, to manifest towards him the sense which he felt of 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 295 

his " honest and good carriage." Hamur having kissed the 
hand of Scanderbeg, returned to his camp, neither quite 
pleased nor quite displeased with the answer which he had 
received. 

Synam also, within a while, presented himself to Scander- 
beg with similar flatteries, and found him not more repulsive 
than he had been towards Hamur ; and the minds of the 
common people, as well as of the soldiery, inclining to peace, 
the summer was passed in a state of inactivity. 

A^out this time died Alphonsus, king of Naples, the dear 
and Bountiful friend of Scanderbeg, and by him deeply and 
long lamented ; having, however, this consolation, that he 
was deprived of him not by any reverse of fortime or unex- 
pected casualty, but by the decay of nature, and the weight 
of years. He speedily dispatched ambassadors to his son 
Ferdinand, to condole with him for the death of his father, 
and, at the same time, to compliment him upon his accession 
to the throne, and to renew the alliance and friendship which 
existed, during the life of the deceased king, between the 
kingdoms of Naples and Epire. This embassy was accom- 
panied with splendid presents to Ferdinand. The ambassa- 
dors also had strict orders to bring Amese back with them, 
who had never ceased to make interest to be reconciled to 
his uncle. Upon the accession of the new king, the prisons 
were opened, and most of the prisoners set at liberty ; but, 
to avoid giving oflfence to Scanderbeg, Amese had been still 
retained in bondage. The embassy was received with as 
much honor as the troubled state of the kingdom would 
permit; for, after the death of Alphonsus, the peace and 
order of the affairs of Italy became much disturbed. 

Amese was brought back to Epire, and again committed 
to safe custody, though not to so strict imprisonment as for- 
merly, and the resentment felt by his uncle began gradually 
to abate, in consequence of the ceaseless lamentations and 
entreaties of his nephew, until, at length, Scanderbeg'snatu- 




296 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

ral affection got the better of bis angry feelings, and Amese 
would have been restored to bis former state and dignities ; 
but he was greatly distressed on account of bis wife and 
children, and, when he had expressed his sense of the clem-, 
ency of his uncle, he is reported to have said that, while he 
remained prisoner in Albania, his wife and children would 
probal^ly be safe under the Ottoman power ; but that if 
Mahomet knew him to be reconciled to his imcle, they would 
either be put to death, or sold as slaves. He therefore pro- 
posed that, with the connivance of Scanderbeg, he sl^oiild 
appear to escape from prison, and that he should make his 
way back to Mahomet, and persuade him that he had re- 
turned to his service : thus he hoped to find an opportunity 
of taking his family home again to Epire. In the mean 
time, he promised to give Scanderbeg a faithful account of 
all that was doing in the Ottoman court. 

Scanderbeg easily yielded to this proposal of Amese, tell- 
ing him that as he had granted him his life, he would not 
hinder him from employing it to the best advantage. He 
told him to depart, and act as he should think best, and cor- 
rect his folly while he had opportunity so to do ; and that 
when he returned, he should be heartily welcome. 

All was executed as had been arranged. Amese, by his 
imcle's connivance, was soon out of prison, and out of Croia. 
The keepers of the prison were sharply reproved, and Amese 
went back to Constantinople. Upon his arrival, he easily 
induced the Sultan to believe his representations ; but his 
honors and profits were not such as had been bestowed 
upon him before his unfortimate expedition, and it is said 
that, within a few months, he died at Constantinople, leaving 
there behind him his wife and children. By many it is sup- 
posed that he was poisoned, by order of Mahomet. 

During this time, Hamur and Synam continued quiet, nor 
were they molested by the Albanians, except that, occa- 
sionally, the soldiery would make an incursion without the 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. " 297 

leave of Scanderbeg. He himself visited the different parts 
of the country, and caused many buildings to be erected, 
and improvements to be made, especially in Emathia, where 
many goodly renmants of antiquity lay overthrown and de- 
faced. ^ 

The sultan did not cease to endeavor, by means of Hamur 
and Synam, to obtain a truce with Scanderbeg, m which, 
though he did not succeed, yet the animosity between the 
Turks and Albanians became so much abated, and a state 
of quietness was felt to be so desirable, that the name alone 
was wanting to a state of entire peace. 




298 



BOOK L 

After the death of Alphonsus, Ferdinand's right to the 
Neapolitan throne being contested, and he haying been de- 
feated by the French, an embassy was sent by him and his 
allies to Scanderbeg, requesting his aid. When the ambas- 
sadors arrived in Epire, bringing letters from the Pope,* 
King Ferdinand, and the Duke of Milan, Scanderbeg willinglj- 
gave them audience ; at which they related to him that the 
King of Naples had lost two great battles in the heart of his 
realm ; that his nobles and subjects, and the greater part of 
his towns, had revolted from him ; and that he himself was 
besieged in a townf ill fortified, ill provided, and hardly de- 
fensible, unless he should obtain speedy relief ; that^ they 
therefore besought him, if he had any remembrance of the 
strict friendship which existed between him and Alphonsos, 
the father of Ferdinand, to lead his forces without delay 
into Apulia, and deliver him from the bondage of strangers, 
and not him alone, but all Italy, and perhaps even the holy 
Roman See itself. To this effect the ambassadors all most 
earnestly entreated him. 

Scanderbeg required no great persuasion to yield consent 
to what was requested of him ; for, besides that he was de- 
voutly attached to the Church of Rome, the memory of his 
intimate friendship with Alphonsus, induced him to set aside 
all other concerns, and prepare to embark at once in the 
war of Naples. Before leaving Epire he managed, by the' 
intervention of others, to have a truce with Mahomet. He 
then set in good order the affairs of his government, and 
appointed the queen to be regent of the kingdom during his 

* Pius IL t Barie. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 299 

absence, and named as her council some of the most trust- 
worthy persons in the realm ; afterwards he dispatched his 
nephew Goie, a valiant knight, with a chosen troop of 500 
horse towards the kingdom of Naples, with orders there to 
wait his coming, and in the mean time to harass the enemy 
by daily incursions. 

Public processions were then made, and prayers offered 
up for the safety of the prince and his army, and 'for the 
success of his expedition ; after which he ordered his forces 
to march, part of them to the gulf of Rizic, where Italian 
galleys waited for them ; part to the port of Duras ; anoth- 
er part to* Acrolissa, or Media ; and the remainder of his 
forces he led in person to Ascrinia, and thence to Ragusa, 
where his own vessels were ready to receive him. When 
he approached Ragusa, the inhabitants with great joy went 
out to meet him, and received him into the town with all 
imaginable honor. The day following, after divine service, 
he took a view of the town ; the third day he visited the 
haven, the arsenal, and the fortifications ; the day following 
was passed in divers entertainments ; and on the fifth day 
he went to the senate-house, where many valuable gifts 
were presented to him, and an oi-ation was pronounced with 
singular grace, by David, the chancellor of the common- 
wealth, in praise of his exploits. This oration was answered 
by Paul Angell, archbishop of Duraz, who was the constant 
companion of the Prince of Epire in all his counsels and 
movements. After this, Scanderbeg remained at Ragusa 
only long enough to assemble there his whole fleet, during 
which time no sort of sport or entertainment, in honor of 
him was omitted. In all manly exercises the Albanians con- 
tinued to exhibit great skill, as became well-trained soldiers, 
until they were ordered to prepare to embark. 

The prince thought it best to assemble all his vessels 
and troops at Ragusa, and to sail thence with the first 
fair wind for Apulia. He accordingly dispatched messengeni 



/ 



300 hurm op geokgb cajbtriot. 

aioQ^ tbe coast to order the transports of every kind to as- 
semble at Ragnsa ; all which composed a fleet too large for 
the harbor, and the multitude of people was greater than 
the city could entertain. All were in high spirits, and de- 
lighted with the expedition in which they were embarked. 
There is much diversity in the accounts of the number of the 
forces which Scanderbeg led into the kingdom of Naples. 
Some state the numbers at 5000 foot and 2500 horse; 
others say 2000 foot and 3500 horse; others name no 
number, but say that he took with him a great multi- 
tude. 

Scanderbeg took upon himself to direct the embarkatioa 
of his troops. He appointed Guirize de Yladienne commis- 
sary of victuals, who provided sufficient for fifteen days, oi 
which enough for five days were ready dressed. When all 
were embarked, Scanderbeg sent small boats through the 
fleet with orders that the commander and two soldiers of 
each ship should come to him upon the shore to receive his 
orders. When they came, he inquired of them whether 
they had fresh water and biscuit on board for as many days 
as their other provisions were intended to last. The answer 
was, that provision of all things was made for fifteen days. 
He then gave charge to the soldiers that they should keep 
themselves quiet, and be ready to assist the mariners if it 
should be necessary, and that every man. should attend to 
his duty without any noise or altercation.* 

At daybreak Scanderbeg, being on board the Admiral, 
and having commanded silence by sound of trumpet, with a 
loud voice uttered this prayer : 

" Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the ever-living God, which 
sittest at the right hand of the Father most high and omnip- 
otent in the eternal glory, who in the beginning didst create 
all things out of nothing, governing and guiding them ac- 



* I pMi OTW the deBortptton whkfa I find giveo of the order of mma^ 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 301 

cording to thy good will and pleasure : who from all eter^ 
nity hast forechosen the holy Christian faith, and by thd^ 
eflFusion of thy most precious blood, and by the blood ot 
thy holy Martyrs and Apostles, hast laid the foundation of thd 
same, and in most wonderful maimer hast caused it to be 
dilated and dispersed throughout the universal world : 
having appointed the most blessed St. Peter to be the 
Vicar and the Prince of the Apostles, and hast given to 
him and his successors the whole and full authority of 
binding and loosing both in heaven and in earth : and hast 
willed and commanded all men living, especially the Chris- 
tian and elect people, to be obedient to their admonitions 
and commandments, and to sustam, maintain, and defend the 
Catholic faith and the Church of Borne even to the death : 
Behold, O Lord ! I a most humble and poor sheep, alto- 
gether imworthy to be one of thy fold, have with a free 
heart and willing, taken upon me the burden of this journey 
and expedition by their direction and commandment, to the 
intent under the conduct and protection of thy mercy, I 
may maintain, and with all my power defend the hberty of 
thy holy Church, thy Catholic faith, the city of Home, and 
the country of Italy against those that have invaded it, and 
are their professed enemies. Wherefore, most merciful God 
and Almighty Father, who art both venerable and fearful, 
I do invocate thy divine Majesty, and do most himibly re- 
quire thee to be favorable to this my enterprise : reach out 
thy hand, thy outstretched arm, and send unto me Michael 
thy Archangel, thy holy messenger and minister : whose 
favor may be with me, and may accompany me day and 
night (for I do gladly reverence and honor him) : who may 
give unto me and fujmish me with force, strength, and cour- 
age : that this voyage and passage may be happy and 
prosperous imto me, and that I may attain in health and 
safety with this my army to the country of ApuUa, that 
the enemies being discomfited and put to flight, I may tri- 

26 



302 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

mnph in the spoils and prey of the enemies, and that hay- 
ing obtained the sum and end of my desires, I may return 
into my country and to my own home with safety, health, 
and victory."* 

After the above ' prayer, mass was celebrated by the 
archbishop, which being ended, the trumpet gave signal to 
the men to take to their oars. They were soon off the coast 
of Albania with a fresh breeze ; but they were soon envel- 
oped in so thick a fog that it was with difficulty they could 
prevent the vessels from runiiing foul of one another. Yet 
they held on their course till the approach of night, when 
they perceived a small island. The pilot asked Scanderbeg 
if he should direct the course of 4he fleet thither; for it 
was evident that a storm was approaching — ^the waves of 
the sea beginning to swell, and the season of the year being 
autumn. Scanderbeg ordered him to make for the island. 
The whole fleet came to anchor in the port, where, they 
were detained by the weather eight days : at the end of 
this time, the wind abated and the sea became calm. 
Early in the morning after divine service they agsun. put to 
sea ; and having made sail all that day and the. following 
night, early the next morning they came in sight of the 
coast of Apulia. Scanderbeg inquired what land it was 
which he saw before him, and was told that it was Mount 
St. Angell (or Mount Gargan). " God be thanked," said 
Scanderbeg ; " bend your course thither, for I have ever 
had a great devotion to Saint Michael ;" and as soon as he 
had the moimtain in view, he fell on both his knees, and 
prayed that this his first discovery of Apulia might be for 
his glory, and for the benefit of himself and his confederates. 
He then ordered them to hoist the sails, which filling with 
a merry breeze, the whole armament soon came safe to the 
shore. Scanderbeg, with the archbishop and a number of 

* Layardin 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 308 

soldiers, having landed, scouts were sent out to obtain infor- 
mation respecting the enemy. His men brought him word 
that they were not far oflf. He, however, remained undis- 
turbed; and after having somewhat recruited himself, he 
returned on board ship. Then he proceeded directly to 
Ban (or Barlet), where he landed all his troops and dis- 
charged his vessels. 

Duke John and Count Pycenin were encamped before 
Bari ; and when they saw so large a fleet, they immediately 
suspected what it was ; for a rumor had got abroad in the 
French army that Ferdinand was expecting the King of 
Epire to come to his assistance, and they immediately raised 
the siege, and removed to a distance of about 30 miles. 
Upon the departure of the French, the King of Naples came 
out of the city with great joy to meet Scanderbeg ; and af- 
ter mutual congratulations and embracements, they entered 
Bari amid the acclamations. of the people. The inhabitants 
were in a state of great excitement at the coming of the 
Epirots ; and they on their part busied themselves in pre- 
paring for active service. The morning after his arrival, 
Scanderbeg took with him a small company of men, and 
went out to forage upon the lands of those who had rebelled 
against Ferdinand, and returning soon with abundance of 
booty, he equally divided what he had taken between the 
people of the town and his own soldiers ; after this, a little 
before evening, he assembled his troops, and encouraged them 
by various considerations to encounter their foes with stout 
and confident hearts ; sunmiing up his speech by declaring 
that, with the help of God, he was determined the following 
day to visit the enemy. 

The Albanians, who had no greater desire than to meet 
the French, were still more excited by the address of Scan- 
derbeg, and the following morning, by break of day, were 
in arms ready to march against the enemy. After per- 




804 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

forming their devotions,* they took th^^ field with ensigns 
displayed. The policy of Scanderbeg was, not to encoun- 
ter the enemy at once in a regular engagement, but to try 
their strength and skill at first in light skirmishes. The 
French, however, in this encounter lost thirty men killed, 
and twenty taken prisoners. Of the Albanians none were 
killed, and only four wounded. ^ They all returned to Bari 
with great joy. 

The following day a council of war was held, to which 
Scanderbeg was introduced by King Ferdinand. The re- 
sult of the deliberations was, that the combined forces of 
Ferdinand and Scanderbeg should march into Abruzza, in 
order to open the passages to the troops of Ferdinand's 
confederates, that they might join his forces, and in con- 
junction give battle to the enemy. Orders were accordingly 
issued to the troops of both Ferdinand and Scanderbeg to 
be in readiness, and that every man should have provisions, 
for five days, ready dressed. The armies then set forward, 
commanded by Ferdmand and Scanderbeg ; a. good garri- 
son being left in the town. It was dark when they began 
their march ; which they did with great silence and secrecy, 
and in close and good order ; so that they were not per- 
^ceived by the French camp, which lay not far distant. 
They marched immediately into the coimtry of Abruzza ; 
and coming suddenly upon those who guarded the passes, 
they charged them so furiously that they were either dis- 
persed or cut to pieces. The ways were thus opened to 
the troops of the league, commanded by Frederic, duke of 
Urbin, and Alexander Sforce, which having joined the forces 
imder Ferdinand and Scanderbeg, the united armies en- 
camped near to Ursara, a town which held for King Ferdi- 
nand. 

The allied armies being far distant from Bari, their lexers 

* LaTardin'B traiiBlator says— ^ and having served God.** 



LIFE OF 6EOR6E CASTRIOT. 305 

appifehended tbat Pycenin, a most subtle and skilful war- 
rior, might take advantage of their absence, and by some 
manoeuvre get possession of the town. It was therefore 
determined to send an able commander with sufficient 
forces to secure the town against any enterprise of the ene- 
my. This being an important and not very easy commis- 
sion, it was freely conceded by all to Scanderbeg, who 
offered to undertake it. He had a great desire to see ^e 
French again, and to come to closer quarters with Pycenin. 
When he arrived, with his own troops, at Bari, he found 
every thing there in such condition as he could desire. 
Whereupon, after providing as much as possible against 
Contingencies, he speedily decamped, and marched directly 
to the French camp. When he approached it, he sent a 
defiance to the enemy, and challenged them to the combat. 
They, who were accustomed to be always victorious, were 
not backward to accept the challenge; and both armies 
took the field in good order and with resolute minds. 
Scanderbeg divided his forces into three parts. Moses of 
Dibria led one of the battalions, Guirize had command of 
the second, and the third he reserved to himself, intending 
therewith to oppose Pycenin. He advanced against the 
French with the three divisions of his forces at once. But 
the manner in which he fought was with the view of har- 
assing and distressing the ^nemy, by sudden onsets and as 
sudden retreats, by pretended fear and flight, and instant 
wheeling roimd and renewed attacks. This mode of fight- 
ing, which lasted the whole day, so wearied the French, 
that the result of the contest answered the expectation of 
Scanderbeg ; for many of the enemy were slain, and many 
were made prisoners. Of the Albanians, though many were 
hurt, oply one was killed and very few taken. But the 
French general perceiving that by this new mode of fight- 
ing against troops so well trained and expert, his men 
would, if not routed, at least have much trouble on their 

26* 



306 LIFB OF GEORGE CABTRIOT. 

hands, resolved to have a parley with Scanderbeg, and to 
endeavor to obtain a cessation of hostilities. He therefore 
advanced alone in front of his squadrons, and with a loud 
. voice called upon Scanderbeg by name, and invited him to 
a conference. The Prince of Albania, being of a courteous 
disposition and without a shadow of fear, did not refuse the 
invitation; but Ukewise put himself at the head of his 
troops. The two chiefs made choice of a place for their 
conference equally distant from the two armies, and on all 
sides open, so as to be free from all suspicion of ambuscades. 
When they met, the French general, greatly struck with 
the appearance of the King of Epire, stood without speak- 
ing, and examined him from head to foot. Scanderbeg was 
the first to dismount from his horse, and approaching the 
French general took him round the body, as he was of very- 
small stature, and, lifting him up, kissed him, as was his 
custom, and then gently replaced him on the ground. Py- 
cenin pretended that he had important matters about which 
to consult with Scanderbeg, expressing the greatest desire 
to arrange all things to the satisfaction of the Italians and 
to the honor of Scanderbeg himself. He therefore pro- 
posed that the Albanian prince, as night was at hand, should 
sound a retreat, he also doing the same ; and that they 
should the next morning, each with few attendants, meet 
at a place to be appointed by him, where they might confer * 
without suspicion upon the affairs in hand. The purpose of 
Pycenin must have been to get Scanderbeg into his power, 
or to have protracted the conference so that night should 
prevent another engagement ; for he plainly saw that Scan- 
derbeg had^the better in the conflict of the day.' The 
commander of the French being a man of renown and great 
authority, Scanderbeg reposed confidence in what he said, 
and caused a retreat to be sounded. At this time Moses 
and Guirize, who in the late skirmishes had taken prisoners 
four squadrons of the enemy, presented their captives to 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTBIOT. 307 

their general ; which being seen by Pycenin, he blushed for 
shame, and for a while stood confounded. But when he 
recovered himself, he is said, in his usual artful manner, to 
have addressed Scanderbeg to the following eflfect : — 

" I perceive, most noble and generous prince, and I can- 
not but be abashed at it, to see that thy captains and sol- 
diers do show themselves to have but small discipline, and 
to have but little regard and respect of thy command. For, 
as thou seest, after we had set down an order and published 
it with one voice and consent, that the soldiers of both the 
armies should withdraw themselves from the battle : these 
men notwithstanding have assailed and forced these my 
squadrons, who were obedient to our edict, and they have 
now brought them hither prisoners unto thee, to our great 
reproach and dishonor, a thing in my judgment unjust and 
injurious, and contrary to thy faith and reputation. Never- 
theless, trusting in thy virtue and valor, /or. that I have ever 
reputed thee to be a prince of great magnanimity and 
faithful of thy word, I have good hope that thou wilt ob- 
serve the faith and promise which thou hast given me, and 
wilt cause these soldiers to be set at hberty, as being un- 
justly taken and made prisoners." 

