MEMOIRES, OF THE LIFE and ACTIONS Of the most INVINCIBLE and TRIUMPHANT PRINCE; IHON THE GREAT, Third of that Name, PRESENT KING of POLAND: CONTAINING A Succinct Series of Affairs from his Craddle to this present Day; With a particular RELATION of his many Great and Stupendious VICTORIES obtain'd against the TƲRKS and TARTARS, from the time he was first made CROWN GENERAL, and afterwards Elected KING of POLAND.

Done in Verse, (out of H. G's Historical Account of the said PRINCES LIFE and ACTIONS) By a Lover of the PEACE and GLORY of CHRISTENDOME.

EDINBƲRGH, Printed by the Heir of Andrew Anderson, Printer to His IMPERIAL MAJESTY of GREAT-BRITAIN, Anno DOM. 1685.

TO THE MOST ANTIENT OF ALL CHRISTENDOMS, and the whole WORLDS MONARCHS, The most Potent, the most Heroick, the most August, JAMES The Seventh, the Ornament and Glory of all other PRINCES, KINGS, and EMPERORS, His Imperial MAJESTY of GREAT BRITAIN, France and Ireland, &c.

GREATEST SIR,

AS an Essay whether or not this my obscurity dare approach the most Glorious and Au­gust Theme in the World, and that is Your MAJESTIES own: I have attempted the MEMOIRES of the Heroick and Vi­ctorious KING of POLAND, which will become yet [Page] the more Memorable. when Graced with Your PRINCE­LY EYE, and ROYAL PROTECTION. The Sub­ject being (in it self) so Noble, might very well have become a much greater and finer Pen, than the many diss-advantages of so low an Author could well afford it. How­ever! Mannag'd as it is by the unworthiest of a thousand, being the Account of the Life of so great, so glorious a PRINCE, Comprising some of the memorablest Actions, and Victories, which have yet Adorn'd any other Age: It could not have been offer'd (withour diminution of that Glory due to Soveraign MAJESTIES) to any else, of whatsomever Sphere, below GODS Prime MOVER of the WORLD; the Royal: Nay, nor yet of all those Foun­dations, or that Firmament of the Universe, to any other Intelligence, or power, save Your MAJESTY alone. For to whom else should the Heroick Atchievments of this Va­liant PRINCE have been Address'd; but to another KING, the most Wise, the most Valiant, the most En­riched with all those distinguishing Marks of Excellency, and transcendent WORTH, which ever yet Dignify'd that highest Character. And, tho the alone Elective KING this day in Europe, (if not in all the World) which is more the dissadvantage of His Subjects, there being (for most part) a kind of Metempsychosed ROYAL GENIUS in the continued Successions of an Ancient Race of Heredita­ry KINGS; The want of which, with that wild Nemine [Page] Reclamante in their Diets (being the two great Flaws in the Polish Government) have no doubt been ever yet the Grand Obstacles, whereby that otherwise Magnanimous Nation has not long ere now born a much greater Figure in the World. But this is none of our HERO'S fault; His Loss it may be in several Instances, but especially in his being hereby, the youngest Brother of all other KINGS. To whom else then should His Polish MAJESTY repair, but to the Eldest of all these, and that is Your ROYAL SELF. For Reckoning from KING FERGUS the First, of the longest Race of an hundred and eleven KINGS, Your Royal PROGENITORS, in a Reign of two thousand and fifteen years: The Primogeniture of the whole Worlds MONARCHS, , is the indisputable Right of the Sacred Imperial MAJESTY of Great BRITAIN, whom, that Heaven may still Protect! as it hath ever yet done; with Miracles and Wonders: for the Glory of God, and the Good of his Church, in this Queen of Islands, and all o­ther Your MAJESTIES Dominions; for the great lasting Ornament of the eldest ROYAL BROTHERHOOD of all other KINGS; for the Ballancing the Af­fairs of CHRISTENDOME; for the glorious Defence of the true Christian Faith; and the Encouragement of all other Christian KINGS and PRINCES, to a gene­rous and just Charity, and brave Resolution of uniting their joynt and firmly Combined Forces, against the Com­mon, [Page] Sworn, Insidel ENEMIES of our most holy RELI­GION: shall be ever the constant, standing, or kneeling Prayer, of the least and unworthiest of all other

Your MAJESTIES Most Humble and most Obedient Servants and Subjects, ALEX. TYLER.

A LETTER to his GRACE, WILLIAM DUKE OF QUEENSBERRY, MARQUES of Drumfreis-shire; EARL of Drumlanerick, and Sanqubar; VICE-COUNT of Nith, Torther­wald, and Ross; LORD Dowglas of Kinmonth, Middlebie, and Dor­nock; His MAJESTIES High COMMISSIONER for His Anci­ent KINGDOM of SCOTLAND; Lord High THESAURER of the said KINGDOM; one of the MEMBERS of His MAJESTIES PRIVY COUNCIL of both KING­DOMS.

May it please your GRACE,

BEside the Succession of a great many Durkes, Re­gents, KINGS, (I range them in the order of their own History) and the entire Reigns of the two preceeding KINGS of Poland, JOHN [Page] CASIMIR & MICHAEL KORIBƲT WIESNOWITZ­KI, the voluntary Resignation of the Polish Crown, by the for­mer, and the great Hazard of its and that fierce and un­daunted Nations, being well near made Tributary to the Ottoman Turbant by the timorous precipitation of the lat­ter and a light touch of the Government, Laws, Politys, and Customs of that great People, sprinkled all along this little small Work; the manner of their Diets or Parliaments, the Splendid and Pompous way of Election of their KINGS, where each Waywood, Palatine, and Castellan, (for these are the Titles of their Peers and Senators) appear equip'd like as many EMPERORS, having every one a Retinue so August, so Numerous, so High, and yet so Orderly, as tho they were all severally Triumphant CAE­SARS, who, when once assembled to the number often-times of some hundred thousands, all gallantly appointed, and richly and strongly Arm'd: The Diet sits; or rather stands, in that Field (for most part neer Warsaw their Capital City) call'd Kolw; for no House in the World could suffice to contain! And I doubt if many Cities could well accommodat, beside the own Inhabitants, such pro­digiously-vast Swarms of Men of all Ranks, all at once. I say, beside all this, your GRACE has offer'd you in these Sheets, the Life and Actions (from his Cradle, neer to this day) of one of the Greatest and Bravest KINGS (except the IMPERIAL MAJESTY of Great-Britain alone, whom GOD still preserve and bless) se­cond to none else that CHRISTENDOME or the whole World dare challenge this day, or peradventure yet ever could own. His Descent of the most Illustrious and Noble Families of his Countrey; His Education; the stepps of his Advancement; His being made Crown-General; His Exploits [Page] while in that Trust, during the Reigns of two KINGS, His immediat Predecessors; His rare Virtues, for which GOD hath Anointed him with the Oyl of Gladness above his Fel­lows; His Election, and mounting up to Polands Throne; His many Battles fought with all the disadvantages of Number, Strength, and oftentimes Place, and other Cir­cumstances; where Triumph still Pearch'd upon his victo­rious Ensignes: and of all these the Place, the year of God, the day of the Moneth, the very time of the day, wherein he has so oftentimes made Christendome glorious & brave, & happy; while Infiaels fell in Piles, & fled in Throngs, from the Light­ning of his Brandish'd Sword, and the Thunder of his Guns and Artillery. The whole Ottoman Force & Greatness tremb­ling at his very Name, being confounded, and cast into the Convulsion Fitts, & shrunk into the cold Cramps of Terrour, and Amazement, at the Storm and Tempest of so Irre­sistible and Prodigious a Valour. I consess I had never attempted this great Subject! if I had not had then a yet far more great and glorious and nearer one in my Eye, and that is the Memoires of the present Imperial MAJE­STY of GREAT-BRITAIN. I have therefore made this light Essay upon the youngest, to prepare my self for the just and due Praises of the eldest, the greatest of KINGS and to tone up this poor Pen into a Trumpet, whose shriller Eccho may be heard at once at Land and Sea, which can never be Theatres of that dimension, as to suffice to determine the vast indefinite space of his bound­less Glory. BRITAIN being for the Great JAMES in all mens Opinion a lesser Spott, then Macedon was for ALEXANDER. It is both the Interest, the Safety, the Happiness, and the great Honour, and I hope the Joy of the whole Subjects of his Dominions, that they serve the [Page] Wisest, the Valiantest, the most Just and Generous, most Noble and Glorious PRINCE in the World. And its the great Encouragment of all good Subjects in this his most Antient Kingdom, that your Grace is now here His MAJESTY's High COMMISSIONER for this present PARLIAMENT, your being sprung from the great Antient and Illustrious DOWGLAS, a NAME and FAMILY which in Camp or Court, in the Trophees and Prowesses of Valour and Loyalty, may justly vie Titles with any other (excepting KINGS) in the Ʋniverse, as well as your GRACES own Signal Proofs of a Zea­lous Service to your Royal Master, and a just Regard to the greatest Good and Honour of this KINGDOM, fills all Ex­pectations with so bigg a Confidence of the Welfare and Hap­piness both of CHURCH and STATE, as in all Beliefs is past Doubt. That these Thoughts and Wishes of all Honest and Loyal Hearts, and your GRACES pious and noble Endeavours that way may be thus Answered, is the Humble and Hearty Prayer of

Your GRACES Least, Lowest and Unworthiest Servant, ALEX. TYLER.

A LETTER To the Right HONOURABLE JAMES EARL OF PERTH, LORD DRUMMOND, and STOBHALL, &c. LORD High CHANCELOR OF SCOTLAND.

My LORD,

WHile your admirable Progress in all the Parts of Universal Learning, beside all the other great Excellencies, and rare Quali­fications, whereof you are the happy Pos­sessor (neer almost to the Adoration of all that know you,) Attracts all Eyes to Behold and Gaze, all Hearts to Love and Admire, and all Pens (like the Needle to the North) to point to your Lordship, as they had been mag­netically [Page] touch'd caught, or ho kt in, with the beautiful Charms of those brave radiant Virtues, which at once En­dears and Astonishes Mankind. And while all those vast Cataracts of Knowledge, large Channels, deep Rivers, and fluent Streams of others, run into that Sea of Wisdom and Worth, that they may be absorpt in those its sweet Waters: It were unnatural! if my little half dry purling Brook, should not endeavour to Glide on to the same O [...]ean. These are My Lord (not to speak of your Honours) some of the Signalizing Marks, whereby you make so di­stinguishing a Figure in the World. But your Lordship be­ing so true and zealous a Son of the CHURCH, is the Seal of all! and makes the whole Clergy of BRITAIN your hearty Well-wishers and Admirers; And if the least and unworthyest of all these may be named amongst the rest, So is

Your LORDSHIPS Humble and Entirely Devouted Servant. ALEX. TYLER.

TO THE READER.

WHen the Prodigious Valour and matchless Conduct, of the most August, Heroick, and Mighty KING of Poland, had at once A­stonish'd, Rejoyc'd, and oblig'd the whole Christian World, in that so opportune a Relief of Besieged Vienna: Altho I had then seen no more but a Landskip of the City, and the Encampment of the Turks, in an expanded Sheet Printed at Cullen, and Re-printed at London in 1683. Yet the desires of a very Noble Lord, whose undeserved favours to my self (beside Assistances in Works of this Nature) which make all such import Commands unto me; together with my own Native Inclinations, not to be altogether wanting in those just Returns of Praise and Wonder, which all Chri­stians, if not all Mankind, ow so vast a Merit, prevail'd so far with me, as to write (but what was never meant for publick view while alone) about some dozen Stanza's to that purpose. Which, tho inconsiderable and little as it was, bear­ing the name of the Siege and Battle of Vienna, with ano­ther no less short then it, entituled the Tempest, meant only for the Remembrance of those with my self, who had all of us together at that time run the same Hazard, most unex­pectedly, and beside my knowledge slipt into the Press: whence issuing with mo Errata, then Lines, as is commonly in­cident to surreptitious Emissions, I thereupon resolved (whensoever I should obtain a more full Account of the Life and Actions of this Invincible PRINCE) to pay His MA­JESTY in mo Lines some small part of those vast Acknow­ledgments, [Page] wherein the whole Christian World stands so deeply indebted to his Glory. And having been still Restless in the Inquest (tho in vain) ever since, until at last some seven Weeks hence (I mean before my having first Writ those ensu­ing Sheets) by the Intervention of some Persons of Honour, I had it under the name of SCANDERBEG Re­divivus, done by H.G. an Englishman, as I suppose, whose Historical Account in Prose this Song (such as it is) hath exactly followed, to which are annexed the forenamed small Poems, without any other alteration, save the E­states of the Printer amended. I can assure my Reader aforehand! there is nothing in all this Piece to recommend it but the Excellency of a Noble and Mighty Subject, coarse­ly enough manag'd; and a great many harsh Names scarcely Versify'd; And it may be not a few Tri-crambiat Rowling Lines, (for expressing the Emphasis of a Conceit) not as yet much used. The Truth is, the Picture of this great PRINCE in its own Native Lineaments is so Radiant, so Dazling a Beauty, that its Lustre needs more Shadow, then Enlight'ning: And methinks its genuine Charms and spakling Graces, would have been either more hid, or marr'd, by any (at least the best of mine) Artificial Colourishing. And therefore, the so Loud so Amazing Veri [...]ies of the plain; but just Narration, hath all along eased, because it so vastly surmounted my low Fancy. Nevertheless, thou hast it (if thou please) as well at least as I ever have yet had it if thou canst not have Liking of, nor at will be Reconcil'd with it, I'm somewhat Indifferent; for it will Court thee but just as much as thou dist it! And is it cannot procure a Celtation of Arms, at least let it plead a fair Quarter it such time as then shalt find in thy Heart to oblige the World, and it, and. me, with a better. But is nothing else may prevent ae [Page] deadly Bite; or obtain a Minuts Reprieve from thy Ruth­less Jaws; yet ere thou entirely devour this poor Morsel! Respite but a little till we have once more heard from above the POLES. Till when, Farewel.

POSTSCRIPT.

I Have but one Word more, If thou please to carp at the se­ [...]eral Letters directed to so many Persons of Quality, thou mayest say on, I'le regard it no more, but by telling thee I could not in good manners, while I had written of one great KING, accompanied with so many Armies, and as it were still in Camp, have dedicated the same to a far greater, and plac'd his MAJESTY (who hath been so conversant with Camps, Battles, and Navies,) all alone, without supposing some Retinue of a Court for his Attendants, and beside, thou needs not much weary thy self in the Reading more of them then thou lists, or if all, not to quarrel the length, while thou hast often seen and read many single Dedications of greater extent.

MEMOIRES, OF THE LIFE and ACTIONS of the most Invincible and Heroick IHON The THIRD, present KING OF POLAND.

GReat God of Praise! Inspire this Song of Praise!
That with the loudest Ela's it may raise;
On massy Pillars of Immortal, Fame,
The 'ternal Eccho's of this Hero's Name:
[Page 2] That as his Sword's the glory of this Age;
Some Angel-pen of more seraphick Rage,
May Trumpet his Atchievments 'bove the Sky,
And Sing his Glory to an Extazy.
And as his Deeds might animat all Words,
Even so our Verse may more inflame his. Swords.
Kindle an Emulation, Lord inspire
His Sword, this Pen, with Counterbent Desire,
Who Fights most Battles, and who Writes most Praise,
Who freshest Trophies; who wears greenest Bays:
That he ne're cease to Fight, Rout, Conquer, Kill.
Nor I to Sing, while Insidels have Breath, or Blood to Spill.
Great SOBIETZKI cut their Graves, their Epitaphs this Quilla

Introduction to, and Seasonable­ness of these Memoires.

WHen the whole World of men in Christendome,
The Eastern Church of Greece, Western of Rome,
The Orthodox, Reformed, purer Church,
And all their sev'ral Sects lay at the Lurch:
(An't would not scandalize this rev'rend Throng,
To mention monstrous Mushroms in their Song,)
The Excrements of Christian Names and Things,
[Page 3] Who'd rather hang and damn, that Pray for Kings.
With Eyes that spoke suspense twixt Hope and Fear,
And Hearts that trembled, as if Dooms-day were
At hand; with tingling Ears, as the last sound
Of the loud Trump of God did them confound.
With Faces stern'd to paleness, as a stone is,
Lest Turks like Hills and Mountains fall upon us.
When like some Torrent, or a Tempest pent,
Or Thunder pregnant Cloud without a vent,
Or blustring Winds, and vap'rous Breaths, and Fumes,
Might stretch Earths biggest Womb or burst its Gums,
All joyntly met in some straight narrow Cavern:
Like Bottles burst in Coffee-House, or Tavern,
Or like the Legion lodg'd all in one Man.
So the vast Troops and swarms of the Ottoman
Empire, which might have bid the World one Day,
Invested Vien straight around it lay:
Big swoln with Expectation to obtain
All Germany beside in that Campaign.
Then like a mighty Angel sent from Heaven,
Or like those Cherubims to Eden given,
With Flaming Sword to fence the Tree of Life,
Great SOBIETZKIS Hand cuts off the Strife.
MOst Glorious Prince! no sooner was this done,
Then this poor Pen had pay'd thy Prowess On'e,
And vow'd another larger Tribute Song.
If H. G's Memoires do thee no wrong;
I'le from thy Craddle Trace thy matchless Story,
And spread the Dazling Wonders of thy Glory.
My distance from thy Court, Camp, Sight, defyes
The least Suspition of Flatterys:
[Page 4] And thy Atchievments Which surmount the Poles
Impossibilitats all Hyperboles.
I Sing the Polar Star, whose Light out-shines
The Turkish Creseents in their highest Primes.
Except those fix'd in Scriptures Zodiack Line,
This Northern Stars, great Light doth far out-shine,
All others in the Firmament of Fame;
As Candles do Gleams, or as the Sun a Flame.
Darkning with Dazling Rayes of brightest Glory,
Those lesser Twinklers set in former story.
Forcing the Crescent Moon into a Wane;
Nearest Divine stands this Immortal Man,
While Viens Walls, and Camien's Plains retain
Leopolds, Cochmi's Fields, and the Ʋkrain,
In purpling Dy of slaughtered Turks red Gore,
Hang Glorious Trophies, never match'd before.
SOme for their Prudence, some for Courage high,
Some's Wariness, and som's Celerity,
Some for their Conduct, some for Execution,
Some for their success, some for Resolution,
While singly but possest; have cropt the Fame
Of Prowess, reaching them a Hero's Name.
What shall the World devise, for that vast Merit,
Which doth all those in fullest strength inherit.
Prodigious Valour matcht with equal Skill,
Council with Conduct, Arts to Save and Kill,
Command, Dispatch, and all at such a rate,
As Heav'n still smiles him the victorious Fate.
When after-times shall Read his Period,
They'l cry Hosanna's to this Demi-god.
REproach of all the Worlds old Ancestry,
This present ages blest Felicity:
All Mankinds Glory, Souldiers Admiration,
All Christians Joy, all Generals Imitation,
Illustrious Ornament of all that Reign,
Men's Christians, Souldiers, Captains, Generals King.
Great Wonder, Doubt, Envy, of times to come;
Of all which most he'l share before the Doom,
Shall be a Riddle unresolv'd by all the World and Rome.
PRodigious Actions, admiration breeds,
Wonder breeds Doubt, Doubt with Suspicion Reads.
So that whoever this Hero's History
Shall undertake, but hence one Century,
Their Truths may hap to be suspect'd Romance, or flattery.
But against all such Pigmy Thoughts and Doubts
Of Dwars't beliefs, our answers short and stout.
We publish Wonders done in this same Age,
Scarce one year gone upon the publick Stage,
And the loud Theatre of Christendom;
Appealing all the World a live to come,
Or dare disprove one Ace of what we say,
We and what's ours, shall be their proofs just Prey.
WE here defy the trembling, Ottoman,
Whose Crescent Moon's Eclipsd, put in the wane,
By this bright Northern Star, whose just Renown,
O're Christendom and all the world is slown:
And can't be lessen'd by malicious Mouths,
Without opposing clear notorious Truths,
Affording matter to all Tongues, all Pens,
[Page 6] Out-bidding Retricks Fumes, and Poems streams.
Talk, Love, and Wonder, and Astonishment,
From all that Ttust in Christ is but just Rent,
Not half the Tribute to the many Tyes
Of Gratitude, wherewith he's more than thrice,
Oblig'd all Christian Hearts to's admiration:
In chasing from their Bounds the Barbrous Nation,
Whose stern Incursions like (Impetuous Flouds,)
Had laid, the German Empire in the Suds,
If not Repell'd by him; no Christian State,
Or Kingdom could have promis'd this days Date.
All which Deliv'rance (next to God alone)
All these do owe the Arms of Poles great IHON,
Third of that Name, in their long List of KINGS,
VVho hath atchiev'd such wondrous, glorious things:
As may excite all owning Christian Name;
To pay just Praises to's Immortal Fame.
VVhich whosoe're shall grudge in envys mood,
Is guilty of most base Ingratitude,
To God himself, and all men that are Good.
Heav'ns Pow'rs to us are three ways notifi'd,
And in all these should God be glorifi'd,
In's Word; in's Works; and in his mighty Wonders;
VVhich all not Fool, or Mad, or Atheist ponders
Or shuts their eyes to see no Sun; their ears to hear no Thun­ders.
IF God himself should not be honor'd than,
In all his Gifts instill'd in this great MAN,
And's VVondrous Feats, atchiev'd by Divine Aid:
'T might Atheism, and Blasphemy be said.
Twixt Non-confession, and denying Gods
Goodness and Power, there's but a slender-odds:
[Page 7] Be it then known to all the World abroad,
He that Lauds SOBIETZKI praifes God.
AND as all love to see that happy Hand;
Has Rap't them from the Flames, or Sword, or Strand,
And as sweet fruits delicious Liquorish taste,
To know the Tree makes our Impatience haste.
Even so the shade of his most prosp'rous Arms,
Which next to God, from barb'rous Turkish Harms,
Has giv'n Repose to ev'ry Christian Nation;
Attracts all Ears to hear the just Relation
Of the great Actions of his former Story,
And's present dazling, all th'old Worlds Glory.
And as no Crabb-tree yields desired Fruits;
As goodly Branches grow from stronger Roots;
As Healine-streams ne're flow from Common-springs;
So each Parental-stock's not fit for KINGS.
To understand what blessed Heav'n-Born Pair,
Did yield to Christendom this Tutelar:
And trace the Progresse of his younger Years;
Those signal Services; whereby he Wears,
And did deserve ere ev'r he wore a Crown;
As well by Sword, as by his Pen and Gown
That Sov'raign Power which in all Kingdoms else,
By Natures Gift the first-born Males befals
Amongst the Poles it is much otherwayes,
Or Virtues Guerdon, or Happs chance in Choyce.
Transcendent Merit, here oft bears the Van,
Where Hanours Temple's reacht throw Viriues Fane.

Chap. I. Being an Accompt of his Descent, of the Noble Family of the SOBIETZKI, and the Pa­rents of this Illustrious Prince, with his Edu­cation.

THE ancient Poles old Mistris City gave,
Title to SOBIETZKIS, and the brave
James SOBIESK Castellan of Cracow,
Father of elder Mark, and this IHON too;
A person whose great parts were even and patt,
For Court, or Camp, or great Affairs of State;
Having oft signaliz'd his Noble Spirit,
In all Efforts distinguish'd by his Merit.
1621.
In twenty one he had the great, Imploy,
Not of a Chiaux; or a less Envoy.
Unto the Port, but as Ambassadour,
Plenipotentiar, with amplest Pow'r
From the Poles Crown; to Treat upon a Peace,
Which by his Prudence, Wisdom, and Address,
Concluded on most honourable Terms
Of Peace, 'twixt Poles, and Sultan, osmans Arms.
Remarkable on many brave occasion,
And faithful Service, after done his Nation;
[Page 9] In
1646.
fourty six, so far outgone the Poles
He, left his Body, went to dwell with Souls.
And she that bare Victorious SOBIETZKI,
Was Daughter of Stanzlaus ZOLTIEUSKI;
Grand Chanc'lor, and Grand Gen'ral of the Crown,
Great by his Birth, Place, Prowess, and Renown.
Who gave the Turks Deaths Wounds, and Sorrow,
While he bravely Fought it at, Cicora.
It was upon the nineteenth of September,
A Day which all the Turks may yet Remember:
T'was done upon the Worlds great publick Stage
The twenti'th year of this same present age.
And tho upon next Moneths second Day!
Five times attacqu't by fresh Recruits, they say;
Which he five times as gallantly Repell'd,
And maugre their huge Number's stood the Field:
Till by redoubled Multitudes and Throngs,
And furious Crouds a-fresh, for five Days long;
The valiant Poles, being shrunk into a few
Handful, that handful, wounded weari'd too,
Gave way to Fate, the fifth Day of the Battle.
Whilst like, a mighty Bull, 'mong Droves of Cattle,
Their Gen'ral brave who knew not how to flie;
But stand, or chase, or conquer, kill, or die,
Having wrought Wonders with his single Hand;
And throw Red-seas of Blood, made shoals to Land:
Thick throngs of Horse still pressing on a-main,
Crouded him Dead with Infidels! not overcome, tho slain.
Thus fell Brave ZOLTIEUSKI, of his Age
Full sev'nty three? Poles joy, and Turkish rage.
LEaving this gallant Grand-child, by his Daughter,
of all hath been, of all that shall come after,
Inheritor of greater, broader Glory,
Th' Illustrious Theme of this our present Story.
He was no elder! but a younger Brother;
And yet his greenest years could never smother,
The blooming Buds o's high Heroick growth.
To cultivat this Nobiy Toward Youth,
His joyful Parents spar'd no Cost nor Care,
Allow'd him Education, suiting's fair
Both Birth and Hopes: and's brave Celerity,
Made quick Returns of great Proficiency.
An innat Magnanimity of Spirit,
Polisht with nat'ral and acquired Merit,
Soon told his Fathers hopes th' aboding Story,
He should surmount all's. Ancestors in Glory.
With all the Learned Languages acquainted,
(For Pole with Breath of Roman Ghost's so haunted,
That Latine Tongue the Lingue of old Romes Slaves,
'S as frequent there as Dutch, or Poles, or Sclaves.)
And having Master'd all the Learning, Skill;
Which Polands Education could instil:
And Read at home in Words all Forraign Places;
He longs to mark their Manners, see their Faces.
THat as the keen, brisk, forward, active Bee,
Tho Garden, Orchard, where it dwells still be,
Enamel'd with a great variety,
Of Flow'rs, and Blossoms which Sight, Smell, and Taste,
And Touch, may n't's Eyes, Legs, and Proboscis Feast:
[Page 11] Flies on a-pace o're Fields, mongst Woods doth Roam,
And back from Weeds and barren Heath comes home,
Fraught with that matter that makes Bees, Honey, and won­drous Comb.
So our great SOBIETZKI doth advance,
With's elder Brother Mark and comes to France.
(Which valiant Mark, the Turks thereafter flew,
At the unlucky Rout of wretch'd Betow.)
During his stay at Paris, he oft ply'd
All manly exercise, and still outvy'd,
In th' Academys fencing, and Menage,
His Equals and those 'bove his years in age.
And not withstanding of his younger years,
His manly meen and prudence him endears,
To all that Merit knew, and th' highest sort
Of primest Quality in the French Court.
Eying his toward, stay'd, high, Masc'line Spirit,
Did much Regard, esteem, admire his Merit.
Having acquir'd Wits, Valours, Courtships, Charms.
In this great School of Europes Arts and Arms;
Next went to Italy observed Rome;
And all the finest parts of Chrisiendom;
Their Manners, Int'rests, Laws, and Politys;
Where their great Strengths, Defects, and Weakness lys
Intanglements, Obligements, and in fine
Their Courts, their Camps, and Warlike Discipline.
The distance of strong Holds, their Situations,
Manner of March, Fights, and Fortifications.
All the Remark, to speak it in a word,
Which Travels unto Princes can afford.
ANd having all the while stor'd up a Treasure,
Of solid worth, which might with equal measure,
[Page 12] Of Stock, and Strength, become the lasting Base,
Of that huge Fame which doth the World amaze:
Already form'd in his great active Mind,
Which still his Countreys Glory had design'd;
With winged speed, to give those mighty parts
Nature gave him improv'n with Thought and Arts,
To's Kings and Countreys Service posteth home;
Where when arriv'd, as soon imploy'd as come.
At Court, and Camp, by then KING CASIMIR:
Who did his Wit and Valour so admire,
That for's great Specimens of Sword, and Gown,
He made him first
August 24. 1665.
Grand Master of the Crown,
And next
1667.
Grand Gen'ral of the force of Pole;
And then Grand-master of the Kings Houshold.
And to sum up his Honours in a Line,
Of ancient Cracow made great PALATINE.
GReat was, the worth, of this great Subjects Spirit,
As great his Princes Knowledge of his merit.
Which on the sev'ral turns of great affairs,
And Traverses of Providence appears,
Clear in the sequel of th' ensuing Story,
No Honour's great like SOBIETZKIS Glory.
Yet for our Readers better apprehension,
Of these Preferments, which wee'l needs oft mention;
And other Passages, which needs we must,
Oft name, to make this Story clear, and just;
Its fit he should. succinctly hear the whole
Past Government, and History of Pole.
Where let him not expect our numbers Terse,
In Things and Names will scarcely fold to Verse;
[Page 13] And in all such here in the general,
Take naked Truth, for fancy, wit, and all.

