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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Defense of Korcula from Turkish Attack in 1571 (part two)}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Defense of Korcula from Turkish Attack in 1571 (part two)}}

[[File:250px-Croatia-Dalmatia-1.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Dalmatia (the dark purple) within todays modern [[Croatia]]. The island of Korčula is marked red.]]

[[File:250px-Croatia-Dalmatia-1.jpg|thumb|right|525px|Dalmatia (the dark purple) within todays modern [[Croatia]]. The island of Korčula is marked red.]]

Written by '''Antonio (Antun) Rosanovic''' of the historical event of the '''1571''' battle in which the people of the island of Korcula (in modern Croatian the c in Korcula is pronounced ch and is written "č") defended themselves against the Ottoman Empire. Originally written in [[Latin]].

Written by '''Antonio (Antun) Rosanovic''' of the historical event of the '''1571''' battle in which the people of the island of Korcula (in modern Croatian the c in Korcula is pronounced ch and is written "č") defended themselves against the Ottoman Empire. Originally written in [[Latin]].

= The Story (part two)=

= The Story (part two)=

"Following the demise of Troy these walls were built by Antenor"}}

"Following the demise of Troy these walls were built by Antenor"}}

And so that because if it’s ageing it doesn’t collapse, care was taken by Antun Leoni, who took care to return to it the original look and beauty. Some later day authors called the island and the city; '''Curzola''' (editors note: the name of the island at the time when this work was written, modern: Korčula). I was not able to find out the reason for this name. The length of the island from east to west is some 300 stadia, (which is about fifty miles) the width is not uniform, at the widest it is about 90 stadia (stade, is an ancient Greek unit of length). And at the narrowest is only 40 stadia. The height is up to 70. The mountainous part is unproductive and dry. The island is adaptable to planting of vineyards, and also for pastures, but it excels with it’s forests. Through the middle of the island we find a number of mountainous hills, which on the ends descend to small hills. The coast is curvy with many bays and coves, with many unsafe harbours, but it has a number of large bays where boats can take refuge in bad weather, on all sides. Eastern point of the island is called Raznjic, because looking like a tongue is extended from width of 8 to a thousand steps. The West end is separated into two forks. The largest one of '''Saint Ivan''' of '''Gradina''' which takes 50 stadia. Rain takes care of the water needs. But still not far from '''Vallegrande''' (modern: Vela Luka) the most 300 stadia away in the Great Field of village of '''Blatta''' (modern: Blato), in which there is a large amount of fresh water, where at certain times, it turns into a mud field, therefore the name Blato (Blatta) in translation means mud, and this is where the name comes from. Quite often sometimes two or three and as much as seven years that this water does not dry out, but when the water does go away, this field about 1500 feet long becomes very fertile. When it is cultivated, anything planted produces one hundred percent. This field belongs to a certain number of families, and every seven years it is divided according to a Hungarian custom, and is given to each head of the family. Women also receive ownership as long as they remain unmarried, but as soon as they marry they loose that right, also when entering into a family that has no right to this ownership. This right she cannot obtain by receiving a dowry or through inheritance, or in any other way. She even has no right to leave these families. Those who receive this land have right to only two parcels,one piece in a less productive section, and other on the more productive location. All of the parcels are of the same size, except some are a little larger, which are given to surveyors. There is six surveyors; three form the city and other three from the village. And this job is assigned to certain families, and cannot be passed to others. Size of the parcel is given according to the number of members in the family. In this field grows some king of greasy grass, on which animals like to graze. Then from it, their stomachs blow up than they die. The meat from these animals cannot be used for eating, as well as the hide cannot be used for leather, this resembles something similar to leprosy. It is said that if all of this field was cultivated, that it can feed not only the field workers and islanders but also the people on the neighbouring islands. Experts insist that the level of the field is below the sea level, that if a channel was excavated between the hills which divide this field from the sea, it cannot be drained into the sea. But you cannot excuse the negligence of the people. Regardless of flooding the field is not being worked on, or cultivated, except for a small part at the Eastern end that is most productive. The island with it’s surrounding small islands produces plenty of wine, wood, fish as much as is possible. Two trades dominate, these are stonecutting and shipbuilding.