Scanderbeg is reported to have replied as follows : — 
*' Certainly, Count James, I cannot choose but greatly 
marvel that thou being a man so famous and renowned, 
wouldst either speak or so much as think such speeches, not 
only vain and frivolous, but of Httle truth or appearance. 
For to say that our captains and men-at-arms have taken or 
defeated thy squadrons when they were disarmed, or after 
that pubhcation of our edict and agreement : thou thyself 
hast seen the contrary, and thou mayest not deny it, but 
that at the very first that we two met together in this place, 
my men had both foiled and taken those prisoners before 
that ever there was any abstinence of arms either concluded 
or signified throughout our armies; and therefore I know 




308 LIFB OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

not how it should be that this matter should seem so 
strange and injurious unto thee ; for if our troops, as thyself 
hath confessed, have been in fight all the day long, is it 
possible that our agreement should in so short a space be 
published and made known throughout aU the quarters of 
our camp ? and can it be that thy men seeing my forces 
still in arms and in fight, could so simply lay down their 
arms and give over fighting ? Then must I needs think, 
that whilst thy soldiers would show' themselves, as thou 
sayest, precise observers of thy commandments, they are 
justly and to their shame made prisoners unto us : or rather 
in despite of their wills being overcome by right of arms, 
they have lost the victory and have deserved this captivity. 
Moreover, how canst thou call or account my men either 
rebellious or careless of discipUne, with whom many times, 
in fewer and less numbers (be_ it spoken without boasting), 
I have broken and overthrown so many puissant and mighty 
armies of the barbarians ? with whom I have tamed, sub- 
dued, and made captives so many proud and brave chief- 
tarns of the Turks and infidels ? And if I should speak the 
truth of their obedience, and their order in military dis* 
cipline, I dare avow that they fear and reverence me more 
as their leader' and general, than they do stand in fear of 
you being their enemies. And as concerning that request of 
thine, that these thy squadrons (being by right of war m^de 
my prisoners) should be freely restored and redelivered unto 
thee, truly thy demand shall not be in vain, for those whom 
the fury of the fight hath spared alive, it is not my use nor 
custom to deprive them either of life or liberty." 

The number of those who were thus made prisoners was 
about one hundred, all of whom, with their equipments, 
Scanderbeg freely gave up to Pycenin ; 'who then jetumed 
to his camp, and Scanderbeg to Bari. Early the next moni<k 
ing, Scanderbeg went from the town accompanied by only- 
seven horsemen, to confer with the French commander, ae-^ 



LIFB OF GEO&GE OA8TRIOT. 809 

eordbg to appobtment. On his way he met a messenger, 
by whom sent is not certain, who informed him that the 
parley of the day before was but a trick of Pycenin to get 
his army out of danger, and that the proposed conference 
was only intended- to inveigle him, the place appointed for 
their meeting being surroimded by ambuscades prepared to 
entrap him. He was requested not to proceed any farther, 
lest he should be slain or taken prisoner. Scanderbeg sent 
forward some horsemen to ascertain the truth of what was 
said; and they found that an accurate report had been 
made. When Scanderbeg ascertained the fraud and per- 
fidy of the count, he broke out against him with the most 
bitter reproaches, «ad forthwith sent to him a defiance, de- 
«ring hun to prepare for battle the next morning. But 
Pycenin, without returning any answer, at about the first 
watch of the following night, together with the Duke John 
and his French forces, trussing up his baggage, made a 
long march that night and retired to Nocera; for he ap- 
prehended that Scanderbeg might attack him before day, 
being informed that the prince often chose the night in 
which to execute his boldest exploits. Early in the morn- 
ing Scanderbeg took the fidd with his army in good order, 
and ready for battle. But he found no one to oppose him. 
Whereat he was greatly disconcerted^ and frustrated of- the 
hope which he had entertained of revenge. He therefore 
returned to Ban, where making all things safe and sure, he 
proceeded to Ursara, where Ferdinand with his Italian forces 
lay encamped. 

Ursara ia a small town in Apulia, situated upon the side 
of a mountain, eight miles distant from Nocera, four from 
Troja, and six from Moimt Segian. Between the two ar- 
mies, which were not above eight miles apart, was the hill 
of Segian. It was considered an object of great importance 
by both Scanderbeg and Pycenin to get possession of this 
^uinence. 



810 LIFB OF GEOROE CA8TRIOT. 

It is observed by Lavardin, that Count Pycenin was an 
excellent and vigilant chieftain, but that he did not rise 
early enough that day to prevent the activity of Scander- 
heg, who was already in possession of the hill when his ad- 
versary was going to occupy it. It is said that the count 
was much disheartened by this disappointment, but that 
nevertheless he exerted all his powers and military skill in 
conducting the engagement which followed. The c<mi- 
manders of the opposite armies endeavored by their speeches 
to encourage and inflame the minds of their men before the 
fight began. 

A description of the battle shall not be attempted ; but 
the result of it was, that Scanderbeg and his allies obtained 
a complete victory, although Count Pycenin, by the con- 
fession of Scanderbeg himself, had ordered and conducted 
his army with singular skill and ability. Pycenin and Duke 
John, with a few horsemen in their company, saved them- 
selves by the goodness of their horses. The count wander- ^ 
ed about Italy in disguise, and in poor condition, until he 
was befriended by Francis Sforze, duke of Milan, wbo, says 
Lavardin, " beguiled him under the color and pretence of a 
feigned marriage, and made him his son-in-law," and shortly 
after sent him as a friend to King Ferdinand, by whom he 
was treated as an enemy, and put to a cruel death. Duke 
John, by singular good fortune, escaped from the Albanian 
horsemen, who closely pursued him, and reached Troy 
(Troia), over the walls of which he was drawn up with 
cords; and flying thence by night to Genoa, he there 
chanced^ find a bark which took him to France. 

The spoil of the French camp served to enrich the sol- 
diers ; and the king entered Naples in great triiunph, accom- 
panied by Scanderbeg, the prisoners being led before them. 
Rejoicings were continued during three days. Ferdinand 
then, with the aid of Scanderbeg, proceeded to recover all 
the towns and places which had revolted to the Angevins ; 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOt. 811 

and in a very. short time, by the aid and mediation of the 
Albanian prince, he pacified and reduced to obedience all 
the revolted country. For more reliance was placed upon 
the word and faith of Scanderbeg than upon Ferdinand ; in- 
asmuch as it was dreaded that the latter might be inclined 
to punish their revolt, while all persons felt satisfied that he 
would not ventiu'e to violate any assurances given to them 
by the Albanian prince. Thus by means of our hero, Fer- 
dinand was in a few days re-established in the possession of 
his whole state, and the Neapolitans continued peaceably 
under his dominion, all past transactions being forgiven and 
forgotten. 

One difficulty still remained to be remedied in Apulia, 
which Scanderbeg effected in a quiet and friendly manner. 
Ferdinand, before the coming of the French into Apulia, 
had placed in the town of Trana as governor a. Sicilian 
named Fusian, noted as a fierce and warlike man. He had 
fortified this place very strongly, and during the French in- 
vasion and the troubles of Ferdinand, he seized it in his own 
right, supposing that the king would never be able to re- 
cover it from him. Many vagrants, enticed by the hope of 
gain, daily flocked to him ; which being reported to Scan- 
derbeg, he consulted with the king about the matter, with 
whose consent he left the camp with a small troop chosen 
from among his own men, and marched directly towards 
Fusian ; who, being informed that Scanderbeg was approach- 
ing, came out of the town, very well accompanied, to meet 
him. They having separated from their attendants, caused 
them to retire to equal distances, and the two conferred to- 
gether by themselves. Scanderbeg began the conference 
by reminding Fusian that the French army being defeated, 
Ferdinand was now reinstated in his kingdom, and that all 
except himself had submitted to his authority. He there- 
fore exhorted him peaceably to surrender to his lawful sov- 
ereign the town and fortress of Trana, promising him that 



_ I 



i 



i^i 



• 



' 






812 LIFB OF 6EOEQB CABTEIOT. 

by so doing he should obtam the fiayor of Feminand, and 
such advantages as a wise man would by no means forego ; 
but that if he continu^ refractory, war should be denomioed 
against him as the king's enemy. Fusian, being elated faj 
the favor of the rabble and by his good fortune, waa yeiy 
proud and arrogant, and answered Scanderbeg very inso- 
lently ; saying that he would not surrender the place to the 
king unless he were first paid all that was due to him from 
the very hour that he entered the king's service; and, 
moreover, were gratified with the first place under him in 
the government of the realm. Many other conditions in 
like manner did he insolently prescribe derogatory to the 
king, and unfit to be heard by Scanderbeg. After which he 
also uttered many contumelious speeches agsdnst Ferdinand 
and the qupen. Scanderbeg could no longer endure his in- 
solence, but being aroused to anger, and his countenance 
changing, he seized him by the neck, and his men immedi- 
ately coming up, they boimd the prisoner, and set him on 
II li horseback without any difficulty, as the opposite party did 

' not offer to interfere or make any resistance. Fusian, find- 

ing himself a prisoner, at the mercy of Ferdinand, changed 
;| i; his tone, and offered to yield up Trana on condition of re- 

ceiving his liberty. Scanderbeg assented to this, and with 
I his company took possession of the town ; and having se- 

jli cured it with a- sufficient garrison, he released Fusian, who 

jJI embarked with his train and baggage in a vessel which 

conveyed him to Sicily. 

I shall end this account of the expedition into Italy in 
the words of Lavardin's translator.* 

** Scanderbeg, after this happy exploit achieved, returned to 
King Ferdinand, after which both of them being very glad 
and joyous to see all troubles and seditions appeased and 



* I give this long quotation in the words of Layardin, because there is a naSveU 
in it which would be kxrt in more modem i^raaeology. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CAB^TRIOT. 



^313 



suppressed within the realm, and having provided and taken 
good order for the surety and safety of all the- towns and 
places of any importance, they returned back again to Naples, 
the chief and capital city of the kingdom, with new joy and 
exceeding great triumph. And for the better increasing and 
honoring of the same, the Bishop of Rome, the Duke of Milan, 
and almost all the princes and potentates of Italy, in sign 
of the joy and great contentment which they conceived for 
their good and happy success, did visit the King of Naples' 
and Scanderheg, with most honorable ambassades, and rich 
and sumptuous presents. But, above all the rest, did the 
Pope honor the Prince of Albany with excellent gifts and 
rewards ; for he did not only gratify him with gold, silver, 
and other goods and temporal things, but he adorned him 
with most ample and large privileges, prerogatives, and spir- 
itual graces ; making him also a faithful and assured prom- 
ise, that as soon as his holiness, with the army of the Oru- 
sado, could possibly get into £Ipire (which he purposed to 
do very shortly, and to march in proper person against the 
Turks), he would then crown him King of JSpire, Macedonia, 
Thrace, and Romania, and would commit the army of the 
Christians to his charge, and that he should have the com- _ 
mand and government of the same, as chief general of the 
wars against the infidels. 

" By this time there was a full and whole year past and 
fully complete since the arrival of the Alhanois into Apulia : 
now was the war ended and determined, Ferdinand restored 
and re-estabhshed in his kingdom, and all .things settled 
within the province according to his own desire. Scander- 
heg, therefore, having had long conference with the king 
touching many affairs of great weight and importance, was 
now willing to prepare for his departure, and to appoint a 
time for his journey by sea homewards. Wherefore Ferdi- 
nand (before he would accord or agree to any thing) first 
caused all his chieftains and the captains of his army to be 

27 



/ 



314 UFE OF GEORGE CABTEIOT. 

aMembled, and in their presence made a long' onitioii; 
wherem he gave Scanderbeg great thanks and infinite praises 
and commendations, oftentimes repeating and calling him bj 
the name of father ; and by which ever after, as Icxig as he 
lived, he never ceased to honor hiuL Afterwards he c<Mn- 
manded general processions and public prayers to be said 
from church to church, whereat the king himself, his courts 
and all the people were present, and did assist them in all 
humility and devotion. Other like services and retigions 
ceremonies were presented and offered up unto God for thdr 
good and happy victory, as to the sole and only author and 
giver of the same. After this he fell to triumphs, as tour- 
neys, justs, and combats, to public and solemn huntings, to 
pleasant spectacles and shows of all fashions; the which 
being ended and finished, the king made a great and boun- 
tiful largess amongst the soldiers oi Albany; but princi- 
pally unto their king, for a perpetual sign and memory of 
their mutual good- will and singidar love and amity ; for be- 
sides the inestim£(ble treasures, horses barded, proud and 
rich caparisons, and such like presents fit for knights and 
men-at-arms, of singidar prize and estimatbn, bestowed 
upon him, he gave him also the city of Trana and two 
other noble and strong places in Apulia ; one of the which 
was the Mount Gargan, commonly called Saint AngeU, 
where is seated the famous Town of Sj/phont, and the ven- 
erable church consecrated to the honor of Saint Michael 
upon the Sea Adriatic; the other was Saint John de 
Ronde ; all which places, with their territories, he granted 
unto Scanderheg and his heirs forever ; and he ratified and 
confirmed his said gift and grant by good and authentic 
writings and charters. 

** To conclude, Scanderheg having caused the most part 
of his army to go to Trana, where his ships and galleys did 
then attend him, and having taken his leave of King Ferdi- 
wind, not without many kind farewells, tears, and tokens of 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 315 

sorrow, with many friendly embracements and mutual con- 
gratulations, he departed from him at the last, being accom- 
panied and conveyed on his way throughout Apulia with 
many .princes and great lords of the country; the highways 
also being filled with people, who came scattered from all 
places, both out of the towns and country, to see and to 
salute him. Thus being come at length to the port, and 
going aboard his vessels, as it were, in pomp and triumph : 
he found the winds favorable, and serving well for his pas- 
sage. Wherefore leaving the coasts and banks of Apulia, 
he crossed the seas with a merry wind, and in few days 
arrived safe and sound with all his troops in his own coun- 
try of Epire ; some of them landing at Duraa, and some 
at another little gulf called by the inhabitants Oape de 
Loch ; and from thence he went to Croia, where he foimd 
all things in good and prosperous estate. His coming was 
no sooner spread and published throughout the province, 
but that daily there arrived unto him new ambassades of 
the princes, lords, and estates, his friends and alHes, in de- 
monstration of their joy, and in congratulation of his good 
and happy return. This was the end and issue of the war 
of- Naples, in the seventeenth year of the reign of Scander- 
beg." 



316 



BOOK XI. 

Anno 1460. 

During the truce between Scanderbeg and the Turks, 
Mahomet had greatly extended his empire both in Asia and 
in Greece. For in Asia he subdued Sinope, the country in 
which Mithridates was born and buried, all the province of 
Paphlagonia, and the city of Trebisond, with its riches and 
royal treasures, taking prisoner the Emperor of Trebisond, 
named David, and his two sons, whom he caused to be 
cruelly put to death. After adding these temtorifes to his 
realm, he attacked Piramet, king of Caramania, whom he 
conquered and despoiled of many towns and cities in Cilicia. 
Before his Asiatic expeditions he had obtamed possession of 
the Morea or Peloponnesus, driving the Venetians out of it, 
and destroying the wall of Hexamile. These successes ren- 
dered the sultan still more impatient of being foiled in his 
attempts against Scanderbeg, and increased his desue to 
crush him. He accordingly levied an army of 20,000 men, 
and placed it imder the command of Sinam, one of his San- 
ziacks, whom he dispatched in the hope of taking Scander- 
beg by surprise. But the Albanian prince being always on 
his guard, had, on his return to Croia, renewed his secret 
spies about the sultan's court, and thus received intelligence 
of what was going on in time to raise an army, and be the 
first to take the field. But he kept himself close and con- 
cealed, in expectation of the approach of the Turkish force ; 
of whose advance, as soon as he received notice, he marched 
a whole night towards the enemy, and, without being per- 
ceived, he took possession of the Moimtain Mocrea, with 



1. 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTBIOT. 317 

8000 fighting men, both horse and foot. Here he quietly 
awaited the coming of Sinam, who was of necessity to pass 
that way. The Turk was so suddenly and unexpectedly as- 
sailed by Scanderbeg, that his whole army was easily de- 
feated with great slaughter. More than two-thirds were 
left dead on the field, and all their ensigns and baggage 
were taken. The general himself with difficulty escaped. 
Those who surrendered themselves prisoners were subse- 
quently redeemed for money, which, together with the spoil, 
Scanderbeg freely ga¥e to his soldiers. 

Nearly at the same time that the army of Sinam marched 
against the Albanians, Mahomet sent another general, named 
Assembeg, against them, with a force of 30,000 men. This 
second army had passed a httle beyond Ocrida, when it was 
entirely yanquished and broken by Scanderbeg in one battle. 
And Assembeg had proof as well of the clemency of his 
enemy as of his martial skill and fury ; for while fighting 
valiantly, his body-guards were all slain, his horse was badly 
hurt, and he himself wounded in the right arm with an arrow. 
In this ill plight, being nearly deserted by his men, and night 
overtaking him, he retired to a thick wood on an eminence 
about four miles from the camp of the Christians, in a coun- 
try with which he was totally unacquainted. He was soon 
discovered by one of Scanderbeg's men, who reported his 
discovery to the prince, at the same time stating the number 
of fugitives who accompanied the Turkish general as greater 
than it really was, for he had been deceived in consequence 
of the shades and density of the wood. Scanderbeg himself 
hastened with all his cavalry to make sure of these remnants 
of the defeated enemy. When the Turks perceived Scan- 
derbeg approaching they held a consultation, of which the 
result was, that they determined to advance without their 
horses or arms to meet him. The general himself, covered 
with blood and filth, led the way, and when he came near 
to Scanderbeg he took hold upon his horse's bridle, and by 

27* 



318 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

a few well-timed words he saved the lives of himself and his 
companions; for Scanderbeg, being touched with compas- 
sion, took him by the hand, smiling, and assured him that 
he should suflfer no further harm if he could help it. There- 
upon he sent him away, and directed that his wound should, 
be well attended to, and that he should want nothing, and 
he afterwards had him conducted to a place of safety. Scan- 
derbeg marched forward with his forces, and scouring the 
country on all sides and finding it clear of enemies, he re- 
turned to his camp, and thence to Croia, where he solemnized 
the triumph for his victory. 

