'Go into
Hungary to the
count of Lazar, who possesses land between the mountains of
Melcabee and
Veliki Jastrebac through which we wish our forces to pass, and tell him on our behalf that we command him, should he wish for himself and his country to remain in peace, to come and make obeisance to us, just as he knows the
lord of Palatya, the
lord of Antalya and the
lord of Ayasuluk have done, and secure our passage. If he refuses us or seems rebellious, tell him from us and show him by example that I will put as many men in his country to destroy him as there are grains of millet in this sack.'
With that
Murad Baqir's ambassadors and messengers departed, having been informed of and fully prepared for what they must do. They journeyed hard until they came into
Hungary and the domains of the
count of Lazar at the foot of the mountains, where they found him in one of his castles named
Kruševac. The
count, who was wise and astute, received
Murad's ambassadors with great kindness and made them welcome, but he was most astonished when he saw the mule entering his court laden with a sack full of he knew not what. At first he assumed it to be gold bezants or precious stones that
Murad had sent to seduce and convert him, and thus gain passage through his lands, but he had resolved never to agree to it, nor let himself be corrupted by any gift he might be given."
"And so
Murad Baqir's messengers arrived before the
count of Lazar and said as follows,
'
Lord of Lazar, listen to us. We have been sent here by the great and illustrious king our sovereign lord
Murad Baqir, lord of
Turkey and all its dependencies. And we tell you on his behalf that he commands you to come and make obeisance to him in the same form and manner as you have seen. You know that your neighbours, the
lord of Palatya, the
lord of Ayasuluk, and the
lord of Antalya have paid and do pay homage to him. You will open your land ready for his arrival, if you wish to remain at peace, and in so doing you will enjoy his good grace and favour. If you rebel and refuse to do this, we are commanded to tell you that
lord Murad will send more armed men to your land than there are grains of millet in this sack.'
With that they had the sack opened and showed him what was inside. When the
count of Lazar had heard
Murad's ambassadors, he was at once advised to give a measured response and not to reveal his thoughts or his intentions, so he said,
'Tie the bag up again. I can see what is in it and I have also heard loud and clear from you what
Murad requests of me. In three days I will give you an answer, because the demands
Murad has made require much deliberation.'
'You have spoken well,' they replied.
With a response assured, they remained there for the three days. I will now tell you what the
count of Lazar did during the three days he had to respond. He had his castle supplied with more than two thousand poultry, capons and hens, and had them starved so that they ate nothing for those three days.
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