And so that because if it’s ageing it doesn’t collapse, care was taken by '''Antun Leoni''', who took care to return to it the original look and beauty. Some later day authors called the island and the city; '''Curzola''' (editors note: the name of the island at the time when this work was written, modern: Korčula). I was not able to find out the reason for this name. The length of the island from east to west is some 300 stadia, (which is about fifty miles) the width is not uniform, at the widest it is about 90 stadia (stade, is an ancient Greek unit of length). And at the narrowest is only 40 stadia. The height is up to 70. The mountainous part is unproductive and dry. The island is adaptable to planting of vineyards, and also for pastures, but it excels with it’s forests. Through the middle of the island we find a number of mountainous hills, which on the ends descend to small hills. The coast is curvy with many bays and coves, with many unsafe harbours, but it has a number of large bays where boats can take refuge in bad weather, on all sides. Eastern point of the island is called Raznjic, because looking like a tongue is extended from width of 8 to a thousand steps. The West end is separated into two forks. The largest one of '''Saint Ivan''' of '''Gradina''' which takes 50 stadia. Rain takes care of the water needs. But still not far from '''Vallegrande''' (modern: Vela Luka) the most 300 stadia away in the Great Field of village of '''Blatta''' (modern: Blato), in which there is a large amount of fresh water, where at certain times, it turns into a mud field, therefore the name Blato (Blatta) in translation means mud, and this is where the name comes from. Quite often sometimes two or three and as much as seven years that this water does not dry out, but when the water does go away, this field about 1500 feet long becomes very fertile. When it is cultivated, anything planted produces one hundred percent. This field belongs to a certain number of families, and every seven years it is divided according to a Hungarian custom, and is given to each head of the family. Women also receive ownership as long as they remain unmarried, but as soon as they marry they loose that right, also when entering into a family that has no right to this ownership. This right she cannot obtain by receiving a dowry or through inheritance, or in any other way. She even has no right to leave these families. Those who receive this land have right to only two parcels, one piece in a less productive section, and other on the more productive location. All of the parcels are of the same size, except some are a little larger, which are given to surveyors. There is six surveyors; three form the city and other three from the village. And this job is assigned to certain families, and cannot be passed to others. Size of the parcel is given according to the number of members in the family. In this field grows some king of greasy grass, on which animals like to graze. Then from it, their stomachs blow up than they die. The meat from these animals cannot be used for eating, as well as the hide cannot be used for leather, this resembles something similar to leprosy. It is said that if all of this field was cultivated, that it can feed not only the field workers and islanders but also the people on the neighbouring islands. Experts insist that the level of the field is below the sea level, that if a channel was excavated between the hills which divide this field from the sea, it cannot be drained into the sea. But you cannot excuse the negligence of the people. Regardless of flooding the field is not being worked on, or cultivated, except for a small part at the Eastern end that is most productive. The island with it’s surrounding small islands produces plenty of wine, wood, fish as much as is possible. Two trades dominate, these are stonecutting and shipbuilding.

[[File:Venetian galley at Curzola-engraving.jpg|thumb|right|375px|A 19th century engraving of a Venetian galley fighting a Genoese fleet at the battle of Curzola in 1298. The Granger Collection-England]]

[[File:Venetian galley at Curzola-engraving.jpg|thumb|right|375px|A 19th century engraving of a Venetian galley fighting a Genoese fleet at the battle of Curzola in 1298. The Granger Collection-England]]

