Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/190

 they saw that he took up Arms, and ventured his All to defend himself and his Children, now extolled him to the Skies, as a Man of extraordinary Valour. Why (said they, reasoning among themselves) should his Father abdicate a Son that is his express Image? Why should he prefer his slothful, pot-bellied Brother, that has nothing of his Father's Disposition in him? As for Bajazet's taking Arms, Necessity forces him to it, and therefore, he is not to be blamed; for did not Selimus, his Grandfather, do the same? What great Precedent could there be? For he did not only arm against his Brother, but Necessity also compelled him to hasten his Father's Death; and yet by this Procedure he established the Kingdom to himself and his Posterity. Now, if Solyman did rightfully possess that Kingdom, so gotten, why should his Son be denied to take the same Course? Why should that Fact be thought so heinous in him, which was accounted lawful in his Grandfather? And yet the Case is much different (said they); for Bajazet did not take up Arms against his Father, but wishes him a long Life; nay, he would not hurt an Hair of his Brother's Head, if he could be sure of his own Life, against him: But 'tis always lawful to resist Force by Force, and, if possible, to prevent one's own certain Ruin. These Discourses caused many to fly to Bajazet, and his Army being now of a moderate Size, without delay, he marches towards his Brother, putting his Life, Fortune, and the hope of his Empire, upon the Event of the Battel; for thus, thought he, my Valour (at least) will be commended, if it be not prosperous; I will endeavour if I can, to break my way into Syria, and, if I succeed therein, my Business is done.