Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/289

 Forty Years since Solyman, in the Beginning of his Reign, took Belgrade, slew Lewis King of Hungary, and thereby promised himself the Possession of that and other Countries; in hopes whereof he besieged Vienna, and, renewing the War, he reduced Gonitzium again, threaten'd Vienna at a Distance. But what did he get by this great Armament: He was forced to stick in that Part of Hungary which he had already taken. He that was wont to conquer great Kingdoms by one Expedition, now subdued only some weak Castles and small Towns, which cost him dear: 'Tis true, he saw Vienna once, but never after. 'Tis said, that Solyman wished his Life to be prolonged, to see three Things finished, viz. The Structure of his Temple, a sumptuous and magnificent Work! the repairing of the old Adquæducts to bring Water enough into Constantinople, and the Conquest of Vienna. The two first he hath accomplished; but at the third he sticks, and I hope ever will; so that he always calls Vienna his Ignominy and Disgrace. But to return.

Emperor Ferdinand may, doubtless, be register'd among the most famous Generals; for, though he had far less Aid than the Danger required, he yet was Master of himself, and principally by his Courage, he hath endured the Efforts of a powerful Enemy, for so many Years together: So that a greater Praise is due to him for preserving a great Part of Hungary for better Times, than to many Warriors, who with multitude of Military Preparations, and favourable Opportunities, have got many Victories over Kings and their Armies. The less Assistance he has had in a necessary Time, by so much the more the Valour of his Mind hath eminently appeared. Whosoever doth not put all upon one Event in the height of Success, not considering the Power of the Enemy, and the Season