"^^thin a few days after Assembeg, another general, 
named Jusumbeg, was sent by the sultan, with 18,000 men, 
against the Epirot ; who, when he was informed of the ap- 
proach of these Turks, wondered much at their temerity, 
and at the insatiable thirst which they appeared to have for 
his blood ; and addressing his troops, he encouraged them 
to go and meet this new enemy, at the same time promising 
them an easy victory. His words were received with loud 
acclamations, and the men prepared to follow their chieftain. 
When Scanderbeg drew near to Scopia, he learned from his 
scouts that the enemy had taken the field, whereupon he 
gave the signal to his men to begin the attack. The Turk 
did not think that Scanderbeg would venture to attack him 
so far from the frontiers of Epire, and by this boldness of 
the prince was disheartened at the very first onset ; so that 
he set his people the example of a base and ignominious 
flight, and was followed by them with the exception of about 
300, who, preferring honor to life, died valiantly with their 
arms in their hands. Those who fled hoped to escape in 
safety, as it seemed improbable that they should be pursued 
in their own country. But they were greatly deceived ; for 
the number of those who were slain during the pursuit, to- 
gether with those who before fell in the fight, amounted to 
at least 2000. Very few prisoners were taken, because oi 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT, 319 

the length of the retreat which was to be made through an 
enemy's country. Jusumbeg wished to rally his troops, and 
place them in ambuscade, so as to entrap his enemy. But 
his men would not listen to him ; and continuing their desul- 
tory retreat, chose rather to return home and meet the 
resentment of their emperor, than to run the risk of not get- 
ting home at all. 

Among the oldest of Mahomet's officers was one named 
Carazabeg, of great reputation for the many places of trust 
which he had held, and for the worthy manner in which he 
^ had always performed his duties. He was greatly esteemed 
by the sultan, as he had been by Amurath, and was retained 
near his person. He also, notwithstanding his age, felt a 
desire to try his fortune against Scanderbeg, and requested 
the sultan to intrust him with the command of an army for 
that purpose. 

The request of Carazabeg was freely granted, and 10,000 
men were added to the number required by him ; for he 
thought that 30,000 were enough for his purpose. This 
commander sent before him spies, to discover and give an 
account of the movements of the enemy. But Scanderbeg, 
on the other hand, was not without intelligencers throughout 
Epire and Macedonia, and the heart of the enemy's country, 
so that the intended expedition of Carazabeg was soon made 
known to him, and sufficient time was afforded him to make 
his preparations. When Scanderbeg heard of the coming 

of this Turk, he is said to have declared that were it not for 

* 

his age and decrepitude, he should have feared this chieftain 
alone more than all his power ; for they were old compan- 
ions in arms, and knew each other intimately. He assembled 
a greater force than he had done to oppose Assembeg, be- 
cause of the great reputation of the comniander who was 
now coming against him. He proceeded immediately to 
Dibria, and thence, with 2000 horse, he advanced even to 
the confines of the Trybullians, where the Turks were ex- 



320 LIFE OF 6EOK6£ GASTRIOT. 



/ 



pected to pass. Here he placed his troops in ambush among 
the liills. Carazabeg stationed the main body of his army 
at a place in Macedonia commonly called Chieri, and sent 
forward 4000 horse, who were suddenly charged by the 
Albanians, and the greater part' of them slain ; the remainder 
were dispersed, and in their flight carried the news of the 
disaster which had befallen them to their general, before he 
reached the confines of Epire. This misfortune increased 
the illness and infirmities under which he was already labor- 
ing, causing him not so much distress on account of the loss 
of his men, as because -his coming was discovered by the 
enemy: He was in great doubt whether to push on his 
expedition, or to return to Constantinople, and delay it until 
the following spring, for the autumn was now near its close. 
At length shame and the dread of dishonor prevailed upon 
the old man to persist in his enterprise. He, therefore, 
continued his march, and within two days came near to the 
Christian army. It was about the first watch of the night 
when he came to a plain, named by the people of the coun- 
try Livad, where he encamped, and the same night made 
ready for battle. The next morning he sent a herald to 
Scanderbeg, challenging him to a fair and open engagement, 
and not to a fight like that of thieves and robbers. Scan- 
derbeg, calling him a crazy old dotard, returned answer that 
he should hear of him before long ; and without any delay 
set forward to assault the old general, who was not yet pre- 
pared to receive him, but was still engaged in consulting 
upon his afiairs. But he was enabled to withstand the 
charge of the Albanians by means of a heavy flood of rain, 
which fell just at the beginning of the onset, and soon sepa- 
rated the combatants, so as to render the encounter of very 
little leflect. For three successive days the rain continued to 
fall in such torrents, that if the Turk had not removed his 
army to higher ground, it is probable that the contest would 
have been terminated by the drowning of his forces in the 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 321 

deluge of water. And, with all his care, a great number of 
his horses were lost. Carazabeg, taking this to be an ill 
omen, abandoned his enterprise ; and as soon as the weather 
would permit secretly decamped, and by long marches bid 
farewell to Epire. Upon his return to Mahomet with the 
portion of the army which he had saved, it is reported that 
he was at first very coldly received ; but that he was after- 
wards commended for having preserved so many of his men. 
But the sultan, findmg >that Scanderbeg was not to be 
conquered by arms, resolved to attempt his overthrow by 
means of art and subtlety. He accordingly sent to him an 
embassy with valuable presents, and a letter to the following 
eflfect : 

** Sultan Mahomet, lord and emperor of the east and of the west, and 
of all parts of the world, unto Scanderbeg, prince of Albania and 
Epirus, sendeth greeting : 

** I think, Friend Scanderbeg, that no Acquaintance can 
be greater, or Friendship more firm, than that which hath 
grown of long and mutual conversing and living together, 
and especially if the same have taken beginning from Child- 
hood and tender Years, as you know it hath done betwixt 
us Two ; who have of long time, even from our Childhood, 
Uved together in great Love and Friendship, when as you 
first lay as Hostage in my Father's Court. Wherefore, be- 
loved Scanderbep, -when as I call to remembrance all those 
things, with others, wherewith our Youthful years were then 
dehghted ; and being mindful also of all those things which 
you have oftentimes done for the advancement of our Empire 
and Kingdom, and for the glory of the Otkoman Family, I 
cannot choose but embrace thee with singular Zeal and Af- 
fection. For I take God to witness, that nothing cQuld 
chance more welcome or pleasing unto me in my life, than 
to have thee with me, and for a while to enjoy thy Company. 
Neither needst thou to fear any thing to come unto me, for 



832 UFB OF GEORGE OABTRIOT. 

that my Soldiers without my Knowledge or Commandm^it 
have of late broken in and spoiled thy Kingdom ; which thing 
as reason required, was unto me exceedingly displeasmg; 
neither did it any whit offend me, that they were by thy 
Forces vanquished and overcome, and so received the just 
Reward of their evil deserts, and that all things fell out with 
thee according to the equity of thy Cause, and as thy Heart 
could have desired. But to let these things pass, the re- 
membrance of our old Love and Friendship persuadeth me 
to come to agreement, and to joyn together with thee in a 
perpetual League of Amity ; to the intent that our ancient 
Acquaintance and Familiarity, which by reason of long ab- 
sence is almost worn out, may again take hfe, increase, and 
be confirmed. Of which Peace, let these be the Capitula- 
tions, if they shall seem unto you reasonable ; for I know it 
belongeth unto him that requireth not the Peace to appoint 
the Conditions of the same. First, we require of you iBreely 
and peaceably to suffer our Armies to pass through your 
Kingdom, for the besieging of the Cities and invading of the 
Countries subject to the Venetians our Enemies : Then, tf^ 
dehver unto us your Son John in Hostage, whom we will 
always use as one of our own natural Children : And after- 
wards, that our Merchants and Men of Trade may peaceably 
come and travel into all parts of your Kingdom with their Mer- 
chandise, and there freely and safely use their Negotiation : 
Last of all, that your Self in Person may at your pleasure 
safely and without all fear repair unto us, and in like manner 
return again. In which things if you will yield imto us, I 
promise in the Faith of a King, to grant imto you and your 
Kingdom sincere Peace, with perpetual Tranquillity ; and that 
there shall not be any more dearer imto me than your Self; 
and will never to the uttermost of our Power permit your 
Kingdom to be infested or molested by any of our Subjects, 
or others. Whatsoever you shall further receive from us by 
the mouth of our Embassador Mustapha, you may thereto 



^ 




- LIFE OF GEORGB CASTRIOT. 328 

give full Credence. Fare you well. From our Imperial 
Palace at Constantinople the lOth of May, 1461.'** 

This letter being read in a full assembly and general 
council of the princes, lords, and captains of Epire, they did 
imanimously agree that it was greatly to the honor of Scan- 
derbeg, and of the realm of Albania, that so powerful and 
fortunate a monarch as Mahomet, the ruler of so many na- 
tions, should petition to him for peace, and ask his friendship. 
And they with one voice agreed, that, rejecting all the other 
propositions tendered by the sultan, they would make peace 
with him upon this only condition, namely, that the trade 
between the dominions of Mahomet and of Scand^rbeg should 
be free and open to the subjects of both realms. This being 
the opinion of the council, Scanderbeg returned the following 
letter: 

''The soldier of Christ Jesus, Qeorge Oastriot^ otherwise called Scan- 

to 

derbeg, prince of the Albinenses and Epirots, unto Mahomet, prince 
of the Turks, greeting : 

" Your letters (most Magnificent) are delivered unto us, 
wherein you write of your exceeding Love and singular Af- 
fection towards' us, confirmed as you say by old Acquaint- ^ 
ance ; which being grown up betwixt us, and by tract of 
time firmly rooted, and as it were into nature converted, 
shall always ret£un his force and strength. But forasmuch 
as it seemeth unto you good to awake the same, having of 
long time and many years lien as it were asleep ; and to 
make a motion that we should enter into a certain new League 
and Confederation, whereof amongst other Conditions of the 
League by you propounded, this is one. That your Forces 
may freely pass through my Kingdom, to invade the Vene- 
tians ; Unto this your Request, worthy Mahomet, it stand- 

* From KnoIIes. 



324 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRIOT. 

eth neither with Equity nor with mine Honor to consent, for 
BO much as the Venetians are my especial good Friends and 
Confederates. As for that you desire to have my son John 
with you in Hostage for the better assurance of the Peace 
betwixt us, I should peradventure do it (most noble Maho- 
met), if fatherly affection would give me leave ; but sithence 
I have no more but him, and he as yet a tender Child, it is 
not for the good either of him or us to have him now taken 
from us, when as he ought of us to be most tenderly cher- 
ished, and carefully instructed. As for that you requested 
concerning your Merchants, That they may freely and safely 
Traffique into my Kingdom at their pleasure, I can be con- 
tent thereunto, and wish heartily that there might be a free 
Entercourse for our Merchants indifferently with their Com- 
modities into both our Kingdoms. Further, whereas you 
earnestly persuade me boldly and without fear to come unto 
you, that by such Enterview and Personal Presence, our 
great desire, grown of long absence, might be the better satis- 
fied : in this thing most excellent Prince, I cannot but praise 
your most Honourable Disposition, and commend your good 
Nature ; and would therefore boldly follow your p^rswasion, 
if my other urgent Affairs, with the Government of my 
Kingdom, would so permit. But what shall I do ? My Son 
John (as I said before) but little, and as yet unfit to Gov- 
ern; and my people (as you know) love always to have 
something to do; being by Nature a fierce and restless Na- 
tion, whom I my Self have much ado to Rule and Govern : 
For all that I will come unto you according to your desire, 
expecting only a more commodious time. So fare you 
well, and love me still. From our Camp the 30th of May, 
1461."* 



From KnolleB, 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 325 

Upon the receipt of this letter, Mahomet sent the follow- 
ing reply : 

** Sultan Mahomet, emperor of all the parts of the world, mito Scaiu 
derbeg, prince of the Albanenses and Epirots, meeting : 

" Your Letters we have received by our Embassador Mus- 
tapha, wherein you give us to understand, that you like none 
of the Conditions of Peace by us propounded, but only that 
concerning our Merchants and men of Trade that they might 
freely and at their pleasure use their Traffique and Trades 
with their Merchandise to and fro, and upon this condition 
only you grant us Peace. This your OflPer we accept of, and 
all the rest of your excuses we willingly admit ; wherefore I 
promise imto thee (my loving Scanderheg) and will perform 
all that thou dost requu-e, and upon that Resolution rest ; 
and will so long as I live observe and keep a sincere and in- 
violable Peace with thee for ever, except thou first give 
cause of violating the same. And for that purpose have we 
with our usual and Imperial Seal signed these our Letters, 
which we by our Embassador Mustapha have sent unto 
thee, as thereby confirming unto thee this perpetual Peace. 
Wherefore you also (if you be so content) may subscribe, 
and with your Seal confirm this of Ours, that I in like man- 
ner may have also your like Consent and Agreement. And 
would farther. That you would Command knowledge thereof 
to be made by open Proclamation through all your Eong- 
dom, as I will in like manner cause to be done through mine. 
And for the more manifestation of this my love towards you, 
I would also that you should understand. That of my own 
mere notion and bounty, I do freely give unto you all those 
things which you by force of Arms have taken from my 
Father in Albania and Epirus, so that you may possess and 
enjoy the same, as if they had always been yours and your 
Ancestors : Wherefore I give, grant, and confirm unto thee 
and thy Heirs, all the Right, Title, or Literest, which I here- 

28 



326 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TR10T. 

tofore had therein, and from henceforth will always account 
and repute thee as Prince of Albania and Epirus, and so 
call thee. And as I have promised thee in the Faith of a 
King, will never hereafter with Wars molest thee or thine 
except thou thy Self give cause thereof. Wherefore after 
you have with your Seal confirmed these things, you may 
conunend them to our faithful Emhasssador Mustapha^ to be 
by him brought unto us ; imto whom I would yoii should in 
all things give full Credit. So fare you well, and render us 
love for lovie. From our Imperial Palace at Constantinople, 
the22dof June, 1461."* 

Forty days after the delivery of the first letter of Mahomet 
to Scanderbeg, a herald from the Turks again appeared with 
the above second letter from the sultan, which, being openly 
read in presence of the Albanian princes and chieftains, was 
approved by the whole council ; and peace between the two 
realms being solemnly ratified, it was proclaimed throughout 
the dominions of both the sovereigns, to the great joy of all 
their subjects ; and was faithfully observed on both sides for 
the space of about two years. But the motive which 
prompted the Turk to seek this peace, being to lull the Epi- 
rots to sleep while he enlarged and strengthened his power, 
at the end of the above-mentioned space of time it began 
to be infringed by the Mahommedans, who mvaded the Al- 
banian territories, and carried ojff very valuable spoil. Scan- 
derbeg complained to the sultan by letters and by ambassa- 
dors. But he received for answer, that it was done without 
his consent or knowledge ; and, giving plausible words and 
fair promises that the evil should be rectified, at the same 
time feigning anger at the agressors, he ordered a part of the 
booty to be restored. 

About this time the Turks were overrunning and spoiling 

• From KnoUee. 




LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TBIOT. 327 

the territories of the Venetians, who were in strict league 
and amity with Scanderbeg. The senate sent to him their 
ambassador Gabriel Trevisan to exhort him to break off the 
peace concluded between him and the Turk ; which it was 
said he might do with a good conscience, since the latter 
had first violated the compact which was between them. 
The ambassador warned him to be on his guard, and to pre- 
vent the danger which now threatened all Christendom. He 
told him that it was evident that the perjured traitor had 
made peace with him only with the view of first subjugating 
the other Christian powers his neighbors, that he might 
then, at his leisure, bring him also under subjection ; that no 
true friendship could exist between the Turks and the Epi- 
rots, since they were natural enemies to each other ; that he 
should attentively bear in mind how the Infidel, when secure 
of not being troubled by the arms of the Albanians, had im- 
mediately directed his forces against the Rascians and Tri- 
bullians; and, after subduing them, against the Thraciaiis 
and lUyrians, and when the empire of the Greeks was sub- 
verted, had likewise added the territory of Trebisond to his 
dominions ; that now, when fortime seemed to smile upon 
this Tiu-k, and he had conquered so many kingdoms, what 
remained for him but to attempt the subversion of all that 
remdned ? that it therefore behooved them to imite their 
forces, and hold him their open enemy rather than to have 
him their cruel and selfish lord and master ; that it would, be 
absolute folly to suppose that the Ottoman policy looked 
only to the possession of the dominions of the Christians, and 
not to the destruction of the Christian religion, for that the 
name and profession of Christianity were so hateful to those 
miscreants, as to render it their main object to extirpate the 
knowledge and remembrance thereof from the face of the 
earth ; that the safest and most proper course to be pursued 
was, to get the start of the Infidel, and prevent the threat- 
ened mischief before it should be present and irremediable ; 



828 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

that all Christendom called upon hun and entreated him thus 
to act ; and that the senate of Venice, in particular, did in- 
stantly pray him to take up arms, at the same time offering 
to furnish him with money and men, and all other things 
whatsoever which he might require. 

Although the mind of Scanderbeg, after hearing these 
exhortations of the Venetians, was resolved how he ought to 
act, yet as it was his custom, in all matters of consequence, not 
to move without the advice of his people, he called a coun- 
cil of his chief ofl&cers. No one in this council approved of 
renewing the war with Mahomet, who seemed unwilling to 
break the peace, and had restored the greater part of the 
booty, which, he protested, was carried by his soldiers out 
of Epire through sport and military licentiousness. The 
Venetian ambassador, when he heard this determination of 
the 'Council, departed very sorrowful. But he directed his 
course to the Archbishop of Duras, whom he knew to be in 
extraordinary credit with the King of Albania, and so much 
respiBcted by the people of Epire that their confidence in 
his persuasions was almost imlimited. He hoped that by 
the influence of this prelate he might yet accomplish the 
object he had in view, of rousing the Albanians to arms 
against the Turks. In consequence of the great considera- 
tion in which he held the senate of Venice, this good bishop 
undertook a journey to visit Scanderbeg. He was an Epirot 
bom, of the city of Drivasta, the son of Andrew Angell ; of 
excellent mind and understanding, of great eloquence, well 
instructed in both human and divine learning, and thor- 
oughly acquamted with the Greek and Latin languages ; of 
a life so pure and xmblemished, and of zeal so sincere and 
fervent in the cause of Christianity, that he was by all men 
commended and admired. This eminent person commg to 
see Scanderbeg, and having requested him to assemble his 
council, he addressed to them a speech in which he set forth 
the various motives which he thought should induce Scan- 



LIFE OF 6£0R6£ CASTRIOT. > 329 

derbeg to yield to the wishes of the Venetians and other 
Christian powers. 

This address was delivered by the archbishop with great 
animation and vehemence. After which, Scanderbeg, with 
his chieftains and soldiers, withdrew to consult upon the sub- 
ject. The conference lasted a long time ; but it was at 
length determmed to renew the war with the sultan, and 
take arms for the common weal of Christendom. It seems 
unnecessary to rehearse the arguments urged for and against 
the war, as they must readily present themselves tg the 
mind of the reader. It may, however, be noticed that the 
will of the Pope, and counsels of the archbishop, had great 
influence in bringing about the decision which was made.- 
The archbishop, by his excellent character, had acquired 
wonderful influence over the Albanians. He usually dwelt 
at court, and acted an important part in the public coun- 
sels. The king listened to him with great respect, and prof- 
ited much by his instructions ; he was also exceedingly be- 
loved by the chieftains, lords, and princes of Albania. The 
war being thus resolved upon, commissions were given out 
for the levy of troops, and the equipment of an army, which, 
as soon as ready, was to march against the enemy. 