This island lies in Illyricum <ref>Illyricum was a Roman province that existed between 167 BC and 10 AD, named after conquered Illyria, stretching from the Drin river (in modern north Albania) to Istria (Istra, Croatia) in the west and to the Sava river (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the North. Salona (near modern Split in Croatia) functioned as its capital. The province was then divided into Pannonia in the North and Dalmatia in the South. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref> opposite the coast of Monte Gargano,<ref>Gargano is a historical and geographical Italian sub-region situated in Apulia, consisting of a wide isolated mountain massif made of highland and several peaks and forming the backbone of the Gargano Promontory projecting into the Adriatic Sea. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref>100,000 steps in distance across the sea. To the East there is island of Meleda (modern: Mljet), South is '''Lagosta''' (modern: Lastovo) with surrounding small islands. To the West some sixty stadia  is''' Lissa''' (modern:Vis), North of us is '''Lesina''' (modern: Hvar) at distance of 30,000 steps, at the closest point. To the North is also bay of Neretva and along it an extended peninsula of Pelisac (modern Croatian: Pelješac), which Ptolomey called Eneys mountains. Reaching the delta of river Neretva extending over '''Ragusan's''' islands (modern: Dubrovnik), to the right and all the way up to Hvar (Lesina) to the left. At the junction with the mainland it makes connection only four stadia wide, where the ancient town of Stagno (modern: Ston) was established. From that point you can see city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) as well as Hvar (Lesina) and Brazza (modern: Brač) to the West. Island of Korčula by it’s positioning creates two sea-channels; first to the East with  Mljet (Meleda) and Lastovo (Lagosta), which extends for the entire length of the island, some 160 stadia wide, The other channel is created between it and peninsula of Pelisac, which is about 76 stadias wide. This varies in length , but that one does not go more than 18 thousand reaches, and this one a little over 12. Korčula extends for this length until it is even with Hvar (Lesina) on the opposite shore. Mljet (Meleda) channel is without any islands, but Korčula on both ends has many small islands close to its shore, with many shallow rocky reefs, where it is dangerous for navigation. The city was built some 50 stadias distanced from the entrance to either channel, it points to the highest peak on the opposite mountainous peninsula of Pelisac, the city was erected on a relatively steep hill surrounded with fortified walls in circular shape, with seashore almost all around, except for the portion of South side where it is connected to the main island with and arched bridge, and a ditch under it. Buildings in the city are constructed of good quality white stone. The Cathedral with the bell tower is located in the centre of the city. Because of the slope in the terrain, the Cathedral extends in height above other buildings, giving those who approach the city a beautiful scene. In front of the Cathedral, in the middle of the city, there is a nicely tiled stone square. All of the city streets radiate from this square, in even order. This reminds as of the verses of a complimenting poet;'' “A circle with centre surrounded all over with tight order of streets; this is picture of Korčula.”''. Korčula gives Dalmatia not a small glory, when it is attacked the Venetian fathers carefully are guarding it. Exactly at this time, the city was well supplied with ammunition and other armament for defence, this was provided by Republic of Venice, by its great Rector Peter Bragadin. He sent to Venice a delegation of ten, led by '''Rafael Gabrielis''', who brought in many guns, spears, bow and arrows, six canons that could shoot balls of 20 pounds. When the war started, again Filip Rosanovic was sent and he brought back more explosives and other ammunition. From before, in the city we had armament of steel, and especially so called popes cannon, which was capable of firing balls of 30 pounds. In the armoury, there was also a large stock of other assorted armaments. Fortified walls as they were already old and aged, needed to be renovated. Our biggest fear was a small number of defenders. But, enough of all of this. Let us return to our story.

