The New Student's Reference Work/John III (Sobieski)

John III (So′bieski) of Poland and one of the greatest warriors of the 17th century, was born in 1624, and received the most careful education and training.  When the Poles were defeated by the Russians in the battle of Pilawiecz, the Sobieskis took up arms to restore their country.  Mark fell on the banks of the Bog; John so distinguished himself by his valor that he became the hero of his countrymen.  He defeated the Turks in the great battle of Kotzim, in which they lost 28,000 men.  On May 21, 1674, Sobieski was elected king of Poland, and was crowned at Cracow with his wife.  When the Turks besieged Vienna in 1683, John hastened thither with 20,000 Poles, and, with the German allies, gained a great victory on Sept. 12.  He died of apoplexy on June 17, 1696.  Sobieski was not a statesman and warrior only but a lover of science and a man of gentle disposition and pleasant manner.