CAUSE OF THE COWARDICE OF THE INFIDELS.
At the last-mentioned siege the Moslems had to resist the infidel begs for some days, on account of their superior numbers: for had they not possessed this advantage, they would not have fought in the position which Khair-ad-din had taken; since it is written in their books that it is lawful to fall alive into the enemy’s hand, and that they who fall in battle do not enter paradise; their learned men also teach this doctrine. It is related that Andrea Doria once asked a learned captive the reason why our race were so brave in battle. The captive replied that it was a miracle performed by our prophet, because that whoever received his faith became brave, and would draw his sword even against his own relatives. Andrea asked a farther reason, but the captive could not give him any other, and said he knew no more on the subject. Andrea then said, “Is it not written in your books that whoever flies from battle goes to hell, and that if a person flies from two infidels he cannot enter paradise? These are the words that make the Moslems so brave. Now in our books it is written, that if a thousand men should be attacked by one Moslem, and they know they are to be killed by him, they need not fight him, because those who die in battle do not enter paradise. This it is that makes us so cowardly.” This doctrine is also taught by the Pope; the infidel soldiers however fight till they die, caring little about a future state. The author has questioned several learned men among the Christians on this subject, and has ascertained that the case is not as stated by Andrea, who being an ignorant fellow and unacquainted with books, spoke only his own ideas of the matter. The Christians do not consider it lawful to turn from battle.