Chap. II. The Kingdom of POLAND Described, with its Laws and Customs, with a brief Deduction of the State thereof, for some hundreds of years past.

POLAND is said, from Pole to take its Name,
Or Poln, which in Sclaves Tongue is just the same:
And in that Di'lect which those Countreys grace,
Doth signifie a Plain, or Field for Chase;
Because this Kingdom is a vast Campaign,
Compos'd of level Woods for Hunting Plain.
But Polish Orichovius denys,
This Derivation, and doth thus advise:
That first Polachia this Land was Term'd,
From Lachus their first King, or Leader arm'd.
Both may be true? because both may agree;
Natives and Readers take your Choice for me.
WHich e're of either of these two be true?
This mighty Kingdom in the bulk, its now,
[Page 14] Having great Litwan's Dukedom now annex't;
And other Provinces, may number next,
The largest Kingdoms Europe's Continent
Contains: for breadth, and length, of that extent
From fourty eight, to fifty sev'nth degree,
Of Latitude. Its Longitude count we;
From thirty eight, to sixty, and perchance
A greater Continent by far then France.
Muscovie, and the petty Tartars east,
The Baltick Sea, and Germany the west,
Do bound it: but the great Carpathian Mountains,
And Ister Europes greatest Child of Fountains,
Divide it on the South from Hungary;
From Transilvania, and Moldavie.
Upon the North, Livonia of Sweden;
And some good part of Muscovie again.
Poland is blessed with a fruitful Soil,
And purest Air breath'd from the Woods recoil.
Furs, Honey, Wax, Buff-hides, and other Skins,
Huge Masts for Ships, Timber, and other things
For Building: Flax, Pot-ashes, and all Grain
In great abundance yeelds, which drives great gain
To Dantzick. Gentry with Nobility,
Are here Magnifick, bold, and brave, and free
And most Tenacious of their Liberty.
But all the Peasants, and the common Rout,
Are as meer slaves, as they were bought throughout:
Their Lives are valu'd as we prize a Neat,
The Tennent kill'd, his Lord receives the Rate,
No Inquest's for the Blood, this being pay't.
[Page 15]ANd not with standing that the Reformation,
Beam'd here its Light, first from the German Nation;
Yet Ignorance, and want of publick Care,
For Lopping, of wild Tenents, here not rare,
Extravagant Opinions did promote
Mong Citizens, and mongst the Rabble Rout
Socinus 'bove them all did here take foot.
The Catechism of Cracow proveth this,
Their other Books being deriv'd from this.
But that which here's establish'd by the Laws,
Is the great daring Roman-Cath'lick-Cause.
Their Language is Sclavonian Dialect,
Tho most of them do, also Latin speak.
This only Kingdom's elective alone,
Of all that are this Day in Europe known.
Under which Term we mean not to include,
The Empire, which can ne're be understood
A Monarchy; but rath'r a Septarch-head.
And tho the Danish Crown Elective were,
For many ages, till, the sixtieth year
Of this same age! when Denmarks King thought fit,
To cause that Kingdoms Senat alter it.
His Majesty Hereditar Writes ay,
Himself of Denmark, as of Norway.
IT is the common undisputed Thought,
That the first people that to Poland sought,
Were Huns, and Slavons, ( Orichovius sayes)
Who came from Macedon and thereaways.
(Their vulgar Language which they daily speak
Retaining yet some Relish of the Greek.)
[Page 16] And that from thence they having driv'n the Swevi,
And other People, and Goths, a mighty Covey;
Possest that huge vast Tract of champaign Land,
Ev'n to the Elb: from River vistul's Strand.
When Lechus, or else Lachus, at the last
Became their Chief, and as their Leader past.
About our LORDS three hundred fiftieth year,
Commenc'd the Monarchy of Poland here.
From whom fourteen are reck'ned to Micislas
First Christian Duke, match'd Daughter, of BOLESLAS
Duke of Bohem: the sev'nt day he was Wife't
Of March in year nine hundred sixty fift.
Upon which Match Micislas Christian made,
His Son Boleslas for Successor had:
In year of Grace nine hundred ninety nine,
The sixteent Duke which came of Lachus Line;
Who while the Emp'rour OTHO, of that name
The Third, to visit Tomb of Albort came;
(Whom barb'rous hands of Prussia had slain,)
Was creat KING by the Emp'rour amain.
To whom another Micislas succeed,
Father of Cazimir, the first we Read.
The second Boleslas succeed him,
Sirnam'd the cruel, like a Devils Limb,
He murther'd Stanzlaw Bishop of Cracow:
For punishment Whereof, Pole losed now
Its title of a Kingdom, being sway'd;
By sev'ral Princes Regents for long Tide.
Till under Primislaus, it again
The former Kingdoms Title did Regain.
Which was if Poles chranology belive't,
1295.
In year of God two hundred ninety fift.
[Page 17] Next Primislaus, the third Ladislas,
Who after four years past expelled was;
And Vinceslaus chosen in his stead,
Ladislas five years re-established.
To whom succeeded Casimir the Great,
Of whom brave things their Histories relate.
Th' Hungarian Monarch LEWIS next chosen KING,
Two Daughters left after his Death and Reign:
The younger whereof being declared Queen,
Married Jagellon great Duke Litwin,
Lithuania
Who tho a Pagan Prince before had been,
On this his Match Baptiz'd turn'd Christian King.
And was accepted by the Polish State,
On this condition that his Dutchy great,
He should to Polands Kingdom ev'r annex.
This was in year
1386.
three hundred eighty six,
At's Christ'ning took the name of Ladislas,
Two of which name his next Successors was.
Then Cazimir the fourth, then Ihon Albert,
Next Alexander, he dead, in his part,
Came Sigismunds, the first, and second too,
Which last left Crown and Life without Issue.
In year of Grace five hundred seventy two,
The Polanders chose Henry Duke Anjow;
The second son of Henry King of France,
Who after two years Reign did home advance:
(His Brother Charles the ninth then Childless dead)
This quit his Crown Elective, and in'ts stead,
Took up the Crown of fair and puissant France,
Now falling to him by Inheritance.
I write the just words of my Authors Text,
Puts this in year
1576.
five hundred seventy sixt.
AFter the Recess of this last nam'd Prince,
The Poles next Diet were not of one sense.
One Party nam'd for KING, Stephen Bathor,
The Transylvanian prince; as many more,
The Austrian Arch-Duke Maximilian.
Which 'twixt those Princes open War began;
But Stephens Valour with the Victory,
Obtain'd the Crown who Issueless did dye.
In year of Christ
1586.
five hundred eighty sixt.
Then Sigismund the third succeeded next,
(Son to the King of Sweden, named Ihon,)
Being chose to fit on Polands mighty Throne.
Soon after which, the Father Ihon deceast,
Did Sigismund with's Native Crown, invest.
This Sigismund now King of Pole and Swed;
Had by his Mother secretly been bred,
In Popish Tenents: (And all this was done
Without least Inkling of his Father Ihon
As Zealous Protestant as any one.
On whose Election, unto Polands Crown,
He Protestant suspect'd! not Popish known;
And Romes Religion still obtaining there,
To satisfy the Poles he did declare:
That he for ever would maintain and own
The Roman Catholick Religion.
This made the wary Swedes, still Lutheran,
Desire conditions that he should maintain
Their Protestant Religion as't then was:
And let no Popish Innovations pass.
But some few Churches by his sufferance,
Or sloath not known; some Places of Defence,
Had Popish Priests, and Catholick Commanders.
[Page 19] Which made those stiff and jealous Swedenlanders,
Suspect this Sigismund of Male-intent;
And then Revolt; at last with joynt consent,
Charles third son of Gustave Errickson,
His Uncl's lift up to the Swedish Throne.
HEnce came those Strifes and Fends, and Wars amain,
'Twixt Polands Kingdom, and the Crown of Sweden.
For Sigismund did prosecute his Claim,
And Charles maintaind's Election by the same.
Which Strise 'twixt Ʋncle, and Nephew did not dy,
But did descend to both's Posterity.
Just in the year
1632
six hundred thirty two,
Dy'd sigismund, succeded Ladislow;
His eldest son, who dy'd in
1648
fourty eight:
Whose brother Cazimir had next that Right:
By Choise, who after twenty years of Reign;
The Polish Crown did willingly resign.
Michael Coribut Wiesnowitski
Came next; and now this glorious SOBIETSKI.
Who for his Countreys Honour, Safety, Crown,
Hath done, yet doth; such deeds of loud Renown.
Made them so great and glorious in each thing,
As mov'd each Polish heart to choise him King.
REader! I hope thou'l pardon this Deduction,
Plain as it is, was meant for thy Instruction,
And understanding things express'd of Course,
Which needs we must recount in this Discourse.
Nor can't be needless you should also hear,
That KINGS of POLAND still Elective are.
Marvel with me! how comes't their Sov'raign pow'r,
[Page 20] So much restrain'd; should yet so long endure.
Or how Poles Princes straight bound up with Fetters,
Their Royal Hands so Chain'd with Words and Letters,
Should sway a Scepter, or a Sword should shake;
To Rule, or ' Fend their People: while one Sneak,
Or Waspish Fellow in their Parliament,
Tho the least Nuntio? shall dissassent,
In any point of greatest Importance,
Be it the Kingdoms Ruine, or Defence:
The KING himself, and the whole Polish Diet,
Must leav't undone, and sculk away in quiet.
Some Authors talk; but whether lye or troth;
I shall not say, that Polands Kings take Oath;
Not only to Govern conform to the Laws,
And Constitutions, Statutes, Customs: Cause
O' th' Kingdom, to maintain the sev'ral Rights
And Priviledge of all their Orders right;
And not to mince the Kingdoms Revenue:
But that there's yet in th' Oath a Clause more blew,
In case the King should rule in otherwise.
Absolving People from Obedience Tyes.
I shall not here my doubts again renew,
Tho unto me this seems more strange than true.
That Fundamental Law of Germany,
Call'd Aurea Bulla, can't compared be
VVith this: for not to name the many things,
VVherein the Emp'rors case is wide of Kings.
In Pole th' Electors ev'ry one by one,
Are sev'ral pieces of a State that's one;
All private men, Subjects, at most, at best.
But in the Empire this may well be prest?
Where each Elector's Prince of Sov'raign State;
[Page 21] And cannot yoak his Pow'r at other rate.
Its then a Fancy, or is't be ought true;
Its but of yesterday, and late, and new.
For in th'authentick form of the old Oath,
Of Polish KINGS, which Orichovius hath!
There is not the least mention made of this.
HOw e're it be? without Oath, true it is
(That by their ancient Constitutions known,
Their KING can nothing great perform alone,
Without consent of th' whole Estates in one.
In making War, or in contracting Peace,
Levying of Taxes, or in Crown-Lands- Lease,
Nor any important affair of State:
But by the joynt advice of full Senat.
Yet as the stern stout Poles Nobility,
Have such strong Holds of Soveraignity.
So they assume and still pretend each one,
At least presume, (or formerly have done)
Unto themselves a more transcendent Pow'r,
Then they'd allow to King or Emperour.
In all their Seigniories, as accords,
They do behave themselves like abs'lute Lords.
This Kingdoms Palatinats thirty four
Or Governments, each of whom all is o're
His own Castellans, which of Cities are
Captains or Governors in Peace and War:
Of whom in Poland, if we've counted even:
There are in all much about eighty seven.
Of Grand Ecclesiasticks, they have two
Archbishops GNESNA, and of Le'pold too:
Of old a third at RIGA also had,
Until that City sell unto the Swed.
[Page 22] This Gnesna is prime Senator of State,
Who when the KING shall die, without debate,
He hath the chief mannage of great Affairs,
During the Interreign tho't were for Years;
And Issues Warrants for the States to come,
To the Election of a new Prince; whom
When Chose: the Oath administers to him,
And sets upon his Head, Poles Diadem.
All their most important Affairs are done,
Determin'd and advis'd, resolved on
In Diets or in Parliaments alone.
Which Parliaments or Diets thus are held,
Being summon'd by the King, and thus they'r call'd:
To Prelats, Palatines the KING doth send,
By's Chanc'lor Letters of Instruction pen'd:
Which mentions all his Majesty thinks sitting,
To be propos'd; then 'points their time of Meeting.
Which Letters had; each Senator alone,
Considers the Design they drive upon,
The Consequences, Qualities, and Natures
Of those Affairs propos'd in the KINGS Letters:
The very same, and of that full extent,
The KING'S to offer to's next PARLIAMENT.
Concerning all, each Free-man of his Vote,
Hath a full Liberty, o's yea; or not;
Just as he pleaseth, or he is in Mood,
For privat Interest, or publick good.
Beside all these! the KING doth Letters send
Into each Pa'atinate, to be kend,
When the Nobility are all to meet.
That ev'ry Province then may have its Leet,
And Representatives they may be chose,
[Page 23] Who here are always called LAND-NUNTIOS.
For which effect Convention's held in all,
And ev'ry County, which they LANDT-JAG call:
Six Weeks before the Session of the Diet,
Here one Commission'd from the KING stands by it.
Who in each LANDT-JAG publickly declares,
All less and more the KINGS propos'd Affairs,
To be debated, in next Parliament.
Which having thought upon with full intent,
They choice their Members, with Instructions clad,
(All which exactly must be followed)
In ref'rence to the Kings propos'd Desires;
And freedom to propound what e're their Countries good requires.
THis distinct Body of LAND-NUNTIOS,
Altho the Senat's greater men then those?
Tho lesser these, then those in Dignity;
Yet equal to them, in Autority;
Is Ballance to the Senat, to controul.
Those Grandees, if the KING should them cajole,
With Words, or Promises, or Bounteous Deeds,
To break their Arms, or bow their Hearts, or Heads,
Or with Corrupting Gold, to blind their Eyes,
And jeopard all their Countries Liberties.
Wherefore they always pick out for that Trust
Persons, sufficient, sober, wise, and just.
Of all which Qualities they have much need;
For in the Diet if on any head,
There happen but one single Dissentor
Whither't be Nuntio? or Senator?
Stiffly persisting; his alone Protest,
On that Point, makes that nothing can concluded by the rest.
[Page 24] Who tho they all should vote it o're, and or'e't
Ones Nic-poz-waliam carrys all afore't.
Wherefore all their Determinations made,
In Vote unanimous, or as they ha't,
Nemine Reclamante't may be said.
Besides these Palatinats spoke of now,
The Cities DANTZICK, VILNA, and CRACOW,
Each have the Priv'ledge of their Deputy:
Who have their Seats mongst the Nobility.
But common Matters are dispatcht and sped,
By Judges in each Province stablished;
And Burgraves of each Town and City, where
The meanest Peasant if he lists may hear,
And know all done, for no Impediment,
's made there, where all sorts may themselves present.
From Salt-Pits, Copper-Mines, and those of Lead,
And silver, the KINGS Revenues are had.
The KING all Prelats, and all Dignities,
All Officers of War, and of Justise,
Of the Exchequer, and of Policy,
Doth nominat anew, when these do or transgress, or dy.
The highest Honours in Poles Kingdom known,
Are the Grands Marshal, Genral of the Crown,
Grands Master of Kings Houshold, Chancellor,
These doth the KING dispose, and sev'ral more.

A LETTER TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE The EARL of STRATHMORE and KINGHORN, Vice-Count LYON, Lord GLAMES, &c. One of the Lords of His Imperial MAJESTIES most Honourable Privy COUNCIL and EXCHEQUER.
Ʋpon his Lordships having been the Occasion of the Authors first Writing, and then Supplying the Materials unto the little small Canto of the SIEGE of VIENNA, which was also the Occasion of these MEMOIRES of the KING of Poland, and his Lordships Encouragement of the Author to proceed, when he had the first view of some of the ensaing Sheets then Imperfect.

MY LORD,

KINNETTLS, where I have now lived these Fifteen Years past, being in your Lordships Vicinage, and in view of the Smoak of the Chim­neys of your Antient and Magnifick House of GLAMES, having beside the many other Favours un­worthily enough cast away on me; obliged my not be­ing [Page] unfrequently with your Lordship, and your Noble Family there, when I was ofterr honoured to be bid see your Lordship at your other lesser, but pleasanter House of CASILE-LYON some Ten Miles distant thence. I confess I was herein wanting to my Day and my Self, that I had not seen your Lordship there before the beginning of October 1683, when all the Earth rung the Praise of the Victorious KING of Pole. I remember that after a ve­ry orderly Supper, (for further Entertainmet of your Lordships Guests then and there,) we had a very fine and harmonious Consort of Vocal Musick, and of the great va­riety of melodious Airs, that of ARMIDA being frequent­ly called for, and still applauded by your Lordship, and all the Hearers, your Lordship wisht that the Relies of Besieg­ed VIENNA might be composed to that Tone, how soon soever its more exact Relation came to this KINGDOM. Which upon that same condition I then underlook. And accordingly (in less then a Month the reasrer) at my next having the honour to see your Lordship at GLAMES, I was presented with a Description of the Encampment of the Turks, and Relief of VIENNA, done at COLEN, and Re­printed at LONDON in the year 1683, all in one great Sheet. And being so put to it (especially to a Person of so much Honour and Ingenuity) to make good a Promise, which at that time I remembere'd much better then the fore­named Air. To perform what I had said, I sent your Lordship timely next Morrow the said Description, done in such bad Verse, as may be expected from a Man, thar be­cause he thinks none of his best Compasures worth the fa­vour of anothers first sight, so he but seldom vouchsafes himself the trouble, nor them the regard, of a second Thought, being almost sick and weary of them ere ever they are well [Page] or ill done out. This little song emituled the Siege and Battle of VIENNA, with some other Scriblings of mine in several Copies, especially the Tempest, having fall'n in­to the Hands of some others of my Friends, and by fre­quent Tramsmissions, at last stolen into the Press; whence they skip't so uggly with Errata, that returning again to my view, tho a good time before as far out of my Thought as they had been removed from my Custody. I was there­upon induced to resolve upon an entire Account of that Great and Heroick MONAROH his LIFE, in a larger and longer Paem, how soon I could come by any perfect. No­tice thereof. I need not tell your Loraship who it was that procured, me the first sight of the Memoris of H.G. My Acknowledgements in that being indebted primarly to your SELF, and the much Accomplished MASTER of KINAIRD. Your Noble eldest Son, my Lord GLAMES, who may well Ornament a great Family, peradventure a Country, some short time thereaster enquiring for the view of another Piece, supposed to have been once in my Custady! That I might stave off his Importunity, I was enforced to shew him (and both your Lordship saw them first of all others) six or seven Sheets of the yet imperfect Memoirs of the KING of Pole.The undeserved Approhati­on which your Lordships then, and others afterwards have been pleased to vouchsafe them, have encouraged them to look out abroad into the World in such plain Garb as they are: being destitute for most part of these loud and light flourishes which are seen and expected in Poesie. Lest the Se­lidity and Imporiance of so great so true a History, should have dwindled into the Phantastick Scenes and Appear­ances of Romance. And now, My Lord, when these and other your accustomed Kindnesses to me, and the usage [Page] of the World in such cases, require I should expatiat in your down-right, how much deserved soever Commenda­tion to your face: Tho the Antiquity of your Noble Family, the Honours, Offices, and Publick Trusts of severals of your brave Ancestry, as well as those in your own per­son, those HERO's that have both Imbellish't and fully Answer'd the generous Name of LYON, those excellent Qualifications I know you to possess, having my self seen and read several excellent Pieces (tho Modesty will not al­low your Lordship their Owning) and these on different Subjects, all of your own Composure. Your excellent Contrivances in Architecture, in Gard'ning, Planting, Houshold-furniture, nay hewing out Goodly Rooms out of Walls of a Rockie Firmness and Massiness; The great 0r­der in all these things, and the Decorum both without and within your Houses, of your Table, in your Service, and e­very where. Your Lordship has all these, and which is more then all this at once, the Best of Noble Ladies, and the Hopefullest and most promising Posterity of both Sexes, to make you Happy! and Wisdome and Virtue enough to make you Good. All these do so praise themselves, that I cannot praise you for them: But I very freely will do so, in allowing your Lordship the Justice of that Testimo­ny, that I think you Fear GOD, Honour the King, and Love the Church, and area Friend of Good Men, and much more then he ever deserved: kind and favourable unto

Your LORDSHIPS Most humble and obliged Servant, ALEX. TYLER

Chap. III. The Marriage of SOBIETSIKI, and his advancement to the Charges of Grand­Marshal, and General of the Crown: wherein occasionally is given an account of the Reign of King Casimir, and the man­ner of his resigning the Crown.