When the news of this war spread abroad, the soldiers 
of Scanderbeg who lay in garrison on the frontiers were the 
first to take the field. They entered into the Ottoman ter- 
ritory and committed great devastation, carrying off an im- 
mense booty in cattle and horses, and laying waste the coun- 
try with fire and sword. When Mahomet was informed of 
what had taken place, it is said that he was at first beyond 
measure enraged at Scanderbeg, but that he afterwards re- 
pressed his fury, and stroking his forehead with his hand, 
said, with a cheerful countenance, " What is thy meaning, 
Scanderbeg ? and what do you purpose to do unto me, who 
am the great potentate of both the east and the west ?" 

In his breast, however, Mahomet conceived a bitter spirit 

28* 



330 LIFE OF GEO&GE CASTBIOT. 

of revenge, and vowed the destruction of Scanderbeg ; but 
as he found that the Christian forces were ready to march 
against him, he felt much perplexed ; and to keep ojff the 
threatened danger he had recourse to his wonted arts. 

It was currently reported that. Pope Pius II. had assem- 
bled from all parts of Christei^dom, numerous forces with 
which he was shortly to march against the Turk, and that 
it was his purpose as soon as he should arrive in Epire, and 
have celebrated mass within Duras, to confer upon the arch- 
bishop of that place the cardinal's hat, and to crown Scan- 
derbeg King of the Albanians and Epirots. And so great 
was the dread caused by the very name of Scanderbeg, that 
it was generally believed among the infidels, that if Scan- 
derbeg took the command as general-in-chief of the pur- 
posed expedition, there was little doubt that the Christians 
would be victorious. This was the chief reason which in- 
duced Mahomet to try all means to prolong and confirm the 
peace between Scanderbeg and himself. He therefore 
wrote to the Albanian prince a letter of the following 
tenor : 

** Sultan Mahometf emperor of the East and of the West, unto Scan- 
derbefff prince of the Albinenses and of the Epirots, greeting : 

" I have always had thy fidelity and upright dealing in 
great admiration, most noble Prince Scanderbeg, for which 
cause 1 thought it a thing incredible, that thou being a 
Prince of such an heroical and princely perfection, shouldst 
so inconsiderately and without any occasion break the Faith 
and League which thou not long since solemnly contractedst 
with me. For as I am advertised, thou hast enetred mto 
the Confines of our Dominion with a gfeat Army, and with 
Fire and Sword destroying all that thou couldst, hast car- 
ried away with thee a great Booty. Of which thing I know 
right well, that the Venetians are the only cause, by whose 
Counsel and Perswasion thou hast been set on to do this 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 331 

deed ; and seduced by their allurements and subtil perswa- 
sions, hast made War upoi\ me, and art become the faithless 
breaker of thine own League, and of the sacred Law of 
Nations. Yet do I little or nothing blame thee therefore, 
regarding more the cause of the ignominy than the despight 
it self, and lay the* blame upon them who have alwaies been 
my Foes and capital Enemies, rather than upon thee. But 
alas, what is this unto me {Scanderheg) that thou hast done, 
which possess so many and so large Dominions ? Didst 
thou think to do so great hurt unto our Kingdom, by spoyl- 
ing a httle peece of our Country, and by stealing our Cat- 
tel, more like a Thief and Robber, than an open Enemy ? 
Which thing I yet accpunt not worth the name of an In- 
jury. But if thou think it so good, proceed in these thy 
doings; for I make more account of thy Friendship and 
Love, than of whatsoever is to me dearest ; because (as thou 
knowest) I have always bom unto thee an especial favour, 
and loved thee most entirely. And therefore as often as I 
call to remembrance our tender years and old familiarity 
whilst we lived together in my Father's Court at Hadrian^ 
ople, I cannot but think myself bound unto thee in all 
Courtesie. And therefore my good Scanderheg, I most 
heartily request and entreat thee, That we renewing the 
former conclusions of Peace, may of new confirm the same 
by solemn Oath ; wherewith if the former Peace had been 
established, thou wouldst not have suflPered thy self to have 
been now of the Venetians so circumvented or seduced. 
It is therefore needful, that we now again for ever ^sonfirm 
a League and Peace betwixt us by solemn and sacred Oath 
on both sides ; which if thou shalt do (as I hope thou wilt, 
and in this be advised by me), thou with thy Posterity shalt 
undoubtedly always reign in peace, and in safety possess 
whatsoever is yours. Whereas if thou shalt do otherwise, 
believe me it will repent thee, and that right quickly. Thou 
knowest already my force, which whether thou be abK to 



332 LIFE OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 

withstand or not, thou wert best to be well advised. The 
poor Princes thy IS^eighbours, the Venetians thy Seducers, 
cannot deliver thee from my Forces and Power. Dost thou 
not see the Grecians almost all rooted out before thy Face ? 
the Emperors of C<MstanUnople and Trapezond by us de- 
prived of their Empires ? the Princes of Servia and Rascia 
destroyed ? the King of Bosna put to death, and all the 
Kingdoms of Asia, with many other Kings and Princes 
more, vanquished, and overthrown, and made subject unto 
me ? Wherefore, Scanderheg, I advise thee in this to fol- 
low my Counsel, keep thy Promise, and so believe me thou 
shalt not be deceived. Concerning these matters, we have 
given further Commandment to our Embassador and Ser- 
vant Mustapha, which cometh xmto thee ; unto whom 
doubt thou not to give credence in any thing. Farewel. 
From our Imperial City of Constantinople, the seventh of 
May, 1463."* 

To this letter Scanderbeg, on the five-and-twentieth of 
the same month, returned an answer from his camp. He 
said that the sultan ought not to think it strange that the 
Albanians sought a just revenge for the wrongs which they 
had suffered at the hands of his subjects ; that it was not 
to be wondered at if the Albanians, as well as his own sol- 
diery, gave loose to what he excused as a military kind of 
licentiousness ; that, although the Albanians were greatly 
incensed against the Turks for the injuries received from 
them, he would nevertheless have restrained the violence of 
his people, had Mahomet made full compensation for the 
property which had been plundered or destroyed, and if ho 
had chastised the licentiousness of which he confessed his 
soldiers to be guilty ; that as to his imputing to the Ven- 
etians the blame of renewing the war, it was a groundless 



* From KnoUee. 



LIFE OF GEORGE GASTRIOT. 333 

slander upon: them ; that the power of the Venetian com- 
monwealth was sufficient of itself to withstand the Turks 
without stirring up any other enemy against them. With 
regard to those vain and magnificent titles of Emperor of 
Orient and Occident, in which he seemed to take such pride, 
Scanderbeg reminded him of many realms which had 
scarcely heard the name of Mahomet, and told him that how- 
ever great the extent of his dominions might be, he ought 
not to be so puffed up and so to exalt himself above all 
others, but to consider the inconstancy of worldly things ; 
to remember that the Assyrians, once monarchs of the 
whole world, the Medes, the Persians, the Grecians, the 
Romans, Tamarlane, of late the proud and mighty king of 
Tartary, the scourge of the Ottoman race, the terror of all 
nations — that all these were now consumed and extinguished 
by the extinguisher of kingdoms, empires, and nations, even 
the finger of the Great God ; that he ought therefore to 
acknowledge himself to be but an earthly mortal creature, 
the slave of fortune, and not to put his trust in the multitude 
of his legions and the immensity of his military resources : 
he declared to him that he in vain soHcited his friendship 
and alliance, as his faith was suspected by him, and his 
friendship odious : he concluded by warning him that 
the power of Christendom was about to overwhelm him, 
and by exhortmg him, as a friend, to abjure the Mahomme- 
dan faith, and embrace the gospel of Christ, that he might 
not only save his soul, but preserve his dominions in peace 
and security. Such was the main tenor of Scanderbeg's 
reply to Mahomet ; which was no sooner dispatched to him 
than letters came from the Pope, announcing that he pur- 
posed shortly to leave Home, in company with immense 
forces which had engaged in the crusade against the Otto- 
man power : he declared his intention to embark at Ancona, 
and thence to pass over to Epire, where he would grant the 
cardinal's hat to Paul Angell, the archbishop of Duraz, and 



834 LIFE OP GEOSGE CA8TRI0T. 

haTong crowned Scanderbeg King of :E^e and Albanid^ 
commit to him the sole command of the Christian Corces. 
He therefore exhorted him to march with his own army and 
commence the war against Mahomet. These letters of the 
Pope caused great joy to the Albanians oi all degrees ;^and 
Scanderbeg, with a powerful force, made an inroad into the 
territory of the enemy, and laid the coimtry, whereyer he 
went, waste and desolate. Upon the receipt of the news ci 
these depredations, Mahomet, in great wi^th, dispatched 
Seremet, one of his bashaws, with 14,000 troops to check 
the violence of the inroads made by the Albanians ; and 
calHng together his chief officers, he addressed them in a 
speech said to be greatly approved by all who heard it. All 
swore, at the peril of their Hves and fortimes, to maintain 
the dignity of the Ottoman empire. 

In the mean time Scanderbeg returned to his camp en- 
riched with the spoils of the Turks, where he had no 
sooner arrived than he was informed that Seremet, one of 
the sultan's bravest captains, with a powerful force had ar- 
rived upon the confines of Thrace and Macedonia. Scan- 
derbeg, no less prompt than usual, took the field three 
hours before day ; resolved, if possible, to encounter him. 
The object of the Turkish commander was only to protect 
the frontiers from the inroads of the Albanians. He sta- 
tioned part" of his men in Ocrida or Alchria, and part of 
them in the neighborhood, where they intrenched them- 
selves very strongly. Near to the town was a large lake, 
from which the river Drine derives its source. Scanderbeg 
advanced to within about three miles of this spot, and 
placed himself in ambush with ten thousand men. He 
sent forward about five hundred horse, chosen men, com- 
manded by Peic Manuell and Andrew Angell, brother to 
the Archbishop of Duraz, men of high quality, both for 
their lineage and their military virtues. He directed these 
officers to endeavor to draw out the enemy to combat; 



LIFE OF 6EOR€hE CA8TRI0T. 335 

whicli he thought might be accomplished, because he had 
been informed that among the Turkish fotces was the 
sultan's treasurer, or receiver of the revenues, a very 
wealthy man, and who took great delight in martial deeds, 
and whom he supposed likely to be foremost to promote 
any military encounter. He charged his two captains, if 
the enemy came out to skirmish, to ojQer but a faint resist- 
ance, and to recoil, as if in flight, towards the place where 
the ambush lay. This decoy succeeded according to the 
wish of Scanderbeg; for when the Turks came near to 
where he was, they were suddenly attacked on all sides 
with such fury, that, being soon broken, more than ten 
thousand were left dead upon the place. Great numbers 
were also made prisoners ; among whom were the treas- 
urer above mentioned and the son of Seremet, with twelve 
others of high rank, who paid to Scanderbeg a ransom of 
forty thousand crowns, and, when set at Hberty, distributed 
many rich gifts in the Christian camp. The treasurer in 
particular made a largess of fish, both fresh and salt ; which, 
to use the words of Lavardin, " came in very good and con- 
venient time, as if God had sent it of purpose. For it was 
then the vigil of the Assimiption of the blessed 'Virgin, 
the mother of our Saviour, upon which day, as men re- 
ligiously disposed, they did abstain from eating of any 
flesh-meats. Thus making merry amongst themselves, they 
said by way of mirth, that their prince was the apostle of 
Him who had fed the Jews with five loaves and two fishes." 
After this they returned joyfully into their own territories, 
and anxiously awaited the crusaders, who were daily ex- 
pected to pass over into^pire. 

But all the hopes and expectations which were excited 
by the great force which was about to attack the Ottoman 
power soon vanished into air. For, ere long, Scanderbeg 
received news that the Pope, having begun his march with 
an army of' Germans, Hungarians, Spaniards, French, and 



8d6 LIFE OF GEOftOE CABTKIOT. 

Italians, and accompanied by the Duke of Venice, reached 
Ancona and there died. In consequence of which event, 
as if all depended upon one man, the troops were disband- 
ed, and returned to their own homes. The death of this 
Pope Pius II., and the breaking up of the expedition which 
had been undertaken through his influence, caused great 
grief among the subjects of Scanderbeg, who were thunder- 
struck when they heard the news. But he, bearing a 
mind capable of enduring all the assaults of fortune, main- 
tained his wonted serenity and cheerfulness, and in terms 
expressive of his confidence in the wisdom of Providence, 
consoled his friends and companions. 

While Scanderbeg thus calmly endured his disappoint- 
ment, Mahomet, on the other hand, was filled with rage 
when he learned the defeat and slaughter of his troops 
under Seremet ; and speedily sent, in their place, BaUaban 
Badera, one of his colonels, with fifteen thousand horse and 
three thousand foot. This was an ofl&cer of great experi- 
ence, and had given many proofs of his valor and ability, 
especially at the taking of Constantinople, where he was 
the first who mounted the wall and entered the city. For 
this exploit he was raised by the sultan to the rank of aga, 
or colonel. He was an Epirot by birth, of a low and ob- 
scure origin, and a subject of John Castriot the father of 
Scanderbeg. While a boy, as he and other children were 
tending cattle in the fields, he was cartied off by the Turks, 
and presented as a slave to the sultan. His stature was of 
the middle size, he had a quick and ready wit, a lofty, reso- 
lute spirit, and imdaunted courage. His limbs were firmly- 
knit, he was very active, eager for battle, and fierce and 
hot when engaged in fight. When this officer reached 
Alchria, on the confines of Macedonia, after reviewing his 
army, he secretly sent, as is by some reported, very valu- 
able presents to Scanderbeg, as tokens of friendship, and, 
probably, to secure for himself kind treatment at the hands 



lilFB OF GEORGE CA8TBI0T. 337 

of Scanderbeg, in case he should fall into them. But, 
whatever might be the real purpose of Ballaban, Scander- 
beg, who well understood the wiles and artifices of the 
Turks, rejected his gift^, and sent to him a mattock, a 
ploughshare, a hedging-bill, and other instruments of bus* 
bandry, desiring him to abandon^ the profession of arms 
and return to the business of tilling the earth,' in which his 
family, who were all low peasants, had been brought up. 
Ballaban was deeply offended by this insult, find in conse- 
quence of it conceived a more deadly hatred than ever 
against Scanderbeg, and vowed to be revenged upon him if 
ever he could find an opportunity. In the hope of accom- 
plishing his purpose, he determined to make a sudden 
as^ult upon him in the dark ; and accordingly he began in 
the night to move his camp. But Scanderbeg having ad- 
vice of his motions, advanced immediately to meet him. 
Whereupon the Turk checked his march and pitched his 
tents within about two miles of the Christians. Scanderbeg 
had with him not more than four thousand horse and 
twenty-five hundred foot ; the smallness of which number 
was not caused by the difficulty of assembling more, if that ' 
had been his wish, but because he thought it best to choose 
out his veteran and experienced troops, the flower of his 
army, and in whom he reposed his greatest confidence. He 
was wont to say that the captain who could not beat his 
enemy with Hen or twelve thousand men at the most, could 
hardly be able to perform any memorable exploit with 
greater forces ; for that a multitude of men often hindered 
the obtaining of victory, by the confusion which they caused. 
It has before been stated that the Turkish force amounted to 
fifteen thousand horse and three thousand foot. Scanderbeg 
was encamped at one extremity of a valley of considerable 
breadth, called Yalcala. The Turks had possessed them- 
selves of the other extremity, near to a mountain where 
the pass was very narrow. On this moimtain, and with- 

30 



888 LIFE OF 6BOBOB CABTBIOT. 

in this pass, Ballaban placed men in ambush ; so that if the 
Christians should have the advantage in batde, and attempt 
to pursue their enemies through the pass, they might fall 
into the ambuscade. But the ^igilimce and foresight of 
Scanderbeg were not to be overreached ; and he, in a short 
address forewarned his men of the trap laid for them, and 
directed what their movements should be. He had no 
sooner spoken than he perceived Ballaban advancing to- 
wards him. Whereupon, he sent forward a number of 
light horse to take possession of the hill on which he pur- 
posed to dispose his army, and immediately followed with 
his whole force, as though he was retreating from before 
his enemy. The Turks, believing that the Epirots were 
really running away, galloped furiously after them in a dis- 
orderly manner the whole length of the valley. Scander- 
beg*s men then began to draw close together, and, without 
heeding the noise and violence of the Turks, they wheeled 
about, and, boldly and steadily receiving their shock, joined 
with th^m in battle. The fight was very fierce and bloody, 
and for a long time doubtful. At length the obstinate and 
steady valor of the Epirots prevailed over the Turks, who 
were slaughtered, and beaten down, and driven back to the 
straits of Valcala, at which place the Christians halted, all 
except eight, who were men worthy, each of them, to 
command a large army. These men being hurried away by 
the heat and fury of battle, by their eagerness to pursue the 
enemy and by their hatred of Ballaban, forgot the express 
command of their general and rushed into the pass where 
the {"urks lay in ambush. Long did they strive against the 
infidels, and, advancing as they fought, reached at length 
the trenches of the ei\emy. There they continued to fight 
with such valor that they succeeded in gaming the top of i^ 
mountain which was occupied by Turkish infantry, whom 
they mistook for their own men. And here they fell again 
into greater danger than ever. At length, after wonderful 



LIFB OF QEOBGE CA8TEIOT. 839 

proofs of their undaunted prowess, both men and^ horses 
being wearied with exertion, and faint in consequence of 
their many woimds, they were taken alive and made pris- 
oners. The names of these valiant but ^ imfortunate men 
are, Moses the Dibrian, lieutenant of the army, Guirize de 
Vladienne, nearly related to Scanderbeg, Musache de Ange- 
line, Scanderbeg's nephew, Gt/ne Musache, John Perlat, 
Nicholas Berise, George Chuque, and Gine Manesse, The 
loss of these men to the state of Albania was greater than 
any which happened to it during the reign of Scanderbeg. 
So great was the joy of Mahomet when they were brought 
.to him, that he cried out aloud in terms of exultation o^r^ 
Scanderbeg and praise of Ballaban. 

He followed up his commendations of Ballaban by send- 
ing to him much gold and silver and other presents, with 
authority to recruit his army and to pursue the war against 
Scanderbeg. The captivity of Moses and his companions 
caused extreme distress to their prince, who immediately dis- 
patched ambassadors with valuable presents and letters 
to the sultan, requesting him to ransom .the prisoners, ac- 
cording to the rules of war, or to exchange them for other 
prisoners of whom he had a great number. The ruthless 
tyrant paid no regard to this embassy, but after inflicting 
upon the prisoners other cruel torments, caused them to be 
gradually flayed alive for the space of fifteen days ; " dur- 
ing which" (says Lavardin), " they yielded up their constant 
and glorious souls unto God, and did augment (as it is to be 
believed) the happy company of the Martyrs in Paradise." 
This infamous cruelty filled the army of the Albanians and 
the people of the country with grief and lamentation, which 
more than counterbalanced the victory obtained by Scan- 
derbeg. Many, it is said, put on mourning, and suffered the 
hair of their heads and their beards to grow untrimmed in 
token of their sorrow for the loss of those noble and herdk) 
men. The prince was, at heart, no less grieved than his 



840 LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

people ; but having a mind not to be subdued by the as- 
saults of fortune, he immediately invaded the enemy's coun- 
try, and left nothing uninjured which could be assailed by 
fire or sword. 

