The Life and Deeds of the Ever-Remembered Despot Stefan

manage affairs, others to be his bodyguards, which was the most trusted (inner) rank. And there (was) a second rank. And a third, the outer one, so that the third were with the second, and the second with the first, after the angelic order, so to speak; (there), in truth, one could see the image of the Areopagite.⁸⁰ For God too, after His own image, gave earthly power to men. And when it came to the affairs of the ruler's household, many (men) held various ranks, so that there might at every moment be enough of them, (and) even more than needed. Newcomers looked upon (them) with awe, as though they were angels, amazed at their modesty (and obedience); all (conducted themselves) toward one another as was fitting (and as) was seemly, (with) modesty. Still more did those of the inner circle (behave so), whom that bright star (Stefan) oversaw, appointed and illumined. Shouting, jostling, laughter or unseemly dress were not permitted; all were clothed in bright garments, which they received from the Despot. In every command of the ruler, princely (words) shone forth. All looked upon him with awe. And this too should be known - no one was able to look him in the eyes, not even the highest. This we do not say alone, but all who experienced it bear witness to it. Whoever vowed that (his eyes) would behold (him), not one was deemed worthy of it. And this is (still) more marvelous than the foregoing: in the whole state (some) sometimes avoided the love of women and music, but this one (Despot Stefan) hated both the one and the other, and even cast them off. "Only," he said, "let that music be heard which is needed for war."

48. Going about the land of his fatherland and taking the surrounding regions, he made friends (for himself) of them, and those lands which from of old, at certain times, had been called Serbian he drew to himself, and some he also subdued. When the western emperor (Sigismund) heard of this, he sent envoys to him to confirm (their) friendship. (The Despot), having awaited a fitting time to make friends with him, received the messenger well, entertained him as was fitting, and confirmed friendship with him who had sent him. He /the Despot/, going about and surveying the land, as we have said, found the aforesaid place by the name of Belgrade and obtained (it) by entreaty from the Hungarians; (Belgrade), though it lies in Serbian regions, seems as though it were on the heart and shoulders of the Hungarian land. Therefore he concluded an agreement with them and took up the work. Going about his other cities too, he fortified them, and those which the Ishmaelites had seized at their own will he took again. The judges who had previously been appointed there fled.

49. Meanwhile, Süleyman headed toward the east to seek his patrimony. Hearing of this (that Stefan was doing), he sent a messenger to the ever-remembered (Despot) to confirm peace with him; the most pious (Despot) received him kindly and confirmed peace, and so the messenger went to his lord.