Just like young Lion, newly suckt warm Gore,
Doth Room, and Range, and for more Prey doth roar.
Bristles his shaggy Mane, his horrid Eyes,
Sparkling fresh Beams of Courage, which defyes
All other Beasts to look him in the Face;
He frisks his Scepter-tail, and with a Grace
Moves through wild Woods; with pride sets down his Pan's;
Those Swords, which to his Ʋnderlings give Laws.
And while he Stops and stamps, and stares around,
Espyes a Lioness, some little slound
Of distance from him, by her Shape and Gate
He knows her: And his former Rage forget,
He Courts and Wooes this lovely Female Mate.
[Page 26] Ev'n so great SOBIETZKI, who began,
His earliest Youth to Arms; ere he was Man!
Rustling in bristled Fields, Fights, Battles, Wars;
Wounds Dangers, Deaths, which hearts of Cowards scarrs,
Bellona's dearest Darling was, this greatest Son of Mars.
Yet tho his Eyes, all Fire; his Eyes, all Rayes;
Of Gen'rous Courage, which all Turks affrayes;
His March, all Terror; and his Name, all Fame;
His Fight, all Death; his Sword, all Wounds and Flame;
His Shock, all Light'ning; and his Rour, all Thunder;
And least things he hath, done, be all great Wonder;
Tho all his Hands, were Arms; his Breast, all steel;
It lodg'd a Heart which Capids Charms must feel.
And there was reason why it should be said
That SOBIETSKI did not live a Maid
Fate did foresee, hee'd been mistaken than,
For some great Mighty Angel! not a Man,
And lest some Criticks in Chronologie,
Should backward, forward, with a busie eye
Review the Periods of Destiny.
Turning each Page, each Leaf, of its great Book,
From the last Casar, to the first that took
Th' Assyrdan Empire: and mongst all those Names,
That vex'd the World, to reap their hoarser Fames;
Scarce base enough, for his high raisd loud sound.
Then some inspired Prophet, forward bound,
Should pore and plodd; and having read still on;
All names of Importance, until the Doom;
Should 'mongst all that excell'd, or shall excell,
See Love and Arms in all their Hearts to dwell.
[Page 27] Then looking back to his great Period,
Should take him for some Heav'n-born Armed GOD,
For's Virtues, Valors, higher pitch, than, humane foot yet trod.
ANd searing after-times Idolatry,
Should raise this Polar Star 'bove Starry Sky
Beyond the Blessed Mother Maid next Holy Trinity.
Fate gave consent thus far to 'bate his Glory,
That Love and Arms should interweave his Story.
And that the VVorld mi [...]t know this Heros mind,
Transcends all Hero's, in Degree, not Kind;
Those Nobler Passions in his Soul still rests,
Valour, Amour, Inmates to Gen'rous Brests.
Beside all these! Nature did supplicat,
And thus petitioned the Pow'rs of Fate.
That seeing Poles great SUN should ne're Ecclipse!
(While men have Eyes, Ears, Hands, Pens, Tongues, Mouths,
But Sett; 'twere Blasphemy to say, should Dy, Lips,
Lest Heav'n should dark in that Obscurity.
And since stern Fate had doom'd him but's one day,
That it's great Light leave some Illustrious Ray.
This was decreed. Nor was't our Hero's least
Part of his Prowess, that he made Conquest
Of that so rich, so fair, so high, a JEMM:
As the brave Heart of MADAM ARQUIEM.
For Beauty, Bounty, Birth, VVealth, highest sort:
Great Ornament of all the Polish Court.
His goodly Personsge, and graceful Meen,
And sparkling Variues, making these to shine,
Ten thousahd loving Beams, and Rays and Charms
Transfix'd her Heart! shot from this SUN of ARMS.
But being Polands QUEEN'S chief Made of Honor,
[Page 28] Her Majesty had highest thought, and care, and eye upon HER,
And in the absence of great SOBIETZKI,
Propos'd HER for a Match, to Prince ZOMOTSKI.
One of the greatest Palatines of Pole.
The LADY yet all young, sweet, bashful whole,
Blushing to own her former Preingagement,
Tho unto SOBIESK had Marriage meant.
So that while her first Lover was far thence,
Her QUEEN prevail'd to match her to that PRINCE.
BUt He not living long! at liberty,
To choise her first, and best choise, SOBIETZKI
Brought him a Beauty, more advanc'd and blown,
A Dowry vast, beside what was her own.
Provision. Heav'n this Blessed Couple gave
Fine hopeful Children, 'bove the rest the brave
PRINCE ALEXANDER, he of whom anon
Wee'll have occasion to make mention.
He having signaliz'd himself for worth,
And told the World, he means to follow forth
The gallant foot-steps of his Fathers Glory;
And prove's apparent Heir! in Wars loud Story.
THe twenty fourth of August sixty five,
KING CAS'MIR did to SOBIETZKI give,
The Office of Grand Gen'ral of the Crown:
In the exiled Lubomirskis Room.
Discharg'd because of his Rebellion,
In heading those that were Confederats known
A wretched party which did much annoy
The Poles, and near that Kingdom did destroy.
[Page 29] Of which Rebellions progress, and foundation,
Its fit we here should give some brief Narration.
IN th' AEras
1648
fourty eight of this same Section;
Was CASMIRS to Polands Crowns Election.
Who by his HOLINESS great Dispensation,
Marry'd a Lady of the fine French Nation:
But Widow of his Brother Ladislaus
And's Predecessor; who for Frances Cause
And Interest, was enterprizing ever;
Still meddling with the State; did much endeavour,
(A French Successor slily to promote,
Which amongst other Causes, yet is thought
Much of this Kingdoms sorrows to have wrought.
And yet its first Calamities arose,
From an Invasion made by forraign Foes.
Charles Gustavus, Warlike KING of Sweden,
About the fifth year after five times ten.
1655
And in the sev'nth of CASIMIRS own Reign,
As much excited by their Feuds old sting,
(of Polands KINGS pretentions to his Crown,
As by a martial temper of his own)
By Ragietzki's motion spurred on.
This Ragietzki, Poles Vice-Chancellour
Had match'd a Lady of all beauties Flower,
Whom CASIMIR did Court for his Amour.
Which Ragietzki smelling at the last,
Convey'd away his fairest Wife in haste:
(Dreading the KINGS Assaults might storm'd the Fort)
T' a Mannor House, and far from Courts resort.
The KING incensed! to be thus depriv'd,
Of her fair Sight, by which his pleasure liv'd,
[Page 30] Under Pretence of Services (in short)
His Office ow'd commands him back to Court.
Of Cabaling accused after soon,
Against the State with En'mys of the Crown.
And notwithstanding stiffest opposition
Made by th' ARCH-BISHOP GNESNA in's tuition,
Condemn'd to forefault both his Goods, and Place;
Exiled from his KINGS and Countries face.
Whereat the Kinred of this Nobteman,
Aloud to murmure presently began:
And thousand others did not stick to say,
That this Procedure was the readiest way,
To violate the Honour, Dignity,
And Priv'ledge of the whole Nobility,
All quite undone in this abused man.
From which day forward most of them were draw'n
To dis-affect the KING. Whilst not in vain,
Griev'd Ragietzki shelter seeks in Sweden.
Where, he at length spreads out his Grievance Cause,
Unto its valiant KING, Charles Gustaus.
Who listens to it, with attentive ear,
Then which he could no sweeter Musick hear;
Then Weaknesses of Pole discovered,
And Discontents amongst its Grandees spred.
This Exile, all that Wit, and Vengeance bears,
Recounts; then speaks the rest, in Sighs, and Tears.
JUst like late blust'ring Gale, on Sea, or Plain,
Puff'd near a ( alm ! but with new Drifts of Rain
Far more incens'd, it rustleth yet the more,
With Gusts and Blasts more vi'lent then before
Grows Storm, then Tempest, which aloud doth roar.
[Page 31] Straight fills the Sea with Waves, Deaths, Drownings, Wracks,
Tall Trees stocks up, and strongest Castles shakes.
It mingleth Heav'n with Earth, and Night with Day,
And what stands loose, or light or weak, it cleanly sweeps away.
So Ragietskis plaintful Moans, Tales, Tears,
Such strong Impressions on the Swedes soul bears:
That notwithstanding a depending Peace,
'Twixt Swed, and Polish Crowns; whose signed Leace.
Had long t' expire, with dreadful Armies came
Charles, ent'ring Poland, like some Hurrican,
He forc'd his Passage, and with small ado,
Seizes their chiefest Cities, old Cracow,
And Warsaw: own'd by most and best o'th' whole
Great Palatines and chiefest Lords of Pole.
And like some Whirlwind whisking all around,
Licking the very Dust from of the Ground:
Ne're stinted till he'd over-run the whole,
Towns, Cities, Castles, Provinces of Pole.
EV'n as that man whose House is all on Flames,
Half sindg'd, scapes forth from Fury of its Gleams,
Being driv'n on with Fire, Sparks, Smoak, and Wind,
Ne're turns his face for fear nor looks behind:
Till got without its reach! he calmly spys,
That Smoak which did menace his Breath, those Sparks which dar'd his Eyes.
Sees Throngs, and Crouds, who made as if they meant,
To quench the fierce devouring Element.
But more attentive! knows those Enemies,
First laid the Train, feeding, the Flame when't dies:
And all his Neighbours busy'd with the toil,
For one poor drop of Water brought, rav'ning ten loads of spoil.
[Page 32] Till having recollect'd his Sp'rits, and Friends,
To quench the Fires fierce Rage, and quell those Fiends
The rav'nous Harpys beats, and routs, and then home empty sends.
THe bold KING CASIMIR was forc'd to flie
To the utmost Borders of the Ʋkranie.
Just so pursu'd with Vengeance, Sword, and Fire,
His Friends forsake him and his Guards retire.
Being deserted left almost alone,
Ev'n when his routed Hopes were almost gone,
And all that knew him, knew him for undone.
All the strong Holds, and Cities in his Land,
Came by prevailing Force, to Charles his Hand.
Only the City Dantzick still held out,
Persisting Loyal for its King most stout.
Which Gustave seeing he could not come by,
By Gold, nor open Force, nor Jeopardy:
Despairing therefore e're to conquer it,
His Souldiers bloody Cruelties commit,
And barb'rous Spoils, and horrid Villanys.
Which made the Poles repent with wat'ry eyes,
(Such unadvised rashness all bemoan,
That for a Foraign Master quits their own:)
Astonish'd at the Swedish Tyranny,
So soon commenc'd in 'ts early Infancy.
What Havock, Massacre, what day of Doom?
Might Poles expect from Charles in CAS'MIRS Room.
On t' other hand, Dantzicks brave constancy,
Doth shame them to their wonted loyalty.
These forc'd the Poles Gustavus to forsake,
Who to their Duty, and their KING, come back.
THey seek him, in his utmost Frontiers fled,
Promising, if his MAJESTY'l make Head,
Against his own, and now their Enemy;
They'l expiat their late Disloyalty:
Renew'd with Oaths, by all that Honour bounds,
To Seal their Faith, in Swedish blood and wounds.
LIke one new fred from Prison, loos'd from Rack,
Pardon'd for Life, or rescu'd from a Wrack:
Ev'n so KING CASIMIR rejoyc'd to see,
Himself once more in some Capacitie,
To Dispute's, Crown and Kingdom with that hand,
Had nearby left him, scarce one Pole of Land.
And lest their forwardness for fight should yield,
Or faint! Amidst their eagerness takes field.
Where in a trice! old Fortune turns her face,
And Poles stern Valour, puts the Sweds to chase.
Worsted! and Routed! quite in many a Battle,
They flee, and die, like droves of Sheep or Cattle.
And as one Mischief falls upon another,
Like Waves succeeding Waves, so ills together
Befall the Great, the Small, the Prince, the Begger.
Whil'st Sweds are routed! Poles have sackt their Leaguer;
Just at that very time, the Dane Invades
Gustavus Kingdom, routs and kills his Sweds:
So he that but just now for Conquest's come,
Must quit's new Victories, and hasten home,
Has much ado to hold, maintain his own,
While gaping, to have grasp'd his Neighbours Crown.
ANd as a Leech, new suck't a teeming fill,
of Blood, falls off, but doth more grossly spill,
That swelling draught, which leisurly before
It sipp't and drunk, most quickly Spues that Gore
So CHARLES his Conquests great, and sudden, fast,
More so his losses. Nothing vi'lent lasts.
And Casimir, no sooner vanquished
The Swed, when quickly re-established,
In's own Dominions to chastize the CZAR.
Who'd giv'n the Swed his Aid in this late War,
His valiant Poles march on successfully:
With Fire and Sword harrassing Muscovie,
Where's Mighty Victories soon turn'd the Chess,
Oblig'd the Muscovites to sue for Peace.
WArs Tempest overblown succeeds calm Peace,
Which did renew both Courts and Countreys face.
Yet like one from a Fever newly fred,
Fond of Recov'ry; and too grossly fed;
To please wild Appetite, (as't often haps)
The Patient's threatned with a worse Relapse.
Ev'n so King CASIMIR, these grand Affairs
Having Compos'd so well, next bends his Cares,
To please a fondness in his French-born-Queen.
(Both He and She having yet Childless been,
And like to be so still) did move the State,
A Successor in's life to nominate.
The Queen most eagerly strove to advance,
Because born there the Interest of France:
Sparing no Cost, not Care, to have this done,
In favours of the only living Son.
[Page 35] (O'th Prince of Condee, who was Duke D'Engwin,
Design'd to Match the Niece of the said Queen
Born of her Sister Princess Palatine.
NOr were French Pistols wanting to dispose,
The whole Court-Party to advance that choise.
Which much incensed other Noble Peers,
And near once more set Poland by the Ears,
In opposition to the Queens design,
Many great Persons joyntly did combine
Of all whom Lubomirski was the Chief,
A mighty Party joyn'd to their Relief:
In this Rebellicus Consorts and Commates,
Naming themselves Polands Confederates.
But after sev'ral Traverses of Warr,
Treaties of Peace, to heal this Rending Jarr
'Twixt both: The Rebels to their Homes are forc'd,
And Lubomirski's Party's put to worst.
Being deserted o's Confederats,
To Breslaw in Silesia retreats,
His place Grand Mareschal was taken fro'm,
And SOBIETSKI 'stablish'd in that Room.
The Rebel Lubomirski hence was driven,
In Januar sixty six, or sixty seven.
And of a Palsie shortly after's dead,
Who with late Ague Pole's State shaken had.
SOon after this Crown-General Potoski,
Dying 't fell to th' share of SOBIETZKI
As hath been said ere while; tho most oppose,
Alledging two such mighty Trusts as those,
Of Marshal, General, to, and by one,
[Page 36] Could not be well conferr'd, nor rightly done.
And would have had the last of those we.name,
To Prince Demetrius, great by Worth and Fame.
But Casimir, Poles, wise and, generous Prince,
Foreseeing's late shak't KINGDOMS Exigence:
Requir'd no less then Peerless SOBIETSKI,
In Council prompt, in matchless Valour Brisk ay.
FOr as when Head or Heart of any Wight,
Affect'd with Maladie grown to some hight:
The Eyes look pale, and dull, and languishing,
The Pulse beats saint, unev'n, like slack'ned String,
Of Lute, or Viol; Hands, Feet Fingers, Toes,
And th' extream parts which from the. Body grows,
Refuse that Duty, which of right to Head & Heart allows.
Ev'n so the Cossacks, Poles remoter parts
Inhabiting, when hearing Jarrs and Thwarts
'Twixt Prince, and Peers; resolve to take their time,
Of Courts Vertigo's still Rebellions prime.
Joyning the Tartars, promised Turks Aid,
Poles Frontiers with great Spoils forthwith invade.
And in their Insurrections furious Maza,
They seise the strong Town known by name PODHAYS.
And in the Month, which doth preceed September,
Flock'd up from all Resort the strong RUSS-LEMBER.
THese COSSACKS are a compound mingled Rout?
Of many Nations, hardy, fierce, and stout:
The gross whereof, are Polish Peasants, who
T' avoid the slav'ry of the Tyrant Po-
- lish Noble-men; forsaking Pole, as Cain
Did SETH withdrew so to the UKRAIN.
[Page 37] A Province near the Turks and Tartars plac'd,
With all things sit for Humane Life well grac'd.
Being all Greeks as to Religion,
Having a Select PATRIARCH of their own,
Residing at the great and strong, and mighty,
Fenced with Art and Nature KIOFF'S City.
Acknowledging themselves in gross and whole,
Liege-men and Subjects to the KING of Pole:
Serving his Majesty, in's Wars (they say)
Against the Infidels still without Pay,
In Arms are born, bred, live, and die these mighty men of Prey.
This Armed State for their Security,
Partly, and part for Poles Nobility,
They keep. These Nobles they do still despite,
And these with mutual hatred them requite:
They for their Freedom! 'gainst Poles Lords still Rage;
These would reduce them, to their Vassalage.
So that 'twixt mutual Fears, Hopes, Spoils, and Harms,
Th' one 'gainst th' other frequently take Arms.
Against which Cossacks.with fierce Tartars joyn'd,
Great Gen'ral SOBIETZKI is enjoyn'd
To march. Who by their dreadful num'rous swarms
Reduc'd to greatest Straits this Son of Arms.
For while h' hath scarce once seen, descry'd and found'em,
They with most thick Batallions quite surround him.
Amidst which pinching Push and Jeopardy,
No Council's left! save either do, or dy.
THen like some Lyon, roused from his Den,
With Noise of Hounds, and Huntsmens voice a main:
Great SOBIETZKI startled once! next animats his men.
[Page 38] 'ANd thus Accosts them! Valiant Native Poles!
'My fellow Souldiers, Can your fearless Souls!
'Whose glorious Arms late quell'd the Roaming Swed,
'And chas'd him from our Bounds, and home him sped;
'Can all those Trophees! num'rous as your feet,
'Late trampling down the Marshie Muscovite,
'Giving that proud and mighty Knez the Chase,
'And bending back the VVar to Mosco's face,
'Forcing him to our KING to sue for Peace.
'Those dreadful Swords, which did at once give Laws,
'To the Great Czar, and Warlike stout Gusta'us.
'And Lubomirski, and's Confederates als ye!
'Fought, vanquish'd, routed, frighted in a Palsie.
'But those you'l say were Strangers, or Piastis!
'And what's this Raff, and Mungrel Race of Mastives!
'But the vile Scumm of Polish Slaves; a Rabble
'Of coarsest Dregs of all God drove from Babel.
'Shall we who'd well near giv'n! snatch'd back Poles Crowns!
'And of two crowned Heads, cropt such Renowns!
'Be fac'd; & crouded, to our Beards, with such Rafscalion Clowns.
'Up! up! March on! Charge! Fight! what needs more words:
'Let's force, and cut, this Vict'ry, with our Swords.
THen, as a Flash of Light'ning rends a Cloud!
Next killing Thunder comes, which roars aloud!
Then plump & suden Rain, like that which made No's Flood
Just so their Swords, Shout, Shot, & Shock, rains Seas of Cossacks Blood.
When in a trice, or twinkling of an Eye,
Thousands of Rebels bleed, full, spraul, and dy;
By num'rous Heaps, vast Swarms, and hideous Shoals,
With little loss, or none, to th' Gallant Poles.
Thus having quit himself of pinching.strait,
[Page 39] He forc'd the Rebels first to Begg; then Treat
A Peace most Honourable for Polands Crown:
Whose terms are in the following Words set down.
1. ANd first, as to the Tartars there should be,
For all in this late War, an Amnestie,
Until that Casimir, great Polands KING,
The Purport of this Treaty should once Sign.
2. And next, if after Differences arise!
They should not Arm in any kind of ways
But strive to reconcile't by their Envoys.
3. The Sultan Galga, promis'd in the name,
Of his own Master Tartarys great Cham,
To be an Enemy to all and whole,
Such as should War against the Crown of Pole,
With all his Force to Aid, when e're requir'd,
Being of Poles with yearly Pension hir'd.
And for so doing Hostages to give,
Until the States assembling them relieve,
By Moneys rais'd for their Redemption,
And Tartars present Satisfaction.
4. And in the fourth place, that the. Tartar Cham,
Nor any else of his, or in his Name,
In Ʋkrain should Quarter any Forces,
Neither of Infantry, Dragoons, nor Horses:
Nor any other part of Poles Dominion,
Without the KINGS consent, and full Opinion.
5. If any Forraigners in this Campaign
Who serv'd the Cham, should pole invade again:
Of their own Head, or others Mal-direction;
That Cham give them no aid! nor yet Protections
6. That Prisoners on both sides be releas'd.
[Page 40] And with restored Liberty be grac'd.
That Sultan Galgas Force, nor Spoil, Kill, Burn,
Nor least Disorders act, in their Return.
WIth Doroskensko Gen'ral of the Coss-
- acks, SOBIETZKI's Treaty did run thus.
1. THat all the Rebels fighting in late War done,
Living, or, Dead, should have a.gen'ral Pardon.
2. That from the KING of Poland, and none other,
Cossacks protection seek. And as their Brother!
Each Pole amongst them's own Estate enjoy,
Quiet, as theirs mongst Poles, none should annoy.
3. Zaporaniski's Army straight may sen'd,
Their Deputs which on Polands States may tend.
No Forces from his Majesty be sent,
T' their Towns or Cities, but in Fields, or Tent.
4. Bialacieurkis Governor's commanded,
Not to disturb the Cossacks now disbanded.
IT's true! and none dare offer to deny,
That the Grand Marischal SOBIETSKY,
Had done ere now such store of mighty Deeds,
As any Pen e're wrote, or Story reads:
Rend'ring him worthy in the strictest Rigour,
'Mongst greatest Hero's the most glorious Figure.
Yet this so eminent, as it alone,
Might have entitled him unto that Crown;
Which now with so much glory is his own.
For in this Juncture of the Poles Affairs;
Pond'ring his Conduct, Foresight, Prudent Cares,
Whereby he did prevent, divert, and crush,
[Page 41] These pressing ills, and dangers; and made hush
With glorious Trophees, advantagious Treaty,
The stern stout cossacks, and fierce Tartars petty.
Conserving still the Honour of the Crown.
And Kingdoms Peace restoring whole and sound.
Nothing could been more pait, deserv'd more prase,
Nor wreath triumphant Head with greener Bayes.
But yet the wise, foreseeing GENERAL,
Knowing the Tartars in the General:
Of Carthaginian Faith, slaves to their Swords,
And Interests; but Masters of their words:
Had some no doubt, whose fingers itch'd (among 'em)
For Spoil and Booty, chiefly when they throng home.
To mark their Motions, and resist their force,
Himself doth, head some gallant Troops of Horse.
And ere they lest the bounds of ground that's Polish,
O'retook them near the Town call'd Jarnipolis.
When finding of them there a strong Detachment,
Begun to plunder, all they could to catch meant:
Rambling abroad to Riffle, Spoil, and Pillage,
Heuses, and Mannors, near the former Village.
WHen dreadful, sudden, like a Whirl-wind;
Or GODS first wrath on Angels newly sinn'd;
Or like host running Mettals newly molt,
Or like a falling Cloud, or Thunder-bolt.
So SOBIETZKI falls on plundring Tartars,
Hewing by Heaps those Rissling Rogues, but Quarters.
Driving of those that sled, the nimblest Fellows,
Up to their fray'd main Body, or the Gallows.
MEan while the Polish Kingdoms general Diet,
On Februar twenty fourth to Cracow hyed.
Where the grand bus'ness of SUCCESSION,
Was sole Debate in States first session.
WHo published their thoughts, to this purport.
'That all those Diffrences which vext the Court,
'Those Troubles which of late did Poland shake:
'Were only for soon meant Elections sake.
'Sprung from no other Cause, but an Endeavour,
'Of some would have Elections Rights to waver:
'In nominating, during's Life and Reign,
'A Successor to CASIMIR our KING.
'For which Abuses, quick, mature prevention!
'By these may all the World know our Intention,
'In this great Point. In case of Interreign,
'Should's Majesty (who long long live our KING)
'Depart the World! we all have Covenanted,
'And joyntly greed, that nothing shall be wanted,
'In any Point, Order, or Right, or Custom,
'A Successsor with all those. Rites t' Invest him,
'Us'd in Elections. Like as wee'l Resume,
'Of Sigismund the third, the old Diplome.
'Declaring, that in no wise wee'l.allow
'Any Election such as was meant now:
'Nor future, whil'st his Majestie's on life.
'Declaring ev'ry Person, Man, or Wise,
'That. dares oppose this present. Declaration,
'The Enemies of Polands State and Nation.
'And further, its declared by the States,
'If Ministers of Forraign Potentates!
[Page 43] 'Shall seek their Interests thus to advance,
'By such perverse Elections to enhance;
'That notwithstanding of all Nations Laws,
'We do declare! that then we shall have cause,
'To treat them as our Countreys common Foes.
'And when so e're our King his life shall close,
'We shall according to that Obligation,
'We owe our selves, the State, the Crown, the Nation:
'Immediatly upon the news first inkling,
'Proceed forthwith to choise another KING.
'Without expecting universal Diet.
'Further declaring who so e're unquiet,
'Pragmatick.Man shall seek to force the Crown:
'As Poles chief enemy wee'l tread him down.
ANd thus that Party which design'd Succession,
Was hush'd by this Preceeding Declaration.
And there was cause its thoughts be laid aside,
When in this Nick, its sole Engine, the Queen of Poland dyd.
WHich with the daily Cares. and Discontent,
Of that ill regulated Government:
And the perpetual Jarrs, and Warrs, and Broils,
Court and State Factions, Tossings, and Turmoils,
Which CASIMIR so oft had felt and found
Induced him for to resign the Crown.
That far from Noise, and Cares, and Griefs, and Strife,
He might solace himself with privat life.
To which end, at next meeting of the State,
Presents this Paper of the following date.
'Twas by his Chanc'lor writ, given in, and done,
In year of sixty eight, the twelfth of June.
'MY Lords, you know, that it hath long time been,
'During the life of his late Royal Queen,
'And Consort of most glorious Memory,
'But more since Death of her late Majesty;
'His Majesties intenton to resign
'This Kingdoms Government. But for to bring
'His resolution into due effect,
'His Majesty did wait and still expect,
'The favour of a fit and due occasion,
'Enforced by the late Confederation;
'Those Wars and Battles which here, and abroad,
'Had with the Muscovite, and warlike Swede;
'As well as those Commotions at home,
'Pursu'd by many, tho stirr'd up by some.
'All which deferr'd his fixed Resolution,
'Until this time to have its Execution.
'Forasmuch as it was too much his fears,
'That during such dissorders of Affairs,
'The Common-wealth might been endangered,
'If then an Interregnum had been made.
'But now since by the goodness of great GOD,
'Peace dwells at home, and Truce is fix'd abroad
'With Muscovite! his Majesty intends,
'With all convenient speed his Reign to end.
'To which intention sev'ral things dispos'd
'His Majesty; a Body indispos'd,
'Dissabling him ought longer to support
'A Kingdoms burthen, and a Courts Resort.
'His Conscience also craving some Retreat,
''Twixt's lifes last end, and toytsome cares of State.
'But above all! regarding publick peace,
[Page 45]'Which he prays still may Polands Kingdom grace.
'As well's to break the Malice of those men,
'Misrepresenting still what he doth mean;
'Vexing the Commonwealth with Fears and Factions,
'And Jealousies of forcible Elections.
'He can't but by his own most free dimissing,
'Give them this certain mark of Royal Blessing;
'By leaving the Republick to rejoyce,
'In its full exercise of freest choice.
'For all which Reasons strong; his Majestys
'Fix'd Purpose is settled on good Advice,
'Into your hands My Lords for to Resign
'The Crown and be no more of Poland KING.
'And that without your Lordishps Counsel sought,
'And forraign Disswasives unto him brought;
'Without reflecting on what might be said!
'Of yours, or forraign Counsels, to disswade
'His Majesty, from speediest execution,
'Of this so long, mature, firm Resolation.
'Nor hath his Majesty together brought,
'Your Lordships, that your Counsels might be sought,
'Whither he should resign the Crown or not.
'Seing his meaning is not to submit,
'To the arbitriment of any Wit,
'His firm decreed Resolves! nor yet to hear
'Any Entreatys to the contrare.
'But only that your Lordships may advise,
'The manner, solemn Ceremony, guise
'O's Resignation, that it may be done
'With most advantage to the Polish Crown.
[Page 46]And greatest safety of the publick Peace,
In th' Inter-reigns or more or lesser space,
And that the greatest freedom may your next Election grace.
'ANd to the end his Majesty may do,
'What's requisite on his part unto you;
'For the attainment of the foresaid Ends,
'To put to shame those sly malicious Fiends:
'Whose lying Tongues put others in suspense,
'As tho the King ere while with forraign Prince,
'Transacted. He hath shew'n himself inclin'd,
'So far to jump with the Republicks mind,
'For free Election! hee'll not Recommend,
'Any one Candidat unto them kend.
'And to the end his Presence may not give,
'The least umbrage of doubt; he means to leave
'Warsaw! that next Election greater freedom have.
'Nor doth his Majesty at all incline,
'To trouble the Republick at this time,
'On his own future Interests account:
'Not doubting the Republick will have don't,
'And that the States will see the same insert,
'Amidst Capitulations points apart;
'In their next Choice: for credit of the Nation,
'That their next KING after the RESIGNATION,
'Shall take due care, (without debate or strife)
'O's Maintainance, fix'd to him during Life.
'And this is all, concerning's RESIGNATION,
'His MAJESTY to your Consideration,
'Was willing to propose: that you agree
'On such a way of it, as it may be
'As best becomes himself, safe unto all
[Page 47]' Concerns; fitt for the States in general.
' Declaring he'l Resign, next Diets meeting,
'Which he desires Your Lordships may think fitting,
'To be on first of August next to come,
'To the intent the Inter-reign be done,
'And next Election past ere Winter should come one.
PUrsuant to this Resolution fixt,
Upon the sixteenth of September next,
In Warsaws Castle met, Poles Commonweal:
To whom KING CASIMIR thus bids FAREWEL.
'Y Ou see My Lords at last that moment now,
'Wherein your KING, your Lord, your Father too,
'To consummat those dear affection't Cares,
'Which He and His, more then two hundred years
' By past, have had for this your Commonweal.
'Finding himself, his Strength of none avail,
'To undergo at once Age, Griess, and Cares,
'And the continual weight of great Affairs,
'Comes to Resign into your Hands the Crown,
'That Idol thing all Mortals doit upon.
'Behold th' Pilogue of my publick Story,
'This day you see the Fun'rals of my Glory.
'For henceforth to the World I am as Dead,
'And for a Royal Globe, shall in its sted!
'Choice a small Turff of Earth; wherein I may
'My last, but just, due Debts to Nature pay.
'Where, with the Publick-weals Benevolence!
'When this Soul leaves its Body without sense,
'My silent Dust may mingle it self with those,
'My Fathers Ashes, in a calm Repose.
[Page 48]'That in your future Annals't may be read
'Of Me, so often in your Armys Head
'Still seen the first! Retreating still last man;
'Am also first that voluntar'ly can,
'Deprive my self of all my former Grandeur,
'The glitt'ring Ensigns of the Royal Power;
'Lo! from a Love towards my Country tender,
'Most cheerfully I here to you surrender.
'Your kindness, and free Votes, at my Election,
'I'le thus Requite with mutual affection:
'For as your Love advanced me on high,
'To the degree of Sov'raign Majesty;
'So mine to you, dispoils my self of those!
'Leaving you free another King to choice.
'My Ancestors who long have been your Kings,
'When Natures last Law, Death, seal'd up their Reigns.
'Left Sons, or Brethren, or some near of Blood,
'Whose Virtues, or Relation, you thought good
'To think upon at next Election.
'But I to testify my dear Affection,
'Unto the Publick, all I've got Resign!
'To whomsoever worthier to Reign.
'Unhappiest Times to tryst, it was my Fate!
'Which made the Sov'raign Dignity, and State,
'(Wherewith you did lnvest me first.) Redouble,
'Not only to my self new endless Trouble,
'But giv'n to others cause of jealous fear,
'Which for your sakes I struggled had to bear,
'I do desire you'l pardon't to your KING,
'What e're was done amiss during my Reign.
'Impute my Errors (if a KING can faulty)
'Not to my malice, but to Humane frailty.
[Page 49]'And with my Successor, I's wish't still well,
'More happy to himself, and th' Common weal.
'Whereat! with much delight I shall rejoice,
'To see you blessed in most happy Choice.
'On which occasion, in my Solitude!
'I shall pray God the giver of all good,
'Your Votes with his enlightning Grace to lead.
'At present all the Thanks I can express,
'In kind Returns of all good offices,
'Of Love and Loyalty unto me shown,
'Those Counsels, Aids, you gave me of your own,
'All Subsidies, Tax, Levies, and Supply,
'You have so lib'rally afforded me.
'For these! my heartiest thanks are but your due,
'And thus, with all endearments, I take here my leave of you.
'Hoping! your kind Remembrances, my Story
'Will never fail to keep in memory.
'With which dear Sentiments, I give you all
'Paternal Benediction; great and small.
'Assuring you! how far so e're from Pole,
'This Body be remov'd! in Mind and Soul,
'Unto my dearest Countrey, it's be knitt,
'With all Affections that can Souls unite.
'And with extremest joy, shall hear it said,
'That Kingdome Flourish by another Sway'd:
'Which under me, has sometimes more than once;
'Been at the Margin of Destructions.
'More I would said! But want of Memory;
'And this Assemblies grief, do hinder me:
'My Native Tenderness of Heart forbears,
'Further to speak the Rest but with my Tears.
THis most Pathetick Harrangue finished,
Whereat the whole Assembly Tears did shed.
King CASIMIR, did publickly Resign
Crown, Scepter, and all Ensigns of a King.
And in such private fashion, as effeirs,
A Nobleman, departed from the Peers.
How e're great SOBIETZKI General,
Under whose sole Command the men are all:
With all the other Nobles waited on him,
To his Apartment; as last-Honour done him.
Soon af [...]er which, the States in gratitude
His Honourable Maintenance conclude:
Whereof the States of Poland and of Life-
- land, gave this full Assurance o't for Life.
'WE, th' Ecclesiastick States, and Civil,
'Inhabitants of Poland and of Lifl-
'-and met in Council! hereby Certify,
'All the whole World, and our Posterity;
'That by all means could be imagined,
'We have besought, and much endeavoured,
'For to perswade IHON CASIMIR our KING,
'During his Lifetime to protract his Reign;
'And not Relinquish this our Polish Crown!
'Whereto himself, and his of great Renown,
''s long been our mighty Kings, call'd by Election,
'But seeing no Inducements could perswade
'His Majesty, to alter's purpose made,
'And that h' hath freely rend'red to our Hand,
'Poles Kingdom, and great Dutchby of Lif-land.
'Together with their whole Dependencies,
[Page 51]'Crown Revenues, and Royal Dignities,
'The Royal Pow'r, Prerogative, and Name,
'All which or He, or Polish Kings could claim.
'And we not knowing how to Lett or Stint,
'Herein, his Majesties most strong Intent.
'His Majesty, desiring we provide
'Convenient maintenance for his Life-tide:
'Which? Tho a Point, wherein we want th' Advice,
'Of our whole Brethren in their Assemblies.
'Yet notwithstanding out of our Affection,
'To's Majesty, before the next Election:
'We have consented, and do all agree,
'That he have Thousands hundred and fiftie
'Liv'res of yearly Pension, whereof,
'One hundred thousand to be payed off
'This Kingdom: and the fifty thousand more,
'For to be charg'd on the great Dutchys score.
'Forth of the Revenues of the Kings Table,
'These Sums at next Election fix'd and stable,
'And then and there these Sums fore-mentioned,
'Be in their minute payments specifi'd.
'And that the Lords of Treasure of both Nation,
'Shall from the day o's Majesties Resignation!
'Make an Allowance of the Pension said,
'Without the said specification had.
'And this we promise, having notifi'd
'In our Provincials, to gett Ratifi'd;
'And make provision to secure this Thing,
'By an Agreement with next following King.
'Further Agreeing! this Allowance from
'Dutchy of Lifland, and the same Kingdom,
'Shall during's Majesties whole Life Remain,
[Page 52]'To be advanced wholly, fully, plain,
'Freely, entire, without Abatements, Fees,
'Or whatsomever else Gratuities.

