The Life and Deeds of the Ever-Remembered Despot Stefan

(Despot Stefan) sent to him the aforementioned chosen envoy - who had (also) gone to (the khan) Tamerlane - to entreat for (that) which had (been) promised, and to (convey) to him how glad (the Despot) was that his friendliness had won him over, and that (thanks to this) (the Despot) had set all things in their place, both the people and (all other) matters. Musa at first received (the envoy) well, but then spoke certain harsh (words) as well. After this, (this) most wise envoy, learning beforehand what this beast (of a man) would do, withdrew from him with wise words; (Musa) wished to put (him too) to death, for (he) was of most illustrious (lineage), most devoted to the glorious (Despot). When (the envoy) had been dismissed, he came there to the grove where lord Vuk had earlier been put to death and carried his bones to the Serbian land. Coming to Despot Stefan, he informed (him) of everything, saying that it was not possible to live with him (i.e., Musa) otherwise than (only) by making war. The most pious (Despot), hearing this, gathered all his army and came into the region of Pirot, conquering part of his land. This one (Musa) sent an emissary (to the Despot) (to mediate, after which) the Despot returned to his own land.

67. The son of Sultan Süleyman, Orhan, who had remained in Constantinople, the Greek emperor sent to Selymbria.¹¹¹ Musa, hearing this, came beneath Selymbria, where he intended to kill Đurađ, the oft-mentioned grandson of the great Prince Lazar, by putting poison in his supper. But this one (Đurađ) had an antidote against poison and did not die, but fell (gravely) ill. (Đurađ) had earlier turned to his mother to reconcile (him) with the ever-remembered (Despot), that they might live as befits (men) of pious (lineage). The Despot received him as a much-desired son. Đurađ feared lest they pursue him from both sides. While he (Đurađ) was being treated beneath Selymbria (for the poisoning), there came to him (one) of those whom he loved, pretending to be going to attack the city, and (certain men) passing by gave a sign (to Đurađ) that he would be put to death if he stayed here until evening. He /Đurađ/ soon ordered all his army to go out as though (preparing) to attack the city, and gave the signal: "When I strike the kettledrums, all of you, as fast as your feet will carry you, run into the city." And he himself mounted his horse, gave the signal, rushed toward the city, and together with his army escaped a bitter death. Some who remained behind they captured and slaughtered, for they did not know of the secret (order to flee into the city).

68. And all his men saw through Musa, that he was ready to do anything. He wished, namely, to kill his own great commander too, mighty (in all things), named Mihail-bey, in order to exalt his own name and to (accuse him) as the culprit for Đurađ's flight. This man, having considered (everything), came to that beast and said: "Autocrat, the vineyards of Constantine's city /Constantinople/ are now being harvested, and it is time to take great spoil." The sultan (Musa) commanded (him) to take a great army and attack. This one (Mihail-bey) took a chosen army, entered Constantinople, (after which) they brought him to the eastern (sultan). After this, Ibrahim Pasha¹¹² did likewise; (Musa) sent him to the Greeks, saying: "If thou dost not come to terms with them, thou shalt not escape evil." For this reason he had sent him - that