{ 132} But we have more than circumstantial proof of the existence of these safe-conducts, as besides a later, but here very pertinent, order of the former great Hungarian count Thurzo, given in the year 1616, remarkable for its serious and humane contents, an older one, granted in the earliest age of the Gipseys, is still extant. It is written on paper, and was brought by those who were at Regenspurgh in 1423. Andreas Presbyter copied it into his six-years Journal, which was in the possession of Oefelius.
{ 137} The eastern division of the present kingdom of Tunis.
{ 138} Zichen, Zigier, or Zincher, among the ancients, called in the earliest times Achæans, dwelt in the country now inhabited by the Circassians.
{ 139} The torlaques are Mahometan monks, who, under the pretence of holiness, are guilty of the most flagrant excesses. Bajazet the Second banished them from the Turkish empire in 1494. The kalendars, who are likewise monks, wander about in Heathen, as the Gipsy’s do in Christian, countries. Faquirs are religious fanatics, and rove about in Mahometan and Heathen countries, like the most atrocious robbers and villains. Anquetil says, the Faquirs in India go pilgrimages to Jagrenat, to the amount of several thousand. On their return from Jagrenat they plunder such villages and cities as lie in their way. They form considerable bodies about a mile from Jagrenat, where they choose themselves a leader, to whom they pay all the honours due to a general. With regard to strolling and thieving, the Faquirs and Gipseys agree exactly. But this proves nothing concerning the extraction of the latter.
{ 141} The cause of this persecution was a dreadful plague, which, in the year 1348, raged all over Europe. This calamity was attributed to the Jews, who were accused of having poisoned the wells and water-springs, in order to exterminate the Christians. Never did any description of people experience greater oppression and misery than what were suffered by the Jews of that time. All the gaols and prisons were crowded with them; they were put to the rack in every judicial court. The day was scarcely long enough for the execution of the poor condemned wretches; nor were the nights ever dark, by reason of the continual fires which were kept burning every-where, to consume them at the stake. Vast numbers, who had escaped the rigour of the tribunals, fell a sacrifice to popular fury. They were suffocated in bogs, slaughtered like flies, and destroyed by other summary means. There was no distinction made of age or sex: the same unrelenting fate pursued men and women, children and grey-headed, without exception. To all this was added the plague, which attacked the Jews as well as the Christians. Under such circumstances, it is no wonder if such as could escape from a persecution so dreadful, and unmerited, really did secret themselves in the most retired corners.