Chap. IV. Of the Election of Prince Michael Kori­but Wicksnowiski to the Crown of Po­land, and the Eminent Services of Gene­ral SOBIETZKI, during his Reign.

KING CASIMIR, having as hath been said,
The Government of Pole abandoned.
On sixteenth of September, sixty eight,
Gnesna's Archbishop, by his Office Right,
Apply'd himself during the Interreign,
To rule that State which now did want a KING.
And for a new Election, did think sitting,
Against next May to call the General Meeting.
To hold at Warsaw; whil'st Poles Candidate
Each busy'd much to make his Party patt.
As namely the great Duke of Musco's Son,
Who had been bred in Poland, and was one
Who spoke that Language well, as prompt, as fast ay,
[Page 53]As any Noblest Polzki, or Piasti.
One whose behalf, the Duke his Father made
These Offers, which the others Pow'r outbad!
That he should Change his Greek-Religion;
And take the Romanist Communion;
In's favours, to Renounce all Muscovie;
All Places tane from Pole, restor'd should be;
And that four Millions free-gift, this year,
He should advance for payment of th' Arrear,
O'th' Polish Army. Further promise made,
Poland 'gainst all its Enemies to Aid.
With Ready Force of Fourty thousand men;
And enter in perpetual League with them.
The next was Newburgs Duke! To Duke Bavar
A Brother, whom the Emperor did favor.
The third Pretender was the Prince of Lorrain.
The fourth Duke D' Enguien Prince of Condees son:
Which last Gnesna, and Gen'ral SOBIETZKAY
Were thought to favour, more then all the Restay.
THen as if many CAESARS, for the Nonce!
Had enter'd Rome, Triumphant all at once,
That She, the Worlds proud Mistris might display,
Her dazling Grandeurs, at one Sight, one Day,
Ev'n so Poles Grandees, Princes Palatine,
Each striving other to out-strip out-shine,
(In Mays beginning of the sixty nine,)
In greatest Pomp, and Splendor did Resort,
To Warsaw, Poles chief Mistris Seat of Court:
In order to th' proaching Election.
As Pole had meant to have it said and shown,
The least of all her Princes worth a Crown.
UPon the first of May, Duke Radzevil,
Great Litwanias General of the Field,
Did make his Entry with a stately Train,
Which in the following order marcht amain.
Five Companies of Heyduques, first came on,
Consisting of an hundred in each one,
With flying Ensigns beating Drums each Fellow,
Clad in a large Blew Vest was lin'd with Yellow.
Next a Foot-Company of sixtie men,
Clad so like Janizars that none could ken,
Their Yellow from the hue of Musslmen.
Next of Dragoons two Troops, whose Backs did grace,
Their fine- blew-Coats o're-laid with Silver-lace.
Then came a Troop of Gallant German Horse,
In richest Trappings neighing in their force.
As many Hussars after them, comes next
These! at some distance followed by sixt-
-y Gentlemen of primest Quality,
In Cloaths so rich, that richer they defy;
And as their Horses scorn'd that Ground they trod,
Their Hands grasp't Launces of the Turkish mod.
Then came of Litwanias Field himsel
The General, Duke Michael Radzevel:
Follow'd by greatest Lords and primest Gentrie,
Above two hundred of the Litwan Countrie.
All these equip'd in splendidest Array,
In richest Harness their proud Horses bray:
'Mongst whom were divers of the Princes high,
Of the most ancient Nobility,
As Prince Slav'slans Lubomiriski,
The Lord Potoski. These were followed
[Page 55]At some good distance their Attendants made
A huge vast Number of brave Gentlemen.
In Richest Liv'ries, all their Servants then.
After whom marched of Tartarian Horse,
Two Troops, whose each, did count a hundreds force.
Then of Dragoons, five Troops march'd on apace,
Clad in Blew Coats adorn'd with Silver Lace.
Of all which Train, like first, the last appear!
A Companie of Heyduques brings the Rear.
THis Entrie, tho the most Magnificent!
Those of the two Lords Pazzi far out-went;
In Afternoon of this same very day,
The one Grand Chanc'lour; t'other, as they say,
Great General of Litwania.
Who enter'd Warsaw in most Royal wise,
Whose Numbers had Duke Radzevils told thrice,
ANd now more splendid farr then both the same,
The Waywod of Cracovia also came,
Attended with a yet more numerous Train,
Which like some Armies made five thousand men.
ANd yet the more Illustrious third of May!
Eclips'd those Glories of its first seen day,
When Gen'ral SOBIETZKIS numerous Train,
In goodliest Order covered all the Plain.
All Polands Princes, Waywoods, and each Peer,
Did him the honour, long ere he came neer,
To meet him sev'ral Miles from Warsaws Gate;
Who as he Rode! he seem'd to Sit in State;
[Page 56]And as he Sate! his Posture seem'd to say;
He should ere long great Polands Scepter Snay:
And all those Palatines him Melt, should him obey.
He was by vastest Numbers followed,
Of Gentlemen and Officers that led.
And had a stately Band of Janizars,
Like those Grand Seignior useth in his Wars.
These for his Guard great SOBIETZKI had,
All in most sumptaous Habit Richly clad.
THe Diet set! the Nobles soon Elect,
Their Marshal; that is he who them should speak:
That is their Master Speaker, as we say!
This Marshal chosen was Lord Potoskay
Brother in Law to Prince Lubomirskay.

The Form of the Oath taken by the Senators, and Equestrian Order, before the Election.

I Swear! that I am not at all already,
Nor yet hereafier shall! or will! or may be!
Engaged; or by Bond, or Writ, or Speaking,
To any Stranger in a Prince Electing.
That nor for Prejudice, nor for Affection,
I neither have nor will foment a Faction.
Nor enter into any Partys, Sides,
Nor be Corrupt by Gifts, Rewards, or Bribes,
Of any forraign Prince. And I will not
For any other Person give my Vote,
But such as I think fitt'st for Ministration,
[Page 57]And Government of this our State and Nation.
And if I ever formerly sithence!
Oblig'd my self to any forraign Prince,
Hereby I do Renunce ev'ry such Ty,
And Obligation, leaving his Party.
ANd then anon! to keep all persons quiet!
A Chamber was establish'd by the Dyet.
Or Justice Court! Compos'd of Senators,
Waywoods, and persons of selectest Honours;
Of all the sev'ral Provinces around,
Who should Cognosce Affairs concern'd the Crown.
And with those great Dissorders should take Course,
Might daily happen by that great Concourse,
Of whch great Sov'raign Court as its chief Head,
Grand Gen'ral SOBIETZKI did Preside.
MEan while, the great Dutchess of Muscovy,
Did much about this season chance to dy.
Which seiz'd that Duke with such Affliction,
As bred him thoughts of placing in his Room,
His Son: and so gave o're all thohghts of Polands Crown.
SO that of all Poles Candidates before
There only now remain'd three of the four.
Namely that of the Prince of Condees Son,
The Duke of Newburgh, and the Prince Lorron.
Each busie for himself in huther puther,
Endeav'ring what they could to exclude the other.
Soon after which the Diet did exclude,
The Prince of Condees Name, and handled rude,
Arch-bishop Gnesna: calling him a Traitor,
[Page 58]Because they thought him Condees Sons Abettor;
And as he sat upon his lofty Bench,
Threaten'd him Death, for speaking for the French.
And some menac'd the Marshal SOBIETZKI,
As being suspect'd of Favour for that party.
'Cause he the Marquis d' Arquiems Daughter had,
MARY La GRANGE a French Wife in his Bed.
Then twixt the Dukes of Newburg, and Lorrain,
Hot Competitions bandyed amain.
So that a Rupture was much fear'd, lest those
Contending Partys might have fall'n to Blows.
VVhich to prevent! on the nineteenth of June.
The old Lord Opalinski Palatine
Calitz, did make an eloquent Oration!
VVhere in a long, and full, and true Narration
Recounted all the fatal Consequents,
Of such Contests in former Parliaments:
'WHere tends your Aims? my Lords, what's your pre­tences;
'To be so passionat for two strange Princes:
'Either of which for ought that yet is known,
'May treat us ill when once he hath got the Crown.
'Let Reason sway our Choice; passion's too hasty;
'Lay both aside for once! Name some Piasti.
'Of whose great Merits your Experience,
'Can tell you he deservs to be your Prince:
'And for my part! when I have thought upon't!
'I know none fitter Polands Throne to mount:
'Or more deserving Royal Dignity,
'Than Prince Michael Wiesnowisky.
WHich Name, with Acclamations was receiv't;
The whole Assembly Crying Vivat Vivat.
And the said Prince being then present there
VVas forc'd to cover's Head, and take a Chair.
VVhich he with modesty did oft deny;
Urging his utter Incapacity,
As Conscious to himself, he still had known,
Unfit to bear the weight of such a Crown.
But the Assembly to's Apologies,
VVould yield no ear (tho Tears stood in his Eyes,
And much reluctancy kyth'd in his Face)
Obliged him the Honour to embrace;
All giving in their Votes for this Piasti,
Except th' alone forenam'd Grand Chanc'lour Patzi;
The primest person of all Litwanie,
Vowing he would not give his vote for any,
Save him alone whom once he nam'd again,
VVho's now the Emp'rors Gen'ral Prince Lorrain.
BUt Patzis Brother, Palatine of Troski,
Thuston'd the Chanc'lors Note from of this Cross-key.
First shewing him the Doubt, the Dread, the Dangers,
Of serving under Princes that are strangers.
And then Recounting all Convenients,
Of being, subject to a home-born Prince;
Perswaded him to lay all else aside,
And name some one Prince of his Countreys side.
VVhereon he nam'd, with voice both loud and shrill,
Another Prince Boguslaus Radzevill.
FOr whom! no sooner Nam'd; the Name scarce heard!
When a strong Party for the Choice appear'd.
Yet upon Competition, did prevail
Wiesnowitzki's Party! who did deal,
Some Blows, and Wounds, and Deaths, and in small space,
Killed two Gentlemen upon the place.
Here Blood, and Wounds, and Deaths, did drown their Noise,
Who spoke o're boldly gainst Michaels Choice.
THings running thus, the Marshal SOBIETZKI,
Who with the Marshal of Nobility,
(Protesting 'gainst th' Election) went aside.
Which the prevailing Party slighting, Cry'd
Unto the Primat Gnesna to Proclaim
Th' Election: who would fain delay'd the same.
Pretending's Body was in bad Condition,
By reason of his Healths Indisposition.
But all in vain! They threaten by another,
The Bishop of Cajari Gnesna's Brother,
That Primates present Office to supply.
Which made th' unwilling Gnesna forth with Hy,
With the two Marshals into Kolus Field,
Who for the Kingdoms Peace, at last did yield.
And then Arch-bishop Gnesna, as 'ts their Mode,
Demanded of them thrice with voice aloud:
That if they were agreed on the Election,
THey all should Joyntly name the Chosen Person.
Which they as oft with joyned Shouts, each one,
Did Name with chearful Acclamation.
And as an Eccho of this hideous sound,
[Page 61]The Cannons all discharg'd did shake the ground.
This was about the Ev'nings eight a Clock,
The KING Proclaimed was. Ere nine was struck
They all to MARSAWS Castle him Conduct.
And next day, in the Church Christened, S. IHONS
Did take the Oath he should observe at once,
PACTA CONVENTA or ' Greements for the nonce
Concluded one. Then with the Primat Din't,
And after Dinner unto Kolu went,
That Field or Plain where late Election new,
Was held last day, some distance from Warsaw.
Returning's Thanks unto the sev'ral Princes,
The Palatines, and Nuntios, of Provinces.
Both Primat, and the Marshal SOBIETZKI
Were much displeas'd with such Election hasty,
They thought it Vi'lent, Head-strong, singular;
Extravagant, Wild, and Irregular.
Yet notwithstanding for the publick Quiet,
Both held their peace! and both therewith complyed.
THis spred a whisp'ring Rumor in the Court,
Which Fame, News swiftest Post did soon Report,
To all the Army's Officers, and Rout;
That their brave General was turned out.
VVhich News at first, all with such Consternation
Receiv'd! as Souldiers, do a Decimation,
VVhen the sad fatal Military Lots,
The Dy, thrown on the Drum, cuts all tenth Throats;
Or a Storm'd Town, or near sure Victory;
Snatch'd from their hands and hopes unluckily,
By Ambush laid; or succours sent from some new Enemy.
HOw much brave Armies prize their valiant Chiftain.
It straight appear'd, by all their sudden Huff tane.
Yet as all Passion's strongest at Rebound.
So Rage succeeding Grief's most eager found;
Not those cold Griefs, which Sin brings! and save Crosses,
And Cares, and Tears, leaves nothing. But from Losses,
Not Irreparable; and a Frustration;
Of Hopes, which swell'd the mind with expectation,
Defeated; fills the Soul with sharp vexation.
Commencing Rage, menaceth all those Harms,
Vengeance can breath; gives Souldiers Arms, new Arms.
Then as pure oyl, which feeds a clear bright Lamp,
When wet doth sparkle! so the Polish Camp
Dissolv'd in Tears; which nothing could asswage,
But vengeance wreckt on those wrought this Outrage.
These who had late but grumbled for Arrears
Now for their Gen'ral turn'd all Mutineers.
Swearing, tho it should cost their Lives and Souls
They'd have their Chieftain maugre all the Poles.
And with loud Cryes, mad Shouts, their voices Hoarse all;
Eccho'd around, lets on! lets on! to Warsaw.
Let's Teach this new made KING, by whom he stands!
Which of his Scepter, or our Swords Commands.
WHen in good time, the General was sent,
Unto the Army: posted as he went.
And as the Sun, after impetuous Flouds
Of Rain, when once wink'd up, dispels the Clouds
So the first fight of SOBIETZKI's Face,
Hush'd all their Tumults into Joy and Peace.
[Page 63]Who as a most discreet and wise Physicion,
That Cures the sharpest Humors by diversion;
Takes first occasion, which did then present,
To give their itch of Fighting fullest vent.
THose Wretches without Faith to Man, or God,
The Tartars that are of Bialagrod,
Upon Podolia and the Ʋkrain:
In hideous Numbers having fallen in;
And made great Spoil and Havock, and in Droves,
Led the poor People of those parts their Slaves.
Against whom SOBIETZKI marcheth straight,
Did in an instant put them all to Flight.
Whose Courteous Haste had made them all so kind
As leave their Prey and Prisoners behind.
VPon the twenty sev'nth of Februar,
In sixty nine, or sev'nty, in stile newer:
Did KING Michael Match QƲEEN Eleanor,
Sister unto the German EMPEROUR.
By reason of which Match some Jealousie,
Was raised that his Royal Majesty;
Had thoughts himself Hereditar to make
And all the Polish Rights to quash and shake.
Insomuch at a Diet short while thence,
Th' Equestrian Order sev'ral suits Commence:
'Mongst others openly the KING hear read,
PACTA CONVENTA, or agreements made,
Which they had finally concluded one
At's Majesties own free Election.
All else their Suits the KING did freely grant,
But this with's greatest loathness scarce obtain't:
[Page 64]Until his Majesty perceiving that
Their Resolutions were obstinat;
Not to proceed in any State-affair,
Till that their Proposition granted were.
Unwillingly thereto he gave Assent,
And so next day the Knights together went,
Into the Honse of Senators! where sat
His Majesty under a Cloath of State:
On whose each side, were plac'd Poles greatest Peers,
Where the said PACTA read at full length hears.
At whose last Article which did Import,
That if the King o's Duty should fall short,
Of what he then and there had promised,
That they from their Allegiance quite were fred.
Which last words were no sooner full Read out!
When all the Knights did Seal them with a shout.
WHich passage reasonably may compone,
Some Authors differences hereupon:
Concerning Poles KINGS Oath spoke of before't,
Which some would stretch beyond its due Import!
Tho no such words at all are to be had,
In all the Oath, but in the Agreements made.
THe Prince Demetrius WIESNOWITZKI,
The same Kings Ʋncle, under SOBIETZKI,
Lievtenant General: now between these Lords,
There was no tender Friendship nor Accords.
To have which two some better understood,
The KING in's Royal Wisdom thought it good;
Having us'd sundry means; this Work to Crown,
He did think fit a Marriage to propound,
[Page 65]'Twixt Prince Demetrius, Princess Ostrogie,
Niece to the General SOBIETSKI:
Which Consummat with all Solemnities,
Did henceforth Stopp their Animosities.
IN sev'nty two the Cossacks with the Tartars,
Or weary of their Faith, or of their Quarters;
Having again fall'n to their wonted Trade,
Of old Rebellions an In-rode made:
Whom General SOBIETSKI did Chastise,
Forcing their Leader now defeated twice,
('Twas Doroskensko mentioned before,
A Man enur'd to Robb'ries, Murthers, Gore)
To leave's Rebellious Arts of Sword and Fire,
And with more Haste than good Speed to Retire.
FRom whence the great Turk takes occasion,
To pick a quarrel with the Polish Nation;
Upon pretence that he had taken on
The Cossacks into his Protection.
And with a quick Incursion in a trice,
Invests the City strong Caminiec:
Where having made Approaches slow, and soft,
Under the shelter of great Sacks, well stuff't
With Cotton, Wool, and rais'd a Battery,
Upon the which they plant twelve Cannons high:
Wherewith twelve days they furiously play;
While those within, having done all they may!
VVere forc'd on Articles the Town to Morgage,
For Marching out alive with Bagg and Baggage.
The Garrison were not two thousand strong,
Of whom two hundred men were quite undone,
[Page 66]By their own Powders blowing up a Tow'r,
Which with their Courage less'ned much their Pow'r.
And was 'mongst many others one great Cause,
Of so soon yielding to the Conqu'rors Laws.
Grand Seignior in Person present was,
At taking of this Town! and ent'red as,
Poles Garrison march'd off, placing thereon
Eight thousand Janizars in Garrison.
His Army whole, had the prodigious Force,
Of hundred ninety thousand Foot and Horse.
AT Janowitz, this time Poles KING did ly,
Waiting Arrival o's Nobility:
Who now from all Parts unto him Resort,
While he to gain time sent unto the Port,
Ambassadors unto Grand Seignior,
Whose Peace or else Cessation might procure:
To whose Vice-Chancellor the Grand Vizier
In Barb'rous Stile return'd him this Answer,
Which as I had! you's have it; Just as Terse,
For't speaks it self better in Prose than Verse.

To the Vice-Chancellor of Poland.

‘'THe Letters of the most Serene and Honourable KING of Poland, our great Friend; to our most, Serene, most Glorious, and most Potent Emperor of the World, and Monarch like to Alexander the Great, who is the Shield of the whole World, was together with your Letter directed to me, brought to my Hands in our Camp near Caminiec, some days before our taking that Place; I [Page 67] delivered the Imperial Letters to his Majesty, and having caused mine to be Translated, I understood what you Wrot. That which I Wrot to you from Andrianople, gave you notice of what hath since happened, and may serve for Answer to those Letters; But you were want­ing to do these things in time, which were necessary for the preservation of your Countrey; And therefore have seen and heard things which you would not, and whatis' to follow is known to GOD alone.’

‘'WE alwayes wrote both to your King and you, what hath now come to pass, which you might have prevented by sending Ambassadors to his Imperial Majesty, with Royal Presents, as is usual, and Promise of Tribute, who thereby might have appeased the burning Wrath of our great Lord, and obtained better Conditions from you; Nay, had you ever since (for the Gate of Mercy of our Emperour is open to all) sent Ambassa­dors to offer a Tribute, it was to be hoped they might have obtained the good-will of our Lord, and he permitted them to renew the Ancient Friendship. If therefore after all you have any care for the quiet and good Estate of your Armies, Kingdom, and Subjects, do what you intend very suddenly, without any delay, and the sooner you do it, the more advantagious it will be for you. That you have desired the most glorious Cham of Tartary to be Mediator, at this Treaty, you do well, for he hath offer'd his friendly Perswasions on your Behalf. Peace be' to those that believe the Commandments of GOD.’

BY this time Winter with his Hoary Face,
And cold sharp Breath, was hast'ning on a-pace.
[Page 68]Which doth not suit the warm venereous Turk,
And alwayes stints in Field his further work.
When the bravevaliant Gen'ral SOBIETSKAY,
Who still out-does what biggest Hopes expects ay,
At this time unawares had fall'n upon
(Without's foresight or expectation)
A dreadful Body twenty thousand strong,
Of Tartars serving Turks for Right or Wrong.
'Twas at a place known by the name of Try,
Where all their Host he routed totally.
Streams of Tartarian Blood did soak this Field,
Where ten times thousands of their Breaths did yield
Their Ghosts to Fate. And from those bloody Knaves,
Rescu'd as many of poor Christian Slaves.
After which soon, within few days thereafter,
Defeats as many more with hugest Slaughter.
Whereby the Countrey near to Desolation,
He fred from Rapines further Devastation:
And in that Nick or Juncture of Affairs,
He wanteth Reason, Sense, and Eyes, and Ears,
Who will not readily own and confess't;
This the most Advantagious and Best
Service, which could be done to Polands Crown:
Which all that Kingdome to this day will own.
THe KING his ARRIER BAN had Summoned!
That is a General Convention had,
Of all his Princes and Nobility,
Throughout all Pole, and the great Litwanie,
All to appear in Feir of Weir and Arms
[Page 69]When Poland Kingdom takes most dreadful ' Larms.
As near Samosch he did encamped ly,
He did request his whole Nobility,
To take into their grave Consideration,
Those called Mal-contents within the Nation.
Whereof Arcb-Bishop Gnesna was call'd one,
As likewise was the General of the Crown,
And many others which were ordered,
As soon as could be to be summoned:
To make Appearance Oath, and Obligation,
And enter straight in this Confederation.
Which Oath aforesaid their and then fram'd was,
Upon their having tane the same to pass
An Act of general oblivton.
But if Recusant durst be any one!
Refusing to appear and enter Oath;
They were to be by King and Nobles both,
Declared Traitors, and their Office; Trust,
Disposed of to others held more Just;
And all their Moveables, Lands, whole Estate
Unto the Publick Treasury Escheat.
This Oath which would have cost Poles Crowns and Swords
Had it tane place run in these following words.

The FORM of the OATH of the, CONFEDERATION.

