The grand seignor threatened to declare war against the czar, on pretence that he had not performed some essential articles of the late peace; but his real motive was an inclination to support the king of Sweden.

This disposition, however, was defeated by a powerful party at the Porte, who were averse to war.

Charles, who still remained at Bender, was desired to return to his own kingdom, and given to understand that the sultan would procure him a safe passage.

He treated the person who brought this intimation with the most outrageous insolence, rejected the proposal, fortified his house, and resolved to defend himself to the last extremity.

Being attacked by a considerable body of Turkish forces, he and his attendants fought with the most frantic valour.