beg, another son of Uzun-
Hassan, was about fifteen, and I have forgotten the name of a third
son.[4] By one of his wives he had a son named _Masubech_, or Maksud beg,
whom he kept in prison, because he was detected in corresponding with his
rebellious brother _Ogurlu_, and whom he afterwards put to death.
According to the best accounts which I received from different persons,
the forces of Uzun-Hassan may amount to about 50,000 cavalry, a
considerable part of whom are not of much value. It has been reported by
some who were present, that at one time he led an army of 40,000 Persians
to battle against the Turks, for the purpose of restoring _Pirameth_ to
the sovereignty of Karamania, whence he had been expelled by the
infidels.[5]

[1] Uzun-Hassan, as formerly mentioned, was prince of the Turkmans of the
white sheep tribe, and acquired the dominion of western Persia, by the
defeat of Hassan-ali prince of the black sheep Turkmans, who is
probably the person named Causa in the text.--E.

[2] This is a mistake, Persepolis is supposed to have been at, or near
Istakar, above twenty miles N.N.E. from Shiras.--E.

[3] Diarbekir, with the cities of Arzunjan, Mardin, Roha, or Orfa, and
Siwas, are said to have been committed by Timour to the government of
Kara Ilug Ozman, the great grandfather of Uzun-Hassan, who may have
retained the original possessions of his tribe after the acquisition
of western Persia.--Mod. Univ. Hist. VI. 111.

[4] According to the authors of the Modern Universal History. B. VIII. ch.
i. sect. 3. Uzun-Hassan had seven sons: Ogurlu Mohammed, Khahil Mirza,
Maksud beg, Jakub beg, Masih beg, Yusuf beg, and Zegnel. Contarini
strangely corrupts almost every name that occurs. Uzun-Hassan, he
makes Unsuncassan; Ogurlu Mohammed, Gurlu mamech; Kalil mirza, Sultan
chali; Yakub beg, Lacubei; Maksud beg, or Masih beg, Masubech; and
omits three of the seven.--E.

[5] Uzun-Hassan is said to have been defeated in battle by the Turks, in
1471, near Arzenjan.--Mod. Univ. Hist. VI. 113.

CHAPTER III.

VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY BY THE PORTUGUESE ALONG THE WESTERN COAST OF AFRICA,
DURING THE LIFE, AND UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DON HENRY.[1]

INTRODUCTION.

The knowledge possessed by the ancients respecting India, will be the
subject of discussion in a future portion of this work. We have now to
contemplate the tedious, yet finally successful efforts of the