I' Of my own free-will, none forcing me
Swear by the Holy and bliss't Trinity:
That for the Honour of great GOD Almighty;
And for the Welfare and the Dignity;
Of our Elected, Crowned KING and Lord,
And this Republicks Safety and Accord;
Its Priviledges and Immunities,
Its Franchises and freest Liberties,
Against all whatsoever its Haters, Foes,
My Life and Fortunes frankly I'le expose.
And that I'le ne're forsake, nor yet depart,
From this Confederation; but take Part
With this our Countrie, till the same be sped;
And from all Dangers Civil, Forraign, fred.
But will do all, as far as I am able,
To make this Treaty yet more firm and stable:
Ay while we have obtain'd the foresaid ends,
And when I know that any man intends!
To Counteract this joynt Confederation,
And Brotherly Agreement of the Nation:
I'le stand engaged to Reveal the same,
Without regard to Friendship or to Fame.
And shall account, and prosecute that He,
As open Traitor publick Enemie.
To be corrupted I have tane no Money.
Nor shall hereafter on that head take any.
[Page 71]'I shall not hold the least Intelligence,
Nor act one any whatsoe're pretence,
To prejudice my Countrie, or my KING,
But truelie, and sencerely in each thing,
Shall still observe this firm Confederation,
In Ʋnitie, without least Reservation,
Or any Hopes to be dispens'd from this,
So help me GOD and bring me to his Bliss.
THings running thus, at such a high flow'n Tide!
The Mal-contents thought fitt to step aside;
Retiring to Meaco in the Prusse.
While Primat Gnesna did not care a Rush
Keeping still at Livitz his Residence;
Nothing concern'd with all this vehemence,
Of the Nobilitie; who off'red had,
A Thousand Ducats for his sev'red Head:
To any man should bring it to the Leaguer.
And in a madder Bravery, swear and swagger,
They will depose th' Arch-Bishop and degrade him.
But this the Popes own Nuncio there forbad 'em,
Such violation of the Libertie,
Of Holy-Church! for those the Laytie
Thus to proceed, 'gainst any one said Mass;
Without Leave ask't and giv'n by's HOLINESS.
Mean-while Commissioners from KING, to th' port,
clap't up a Peace of following Purport.

The FORM of the DISHONORABLE PEACE, suddenly patcht up, betwixt MICHAEL KORIBUT WIESNOWITZKI, and the GRAND SEIGNIOR, in the follwing ARTICLES; most dis­advantagious to the Interest, and unmortby the Name, of the Valiant POLANDERS.

1. FIrst, That the People called Lipcee Tartars,
Which formerly had dwelt in Polish Quarters,
And who have since forsaken their Resort,
Having obtain'd Protection from the Port:
Yet so, as having left their Wives, and Yong,
And all their Moveables (not worth this Song)
Shall have free leave to come, return, and fetch,
Away this Baggage. And that such as itch,
To stay in Poland, shall have Liberty
Without Disturbance, or to Stay, or Hy.
2. That Polands KING, shall by's Ambassador,
Send twice ten thousand, and two thousand more,
Of Ducats to the Port; and yearly pay,
This Sum on Saint Demetrius's Day.
Which Day falls on the fifteenth of November,
On this Condition that the Turks remember,
[Page 73]To 'fend the Subjects of the Polish Crown,
From Turks and Tartars fierce Incursion.
And other People subject to the Port,
In case the Poles shall by their mad Resort
At any time be dammaged, then for't,
The King of Pole thereafter may demand,
Redress and Satisfaction from the Grand-
-Seignior, this Tribute may forbear to pay;
Until Amends be made one or another way.
3. Podólia shall, as in old time before,
Be Subject to the Port! And on that Score,
If any Difference hereafter rise!
Concerning Limits, or on otherwise,
It shall be amicably finished,
By Deputies from either Party sped.
4. The Polish Forces, now in any Fence,
Or Fortress of Podolia shall march thence:
Who with their Goods, shall have free Liberty.
To Return home in, all Security.
5. ON t' other side! GRAND SEIGNIOR shall Restore,
All Strengths from Pole in Russia tane before.
Free Exercise of their Religion
Shall be secured unto ev'ry Person.
6. Such as desire with Goods, and Families,
Forthwith to part and leave Caminiec,
Shall have all freedom to Return to Pole,
Within the time of two full Moneths whole:
After this Treaty shall be Ratify'd,
They shall have Weleome or to go, or bide.
7. The ukrain, as't was in times of old,
Be left unto the Cossacks for free Hold!
[Page 74]And Poles shall quitt all Forts and Places there,
They have possest, and with their Goods forth fare.
And when this Countrey they shall all abandon,
They's have all other Arms except their Cannon.
8. The Cossacks, that have with Hanensko been,
May if they please return to th' Ʋ'krain.
And from the other Cossasks shall Be none
Dammage or Injury unto them done!
Only excepting Hanensko himsel,
Who shall Remain and into Poland dwell.
9. All former Treaties, 'twixt the Port, and Pole,
Shall still Remain in force! in part and whole.
Besides all which, a distinct Paction was!
Which 'twixt the Poles and Tartars, thus did pass:
That Polands Crawn should twice eight thousand pay
Ducats a year to CHAM of Tartary.
This Sordid, Slavish, Ignominious Peace!
Which to each Christian ear, sounds vile and Base.
So far Beneath the Ancient Polish Glory,
As nothine such is read in all their Story.
Ne're to th' Alcoran, did here th' Evangel,
Stoop, till Michael came, sure no Arch-Angel,
But some Inferior Sp'rit below Heav'ns Scroles,
Who ne're had lookt so high as either Poles.
For as the Sun excels each lesser Star,
KINGS other Mortals do transcend as far:
He lack't that Genius to all Monarchs giv'n,
To which all Mankind's low, as Earth's to Heaven.
Or else hee'd never crouch'd and stooped down,
To yield that ever Independent Crown,
[Page 75]To two its Heathen Neighbours Tributar,
And that when never Mightier for War.
Beside their Constant Army daily held,
Who were with SOBIETSKI in the Field!
The KING at Lublin at the same time had,
Arm'd Force, which more then hundred thousands made.
Was by the Gen'ral, very ill Resented,
And many other, who themselves absented:
And lookt upon it as some Slie Device
That these might be at leisure to advise,
How they might, have the best Convenience
To Crush the Party called Male-contents.
And therefore, tho two Senators were sped.
From this Convention, to the Army led,
To take the foresaid oath them to Invite,
Yet SOBIETZKI still declined quite
This Loathsome Peace, worse then Eternal Wars,
Basly enslaving Poles to Turks, Tartars.
THe Polish Grandees, whether for Sharp Air
Of Winter Weather! or for want of Fare!
That is of Forrage or Provision,
Or else for Shame of having Slav'd their Crown.
Did in the Moneth of october's end,
Break up th' Assembly, and did homewards tend,
Leaving two thousand and three hundred Men,
Arm'd for the KING'S Life-guard. Agreeing then,
That their next general Diet should Conveen
Held of the Deputes of each Palatine;
In the first end of January next,
When this Confederation should be fixt.
[Page 76]Then should proceed to try each Male-content,
And to Condemn all such, as should Absent
Themselves, or should Refuse the foresaid Oath:
With Forfeiture of Fortune, and Life both.
Wherein the Army quickly enters on
A Counterbent CONFEDERATION.
Wherein for to defend (they do declare')
The Liberties of their old Countrey dear,
And Priviledges of Nobility.
Which they alledg'd were all most violently
Crush'd! under shadow of a meer Pretence,
Of sticking to the KINGS design, and Sense,
Of the late Oath, Confederation, Peace,
Which to their lasting, shame had taken place.
And therefore they Resolved to Protect,
Those of the Nobles; who without Respect,
Of Duty, Dignity, or of Man-Rent,
Were stressed under name of Male-content;
And prosecuted, for their more Disgrace,
As sole Disturbers of the Kingdoms Peace.
Titles! which did more properly belong
To their Accusers, doing them this wrong.
Pursuant to this Solemn Declaration!
It put the Court in horrid Consternation;
When the Recusant Army 'gan to draw,
With quick Advances nearer to Warsaw.
Yet Gen'ral SOBIETZKI thought it fit'st
Not to Approach ought further then Lowitz.
Being desirous by a sweet Composure,
[Page 77]To make them Friends, that his and Poles sworn Foes were
To which end several Overtures were made,
Till this Accommodation was had:
In th' end of Marches Mon'th in Sev'nty three.
Which in these following terms runs as you see,
1.
THat all offences and Mistakes by past,
Should be forgiv'n, Forgott, Cancell'd and Quashe.
2.
That the Confederation last year had
By the Nobilitie should void be made.
3.
That All, who during these late wild Mistakes,
Had born the Brand of Mal-contented Sneaks;
Should on all Turns, without Exception
Enjoy the Royal Favours; no Distinction
At all made now! nor should hereafter be!
'Twixt these and others the Nobilitie.
Which good Accord! yet more to firm the same!
With Num'rous Train, great SOBIETZKI came,
To Warsaw; where solemnly entertain'd;
On KINGS Part! by's Vice chanc'lor, and the Senat!
By t's Deputie the Waywood of Posen;
And from the Lords! their Deputies two chosen.
And that the Diet more might, complement him!
With fiftie thousand Dollers they present him;
As their Acknowledgment of his vast Merit.
But SOBIETZKI'S Noblest Generous Spirit,
Considering the Publicks present Straits,
One third part of the Sum freely abates.
THis done! his vigorous Speech in Council prest,
That Polands ancient Glorie be Redrest,
Which by last Summers Ignominious Peace,
[Page 78]Had damp't its blooming Honour with Disgrace.
And that it ne're be Writ in future Storie,
That Poles free Crown was one day Tributarie,
To the Sworn Enemies of Christendom:
Opposing Payment of the agreed Sum;
Off'ring! with Armie sixty thousand strong,
If that Poles State would see them pay'd! erelong,
He made no doubt! but that he should with gain,
Give such Account of this next years Campaign;
And Promise made, if Diet please may Book it!
He'd pay the Port a slaughter'd Turk for ev'ry promis'd Ducat.
Which he hop't to perform without delay,
Before the Tributes Term, Demetrius Day.
THis said! the Diet's much encouraged,
To think upon a War, and so provide
Its Sinews, Money; And so hereunto
The Poles Crown Jewels, of a great Value,
(Which they before had ordered to lay down
For payment of the Tributes in a Pawn)
These were esteem'd at sixty thousand Liv'res,
Which to secure the Army their Arrears:
Are in the Generals own Hands now Pledg'd.
And so his Excellence forthwith Dislodg'd,
To Sokal where the Army Rendezvouzed,
Whose gallant Conduct these War-men Rejoiced.
MEan while! soon after ending of this Strife,
Archbishop Gnesna did depart this Life,
In twelfth of April of year sixty three,
The King in's Room rais'd Bishop Cujavie.
WHen the GRAND SEIGNIOR heard & understood!
These glorious Changes made for Polands good:
And knowing of their Warlike Preparation
Doth thus menace that brave undaunted Nation.
In following Letter by a Chiaux sped,
But not dilivered till Poles KING was dead:
And for my part! shall n'ere in Rithme, be either seen or read.

The GRAND SEIGNIORS LETTER to MICHAEL KING of POLAND.

THou the chief Prince of the Christian People, Ad­ministrator of the Nazaren Kingdom of Poland, 'KING Michael our Friend, May your Administration have an happy issue. By these Letters we give you to understand; that Achmet Bassa our Grand Vizier, is the chief Administrator of our Dominions, the Dignity and Authority of whose Ministry let GOD increase. We have not long since understood, that you refuse to pay our most Serene Majesty the Tribute stipulated by the late Treatie between us and you; And to remove the Garri­sons out of your places on the Frontiers, wherefore it appears clearer then the Light, that you have broke the Peace that was concluded with me; And is it thus law­ful for you in so short a time to violate the Peace! The Governours and Souldiers of our Frontier-places have not done your Subjects any Dammage, nor given you any [Page 80] cause of offence, wherefore then have you broke the Peace! and why have you provoked me the Monarch of the World to anger? What? do your Souldiers think to de­lude us? Send us quickly the Tribute and the Gifts, which by vertue of the Treatie (tho by you violated) and the promise of your Envoy ought to have been payed upon the day of St. Demetrius last past. Send them quick­ly if you will, that the ancient Treaties between us be Preserved and Re-established: Send the Gifts, Restore the Castles, Repair the Dammages, and do it sufficiently, unless you desire to be by my Arms compelled to it. If you omitt it, by the Help of GOD, I will with Innumerable Armies infest and destroy thy Poland. Be therefore rea­dy for War, and send back my Messengers quickly, that' I may know thy Mind.

BUt all these proud Menaces were in vain!
While SOBIETZKI had advanc'd amain,
Unto the Banks of the great River Neister's.
And by Commanded Party, tall like Switzers,
Under Crown Standard Bearers valiant Conduct:
Who after strong Resists did soon Command, took
The strong Town (with its Castle) Miedzibos.
'Twas storm'd, tane, plunder'd, sacked by these High Boys.
Taking beside this, many other place;
'Mongst which was that Strong Hold Jaslowiec.
Great Shoals of Captives, driving back in Throng.
Who told! that Hussain Bassa lay along,
On t' other side the Neister: being then,
A Bodie much 'bout fourty thousand men.
Waiting great Reinforcements, to come up
To him from out of Asia, whereup­on
[Page 81]General SOBIETZKI did intend,
With greatest Haste to pass the River: and
To fight them, turning down their Turbant Copes
Before Arrival of their fresher Troops.
ACcordingly, His Army once past o're,
Himself Advances all the Host before,
Towards the Turks! whom he doth soon espy,
Trench'd under Cochmi's Walls Commodiously.
And which might bred great Mars himself much Cumber,
Vastly exceeding all his Poles in Number.
November ninth six hundred seventy three,
Came up the valiant Polish Cavalry!
And never stop't their March still Brisk and Eager,
Till within Gannon Shot of Turkish Lea'gre.
When the Grand General in Person Hies
Within short Musquet Shot of the Enemies,
That he might best observe where their strength lyes.
Whence when Return'd! he presently did call,
A Warlike Council; where 'tis Resolv'd by all:
That seeing scarce Provisions Poles now Pinches!
'Twere best Attacque the Turks within their Trenches.
Towards the Ev'ning! all his Infantry,
Came up; and with them the Artillery.
Whilst sev'ral little Skirmishes! did pass!
'Twixt's formost Troops, and the Enemies nearest was.
NExt Morning of the tenth
Nov. 10.
as we have said,
His Excellence drew up, Rang'd, and Array'd
The Army in Battalio display'd.
And having placed, his Artillery,
So as't might most annoy the Enemy:
[Page 82]And serve them quickest, with Hott Iron anon
Shot from dread Mouths of Fifty Piece of Cannon.
In goodliest Order, all advanced on
Towards their Camp with Resolution.
Where when come pretty near! The Hospodars,
A People Born to deal in Arms and Warrs,
In Provinces Wallach and Moldavie,
Belonging unto Poland formerly,
Immediatly Revolted from the Turks:
Leaving the Treaches, soon comes o're the Works
Five thousand of them to the Polish side,
And presently! all things were briskly ply'd,
For the Attacque; which in five sev'ral places,
And Posts, was to be made in equal Spaces.
Crown-Watch-Master, did next the Neister bide,
The Rivers Brink, hard by Czeczora's side.
Next him the valiant Gen'ral SOBIETZKI,
And then Lievtenant-Gen'ral Wisnowitzki!
Assisted by the Waywood of Kiovie,
The other two, by Troops of Litwanie.
THus Marshal'd! they the Enemy surround;
But th' Army Rang'd into this Posture's found,
To take much Time. That Night the Turks, who were
Not wanting in Defence, nor VVatch, nor Care:
Their utmost Trenches, yet remaining whole,
They seem'd t' have some advantage of the Pole.
Crown-Watch-Master, this night had in his Post,
A Brave Commander Col'nel Danemark lost:
Captain Jarozki also was cut off,
With many Souldiers of the common Raff.
Nor were the Turks with lesser Slaughters beat,
The En'my's Lost being ev'ry way as great.
[Page 83]All the whole Night! the Polish Troops in Arms,
Stood Ready within Musquet Shott and Harms,
O'th' Enemies Retrenchment: timely next Morrow,
November 'lev'nth; to bid them all Good morrow,
The General adventured once more,
On Foot their Posture better to disco're.
And tho most, of his Officers disswade
Him from such Hazards, he continued,
In's most impregnable firm Resolution,
To fall upon them with quick Execution.
Ord'ring his Cannon all at once to Play,
Most furiously, by the first Break of Day
Upon the Enemy; And ev'ry where,
Having giv'n Orders sit and necessar;
Did thus encourage all the Souldiery,
With full Assurances of Victory.
'FEllows in Arms! dear Pariners of this Warr!
'The Lawfullest, cause needfullest by farr,
'That ever Polands Kingdom did Commence,
'Or any other Christian King or Prince,
'Against this wretched Infidel. For these!
'Have some, for Trade; some, Captives to Release;
'Some, to Prevent; some to Repair their Harms;
'Of this dire Tyrant: havetane up just Arms.
'Some, for to Lessen his, enlarge their own;
'More Vast already, then's Dominion.
'Some to Amaze the World with their loud Story;
'Have Fought for Prowess, Triumphs, Trophees, Glory,
'Time was when Pole fought for no more but these!
'But some new Accidents have wheel'd the Chase.
'We fight for Liberty against these Knaves!
[Page 84]'That Poles be not their Tributary Slaves;
'And what's more worthy to be thought upon!
'Our Infinitely dear Religion.
'IF Poles lost Honour, danger'd Liberty,
'Religion, Conscience, Stern Necessity,
'All now at Stake! can move true Polish Hearts,
'To stirr their Hands to Act Warrs Valiant Parts,
'As needs they must; in each your Eyes I spy
'The Beams of Courage, bodding Victory.
'Let's on! till we our late vow'd Tribute pay,
'You know it's near to St. Demetrius Day;
'And with our Scimitars, and Shables crooked,
'Let's shave a Turbant; for each promis'd Ducat.
THis said! He Marched up (without least stand)
On Foot, with's naked Shable in his Hand;
At Head of all the Armies foremost Troop,
Till to the Turks Retrenchments they came up.
Then mounteth Horse back! the like being done
By all the greatest Officers anon.
THe first Discharge was of the Cavalry,
Who in one Hours fourth part, or much thereby;
Had put the Enemy to utmost Pinches,
And will they, nill they, Mast'red all their Trenches:
With hideous Slaughter of the Enemy.
Whereon the Foremost of the Infantry!
Who should have Back't the Horse, in Pressing on;
Thinking the Battel been already won,
Did fall a Plund'ring; which the Turkish Horse
Espying! Rally'd, with most dreadful Force;
[Page 85]And with great Execution fell upon them,
Had in few Minuts more beat and undone them;
Had not the valiant Hussars come in time,
(Succour's most seasonable in Hazards Prime)
To their Rescue! made th' Enemy in a trice,
In much confus'd Disorder to give place.
So that Hussain Bassa. who Commanded
The Turkish Army, could no longer stand it,
Was needs enforc'd to Wheel, turn, give his Back,
From st ern Impressions of their vi'lent Shock;
Began with many thousands to Retreat,
Towards Czraozo in a Body great.
WHich Bleski's Waywood, and the Sieur Rionwski,
Observing through the Clouds of Dust, Smoak, Dusky:
Did just as Hunts-men 'twixt the Deer, and Park,
Soon Intercept his Passage, forc'd him Back,
Into the Battle! where a Party Brisk ay,
Led by Victorious Gen'ral SOBIETSKI,
Receiv'd them with a Hot tho Hearty Welcome,
Who lookt methinks like Souls from Death to Hell come.
But the stout Gen'rals Troops, far short in Number,
Had much to do! Shock's at Rebound's like Thunder.
THe Turks like their Condition all fought then!
Like Dev'ls in Arms, or damn'd, or desp'rat men.
For tho the General performed Wonders!
By his own Hand and Steel the great Turks undocrs.
Where e're he Struck, or Press'd, or Charg'd amain,
'Mongst thickest Troops of Turks he made a Lane,
And with their strewed Turbants pav'd the Plain.
Tho's brave Example, valiant Words, stout Crys
[Page 86]Heard by his followers Ears, seen by their Eyes!
Might have lent Cowards bravest Resolution;
Yet things had like to fall'n in much Confusion,
Had not those happiest Hussars once more come!
And Charg'd Hussain Bassa roundly home.
ANd now the Battle seem'd to ev'ry man,
As Fresh, as fierce, as when it first began.
Nor could the most attentive busie eye
Discern to whose side lean'd the Victory.
So Bravely all behav'd on either hands!
Where Blood gush'd Out in Streams, and run in Strands.
Till after long, sore, bloodie Dispute had!
And many thousand Bodies, Corpses made!
The Crescent now in Wane first felt the loss;
And left the Field and Triumph to the Cross.
THe Turks had long-time sternly stood the preass,
Till main Force made them bow; then run the chace.
Leaving full many thousands on the place,
Of their Companions slaughtered and dead.
So that the Field was more then covered,
With Plumps, and Piles of breathless Bodies; and
Of all that fled most drown'd in Niesters Strand.
So that of all their fourty thousand men!
Scarce did five thousand scap'd alive remain.
ANd as while during all sharp fightings heat,
Few do ask quarter! as few quarter get
Their Prisoners in number were not great.
'Mongst the Turks dead were found upon the plain,
Two great Commanders Heybegh, Solyman,
[Page 87]Both Bassas! but their General Hussain,
Had the misluck to make's escape unseen,
And save his Life by flight to Camien.
NOr had the Poles this glorious Victorie!
So cheap! but sev'ral Grandees there did die.
As Gen'ral Quartermaster, the Lord Rzeozki
Crown Hunter, and the Lord Rozmiarowski
Captain of Hussar's, and the Lord Wolbramski
And many other Officers were slain;
Whose names our Authors List doth not contain;
Besides those wounded. Thus, this Fight being done!
The General gave his Souldiers leave anon,
Especially to those in fight most eager,
For to Ransack their Foes forsaken Leaguer.
Where the most valiant, busie, nimble, and Wilty,
Had always to his Share the largest Booty.
And to compleat this Victorie next morn,
They took the Castle of Cothim in by Storm.
THe joyful News of this grand Victorie
All chiefly owing Gen'ral SOBIETZKI
His gallant Conduct and his Courage high:
Found Poland at this time in gen'ral mourning.
Its Fates 'twixt Frowns and Smiles to t's good happ turning.
FOr that same Eve, gave Pole this Victorie,
Remov'd their KING Michael! who did die
After some Weeks Indisposition,
(As it would seem of some Consumption)
At Lemburgh; whence his Corps remov'd to Warsaw,
Where when embalm'd (according unto Poles Law)
[Page 88]It was to stay unburi'd till once done
Of a new KING the next Election.

Chap. V.
General SOBIETZKI Elected KING; His MAJESTIES sudden Conquest of the Ukrain, in 1674. with 4000 men be ROƲTS 60000 TARTARS near Leopold, August 75: and in Novem­ber following with 15000 CHASES before them 100000 of the ENEMY, &c.