This island lies in Illyricum <ref>Illyricum was a Roman province that existed between 167 BC and 10 AD, named after conquered Illyria, stretching from the Drin river (in modern north Albania) to Istria (Istra, Croatia) in the west and to the Sava river (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the North. Salona (near modern Split in Croatia) functioned as its capital. The province was then divided into Pannonia in the North and Dalmatia in the South. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref> opposite the coast of Monte Gargano,<ref>Gargano is a historical and geographical Italian sub-region situated in Apulia, consisting of a wide isolated mountain massif made of highland and several peaks and forming the backbone of the Gargano Promontory projecting into the Adriatic Sea. (ref from Wikipedia)</ref>100,000 steps in distance across the sea. To the East there is island of Meleda (modern: Mljet), South is '''Lagosta''' (modern: Lastovo) with surrounding small islands. To the West some sixty stadia  is''' Lissa''' (modern:Vis), North of us is '''Lesina''' (modern: Hvar) at distance of 30,000 steps, at the closest point. To the North is also bay of Neretva and along it an extended peninsula of Pelisac (modern Croatian: Pelješac), which Ptolomey called Eneys mountains. Reaching the delta of river Neretva extending over '''Ragusan's''' islands (modern: Dubrovnik), to the right and all the way up to Hvar (Lesina) to the left. At the junction with the mainland it makes connection only four stadia wide, where the ancient town of Stagno (modern: Ston) was established. From that point you can see city of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) as well as Hvar (Lesina) and Brazza (modern: Brač) to the West. Island of Korčula by it’s positioning creates two sea-channels; first to the East with  Mljet (Meleda) and Lastovo (Lagosta), which extends for the entire length of the island, some 160 stadia wide, The other channel is created between it and peninsula of Pelisac, which is about 76 stadias wide. This varies in length , but that one does not go more than 18 thousand reaches, and this one a little over 12. Korčula extends for this length until it is even with Hvar (Lesina) on the opposite shore. Mljet (Meleda) channel is without any islands, but Korčula on both ends has many small islands close to its shore, with many shallow rocky reefs, where it is dangerous for navigation. The city was built some 50 stadias distanced from the entrance to either channel, it points to the highest peak on the opposite mountainous peninsula of Pelisac, the city was erected on a relatively steep hill surrounded with fortified walls in circular shape, with seashore almost all around, except for the portion of South side where it is connected to the main island with and arched bridge, and a ditch under it. Buildings in the city are constructed of good quality white stone. The Cathedral with the bell tower is located in the centre of the city. Because of the slope in the terrain, the Cathedral extends in height above other buildings, giving those who approach the city a beautiful scene. In front of the Cathedral, in the middle of the city, there is a nicely tiled stone square. All of the city streets radiate from this square, in even order. This reminds as of the verses of a complimenting poet;'' “A circle with centre surrounded all over with tight order of streets; this is picture of Korčula.”''. Korčula gives Dalmatia not a small glory, when it is attacked the Venetian fathers carefully are guarding it. Exactly at this time, the city was well supplied with ammunition and other armament for defence, this was provided by Republic of Venice, by its great Rector Peter Bragadin. He sent to Venice a delegation of ten, led by '''Rafael Gabrielis''', who brought in many guns, spears, bow and arrows, six canons that could shoot balls of 20 pounds. When the war started, again Filip Rosanovic was sent and he brought back more explosives and other ammunition. From before, in the city we had armament of steel, and especially so called popes cannon, which was capable of firing balls of 30 pounds. In the armoury, there was also a large stock of other assorted armaments. Fortified walls as they were already old and aged, needed to be renovated. Our biggest fear was a small number of defenders. But, enough of all of this. Let us return to our story.

==Fighting was Continuing on Land ==

==Fighting was Continuing on Land ==

[[File:800px-Korcula City.jpg|thumb|right|450px| Town of Korčula]]

[[File:800px-Korcula City.jpg|thumb|right|450px| Town of Korčula]]

