The vexation of Selim at the failure of this ex pedition, was diverted by his resolution to wrest from the Venetians the island of Cyprus, which, after a brave and protracted defence, yielded to his arms. Famagusta, its strongest fortress, had been intrusted to Braga,ndino, whose undaunted bravery and skill prolonged the defence; but exhausted by famine, and all hope of succour being extinguished, he capitulated upon condition of being allowed to depart in safety. This stipulation, however, was instantly violated by the perfidious Turk, and the brave Bragandino, after being exposed to insults and tortures, was inhumanly flayed alive, and his skin, stuffed with straw, was hung at the yard-arm of a Turkish galley.
Europe looked on with apathy during these pro ceedings, but no sooner was Cyprus lost than the christian states became alarmed, and entered into a league for mutual defence. Their fleets, com manded by Don John of Austria, repaid the perfidy of the Turks by the total destruction of their navy in the gulf of Lepanto; and this splendid victory, while it filled the Ottomans with dismay, animated the Venetians with the hope of the re-conquest of Cyprus. Its results, however, were far inadequate
to the glorious fruits which it promised. The mari time strength of Turkey was regenerated by the talents and valour of the high admiral hilig Ali, who put to sea with his new fleet, and braved the forces of the confederates upon their own coast. Philip II., the chief of the confederates, withdrew his squadrons, and the Venetians were compelled to make peace, with the loss of Cyprus and part of Dalmatia.
An insurrection which broke out in Moldavia was speedily quelled, and Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis, having acknowledged the supremacy of the Ottoman porte, Selim contemplated the reduction of Malta, when he was carried off by a fever, in the ninth year of his reign. This prince possessed none of the martial and energetic qualities of his father; but overcome by indolence and superstition, he de voted himself to wine and pleasure. Worn out by early intemperance and debauchery, he became a prey to superstitious fears, which so affected his mind, that a morbid melancholy shortened his life.