[1r]
. Mehemeti Bassae× . Maximilianus etc.×
.Illustrissime et magnifice vir, syncere nobis dilecte, .salutem.
Accepimus binas vestras literas
5 novissime ad nos datas. Ex quarum
.prioribus benigne cognovimus, quanto
.studio prorogatae inter nos et serenissimum
imperatorem vestrum× pacis negotium promoven
.Quod vero ad negotium Polonicum× attinet,
.cuius praecipue posteriores vestrae literae mentionem
[1v]
.faciunt, equidem nihil in eo hactenus
.per nos actum est, vel etiam posterum
.agetur, quod vel potentissimum serenissimum imperatorem
.vestrum, vel vos merito offendere possit
5 vel debeat: Nam etsi non a multo
.a maiore ordinum et statuum parte in
.regem Poloniae× rite ac iuxta leges et
.consuetudines regni istius electi
.sumus, nihilominus per placida po
.De Bogdano× autem istud affirmare pos
5 Tantum vero abest, ut Bekesium× vel
.foveamus, vel eundem, contra Transylva
.Quae cum ita sint, aeoque syncerum nostrum
15 pacis servandae studium satis ex iis
.perspici queat, equidem confidimus sae
[1r]
To Mehmet Pasha× . Maximilianus etc.×
Most illustrious and magnificent man, sincerely beloved by us, greetings.
We have received your two letters, not directly addressed to us. From the former of these, we kindly understood with what zeal you have undertaken to promote the matter of peace prolonged between us and your most serene emperor×, and you have indeed brought it to such a point that the desired result has at last followed. This we receive with a kind and grateful spirit, and we trust that you will show no less care in fostering and defending this same peace than you did in establishing it. In this, so that you do not fail to meet our expectations, we kindly encourage you, promising this about ourselves: that we, in fulfilling all those things, both with regard to the annual gifts, whose dispatch, even for the present year, we will hasten as much as can be done, and also with regard to those other obligations which, by virtue of the chapters, are incumbent upon us, will not easily allow anything to be lacking, as we will also, in a timely manner, take into kind regard the effort and labor that you have devoted here. In this way, our orator, the noble and faithful David Ungnad×, Baron of Sonnegk, who is dearly beloved by us, will more fully explain to you our most sincere intention, and will also demonstrate the gratitude of our spirit by his actions.
As for the Polish matter, which is particularly mentioned in your later letter, [1v] indeed nothing has been done by us in this matter so far, nor will anything be done in the future, which could or should justly offend either your most powerful and serene emperor or yourselves, for although we have been elected as the king of Poland× duly and according to laws and customs of this kingdom by a majority of the orders and estates, we have nevertheless endeavored to bring any subsequent dissension to concord through peaceful means rather than by force, and in this way we have pursued our right up to this point. We have also decided to continue doing so henceforth. We, on the other hand, are convinced that your emperor×, in his magnanimity, will not only not interfere in the affairs of the Christians, but that his serenity and you in his name and authority will also prevail upon the voivode of Transylvania ×, who was not lawfully appointed to this kingship, to adopt more peaceful resolutions. As far as we are concerned, his serenity and you can be assured of our commitment to public tranquility, as we will not provide any cause for breaking the peace. Indeed, any outcome that God may will for this Polish affair, we will always maintain the same firm commitment to peace, friendship, and good neighborliness with his serenity.
Regarding Bogdan×, however, I can affirm that for several years now, apart from what was brought to us by rumors or messages from elsewhere, [2r] we have known little or nothing definite about Bogdan× himself, where he is or what he is doing, let alone having any dealings with him.
Indeed, so far are we from favoring Bekes×, or from aiding him in any action against Transylvania×, that we have expressly and earnestly forbidden any of us to serve under him or align himself with him in any way, but on the contrary have ordered that any attempts or machinations of Bekes× himself be thwarted by any means necessary.
Given these circumstances, and as our sincere commitment to maintaining peace can be sufficiently perceived from these actions, we confidently trust that your most serene emperor× and you× yourself will respond to us with the same integrity, that you will not heed any rumors or even false reports from those who hate peace and tranquility and devise every possible means to disturb it, nor will you prepare arms, but rather report the matter to us, so that we can apply appropriate remedies without delay, and furthermore see to it that the Turkish officials and soldiers stationed at the borders will keep within their own limits and adhere to the provisions of the extended peace, as peace currently stands, and that they do not continue their usual incursions, depredations, and acts of violence, which are entirely inconsistent with peace, against our unfortunate subjects, but that they refrain from these actions and from all other things that are contrary to peace. We will always be diligent in ensuring that none of our reciprocal duties are neglected. As for those who dare to violate the established peace [2v] and the most severe mandates concerning its observance, they will not escape unpunished. Other matters pertaining to this, our experienced advisor and ambassador David Ungnad× will report to you on our behalf. In referring you to him, finally, we kindly extend to you our imperial benevolence.
Given at Vienna×, on the 9th day of March, 1576.