While this fighting was continuing on the land, the galleys moved away from the shore and sailed around the perimeter of the city walls, some distance away, then they would stop, point their guns towards us, then they would move fast towards us. But hearing the thunder of our guns, they would hurry back to a safe distance. In this fashion they tried several times to get close moving from the South to the North, then when they would reach the corner they would stop and start shooting towards the city walls, causing considerable damage to the walls. These would have collapsed if we didn’t brace then with timbers and beams. In the meantime we were returning the fire, rarely without any success. The fight was continuing without advantage to any side, but to our greater danger a great number if the enemy, very few of us, weak city walls, partly destroyed by the enemy, a city without leadership, lack of disciplined army, anyone in our place much stronger than we are, would give up this fight. And we outnumbered, everything was reversed by us. The enemy was attacking, and I can not understand, with what heavenly fulfillment we have forgotten our fears and kept our bravery. Maybe, because we had no other choice. And so we continued our agony surrounded from the land and the sea. The enemy from the land side continued spraying us with bullets, and galleys continued circling around the city walls, continuing to damage the city walls, as well as the homes within reach of their guns. All around us, buildings became ruins and many people were killed. There was no hope of help from anywhere, only from the heaven, that was our only hope. I honestly believe that the merciful help came from our Lady, Mother of God. Only Our Lady who would never let anyone take away from the city the miraculous occasion, like a gift of gifted protection, she showed us that under her wings is this city, like some time ago under the attack from Aragon ships, that is our guaranty, our tradition. It is for sure that there is no one else that can came to our help, but she came again to our rescue. Here is a '''true miracle'''; All of a sudden a strong wind started to blow from the North with all it’s force, like the ones we experience only in winter.  

While this fighting was continuing on the land, the galleys moved away from the shore and sailed around the perimeter of the city walls, some distance away, then they would stop, point their guns towards us, then they would move fast towards us. But hearing the thunder of our guns, they would hurry back to a safe distance. In this fashion they tried several times to get close moving from the South to the North, then when they would reach the corner they would stop and start shooting towards the city walls, causing considerable damage to the walls. These would have collapsed if we didn’t brace then with timbers and beams. In the meantime we were returning the fire, rarely without any success. The fight was continuing without advantage to any side, but to our greater danger a great number if the enemy, very few of us, weak city walls, partly destroyed by the enemy, a city without leadership, lack of disciplined army, anyone in our place much stronger than we are, would give up this fight. And we outnumbered, everything was reversed by us. The enemy was attacking, and I can not understand, with what heavenly fulfilment we have forgotten our fears and kept our bravery. Maybe, because we had no other choice. And so we continued our agony surrounded from the land and the sea. The enemy from the land side continued spraying us with bullets, and galleys continued circling around the city walls, continuing to damage the city walls, as well as the homes within reach of their guns. All around us, buildings became ruins and many people were killed. There was no hope of help from anywhere, only from the heaven, that was our only hope. I honestly believe that the merciful help came from our Lady, Mother of God. Only Our Lady who would never let anyone take away from the city the miraculous occasion, like a gift of gifted protection, she showed us that under her wings is this city, like some time ago under the attack from Aragon ships, that is our guaranty, our tradition. It is for sure that there is no one else that can came to our help, but she came again to our rescue. Here is a '''true miracle'''; All of a sudden a strong wind started to blow from the North with all it’s force, like the ones we experience only in winter.  

The enemy ships were all suddenly pushed against the city walls. Scared enemy, so that the ships would not break on rocky shore, in addition of our continued shelling, the rowers were made to row the galleys away from the rocks. Finally with great effort they moved away into the wind and against tall waves. They were able to move to the West and reach St. Nicholas monastery, to a small protected cove. O how blessed this help was. I can freely say, that what even a poet could not say for this our little city. ''”Happy is the one who has heaven on his side”''. Units of enemy’s infantry, seeing how the ships were chased away by the storm, hiding in the nearby cove gave up with their fight, and like madmen started to loot whatever they could in the Varos, residential area outside the city. They ransacked the churches and private homes, as well as the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, while they were forced to set on fire the damaged ships and their dead fighters. Number of them went back to their ships, while the others wandering around reached neighbouring Zernova (modern: Žrnovo), already exhausted from fighting, stole the bells. And very few remained outside city walls, occasionally firing. Around noon we noticed three officers, judging by the way they were dressed, watching down from the hill of Saint Blaze.  