THese diff'rent Tidings, which both joy'd and griev'd,
All Pole at once! at once at Pole arriv'd.
Where, like an Ebbing, with a flowing Tide high;
Or like two Contrar Winds, which makes the Eddy;
Ev'n so these turn'd their Hearts, and Heads, near Giddy.
With Mirth, and Sorrow, struggling in their Souls,
So trembling of their Spheres, doth move the Poles.
Where shall those Passions find sufficient Vents!
While overwhelm'd with two Astonishments.
[Page 89]Their KING new dead, in's strength and flow'r of Age;
Leaving the Kingdom, in a sad engage,
Of dreadful Warr abroad; (what's worse) at home,
Embroil'd in Factions; and what e're should come,
To clashing Interests of, bold Pretenders
the Crown. All which sad thoughts, fresh griefs engenders.
ON t' other Hand! late glorious Victory,
Just in the nick! Rejoyc'd their Memory,
With its good O men; and made all confess,
They hop't kind HEAV'N would grant its POLES success;
And that the Divine favour had design'd
Unto this grieved Kingdom to be kind:
And not to leav't to enemies desolation,
Since newly grac'd with signal Preservation.
ANd more besides this! freedom from their fears,
This prosp'rous Battle brought to their Affairs.
Hali Bassa, ( who with a num'rous Host,
The Hussain Bassa meant t'have Reinforc'd)
Upon the News of this so grand Defeat,
Did to the River Danow soon Retreat.
The Terror 't struck in Hearts of Enemy;
The Courage 't gave the Polish Souldiery;
Its Influence one Revolted Provinces;
And wav'ring Friends; Repute 'mong forraign Princes;
All vastly did Augment its high Import,
For States, and Kingdoms, to speak, sure, and short,
As well as Merchands ow much to Report.
Often subsisting more by Reputation,
Then their Intrinsick Strengths proper Foundation.
WHereof an Instance great, this same doth show
For shortly after Turks had got this Blow;
The Envoy, from the Czar of Muscovie,
Did offer unto Poland presently.
In his great Masters Name, a mighty Aid
Of fifty thousand men against Turksled.
Tho afterwards, this which he freely spoke,
And frankly promis'd! he as frankly broke.
ANd yet successful Battles not improv'n,
Are like some Arled Purchase not our own:
Till ev'ry Farthin of the sum he pay'd,
And State and Saisin on the Lands be had,
And what the full design of Rights doth Crown,
And gives firm Hold! Ʋse, and Possession.
Matches may hitt, by Hap, or Haste, Gaine's by Discretion.
SO SOBIETZKI, who 'mongst Turks did deal,
Dead Arles of Lead, of Iron, and Fire, and Steel,
Coyn'd with the Wounds, and Blood, and parting Breaths;
In more then thirty thousand Turkish Deaths.
These were but Earnests, of his Valors Match,
With the Grand Seignior! 's wisdom next must patch
Its fullest Import! Wise and Valiant HE,
Knows how to gain; then use his Victory.
For with most quick dispatch, he ordered,
Some Troops to pass, under Crown Standard-led
Into Walachie! better to secure,
That Countrey whole in their Allegiance sure.
Sending with Breklaws Waywood, other Forces!
To Quarter round about Caminiec:
[Page 91]And so that place most strickly to blockad,
From all Provision, Commerce, Traffick, Trade.
THen having in fit Quarters Wintered,
His other Troops! himself to Lemburg sped.
Resolving there that Winter to abide,
To be at hand what ever should betide.
Nor could prevail the Noblemens Invite!
Nor yet Queen Dowagier perswade with writ,
His presence (tho they press'd with much affection)
In Warsaw, at next Diet of Election.
Which by the Primats Warrant had been fix't
To have their meeting January next.
So much his Countrey's Service weighed down,
All private Aims, or Int'rests of his own,
That hee'l not leave his Post, to gain a CROWN.
IN the fifteenth of Januar sev'nty four,
The Diet mett for first time! did no more,
On its first day! But did their Marshal choice,
Or speaker to Collect the Diets Voice.
The most part of the Nobles were inclin'd,
To choice some Person, fittest to be joyn'd
In Marriage with their Queen, and qualifi'd,
To have an Emp'rours Sister for his Bride.
As well in kindness for her Majesty!
As for their publick goods good Husbandry;
And all these Inconvenients to preveen;
That might accompany another Queen,
Especially the Charge! when, if one mo!
Then they must next provide Dowries for two.
MOngst all Poles Candidates, stood fairest for one,
The noble Prince and Duke Charles of Lorrain.
Beside the Int'rest of the Emperour,
And Queen her self engaged in his favor;
Most of the Senat, very much esteem'd,
His Person! brisk in youthful vigor deem'd;
And his experience had in many Warrs,
Compleated' s skill in Militar, Affairs.
Whil'st all his Opposites could only say,
They dread him too much friend to Austria.
THus much was only talkt! But nothing done,
This Diet. So, for the Flection,
Another diet and new Time is fix't;
To meet the twentieth of April next.
WHich day once come! All came accordingly,
Save the indiff'rent noble SOBIETZKI;
Who least desir'd, tho most deserv'd that Crown;
Came late behind the last, to th' Election:
Did not Arrive, as all confess and say,
At Warsaw till the second day of May.
And tho's true Glory sought no vanity!
His Entry was with great Solemnity.
Beside his Guards! which had two Troops of Horse,
And Reg'ment of Dragoons, which serv'd in Course;
His Train was splendid, large, and vast, and high,
And numerous of men of quality.
Most of the Senators, and Noblemen,
At diet mett, went forth to meet him then,
At Pallace of Prince Radzevil; the high
[Page 93]Tho Ʋnder-Chanc'lor of great Litwanie.
Who (when Alighted) him with all his Train,
Did with most sumptuous Banquet entertain.
NExt day! his Excellence from Town was seen;
To pay his due Respect's unto the Queen.
And then the next! which was the fourth of May,
Was of the Diets seeing him, first day.
Where sev'ral following dayes continued
A long and brisk Contest, which happened:
'Twixt Polands Gentry, with t's Nobility;
And both those 'states of the great Litwanie.
The former did propose the General,
To publick Choice! who'd best deserv'd of all
Persons; and Ranks, and the whole Commonweal.
By the most signal Services oft done,
His Countrey; and late glorious Vict'ry wonn;
By hissole Courage, in the last Campaign,
Over the Turks, on Cochmi's happy plain.
Which for his Conduct, next to Heav'ns best Aid!
Might SOBIETZKI's own be truly said.
Beside hee'd sav'd the State so vast a sum;
Of many thousand Ducats kept at home:
Twiceten, and two held from the Turk! twice eight had sav'd from Cham.
And more beside Charge sav'd of this great Tribute!
To his wise Head strong Hand they Attribute,
Poles full deliverance from Servitude.
So that all these are SOBIETZKI's own!
Poles People, Kingdom, Scepter, Sword, and Crown;
Give all these power to Speak, and Vote, they'd shout's Election soon.
And yet beside late glorious preservation,
[Page 94]Of all these! These have more in expectation!
Our safety ow'd brave him, Soul of our Troops,
Is but the Earnest of those future Hopes;
Of the good Issue of that dreadful Warr,
Wherein all these are now engag'd! (the Czar
His Aids may fail us from his Muscovie:
Whom tho he send at greatest needs they'l flie.)
All Pole without this one, will find hard work
'Gainst such a pow'rful Enemy the Turk.
One so well seen in Militar Affairs!
Whose very Name Appalls our Foes with Fears;
Whose Prowesse is the stay of all our Cares.
If while but Gen'ral he hath done such things!
What shall be not perform how soon he Reigns.
Thus Polands Saf'ty, Freedom, Glory, Crown,
All in this horrid Warr now staked down,
Do in their utmost Hazard seem to cry!
Their Help, their Hope, in SOBIETZKI ly.
In fine! the fondness of a Forraign Choice,
May please those who in forraign Arms Rejoyce,
And Interests; which they perchance may own,
More than the welfare of the Polish Crown.
But tho this should not hap, as oft it fares;
And hath not seldom much perplex'd Affairs;
If we had all the World to choice upon!
Name him alive who can but match this ONE.
THe largest Empire's mean for his great Spirit!
And Polands Crown's no Gwerdon for's vast Merit.
Let's at those Feet! whose glorious Hands have wonn,
Lay down that Kingdom, give him Thanks, to take and wear our Crown.
UPon the other side! the Litwaneers,
Urg d the strong Resolution of the Peers,
Of that great Dutchy! never to admitt
Piasti; That is native Pole, or Lit-
-uanian Born: for that they'd more than once,
Found Troubles after such Elections.
Whereof they sev'ral Instances did bring,
Namely those Factions, during Micha'ls Reign,
Stirr'd up against him by's Nobility
Which had ne're been, had he been no Piasti.
Wherefore all Natives they'd meant to Refuse,
Thinking it meet some Forraign Prince, to chuse
And such a Prince! who ev'n beside's Renown,
Rend'ring him worthy of the Polish Crown,
Might be such Husband, as their Queen might own.
And one made strong with pow'rful Alliance!
As might best Help the Kingdom to Advance;
And fairly carry on the present work
Of the great Warr, in hand against the Turk.
Upon all which mature Consideration!
They knew none fitter for their Nominations;
Nor for the Queen; nor worthier to Reign;
Then Charles Prince of Lorrain, were he KING.
THen some the Prince of Neuburg nominat!
Altho their Votes in number was not great.
YEt after all these Disputes! SOBIETZKI
This Polar Starr, whose Light may overmate Skie;
As with one Vote or shout, was chosen KING:
On twenty first of May, begun his REIGN,
[Page 96]In sev'nty four; with greatest joy of all,
(Beyond what Pole e're saw) both great and small.
Poles Primat Gnesna, Bed-rid at that time;
Who by his Office should the KING proclaim.
He absent! Ex Officio, it was due,
Unto the then Arch-bishop of Cracow:
Who did with wont Solemnities Proclaim,
Him KING! by IHON the Third of the same name.
Of Poland KING, great Duke of Litwanie
&c
.
WHo forthwith (of himself) most graciously,
Was pleas'd to promise! that Queen Dowagier,
Should be provided as best suited her,
High quality; As also the Arrear
Of Polish Army he should forth with Clear;
And quite discharge from out's own Revenue,
Seeing the Publick could scarce spare it now.
At which time also further did express,
His Inclinations, and great willingness,
To grant the Trust of the Grand Mareschal,
Or (Which is here the same) Crown General:
One Prince Demetrius Wiesnowis-
- ki, Ʋncle to late KING. And also this
Of Crowns Lievtenant Generalship, thus void:
Should by Kiovies Palatine be joy'd.
BUt as he signifi'd his strong intent,
To prosecute this present Warr full bent,
Against the Insidels with utmost vigor,
And with pursuits of dreadful Armies Rigor,
To Rout, and Kill, and put their Troops to chace,
Or force them to some honourable Peace.
[Page 97]And to that purpose! at's own proper Charge,
A thousand Foot, he would raise! and Discharge
Their Pay! enduring this same next Campaign;
For to Encourage all the Noblemen,
And other Polish Grandees ev'ry one,
To do the like in their Proportion.
So he desired, that he might Retain
The Trust of General, till this Campaign
Were ended; for the Kingdoms present State,
Urg'd the Delay o's Coronations date:
Till the Campaign be over. Whereanent,
The whole Nobility gave their Assent.
And that the Article they offered,
Into the Pacta, or Agreements made:
Obliging SOBIETZKI now their KING,
The Crown on no occasion to Resign,
Should be Cancell'd, Expung'd, or quite Omitted,
This at's Desire was also freely Quitted.
ARchbishop Gnesna, scarce warm in his Place.
On twenty fifth of May he did Decease:
The KING thought fit to raise into his ROOM
The much Esteemed Learned Bishop Culm.
Who did Succeed in that high Dignity
Of Metropolitan and Primacy.
Queen Dowagier, had by a full Consent,
Both of his Majesty and Parliament,
Two hundred thousand Guilders yearly Rent,
Assigned Her! with freedom to Reside,
In any place of Poles Dominion wide,
[Page 98]Except Cracow, and some more Fortify'd
Places, on Borders of Silesia side.
Her Majesty for her Convenience
Made choice of Thorn in Prusse for Residence.
ALtho the KING for carrying on the WAR,
Impatiently Solicitous by farr!
Yet's Noblemen, and Senators in this;
Were all in general just as Remiss.
For tho at first they had him promise made!
Of sixty thousand Men Maintain'd and Pay'd:
He now desir'd but fourty thousand strong!
Yet their Dissentions such, so sharp, so long,
And wretched Jealousies, to Factions bent,
As could not let them hereunto Consent.
MEan while! the Muscovite who did pretend,
Himself the Polish Kingdoms mighty friend;
And that with open force he would oppose,
The Cruel Turk, and all Poles common Foes.
Had on the contrar, only fall'n upon
Doroskensko! Head of the Rebels strong,
The Cossacks: and had many Places tane,
Strong Holds, and Castles in the Ʋkrain!
That with this foul, and false (tho open) play,
He might enlarge his great Empire that way.
HOw e're! the Mighty Cham of Tartary,
And the Great Turk with Forces Hastily,
Rush'd thither, to oppose the Muscovite!
And in short time had over-run as quite!
[Page 99]Another great part of that Countreys Coast,
So that the whole was likely to be lost.
WHerefore to give what Aids his Haste prepa [...]
In such unlucky Posture of Affairs:
KING IHON by this time, seeing that in plain!
No Money, nor Recruits, he could obtain;
On August twenty second, he departs
From Warsaw towards Polands Frontier Parts.
Appointing Rendezvouz of that small Army,
Was left him after Cochmis Victory,
To hold upon the fifteenth of September:
(A Month which Turks have been bid oft Remember)
They being not, as t's told, and all believe!
In number sixteen thousand effective.
ITs true! that General Romadanowsko,
Led ' bove an hundred thousand men of Musco;
Encamped near unto the River Dniester:
With all which he did small or no Service there.
Being (they say) diverted by the Turk,
Who on their nat'ral Jealousies did work:
Causing Reports and Rumors to be spred,
That all the Poles new Terms with them had made!
And with the Port were clapping up a Peace,
Without including them within its Lease.
THis Stratagem did serve both Turks, and Tartars,
With small Resistance to possess those Quarters,
So that (save two or three strong Holds) in fine
They'r Masters of the whole of Ʋkrain.
[Page 100]At last great City Haman they Invest!
Which, with Assaults they furiously prest!
While Muscovites, who promis'd to Relieve it;
In stead thereof, o're Neister were Retrived.
Whose sudden, base, and timorous Retreat,
Occasion'd Hamans Towns entire defeat;
Which yeelded on such Terms, as Victors gave it:
To have their Lives, Persons, and Goods all saved.
But this most Barb'rous, faithless, cruel Nation,
Without Regard to their Capitulation,
Or any Promise made, by Write or Word:
Put Men, Wives, Children, to the Edge of Sword.
So that of hund'red thousand Souls, just now,
Remain'd alive, in few Hours, none, or few.
ABout beginning of next Month came up,
To the KINGS Camp the Litwanian Troops,
In all twelve thousand thence did come along,
Which made the KING near thirty thousand strong.
And now at Slotzow, on the Frontier far
From Warsaw, in a Council held of War!
Resolv'd to Head them to the Ʋkranie,
And quickly fall upon the Enemy:
Without least thoughts of further Treaty had;
Which now again the Grand-Vizier made,
(Since the Grand-Seignior's Master had repast
The Danube, on his March homewards in haste)
Fresh offers of! on purpose to Amnze,
The Poles and cred'lous Muscovites abuse;
And to foment their mutual jealousies;
And so Divide; then Rout them at more ease.
ACcordingly! his Martial MAJESTY,
To learn the Posture of the Enemy;
Did Russias Waywood send with some good Force,
Who did Surprize a thousand Turkish Horse:
Near Camien's Walls, and did them quite Defeat,
With Slaughter for their Number very great.
And that the KING might see they'd won the day!
Thrice fifty Prisoners they brought away.
His Majesty, (thus recommenc'd the War)
Just then in Person quickly marcht to Bar:
A fenced City in the ukranie:
Which when approacht! he storm'd so furiously,
That it was his, in twinkling of an eye.
THe Turks, and Tartars, garrison'd therein.
Fled! when they saw the Poles the City win,
Unto the Castle, which was very strong,
And yet this proved not their Shelter long!
But forc'd upon the eighteenth of November,
Upon the KINGS discretion to surrender.
Who did the Turks most gen'rously dismiss,
With safe Convoy unto Caminiec.
But all the Lipher Tartars, quickly were
Each dealt a Slave unto each Litwaneer.
Next! his Victorious MAJESTY, no Rester
In Field, march't to Mohilow on the Neister.
A Place of great Import unto the Pole,
Because it is the only Pass to Mol-
- davie! who! when they knew the King in Field,
Did to's victorious Arms most quickly yield.
[Page 102]Thus did Sciana! Kalnick! Fourty more
Podolian Holds of Strength the Turks gave o're.
NO Force resists the Tempest of that Fame,
Which always conquer'd wheresoe're he came,
Without Sword drawn! his Word these wild Beasts tame.
Just at this time! ne're more untimously,
Did all those Troops had come from Litwanie,
Leave him just in the nick of Hopes and Victory.
Pretending all, that none of them could bear
The rig'rous Season of that time of year.
T'was now December in the sev'nty four!
Yet's MAJESTY, tho weak'ned in his Pow'r!
Resolved with his gallant Poles amain,
Still to Continue on in this Campaign,
And notwithstanding left almost alone!
His prosp'rous Fortune bravely to push on.
Scarce past one Week! wherein some fenced Place,
Or other's not surrender'd to his Grace.
And tho the Turks were num'rous in those Places!
Yet durst they not 'gainst him once shew their Faces.
TO Hansel sev'nty five! New-Years-day saw,
His MAJESTY, by Storm take in Raskaw.
Upon the Niester, stood this strengthned Hold!
Where sixteen hundred of the Turks were told;
Of whom, while all their Foot were cut in pieces,
Their Cavalry, (being forc'd to mend their Paces)
Escap'd. The Polish Horse so wearied,
With those continual Services late made,
That there was none of them in posture now,
On Foes fresh valiant Horses to pursue.
So that his MAJESTY had now subdu'd,
[Page 103]All that part of the Ʋkrain, which stood
Westward the Neiper, save the City Czebryn
The Residence of Dorokensk, had ay been
Head of all Ʋkrains Rebellion:
Whom he endeavour'd from his Perdwellion,
By Treaties, to reduce unto his Duty.
And this made Shews of promising his Feawty,
And readiness, to own the KINGS Commands:
If's Majesty'd vouchsafe these eight Demands.
1.
FIrst! That the Cossacks should continue free,
In Exercise of the Greek Liturgie.
And that without Disturbance they might own!
That Antient Churches old Religion.
2.
That some Arch-Bishop of their Church should have,
A Place, and sit amongst Poles Senat Grave.
3.
That of the Ukrain, some good fit part,
Be for the Cossacks Army set apart.
4.
That Polands KING, at's Coronation Oath,
Confirm these, and their Priviledges both.
5.
That Poles Republick, ever shall make knowen,
When they have need of Cossacks service done,
And on what Terms, they do desire, 't be shown.
6.
That Cossacks Deputies sent to the Diet,
Shall be receiv'd, welcom'd, and treated by it!
With equal Honour's any Deputie,
Sent from the Dukedom of great Litwanie,
Or from the Kingdom of old Polonie.
7.
That they have freedom to Trafficque and Trade,
With all their Neighbours, as before they've had.
8.
What still the Turks refus'd those Savage Fools
They may Erect Print Offices and Schools.
BUt all these Overtures to nothing came
Sly Doroskenko did but play his Game;
Between the Poles, and jealous Muscovite:
A Friend to neither, more then's Aims thought meet.
IN April sev'nty fift! the Turks, and Tartars,
Having by this time left their Winter Quarters!
Weary of Rest, and Rust, did now take Arms;
And came to Field, in hideous Throngs, and Swarms.
KING IHON, had maugre all their Force held out.
This Winter, in those Parts without Recruit;
Whereby his Army small, so lessened,
That all believ'd, he should be hastened,
To quit the Ʋkrain foresake the Field.
But his great Sp'rit, which knew not how to yield,
To any Hazards! but Necessitie;
And th' utmost point of last Extremitie.
Resolved, to the last to stand it out!
And from those Quarters not to stir a foot.
And therefore Reinforc'd the Garisouns,
Of these his following late Regained Towns:
Of Bracklaw, and Kalnick, and Nimirow,
Bialacierkew, and Mohilow.
Which being done he left not Force enow,
To have an Armies either name, or shew.
Had not his Valour and his Conduct been!
Like a new Figure making Ʋnits ten;
Rend'ring their num'ral Hundreds, virtually
As many thousands by his Courage high,
IN following May! the KING to Slotzkow held,
Sited eight Leagues distant from Leopold;
Where with some Senators of Polands Nation,
He had a long and serious Consultation.
Laying before them, all his just Complaints
On their neglect of his sad pinching wants.
Since after sev'n Months time of this Campaign;
Wherein, with such an Handful of few Men.
So great Advantages perform'd and done,
And been procured unto Polands Crown!
Restoring to t's Obediense again.
The greatest part of all the Ʋkrain.
In which himself and his few Souldiery,
Had mett with so much Pinch and Scarcity,
Of all Provisions! that their wants did force,
Their Food, from Flesh of Catts, and Dogs, and Horse;
And other Beasts; beside their endless Toils,
And dreadful Dangers, infinite Turmoils.
And yet no care was taken to supply
His Wants, which now lookt stern as Destiny;
Nor to enable him, with fresh Recruits,
To store his Army; fewer then the Scouts
Of the GRAND SEIGNIORS; now become so Weak,
As't cannot keep the Field another Week.
His Majesty b'ing hitherto enforc'd,
This Warr to have maintain'd at his own Cost,
Which amidst all those sad Perplexities,
He yet Resolv'd, maugre Difficulties.
And yet for all these Instances he made!
Nothing to store his Needs was done or had.
BAck to the Army turneth, which did hold
Near his Head Quarter City Leopold.
And in good Season! for it was high time,
He should assure the People of that Clime,
By's ROYAL presence; who were otherwise
To leave their Dwellings, ready to Advise;
In dreadure of those Swarms of Turks, and Tartars,
Which ev'ry day pour'd down too near those Quarters.
Whose vastest Numbers of two hundred thousand,
Did fill those Parts with Horrour and Confusion.
ON the seventeenth of August sev'nty five!
Turks, Tartars Chief Commanders did contrive,
In the dread Presence of Himself great Cham,
And the Vizier Bassa Ibrahim
In Council mett! first to attempt the Town
Of Slotzkow! which being once possest and won,
Next to Attacque the City Leopol;
The present Quarter of the KING of Pole.
Who had in all scarce fourteen thousand men,
For's Litwanian Troops had not joyn'd then.
PUrsuant-hereunto! some five days further,
Marcht Sultan Nuradin, still breathing Murther,
Chief of his fourty thousand Tartars led,
The Flow'r of all that Army, Cham there had:
Attended with the eldest Son of Cham,
Sultan
Aquigitary ( Water-tossers name,)
Their Troops, and many primest officers,
Who came along as gallant Voluntiers.
So that their Body whole consisted then,
[Page 107]At least in number sixty thousand men.
With which dismaying Force, early was seen!
On twenty third of August, Nuradin;
And that some time ere day begun to daw,
Before the Town and Castle of Slotzkaw.
Just eight Leagues distant from strong Leopold.
Where as wee've said, the KING his Camp did hold,
IMmediatly a fierce Assault begun!
Continued till two in After noon,
With utmost Fury. Forward Nuradin
Bravely Repell'd by Russes Palatine,
Commanding there; who did so well dispose
His Men and Cannon, that with little Loss
Destroy'd huge Numbers of those Infidels.
Which Sight their Courage so extreamly Quells,
That disappointed of their hop't Surprize;
They straight Surcease this dear bought Enterprize.
And as their Council order'd! as wee've told)
They leave Slotzkow, March on to Leopold,
OF all which, when his Majesty doth know,
Their brave Repulse, great Slaughter at Slotskow;
And towards Leopold their quick Advance:
He presently order'd the Ordinance!
From off the Castle all day long to fire,
To Warn the sev'ral Garrisons lay nigher,
To be upon their Guard: and having giv'n
Fitt Orders for the saf'ty of his Queen,
And the young Princes; who at that timewere,
With both their Majesties, all present there;
[Page 108]For he Resolv'd to venture all at once,
In's Countrey's Cause, and Christendoms defence,
Doing the like, on such occasions since.
ALL things thus settled! then his Majesty
Went forth his Camp to Visit and Survey.
Where, to a Hills high Top he doth Advance,
From whence he could observe three Leagues Distance
Around! and about Noon, he doth Descry,
By Clouds of Dust th' approaching Enemy.
THe KINGS Camp much about a Mile did ly,
East-side from Le'pol in a low Valley,
Shut up by sev'ral Hills, somewhat beyond
The Camp! that way, the Enemy was Bound!
There was a strait Ascent, of Rising Ground,
Of some three hundred Paces, ora Stound.
Where, having March't as far upon the Height!
Then your Descent again's a narrow Streight;
Amidst a Wood late-cut. And then again
At Bottom of Descent's an open Plain:
Where the Tartarian Troops of needs must pass,
T'engage the Poles! for this their best way was.
Another Pass, which lay on's Camps Right Hand,
The KING to Guard did Radzevil Command,
The Prince, his Brother in Law, Vice-Chanc'lor
Of Lithuania, (of whom before,
Wee've often spoke and mentioned already)
Who Posteth there with's Troops of hand most ready.
Then the Artill'rys General, Kariski,
On the Left Hand! by great KING SOBIESKI,
[Page 109]Commanded on a Hill to plant his Cannon:
From whence the Tartars, might be forc'd t' abandon
The open-plain; throw which they were to pass.
Then lin'd the Wood, which newly cutted was,
On either hand the narrow way, which bears
Down Hill, with valiant Bands of Musqueteers:
His Majesty, soon caus'd some Troops of Horse,
Advance into the Plain! t' oppose the force
Of th' Enemy, with all's brave Voluntiers;
To stopp the galled Tartars mad Carriers.
WHo in such Numbers, enter'd after soon
The Plain, by four a Clock in th' Afternoon:
That all the Field (in bristled Mantle clad)
With Horse, and Men, and Arms was covered.
Mean-while! The KING did from a Hill espy,
The Count'nance, of his numerous Enemy:
Then giving's last Commands, for what might chance!
He caus'd some other Troops of Horse advance
Before him; And behind him followed
Six Troops of Hussars, which he ordered.
To Post on Right, and Left Hand of the Way
Midst the Low Wood, so advantagious lay,
To make them dreadfuller! and to appear!
Far moe in Number then indeed they were.
Where each high Stump! 'bove Root of rude hew'n Tree!
Did shew as Horseman to the Enemy:
And all those Twiggs which near Stumps topps did stand
Seem'd Swords, or Lances brandish'd in their Hand.
THen his Victorious Valiant MAJESTY,
With nat'ral Air of innate Gallantry!
[Page 110]A kind of glorious Joy, and Satisfaction,
Still usual to him in the time of Action:
With brisk and cheerful Looks, beam'd from his Eye;
Whose ev'ry Ray presaged Victory,
Ent'red himself within the open Plain,
Encouraging his Souldiers amain.
Telling them all! that now he was come there,
That day to act KING, CAPTAIN, SOULDIER;
Fully determin'd! or to do, or dy;
And share with them in Death, or Victory.
THen having thrice aloud, the Name of JESUS
Invoc'd! as oft o're's Army cry'd LORD bless us!
Without least stop, or stand, he briskly hy's!
Upon their Head, towards the Enemies.
And as if he, and they'd immortal been!
Or had to deal with Rushes! not with Men;
He with his little handful, zeal'd with Ire!
Throw Clouds of Dust, and Smoak, and Skies of Fire,
And Stars of Lead, and Thunderbolts of Iron,
And shining Swords, bright Lightnings him environ.
And wheresoe're he turns! pours down before
His Face, thick Show'rs of Tartars purpled Gore:
Behind lyes Maims, and Wounds, and Groans, and Deaths;
And Heaps, and Swarms, all puffing their last Breaths.
HIs MAJESTY, was wanting in no part
Of Souldiers Courage, prudent Generals Art.
And by his brave Example, did inspire;
His Follow'rs with his high victorious Fire.
So that with this small Handful, towards Night!
He put these hideous Multitudes to Flight:
[Page 111]Who left hehind them! when they left the Plain,
In Plumps, and Piles, huge Numbers of them Slain.
And as undoubted Victories sure token!
Their great and only Standard there was taken.
HIs MAJESTY, would gladly have pursu'd
Them further! had not darkest Night ensu'd;
And more then that! great Cham himself was said,
With all's fresh Troops, a comming to their Aid.
IN this most great, most glorious Victory!
That this our Age, or any past did see:
The KING of Poland, had not with him then,
Above the number of four thousand men:
(The rest of all his Troops, being left in Hold,
For the Security of Leopold.)
And of those thousands four! there came some under
Unto the Execution, fifteen hunder;
ANd by plain down right Fighting, to defeat!
With such poor Handfuls, such an Army great!
Of threescore thousand Combatants may seem
A Miracle, a Prodigie, or Dream.
Yet so great was the Fright, Fray, Hurrying,
And Consternation, Tartars then were in:
That, that one Night, they fled those Leagues and more,
Which they had march'd in three whole days before.
And for more speed, away they quickly cast
Their Arms and Baggage midst Confusions haste.
NOr was th' Amazement less, in Camps of Cham!
And that of Vizier Bassa Ibrahim.
[Page 112]When seeing their Companions hard Condition,
Returning from such hopeful Expedition:
Wherein almost in spight of Destiny!
They'd promised themselves sure Victory.
BUt after some few days Consideration!
Allow'd these routed Troops Refocillation;
And huge Recruits, new Forces dayly made
Abash'd asham'd to shew themselves dismaid.
It was resolv'd! they all should march in whole,
With their joynt Forces, 'gainst the KING of Pole.
To which Effect! two thousand, Janizars,
The Strength, and Hope, of all the Turkish Wars.
With a strong Body of selected Horse,
Were sent a little Castle to enforce:
Which had its site, near City Brzeziani,
Wherein were only sixty Poles! not many,
Who yet so gallantly behav'd themsel's!
As with great Loss repuls'd these Infidels,
Which so much damp't their Sp'rits, if they had any!
That they durst not proceed 'gainst Brzeziani.
Altho they first came there with that Design!
But on the contrary, Poles Crown Ensign,
Who there Commanded! made a valiant Sally,
With Party of swift Horse; who did not dally!
But falling on the Rear-guard of the Tartars!
With Sword and Shott dealt lib'rally Deaths Quarters.
And kill'd so many of them, on the Place,
As made their whole great Body mend its pace.
TEn thousand Tartars, after soon appear
Advancing unto Leopol well near!
[Page 113]To whom, the KING sent forth Lord Karkownisky,
Who with some Troops of Horse, them charg'd so briskly!
As forc'd them to their Heels, to take their Wind,
Leaving great Numbers of them dead behind.
Nor was this Action lightly purchass'd gain!
Where some brave Polish Gentlemen lay slain.
ANd now at last! in Moneth of September,
Ne're lucky to the Turks, as I remember!
Unto the Royal Camp, were now come up;
The Gallant Litwanians in Troop.
The KING, no longer satisfy'd to hold!
Or to make good his Post at Leopold!
But with that little Army, which hee'd then,
In number not 'bove fifteen thousand Men;
Resolved to seek out the Enemy;
At least in Number sev'n times more then He.
And leaving's ROYAL CONSORT, Joy o's Soul,
With the young Princes still at Leopol!
Desiring they should stay still in those Parts;
To keep the People all in better hearts;
Who otherwise! for fear might run away,
And leave the Countrey to the Turks a Prey:
Who, by this means induc'd to tarry still
At their own Homes with far more Heart and Will,
Seeing the KING, the QUEEN, the PRINCES fair,
Should of their Hazards, have an equal share.
HIs MAJESTY, hearing the Enemy
Besieg'd Podhais! Resolved hastily,
(Having already come the length of Lembur)
To March, upon the fifteenth of September
[Page 114]For its Relief: but just one day before
'S intended March, hee's told it's yielded o're.
And twice six thousand persons, Captives led;
The Town quite Sack't, Rift'd and Plundered;
Then Burnt; altho Surrend'red upon Terms!
Of saving Persons, Goods, from Hostile harms.
WHich, having heard! on sev'nteenth of September,
A Warlike Council's held at City Lembur.
Where sev'ral of the Senators advise!
Not to attempt such Mighty Enemies.
With so few Forces. But his MAJESTY,
Again Replyed most Heroickly;
That He would ne're sit still, and tamely see
So many Christians led in Slavery;
And's Subjects thus Harrass'd at such a Rate,
That's Territory's laid near Desolate;
But was Resolved this to Remedy!
Or Perish in th' Attempt, and bravely die.
And so March'd forward, this same very day,
Towards the Enemy! who (as they say)
Were then before Buczaez all sat down!
And had Invested and Entrench'd it round;
But upon Notice of the KINGS Advance!
They Rais'd their Siege; and soon Decamped thence,
With all their Forces. And tho sped so Blewly!
Yet they March on in haste to Trembowly;
VVhich they Invest. Turks Gen'ral Ibrahim,
Summonds the Garrison to yield to him!
WHo boldly Answer; If the Turks were come,
In hopes of Plunder, thus far from their home;
They were much disappointed in their sense,
Here being none but Souldiers for defence;
Who'd nothing else except their Lives to lose!
Which they Resolv'd to sell dear to their Foes,
And make them know the Price when't comes to Blows.
THis stout Reply, did much incense the Turks!
Who in a Trice compleating all their Works!
Rais'd sev'ral Batt'ries! Planting thereupon,
Many great Guns, and Bombs; still Thund'ring on,
For fourteen days; which they continued
The Siege. And all this while they Mined had!
Above two thousand Cannon Bullet's gott;
Beside five hundred Fire-Balls, also Shot
Into the Town; and diverse Mines were Sprung,
Tho all without effect, did them no wrong;
And Storming sev'ral times, were still Repeli'd;
With greatest Loss, and yet remain'd unquell'd:
Stiffly persisting to maintain the Siege.
UNtil at last! a Letter from the LIEGE
Of Poland, to the Governour (by hap)
The Turks chanc'd with a Bowr to Intercept!
Wherein, his Majesty did him assure,
That he himself in Person (to be sure)
With his whole Army's coming to deliver
Them: and already'd passed such a River!
And that he was directly Marching on
Towards the Enemy. Which! whereupon,
[Page 116]Such was the dread of SOBIETZKIS Name!
(The Infidels great Terror, Scourge, and Shame)
That presently, the Turkish General,
Ord'red the Cannon be dislodged all,
From of the Batteries, both great and small.
Consisting of above an hundred Piece,
And to march on straight to Caminiec.
NExt Day, he did Decamp his Army whole,
So the pale Crescent doth decline the Pole.
Marching full fifteen Leagues, in so much haste,
Confusion, Consternation, and Agast!
That he Commands the Tartars to keep neer
And be a Covert to his trembling Reer.
Just as in Battel he had got the Rout,
From some Victorious Enemy in's Pursuit:
Ne're thought himself secure in any place!
Till trench'd close to the Walls of Caminec;
Under Protection of its greater Guns,
In bosm of their own strong Garisons.
A Thing almost Incredible, when told!
That fifteen thousand men had been so bold;
To force an Army hundred thousand strong,
To raise two Seiges in such Haste and Throngs.
Prodigious tho it seem! yet true it is;
Let all the Worlds old Worthies match me this.
NAy when Encamp'd neer Camiens Counter scarf!
They could not yet imagine themselves safe;
For's MAJESTY Advancing after them
That Way! it so dismayed Ibrahim!
[Page 117]That in a Warlike Council, all Resolves!
Not to abide Engagement with the Poles;
But pass the Dniester soon; and March away,
Towards the Country of Walachia.
WHich Resolution presently was done!
But not so throwly out, nor yet so soon;
But that some Polish Troops, came up so neer,
Led by Lord Lubomirski, that their Reer,
Being fall'n upon, and beaten up amain!
Huge mighty Numbers of its Guards lay Slain.
HEreon! the KING forthwith did give Command,
For sev'ral Troops, on Niesters either hand,
To make advance! with such a Success huge;
That Lubomirski seis'd the En'mies Bridge.
Cutting in pieces those were left its Guard;
And the Night following others as wel-far'd.
Lord Konski, the Artill'rys General,
Did meet five hundred Waggons in a Stale,
By upwards of two thousand Oxen drawn,
Thinking to pass that Bridge before day dawn;
Come from Camien; took them! then did destroy;
With little Business, their strong Convoy:
Relieving thousands of poor Christian Slaves;
Led in sad Bondage by those Savage Knaves.
The Souldiers, then for their Encouragement,
Are 'low'd that plunder which the Waggons sent;
Possessing richest Spoil, of Goods, and Money:
Souldiers are Stout thereafter, this being done ay.
HIs MAJESTY commanded all the Boats,
Which did compose the Bridge, and made its Floats!
Should be bestow'd, in some securest place
To be imploy'd on any sudden Case,
And serve Occasions after the next Spring.
AT which time! Tidings came unto the KING;
That Turks in dread of any more Pursuit,
Had marched ev'ry Day and ev'ry Night;
And had again Repassed the Danow.
And that the Tartars hurled Homewards too;
Taking the nearest Cutt, of shortest Road,
Onwards, the Way leads by Bialogrod.
THus being fred of Swarms of Turks, and Tartars!
The KING put's Army to their Winter Quarters.
Where, when his MAJESTY had caus'd them come!
Resolv'd to settle his Affairs at Home:
So as he might early next Spring take Field.
Accordingly! November twelfth, he held
To Zulkiew; three Leagues of from Leopold!
Where! as most welcome to his Royal QUEEN,
And the yonng Princes their dear Children;
So no less, almost, was the: Joy of all
The People crouding to behold and sal-
- ute, meet, shout, praise, extol, and bid welcome
Their common FATHER; and DELIVERER Home,
GREAT ANGEL GUARDIAN of all CHRIST'NDOM.