While Scanderbeg was engaged in these hostile incursions,- 
Ballaban, according to his instructions, recruited his forces 
to their original number of 15,000 horse and 3000 foot, and 
repaired to Achaia on the frontiers of Macedonia. He there 
endeavored again to inveigle Scanderbeg by sending him 
presents and making a tender of service and friendship. 
Finding that his offers were coldly received and his artifices 
well imderstood, he turned his thoughts to the discovery of 
some other way of entrapping and getting the better of his 
adversary. 

Scanderbeg, with 4000 horse and 2500 foot, encamped 
at Oronichea in upper Dibria, and carefully placed sentinels 
and scouts around his camp. It chanced that in one quar- 
ter were placed some soldiers, Epirots, in whom Scander- 
beg had great confidence, but who, he was not aware, were 
related to Ballaban. These men the Turkish general cor- 
rupted by large bribes ; and, in the dead of the night, moved 
with his whole army towards Scanderbeg, and having passed 
those traitors an hour before day, would doubtless have 
surprised and oppressed the Christian camp had it not been 
for the vigilance of Scanderbeg himself, who, being ever on 
the alert to guard against all untoward accidents, frequently 
and habitually went the round on horseback, and visited all 
parts of his camp, and the guards which were placed about it. 
He was providentially thus employed at the time the Turks 
were advancing to attack him, and perceived their approach 
by the neighing of their horses. The prince himself gave 
the alarm to his troops, and arranging them as well as the 
suddenness of the emergency would permit, and having, 
with a few words, encouraged them to their duty, he led 
them on furiously against the Turks. Ballaban, not expect- 



L^FE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 341 

ing to find the Christians apprised of his approach, checked 
his course awhile, that he might better arrange his men. 
Scanderbeg took advantage of this delay, and, with a 
chosen troopi of horse and a number of Italian arquebusiers, 
passing along the covert of the valley, he got behind the 
enemy, and immediately attacked them with all his force. 
The Turks, being charged at the same time in front and 
rear, had not time to arrange themselves in proper order. 
The conflict, nevertheless, was long and severe. But, at 
length, the resistance of the Mahommedans growing faint, 
the Christians pressed upon them so furiously, that they 
were constrained to turn their backs and flee. They were so 
hotly pursued that they were not able to recover their 
trenches, but were enforced to abandon their camp to be 
plundered by their enemies. The slaughter and the booty 
were immense. Ballaban, with a very small train, having 
lost his baggage and his ensigns, carried the news of his 
own defeat to Mahomet ; by whom he was very ungraciously 
received, and reproached with being so shamefully overcome 
by a handful of men. 

The sultan was long in doubt whether or not to employ 
Ballaban again. At length, after much consultation, he de- 
termined once more to make trial of him. He was prompt- 
ed to this by several considerations. Ballaban was known 
to be a mortal enemy to Scanderbeg. He was a native of 
Epire, and well acquainted with that country ; and, in fine, 
among all his officers, the sultan knew none of so great abil- 
ity as this man. Mahomet promised to bestow upon him the 
crown of Epire, if he succeeded in destroying Scanderbeg. 
Ballaban was a man of great resolution, and exceedingly 
desirous of glory ; he therefore willingly undertook again to 
encounter Scanderbeg, although twice beaten by him. The 
force with which he left Constantinople amounted to 20,000 
fighting men; of which 17,000 were cavalry and the re- 
mainder foot soldiers. When arrived at Alchria, he agcun 

29* 



143 LIFB OF GBOBOB CA8TBIOT. 

attempted to lull Scanderbeg into security, that he might 
surprise him unawares. For this purpose, he sent presents 
to him of fine swift horses and rich apparel, with entreaties 
not to disdain his offers of service and friendship, which he 
protested he should be ready to render to the end of his 
life. But he did not know with whom he had to deal ; for 
Scanderbeg, who understood his craft and malice, scorned 
his gifts, and, to show his contempt, sent in return the 
same sort of mean presents with which he had mocked him 
on a former occasion. Ballaban, having spent three months 
in his crafty attempts upon Scanderbeg, determined at 
length to hazard open warfare in the field of battle; in 
which mode of proceeding, his enemy was entirely willing 
to meet him. Accordingly, after public prayers to Almighty 
God for victory and for the preservation of the state of AI-^ 
bania, Scanderbeg made all ready for his march. He occa- 
sionally encouraged his men by short speeches or regular 
addresses ; also by gifts of horses, arms, rich apparel, money, 
and other things. He then led into the field his army, con- 
sisting of 8000 horse and 2500 foot, all chosen, resolute 
soldiers, and arranged them in order of battle on a plam 
before Sfetigrade, where BaUaban was encamped. He divi- 
ded his army into four battalions. The first commanded 
by Goic Streeze, his nephew ; the second by Tanusee Duca- 
gin ; the third by Musache, and the fourth was reserved by 
Scanderbeg for his own body-guard. The infantry were 
placed on the wings of the cavalry,*^ and were commanded 
by Paul Manessey, Peic Manuell, Demetrius Berisse, and 
Raian Chuque^ The order of the Turkish battle differed 
very little from that of the Christians. The two armies, en- 
couraged by their leaders, then advanced to the combat, in 
high spirits and with loud shouts, and joined battle with 
great fury and mutual animosity. Many were slain on both 

* Lavaidin^B wonk are, '^The infimterie he had arransed and beatowed within 
the winga <tf the cayaDarie.'' 




LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 343 

sides, but more on the part of the Turks than of the Chris- 
tians. Ballaban, who knew by experience the enemy with 
whom he had to deal, manifested great prudence and skill. 
He placed himself, with a strong troop of horse, in front 
of the battle, where he performed the duty both of a skil- 
ful commander and of a brave soldier. Scanderbeg, on his 
part, was present wherever his men had need of assistance, 
and on whatever quarter he directed his fury, he was at- 
tended by terror and victory ; " insomuch," to use the words 
of Lavardin, " that botji the enemy and the Albanois did 
openly confe^se and affirme with one generall consent and 
voice, that Scanderbeg was the best souldier and bravest 
warrior in the world." While Scanderbeg was among the 
thickest of the enemy, prostrating all that came in his way, 
it chanced that his horse, being mortally wounded, stumbled 
over the trunk or root of a tree which lay upon the ground, 
and fell with his rider under him. One of Scanderbeg's 
shoulders was so severely crushed that he lay, for a while, 
as if in a swoon. The Turks thought him dead, and began 
to flock around him, and alight from their horses, in order to 
cut off his head. But his men-at-arms rushed furiously in, 
and covered him with their arms and with their bodies, until 
he recovered himself and mounted another horse. He 
then rushed again into the midst of the battle with greater 
fierceness than before, ** inasmuch," says Lavardin, " that 
making way on all sides with the edge of his sword amongst 
the infidels, he seemed not much unlike to a raging tempest,v 
which, falling in a field of com, beateth it all down, and 
presseth it even with the ground." While thus making 
havoc among the Turks, he encountered one, named Suly- 
man, " of principal account and chiefest regard in all their 
army," whom he laid dead upon the spot. This exploit 
appeared to decide the fate of the battle ; for the Turks were 
seized with so sudden a panic, and at the same time were so 
hard pressed by the Christians, that they betook themselves 



344 LIF£ OF 6EOR6B CAST&IOT. 

to flight. They were so closely pursued that the slaughter was 
very great. The spoil obtained in their camp was immense ; all 
of which was given by Scanderbeg to his soldiers, as a re- 
ward for their labors, and to console them for the loss of 
their comrades, of whom as many as three hundred were 
slain, and a great number wounded. 

It was three months Tjefore he recovered from the pain 
which he suffered in his shoulder and arm, caused by the fall 
of his horse. Ballaban saved himself by the speed of his 
horse, and got within Alchria, whence he returned to Con- 
stantinople, with very few attendants. He was very ill re- 
ceived by the sidtan, who continually upbraided him for his 
foul and grievous overthrow, and demanded of him the lives 
of the many brave soldiers and chosen gallant youths who, 
he said, were betrayed and led to the slaughter by his folly 
and rashness. But by his fair speeches and wily repre- 
sentations, this man succeeded in appeasing the resentment 
of his master, and induced him again to listen to what was 
proposed by him. Notwithstanding his defeat, he appeared 
not to consider himself inferior to Scanderbeg, who, he con- 
fessed, was one of the most accomplished and ibrtunate 
warriors in the whole world, but yet mortal, and not invin- 
cible. When Ballaban had obtained of the sidtan a favorable 
hearing, he proposed that two separate armies, under able 
commanders, should be sent out ia different directions, as 
though they were not going against Scanderbeg, but should 
suddenly and simultaneously fall upon him from different 
quarters, and by thus inclosing him cause his destruction. 

The plan proposed by Ballaban pleased Mahomet so well, 
that he gave him full power to order every thing in his own 
way for the prosecution of the war. He told him to take as 
many troops as he deemed necessary, and to select whatever 
ofScer he desired as partner with him in his intended expe- 
dition ; urging him not to delay the execution of his project, 
and declaring that he could not esteem himself a fortunate 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 345 

monarch as long as that his enemy was alive, from whom he 
had suffered so many outrageous injuries. Ballaban forth- 
with caused an army to he levied, so numerous and powerful 
that it is described as '' sufficient to have made the Realmc 
of Alhanie to tremble for very feare." He chose as his as- 
sociate commander lagup Amauth, in English, James the 
Albanian, for he was also a native of that country. He was 
a knight highly esteemed and honored for his deeds in arms. 
When the troops were assembled and divided between the 
two commanders, Ballaban directed his associate general to 
pursue his march along the sea-coast, and in this way to 
pass by Greece and Thessaly into Epire, apd strictly forbade 
him to discover himself, or to make any attempt upon the 
enemy until he should be near to his associate. Ballaban 
took a nearer way through Thrace and Macedonia, and ar- 
rived in Albania long before lagup. The division of the 
army which Ballaban commanded exceeded 24,000 horse 
and 4000 foot, and that which was led by lagup amoimted 
to at least 16,000 horse. 

As soon as Ballaban took the field, Scanderbeg was ap- 
prised of it by his spies, of whom he had a great number in 
different parts of the Turkish dominion, and even about the 
sultanas court. Our vigilant and active prince immediately 
caused a levy to be made, as quietly and secretly as possible, 
of 8000 horse and 4000 foot, whom he held in readiness to 
be led forth when the proper time shoulcl arrive. When 
Ballaban entered the borders of Epire, Scanderbeg deter- 
mined to attack him before he was joined by his associate. 
The Turk was encamped in the plain of Yalcala, of which 
Scanderbeg having notice, he, in the night, marched his 
troops in great silence directly towards him ; and sent for- 
ward three soldiers, whom he thought most fit for the ser- 
vice, to reconnoitre the enemy's camp, and ordered them to 
return as soon as they had obtained all the information in 
their power. One of these soldiers had been bhbed by Bal- 






346 LIFE OF 6EOBGE CA8TRIOT. 

laban — being related to him, as is by some supposed-— «nd 
he prevailed upon his companions, by the promise of large 
rewards, to take part in his treachery. These men went 
directly to the Turkish general and revealed to him the plans 
of Scanderbeg, who, after waiting long for the return of his 
scouts, began to apprehend that they had been intercepted 
by the enemy. He, therefore, witlThis wonted promptitude 
and boldness, taking with him but five soldiers, resolved to 
go in person and reconnoitre the enemy, and endeavor to 
discover what had become of his men. But Ballaban, sus- 
pecting some such proceeding on the part of Scanderbeg, 
thought to entrap him in his own way. He selected some 
men upon whom he could depend, well mounted, and stationed 
them at a pass throu'gh which he thought it probable that 
Scanderbeg himself would approach to reconnoitre his camp. 
Nor was he mistaken in his expectation ; but Scanderbeg, 
when he came to the pass, sent a man before him, as was his 
usual practice, who soon perceived the ambush of the Turks. 
They, when they found themselves discovered, issued put 
upon Scanderbeg with great fury, who, after a slight resist- 
ance, was enforced to flee. nIu a thicket through which he 
was passing a large tree had fallen across his path ; ^ set 
spurs to his horse and leaped fairly over it, as did also one 
of his soldiers ; but the others not being able to do the same, 
drew close, together, and set u|>on their pursuers, and after 
slaying and wounding a number of them, yielded up their 
lives like true and valiant men. One of the Turks also leaped 
over the tree and followed hard upon Scanderbeg, who, look- 
ing round and seeing himself pursued by ofdj one person, 
immediately wheeled and laid him dead on the ground, 
when he went on his way without further interruption. 
Scanderbeg having thus happily escaped, returned to hb 
camp near Petra-Alba, about fifteen miles from the enemy, 
and made ready his squadrons to march against them. The 
prince, to encourage his men, desired them to ask whateyer 



LIFB OF GEORGE 0A8TSIOT. 347 

they needed for themselves or their horses ; whereupon a 
contest appeared to arise between Scanderbeg and his men, 
he being willing to give more than they were willing to 
receive. 

The Albanians marched forward, scarcely taking any rest 
nntil they came to the valley where the Turks were en- 
camped. Scanderbeg disposed his army upon the tops of 
the hills, in the midst of which the valley extended itself, 
and he occupied all the straits and passes, so as to hem in 
the enemy, whom he harassed by skirmishing with them, 
sometimes on one quarter and sometimes on another, and 
kept them in doubt as to his real purpose. 

While things were in this state Scanderbeg called a coun- 
cil of war, to consider in what manner they should proceed. 
At thb deliberation were present his lieutenants Tanusee 
Thopie, Zacharie Groppe, and Peic Manuell. Some were of 
opinion that battle should not be offered until the soldiers 
were completely refreshed and recovered from their fatigue. 
Scanderbeg was of a different opinion, and vehemently urged 
that immediate action was the only way in which his designs 
could be brought to a happy issue ; that Ballaban might be 
easily overcome if engaged before being joined by lagup ; 
but that if their united forces were to be encountered, the 
issue of the conflict would be very doubtfuL This opinion 
prevmled, and Scanderbeg proceeded to set his troops in 
battle arrayt He ordered his army in four divisions ; one 
he committed to Tanusee, another to Zacharie Groppe, and 
a third to Peic Manuell. The infantry were mingled among 
the horsemen, and the arquebusiers and archers among the 
pikemen and some cavalry, which he sent foiward to skir- 
mish with the enemy and to begin the engagement. The 
residue of the army, including his body-guard, was reserved 
for his own command. When he had thus arranged his 
forces, and had offered to his men some words of encour- 
agement, the signal to advance was sounded. The enemy 



848 LIFB or OBOBQS OABTBIOT. 

were drawn up in battle array, as though they were ready 
to engage ; but upon the advance of the Christians, Ballaban 
withdrew his army, only leaving some to watch the approach 
of lagup. Whereupon Scanderbeg, who dreaded the con- 
sequences of delay, ordered the advance-guard to set roundly 
upon the Turks, while he descended into the plain with the 
determination to bring them to battle before the arrival of 
the other general. When he came in presence of the Turk- 
ish camp, his men endeavored, by all manner of taunts and 
reproaches, to provoke the, enemy to sally forth. Ballaban, 
however, remained firm in his purpose, and refused to stir ; 
until at length he found it vain to attempt any longer to 
reust the fury of his own men, who were maddened by the 
insults of their enemy, and who saw them ready to attempt 
to force their ramparts. The general of the Turks then or- 
dered his battle in the following manner: he ranged the 
Asappi before the ensigns of the vanguard ; next to them, 
on the left wing, he put the Alophanges, who were able sol- 
diers, in opposition to Tanusee. He placed the Alchanzea 
over against Zacharie Groppe ; and to face Peic Manuell he 
set the Janissaries, who were powerful and veteran soldiers. 
He himself commanded the right wing, composed of a strong 
body-guard and the oldest and best troops in the army, and 
immediately opposed to Scanderbeg. Then began a fierce 
encounter, in which the generals on both sides greatly dis- 
tingruished themselves, and the Albanian infantry and cav- 
alry, the veteran bands of Croia and the valiant Dibrians, on 
the part of the Christians. 

Scanderbeg finding his efforts to break the enem^ not 
successful, detached some squadrons from his right wing, 
where he thought they could best be spared, and caused 
them, without being perceived, to get into the rear of the 
enemy. By this manoeuvre the Alchanzes and Alophanges 
were exposed on all parts ; and as to the Asappi, they of- 
fered little or no resistance, for not being'a hardy people 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. ' 849 

they were overcome by heat and fatigue, and many of them 
who had quitted their standards the previous night were still 
lying dispersed about the fields. Ballaban, it is said, who 
had in previous battles often obtained great honor, behaved 
himself on this occasion more nobly than he had ever done 
before, both by his words and example encouraging his men 
to renew the fight wherever their eflforts grew faint, and 
without hesitation exposing his own person to every danger. 
But at length, when he perceived that the fortune of the 
field was on the side of the Epirots, and that their impetu- 
osity could no longer be resisted, he wheeled about, and 
putting spurs to his horse betook himself to flight. His 
example was followed by the whole army, who dispersed 
themselves in every direction, except a few who followed 
their general and escaped with him. All the rest were 
either cut to pieces or made prisoners. 

The Christian army had hardly removed from the Valley 
of Yalcala, and completed the division of the spoil of their 
enemies, before an express arrived from Mamisa, the sister 
of Scanderbeg, who with her guard and household was at 
Petrella, to inform him that lagup Amauth, with 16,000 
horse, had entered Epire by the way of Belgrade; that, 
having laid all waste before him, he was then encaniped in 
the Lower Tyranna, near to a river called by the inhabitants 
Argilat. This lagup was an Epirot by birth, and his 
parents were Christians ; but he had himself been taken by 
the Turks, and professed their religion. He was a brave 
man, and had given many proofs of his prowess under Ma- 
homet both in Asia and in Greece; One of his soldiers 
having been surprised by Mamisa's people, the man con- 
fessed that the intention of lagup was to inclose Scanderbeg 
between his army and that of Ballaban. Upon the receipt 
of this advice, Scanderbeg determined to advance at once 
upon Tjrranna; and when his army was ready to march, he 
in a lively address invited them to march against lagup. 

80 



•■ ^S.l'tF-' -• ■ 



850 , LIFB OF 6E0B6E CA6TRIOT. 

The soldiere were greatly animated by the speech of their 
general ; and, with loud cries, demanded to be led (m against 
this second enemy. They then cheerfully adyanced, with 
banners displayed, towards Tyranna to encounter lagup. 

When the Turkish general, who had not yet learned the 
fate of Ballaban, was informed of the approach of Scander- 
beg, he removed his camp near to a hill, on which stood a 
village called Cassar; and Scanderbeg took possession of 
the ground which he quitted. The first day passed quietly ; 
and, during the following night, Scanderbeg continued anx- 
iously on the watch, lest the Turk should hear of the defeat 
ci the other army, and secretly decamp. To prevent this, 
Scanderbeg caused all the ways and passes to be occupied 
by armed men. The next morning, at sunrise, the Chris- 
tians advanced in battle array towards the Turks, and the 
prince caused the heads of some of the Turks who had been 
slain to be thrown before the tents of the enemy, and some 
of the ensigns which were taken from Ballaban to be dis- 
played. Some captives chained together were also exposed 
to view. Whereupon Amauth exclaimed, " Now do I ac- 
knowledge the misfortune of the house of Ottonian, and the 
good fortune of Scanderbeg !" 

