World History

"Dost thou not know that the greatest part of Asia is subject to our arms
and our laws? that our invincible forces extend from one sea to the other?
that the potentates of the Earth form a line before our gate? and that we have
compelled Forture herself to watch over the prosperity of our empire? What
is the foundation of thy insolence and folly? Thou hast fought some battles
in the woods of Anatolia; contemptible trophies! Thou hast obtained some
victories over the Christians of Europe; thy sword was blessed by the
apostle of God; and thy obedience to the precept of the Koran in waging war
against the infidels is the sole consideration that prevents us from
destroying thy country, the frontier and bulwark of the Moslem world. Be
wise in time; reflect, repent, and avert the thunder of our vengeance, which
is yet suspended over thy head. Thou art no more than a pismire, why wilt
thou seek to provoke the elephants? Alas, they will trample thee under
their feet." -- Timour the Lame

"Thy armies are innumerable, be they so. But what are the arrows of the
flying Tartar against the scimitars and battle-axes of my firm and
invincible Janissaries? I will guard the princes who have implored my
protection; seek them in my tents. The cities of Arzingan and Erzeroum
are mine; and unless the tribute be duly paid, I will demand the arrears
under the walls of Tauris and Sultania. ... If I fly from thy arms, may
my wives be thrice divorced from my bed, but if thou hast not courage to
meet me in the field, mayest thou again recieve thy wives after they have
thrice endured the embraces of a stranger."