A LETTER To the Right HONOURABLE, Sir GEORGE DRUMMOND OF MILN-NAB, LORD PROVOST OF EDINBURGH.

My LORD,

HAving (as an ESSAY, of what I can, and perad­venture may hereafter say both better and more, of the Greatest and most Antient MONARCH in the whole World, the present KING of BRITAIN, and that I might (if possible) by these excite an Emu'ation of the united Force and Brav'ry of all Christian KINGS and PRINCES, against the proud and insatiable Cruelty of that Infidel Enemy of CHRIST'NDOM the TURK) at­tempted in Verse, such as they are, the MEMOIRES of that Heroick PRINCE the present KING of Poland. I cannot but think the pains I have already been, and the whole Charge I am even now at, the better bestowed, when it shall be presented to a Person of your Lordships Character here, and great Interest, and Acquaintance in the whole Polish Dominions. You are so known to the whole Frame and Methods of the Government; the Succession of the [Page] Dukes, and KINGS; the History and Scene of the various Changes of Fortunes of that brave Magnanimous People; the Topography of the Places of that vast Country; the Situations of Leopol, Cochmi, and Caminiec, &c. and many other the Tri­umphant Theatres of his brave prowesses, whose Names will be still consign'd to the Immortal Glories and Victories of JOHN the Third. I know your Lordship has seen his two immediat Predecessors, CASIMIR, and MICHAEL! and knew, not only himself before, but after his being Crown General; as well as that you have seen and known his Illustrious PARENTS; with those Waywoods, Pala­tines, Castellans, and other great and valiant Personages, who have accompanied, and born some share in his happy and holy Victories, and by your intimat Correspondence with so many Persons of great Interest and Fidelity in these Parts, have had the best and truest Accounts of those signal and amazing Services done the whole Christian World, by the Great SOBIETZKI. Seeing your Lordship in all these Capacities may be the fittest Judge in this place of the World, to condemn or correct the Lapses or Mistakes by Missinformations, or Distance of Place; or where my Author has not swerv'd; the best Witness, to avouch the Fidelity and Ingenuity of,

Your LORDSHIPS most humble and much devouted Servant, ALEX. TYLER.

Chap. VI.
The KING Crowned; OBTAINS another great VICTORY over the TƲRKS and TARTARS; The ARTICLES of PEACE; The Magnificent ENTERTAIN­MENT of his EXCELLENCY the English AMBASSADOR.

T'Was now high time! all things prepared be,
For Coronation of his MAJESTY
Since by the Constitutions of Poles Land!
Their ELECT PRINCE, somethings may not Command,
Nor yet perform, until once Passed be,
Their Coronations Solemnitie.
WHerefore, on January the sev'nteenth!
Was KING MICHAELS Corps, convey'd at length
From Warsaw! in a Chariot drawn by six
Horses! his Houshold officers marcht next!
[Page 120]And Multitudes of men of Quality,
Tending their PRINCES last Solemnity:
Alongs the Way from Warsaw to Cracow;
Where both their present Majesties were now;
Lately Arriv'd, and waited on by the
Whole Kingdoms Senators, Nobility.
THe Body of KING CASIMIR, which had
Been sent for out of France, was here convey'd
To Cracow! where on one, the self same day,
Were both KINGS Funerals perform'd! they say
With all the usual Solemnities,
And Honors, due to ROYAL Memories.
THis being once dispatch'd and Passed o're!
Of sev'nty six second of Februar,
KING SOBIETZKI, and his QUEEN, were now,
Crowned within the Castle of Cracow:
With all the Pomp, Magnificence, and Shew,
Which Art can fancy, or the Eye can view.
And the next day! his new Crown'd MAJESTY,
Receiv'd the Hommage o's Nobility;
His Gentry; Senators; and of the whole
Orders and States, of Litwanic and Pole.
THe French Ambassader, did soon present
To's MAJESTY his Masters Complement;
Which was a solemn Declaration,
In favours of the QUEEN, French born by Nation.
That's MAJESTY of FRANCE, adopted had,
The QUEEN of Poland! now his Daughter made.
Declaring further! that accordingly,
[Page 121]She should on all occasions Treated be,
And look't upon; what ever hap might chance:
Still as a Daughter of the Crown of France.
HOwe're! on eight of March next following,
Her Majesty, had one to Pole more owing,
When safe delivered of a Princesse young.
THen did his MAJESTY himself apply!
The Vacant Trusts and Honours to supply.
Prince Lubomirski, (Polish Names sound harsh all)
Was made of Polands Kingdom, the Grand Marshal.
And Mareschal of Court, Lord Sinawski.
Crown-General, Prince Demetrius Wisnowiski.
By whose Removal, one Jablownowski!
Who was the Prince and Palatine of Russie.
Vacant the Place Lievtenant General,
Giv'n to the Last! these vacancies, the KING thus filled all.
JƲne, seventy six! did Sultan Nuradin,
With Chams two Sons; all pass the Neister soon!
And like those Fishes, which do swim in Shoals;
Around great Whales! so these surround the Poles:
In vastest Bodys, sending out strong Bands,
To Ravage and harrass the Polish Lands.
And Ibrahim Bassa swarms of Turks doth place
At sev'ral Posts about Caminiec.
MEan while! altho good Resolutions were
Tane at last Polish Diet to prepare
For this Campaign! they'd so neglectful been
Of this, throwout each sev'ral Palatine,
[Page 122]The Dicts purposes to execute;
That both of Men and Money destitute,
His MAJESTY was still remaining yet,
In's old Complained Straits, and most unfit
To make Resistance; yet he ordered,
Those few Remains of tatter'd Troops he had,
To March directly to his last years Hold,
And have their Rendezveuz at Leopold.
And being Destitute of all else than
Means of Supply! Convoc's the Arrierban.
That all might meet for Kingdoms joynt Defence.
IN August seventy six! his Excellence
LAURENCE, Ambassador from Britains KING,
Unto his Polish Majesty, being
Arriv'd at Dantzick! And the Polish QUEEN
Came also to that City after soon,
Upon her Road for France, to Drink, at Wells
Of Burbon, which as t's said some Griefs soon heals:
Of whom, their being! he had Audience;
And thereupon the young Princess presents,
(To whom his MASTER of Great-britain was
Pray'd to be God father at her Christ'ning Mass)
With a Rich noble Jewel, on the part
Of his said MAJESTY; and so doth part,
For Poland! where he was received still
With all the Demonstrations of good-will
Welcome, Respect, and Love, and Kindness meet
Which might his Character and Person suit.
MEan while! The Turks, and Tartars, as wee've told;
Altho they seem'd more Formidable and Bold!
Yet were so mindful of last years defeat;
And so afraid of the sole NAME of Great
KING SOBIETZK; they gap't for nothing more,
Then Peace. For which end the Grand Seignior,
Did by the Despot Prince of Moldavie,
Make Overtures and Offers of a Treaty.
Nor were the KING of Polands Camp, or Coffers,
In a Condition to resufe such Profers.
So on both sides, Commissioners were sent,
Who from both Potentates to Treaty went.
HOwbeit! that nothing might be left undone
For Publick saf'ty! understanding soon
The Turks were on their March to Jaslowiec
About six Leagues beyond Caminiec.
The KING march'd out the fixt day of September
From Javarow, and lest it should Surrender
Resolved to Reliev't. But whether by
Its Governours great Fear or Treachery!
T'was yielded up! tho little Harm was don't;
Then Sackt, and Plunder'd, Riffl'd, Fir'd, and Burnt.
AS likewise other two or three beside
Were just so Treated by them at that tide.
And having razed these three places foully
Were all straight Marching toward Trembowla.
Whereon his MAJESTY, with much ado now.
Leaving his Baggage all at Zorawno,
To make more haste, October twenty fourth
Like sudden stiff Stern Wind blown from the North,
[Page 124]Fell with such Rustling force on the Turks van;
That it blew breathless many thousand man.
Disord'ring all the rest! Tartars first dally'd!
But being thirty thousand, quickly Rally'd;
And on the Polish Army comming down,
A Bloody Fight, of new was then begun,
Which did continue to the Night from noon.
This doubtful lasting Dispute! in Conclusion
The Infidels did flie in great Confusion.
BUt's Majesty vastly Inferior!
To Numbers of the Cham, and Seignior!
The KING scarce having fifteen thousand then,
To Rout an hundred fifty thousand men.
Had many gallant Persons, as t's oft found
For Countreys Honor, slain, maim'd, bled, and wound,
Lets have th' Account from all Historians Pens!
Where Ʋnits have been worthier then tens,
As these prov'd here, in downright Fight, withoutleast stratagems.
UPon the TƲRKS part! these bad Successes,
Disposed them the rather to seek Peace:
Which in the following terms concluded one,
Thus advantagious to the Polish Crown.
1
FIrst that the Treaiys, with late KING concluded,
Should be abolished and quite exploded.
2
That as to what Podolia concern'd!
Both partys were content thus to decern't.
That Turks should still retain Caminiec;
Round which a Circuit of certain space,
[Page 125]And as for what concern'd the Ʋkrain!
The Poles its greatest part should still Retain;
As Pauloz, Galnick, and Bialacirkew,
And many other Towns with Memocrow.
So that whate're of it fell to Turks share,
Was small, and under Doroskenskos Care.
3
All Prisoners, and slaves, shall be made free;
And from this time no more Hostility.
4
The Christian Faith at freedome shall remain;
In all parts which by these the Turks Retain.
5
That Turks shall quite Renounce all their Pretensions,
To Moneys which MICHAELS Treaty mentions.
And that those Hostages giv'n for that Sum
Should be Releas'd, and safe conveyed home.
6
That Turks and Tartars, should in part and whole;
promise a strict Alliance to the Pole;
And that in all Poles Wars in any wise
They should assist them 'gainst their enemys.
7
That Custody of Holy SEPULCHRE,
To the Franciscan Friers they should Restore,
That Christians being pleased in this point!
They might award mistakes on that Account.
PEACE being thus concluded happily!
And Infidels Retir'd as speedily.
His Majesty, back in November came,
To Zulkiew! where my Lord of HIDE, the same
BRITAINS AMBASSADOR, had Audience,
In a Most splendid manner. To presence
In the KINGS Richest Coach convey'd! and mett
By Marshal of the Court, at the Stairs Gate:
Who, did Conduct him to the Presence Chamber,
WHere stood the KING, like Diamond set in Amber
(For nothing's fine for one so good, so great)
Under the Richest Canopy of State;
Clad in a large long Robe of Cloth of Gold
Which did a Vest of Silver round enfold.
AFter the Audience Ceremonys o're!
And that the KING had some good time before,
Treated his EXCELLENCE Familiarly,
With the most smooth and sweetest Interparly,
Of kind Discourses! he was pleas'd to take,
His EXC'LENCE to the QƲEENS Apartment Back.
Thus ev'ry where Receiv'd with great Esteem
From both their Majesties of KING and QUEEN!
Who as a further Proof, were pleas'd t' Invite
His EXCELLENCE to Supp with them that Night.
IT was prepar'd; in a large stately Room,
Where both their MAJESTIES in Pomp did come.
His EXCELLENCE on the KINGS Right Hand sat!
And next him too! the QUEEN on's Left in State.
And underneath her MAJESTYs Left Hand!
Sat sev'ral primest Persons of the Land.
After some sev'ral Hours, this Supper done!
Which was with great Magnificence serv'd in.
THe KINGS best Coaches brought his EXCELLENCE,
Back to the Place of his own Residence.
The next day! all the Senaiors straight came,
And other Persons of the highest Name
To make their Visits to his EXCELLENCE.
[Page 127]Which he Returned next day following hence.
THe thirteenth of November being come!
Had's Audience of Congee for coming home.
Then Hast'neth on to Nimiguen! where he,
As English Plenipotentiary,
Sat and Assisted all that Meetings space,
For Mediating of a General Peace.
ANd in the next September following!
His MAJESTY of France most Christian KING,
(In token of his lasting Amity
Unto his Royal Polish MAJESTY.)
Did give Commands to his Ambassadour,
Resident in that Court, to Inaugure,
With the high order of the Holy Ghost,
KING SOBIETZKI, and Defray the Cost.
Which Ceremony, was in all mens Sence
Of extraordinar Magnificence.
At which same time! the said Ambassadour,
In further Sign of KING his Masters favour;
To both their MAJESTIES some Presents made
Which were at sev'ral Millions valued.

Chap. VII.
Of the ACTIONS of his MAJESTY, of Poland Afterwards; and particularly in his EXPEDITION for the RE­LIEF of the EMPIRE, at the Raising of the SIEGE of VIENNA, and since to 84.