It appears needless to detcun the reader with a descrip- 
tion of the tokens of joy exhibited by the inhabitants of 
Croia upon the safe and glorious return of Scanderbeg after 
the two victories obtained by him, and upon the sudden 
change from a state of doubt and anxiety to the certainty of 
a safe deHverance and noble triumph. 



351 



BOOK XII. 

The viezation and astonishment of Mahomet were great 
beyond measure when he heard the news of the defeat of 
his armies. In his perplexity he assembled his chief officers 
and comisellors, and addressed them in a violent harangue 
against Scanderbeg, ending with the advice that a mighty 
force, led by himself, should immediately advance against 
Croia. 

This counsel of the sultan being approved by all, levies 
of troops were made in all his dominions, and munitions of 
>rar were provided. When all was in readiness, he began 
his march, with an immense train, towards the kingdom of 
Epire. 

Scanderbeg, by means of his spies, had timely notice of 
the approaching storm, and assemble a council of his 
friends and nobles : among whom wese Paul Angell, arch- 
bishop of Duraz, the depository of his most secret counsels ; 
and Josaphat Barbare, the Venetian ambassador, a worthy 
person, of great judgment and e;^perience, and singularly 
zealous io the cause of Christianity. The archbishop and 
he were seldom separated from the Prince of Albania. The 
general opinion of the assembly was, that the towns through- 
out the realm should be fortified with strong garrisons, and 
amply provided with munitions of war; especially Croia, 
the capital of the kingdom, and upon which the rest de- 
pended. Scanderbeg accordingly placed in it a large garri- 
son, consisting partly of Albanians and partly of Italians, all 
men of approved loyalty and resolution. ' And he appointed 
as governor of the town an Italian gentleman named Bal- 



352 LIFE OF 6EOS6B' CA8TRIOT. 

thasar Perduce, a man liighly esteemed for his prudence, 
judgment, and resolution. 

Before proceeding further with an account of the open 
war against Scanderbeg, it will be well to mention a secret 
train which was laid for his destruction. Mahomet pro- 
cured two men well acqusunted with different languages, 
and, by large promises, induced them to feign themselves 
deserters from the Turkish service and religion, and to 
offer themselves to Scanderbeg, whose death, if he received 
them, they were to compass either by poison or assassina- 
tion. These wretches were not repubed, but, on the con- 
trary, admitted to baptism, and, it is said, enrolled among 
Scanderbeg's body-guard. But it pleased God to protect 
this noble prince from the designs of these assassins ; for in 
a quarrel which arose between them they betrayed one 
another, and, being put to torture, confessed the whole plot, 
and were consequently both hanged. 

The fortresses of Epire had not long been placed in a 
state of defence before letters and messengers from various 
parts arrived to announce the approach of Mahomet with an 
army of 200,000 men. And his hght-horse soon entered 
Epire, and for two days laid all waste before them ; and on 
the following^ night invested the city of Croia. Ballaban 
Badera' commanded these troops, amounting to 80,000, all 
picked men. When they had intrenched themselves, fre- 
quent skirmishes, with various success, took place - between 
them and the Croians, who sallied out against them. The 
sultan, with the main body of his army, at length ar- 
rived before Qroia, and summoned it to surrender upon 
certain conditions proposed by him. The defendants re- 
turned for answer that they would rather be torn in pieces 
than be guilty of any thing which should be disgraceful to 
them, or in violation of their faith to God and their prince, 
or injurious to the honor and reputation which they had ac- 
quired in his service* They made signs with their weapona 



I 



LIF.E OF GEOBGE CASTBIOT. 353 

to the enemy not to approach any nearer to the town ; and 
immediately issuing out, they slew a considerable number 
of the Turks, and returned within the walls, carrying, in 
token of victory, the heads of many whom they had slain. 
Mahomet was incensed by this bravado, and ordered the 
cannon to be planted against the town. He had brought 
abundance of metal wWewith to cast cannon, and workmen 
skilled in making all kinds of warlike engines ; and he was 
resolved to thunder against the place until the inhabitants 
lowered their tone of defiance. But Scanderbeg, by his 
incessant and furious attacks, day and night, upon the camp 
and upon the foragers of the enemy, continually coming 
down upon them from the hills like a mountain torrent, at 
length excited in Mahomet a fear for the safety of his own 
person; and, finding Croia not only impregnable, but scarce- 
ly to be assaulted, resolved to return to Constantinople. 
Yet, to cover in some measure the disgrace of so soon re- 
linquishing his enterprise, he left Ballaban to continue the 
siege with 18,000 horse and 6000 foot, together with eight 
principal Sanziacks, each commanding 7000 powerful sol- 
diers, but all subject to the orders of Ballaban. These ar- 
rangements being made, the sultan, not without shame, di- 
rected his course towards Constantinople. 

Mahomet, during his progress hpme, succeeded, by mis- 
representation and treacherous promises, in persuading the 
town of Chidna, in Chaona, to deliver itself up to his oflfered 
clemency. The consequence of which was, that, to vejit the 
spite which he felt against Scanderbeg, he caused 8000 of 
the inhabitants, besides women and children, to be put to 
death. ^ 

In the mean time, Scanderbeg was much grieved at see- 
ing so many enemies within his realm ; and especially he 
was vexed at being still braved by that upstart Ballaban, 
whom he had so often overthrown. The capture of Chidnfi 
also troubled him greatly, on account of the number of brave 

30* 



8M LIFB OF 6EOR6B CA8TRIOT. 

soldiera whom he there lost.' Wherefore, by the advice of 
his friends and captains, he sought assistance from his 
neighboring powers, sending to them letters and messengers. 
He also went in person to some of those from whom he 
hoped for aid ; and thus succeeded in rousing all his friends 
and confederates to exert themselves in his behalf. But as 
the army which besieged Croia was composed of brave and 
hardy soldiers, and as they had possession of Mount Cruyna, 
which they had well fortified, he thought his forces not 
sufficient to dislodge the enemy. These considerations in- 
duced him, after consulting with the Archbishop of Duraz 
and the ambassador of Venice, and no others, to leave Ta- 
nusee in command of his army, and to go secretly and in dis- 
guise from Epire to the Roman pontiff, in the hope of ob- 
taining further aid from the Christian powers. 

When Scanderbeg arrived in Rome he yr»s honorably re- 
ceived by the'Pope and the holy senate, and being intro- 
duced into the conclave, he in presence of the Pope and 
tardinals, delivered an address which was generally ap- 
proved 'f and it was agreed on all hands that relief ought 
to be granted to the noble and valiant Christian prince 
against his barbarous and infidel enemies. Tet, notwith- 
standing the fair words with which he was entertained, he 
procured but little aid from tljie Roman pontiff. For Paul 
' II., though a Venetian by birth, is said to have had little 
affection for his own country, with whose government Scan- 
derbeg m£untained a strict alliance affd sincere friendship. 
All the aid which he received from Rome amounted to 
three thousand crowns, which were delivered into the hands 
of Demetrius Franke, his treasurer, a principal citizen of 
Drivasta and cousin to the Archbishop of Duraz. Yet was 
not Scanderbeg disheartened, " but, praising God for all," 
he took leave of the Pope and returned towards Epire. He 
at one time thought of going to Venice ; but, upon reflec- 
tion, thought it best to send thither his secretary, to ac- 



LIFE OF 6EOE6E OASTRIOT. 355 

quaint them with the ill success of his application to the 
Roman see, and to request aid from them. It will be seen 
that his eflforts in this quarter were far more eflfectual. On 
his way to Epire,~he passed through Scutarie, where Josa- 
phat Barbare, the Venetian ambassador, who has before 
been mentioned, possessed great authority. Scanderbeg 
there made a considerable levy of the subjects of Venice, ' 
and joined them to his own troops. Lech Ducagin also and 
his brother Nicholas joined him with four hundred brave 
horsemen and as many foot soldiers, all of them excellent 
.troops. To these forces were added one hundred men-at- 
arms, armed all in white, and five hundred footmen, Ital- 
ians, in the pay and service of the Venetian senate within 
Scutarie ; also one thousand good cavalry and three thou- 
sand infantry, furnished by the Scutarians, the Drivastined, 
the Antivarians, the Lissians, and the Dirrachians: the 
princes and people of Epire, Macedonia, Sclavonia, and Dal- 
, matia also, being leagued together, did not fail to contribute 
each a number of troops. These auxiharies amounted in all 
to thirteen thousand four himdred chosen men, who assem- 
bled at a place appointed, and were at the disposftion of 
Scanderbeg. He divided these forces into two parts; one 
of which he placed under the command of Lech Ducagin 
above named, a valiant and experienced knight; and the 
other portion he committed to the conduct of Nicholas Mo- 
neta, a native of Scutarie, and vidvoda or governor of that 
city, a gentleman highly esteemed and of great valor. It 
was arranged that these troops should march from Lissa, 
through the plfuns of Pharsalia and the forest of lonimes, 
and attack the enemy on that side ; and that Scanderbeg, 
with his own forces, should approach the mountain of 
Crujnia, which is close upon Croia, and assail Ballaban on 
the opposite quarter. 

This plan of attack being agreed upon, Scanderbeg was 
the first who advanced against the ^lemy ; but when he had 



356 LIFE OF 6EOK6E CABTRIOT. 

reached the mount Crujnia, he received advice that lony- 
me, the brother of Ballaban, was approaching with a large 
reinforcement, to join his brother, and that he had already- 
passed the mountain of Bulgaria. Scanderbeg immediately 
took the flower of his army, and marched, as expeditiously 
as possible, all night, to meet this new enemy. He succeed- 
ed in surprising lonyme, whose troops he easily broke and 
dispersed, making prisoners of him and his son Heder. The 
same night he returned victorious to the other part of bis 
army. On the following morning, he exposed to the view 
of Ballaban his brother and nephew boimd together. And 
making a bold charge upon the Turkish forces which were 
on the top of the mountain, he drove them thence and 
took possession of it. He immediately gave order that 
his confederates should be informed of what had taken 
place. 

Ballaban had some hope of coming to an agreement with 
the inhabitants of Croia ; and finding himself overtopped by 
Scanderbeg, and placed in a dangerous situation, he ad- 
vanced to the walls, well accompanied, and endeavored to 
persuade those within to surrender themselves. The garri- 
son, so far from yielding to his persuasions, issued out and 
drove him back. But being enraged at this discomfiture, he 
turned upon the garrison and strove to force them back 
into the town. But they retiring in good order without any 
loss, it happened that a skilful arquebusier, named George 
Alexie, a native of Epire, discharging his piece at Ballaban, 
wounded him mortally in the throat. He did not, however, 
immediately fall ; but putting spurs to his horse, ran with 
great speed to his tents, where he had no sooner arrived, 
than he fell rudely to the ground. The death of their gen- 
eral so disheartened the Turks, that the following night they 
silently retired from the siege of Croia, and encamped and 
carefully fortified themselves at Tyranna. The next mom- 
mg Scai^derbeg finding the tents of the enemy deserted by 



LIFE OF OEOR6E CASTRIOT. 357 

the men, but stored with baggage and provision, he caused 
all to be removed into the city ; thus adding sufl&cient to 
victual it for a year. After this he entered the city in tri- 
umph, where he was received with great joy and honor by 
the inhabitants, on whom he bestowed high and deserved 
commendations, and many presents in reward of their fideli- 
ty and endurance. 

While Scanderbeg and his townsmen were thus engaged 
in exhibiting mutual tokens of joy, two horsemen who ap- 
peared to be persons of consequence, came from the camp 
of the Turks with the request that they might all retire 
out of the country, leaving their baggage, horses, and armor, 
and- be permitted to save only their lives. The king hereupon 
immediately assembled his princes, nobles, and captains, to 
consult upon what ought to be done ; and directed the two 
messengers, in the mean time, to be conducted to a tent and 
well entertained. The advice of the Venetian ambassador 
was first asked, but he declined expressing an opinion on 
the subject before the council. Lech Ducagin, a man of 
fiery temper, let his mind be known in one word — " Em- 
bethaf" which in the Albanian tongue signifies. To horse/ 
Most of the assembly were of the same mind, especially 
Paul Angell the archbishop. But Scanderbeg was not for 
pursuing the Turks ; and in a speech before the council he 
expressed his opinion to that efifect. 

The address of Scanderbeg was by some well approved, 
and his reasons deemed satisfactory; but others differed 
from him ; and he was especially condemned by the com- 
mon soldiers, who accused him of having become faint- 
hearted, exclaiming that their general was now wanting to 
his soldiers, and not the soldiers to then* general. So 
great was the excitement, that it appeared to threaten a 
mutiny. This ferment of the Epirots was with difficulty 
restrained by their officers, until it was decided that as soon 
as Croia was furnished with provisions, they should be per- . 



368 LIFB OF GEORGE CABTKIOT. 

mitted to pursue their enemies. The Turkish meosengera 
were then directed by Scanderbeg to carry back this an- 
swer to their fellows : that as they had come into that 
country without his command, so they should not by him 
be commanded to depart. While this matter was in agita- 
tion, Scanderbeg had sent troops to stop the passes against 
the Turks, and a part of his army- to the river Isme, 
where vessels lay loaded with com, meal, salt provisions, 
and biscuit, all which was discharged and conveyed to 
Croia ; so that, in the course of three days, that town was 
sufficiently victualled for at least six years. Whilst Scan- 
derbeg was thus employed, news arrived that the Turks, 
being pressed by want of provisions, had decamped in the 
dead of the night from Tyranna, ^nd with the loss of many 
men and of the greater part of their baggage, had forced 
their way through the passes which were guarded by the 
Christian soldiers. When Scanderbeg's army heard this 
account, they blamed him loudly, as though the escape of 
the Turks was to be imputed entirely to him. But he ap- 
peased them by large gifts and gracious words ; and order- 
ed them immediately to take arms and march against the 
garrison of Chaonia and other places held in Epire by the 
Turks, of whom none escaped being sltun or taken; and 
thus the province was cleared of these enemies, and every 
man returned to his quarters loaded with the spoils of the 
barbarians, and honored with the thanks, and presents, and 
commendations of their prince. 

It is unnecessary to repeat the high- wrought description 
of the enraged and mortified feelings of Mahomet, given by 
his old biographersr He was wrought up to the determina- 
tion again in person to try his fortune against the kingdom 
of Epire. Scanderbeg having information of this purpose of 
the Turk, gave notice of it to his confederates, and desired 
them to hold themselves in readiness to lend Jiim their aid 
when he should reqmre it. He took care to supply his 



LIFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 359 

Strongholds with all thmgs necessary to secure them against 
the threatened invasion. 

A year was -spent on both sides in warlike preparations. 

' When the spring following opened, Mahomet, with immense 
forces of every kind, began his march towards the dominions 
of Scanderbeg. He halted on his way at the plain of Saura, 
and set his artificers and soldiers at work to rebuild the 
ruined town of Valmes, situated in a comer of Epire near to 
the lates, Bratescosages, Cherabes, Buserseches, and Sopo- 
tanies ; which being completed with wonderful expedition, 
he furnished it with a sufficient garrison and munitions of 
war. He then marched forward to the city of Duraz, with 
the expectation of taking it by surprise, as he did not sup- 
pose it had been put in a state of defence. This city of 
Duraz, or Dirrachium, was formerly called Epidamnum, and 
18 a place of much celebrity. Instead of finding it neg- 

• lected, as Mahomet hoped, it had been carefully prepared 
by the Venetians and by Scanderbeg for resistance to their 
enemies ; and the Turks could make no impression upon it, 
but were repulsed with great slaughter in their attempts 
upon it. When Mahomet foimd himself baffled in lus at- 
tacks upon Duraz, and perceived many of Scanderbeg's men 
within the town, he imagined that the prince was there in 
person. For this reason he suddenly broke up his camp, 
and marched with all expedition immediately to Oroia, in 
hopes of terrifying the inhabitants by the suddenness of his 
appearance. He summoned them to surrender the town to 
him, at the same time proposing most advantageous terms 
in case they complied with his demand ; but the only an- 
swer he received was from the mouths of the cannon and 
muskets. A brave sally was also made, and many of the 
heads of the Turks were carried off in token of victory. The 
intention of the sultan, as he thus failed in negotiation, was 
to bring the Croians to submission by a long and close siege. 
But Scanderbeg, in his wonted manner, hung upon the huge 



860 LIFK OF GEOKQB CABTBIOT. 

army of the Turks, incessantly harassing them day and night 
and, in the words of his hiographer, "the slaughters aiu 
butcheries which he committed upon them were notable aai 
wonderful, insomuch that Mahomet, perceiving the sma] 
proGt which he was like to purchase by this enterprise, wa 
glad to leave the purauit thereof, and to reserve himself U 
some other exploit which might he more for his honor am 
advantage." He accordingly r^sed the siege of Croia, ant 
inarched to a place on the Adriatic, not very distant fron 
Duraz, where Scaiiderbeg had lately b^un to build a town 
which he named Chiurill. This town being unfinished aac 
without inhabitants, was entirely destroyed. It was tbi 
intention of the sultan to ruin Other places during his pro 
gress homeward ; but the Christian army followed him w 
closely, attacking him continually on all quarters, both da] 
and night, that he had no leisure to carry his purpose intt 
effect. The people of the country also, who dwelt in th< 
forests and mountains, so grievously annoyed him that h( 
despaired of committing upon the dominions of Scanderbe| 
the mischief which he intended, and returned to Constant!' 
nople with increased rage aod indignation. 

When the sultaa had passed out of Epire, he sent two oi 
his chief officers, named Ahbeg and Aiasbeg, with 28,00( 
Turks, and with orders to attend to the defence of the Turt 
ish frontiers, and not to offer any violence or make any at' 
tempt upon the Christians. As soon as these commanden 
had permanently stationed their forces, they began to prac- 
tise their arts upon Scanderbeg by secretly sending him 
valuable presents, in the hope of lulling him into secmity 
and of rendering bim negligent. But he well understood 
their devices; and though he accepted the presents, and 
made others in return, he was in no danger of being over- 
reached. He caused a general muster and levy of men to 
be made throughout his dominions, with the view of taking 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 361 

from the Turks the town of VaJmes, which had lately been 
built by Mahomet. But after the prmce had visited all 
parts of his realm, and caused an enrollment to be made of 
all who were capable of bearing arms, he came to the city 
of Lyssa, under the dominion of the Venetians, and deter- 
mined to call an assembly of the princes and lords of the 
league ; but before they could meet in council, Scanderbeg 
was suddenly seized by a severe fever, which continuing to 
increase in violence, he became sensible that his end was 
approaching. He therefore claused the princes and lords 
above mentioned, together with the Venetian ambassadors, 
and his chief officers, to be introduced into his bedroom, and 
is said to have addressed them in a very impressive manner. 
He declared that he considered true religion to consist, 
first, in the reverence, service, and adoration of God most 
high and omnipotent ; and next, in the love, care, and con- 
tinual regard to the welfare of our country, and entire readi- 
ness to shed our blood and give our life for her safety and 
preservation. He called God and his fellow-men to witness 
how he had always endeavored to walk by that rule. He 
said the twenty-third year was now passed since he escaped 
from the hands of Amurath, and alluded to the success 
which had attended him during that period ; that he now, 
in the sixty-third year of his age, felt it to be the will of 
God that he should quit this life ; and protested, before 
God, that the thought of so doing caused his mind no trouble 
nor grief, for that he did not repine at the law imposed upon 
us by our nature. He declared, nevertheless, that his wil- 
lingness to die arose not from a desire to be relieved from 
the troubles of this life, for that he was willing to expose 
himself as much as he had ever done, for the service of God 
and the religion of Christ. He earnestly exhorted his hear- 
ers to remain firm in the defence of the Christian religion 
and the Catholic faith, and to maintain mutual love and 

81 




802 LIFB OF 6E0K6E CASTKIOT. 

fidelity, as the only means by which to be secure agunst 
the Ottoman power. After most tenderly expressing his 
anxiety about his child, and alluding to the incessant toils 
he had himself undergone, as well for his friends as for his 
own state, he thus, in the words of Lavardin, concluded his 
address : 

" And now (my companions, my friends), behold I die, I 
leave you, and I must go hence. Y^herefore I pray and 
request all of you, I require and adjure you, that the faith, 
afifection, and love which was never wanting on my part to- 
wards you, the same you would bestow and employ towards 
John my son, whom, as the lively image and resemblance of 
the father, I offer and dedicate unto you, as vicar and lieu- 
tenant for me and in my stead." 

