Note 453 — BOOK VII.
William Julius Mickle translation
Their fairest offspring from their bosoms torn, (A dreadful tribute !)—
By this barbarous policy the tyranny of the Ottomans was long sustained. The troops of the Turkish infantry and cavalry, known by the name of Janissaries and Spahis, were thus supported. "The sons of Christians—and those the most completely furnished by nature—were taken in their childhood from their parents by a levy made every five years, or oftener, as occasion required."—Sandys.