and wish him prosperity in his new office, long life, and victory over his enemies, promising to deliver the petition to the pasha and to intercede for us; but on condition that, on our release, we should give him the two hundred ducats. In return for this we kissed his hands and feet for joy, and promised to give him much more; and having given the writing to a Turkish priest to copy out, we sent it to the aga to look over, committing ourselves to the Lord God and to him. He got into his caïque, or six-oared boat, and going to Constantinople, first wished Ibrahim joy of his new office, and then delivering the writing from us, spoke to the following effect:—“Call to thy recollection, gracious sir, that when thou wentest to thy gardens thou promisedst the prisoners in the Black Tower to befriend them and care for their release. But because thou wert then only a lieutenant in thy present dignity, these poor prisoners prayed for thee, day and night, that thou mightest become grand vizier, and never lay down to rest without singing a hymn to God for thee, according to their religion. Therefore, have compassion on the poor wretches; though they are unbelieving dogs, nevertheless they are also God’s creatures. Who knows, whether God has not heard them, and called thee to this office for their release? For when I told them that thou wast proclaimed vizier, they all with tears and joy raised their hands towards heaven, and gave God thanks. And, moreover, the mighty Sultan himself commanded them to be released from prison. Therefore, they now place all their hope in thee and none other; if thou wilt, free them from so grievous an imprisonment; and since they are innocent, thou wilt receive a recompence from Mahomet.”