When Scanderbeg ceased to address his friends and allies, 
he sent for his son, and, in the presence of the queen, took 
leave of him in the most affectionate manner. He '' com- 
mended them both'' (says KnoUes), *' with his kingdom, to 
the tuition of the Venetians ; who, by the articles of the 
confederation betwixt him and them, were in honor bound 
to protect his son and kingdom during the time of his mi- 
nority, and afterwards peaceably to place him in the same. 
In fine, he willed his wife after his death to pass over with 
her son into Apulia, where they might in safety and quiet 
live upon such possessions as he there held by the gift of 
King Ferdinand,** The praises bestowed upon the Venetians 
by the dying prince, for their honorable and magnanimous 
conduct in general and towards him in particular, could not 
be more exalted. He ended by addressing to his son many 
precepts worthy of a wise, virtuous, valiant, and experienced 
military commander and king. 

While Scanderbeg was speaking to his son, a rumor arose 
in the town that the Turks were overrunning the neighboring 
coimtry. "At the report of these news, Scanderbeg, although 



I 



LIFE OF OE0R6E CASTRIOT. 863 

he kept his bed in great extremity, yet could he not repress 
nor refrain that ancient and invincible courage, nor that lively 
and martial spirit which was wont to dwell and be resident 
in his noble heart."* Raising himself in his bed as well as 
his enfeebled limbs would permit, he called for his armor, 
and ordered his horse to be made ready. But when his 
strength failed him and he again sank down, turning his face 
to his officers, he said — " Forth, forth, my companions ! issue 
out upon those traitors and infidels ; go you before, I will 
follow after you immediately !" 

Hereupon a troop of horse issued from the town in pursuit 
of the enemy, whom they found encamped upon the brook 
Clyre, near to the city of Scutarie, whose territory they had 
laid waste, under the command of the Turkish general 
Ahamat. When the Turks, who amounted to 15,000, per- 
ceived the approach of the Christian troops, they supposed 
that Scanderbeg was at the head of them, and in great alarm 
decamped during the night over the mountains, and left be- 
hind them the greater part of their booty. It being the 
winter season, and all places being covered with ice and 
snow, the eneriiy was so hard pressed by the lords and in- 
habitants of the country while endeavoring in a disorderly 
manner to retreat over the tops and crags of the hills, that 
many were slain or taken prisoners, and almost all their 
plunder lost. 

On the night when the Turks began thus to fiiee^away 
through dread of Scanderbeg, he, having with great peni- 
tence confessed his sins, and having devoutly received the 
Sacrament according to the rites of the holy church, com- 
mended his soul to God, and gave up the ghost. He died 
on the I7th of January, in the year 1467,f in the sixty- 

* Lavardin. 

t KnoUes says 1466, though he agrees with Layardin as to the age of Scanderbegt 
aikd the length of his reign. I suspect a typographical error in KnoUea^ history. 



364 LIFE OF GEORGE CA8TRI0T. 

third year of his age, and the four-and-twentieth of his 
reign. 

When Lech Duca^ perceived what had occurred, by 

the lamentations which arose, he rushed to the scene of 

death ; and, while he tore his hair and his beard, he is said 

to have thus exclaimed, " Hasten you, hasten you hither, you 

princes and lords of Albany ; this day are the gates and 

rampiers of Epire and Macedonia broken open: this day 

{ are our fortresses and walls fallen to the ground: this 

{ is the day wherein our strength and forces be^ to 

> fail us : this is the day wherein our crowns and sceptres 

are overthrown: and from henceforth all our help, all 
our hope, with this good prince is quite gone and extin- 
gpiished." 

To use the language of KnoUes, ** His death was worthily 
lamented of all Christian princes, but especially of the 
Venetians and princes of Albania, who had now lost their 
most careful watchman and invincible champion; the sor- 
row of his subjects is not to be expressed, every man be- 
wailing him as the only stay of the common- weal, and as if 
with him they had lost all their hope. His dead body was, 
with the general lamentation of all men, royally buried in 
the cathedral church of St. Nkkolas at Lyssa ; where it 
rested in peace, until that about nine years after, the Turks 
coming to the siege of Scodra, by the way took the city of 
LysBa, and there with great devotion digged up his bones, 
reckoning it some part of their happiness, if they might but 
see or touch the same ; and such as could get any part 
thereof, were it never so little, caused the same to be set, 
some in silver some in gold, to hang about their necks or 
wear upon their bodies; persuading themselves by the 
wearing thereof to be partakers of such good fortune and 
hap as had Scanderbeg himself whilst he lived." 

Several particulars, not mentioned in the foregoing ac« 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 365 

count of our hero, may serve still further to illustrate the 
qualities of his body and mind. 

The beauty and dignity of his person have already been 
particularly described. 

His whole life was an example of heroic daring and 
unflinching intrepidity ; but in addition to his other deeds 
of valor, may worthily be singled out his conduct in pres- 
ence of Amurath at the taking of the towns of Nicomedia, 
Prusia, and Ostrea ; for he was the first man that scaled the 
walls and displayed the Turkish standard. 

Whenever sent by Amurath against the Christians, he 
acted with such skill as to do them the least possible in- 
jury, without exciting on the part of the sultan any sus- 
picion against himself. Although compelled to appear a 
Mahommedan outwardly, he was in his heart a sincere 
Christian. 

His custom was to fight with his arm naked. As to 
cold or heat, he cared for neither. 

It is reported of him that from the first day when he 
re-entered Epire, imtil he recovered possession of his king- 
dom, he was never known to sleep two whole hours in 
one night. Which reputed habit, after all allowances foi 
exaggeration, shows that he must have had the reputation 
of possessing most extraordinary vigor of body and vigilance 
of mind. 

« He was, as some say, a great eater and drinker. And, 
indeed, without an abundant supply of nourishment, it 
seems hardly possible that the human frame could endure 
the fatigue to which he was constantly exposed, and per- 
form the feats of strength and agility which he daily ex- 
hibited. 

Among many examples of his amazing bodily strength, 
may be mentioned his encoimter with a savage wikl bull. 
This animal, from its size and fierceness, was the terror of 

81* 



366 LIFB OF GEORGE CASTRIOT. 

all the inhabitants of the country of Mamisa, sister to Scan- 
derbeg, where the furious beast committed much damage 
and caused many deaths. Scanderbeg repaired on horse- 
back to the haunt of the animal, and, setting upon it, he, 
with one blow of his cimiter, completely severed its head 
from its shoulders. 

A similar feat he performed upon a monstrous wild boar, 
in Apulia, which had wounded many of the courtiers of 
King Ferdinand. Being one day engaged in hunting with 
the king, he encountered this beast in the open field, and 
attacking it as he had done the bull, he soon severed its 
head from its body< 

It is also related that, after the death of Ballaban/and the 
departure of his army from the siege of Croia, lonima and 
Hedefy the brother and nephew of Ballaban, were brought 
to Scanderbeg, close bound together ; and that the sight of 
these prisoners recalling to his mind the cruelty exercised 
upon Moses and his companions by the instigation of Balla- 
ban, he flew into a rage,^and with one blow of his cimiter 
cut them both in tw£un. 

This weapon was made at Damascus in Syria. '* It was of 
a most perfect goodness and excellent temper." The fame 
of it was so extensive that Mahomet having heard that it 
could divide helmets and other armor, he, during a truce, 
sent to Scanderbeg and asked to see it. His wish was 
gratified ; and he caused some of his most powerful and ex- 
pert men to make proof of it in his presence. But when 
none of its reputed wonders appeared, Mahomet sent it 
back, saying that he could for money procure one much 
better, and that he did not believe any of the wonderful 
qualities which it was said to possess. Thereupon, Scan- 
derbeg, in presence of the' messenger, performed some most 
extraordinary feats with that s^me sword, desiring him to 
tell his master what he had seen, and to tell him» at the 



LIFE OF GEORGE CASTRIDT. 367 

same time, that the great effects produced were not to be 
attributed to the perfection of the weapon, but to the 
strength of the arm by which it was wielded. 

Such were the life, and death, and posthumous honors of 
this most extraordinary person ; whose single arm may be 
said to have rescued his country from the dominion of the 
Turks, and to have preserved its liberty and glory as long 
as his life was spared. 



THE EKD. 




I- 



ApgleUms* Catalogue q) Valuable PuhUcatums, 

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tt 



AppteUmt^ Catalogue of VaJuahh PuhU 



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POETRY. 

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4 



Ajflelauf Caidbgue rf VahuibU PiMeatunu. 

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Thomas Carew, George Sandys, Sir Jr Beaumont, Ehineas Fletcher, William Drammond, Gika 
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Lord. — Poems^ 

Qy WxLLUx W. LoBD. 12mo, illominated cover, 75 elft 

5 



AppleUms* Catalogue of Valuable PuhHcaiioni. 

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Moore. — Lalla JRoohh^ 

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Milton. — Pa/radise Lost^ 

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Contents. — Joan of Arc, Juvenile and Minor Poems, Thalaba the Deitroy- 
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last of the Goths, The Poet's Pilgrimage to Wateiloo, Lay of the Lauraato 
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Scott. — Lady of the Lake^ 

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Scott. — Ma/rmion^ 

A Tale of Flodden Field. By Sir Walt. Scott. 18mo, 38 cts^ ; gilt edg., 50 o(« 

Scott.7—Lay of the Last Mvnst/rel^ 

A Poem. By Sir Walter Scott. 18mo, 25 cts. ; gilt edges, 38 cts. 

Scott. — The Poebicdl Works 

Of Sir Walter Scott, Bart. Containing Lay of the Last Minstrel, Manmoii« 
Lady of the Lake, Don Roderick, Rokeby, Ballads, Lyrics, and Songs, with a 
Life of the Author. Illustrated with six Steel Engravinge. One yoI. IfltaMi 
$1,25; gUt edges, $2,00 ; morocco $2,50. 

6 



Afflklima^ Catalogue of VaJudble PtdfUcatiotu. 

SCIENCE AM) THE AETS. 

I. AGRICULTURE. 

JBcms&cmgcmlt — Agrvyultmral CJiemiel/ry. 

Rnral Elconomy, in its Relations with Chemistry, Phjrsics, and Meteorology ; 
or,. Chemistry applied to Agriculture. By J. B. BoxnssAN&AULT. Translated, 
with Notes, etc., by Greo. Law, Agriculturist. 12mo, oyer 500 pages, $1,50. 

Falhner. — TTw Fari7i£r*8 MamAial: 

A Practical Treatise on the Nature and Value of Manures, founded from, Ex- 
periments on various crops ; with a brief account of the most Recent Disco- 
veries in Agricultural Chemistry. By F. Falkner and the Author of ** British 
Husbandry/' l2mo, cloth, 50 cents. 

Ma/rshaU, — The Fa/rmer^s Hcmd-JBook : 

Being a Full and Complete Guide for the Farmer and Emigrant : comprising-— 
The Clearing of Forest and Prairie Lands ; Gardening ; Farming Generally ; 
Farriery ; The Management and Treatment of Cattle ; Cookery ; The Con- 
struction of Dwellings ; Prevention and Cure of Disease ; with copious Tables, 
Recipes, Hints, &«., &c. By Josiah T. Makshall. 12mo, illustrated, $1,00. 

Thomson, — Foiypervrmntal Itesea/rches 

On the Food of Animals and the Fattening of Cattle, with Remarks on the Food 
of Man : founded on'^xperiments made by order of the British Government, 
by Robert Dundas Thouson, M. D., Prof University of Glasgow. 12mo, 
cloth, 50 cts. Paper cover, 38 cts. 

II. ARCHITECTURE AND MECHANICS. 

Amot. — Gothic ArchitecPwre^ 

Applied to Modem Residences. Containing designs for Entrances, Hallt, 
Stairs and Parlors, "Window Frames and Door Panelling, the jamb and label 
Mouldings on a large scale ; the decoration of Chimney Breasts and Mantels ; 
Panelling and Graining of Ceilings, with the appropriate furniture. The whole 
illustrated with Working and perspective Drawings, and fonping all the ne- 
cessary parts of a modem dwelling. By D. H. Arnot, Architect. One vol. 4to. 

Byrne. — Fncyclopcedia of Machines^ Mechcmics^ cmd 

Mngineering. Comprising Working Drawings, and Description of every im- 
portant Machine in practical Use in the United States, Great Britain, etc., in- 
cluding a complete Treatise on Mechanics, Machinery, and Engine Work. 
By Oliver Byrne, Civil Engineer. 



_ This valuable work is now publishing in Numbers, at 25 cents each. It will com- 
priM nearly 2000 pages, and 6000 Illustrations. 

JBotJi/me. — A Catechism of the 8tea/m Fngvne. 

Illustrative of the Scientific principles upon which its operation depends, and 
the practicsd details of its structure, in its application to Mines, Mills, Steam 
Navigation and Railways. With various suggestions of Improvement. By 
John Bourne, C. E., 16mo, 75 cts. 

Hodae. — The Stearni Fngi/ne: 

Its Origin, and gradual improvement, irom the time of Hero to the present day, 
as adapted to Manufactures, Locomotion and Navigation. BluBtrated with 48 
Plates m fall detail, numerous wood-cuts, &«. By.PAUL R. HoMBy C. £. 
0ns Tolune Iblio of plates, and letterpress in 8vo, $10. 

13 



AppleUma^ CatdU^ue of Valuable PuhUcatum§. 

SCIENCE AND THE ARTS. 

Lafever. — Becmties of Modem Architectu/re ; 

Consisting of forty-eight Plates of Original Designs, with Plans, Elevations, audi 
Sections — also a Dictionary of Technical Terms ; the whole forming a complete 
Manual for the Practical Builder. By M . Lafever, Architect. Large 8vo, ^5. 

III. MEDICINE AND CHEMISTRY. 

T)e Lewze. — Practical InsPruction m Animal Magnetr 

ism. By J. P. F. De Leuze. Translated by Thomas C. Hartshorn. Revised 
edition, with an Appendix of Notes by thfe Translator, and Letters from emi- 
nent Physicians and others, descriptive of cases in the U. S. 1 vol. l2mo, $1. 

Fresenms, — Chemical Anahfsis. 

Elementary Instruction in Chemical Anal)rsis. By Dr. C. RHEMiaius Fresentos. 
With a Prefece by Prof Liebig. Edited by I. Lloyd Bullock. l2mo, cloth, $1. 

Hall. — TJie JPrindples of Diagnosis. 

By Marshall Hall, M. D. F. R. S., &c. Second edition, with many im- 
provements, by John A. Sweet. One volume, 8vo, $2. 

Liebig, — Familiar Letters on dwrnist/ry^ 

And its relation to Commerce; Physiology, and Agriculture. By Justus Lib- 
Bia, M. D. Edited by John Gardner, M. D. One vol., 25 cts., bound. 

Leger. — Animal Magnetism^ 

Or Psychodunamy. By Theodore Leger, M. D., late Prof, of Anatomy at th« 
Practical School, Paris. One vol. 12mo, $1,25. * 

M^ilson. — On Sealthy Shin: 

\ Popular and Practical Treatise* on Healthy Skin ; with Rules for the Medi- 
jal and Domestic Treatment of Cutaneous Diseases. By Erasmus Wilsow, 
^\ R. S. ^ 12mo, illustrated, 



IV. USEFUL ARTS. 

Cooley. — Tlie Booh of Useful Knowledge : 

A Cyclopaedia of Six Thousand Practical Receipts, and Collateral Information 
in the Arts, Manufactures and Trades ; including Medicine, Pharmacy, and 
Domestic Economy : designed as a compendious Book of Reference for the 
Manufacturer, Tradesman, Amateur, and Heads of Families. 'By Arnold 
James Cooley, Practical Chemist. Illustrated with numerous Wood Engrav- 
ings. One volume, 8vo, of 650 pages. Price $2,00, bound. 

i^a/rnell. — Applied Cliemist/ry^ 

In Manufactures, Arts, and Domestic Economy. Edited by E. A. Parnell. 
Illustrated with numerous Wood Engravings, and Specimens of Dved and 
Printed Cottons. Paper cover, 75 cts. ; cloth, $1. 

Tire. — Dictiona/ry of Arts^ MamMfactii/res^ and Mmes* 

Containing a clear Exposition of their Principles and Practice. By Andrbw 
Ure, M. D., F. R. S , &c. Illustrated with 1450 Engravings on wood. One 
thick volume, with Supplement complete, $5. 

ZPre. — A Sypplmient to Dr. Tlr^s Dictiona/ry. 

8vo, 200 cuts, $1,50. 

V. MILITARY. 

HaUeck. — Elements of Milita/ry SdeThce a/nd Art; 

Or, a Conrse of Instruction in Strategy, Fortification, Tactics of Battles, ^. ; 
embracing the Duties of Staff, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery and Engineen ; 
adapted to the Use of Volunteers and Militia. By H. Waokr Halliok, A. ' ~ 
Lieut, of Engineers of U. S. Army. One vol. 12mo, illustrated, $1«50. 

14 



Affbtaiu^ Caialogue if VahuMe PMkaUau. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

Acton ; or^ The Circle of Life. 

A Collection of Thoughts and ObservationB, d«fligned to delineate Life, Man, 
•nd the World. l2mo, 9i;25 ; gilt edges, (1^ ; extra gUt, 9 1,75. 

AnMed. — Tlie Gold Seeker^ s Marmal. 

Being a practical and Instructive Guide to all Persons emigrating to the ne^^ 
diacorered Gold Regions of California. By Prof. D. Ahbtkd. ISmo, 35 cts. 

Arthur. — Tired of IlouseJceepiiig. 

Bjr T. 8. Arthur, author of " Insubordination," etc., etc 18mo, frontisp., 38 cti. 
Foming one of the series of'* Tales for the People and their Children." 

Adler. — A Dictionary of the Germcm amd Englldh 

LanfTvagea. Compiled from Hilpert, Flogel, Greib, &c. By 6. J. Adlbr, 
Prof German in the University of New- York. 1 large yol.,8To, 1400 pp. |^5. 

Agnd. — Booh of Chess ; 

Or, Useful and Entertaining Lessons on the Game of Chess. Compiled from 
the best English sources and translations from the French. By H. R. Aonsl. 
Illustrated with fine Steel Plates, from paintings by R. W. Weir. 12mo, $1,25. 