The enemy ships were all suddenly pushed against the city walls. Scared enemy, so that the ships would not break on rocky shore, in addition of our continued shelling, the rowers were made to row the galleys away from the rocks. Finally with great effort they moved away into the wind and against tall waves. They were able to move to the West and reach St. Nicholas monastery, to a small protected cove. O how blessed this help was. I can freely say, that what even a poet could not say for this our little city. ''”Happy is the one who has heaven on his side”''. Units of enemy’s infantry, seeing how the ships were chased away by the storm, hiding in the nearby cove gave up with their fight, and like madmen started to loot whatever they could in the Varos, residential area outside the city. They ransacked the churches and private homes, as well as the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, while they were forced to set on fire the damaged ships and their dead fighters. Number of them went back to their ships, while the others wandering around reached neighbouring Zernova (modern: Žrnovo), already exhausted from fighting, stole the bells. And very few remained outside city walls, occasionally firing. Around noon we noticed three officers, judging by the way they were dressed, watching down from the hill of Saint Blaze.  

SEVENTY FIRST YEAR AFTER THE ONE THOUSAND AND FIVE HUNDRED RUNNING YEARS SINCE OUR LADY GAVE BIRTH, FROM THE ENEMY GALLEYS ALL AROUND US, ULUZ-ALI ATTACKED US ON THE DAY OF ASCENSION OF OUR LADY, ULUZ-ALI SUFFERS DEFEAT, BROKEN, RUNNING FROM OUR SHORES, WITH THE HELP OF OUR LADY, WHO HELPED US, WE DEDICATE HERE TO SHOW OUR THANK-FULLNESS, WITH THESE RELICS.  

SEVENTY FIRST YEAR AFTER THE ONE THOUSAND AND FIVE HUNDRED RUNNING YEARS SINCE OUR LADY GAVE BIRTH, FROM THE ENEMY GALLEYS ALL AROUND US, ULUZ-ALI ATTACKED US ON THE DAY OF ASCENSION OF OUR LADY, ULUZ-ALI SUFFERS DEFEAT, BROKEN, RUNNING FROM OUR SHORES, WITH THE HELP OF OUR LADY, WHO HELPED US, WE DEDICATE HERE TO SHOW OUR THANK-FULLNESS, WITH THESE RELICS.  

[[File:85px-Coat of arms of Dalmatia crowned.svg.png|thumb|right|125px|Dalmatia's Coat of arms]]

[[File:85px-Coat of arms of Dalmatia crowned.svg.png|thumb|right|150px|Dalmatia's Coat of arms]]

After all this, the archdeacon notifies Jakov Foscarini and Filip Bragadin of our salvation and of enemy’s shipping leaving from all of Adriatic. These two had a duty from''' Senate in Venice''', as commanders of both land and sea military forces in Dalmatia. They hurriedly notified the Senate of what has happened , telling that there was no more fear in all of Dalmatia, and that everyone is proud of what has happened in Korčula. I would also like to mention that this victory was the beginning what was to follow, victories in other Mediterranean locations like the one by Bay of Korinth. I also believe that our victory gave others the will to fight and to stop the aggression from the East. The pagan saying goes; The luck is in charge of wars. The word from holy scriptures is more valued, which says; The Lord is in charge of the armies. Similarly the holy service to God in a Mass, confirms; The heaven and Earth are full of greatness of Gods armies,- because The Lord Sabaots army, everyone can understand; while in opposite word “luck” doesn’t mean anything. Namely the God is creator of everything, and He is in charge of all the armies. But where else can you see how God directs human race, there it is a proof of this in our defence of Korčula. If you try and be quiet not talking about this. So many great and large cities conquered, burned, and what is this little town, abandoned, with weak defensive walls, with insignificant defences, anyway succeeded in not being taken over. Who gave the strength to those children not trained or accustomed to fighting, gave the gift of speed, strength and bravery? Who, to those women and girls gave the heart and spirit, dressed in soldiers uniforms, with danger of being wounded and dead, to pass on arrows and ammunitions to fight the enemy? Isn’t it God’s spirit, which gave them the strength to attack enemies. Isn’t this God’s handiwork, that nobody was taken prisoner by the enemy, If that has happened they would uncover our weakness, where enemy would find out how few of us there was. Even those running away from the city could have been easily taken as prisoners. And what about this? In the bay of Risanj there was 400 galleys belonging to the enemy. These were selected ships from Uluz-Ali’s and Karakozije’s fleets, being readied to move on Dalmatia. Both very prepared and ready. One led 55 sails, and the other 20 larger ones. They moved together to cause havoc. They cheated one another in ravaging different towns, they both bypassed Korčula, while they hit the island of Hvar (Lesina) again. Why is it that upon their return after plundering Hvar (Lesina), they again split. One is afraid to attack again and other has no time for it. O blessed Virgin, we believe that in these dark moments you interceded for us in front of God. Then, like you were an example with your modesty while on this world, where so now, while in heaven are doing all possible if front of God for our benefit.  

