Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/97



SIR,

I received your Letter, wherein you acquaint me, that you have heard of my second Voyage into Turkey; on which Account you express your Wonderment, that I would venture to visit that uncouth and barbarous Country, once more. And withal, you desire to know the Issue of my Journey: How I found Matters at my Return to Constantinople; what Entertainment I met with there; what proportion of Health I enjoy; whether my Life be pleasant to me, or not; and, in fine, what Hopes there may be of my speedy return to Germany. To all which you oblige me, upon the score of our ancient Friendship, to give particular and express Answers; which, to gratify you, I shall accordingly do.

then, in the first Place, that you were not mis-informed as to my Return into Turkey; the thing is most true: Neither could I avoid the Journey, as being oblig'd thereunto by Promise; and you know every honest Man is as good as his Word. My Case was this: The Emperor Ferdinand, my most gracious Lord and Master, designed me as his Lieger Ambassador to Constantinople; but his Design was grounded on this Supposition, that a Peace would be first settled betwixt the two Empires. Articles of Agreement, however, being not