Apph?tons* Steamboat a/nd Rail/road Compamon : 

Being a Traveller's Guide throigh New England and the Middle States, with 
Routes in the Southern and Western States and also in Canada ; forming like- 
wise a complete Guide to the White Mountains, Catskill Mountains, d&c., Ni- 
agara Falls, Trenton Falls, &c., Saratoga Springs, and other watering places; 
and containing full and accurate Descriptions of all the Principal Towns^ Vil- 
lages, the Natural and Artificial Curiosities in the vicinity of the routes ; w^tfa 
Distances, Fares, &c. Illustrated with thirty Maps and numerous Engrayingi. 
By W. Wu.LiAMS. One very neat volume, $1,25. 

Appletons'' Soutliern and Western Ouide Book. 

Accompanied with numerous Maps and Plans of cities. By W. Wblliur, 
One volume l6mo. $1 

Appletons' Neio- York City Ouide. 

Accompanied with a Map. ISmo. 38 cts. 

Appletons' New City Ma/ps^ 

Of New- York, Boston, and Philadelphia! Price, 13} eta. each, in a oaae. 

Appletons' lAbra/ry MamAidl : 

Containing a Catalogue Raisonne of upwards of 12,000 of the most importam 
Works in every department of Knowledge, and in all Modem Languages. 
Part I. Subjects alphabetically arranged. II. Biography, Classics, Miscella- 
neous, and Index to Part I. 1 vol 8vo, 450 pages, $1,00 ; half bound, $1,35. 

Arnold. — The MisceTkmeous Works 

Of Thomas Arnold, D.D., with nine additional Essays, not included in thi 
English collection. One vol. 8vo, $2. 

JBT/mcha/rd. — Towrist amd Tra/vdlers. 

By Laman Blanchard. One volume 24mo. Illustrated, 25 ots. ^ 

JSrooks. — Powr MoTvffis among ike Q^M Fvnd&ta tit 

Cs^oTRM ; being the Diary of an Expedition firom San Francisoo to th* OoU 
JI^Mrieii. By J. TrRmwHiTT Brooss, M. D., 8vo. paper, 35 eta. 

16 



AppIeUms* Catalogue of Valuable PuhUcaium§. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

£ond. — Golden Mcvxvms ; 

Or, a Thought for every Day in the Year. Devotional and Practical. Selected 
by the Rev. Robert Bond. 32mo, 31 cts. 

Brycunt. — WJiai I sa/w in Calif omia. 

Being the Journal of a Tour, by the Emigrant Route and South Pass of the 
Rocky Mountains, across the Continent of North America, the Great Desert 
Basin and through California, in the years 1846, 1847. By Edwin Bbyant, 
late Alcaide of San Francisco. Sixth edition, with an Appendix containing 
Accounts of the Gold Mines, various Routes, Outfit^ etc., etc., with maps of 
California and the Gold Region. 12mo, $1,25'. 

CaUfornian Gmde Booh; 

Comprising Col. Fremont's Geographical Account of Upper California ; Major 
Emory's Overland Journey, and Captain Fremont's Narrative of the Exploring 
Expedition to the Rocky Mountains and to Oregon and California, accompanied 
with a Map of the various Routes, and a Map of the Gold Regions. Bvo, 50 cts. 

Chapmcm. — Instruction to Yawng Marksrnen^ 

In all that relates to the general construction. Practical Manipulation, etc., etc. 
as exhibited in the Improved American Rifle. By John Ratcliffe Cbafmav 
Civil Engineer. Illustrated with plates. 12mo, $1,25. 

(holey. — The Americcm m Egypt; 

With Rambles through Arabia Petrsea and the Holy Land, during the yean 
1839-40. By James Ewing Coolet. Illustrated with numerous Steel En- 
gravmgs ; also Etchings and Designs by Johnson. 8vo, of 610 pages, $2. 

Corhould. — TTie History a/nd Adoenlmres of Ma/rgor 

ret Catchpole, a Suffolk Girl. By the Rev. Richard Corbould. 8vo, paper 
cover, 2 Steel plates, 25 cts. t 

Don Quiocote de La Mancha. 

Translated from the Spanish of Miguel Cervantes Sanvedra. Embellished with 
eighteen Steel Engravings. 16mo, $1,50. 

Drwry. — Friends a/nd Fort/wne; 

A Moral Tale, by Anne Harriet Drurt. 12mo, 75 cts. ; paper, 50 cts. 

Dwmas. — Ma/rguerite De Vaiois ; 

An Historical Romance. By Alexander Dumas. 8vo, paper cover, 25 ets. 

Bdwa/rds. — Voyage wp the Bi/ver Amazon ; 

Including a Residence at Para. By W. H. Edwards. ]2mo, cloth, ||1,00 f 
paper cover, 75 Cts. 

BUis. — Prevention better than Ov/re ; 

Or, the Moral Wants of the World we live in. By Mrs. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, 75 ell. 

BUis. — The Women of Englamd; 

Their Social Duties and Domestic Habits. By Mrs. Ellis. 1 vol. 12mo, 50 ekL 

BMs. — The Mothers of Englamd ; 

Their Influence and Responsibility. By Mrs. Ellis. 1 yol. 12mo, 50 ell. 

EWis.—The Minister^ s Family ; 

Or, Hints to those who would make Home happy. ByMrB.ELLii. 18iiio,38«ls 

iO 



ApphUnu^ CaUdogue qf Valuable PuhUcatwM. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

JSUis. — Fi/rst Impressions / 

Or, Hints to those who wonid make Home happy. B^ Mrs. Ellis. 18mo, 38 eta. 

FUis. — Smnerville Hall / 

Or, Hints to those who would make Home happy. By Mrs. Ellis. l6mo, 38 cts. 

EVds. — Family Secrets; or^ TTie Dampers of Dirvmg 

Out. By Mrs. Ellis. 16mo, 38 cts. 

JElMs. — Social Distinctions; or^ Hea/rts a/nd Homes. 

By Mrs. Ellis. 8vo. $1 50. 

%* It b written in the spirit of Modern Proerenive PhiloMpby, and seems to be il'^istrative of 
great toeial troths, while aiming a well directed blow against eroel and proscriptive usages of so- 
ciety."— AVit. Era. 

FlUs. — A Voice from the Vintage; or^ TTie Force of 

JBxample, Addressed to those who Think and FeeL By Mrs. Ellis. 8vo, 
paper, 6 cts. 

Embwry. — Nat/wr^s Gems; or^ America/n Flowers 

in their Native Haunts. By Emma C. Embxtby. With twenty Plates of Plants 
carefully colored aft<*r Nature, and Landscape Views of their Localities, from 
drawings taken on the spot, by E. W. Whitefield. One imperial octavo vol- 
ume, printed on the finest paper and elegantly bound. Price $6. 

Mnory a/nd Fremont — Notes of Tra/vel in Calif omia. 

Comprising the prominent Geographical, Agricultural, Geolo^cal and Minera- 
logicfd features of the country ; also the Route from Fort Leavenworth, in Mis- 
souri to San Diego, in California, from the official Reports of Col. Fremont aad 
Major Emory. 8vo, paper, 25. 

Foerett. — A System of FngUsh VersificatAon. 

Containing Rules for the Structure of the different kinds of Verse. Illustrated 
by numerous examples fi-om the best Poets. By Erastus Everett, A. M. 
12mo, 75. 

Frost — 'Tra/vels in Africa. 

The Book of Travels in Africa, from the Earliest Ages to the present time. 
Compiled from the best authorities, by John Frost, L.L. D. 12mo, illustrated 
with over 100 plates, $1. 

Frost — The Boole of the India/ns of North AmericOm; 

Their Manners, Customs, and Present State. Compiled from the most recent 
authorities. By John Frost, L.L. D. 12mo, illustrated, $1. 

Frost — The Book of the Army : 

Comprising a Greneral Military History of the United States, from the period 
of the Revolution to the present time, with particular Accounts of all the moil 
celebrated Battles ; compiled from the best authorities. By John Frost, L.L. D. 
Blustrated with numerous Engravings and Portraits. 12mo, $1,25. 

Frost — The Booh of the Na/vy : 

Comprising a General History of the American Marine, and particular Aocoooli 
of all the most celebrated Naval Battles, from the Declaration of Independenoo 
to ^e present time ; compiled firom the best authorities. By Jomr Frost, L.L^D. 
With an Appendix, containing Naval Songs, Anecdotes, &c. EnbcUidhiMi 
with nnmerou original Engravings and Portraits. 12m0| $L 

17 



Apphtons* CataJf^ue of Valuable PubUcaUons. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Fi'ost — TTie Book of the Colonies : 

Comprising a History of the Colonies composing the United States ; from the 
Discovery in the 10th Century, to the Commencement of the Revolutionary 
War. Compiled from the best authorities. By John Frost, L.L. D. ISmo, 
illustrated, $1. 

Frost. — The Booh of Good Examples : 

Drawn from Authentic History and Biography. Designed to illustrate the ben 
eficial Effects of Virtuous Conduct. By John Frost, L.L. D. 12mo, illustra 
ted, $1. 

Frc ^t. — TTie Book of Ilhistrious Mechcmics of M/zropi 

and America. Translated from the French of Edward Foncaud. Edited b| 
JoHf Fbost, L.L. D. l2mo, illustrated, $1. 

Ftok^L — TTie Book of Anecdotes ; 

Or, \he Moral of History, taught by Real Examples. By John Frost, L. L. D. 
With illustrations. l2mo, $1,00. 

Foster. — Biog.^ Idt.^ a/nd Phih. JEssays^ 

Contributed to the Eclectic Review. By John Foster, author of " Essays <m 
Decision of Human Character," etc. One vol. l2mo, $1,25. 

Fremont. — Oregon a/nd CaUfornia Expedition. 

Narrative of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1849, 
and to Oregon and North CaUfornia in the years 1843-4. By Brevet Capt. J. 
C. Fremont. Reprinted from the official report ordered to be published by the 
United States Senate. One vol. 8vo, paper cover, 25 cts- ; or printed on thick 
paper, bound, 63 cts. 

FuLlerton.—EUen Middleton. 

A Tale, by Lady Georgiana Fullerton. l2mo, 75 cts. ; paper cover, 50 cttL 

Fullei^ton. — GranWy Mamor. 

A Tale, by Lady Georgiana Fullerton. ISmo, 75 cts. ; paper cover, 50 ets. 

Goldsmith. — Pictorial Vicar of Wakefield. 

By Oliybr Goldsmith. Illustrated with upwards of 100 Engravings on Wood. 
1 beautiful vol. 8vo, of 300 pages,^l,25 ; 12mo, 75 cts. ; miniature size, 38 cts. 

Chax^e Leslie ; or^ The History of a Month. 

A Tale. 12mo, 75 cts. ; paper cover, 50 cts. 

Ghrant. — Memoirs of am, Americam, La^y : 

With Sketches of the Scenery and Manners in America, as they existed preri- 
ous to the Revolution. By Mrs. Grant, (of La^gaw.) 12mo, paper coyer« 
50 cts. ; cloth, 75 cts. 

cm Bla^s. The Adventwres of Gil Bias of 8anUUa/ne. 

Translated from 4he French of Le Sage, by T. Smollet. With an accoont 
of the Author's Life. Splendid Illustrations, 16mo, $1,50. 

€hiizot. — Democracy m Fram/ce. 

By Monmenr Gnnor. 12mo, paper cover, 25 cts. 

Jones. — My UndeHobsonamd I: 

Or, SlsAes at Life with a Free Broad-Aie. By Pascal Joins. 12mo» pcper 
r,50eii.;«Mv7i«la 



■ ■ ■■^— — — ^— ^^ 

MISCETJiANEOUS. 

Kenny. — The Marmal of Chess : 

Coniaining the Elementary Principles of the Grame. Dlostrated with Diagrami^ 
Recent Games, and Original Problems. By Charles KEinrr. 1 vol. 32mo, cloth. 

Kip. — The ChHsttnas Iloiydays in Rome. 

By the Rev. Wiluam Inorahax Kip, M.A. iSmo, |(1,00. 

Lamb. — Literat*y SJcetehes and Letters : 

Being the Final Memorials of Charles Lamb, never before published. By 
Tboxas Noon Talfourd, one of his executors. 12mo, 75 cents. 

Lamartine. — Les Confidences. 

Confidential Disclosures. By Alphonsb db Laxartinb. Translated from tiie 
French, by £ug5ne Piunkett. 12mo, paper cover, 25 cents ; cloth, 50 cents. 

LamaHine. — -Les Confidences et Ma/phael. 

Par M. X>t, Lamartinb. Two volomes in one. 8vo, |(1,00. 

Lanman. — Summer in the Wildermess : 

Embracing a Canoe Voyage np the Mississippi and aroond Lake Superior. 
By Charles Lanman. ISmo, paper cover, 50 eents ; cloth, 63 cents. 

Letter- Writer. 

The Usefol Letter-writer, comprising a succinct Treatise on the Epistolaiy 
Art, and Forms of Letters for all ordinary Occasions of Life. Compiled from 
the best authorities. Frontispiece, 32mo, gilt leaves, 38 cents. 

Lover. — Hcmdy Andy : 

A Tale of Irish Life. By Samxtbl Lover. Illustrated with twenty-three 
characteristic Steel Engravings. One volume 8vo, cloth, %\ 35, boards, %\ ; 
cheap edition, two Plates, paper, 50 cts. 

Lover. — L. 8. D. ; Treasv/re Trove : 

A Tale. Bt Samuel Lovbr. 8vo, two Steel Engravings, paper coTery525oli. 

Mamoni. — Tlie Betrothed. 

I Promissi Sposi ; The Betrothed. By Alessandro Manzoni. A new tram- 
lation. Two volumes, 12mo, paper cover, $1,00 ; cloth, (1,50. 

MaoGwell. — Fortunes of Hector O^HciUoran 

And his man Mark Antony O'TooIe. By W. H. Maxwell. One yol. 8?«k 
two plates, paper, 50 cents; twenty-four plates, boards, (IjOO; doth, |^1,S5. 

MojooweU. — HiVrside cmd Border STceitches: 

With Legends of the Cheviots and the Simmier Muir. By W. H. Maxwxe&p 
8vo, paper cover, 25 cents. 

Mcintosh. — Two Li/ves : 

Or, To Seem and To Be. A Tale, by Maria J. McIntosh, author of** 
and Principle/' etc. One vol. 12mo, paper cover, 50 cents; doth, 75 



Mcintosh. — Avmt Kiblnfs Tales. 

By Maria J. McLttosh. One vol. 12mo, paper cover, 60 eta. ; dotfaj 75 

Mcintosh. — Ghmmis a/nd Covrntefr-iiha/rms. 

By lifARu J. MoIntosh. 12mo, paper, 75 cts. ; doth, $ljOO. 

19 



. 



Appkt&ns* Caialogue of Valuahle PvhUcatumt. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Miles. — The Horsia Foo% 

And how to keep it sound ; with illastrations. By William Miles. From tli« 
third English edition, l^o, paper cover, 25 cents. 

Meid. — A Dictimia/ry of the Eaghish Language. 

Containing the Pronunciation, Ltjrmology, and Explanation of all words au- 
thorized by eminent writers : to which are added a Vocabulary of the Roots of 
English Words, and an Accented List of Greek, Latin, and Scripture Proper 
Names. By Alexander Reid, A.M., Rector of the Circus School, Edinburgh. 
With a Critical Preface by Henry Reed, Prof, of Eng. Lit. in the Unirersity of 
Pennsylvania. One vol. 12mo, of near 600 pages, well bound in leather, |(I/)0. 

JtepvhUc^ The^ of the United States of America : 

Its Duties to Itself, and its responsible relations to other Countries. Embracing 
also a Review of the late war between the United States and Mexico ; its 
causes and results ; and of those measures of Government which have charac- 
terized the democracy of the Union. l2mo, paper, 75 cents; cloth, |(1,00. 

Micha/rdson. — Dogs^ thei/r Origin a/nd Va/rieties : 

Directions as to their General Management ; with numerous Original Anec- 
dotes. Also, Simple Instructions as to their Treatment under Duiease. By 
H. D. Richardson. Illustrated. 12mo, paper cover, 25 cents. 

Itoget. — Economic Ohess-JBoa/rd Compamon / 

By which the Game of Chess may be played in Railroad Cars and in Steam- 
boats without any inconvenience. Invented by P. M. Roget, M.D. 50 cents. 

Hough a/nd Heady Anm/aal / 

Or Military Souvenir. Illustrated with twenty Portraits and Plates. 12nio, 
morocco, $1,00. 

Pwre Gold from the JUvers of Wisdom : 

A Collection of Short Extracts from the most Eminent Writers — Bishop Hall, 
" Jeremy Taylor, Barrow, Hooker, Bacon, Leighton, Addison, Wilberforee, John- 
son, Young, Southey, Lady Montague, Hannah More, etc. 32mo, 31 cents.^ 

Sawyer. — A Plea for Amusements. 

By Frederick W. Sawyer. 12mo, 50 cents. 

SeweU. — Amy Herbert : 

A Tale. By Miss Sewell. Edited by the Rev. W. Sewcll, B.D. One foL 
l2mo, paper cover, 50 cents ; cloth, 75 cents. 

Sewell. — Laneton Pa/rsonage : 

A Tale. By Miss Sewell. Edited by the Rev. W. Sewell, B.D. Three 
vols. 12mo, paper cover, $1,50 ; cloth, $2,25. 

Sewell. — Ma/rga/ret Perdval : 

A Tale. By Miss Sewell. Edited by the Rev. W. Sewcll, B.D. Twe Toie. 
12mo, paper cover, $1,00 ; cloth, $1,50. 

Sewell. — Gert/rude : 

A Tale. By Miss Sewell. Edited by the Rev. W. SewelU B.A. Itat^ 
eloth, 75 cents ; paper cover, 50 cents. 

SeweU. — Walt& Lorrimer : 

And other Tales. By Miss Sbwxll. Ilhiitrated with rix ooleted 
ISmOi 75 centst 

90 



AppkUm^ Catalogue if Vahaib PvUteahmu. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

8mWi.—The Kattiral Jli^ctoi-y of the Gent. 

By Alrkrt Smith. Illustrated with nnmeruufl Wood EngrayingB. 18nio,25i 

Smith. — The Katural History of the Ballet Girl. 

By Albert SsiiTn. Illustrated with nnmeroua Wood Guts. 18mo, 25 cts. 

Soiithfjate. — Vijiit to th^ Syrian Church. 

Narrative of a Visit to the Syrian [Jacobite] Church of Mesopotamia ; with 
Siateraents and Reflections upon the Present State of Christianity in Turkey, 
and the Character and Prospects of the Eastern Churches. By the Rl Rey. 
Horatio Soitthuate, D.D. One vol. 12mo, with a Map, |^1,00. 

Southgate. — KarratiA)e of a Tov/r through, Armenia^ 

KurdiMtan, Persia, and Mesopotamia : with an Introduction, and Occasional 
Ofaservations upon the Condition of Mohammedanism and Christianity in those 
Countries. By the Rev. Horatio Southgatb. Two vols. l2mo, (1,50. 

Southey. — Life of Oliver Cromwell. 

By Robert Southet. One vol. 18mo, 3B cents. 

Something for Every Body : 

Gleaned in the Old Purchase, from fields often reaped. By Robest Caxliov« 
E!sq. 12mo, paper cover, 50 cents ; cloth, 75 cents. 

Sprague. — History of the Florida War. 

The Origin, Progress, and (Conclusion of the florida War: to which is ap- 
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86