Then sent a taunting message

It is said that lie brought ropes with him to bind the chiefs; but for the people   at the sight of whose beautiful swords and turban-like head-dresses lie was incensed bread-knives and peasants’ caps: for such, he said, best became them.

Vfis first attacked and carried the smaller in- trenchment, despite the iron cannon with which it was defended by the Servians. But the larger fortification held out the whole day, so that the Turks were appalled by the losses they sustained ; and as their scouts reported that Kara George was approaching with his whole force, at least 10,000 men (he actually did lead down about 5000 from the mountains), Afis determined to retreat. Accordingly, during the night, he took down the standards with which he had surrounded the besieged fort; and, that his departure might not in consequence be noticed, he planted branches of trees in their stead, and then removed to Parakyn.

On the following morning Kara George made his appearance. Finding the camp deserted, he advanced as far as a hill in front of Parakyn, and saluted the enemy with some shot. He then sent a taunting message: saying “ If the Pacha were a hero, lie would come down into the plain:” asking “ Why should the poor people in the town, who had committed no wrong, have their houses burnt ? ” Kara George wished, moreover, to avoid the necessity of attacking Parakyn, on account of its belonging to the Pacha of Leskowaz, to whom he was under some obligation.

Afis found it difficult to hold his position, even behind the walls of Parakyn. Despairing of being able to carry out his undertaking, and much chagrined at the necessity of yielding to a Raja, he retreated still further to Nisch. Ilis death, which occurred soon after, was ascribed to the mortification he experienced at the frustration of his mission.

What had hitherto been avoided now actually took place. After an army which the Grand Signior had sent to Servia had been repulsed by violence on the borders of the country, it could no longer be said that the Sovereign took part with the Raja.

The war that had been commenced against the Dahis now took a different turn; and owing to the errors of the day, the old national dissensions were revived.