THE furious Tempests of late Wars o'reblow'n!
And Clouds of Turks, and Tartars, vanish'd, gone!
Left Calm, and Cleer all Polands Horizon!
Great SOBIETSKI's Arms thus having once!
Restor'd sweet Peace to his Dominions;
Which after sad Confusions, Dangers, Toils,
Wounds, Deaths, and Slaughters, Batt'ls, Sieges, Broils,
Stormings, and Sackings, Plunders, Firings, Burnings,
Victors, loud Shouts of Joy, Vanquishd's sad Mournings,
Loud Roaring Voices of great Thundring Guns;
Cracklings of smaller Shot, Rumblings of Drums;
Shrill Nighs of Horses; Trumpets brisk Allarms;
And the dread Clashing Noise of Rustling Arms;
And all that Misery, and Desolation,
[Page 129]Which Fire, and Sword can bring upon a Nation;
All which endur'd what could be more Welcome
Unto his Poles, then Rest, Peace, Ease, and Home.
YEt notwithstanding, during this Repose.
Wherein his Subjects of all Ranks Rejoice!
His MAJESTY did not himself abandon
To sloathful Ease, Pleasures, or Rule at Random;
Nor in the least slack'ned his Royal Care,
For's People's future Safty, and Welfare.
But with great Diligence, himself applys
To heal those Wounds, and Scarrs; which Enemys
In their late In-roads and Incursions made!
And those Disasters home-born Factions bred
Within's Realm. And bends himself (because
Warrs Noise, and Factions, drown the voice of Laws)
To see fair Justice duly Ministrat,
The firmest Base to fix a shaken State.
TO which effect, Choice Persons doth advance!
In all the Offices of Importance.
Whose honest Faith, Judgement, and Prudent Cares,
Might Poise and Mannage weightiest Affairs.
ANd then his Majesty doth Reconcile,
And quash those Factions made both Poles to Reel.
Which by their secret Enemies first bred,
Was long time 'mongst their Grandees nourished.
Then Fortifies HIMSELF with such strong Allies,
To Back the State when t's Fortunes Current Rallies!
As might not only firm sev'n Hilled Rome,
But the joynt Interests of CHRISTENDOME.
ANd in a word, accommodats his Cares,
And vigilant endeavours none forbears,
Of those Prudential Arts of Governing,
Rend'ring a People happy in their King.
ANd tho perhaps Fame sounds them not so farr!
As the Atchievments of loud Rustling Warr,
And Glorious Prowesses of Victory;
Yet in all KINGS more needful are, as worthy Memory.
NOw! 'mongst these sev'ral Alliances he made,
With great Muscovia's Czar a Treaty had!
Which a long time continued and sate,
Adjusting sundry Points then in Debate.
For tho they importuned him to break
With the Grand Seignior! and large Offers make!
Of Huge Assistance; yet his MAJESTY,
(Reflecting, how much they had formerly,
Fail'd in their Promises of that same kind!
Could not by any Motives be Inclin'd,
In Warrs new Tempects, Seas, of Blood t' Imbarque,
(Wherein he'd longer Swim'd then No' in's Ark.)
And from those Beasts, Clean, Foul, and Wild, and Tame,
Had nothing but their Numbers, Noise, and Name.
Without sufficient and full Sur'ty had,
That when most Need and Ʋse was for their Aid!
Poles and all CHRIST'NDOMES, both STATE, and CHURCH
Might not be shrewdly then left in the Lurch.
BUt in beginning of year eighty third!
Fame which hath swifter Wings than any Bird!
[Page 131]Gave daily Notice of huge Preparation,
The Turks then made for Hungaries Invasion:
And that they mean't that Storm of Steel, and Fire
For other Neighb'ring parts of the Empire.
His MAJESTY, when this dread News was told!
Could not in Honour, any longer hold;
Nor Prudence, for's own safety at Home;
Nor Conscience, for the Cause of CHRISTENDOME;
Without endeav'ring what he could t' oppose,
Those fierce designs of Christians sworn Foes.
WHerefore in Februar a Diet mett!
Where't was concluded, after short Debate;
That twenty thousand men forthwith be rais'd:
Which Resolution (so the Diet pleas'd)
Should stand both good and firm; altho by some
Dissenting Member 't should break up, march home.
Which too oft happens (as wee've said before)
Where ones poor No, can all their Votes devour.
This was least Number, small in all Mens Sense,
The Diet then thought fit for Poles Defence.
MEan while! his Excellence Count Walastain,
Ambassador, sent from the Austrian
Imperial MAJESTY, to Polands KING!
Did second of April, Conclude and Sign
An Alliance! whereby the Emperour,
Oblig'd himself with sixty thousands Pow'r:
Against the Turks to Act. In which Campaign
Poles great KING promis'd thirty thousand men,
To have in Field, whene're their Needs Require,
[Page 132]Next Summer for the Aid of the Empire.
Which League 'twixt BOTH, was forthwith Ratisy'd,
By all the Members of the Polish Diet.
Who, on the fourth of that Month having done,
Parted with, all Mens Satisfaction.
THere was at that time present at the Court,
A Turkish Chiaux new come from the Port,
Who did endeavour, all he could, to stay
From the Imperial Part his Majesty.
Declaring, that the great Tartarian Cham,
(And what he said, by MA'MET swore the same)
With dreadful Armies. Pole should Recompence;
If any Aids were sent the Emp'ror thence.
ANd if Suspicions, may be worth Report!
Its talk't, a Christian-Kings-man in that Court,
Was no whitt wanting under-hand, to ply
With Rubbs and Hindrances his Majesty.
Yet notwithstanding all the TURKS Grimaces!
And all the Hideous Cham his bigg Menaces!
And all the other's slie Insinuation;
Stuff'd full with Motives of Disswasion:
His great Soul had no ear for such Allarms;
Being still Resolved! maugre Helps or Harms!
To stopp the Progress of the Ott'man Arms.
VVhich pious Inclinations. Heav'n still Bless,
As't hath Rewarded since with huge Success.
VVhich needs must Render his loud Memory
Both Joy and Wonder of posterity.
I Shall not wish my Reader wearied,
With any tedious Deduction made:
Of Cause, Original, and first Occasion,
Of Troubles bred in the Hungarian Nation.
Nor of their Progress; some say first began,
By sev'ral Grandees there, of the Roman
Communion: under alledg'd Pretence
Unto their Liberties of Violence.
And afterwards, unhappily kept one,
By needless Mischiefs to the Prot'stants done.
Whereto still Listening, the wary Turk;
Makes fair Advantage, of, this foulest Work
Off'ring! but not unsought first; ( as its said)
To them his kind Protection and Aid.
Upon which Quarrel, sprung frome this Division
The Infidels did ground, this Expedition.
How e're it was! I shall not here. devise,
Tho some relate the Story otherwise.
Nor shall I here attempt to undertake,
A full particular account to make,
Of that most memorable Siege of Vien:
Done long ere now by many other Pen.
Let it suffice among the Worlds Wits throng
Somewhat's appended in a shorter Song
I's only here sum up those Matters briskly,
Which do concern the Great, KING SOBIETZKI.
THe Turks vast Army's, num'rous hideous Pow'r
Advancing! much amaz'd the EMPEROUR.
And so much more the rather, at that time,
Because he heard the French had pass'd the Rhine:
[Page 134]Drawing together in huge Companies
Too near the Confines that are Germanies.
So that he feared, they had tane this Tide!
And Juncture, to Invade him on that Side.
IT's hard to make Conjecture of the Thing,
Why t'was ommitted by most Christian KING.
Whither, from innate Brav'ry in Brest!
Or on his HOLINESS express Request:
Who did ( its known) at that same very Season
Writ to his MAJESTY on that Occasion;
Or if Resolv'd to take his first Allarms,
From Success of the Ottomans fierce Arms.
What e're his Reasons were! or how Inclin'd!
Sure he Attempted nothing of that kind.
TH' Imperial Army, under Duke Lorrain,
Besieg'd Newhawz'l a strong Town which was tane,
Some years ago, from Empire, by the Turks:
Where with good Hopes, they had advanc'd their Works!
In fair Condition to have quickly won,
And made it once more yet a Christian Town.
When strait Commands came from the Emperour,
To raise that Siege; and quickly put new Pow'r,
In Presburg, Ra'b, Comorra, deem'd by some,
The Walls and Bulwarks of all Christ'ndome.
Which all conceiv'd the Turks would first Attacque,
And not leave such strong Holds behind their Back.
Wherefore it was the Emperors great Care
To Reinforce those Garrisons were there,
And with the quickest speed he doth provide
To have those Places strongly fortify'd.
[Page 135]And thinking Vien far from this ado!
And out of Danger, was not so lookt to.
THe Prince and Duke of Lorrain, used all
Endeavours, of a prudent General;
In his Decamp to safe-guard his Retreat.
But Haste doth all his Forces so amate,
That when the Garrison from Town fell on!
His Reer-guard made small Opposition:
Who with quick March, to save themselves did by;
And so exposed all the Infantry.
Which, he (to Flank the Enemy design'd)
Had plac'd in certain Houses them behind!
To certain Death, like Criminals to Axes.
'Mongst whom was there the Spanish Count de Taxis,
Who tho descended of the best of Spain
By Savage Hands of Insidels lay Slain.
The Duke with all the Rest did safely put
Themselves and Army in the Isle of Schut.
MEanwhile, the Troops which then entrusted was,
To guard the Vaags most important Pass,
Revolted! being Knaves before, its likely!
To that vile Shame of Christ'ndom Count Tekley;
Head of the Mal-contents in Hungary,
And with the Turks in strict Confederacy.
THese turning (as wee've said) to this ARCH-ROGUE
Open'd their Way and so they Past the Vaag.
Advancing to the Danow! which to Pass,
They built a Bridge, some Miles above Papas:
Their Cavalry, and Baggage marching round.
[Page 136]Came o're the Bridge which is at Papas Town.
And presently! to shew their Force, and Number,
Sent out great Parties to Harass and Plunder.
Which having done! they kindled Fires around,
And burn and raze the Country to the Ground.
WHen of their great Detatchments one Pursues
Th' Imperial Army, now in others Views,
Falls with a strong Impression on their Rcer
Whose sudden comming, made them quake for fear,
And so amazed at their hideous Numbers
As guiltiest Conscience can be when it Thunders.
That, notwithstanding all the Duke could do!
His Cavalry again the Foot forgo,
And at a full Carrier, passing the Wien
Retired in a Body towards Vien.
ANd tho the Chevalier of Savoy ( Son,
Of the late Count and Lord of Soisson)
And the Count Taaf made a brave Resistance,
Wherein the former fell in that's Assistance.
Yet notwithstanding all Endeavours made!
The Turks the Christians Baggage quickly had
Three hundred thousand Crowns which valued.
ANd now once more the Infantry do putt
Themselves securely in the Isle of Schutt.
And were in dreadful Hazard of the worst,
Had not the Duke quickly brought back his Horse
And for their safe Relief a Passage forc'd.
And then put Part, as ordered before
In these Towns, Presburg, Raab, and Comorre.
THen with the Rest, and's Cavalry withdrew,
Within th' Imperial City Viens view.
For which Vienna's sake, this, first Mishapp,
May well be counted a most Lucky Happ.
For if these Forces had not been thus driv'n
Thither! it could not for nine Weeks have striv'n
Against the Ott'man Force, so fierce, so huge,
During that time, o't's unexpected Siege.
THe Turks vast Swarms advancing still more neer,
Put their Imperial MAJESTIES in fear,
And all the Court! who July sev'nth went thence
And in good Plight and Safty come to Lintz;
Thence to Passaw; but scarce gone frome the City,
They had a Prospect mov'd their Grief and Pity!
Each House, Town, Village, t' other side the Danow,
Kindl'd, Fir'd, Flaming all in one bright Glow.
For wheresoe're these Hellish Locusts came,
They left their Footsteps mark't with Smoak and Flame.
THe Court Remov'd! Duke Lorain next thought fitt,
With what small Force, he could best spare, to Flitt:
Leaving Count Starberg, to govern Vien,
And under his Command twelve thousand men;
Which with old standing Garrison made out,
Some fifteen thousand or much thereabout.
Beside the Scholars, Burgers, and Tradesmen,
Who all bore. Arms, and still did Duty then.
JƲly fourteenth, the City was Invested,
By Turks huge Army; which at least consisted,
[Page 138]About one hundred fifty thousand men,
Beside Count Tekleys thousands five times ten.
AGainst which dreadful Force, and all t's Attacques!
Wherein no Art's forborn, no Courage slacks;
Altho its true they did more mischief thrice!
By unseen Mines, then open Batteries.
The Garrison, tho very ill provided!
Did with the bravest Manhood, still abide it,
Encourag'd by their Matchless Governour
To Feats and Wonders thought beyond their Pow'r.
Their brave Defences was with Resolution,
In valiant Sallys did huge Execution.
The Fields with thousands slaughtered Turks still strowing,
Those Infidels by Regiments down Mowing.
Until September twelfth day following.
Entirely Routed by the Imperials whole
Force, with this great Victorious KING of Pole.
BUt more at large! no sooner News were come,
To Pole; that Turks had enter'd Christendome;
But his great Majesty with utmost speed,
Together draws his Forces to a Head.
And tho (some say) that some about him were,
Suspected to the French brib'd Pensioner!
That were not wanting to Insinuat,
How Hazardous unto the Polish State,
'T might be for these its Forces to March out
To others Aid! while others Arms (no doubt)
Might mean while Polands Kingdom overrun!
Which thus disarm'd, might quickly be undone;
[Page 139]Being thus exposed to the deadly Blows,
Of Turks and Tartars its invet'rat Foes.
YEt notwithstanding, this Great HERO found
Himself in Justice, Honour, Conscience, bound:
Quite to neglect such base Misprision,
And put his Army, with all Expedition,
In Marching Posture! having first Dispatch'd
Sieur Lubomirski, with a brave Detach,
Of three full Reg'ments, of as gallant Horse,
As ever Pranc'd, or Nigh'd, or Charg'd Foes Force.
Who notwithstanding Tekleys base Endeavour,
To Intercept them! or at least Dissever!
Yet maugre this vile Atheist Rebels Gutts,
They joyn'd entire with Troops of General Schutts,
And did thereafter many brave Exploits.
HIs Majesty went first to Crenstochow,
To do's Devotions! then came to Cracow
On twenty ninth of July, and next day,
Or shortly after through Silesia,
Advancing with's whole Army, causing't tread
Three diff'rent Ways, and in three Bodies Led,
For more Convenient March, and greater Speed.
THe Schaf gats from th' Imperial Court appears
To Complement HIM first on the Frontiers.
On August twenty third, the Emp'ror comes
From Passaws City, unto that of Krembs.
Which he for common RENDEZVOUZ ordains!
For Forces of the KING and Duke Lorains.
SEptember second, August being done,
His MAJESTY of pole came to Holbron!
Heading, the stoutest bravest Cavalry,
The Earth e're Bore, or Sun did ever see.
(Tho with a tedious Journey much Harass'd!
Being sore fatigu'd, with March so long so fast.)
Horses nine thousand twice, number'd this Host!
Who were all Polish Gentlemen for most;
Each of whom had stout Servants, one or moe,
Arm'd at all Points against the Common Foe.
His Infantry, were fifteen thousand men!
Who came not up till three days after then.
These weary'd Forces had some days Refection,
Erethey adventured on any Action.
For which Lorain had wisely stor'd great Force
Of all provisions both for Men and Horse.
THis time, which was allow'd for the Repose,
Of Poles long marched Troops! Duke Lorain, chose,
To wait upon's Victorious MAJESTY:
Like as both Highnesses of Bavary,
And Saxony, came all to visit than,
And pay their Duty to this greatest MAN.
Who did receive them with those sweetest Graces,
Seen in all Demi gods or Hero's Faces.
HE who'f all Christians Warrs might be Commander,
Gainst Infidels; presents young ALEXANDER,
To their Acquaintance and their Amity.
Aged fifteen! tho for Humanity,
Prudence, and Courage, much out-script these Years.
[Page 141]Which in an Antedate, his FATHER bears;
Whom he attended during this Campaign
In Rudiments of Warr himself to train,
Under this greatest MARTIAL MASTERS Reyn.
AFter once past the first Civility!
'Twixt such Illustrious men of Quality.
Knowing their Errand was not Complement,
While CHRIST'NDOMS SECURITY was meant,
From the most dreadful Danger, fraught with Fears,
Of all had threatn'd it these thousand years.
They forthwith held a Council of the War,
For the Adjusting each particular,
Fit to be thought upon by these great men
In that great Work the Rescue of Vien.
And having thought one ev'ry proper Measure!
They send the whole Scheme to the EMPEROUR:
Who now had chang'd his late Intention!
Up to the Armies, of his comming on;
Because he meant to leave the Chief Command
As fittest for't unto the KING of Poland;
He much approving all their Resolution,
Which they Advance to put in Execution.
This was indeed for Vien in good time,
It being brought unto the last Extreme!
In humane Probability, (no doubt)
It could for few Hours' longer have held out.
SEptember lev'nth, the Christian Army whole,
(Now Headed by the great VICTORIOUS POLE)
Advanc'd almost within the Turkish ken!
Being well near some four score thousand men.
[Page 142]Then all things were prepar'd for stern Essay
Of awful Battle to be fought next day.
BY joynt Consent, their Highnesses inclin'd,
The Right Wing to his MAJESTY be 'ssign'd.
Because his Horse was fittest for the Plain;
And on that side the Countrey lay Champain.
The Left Wing, lying end-long the Danow,
To Bavary and Lorrain they allow.
And with the Circles Troops, the main Body!
Unto the Princes; Waldeck, Saxony.
SEptember twelfth, timely by break of day;
The Gen'rals all met on an Hill! (they say)
To give the last Commands; scarce well come there!
When from Beneath, unto their Sight appear;
A Body of ten thousand, or thereby,
Of Flow'r of all the Turkish Cavalry.
Whereon a strong Battalion's order'd hard,
To put themselves all close in a Vineyard:
That was upon another Hill near by.
THis by three more Battalions hastily
Seconded! quickly stopp't the Turks Carrierings:
Who could not brook the Christians fierce Firings.
And being Horse, and in a Ground ill cut,
For Cavalrys Attacquing of the Foot!
They did content themselves with one Discharge;
Each Infidel op'ning a Mouth so large,
And gap't so wide, as Ma'mets Tomb might swallow;
(Retiring) rais'd a hideous Noise, or Hollow.
WHereon; the KING and all the Generals,
Drew th' Army in three Lines! much like three Walls,
All closely sett without least Intervals.
Charging each man to keep his Vaward Place!
And March towards the En'my with slow Pace.
And when the Turks should Charge! they'r charg'd to stand!
And keep them Close! as each join'd hand to hand.
And till the En'my first had Fir'd at large!
They'r all commanded not to make Discharge.
ALL which they did observe accordingly.
The Turks advanced, with a dreadful Cry!
As if they meant, to break, throw their Array!
Hoping thereby to make them soon give Way,
Or put them in Disorder! but perceiving,
The Christians all stood firm; without least giving,
And did expect them in the closest Order;
They made a Halt! and durft not push them further:
But all Discharging! all of them wheel'd back.
IMmediatly, upon the Turks last Crack!
The first Line of the Christians fir'd apace;
And the whole Host advanc'd with a slow pace;
Still gaining Ground upon the Enemy.
Who did return again as formerly,
Whereon the Christians make another stand!
Expecting them! The Turks discharged! and
Again, (as t's said before) quickly Retire.
Whereon the Christians, just as quickly Fire.
And thus they sev'ral times! while these Advance!
Unable to break in o'the Christians,
[Page 144]Who gaining Ground still more and more afore them!
Did drive the Turks like Droves of Beasts before them.
Whose Body shrinking, as if't had some Cramp!
The Christians thus got near the En'mys Camp.
Detach'd a Band of Foot with stout Dragoons
For to Attacque the Enemies great Guns.
WHereof (Without encount'ring great Disasters
From Turkish opposition) they'r soon Masters.
Their greatest Bodies being distant thence
Had left small Force of Foot, for their Defence.
On the Right Wing! the Turkish Horse essay'd;
To Charge the Christians Flank; which being ey'd;
By Polands KING, mistrasting their Design:
He caus'd some part o'th Armies second Line,
Advance; and make a Front on that same side,
And with first Line, in Person at that Tide!
Charging with hideous; Force, their Cavalry,
His Shock like Thunder made them all give Way.
WHil'st this was doing, by the Christians Lines!
The Grand Vizier had newly sprung two Mines;
And as if Hell's dread Mouth, had belch'd to shake!
The Walls to Flatness, and to Rubbish rake;
Such was the Ruine, such the hideous Crack.
Laying the Ramparts of the City flat,
Some little stound aside from the Scots-Gate.
Whereby a horrid Breach was made! atleast
Wide to receive some fourty men a Breast.
Intending to have tane the Town by Storm:
And while's Detachments kept the Christians warm!
To've quickly drawn within the Walls his Men;
And under'ts Guns his Baggage, Tents, and Train.
BUt tho that Force whereby he meant to effect't!
Left nothing undone that could be expected;
And fought like mad, and desp'rat, more then valiant.
Yet brave Count STAREMBERG, the Wise and Gallant,
Vienna's Governour, instantly Clapt
Ten greatest Guns upon the Breaches Lapp!
Load with Chain Ball, and lesser Musquet Shotts;
Nails, pieces of Horse shooes, and brok'n Potts;
Cut off those mad Assailants in vast Numbers.
And still-fresh Throngs renewed Crouds him Cumbers:
Which the Besieg'd Repell'd as Valiantly.
So that for half an hour, or much thereby!
The Ground full soakt with Gore, and Crimson dy'd,
Was warmly disputed on either side.
Till Seas of Blood the Turkish fury Stenches,
And forced their Retreat back to their Trenches.
ON whom Count STAR'BERG bravely Sallying out,
Did make their slow Retreat a sudden Rout.
And a strong Party come just in the Nick!
From Lorrain, Rushing on the En'mies Neck,
Knockt out their Garlick Breaths with Deaths last Scarrs.
Of some four or five thousand Janizars.
AFter the setting of the ev'ning Sun;
Which with some blushing Smiles, that night went down
To let the Christians see th' Eclipsed Moon;
First waxing Pale, then Ruddy, then all Blood,
Then Dimm, Black, Dark, last vanisht under Cloud.
So in Conclusion, when't was toward Night,
The Turks whole Body 'gan to take the Flight:
[Page 146]Beyond whose Camp the Christians them pursue!
But their fresh Horse soon bid them all Adieu.
Whose Horse o'reweary'd could not thus stand to't ay,
Having been eight and fourty hours on Duty.
THe Souldier's charged, under pain of Death,
Not to stirr from their Ranks one Inch of Path.
And to prevent all Hazards of Surprize!
The Army stood all Night in Battel wise,
Until next Jovial Morning did appear,
Telling them all the Turks were Marched cleer.
When by first Sight of Heav'ns bright glorious Lamp?
The Souldiers had first leave to Spoil their Camp.
By Course still going out half Company,
And t'other half standing the while on Duty.
And when the first half Company Returned!
The second half then to the Plunder Journey'd;
This being done! till all the Spoil was come,
Which did amount unto the following Sum.
HEre their whole Baggage, and Provision,
And a vast Store of Ammunition;
Above one hundred pieces of great Cannon.
And which (as Warrs Denuncement,) Turks still hang on,
Two large Horse Tails at ev'ry Expedition.
The Grand Visurs own Tent, Horse, Gold, Provision,
And thirty thousand other Tents beside;
GRAND SEIGNIORS own great STANDARD rich to Pride:
Whose exact Figure, and Inscriptions;
Arabick! with t's Interpretations;
Which bear this Warrs false Prophecys and Bage
Our Author hath before his Title Page.
ALL these being tane, this mighty victory,
(In whose obtainment scarce one thousand d [...]
And amongst those few Men of Quality,
On Christians Part) all next to GOD impute,
And needs to Poles brave PRINCE must Attribute
Whose gallant Conduct, match'd with Courage high,
So oft imploy'd for Christians Liberty.
This day his Royal Person long Engag'd,
'Mongst En'mys thickest Throngs, and most Enrag'd,
And with him still, the gallant PRINCE his Son;
Thus early Signaliz'd in this Action.
Nor ought their Highnesses to want their share,
Of Glory; since they all behaved there
So bravely well! and gain'd so great Renown,
Which shall be Famed till the last Trump sound.
ON thirteenth of September! Polands KING,
His Son PRINCE ALEXANDER following,
With th' other Princes, Grandees, Noblemen,
O're Piles of mangled Corps enter'd Vien:
Yielding sad Prospect of past Desolation,
Which more enhanc'd the present Joys occasion.
HIs MAJESTY, in's Circled Arms soon took
The Gallant star'berg! whose alone Conduct
And Valiant Courage had held out late Siege,
'Gainst such vast Numbers, Deaths, and Dangers Huge.
Speaking his high Esteem o's Worthy Person,
And Prudent Conduct in most large Expression.
NExt day the EMPEROR Arrived there!
And quickly mett the KING of Poland, where
He Marched on the Head of his brave Army!
Who were that time drawn up all in Battalzie:
To whom in most endearing terms he made
's Acknowledgments of late great Vict'ry had.
WHo did receive them, with a Modesty,
Equal unto his Magnanimity:
Professing! he had only us'd at large
His just and best Endeavours, to Discharge
Those Obligations, Christian KINGS all owes,
To Christ'ndomes dear Saf'ty and Repose.
And that his prosp'rous Arms late good Success,
Was only owing the Divine Goodness!
And Brav'ry of those PRINCES! who had done
Him th' Honour that their Troops to his should joyn.
'TWas order'd by th' Imperial MAJESTY!
PRINCE ALEXANDER should presented be,
With Sword, with massie Diamonds richly Sett,
And so (thus past this Interviers short Date)
Departed. And so likewise Polands KING
Decamp't his Army! that night following,
They March to Wiscke! where Bridge, of Boats, and Wood,
Below Presburg, take them o're Danows Flood.
This was upon September twenty fifth,
Th' Imperial Army, which next day did lift!
Advancing after him, with equal Pace;
On twenty sev'nth, past o're at this same place.
OCtober ninth! how soon they heard it told,
That a great Body of the Turks, did hold;
Near Barkan: being fourteen thousand strong,
The choise of all those Troops scop't here along,
After their Rout at Vien; under th' hand,
Of sev'ral Bassas of the best Command.
The KING with some few of th' Imperials Troop,
Advanced thither! all scarce yet come up.
NO sooner did the Turks perceive them come!
But with a hideous Shout came briskly one;
And charged with most desp'rat Resolution
Being receiv'd with as warm Execution.
After a sharp Dispute! the Turks all fly;
Where one of their great Bassas, there did die:
Another Bassa also Pris'ner tane.
The rest fled hurrying o're the Bridge at Gran:
Which breaking with the Crowd! the Stream then drown'd,
Near half as many as the Sword did wound.
SO that of all that Body of the Turks,
Scarce twice two thousand did escape this Lurch.
In this ENGAGEMENT one thing's worthy Note!
PRINCE ALEXANDERS Horse under him Shot.
Here! a young English Lord, who Landsdown hight!
Did gallantly behave himself in Fight;
Commanding then a Regiment or Squad,
Of Souldiers in Count Taasts strong Brigad.
For which his Valor! when he did Retire,
Homewards! by Patent made COUNT of th' EMPIRE.
[Page 150]And as sure mark, of gallant Service done well
By th'EMPEROR declared was COUNT GREENVILE!
THe next Exploit, did Polands TRIUMPHS grace,
Was taking in of Zytchin a strong Place.
For having parted with the Duke of Lorrain!
And understanding that the Turks had therein,
A Garrison, which might as them best lists,
Incommod's Commerce with th' Imperialists.
The KING did send the PRINCE, as young as keen,
Accompany'd with Lublins Palatine.
To view it! while some Troops of Horse, them back't.
At whose Return gave Order to Attacque't.
WHere quickly marching to the Place (from hence)
They find the Turks in posture of Defence;
Who having notice, that the KING had given
Orders, unto the Cossacks; to lay ev'n
Their Suburbs! they prevent the KINGS desire
The Night before setting them all on Fire.
WHich notwithstanding, Cossacks did not le [...]t!
From being soon possessed of a Gate
And breaking down its Palisados straight.
The Turks fought stoutly, made a brave Defence,
And after sharpest Dispute, forced thence
The much enraged Cossacks to Retire:
Till b'ing seconded with fresh Troops! like Fire
Getting new Vent, they do renew the Charge,
With such a forward, furious, vi'lent Rage;
[Page 151]Which soon to quit the Town, the Turks compells
And take them to the Castle and their Heels
Which presently his MAJESTY Assails.
ANd those within! desiring, to part fairly,
Hung out a Flagg of white! for Peace, and Party,
Their Chief Commander, with two others mo,
Came out, and pray'd the KING to let them go,
To Buda! which once granted! they came out,
In all five hundred Horse, eight hundred Foot.
THey took within the Place, store of Provision;
With a great Quantity of Ammunition;
And twenty Cannon on the City Walls;
And many Field-Piece in the Castle alse.
HIs MAJESTY put this Town afterwards.
Under Imperials Garrisons and Guards.
Next day he Summoned with Trumpets Hola,
Other two Castles, called Brigh and Holach.
Who yielded at Discretion, without Combat,
And thence he marched on to Kimasonbat.
Upon the sixteenth of November! where,
The Litwanian Gen'ral met him there.
DƲring the while, his MAJESTY did tarry,
Within those upper parts of Hungary!
By all fair means he could, he endeavour'd,
To gain Count Tekly to's IMPERIAL LORD.
Giving him all the sweetest Terms, best Offers;
HIMSELF for their Performance SUR'TY Profers;
But finding all Fssays to none effect,
[Page 152]With one who did his GOD, his PRINCE neglect.
And that it would not be expedient,
Nor yet for all his HOST convenient;
To Winter all together in those Parts:
Left only's Litwans there; and then departs,
With all the rest! b'ing now much weak'ned
With great continual Services they'd made.
Marcht home to Poland while with Journeys slow
December twenty first comes to Cracow.
WHere with most joyful Sloutings of Applause!
Loud Blessings on that Hand whose Sword gives Laws,
To th' Arms and Empire of the furious Turks;
And rescu'd CHRIST'NDOM from late sad Lurch.
All's Subjects JOY, LOVE, ADMIRATION, ring
Just Praises to their brave, great, glorious KING.
And Shoals of Polish Poems fly abroad!
To welcome CHRISTENDOMES dear MORTAL GOD.
MOre yet to inhance these Joys of SOBIETZKI!
News then arrived, that the Sieur Kiniski
The Cossacks General, being lately sent
Against the Turks, and Tartars! had obtain't
Over them both a mighty Victory;
Tho to their Numbers much inferior he.
THese were 'bove fourty thousand Canibals!
In Arms, led by two Tartar Generals;
And Haley Bey a Turkish officer,
Who had a select Band of Spahis there;
And the firm Hope and Help of Turkish Wars,
Some other choisest Troops of Janizars;
[Page 153]Had with most sudden March, come speedily!
Designing for the Poles in Podolie,
Making great Progress in a little space,
For Rescue of block't up Caminiec.
Whereon the foresaid Cossacks General drew,
Some thirty thousand men, but Muster'd new!
And marching on with swiftest Diligence,
To Intercept them ere they should Commence;
Upon December fourth, before they gott in!
Bravely Attacqu't them, all near to Tilgrotin.
And with such hideous Slaughters them Defeat!
That in some three, or four, or five Hours date,
Most part in Battel, many in the Chace
They Kill'd some thirty thousand on the Place.
The two Tartarian Generals, in vain
Striving to Rally! were at once both Slain.
THere was tane Prisoner, Stout Haley Bey!
Who for's Lifes Ransom offered to Pay,
No less in Gold than hundred thousand Crowns.
But Cossacks needy, greedy, bloody Hounds!
Into whose Hands the wealthy Haley fell,
For sharing of the Money did quarrel
And for to end the Dispute Kill'd himsell
WHich Vict'ry won! the Cossacks did advance,
Into the Countrey of Tartarians
Of Budziack; where with Havock, and Confusion,
Its said they flew at least an hundred thousand.
And having made all Budziack bloody Stage,
And Theatre of Deaths, stints their Ravage.
[Page 154]Then they took in Bialogrod, and Ketin,
And placed strongest Garrisons therein.
ALL which good Haps made such Impression
On the Walachians! that to Polands Crown,
No less then thirty thousand, or thereby,
Have sworn Allegiance and Fidelity.
And with the Cossacks ever to Combine,
Against the Turks, and Tartars, when they Ioyn.
And t's said! Moldavians with Prosessions ample
Have Vow'd to follow Walachies Example.
MEanwhile his MAJESTY hath call'd a Diet,
Who being mett! their universal Fiat,
May order Methods (if none chance to jarr)
For Prosecution of this happy Warr.
Resolv'd to be again in Field next Spring,
With greater Army, than e're Polish KING.
THus length wee've' tended this Triumphant PRINCE!
Throw sev'ral Actions of his Lise, e're since
His most Auspicious BIRTH! aswel for Pole;
As the Empire; and CHRIST'NDOME in whole.
And now must leave him (for this present time)
Unto the Conduct of that Pow'r Divine,
Which as yet hitherto! so may't still bless,
Him with all Constant, Wonderful Success.
WEE've us'd no Art in Painting this great KING;
Steel may need Varnish! Gold enamelling.
Pure Truth, high Virtue, like the Suns bright shine,
Need no more but be told, and heard, or seen.
HIs CHARACTER! who ever shall attempt!
May be the Muses MASTER; and EXEMPT,
In Rhet'ricks Trops, and Arts; and fluent strains
Of VERSES MEASURES beat to POEMS Veins.
May be MARS FATHER; or BELLONAS DAME;
And have engrost alls WORDS, all CONQƲESTSF ame
And bear all ancient HEROS BƲLK and NAME.
Let him be CYRƲS, mixt with Aloxander!
Or POMPEY, knit with CAESAR, Romcs Commander!
Or ANNIBAL, agreed with SCIPIO!
Or BELIZARIUS with STILICO!
Let him be CHARLES the Great! or CHARLES the fifi!
Or if he can some third great CHARLES, more shift!
TAMBERLANE, SCANDERBEG, HUNIALES,
And all bcth nam'd, and un-nam'd in this place.
Let him have all the WORLDS great SOULS in one!
This may of SOBIETSKI write, he can't be done.
Give him for PAPER, CHRISTENDOM fair spree!
For INK, all CHRISTIAN En'mys BLOOD yet shed!
For PEN, that Prosprous SWORD drawn in his Hand!
Which save's own HEAD, HEART, ARM, none can Weila! and
Seeing none can PEN'T! then let HIM speak HIM [...]EL
GODS, for all CHRISTIANS GOOD, CREAT MI­RACLE.
‘DEO, REGI, & ECCLESIAE.’

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