After all this, the archdeacon notifies Jakov Foscarini and Filip Bragadin of our salvation and of enemy’s shipping leaving from all of Adriatic. These two had a duty from''' Senate in Venice''', as commanders of both land and sea military forces in Dalmatia. They hurriedly notified the Senate of what has happened , telling that there was no more fear in all of Dalmatia, and that everyone is proud of what has happened in Korčula. I would also like to mention that this victory was the beginning what was to follow, victories in other Mediterranean locations like the one by Bay of Korinth. I also believe that our victory gave others the will to fight and to stop the aggression from the East. The pagan saying goes; The luck is in charge of wars. The word from holy scriptures is more valued, which says; The Lord is in charge of the armies. Similarly the holy service to God in a Mass, confirms; The heaven and Earth are full of greatness of Gods armies,- because The Lord Sabaots army, everyone can understand; while in opposite word “luck” doesn’t mean anything. Namely the God is creator of everything, and He is in charge of all the armies. But where else can you see how God directs human race, there it is a proof of this in our defence of Korčula. If you try and be quiet not talking about this. So many great and large cities conquered, burned, and what is this little town, abandoned, with weak defensive walls, with insignificant defences, anyway succeeded in not being taken over. Who gave the strength to those children not trained or accustomed to fighting, gave the gift of speed, strength and bravery? Who, to those women and girls gave the heart and spirit, dressed in soldiers uniforms, with danger of being wounded and dead, to pass on arrows and ammunitions to fight the enemy? Isn’t it God’s spirit, which gave them the strength to attack enemies. Isn’t this God’s handiwork, that nobody was taken prisoner by the enemy, If that has happened they would uncover our weakness, where enemy would find out how few of us there was. Even those running away from the city could have been easily taken as prisoners. And what about this? In the bay of Risanj there was 400 galleys belonging to the enemy. These were selected ships from Uluz-Ali’s and Karakozije’s fleets, being readied to move on Dalmatia. Both very prepared and ready. One led 55 sails, and the other 20 larger ones. They moved together to cause havoc. They cheated one another in ravaging different towns, they both bypassed Korčula, while they hit the island of Hvar (Lesina) again. Why is it that upon their return after plundering Hvar (Lesina), they again split. One is afraid to attack again and other has no time for it. O blessed Virgin, we believe that in these dark moments you interceded for us in front of God. Then, like you were an example with your modesty while on this world, where so now, while in heaven are doing all possible if front of God for our benefit.  

Recognising these efforts of yours, we again ask you to give our people the courage, and to those that you with your mercy saved. We also pray Saint Bartholomew and Saint Mark the evangelist and all the Saints. Strong in our faith, never giving in to weakness, we made great success here as well as in our heavenly future home, where we enjoy the fruit of your protection. By asking this we pray that Lord will help us, along with his Son our Savior Jesus Christ, to whom together with Father and Holy Spirit forever lasting respect and honour.  

Recognising these efforts of yours, we again ask you to give our people the courage, and to those that you with your mercy saved. We also pray Saint Bartholomew and Saint Mark the evangelist and all the Saints. Strong in our faith, never giving in to weakness, we made great success here as well as in our heavenly future home, where we enjoy the fruit of your protection. By asking this we pray that Lord will help us, along with his Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom together with Father and Holy Spirit forever lasting respect and honour.  

AMEN.

AMEN.